Chet Cunningham

CHET CUNNINGHAM
GALACTIC INVESTIGATOR
by
Steve Desmond & Michael Sherman
Shan Ray Jenny Wood

Kaplan-Stahler Agency Elevate Entertainment
(323) 653-4483 (310) 557-3765
sray@kaplanstahler.com jwood@elevate-ent.com
OVER BLACK:
A MAN'S DESPERATE VOICE echoes in a confined space.
MAN
Hello? Is anyone there? Can anybody
hear me?
The POUNDING of his fists against walls. Panicked breathing.
MAN
Just tell me what you want... I'll
give you anything I can. Please,
just let me out of here!
He begins to weep, broken.
MAN
I don't want to die... I just want to
go home... Please just take me home --
MODULATED VOICE (O.S.)
Be silent. Someone has come for you.
MAN
What? Who?!
A DOOR CREAKS OPEN with a mechanical whir. BLINDING LIGHT
streams into the darkness, silhouetting A FIGURE, standing
tall, a confident bravado apparent in his mere posture.
The Figure steps forward. Rugged, well built, with worn cargo
pants, dark t-shirt, and a reserved sense of satisfaction
behind his intense gaze. This is CHET CUNNINGHAM (late 30s).
CHET
George Miller?
GEORGE, middle-aged, ruffled cheap suit, is hunkered in the
corner of his CELL.
GEORGE
Who are you? How'd you find me?!
Chet grabs George's hand and pulls him to his feet.
CHET
Name's Chet Cunningham. I'm here to
take you home.
Before George can respond, Chet leads him out into --
INT. ADJACENT ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Lined with a grungy clutter of unrecognizable junk. A rickety
table at the center. George stops in his tracks, jaw hanging
as he stares out the PANORAMIC WINDOW, beyond which lies --
2.
THE DEPTHS OF SPACE, distant stars and galaxies twinkling.

GEORGE
You're here... To take me home?
CHET
George, why don't you take a seat.
(eases him into a chair)
And if possible, try not to freak
out.
GEORGE
Freak out?
The OPPOSITE DOOR HISSES OPEN, smoky gas clearing to reveal --
AN ALIEN.
Reptilian by earthly standards. Fangs fill its mouth and
sharp curved spikes protrude from its spine. It's flanked by
two similar Aliens carrying futuristic ASSAULT RIFLES.
George's eyes widen in fear. But Chet isn't fazed. He pulls
out a HIGH-TECH DEVICE that resembles a bluetooth headset
and places it in his ear. The Aliens affix similar devices.
CHET
It's a pleasure as always, gentlemen.
He smiles, putting up a friendly facade. The Alien Leader
flashes its fangs and hisses in an UNINTELLIGIBLE DIALECT.
ALIEN (SUBTITLED)
You took too long to respond to our
message, Cunningham.
CHET
You kidnapped him a day ago. I got
here as fast as I could.
ALIEN (SUBTITLED)
We were considering cutting our losses
and tossing him out the airlock.
Next time, we won't be so patient.
GEORGE
What are they saying?
CHET
They hope you've enjoyed your stay.
(to Aliens)
Well, I'm here now. And as you can
see, I've brought what you asked for.
Chet slides a METAL BRIEFCASE across the table. The Alien
pops the latches and lifts the lid. We can't see the contents,
but the others lean in to look, obviously impressed.
3.
CHET
Even included a little extra as a
gesture of good will.
He winks. The Alien closes the lid.
ALIEN (SUBTITLED)
How generous. But we've decided that
a new arrangement would be in our
best interests.
Chet straightens, fake smile disappearing.
CHET
A new arrangement?
ALIEN (SUBTITLED)
We're going to keep this.
(pats briefcase)
And the Earthie is going to stay
with us. As are you, Chet. That way,
we can triple our profits.
CHET
(chuckles uneasily)
You guys do understand that I'm the
only one with a ship, right? If you
keep me, no one else is coming.
ALIEN (SUBTITLED)
Always lies with you. If no one comes,
then we'll just have to kill you both.
The other Aliens raise their guns and advance.
CHET
You're making a big mistake...
GEORGE
What's going on?!
The Aliens force Chet and George back into the --
CELL -- CONTINUOUS
The door slams shut with a resounding thud.
GEORGE
Oh God, we're never gonna get out of
here.
Chet taps his foot on the metal floor, listening to the
changing pitch.
GEORGE
I'm never gonna see my wife again.
(MORE)
4.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Those things are gonna do experiments
on us and kill us and chop us up
into little pieces --
SLAM! Chet JUMPS and smashes his boots down on the floor. He
shifts to another spot and jumps again. Slam!
GEORGE
What are you doing?
CHET
Those things may look mean...
(slam!)
But they're light as feathers. Their
bones are completely hollow.
(slam!)
Which means their ships aren't
designed for species as heavy as us.
So if you can just find the right --
Chet PLUMMETS through the floor, a hole tearing open beneath
him. He falls ten feet down into the --
CARGO HOLD
And LANDS HARD! ALARMS SOUND. Chet picks himself up, wincing.
Dim, flickering lights illuminate the room that is crammed
full of CRATES and CONTAINERS.
George looks down through the hole in shocked amazement.
GEORGE
Who are you?
CHET
George, do you want to go home or
not?
George nods emphatically.
CHET
Then we need to get to my ship. Now
pull it together and follow me.
George steels himself and jumps through the hole. He CRASHES
TO THE FLOOR, moaning. Chet helps him up.
A nearby crate SHAKES VIOLENTLY, screeching from inside.
George jumps back.
CHET
Wouldn't recommend opening that one.
A hatch opens on the far end of the hold --
5.
TWO ALIENS enter, their weapons making the high pitched

electric whine of ADVANCED RAIL GUNS charging. Chet pulls
George down out of sight.
GEORGE
(whispering, panicked)
They've got guns. They've got guns!
CHET
All for show. They're not stupid enough
to shoot inside their own ship.
Chet leads George down a narrow path between crates. The
Aliens notice moving shadows --
And OPEN FIRE! Unloading a flurry of HIGH ENERGY ELECTRIFIED
ROUNDS. Chet tackles George out of the way.
GEORGE
I thought you said they wouldn't shoot!
CHET
Overestimated their intelligence.
Bullets whiz past, SMASHING CRATES to smithereens. Except
for the one that still SHAKES VIOLENTLY. Chet eyes it --
Then grabs the crate, fiddles with the latches, and THROWS
IT at the nearest Alien! The lid pops open and a WINGED
CREATURE with sharp claws emerges and LATCHES ONTO THE ALIEN,
wailing with fury. The Alien FIRES ITS GUN WILDLY --
The bullets TEAR THROUGH the exterior bulkhead, creating
SMALL HOLES THAT OPEN INTO SPACE, SUCKING AIR OUT.
CHET
Let's go, George!
Chet yanks George and SPRINTS FOR THE HATCH, ducking behind
crates as the Aliens continue to fire. AIR RUSHES OUT, sending
CARGO FLYING. Chet pushes George down as a crate hurtles
towards them. It SLAMS INTO CHET, knocking him over, before --
TEARING THROUGH THE BULKHEAD, creating a HUGE HOLE!
A GALE FORCE WIND sucks every loose object out. The Aliens.
The Winged Creature. All the cargo.
Chet pulls himself up, straining against the rush of air,
George clinging to his hand. Using all his strength, Chet
LUNGES FOR THE HATCH. Pulls George through and slams it shut.
CORRIDOR
CHET
Almost there, pal.
6.
Chet leads George to a DOCKING HATCH. Enters a numeric code.

The hatch slides open and they enter --
INT. COCKPIT, CHET'S SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet sits, hands gliding over the complex alien controls.
George buckles into the adjacent seat.
GEORGE
How did you get a spaceship?!
CHET
Got abducted when I was a kid.
Chet SHOVES THE THROTTLE FORWARD. The ship ROCKETS into space.
ALARMS sound around the cockpit. Chet eyes a holographic
display showing FAST APPROACHING OBJECTS.
GEORGE
What are those things?!
An EXPLOSION rocks the ship, sending it violently off course.
CHET
Those would be missiles.
ALARMS BLARE. George is beside himself. But Chet remains
focused, working furiously on his holographic NAVIGATIONAL
COMPUTER. He glances at the missiles. Works faster.
CHET
Come on... Come on...
The hologram pans around the galaxy, COMPLEX MATRICES shifting
over it. George eyes the approaching missiles, bracing
himself. It's gonna be close --
CHET
Time... To say... Goodbye!
In front of the ship, a LASER MATRIX meets at a blindingly
bright focal point. The lasers fan out in a circle, expanding
around what appears to be a cosmic tunnel. A WORMHOLE.
Chet flies the ship straight for it. The MISSILES EXPLODE
behind them as the ship PLUNGES into the undulating tube.
George SCREAMS as they fly past walls of roiling BLACK AND
SILVER GAS. Chet keeps his hands firmly on the controls. And
just as fast as they entered --
They EXIT INTO NORMAL SPACE, the wormhole disappearing out
of sight behind them. Chet sighs with relief.
Out the window, a beautiful orb hangs against the black. The
EARTH. The Moon off to its side.
7.
George smiles, tears of joy forming as he begins to cry.

Chet launches into what sounds like a rehearsed speech.
CHET
George, you've just been through a
traumatic, life-altering experience
that you will never fully understand.
But it'll be in your best interest
not to tell anyone about it back home.
That way, you can go right back to
living your life doing... Whatever it
is that you do.
GEORGE
(amidst tears)
I... I sell vacuums.
CHET
Then you can sell vacuums.
George nods, slowly coming to understand. He grabs Chet,
hugging him tightly. Chet awkwardly pats his back.
GEORGE
Thank you. Thank you. I...
George's shaking hands reach into his pocket, pulling out
his wallet, taking out small bills -- all there is.
CHET
George, I don't want your money.
GEORGE
I have to repay you somehow...
CHET
We'll work something out. Just do me
a favor, okay? Try to stick to
populated areas after dark. That way
this sort of thing won't happen again.
GEORGE
You mean... This happens often?
CHET
You could say that.
George stares, jaw dropped.
Outside the window, the Earth gets closer and closer.
Title Over:
CHET CUNNINGHAM: GALACTIC INVESTIGATOR
8.
EXT. RURAL ROAD, ARIZONA -- EVENING

An old LAND ROVER drives through the desert boonies. Tumble
weeds and cactus its only companions.
INT. LAND ROVER -- CONTINUOUS
Chet drives, a BRAND NEW VACUUM in the back. He turns into
the empty dirt lot of a run down CONSTRUCTION TRAILER. Pulls
around back past the large SATELLITE DISH and parks in front
of a FIFTH WHEEL RV.
INT. CHET'S FIFTH WHEEL -- CONTINUOUS
Sparse. Only the bare necessities. The living space of a man
who couldn't care less, because he's rarely here.
Chet walks in with a noticeable limp. He groans as he pulls
off his sweat-stained shirt. The end of a long day.
He has a lean blue-collar physique punctuated with many
BRUISES. One might think he worked in construction if not
for the otherworldly CLAW-MARKS running diagonally down the
length of his back. A scar that has never fully healed.
He grabs a beer out of the fridge, pops the cap, and stands
back to look over the only decoration in the room --
A large bulletin board containing a WORLD MAP. Covered with
pushpins holding up small PHOTOS OF PEOPLE. Hundreds of them.
Chet pulls a PHOTO OF GEORGE out of his pocket, grabs a pushpin
and sticks it into middle America. Raises his beer in a half-
hearted toast and takes a swig. But he doesn't seem satisfied.
His eyes are drawn to the small collection of PHOTOS OFF TO
THE SIDE, five of them, every one aged. The most prominent
shows the smiling face of a YOUNG GIRL (10).
Despite the hundreds of photos on the map, Chet fixates on
those that aren't. Those he hasn't brought home.
EXT. CHET'S FIFTH WHEEL -- MORNING
The morning sun shines over the scrub desert.
Chet limps out the door, pulls the vacuum out of his Land
Rover and carries it towards the construction trailer.
The sun-bleached sign reads: "C. CUNNINGHAM CONTRACTING".
INT. CONSTRUCTION TRAILER -- CONTINUOUS
Empty save a desk. AMBER (20s), Chet's research assistant and
closest thing to a friend, skims through UFO related articles
on multiple monitors. Most seem more tabloid than real.
9.
Chet walks in and sets down the vacuum amidst an assortment

of other random gifts. Appliances. Golf clubs. Amber sighs.
AMBER
Just once couldn't you bring home a
nice, single guy who likes golden
retrievers?
CHET
I'd rather bring home another Mrs.
Wilkins. She made the best pies.
He walks past. Amber notices his limp.
AMBER
Rough trip?
CHET
Nothing out of the ordinary. What
did I miss around here?
AMBER
There were two more UFO sightings
last night. Central Europe and
Southeast Asia.
CHET
Anyone get taken?
AMBER
I don't think so, no.
CHET
So nothing to worry about.
AMBER
You really don't think that increased
UFO activity is worthy of concern?
CHET
Amber, if aliens feel the need to
fly around sightseeing, then more
power to 'em.
He enters --
CHET'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Old desk, worn chair. Chet turns on the small TV and sits
down. The news channel shows images of the SPACE SHUTTLE.
REPORTER (ON TV)
The Space Shuttle Atlantis rolled
out to the launch pad today, where
it will embark on its final mission
in one week's time.
10.
CHET
(scoffs)
Space shuttle.
He pulls a stack of worn CASE FILES out of his desk and flips
into them. Judging by their condition, it's obvious that he
pages through them daily. He stops on the same smiling face
of the Young Girl seen on the wall in his trailer.
CHET
Anything new on the open cases?
Amber walks in.
AMBER
You know there's nothing new, Chet.
Chet nods stoically. Amber eyes him with obvious concern.
She turns off the TV.
AMBER
You said you were gonna take a few
days off after this one.
CHET
If I'm not looking, then no one is.
AMBER
That's really noble, but you look
like you just got hit by a bus. If
you keep this up, I'm worried that
one of these days you're not gonna
come back at all.
CHET
Thanks for your vote of confidence.
AMBER
You really should hire someone to
take with you.
CHET
(groans)
Amber, how many times have we been
over this?
AMBER
I'm not talking about a whole army,
Chet, just one person. Someone to
lighten the load. Watch your back.
It's getting more and more obvious
that you need it.
CHET
You're right. Who am I kidding. Why
don't you put an ad on monster.com.
(MORE)
11.
CHET (CONT'D)
Now hiring: Investigator who
specializes in alien kidnappings.
I'm sure we'll get plenty of mentally
sound applicants.
AMBER
I know the truth, and I'm still here.
CHET
That's because I pulled you kicking
and screaming out of some giant worm
that was trying to eat you.
AMBER
That's not the point.
CHET
That's exactly the point. Who else
is qualified to do that?
AMBER
Oh, and you were qualified when you
started?
CHET
I was just a kid.
AMBER
Meaning you weren't qualified in the
least, and look how far you've come.
But you can't do this by yourself
forever, Chet. One day, someone will
get taken and you'll be too old and
beat up to do anything about it.
Who'll bring them home then?
CHET
I'll cross that bridge when I get
there.
AMBER
You're already on it, you're just
too stubborn to notice. It's time
you start learning to trust other
people. Otherwise, you're gonna be
alone for the rest of your life.
Chet stews.
CHET
Amber, this isn't about trust, it's
about reality. Sane people don't
believe in aliens. Sane people don't
believe that humans get abducted by
aliens.
(MORE)
12.
CHET (CONT'D)
So if you try to hire someone, all
you're gonna find is some nutjob who
spends his summers vacationing in
Roswell. Face it. There's no one else
who can do this but me.
INT. KITCHEN, OLD HOUSE -- EVENING
OFFICER DANIEL MCKENZIE (mid 20s), clean shaven, slicked hair,
a model cop, stands before an ELDERLY COUPLE showing concern.
DANIEL
And when was the last time you saw
him?
ELDERLY WOMAN
It was this morning, right after
breakfast. I don't know what could
have happened. It's like he just up
and disappeared.
DANIEL
And what was his name, ma'am?
ELDERLY WOMAN
Muffins... My Muffins.
She sniffles back a tear. Daniel blinks hard.
DANIEL
I'm sorry, did you say Muffins?
ELDERLY MAN
It's her dog. Damn thing yaps up a
storm. Can't stand that mutt.
ELDERLY WOMAN
I just let him out to go pee pee,
and he didn't come back.
ELDERLY MAN
Maybe he got hit by a train.
ELDERLY WOMAN
He's never not come back before.
Someone must have dog-napped him!
Please, you have to find him!
Daniel stares at her. Then begrudgingly takes out his notepad.
DANIEL
Okay... Can you tell me what Muffins
looks like?
13.
INT. POLICE STATION -- EVENING

The usual hustle and bustle. Daniel breezes through. He pauses
at a door, composes himself, knocks and enters --
INT. LIEUTENANT'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
His LIEUTENANT (40s) glances up from paperwork.
LIEUTENANT
McKenzie, what's happening?
DANIEL
I've decided to put in a transfer
request, sir. Just wanted you to
hear it from me first.
LIEUTENANT
A transfer? Where to?
DANIEL
Back into the city, you know, where
crime actually happens.
LIEUTENANT
But you're doing great work right
where you are. You know your district.
You know the people.
DANIEL
I'm searching for missing dogs and
busting up high school parties.
LIEUTENANT
What's wrong with that? You'd rather
be chasing down drug dealers and
getting threatened by gangs?
DANIEL
If it means I'm actually helping
people, then yes.
LIEUTENANT
I appreciate your enthusiasm, McKenzie,
but let me be blunt. You're more than
welcome to put in a transfer request,
but I'm not gonna let it go through.
You're too good of an officer for me
to lose. Now get back out there and
make our streets safer.
He goes back to his paperwork. Daniel just stares.
DANIEL
Thanks for your time, sir.
He walks out, fuming.
14.
EXT. PARKING LOT / INT. POLICE CAR -- NIGHT

Daniel walks up to his patrol car and climbs in. He sits,
breathing deep, staring away.
With a frustrated sigh, he starts the car and drives off.
EXT. SIMON PHILLIPS OBSERVATORY, ARIZONA -- NIGHT
COUNTLESS STARS light up the night sky. TELESCOPE DOMES stand
in the background as --
DR. JOANNE "JO" KELLEY (mid 30s) leads a TOUR GROUP. She's
cute in a bookish way, highly intelligent, and bored to death
with her current occupation.
JO
And that concludes our exciting tour
of the cosmos, or at least as many
cosmos as we can cover in half-an-
hour. Were there any questions?
TEEN
Uh... What happens if the Moon crashes
into Earth?
JO
Actually, the Moon is receding from
Earth at about thirty-eight
millimeters per year. So luckily for
us, that will never happen.
TEEN
But... How do you know for sure?
Jo eyes him with annoyance.
JO
Because I have a PhD.
(smiles)
Good night everyone.
The group disperses, except for a young boy, TREVOR (8).
TREVOR
Aunt Jo, can you take me home yet?
The tour was boring enough the first
time.
JO
(glances at her watch)
Well, your parents aren't gonna be
home for a few more hours. You're
stuck with me till then.
Trevor groans.
15.
INT. TELESCOPE DOME -- NIGHT

Trevor peers through a TELESCOPE. Jo works intently on a
nearby computer, paying him no mind, complex astronomical
charts and radio waves filling her screens.
TREVOR
Stars are stupid.
JO
(without looking up)
No, stars are awesome.
Trevor sighs, entirely bored.
TREVOR
Aunt Jo, why does dad say you're
crazy?
JO
I'm not crazy. I'm just a lot smarter
than he is.
TREVOR
He says your job here totally sucks
compared to your old one at NASA.
JO
What I'm doing here is far more
important than anything I was ever
doing at NASA. Trust me.
TREVOR
But you'll never get to go into space.
Jo stops typing, feeling the sting.
JO
I can still explore space from here.
(beat)
Just keep looking. Maybe you'll see a
star explode in a supernova.
Trevor rolls his eyes and looks through the telescope.
Then notices something.
Telescope POV: A BLUISH STAR grows larger and brighter,
standing out dramatically from the rest.
TREVOR
Aunt Jo? I think there's a supernova.
JO
Trevor, it's not a supernova.
Telescope POV: The star descends, becoming a BLUE FIREBALL.
16.
TREVOR
Seriously Aunt Jo, this thing's
getting a lot bigger!
JO
What are you talking about?
She walks over. Looks through the telescope.
Telescope POV: THE FIREBALL fills the entire view field.
JO
What the...
She steps back and looks to the sky as the fireball fades
revealing MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS on what could only be described
as a large UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT.
Jo and Trevor stare, jaw dropped.
JO
Trevor... Stay right here.
She heads for the door.
TREVOR
Where are you going?!
JO
Just stay there!
She runs out. Trevor looks around warily, then hides under
a desk. He reaches up, grabs the phone and dials "9-1-1".
INT. DANIEL'S POLICE CAR -- SIMULTANEOUS
Daniel writes a report with a photo of a small dog attached.
DISPATCHER (FROM RADIO)
All units, report just came in about
some kind of disturbance at the Simon
Phillips Observatory.
DANIEL (INTO RADIO)
Eight-six-five, I'm moments away.
He tosses the report, turns on his lights and speeds away.
EXT. OBSERVATORY -- SIMULTANEOUS
Jo comes out the front door. Ethereal blue light washes over
her as she feasts her eyes on --
The ALIEN SPACESHIP circling in, larger than the whole
observatory. Accented by glowing strips along its smooth
superstructure. She watches with awe as it lands on the lawn
in front of her. Its engines wind down.
17.
And for a moment, all is quiet. Serene. Beautiful. Jo smiles.

JO
I knew they'd hear me...
Suddenly ENERGIZED SHELLS shoot from the ship, impacting
nearby electrical transformers. They EXPLODE, causing EVERY
LIGHT TO GO OUT, reducing the observatory to darkness.
JO
Oh my God...
She sprints back towards the observatory --
JO
Trevor! Trevor, run! Run!
Behind her, a frontal section of THE SHIP OPENS, glowing
gasses emanating.
Jo is almost to the door. She reaches out for the handle --
The ship's LIGHTS FLASH and Jo abruptly HANGS FROZEN in mid-
step. Her body slowly drifts into the air. Panic rising, she
squirms but can't move, restrained by an unseen force.
INT. DANIEL'S POLICE CAR / EXT. OBSERVATORY -- SIMULTANEOUS
Daniel pulls in and looks up from his computer --
And HIS EYES GO WIDE.
His car screeches to a halt. He climbs out, staring at the
spaceship and Jo's suspended body.
DANIEL
Holy shit...
JO IS YANKED BACK TOWARDS THE SHIP, screaming at the top of
her lungs before disappearing inside.
Daniel stands frozen as the Spaceship closes up, Jo's distant
scream fading away as it clanks shut. The ship's ENGINES COME
TO LIFE and it LIFTS OFF, streaking away into the starry night.
With a shaking hand, Daniel presses a button on his radio.
DANIEL (INTO RADIO)
Eight-six-five... Request backup.
INT. CHET'S FIFTH WHEEL -- MORNING
Pound, pound, pound! Chet snaps upright, lying on the couch
in his cargo pants. Sunlight shines in through the blinds.
Pound, pound, pound! On the door.
18.
EXT. CHET'S FIFTH WHEEL -- MORNING

The door opens. Chet groggily squints at Amber on the step.
CHET
Jesus, what time is it?
She hands over a CASE FILE.
AMBER
You're not gonna believe this one.
INT. CHET'S FIFTH WHEEL -- CONTINUOUS
Chet steps back inside, flipping into the file. Amber follows.
CHET
What's the ransom?
AMBER
That's the thing, there isn't one.
This catches Chet's attention.
AMBER
No contact from the aliens, no
messages, nothing. I don't think
this is a kidnapping, Chet. I know
it's been years but... I think we
have an actual abduction.
Chet stares at Amber, then looks to the photos that haven't
made it onto the map. Those still missing.
AMBER
But here's the real kicker: Dr. Joanne
Kelley isn't some salesman or housewife
from the middle of nowhere. She's an
astrophysicist. And they took her
from a working observatory. Risky, to
say the least, even for aliens.
Chet eyes the PHOTO OF JO in the file. She smiles brightly
at the camera.
AMBER
Combine that with all the recent UFO
activity, and none of this looks
coincidental. I really think there's
something bigger going on here.
Chet looks from the photo of Jo to the photo of the Young
Girl on the wall. Then grabs a shirt and heads for the door.
AMBER
Where are you going?
19.
CHET
If this is an abduction, the trail's
already getting cold.
EXT. OBSERVATORY -- DAY
Chet pulls onto the scene. He climbs out of his Land Rover,
looking over a clutter of POLICE OFFICERS, OBSERVATORY STAFF,
BYSTANDERS. Lots of hubbub. He moves towards a group of Staff
Members talking to a Police Officer, eavesdropping.
STAFF MEMBER 1
She never really spoke to any of us,
just did her own thing, took people
on the tours. But she would stick
around late at night and use the
computers without permission.
STAFF MEMBER 2
I don't know why she even worked
here. I mean, she used to be part of
the shuttle program at NASA, training
to be some kind of mission specialist.
STAFF MEMBER 3
Until she got fired. I heard she went
totally crazy and caused some scandal.
Chet moves on past a group of Police Officers snickering
amongst themselves.
POLICE OFFICER 1
You hear McKenzie's story? Can you
say loco?
POLICE OFFICER 2
Only place they're gonna be
transferring him now is to an asylum.
Chet looks around, spotting the Lieutenant talking privately
to an Officer. He casually moves closer. Recognizes MCKENZIE
on Daniel's nameplate and settles in to listen.
DANIEL
Sir, I'm just telling you what I saw.
It was a very large ship, and it pulled
in Dr. Kelley and flew off.
LIEUTENANT
I believe you, McKenzie. But I still
think it's a good idea if you talk
to the psychologist.
DANIEL
I don't need to talk to a psychologist!
We need to call NASA and figure out
how the hell we're gonna rescue her!
20.
LIEUTENANT
The detectives are already on it,
interviewing people, looking into
local hotels --
DANIEL
Local hotels?! She's on an alien mother
ship!
LIEUTENANT
McKenzie, just wait here, okay? I'll
go find the shrink, and we'll sort
all of this out.
Daniel groans as the Lieutenant scurries away. Chet approaches.
CHET
It wasn't a mother ship.
DANIEL
Sir, please step back. You shouldn't
be up here.
CHET
I mean I'm sure it looked big to you,
but they'd never send a mother ship
for just one person.
DANIEL
I'm sure they wouldn't. Now I need
you to step away --
CHET
I'm just curious... Were the engine
flames green, gold or blue?
Daniel hesitates, caught off guard by the question.
DANIEL
What?
CHET
You want someone to believe you, I
believe you. Now what color were the
flames?
DANIEL
They were blue... Who did you say
you were?
CHET
When they took her, did creatures
come out and physically grab her, or
did they use some kind of technology
to take her into the ship?
DANIEL
She levitated...
21.
CHET
And did the ship lift off like a
rocket or more like a plane?
DANIEL
How do you know --
CHET
Rocket or plane?
DANIEL
It lifted a few feet off the ground
then flew away like a plane.
Chet pulls a small notebook out of his pocket. He flips past
pages showing WIREFRAME MODELS OF ALIEN SPACECRAFT. Finds
the one he's looking for and shows it to Daniel.
CHET
Was this it?
Daniel eyes the picture. Rolls his eyes.
DANIEL
Listen, I don't know what kind of
crazy tabloid you work for --
CHET
(flips page)
This one?
DANIEL
Sir, I need you to back away. This
is a crime scene.
CHET
(flips page)
How about this?
Daniel glances. And his jaw drops with sudden recognition.
CHET
That's it? That's the ship?
DANIEL
Who are you?
CHET
Thanks for your help.
Chet turns and walks towards his truck. Daniel follows.
DANIEL
Wait! How the hell do you know what
that ship looked like? What are you,
military? FBI? CIA?
22.
CHET
Not really an acronym kinda guy.
DANIEL
Just tell me who you are!
CHET
Sorry. Places to be.
He climbs into his truck, starts it up and speeds off, leaving
Daniel flabbergasted.
Daniel looks back towards the scene where the Lieutenant
leads a PSYCHOLOGIST towards him. Turns back to Chet's truck
driving away...
Then runs for his car. Jumps in and speeds after Chet.
INT. CHET'S TRUCK -- DAY
Chet drives, pulling out his cell phone.
AMBER (FROM PHONE)
C. Cunningham Contracting.
CHET (INTO PHONE)
Amber, it was a Bruiser ship. Looks
like it's a kidnapping after all.
AMBER
But why wouldn't they leave a ransom
demand? Those guys are pretty reliable.
CHET
I'll ask them when I get to Scorpio.
AMBER
Don't forget to pick up some rocks
while you're there. The cash reserves
are a bit low.
CHET
Thanks for reminding me.
AMBER
And Chet... Be careful.
CHET
Always am.
He fails to notice Daniel's car tailing him at a distance.
INT. DANIEL'S CAR -- DAY
Daniel follows Chet out onto the rural desert roads.
23.
EXT. RURAL ROAD -- DAY

Chet pulls off in front of a GATE. He gets out, opens the
gate, drives through and closes it behind him. Then drives
off in a cloud of dust.
Daniel pulls up to the gate. BARBED WIRE CATTLE FENCES stretch
away in either direction. SIGNS on the gate read, "Private
Property" "No Trespassing" "Trespassers will be shot!"
Daniel considers, then pushes the gate open and drives after
Chet's rising dust cloud.
EXT. DESERT -- DAY
Chet's Land Rover dodges around scrub brush and cactus, not
following any road. It stops near the base of a LARGE ROCK
OUTCROPPING. Chet climbs out, carrying a DUFFEL BAG.
DANIEL
Parks a safe distance away, hidden behind a hill. He silently
climbs out of his car and follows on foot.
CHET
Walks with purpose, approaching the ascending rock face.
DANIEL
Ducks behind a shrub on top of the hill, spying down on Chet.
CHET
Looks around to make sure there's no one in sight.
Then grabs at the rock and pulls, revealing it to be an
intricately painted CAMOUFLAGED TARP.
DANIEL
Watches as the tarp slides down, unveiling a large ROCK
OVERHANG underneath which sits --
CHET'S SPACESHIP.
Old, dented, blackened by scorch marks, but far more advanced
than anything on Earth. "CASSANDRA" painted on the bow.
DANIEL
Stands and stares, eyes widening, jaw dropping.
DANIEL
Holy Christ...
Birds flutter away from a nearby bush.
CHET
24.
Hears the birds. Turns to see Daniel on the hill.

CHET
Oh you've gotta be kidding me.
Daniel heads towards him, overwhelmed.
DANIEL
You have a spaceship? You have a
spaceship?! That means it really was
aliens! Why didn't you tell anyone?!
CHET
Hey, hey, listen to me. It's in your
best interest to turn around right
now and forget everything you've
seen. This ship, the ship you saw
last night, all of it. You do not
want to get involved in this.
DANIEL
I'm already involved. I was the first
responder. I saw her get taken. It's
my job to find her.
CHET
(scoffs)
Find her? And how exactly do you
plan on rescuing Dr. Kelley?
DANIEL
Given the circumstances, it looks
like I'm going with you.
CHET
Like hell you're going with me.
DANIEL
I'm a police officer and Dr. Kelley
was taken in my jurisdiction, meaning
I have the right to do everything in
my power to find her. Speaking of
which, if you're some kind of
investigator, I want to see your
license.
CHET
Oh, yes, of course, officer. I've
got it right here.
Chet reaches into his pocket, pulls out his hand and FLIPS
DANIEL OFF.
CHET
You're trespassing on private property,
so do me a favor and arrest yourself.
Chet walks off. Daniel quickly follows.
25.
DANIEL
Look man, I just want to find Dr.
Kelley.
CHET
That's my job.
DANIEL
So let me help you.
CHET
Trust me, you're not qualified.
DANIEL
I'm a cop! You're not gonna find
anyone who's more qualified or eager
than me. I mean sure, I may not be
an astronaut, but you don't exactly
look like one either.
Chet looks Daniel over. Can't argue with his passion.
DANIEL
I can't go back to what I've been
doing. Not after what I've seen.
Please. Let me help you.
Chet eyes the large bruise still dominating his arm.
CHET
You're not afraid of flying, are you?
DANIEL
Of course not.
CHET
And insects? Like, really big insects?
DANIEL
I had a pet tarantula when I was a
kid.
CHET
How far will you go to save someone?
DANIEL
I'm a cop. How far do you think I'll
go?
Chet considers, logic overcoming reluctance. Sighs.
CHET
Okay. But just this case. After we
bring Dr. Kelley home, you get off
my ship and never look back. You
don't talk about it, you don't think
about it ever again.
26.
DANIEL
Understood.
CHET
And it's MY ship, so that means it's
MY jurisdiction. You do exactly what
I tell you, when I tell you.
DANIEL
Whatever you say, Captain Kirk.
CHET
And if you say anything like that
again, I'll throw you out the airlock.
DANIEL
Fair enough.
(extends hand)
Daniel McKenzie.
CHET
(reluctantly shakes)
Chet Cunningham.
He heads for the ship, shaking his head.
CHET
(sotto)
I can't believe I'm doing this...
Chet opens the hatch and heads inside.
Daniel looks over the ship, the magnitude of his new task
slowly sinking in. A LOW RUMBLE as the engine spins up. LIGHTS
across the hull illuminate as the SHIP COMES TO LIFE.
CHET
You coming or not?
Daniel takes a deep breath, steeling himself. Then climbs
aboard, pulling the hatch closed behind him.
Daniel steps in, looking over the alien controls with awe.
CHET
Strap in. We've already kept them
waiting long enough.
Daniel sits, buckling himself in.
DANIEL
So how'd you get this thing?
CHET
Got abducted when I was kid. Took
the ship from them.
27.
DANIEL
You mean... You killed them?
CHET
No. They died.
Chet hits the thrusters --
EXT. DESERT -- CONTINUOUS
The ship LIFTS OFF THE GROUND, hovering out from under the
overhang. The rear engines fire --
ROCKETING THE SHIP TOWARDS THE HEAVENS.
INT. COCKPIT -- CONTINUOUS
Daniel grabs the armrests, white knuckling.
CHET
I thought you said you weren't afraid
of flying?
DANIEL
This is little different than
Southwest Airlines.
Chet can't help but smirk.
Daniel gradually relaxes as the ship climbs higher and higher,
the curvature and natural beauty of the Earth growing more
apparent far below, until finally the atmosphere fades away
and the vastness of space envelops them.
Daniel gazes at the distant stars. A majestic sight.
Overcome with wonder, he pulls out his smartphone and tosses
it in the air to watch it float in the zero gravity --
But it falls straight to the floor and CRACKS. Chet chuckles.
DANIEL
But... Isn't it supposed to float?
CHET
Do you really think aliens haven't
figured out how to simulate gravity?
Daniel looks up at a small POD mounted on the ceiling, its
lights blinking.
DANIEL
Thanks for warning me.
CHET
You want a warning? Here's a warning.
Hold onto something.
28.
Chet types into his navigational computer. Once again, the

holographic display pans around the galaxy, complex matrices
shifting over it. Daniel looks on with growing trepidation.
DANIEL
Where exactly are we going?
CHET
Not far. About two-hundred light years.
DANIEL
Two-hundred light years?!
A LASER MATRIX appears in front of them, its focal point
growing brighter.
DANIEL
What is that...
CHET
A wormhole. Unless you'd prefer the
scenic route.
The lasers fan out, opening a COSMIC TUNNEL. Chet pushes the
throttles forward --
The UNDULATING TUBE SURROUNDS THEM, its GASSY WALLS flying
by mere feet from the ship. Daniel clings to his seat. Chet
flies the ship around PLUMES OF GAS that jut out from the
sides. And as fast as they entered --
They EXIT INTO NORMAL SPACE. Daniel catches his breath. Then
his eyes widen in awe as he stares out at --
AN ALIEN SOLAR SYSTEM. Three orbiting stars at its center,
many more brilliant points of light and nebulas nearby.
DANIEL
It's so beautiful...
CHET
Won't be saying that for long.
Chet flies them towards a SMALL PLANET. RED CLOUDS swirl
over its surface.
CHET
That's Scorpio. The aliens that took
Dr. Kelley tend to lurk here.
DANIEL
Why are the clouds so red?
CHET
Pollution. Lots and lots of pollution.
Think Earth in a few hundred years.
29.
EXT. SCORPIO -- CONTINUOUS

The planet is shrouded in a PERMANENT RED HAZE. Scattered
lights cast channeled beams through the thick cover.
Chet's ship descends over an INDUSTRIAL SPRAWL OF A CITY,
flying over SEEDY BUILDINGS. All are run down, some burned
out, blown up or collapsed entirely.
The ship sets down in a crowded LANDING FIELD, filled with a
variety of OTHER SPACECRAFT, from aerodynamic to rusty boxes.
Chet's fits right into the lower end.
INT. COCKPIT -- DUSK
Daniel peers out the window, a nervous excitement building.
Chet powers down the ship and looks to him sternly.
CHET
Now look, this isn't a sight-seeing
tour, so don't touch anything. Don't
talk to anything. Don't look anything
in the eye. And don't even think about
pulling out your gun. It won't end
well.
DANIEL
Why not?
CHET
Because aliens have bigger guns.
EXT. LANDING FIELD -- DUSK
Chet and Daniel step out, Chet holding a METAL BRIEFCASE.
Daniel's eyes dart about. DARK FIGURES move around the other
ships, shadows in the dim red light.
CHET
Stay close. And whatever happens...
Try not to freak out.
Chet leads him around a corner where they emerge into a --
STREET MARKET
Daniel stops in his tracks, staring dumbfounded at --
ALIENS of various sizes and species, shrouded under dark
cloaks and hoods or sealed inside of advanced spacesuits. We
catch glimpses of spiked tails, furry arms, long tentacles.
The creatures barter, browse, scurry and slither amongst the
VENDORS that line the street selling UNRECOGNIZABLE GOODS.
Chet grabs Daniel and pulls him along.
CHET
I said don't look at anyone.
30.
DANIEL
But they're staring at me...
The aliens steal glances at Chet and Daniel, their
otherworldly eyes eerily visible in the low light.
DANIEL
Is it my uniform?
CHET
You could be dressed as Spiderman
and it wouldn't make a difference.
They're not used to seeing humans
moving around freely.
DANIEL
What is this place, some sort of
market?
CHET
Black market. One of many in the
galaxy. Everyone you see here is a
vicious criminal with no regard for
life.
DANIEL
And one of them abducted Dr. Kelley?
CHET
She wasn't abducted, she was kidnapped.
DANIEL
There's a difference?
CHET
Big difference. Kidnappings happen
all the time. Aliens take a human, I
pay the ransom.
(motions to briefcase)
On the other hand, abductions are
lots of unknowns. Unknown aliens.
Unknown motives. Unknown destinations.
Fortunately, they're very rare.
DANIEL
So what do you do if there is one?
CHET
Find the abductee. Steal them back.
COMMOTION BREAKS OUT BETWEEN ALIENS at a nearby booth. A
MANTIS-LIKE INSECT grabs a FURRY RODENT CREATURE. The rodent
claws at it, but the mantis is too powerful. It TEARS THE
RODENT LIMB FROM LIMB, dropping the pieces in the street.
A moment of silence, then all returns to normal. Daniel gapes
at the sight.
31.
CHET
I should note that stealing is frowned
upon.
DANIEL
We can't just let that happen. Call
the authorities.
CHET
There are no authorities. Do you want
to mess with that guy?
The Mantis crawls around, very angry, horrifying.
DANIEL
Not really.
CHET
Neither do I.
Chet walks on. Daniel hurries after him.
EXT. DARK ALLEY -- CONTINUOUS
Chet digs into his pockets and pulls out two of his bluetooth-
esque devices. He puts one on and hands the other to Daniel.
CHET
These are translators. I don't know
how they work so don't bother asking.
Daniel fidgets with the device as they walk up to an IRON
DOOR. Chet raps on it.
DANIEL
So your plan is to barter with hardened
criminals?
CHET
I prefer to think of it as saying
hello to old friends.
A narrow slot slides open in the door. A pair of GREEN EYES
glare out at them. Daniel grimaces.
CHET
Heya fellas. I need to have a little
chat with your boss.
INT. ATRIUM -- DUSK
Chet and Daniel enter, escorted closely by two BRUISERS. Bipedal
toad-like creatures, their sinewy muscles covered by body armor,
growths and warts on their yellowish-green faces.
The atrium is a tropical jungle filed with unusual plants,
oddly shaped trees, waterfalls flowing over mossy rocks and
boggy swamp water populated by some kind of alien fish.
32.
In the midst of it all crouches ANOTHER BRUISER, though far

more aged. Chet leans over to Daniel.
CHET
(whispering)
This guy's gang is responsible for a
quarter of all kidnappings. His crime
syndicate spans half the galaxy. He's
as greedy and money grubbing as they
come. I call him the Overseer.
DANIEL
The Overseer?
CHET
You try to pronounce his real name.
The Overseer rises to meet them, opening his mouth to reveal
decaying teeth and a growth covered tongue -- a smile.
OVERSEER (SUBTITLED)
It's been a while, Cunningham.
CHET
Yeah, two months? Maybe three? You're
losing your nerve.
Believe it or not, I've been working
to diversify my business interests
away from trading in Earthies.
CHET
You're right, I don't believe you.
The Overseer lets out a BELCHING LAUGH. Daniel chuckles along
nervously. The Overseer abruptly turns towards him, sniffing
aggressively. Daniel instantly straightens.
CHET
Allow me to introduce Daniel McKenzie.
He's assisting me on a case.
Your business must be booming.
CHET
Funny you mention that. An Earthie
was kidnapped recently, and it just
so happens that she was taken by a
ship that looked strikingly similar
to those used by your operation.
The Overseer's big eyes narrow.
I don't know of any kidnapping.
33.
CHET
I see. Well, perhaps I can refresh
your memory...
Chet sets down his briefcase on a rock and unlocks it. Daniel
and the Overseer lean in as Chet opens it to reveal --
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES protected by fitted foam.
Daniel gawks, confused. But the Bruisers inch closer, as if
Chet just opened a treasure chest full of gold.
CHET
You're sure you didn't take anyone?
Chet pulls out a RIPE ORANGE and sets it on the rock. The
Overseer eyes the fruit hungrily, but restrains himself.
Like you said, we haven't kidnapped
an Earthie in two months. Maybe three.
CHET
Really...
Chet takes out two crisp APPLES.
You know... Something may have just
come back to me.
CHET
Fancy that.
Though not of a kidnapping. A ship of
mine was recently hijacked. The entire
crew was killed, so I don't know who
stole it. But whoever did may also
have taken your Earthie.
CHET
You expect me to buy that?
Come on Chet, you know I would trade
an Earthie in an instant if I had
one.
Chet considers this. Then closes his briefcase and stands to
leave. But he hesitates, something else on his mind.
CHET
Any news on my other cases?
34.
OVERSEER
(sighs)
Like I've always said, if I hear
anything, you'll be the first to know.
Chet nods.
CHET
My sincerest condolences on the loss
of your crew.
It is of no matter. If they were
good enough to be hijacked, they are
good enough to be dead.
Daniel is baffled as he follows Chet out the door.
EXT. STREET MARKET -- DUSK
DANIEL
A couple apples and oranges, and "The
Overseer" is telling you everything
he knows? That doesn't strike me as
the best bribe for a reliable
informant.
CHET
This ain't the suburbs, kid. There's
not a Safeway on every corner. If he
trades that stuff to the right aliens,
he can cover his payroll for weeks.
That means a lot more to him than
lying to me. Especially about one
trivial little ship.
DANIEL
Trivial? Spaceships are trivial?
CHET
To some, yes, others, no. My job is
getting to know what everybody wants.
That's what saves human lives.
Chet steps through a narrow doorway.
INT. GEM SHOP -- CONTINUOUS
A dim, cramped space occupied by WORMLIKE ALIENS ten or more
feet in length. Daniel stares in awe at the BINS PILED HIGH
WITH PRECIOUS STONES. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies.
DANIEL
Jesus...
35.
CHET
See, to most species, these are just
colorful rocks, trinkets for children
to play with. But to humans, they're
worth killing for.
Chet picks up a bag, shoveling scoop after scoop of priceless
gems inside. Daniel watches, mouth gaping.
CHET
Organic food, on the other hand, is
rare. The galaxy may look picturesque,
but in reality, there are few natural
resources left. Compared to other
planets, Earth is a treasure trove.
DANIEL
Then why don't aliens just invade
and take whatever they want?
CHET
Because when it comes to Earth, things
are a bit complicated.
He hands a CHERRY TOMATO to an eager Worm in exchange.
DANIEL
But if you have access to all this,
why do you drive some crappy old
truck? Why not a Lamborghini?
Chet stares at him.
CHET
Because I have a spaceship.
He tosses Daniel several enormous diamonds.
CHET
Here. You never know when they might
come in handy.
DANIEL
Are these... Are these things real?
CHET
They're just rocks. And to the aliens
we're dealing with, Dr. Kelley is
just a human.
DANIEL
But if those giant toads didn't take
her, then who did?
CHET
I have no idea. But whoever took her
obviously didn't want to be found.
(MORE)
36.
CHET (CONT'D)
My researcher was right. This is an
abduction.
Chet steps back out the door --
EXT. STREET MARKET -- CONTINUOUS
CHET
We have to move fast. The more time
that goes by, the less likely it is
that we'll find Dr. Kelley.
DANIEL
Okay, so how can I help?
CHET
I need to pick up some supplies.
We're gonna be out longer than I
anticipated. Go wait on the ship and
try not to break anything.
DANIEL
I didn't come two-hundred light years
to sit on your ship. You say we're
short on time, so what do you need?
CHET
Fine. You wanna help? Go buy me some
fuel.
(points)
Head a block or two that way until
you see the Muskrats, they have a
pretty big setup.
DANIEL
The Muskrats?
CHET
That's what I said. Just don't call
them muskrats to their faces, they've
got nasty tempers.
He cracks open his briefcase and hands over a bunch of GRAPES.
CHET
Give them a couple of these and tell
them the ship is in slot six-three-
nine. But keep them hidden until you
get there or you're liable to get
jumped. I'll meet you back at the
ship.
Daniel nods as Chet walks away. He awkwardly tucks the grapes
under his jacket and sets off through the busy market.
37.
EXT. MUSKRATS' BOOTH, STREET MARKET -- LATER

The MUSKRATS, two foot tall creatures that loosely resemble
squirrels, squeak angrily at customers, negotiating heatedly.
Daniel approaches apprehensively, stepping up to a vacant
spot at the booth. A Muskrat skitters over.
MUSKRAT (SUBTITLED)
What do you want?
It stands on the counter, sticking its nose in Daniel's face.
DANIEL
I... I'm here for fuel. Fuel for a
ship.
MUSKRAT (SUBTITLED)
Where?
DANIEL
Slot six-three-nine.
MUSKRAT (SUBTITLED)
Paying with what?
DANIEL
Uh, I have these.
Daniel pulls out the ENTIRE BUNCH OF GRAPES. The Muskrat
takes it with dumbfounded awe, hugging it to its tiny body.
All the other Muskrats immediately stop their conversations,
darting away from miffed alien customers. They group around
the grapes, chattering unintelligibly. The Muskrat who
assisted Daniel turns back.
MUSKRAT (SUBTITLED)
Fueling will commence immediately!
They scurry out the back.
DANIEL
Thank you.
(chuckles)
Easy enough.
EXT. STREET MARKET -- LATER
Daniel confidently breezes through the market on his way
towards Chet's ship. He doesn't notice as --
TWO EIGHT FOOT TALL CREATURES IN BLACK CLOAKS
Approach through the crowd, other aliens clearing the way.
WOLFLIKE SNOUTS visible beneath their dark hoods, RED EYES
reflecting scattered light, SHARP CLAWS on their fingers.
38.
We will later come to know them as SCAVENGERS.

Daniel steps to the side, allowing them to pass. But instead,
they move with him. Daniel steps the other way. Again, they
block his path. One of them speaks with a GRITTY GROWL --
SCAVENGER (SUBTITLED)
You think you can just walk past us?
DANIEL
Uh, sorry guys, no offense intended.
I'll show much more respect next time.
The Scavengers growl, lips rising to reveal menacing teeth.
Next time? There will be no next
time, Chet.
They snatch Daniel's arms and DRAG HIM THROUGH THE MARKET.
DANIEL
Wait! You've got the wrong guy! My
name's Daniel McKenzie --
There's only one Earthie who would
be walking freely through this market.
You're going to pay for what you did
to us with your life.
DANIEL
But I'm not Chet!
EXT. STREET MARKET -- CONTINUOUS
Chet takes a small glowing device from an alien and sticks
it in his pocket. Hands over a carrot stick.
CHET
Always a pleasure.
He turns, looking up the street, and spots DANIEL in the
grips of the Scavengers. His expression turns cold.
CHET
Shit...
The Scavengers drag Daniel into a DARK ALLEY.
Chet grabs a long steel PIPE from a pile of trash and follows.
DARK ALLEY
No one else around. Daniel struggles violently.
39.
DANIEL
I can get you anything you want!
Oranges, apples, pineapples, diamonds,
just name it and it's yours!
It's far too late for that.
Daniel reaches for his GUN, but one of the Scavengers easily
snatches it away, grasps Daniel by the throat, and SLAMS HIM
INTO A WALL. Daniel gasps for air as the Scavenger growls.
Try something like that again and
I'll kill you myself.
Daniel's eyes widen in horror. And then he sees --
CHET
Emerge from the shadows, holding the pipe like a baseball bat --
CHET
Hey ugly!
The nearest Scavenger turns. Chet SWINGS THE PIPE full force,
SMASHING IT IN THE FACE! It drops in a heap. The other
Scavenger turns just in time to see Chet reverse his swing
and CLOBBER IT IN THE KNEE. It collapses, howling in pain.
Daniel shakily picks up his gun and aims at the beasts.
CHET
Feel free to arrest them.
He takes off. Daniel sees the Scavengers already coming back
to their senses. He races after Chet.
MARKET
Chet runs down the busy street, dodging aliens, Daniel
struggling to keep up.
DANIEL
What do those things want?
CHET
They want me dead!
THE SCAVENGERS
Rise to their feet, spotting their prey. They throw off their
cloaks, revealing MUSCULAR, FUR COVERED bodies. Then DROP TO
ALL FOURS and sprint after Chet and Daniel, rapidly picking
up speed, PLOWING RIGHT THROUGH OTHER ALIENS.
DANIEL
40.
Looks over his shoulder, seeing the Scavengers closing.

DANIEL
They're coming! They're coming fast!
He aims his gun --
CET
No!
Chet lifts Daniel's arm right as the GUN FIRES. Aliens flinch
behind cover.
Then pull out VERY BIG WEAPONS.
DANIEL
Oh God...
Chet rips open his briefcase and FLINGS IT IN THE AIR, sending
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES FLYING! And suddenly -- It's a MOB SCENE!
Aliens dive for the produce, causing a HUGE COMMOTION.
THE SCAVENGERS
Shove other aliens aside, breaking through the chaos to
CONTINUE THEIR PURSUIT.
CHET
Turns into a doorway.
CHET
In here! Short cut!
Chet pulls Daniel into a --
RESTAURANT
Occupied by various aliens eating an assortment of heavily
processed, artificial meals.
Chet and Daniel BARREL THROUGH THE PLACE. Chet grabs TABLES
as they pass, UPENDING THEM into the path of their pursuers.
Patrons come to their feet, YELLING FURIOUSLY.
THE SCAVENGERS
Leap over fallen tables, pushing through.
CHET AND DANIEL
Run into the --
KITCHEN
And come face to face with a startled Octopus-like ALIEN
WAITER with trays on each tentacle. Chet SHOVES HIM THROUGH
THE DOOR INTO THE SCAVENGERS, all the trays of food flying.
41.
Chet and Daniel bolt away, Chet sweeping food off counters,
knocking over KITCHEN STAFF, creating an obstacle course.
THE SCAVENGERS
Get to their feet, tossing the waiter aside as they maneuver
through Chet's path of destruction.
CHET
Shoves the back door open, then catches Daniel's arm.
CHET
No, down here!
He pulls Daniel through an adjacent door into the --
BASEMENT
They stumble down the steps into the storage area.
DANIEL
Tell me you haven't done this before!
Chet guffaws. He lifts a METAL GRATE off the floor, sliding
it clear to reveal a HOLE.
DANIEL
What's down there?
CHET
If I told you, you wouldn't jump.
Chet jumps down. Daniel hears CRASHING coming from the
kitchen. He closes his eyes and JUMPS INTO --
INT. LARGE DRAINAGE PIPE -- CONTINUOUS
SPLASH! Daniel lands in waist deep DARK GREEN GLOWING LIQUID.
Chet pulls the metal grate back over the hole. Daniel gags
at the stench, about to throw up. Chet quickly grabs him and
clamps a hand over his mouth.
Up above, they hear the DOOR SMASH IN.
INT. BASEMENT -- SIMULTANEOUS
A Scavenger searches, knocking over shelves.
INT. LARGE DRAINAGE PIPE -- SIMULTANEOUS
Chet listens, Daniel squirming. They hear an angry howl, the
skittering of claws up stairs, then silence.
Chet lets Daniel go. He instantly PUKES. Chet sets off down
the pipe, pulling out a FLASHLIGHT.
42.
CHET
Hurry up.
Daniel glares after, then reluctantly follows.
DANIEL
What the hell were those things?
CHET
Scavengers. As you can see, they're
not exactly big fans of my work.
DANIEL
What'd you do, blow up their planet?
CHET
They abducted someone to be their
king's pet. I stole him back. They
took it personally.
DANIEL
But why would they think that I was
you? I don't look anything like you.
CHET
Could you tell the difference between
two zebras or two buffalo in passing?
Daniel thinks about it, shaking his head with disbelief.
EXT. LANDING FIELD -- NIGHT
A metal grate shifts aside. Chet and Daniel climb out, covered
in muck. Daniel sighs, relieved at the sight of Chet's ship.
DANIEL
Thank God.
A group of MUSKRATS wearing small headlamps scurry about,
polishing and fueling the ship. "Cassandra" is practically
sparkling under a fresh coat of wax. Chet scowls at the sight.
CHET
How many grapes did you give them?
DANIEL
All of them.
CHET
Fantastic. Now they're gonna expect
that every time.
They walk towards the ship.
DANIEL
So who's Cassandra anyway?
43.
CHET
It doesn't matter.
DANIEL
What'd she do, break your heart?
Chet turns, getting in Daniel's face.
CHET
One more word about her, and I'll
leave you here for the Scavengers.
A LOW RUMBLE. The Muskrats look to the sky, then scatter,
screeching with fear. Chet and Daniel look up to see --
A SCAVENGER SHIP hovering towards them.
A rugged hodgepodge of ships piece-parted into one, brimming
with weapons. Scavengers visible in the cockpit window. A
SPOTLIGHT zeroes in on Chet and Daniel.
DANIEL
Onto the ship?
CHET
No time!
Chet and Daniel run as the Scavenger ship OPENS FIRE! GUN
TURRETS TRACE AFTER THEM, their energized shells RIPPING
APART OTHER NEARBY SPACECRAFT.
Chet and Daniel dive behind a ship, shells tearing into it.
The Scavenger Ship hovers around, flanking their position.
CHET
Move!
They sprint away as shells fly. The ship EXPLODES!
Chet and Daniel race across the tarmac, ducking under ships,
dodging around vehicles. The Scavenger Ship hovers after
them, taking potshots, causing more EXPLOSIONS.
They duck behind another spacecraft. Daniel pulls out his
gun and EMPTIES HIS CLIP at the Scavenger ship.
CHET
You do realize that's like shooting
at a freight train, right?
DANIEL
I don't see you doing anything!
Chet peeks out, taking in the whole scene. Ducks back just
in time as more shells whiz past. He digs into his cargo
pockets, searching for something.
44.
CHET
Do you have a lighter?
DANIEL
What?
CHET
Do you have a lighter?!
DANIEL
I don't smoke!
CHET
I didn't ask you if you smoked, I
asked you if you had a lighter! Ah,
here we go!
Chet pulls a simple BIC LIGHTER out of his pocket. He sparks
the flint several times, then smiles at the flame.
DANIEL
What the hell are you gonna do with
that?
CHET
Improvise.
Chet kicks a thick HOSE attached to the fuselage. It comes
free, spilling a straw-colored LIQUID. Chet drops the lighter
into the pool.
The ROCKET FUEL FLASH IGNITES, the flames rush into the hose,
blowing it out as it traces back towards --
The MUSKRAT'S FUEL TRUCK parked right underneath the hovering
Scavenger Ship. The flames hit and --
The FUEL TRUCK EXPLODES in an ENORMOUS FIREBALL, ENGULFING
THE SCAVENGER SHIP. The ship cartwheels out of control,
CRASHING TO THE GROUND, plowing through numerous other ships.
SECONDARY EXPLOSIONS fill the sky with FIRE AND SMOKE.
Chet chuckles with satisfaction.
CHET
Human ingenuity. Most undervalued
commodity in the galaxy.
Daniel watches, mouth agape, as the fires rage around them.
EXT. SCORPIO -- NIGHT
Chet's ship flies away, billowing smoke still rising from
the wreckage below. The red clouds disperse as the ship leaves
the planet behind and enters the starry expanses of space.
45.
DANIEL (PRE-LAP)
Are you out of your mind?! You blew
up half of that city!
CHET
I obviously wasn't the first one to
blow it up.
Chet chuckles but sees Daniel is serious.
CHET
What? It was just a couple of ships.
DANIEL
A couple of ships?! That must have
been like a billion dollars worth of
collateral damage! You can't just
run around blowing up everything in
sight!
CHET
Why, do I need some kind of badge
for that?
DANIEL
Methods matter! It's not just what
you do, it's how you do it. That's
what separates us from the bad guys.
CHET
I hate to break it to you, "officer,"
but we're not on Earth. Out here,
speeding tickets and court orders
don't mean shit. Now do you want to
find Dr. Kelley or not?
DANIEL
Of course I want to find her --
CHET
Then buck up and get with the system.
DANIEL
Your "system" almost got me killed!
Twice!
CHET
That's less than most days.
DANIEL
(gapes)
Are you truly insane?
Chet stares daggers back at him.
46.
CHET
A woman's been abducted. I don't care
if I have to blow up ships, cities,
or even alien bystanders, I will find
her, because no one deserves to be
alone and forgotten. I mean, do you
have any idea what that feels like?
Genuine pain in his eyes that can only come from experience.
CHET
Just put yourself in her place. Your
perspective of life has changed in an
instant. Aliens are real and they're
dangerous. Imagine the thoughts that
flow through your head as you're being
whisked light years away towards God
knows where. Then the hours turn into
days and you slowly start to realize
that you're never going to see your
family or your loved ones ever again.
You are truly alone in the universe
because there is no one out there who
can save you.
DANIEL
Except for you.
CHET
Except for me.
(beat)
I wouldn't have brought you if I didn't
have some faint, glimmer of hope that
you might actually be useful. But if
you can't handle it, I may as well
take you back right now, because it's
only gonna get harder from here.
Daniel glares right back at him.
DANIEL
Look, all I'm saying is give me a
little heads up if there are any
vendettas on your head. And don't
ever say wait on my ship again. I
didn't come to be a ride along, I
came to help you find Dr. Kelley.
CHET
Well if it's any consolation, the
next aliens we meet won't try to kill
you.
DANIEL
That's a step in the right direction.
47.
EXT. SPACE
Chet's ship emerges from a wormhole, on its way towards a
LARGE ALIEN VESSEL.
Daniel looks out the window in awe.
CHET
Now that's a mother ship.
In a galaxy overpopulated by boxy spacecraft, this one is
beautiful in its very design. An organic nature to its curves
and structure that makes it feel like it swims through space.
Its vibrant green lights glow invitingly.
CHET
I call them the Bookkeepers, they're
the first species I met out here.
They're neutral, kinda like
Switzerland. They regulate banks and
markets, gather vast amounts of
information in cosmic libraries, and
love Earthlings. So if I ask nicely,
they might throw some info our way.
DANIEL
Like who might have taken Dr. Kelley?
CHET
Exactly.
EXT. BOOKKEEPER SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet's ship approaches the vessel, dwarfed by its size, and
flies into a rotating airlock.
The airlock spins to reveal an expansive inner landing bay
occupied by many smaller, equally elegant spacecraft. Daniel
gazes in wonder at the incredible sight.
CHET
Yeah, this is no Scorpio.
INT. LANDING BAY, BOOKKEEPER SHIP -- MOMENTS LATER
Chet and Daniel step out of the hatch.
The welcoming party approaches. The BOOKKEEPERS are tall,
sleek and elegant. Ellipsoidal skulls and large, luminescent
eyes, gentle in their very appearance. They wear flowing blue
silk robes with glowing silver metallic threading.
Daniel fastens his translator onto his ear --
48.
CHET
You won't need that here.
One of the Bookkeepers steps forward, prestigious markings
on his robes. He extends a hand. Chet shakes it warmly.
BOOKKEEPER
Welcome, Chet Cunningham.
While he speaks perfect English, he doesn't sound in any way
human. His voice is a MELODIOUS HARMONY of sound, soothing
to the ear. Our language never sounded so beautiful.
BOOKKEEPER
I see you have brought a companion
with you. An abductee?
CHET
No, this is Daniel McKenzie. He's
helping me out on a case.
The Bookkeeper extends his hand. Daniel takes it.
BOOKKEEPER
Greetings, Daniel McKenzie. It is a
pleasure to encounter another creature
of Earth. I am afraid that my name is
difficult to pronounce in your native
tongue, so I invite you to call me
the Librarian, a name Chet bestowed
upon me some time ago. I have grown
quite fond of it.
DANIEL
It's a pleasure to meet you.
CORRIDOR
Chet and Daniel follow the Librarian through the geometrically
pleasing ship. No straight lines or sharp angles. Even the
windows looking out into space are ovals.
DANIEL
Why did we bother going to Scorpio
if we could have just come here?
CHET
I thought the Overseer had her. Give
me a break.
They round a corner into the --
GRAND LIBRARY
DANIEL
Wow...
49.
Their central hub. Multiple tiers radiate up through the

spherical space. Bookkeepers occupy HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS,
sifting and sorting data from around the galaxy.
LIBRARIAN
So tell me, Chet Cunningham, to what
do we owe your agreeably unexpected
visit?
CHET
I need a favor. A creature of Earth
was abducted half-a-day ago. I'm
looking for the ship that took her.
LIBRARIAN
I see. I would be honored to assist
you in your time of need.
He interacts with a display. In moments, the SOLAR SYSTEM
appears, unintelligible text overlaid. The vantage point
quickly zooms in to show EARTH. The Librarian moves a time
slider: the Earth spins backwards in the display.
Daniel watches with growing confusion.
DANIEL
Wait, you guys are watching Earth all
the time? How has no one seen or heard
you?
LIBRARIAN
(to Chet)
You have not told your associate the
history of your planet?
CHET
We've been short on time.
DANIEL
What history?
CHET
(sighs)
Show him.
The Librarian interacts with the display. The hologram changes
to an Earth with FAR DIFFERENT CONTINENTAL GEOGRAPHY.
CHET
About sixty-five million years ago
there was an accident. A mother ship
crashed into Earth, wiping out nearly
all indigenous life.
A HUGE SHIP enters the holographic Earth's atmosphere. The
impact sends a DIRTY CLOUD over the entire surface.
50.
DANIEL
You don't mean... The dinosaurs?
LIBRARIAN
Because of what happened, the galactic
community declared Earth a nature
preserve that was to remain
undisturbed.
CHET
They even put a big electromagnetic
dead zone around the solar system so
that the "wildlife" wouldn't be
bothered by anyone else out there.
LIBRARIAN
Regrettably, there have been certain
breaches of the preservation treaty.
CHET
Greed makes the galaxy go round.
Daniel continues to look back and forth between them. Then --
DANIEL
Earth... Is a nature preserve?!
LIBRARIAN
The last one left. A beacon of beauty
in a galaxy utterly devoid of it.
The Librarian returns his attention to the computer, bringing
the display back to the Earth of present day.
LIBRARIAN
I seem to have located the spacecraft
in question, Chet Cunningham.
A SMALL STREAK OF LIGHT leaves Earth's atmosphere. The display
zooms in, then deduces a larger wireframe model of the vessel.
CHET
That's it. Any idea where it went?
LIBRARIAN
I believe there is a match.
A NEW STAR SYSTEM fills the display. The hologram zooms in
to reveal the same ship emerging from a wormhole, streaking
towards a SPACE STATION, a FIELD OF DEBRIS orbiting with it.
Chet winces with a disappointed sigh.
DANIEL
What? Where'd it go?
51.
CHET
You remember our old friends the
Scavengers? That's the place they
call home.
Daniel takes another look at the space station hologram.
DANIEL
Oh shit.
CHET
Thanks, Librarian. Hopefully these
are worthy of trade.
Chet pulls out several NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINES. The
Librarian accepts them gratefully.
LIBRARIAN
I am always honored to assist a
creature of Earth.
INT. COCKPIT, CHET'S SHIP -- SPACE
They fly away from the Librarian vessel.
DANIEL
I know I'm new to all this alien stuff,
but the Scavengers didn't strike me
as the types to hijack another ship
just to abduct one human.
CHET
They were probably trying to cover
their tracks for my benefit. You'd
think that after I found the last
one, they'd stop underestimating me.
DANIEL
So what's the plan? Break into a
station filled with creatures that
want to kill us and hope that we can
find Dr. Kelley before they catch us?
CHET
See, you don't need me to tell you
how bad things could get.
EXT. SPACE, SCAVENGER SYSTEM
Chet's ship flies out of a wormhole.
LARGE SHADOWS block the light of distant stars.
DANIEL
What's all that?
52.
CHET
A whole bunch of crap.
As Chet maneuvers the ship, the light shifts to reveal that
the shadows are FLOATING PIECES OF JUNK. Partial hulls of
ships, mangled engines, bent solar panels, blown out pods.
CHET
The Scavengers prey on other aliens
that are weak or dying. Take whatever
they can. What they don't use ends up
out here in their cosmic junkyard.
DANIEL
At least it gives us a lot of cover.
Hopefully they won't see us coming.
CHET
Exactly.
In the distance, the SCAVENGER SPACE STATION comes into view.
EXT. DEBRIS FIELD -- CONTINUOUS
Chet's ship sets down inside an IMPACT CRATER within a larger,
half-demolished spacecraft.
CHET
This is as close as I can get us.
We'll have to spacewalk from here.
He unbuckles and heads out of the cockpit.
DANIEL
Spacewalk?
MESS AREA -- CONTINUOUS
Chet opens a compartment to reveal ADVANCED SPACESUITS made
from a RUBBERY MATERIAL. Not large and bulky like NASA's,
but sleek and tight. A COMPACT HELMET with HEADSETS. Life
support systems nestled into small form fitting packs.
CHET
Here, this one should fit.
He hands a suit to Daniel, grabs another for himself. They
start pulling them on.
DANIEL
So what are we going in with? Laser
blasters? Photon torpedo launchers?
53.
CHET
Daniel, if you haven't noticed by
now, we can't out-gun aliens. Besides,
none of that stuff actually exists.
DANIEL
But if we don't have advanced weapons,
how do we fight an advanced species?
CHET
The only way we can. Human ingenuity.
He finishes putting on his suit and walks out. Daniel eyes
his pistol and slides it into a pocket on his spacesuit.
EXT. DEBRIS FIELD -- SPACE
The hatch opens. Chet climbs out, taking a hand hold, a
BACKPACK over his shoulders. Daniel anxiously follows.
CHET (VIA RADIO)
Alright, in zero gravity, whichever
way you push off is the way you'll go
until you hit something else.
(points)
So don't go that way.
Daniel eyes the distant stars in the depths of space.
DANIEL (VIA RADIO)
Thanks for the tip.
Chet pushes off, SAILING THROUGH SPACE towards a piece of
debris. He catches it smoothly and looks back to Daniel.
CHET
You coming? Or did you travel two-
hundred light years to sit on my
ship?
Daniel looks out at the wide open space between him and Chet.
DANIEL
(sotto)
Well, I guess you only live once.
He PUSHES OFF, floating fast --
And CRASHES into the debris! But manages to keep hold.
DANIEL
That was amazing!
CHET
I know.
54.
Chet pushes off to another piece of debris. Daniel follows.

They make their way towards the station, jumping and floating
through the space junkyard.
EXT. SCAVENGER STATION -- SPACE
The station is a PIECE-PARTED MONSTROSITY, countless scavenged
vessels and parts connected together at oblique angles into
a rat's nest of passageways and compartments. Windows and
port holes all over the place. Scavengers moving about inside.
Chet and Daniel look on from a nearby hunk of drifting debris.
DANIEL
Any idea where she is?
Chet motions to a sprawling GLASS DOME atop the station.
CHET
That's where I found the last one.
Chet pushes off, catching onto the station. He crawls along
stealthily, using pipes and support cables as handholds,
avoiding windows. Daniel follows a short distance behind.
They slink past a window in which several Scavengers walk on
the floor, though they appear UPSIDE DOWN to Chet and Daniel.
DANIEL
What the --
His hand SLIPS off a pipe, sending him slowly DRIFTING IN
FRONT OF THE WINDOW. He flails wildly to no effect.
DANIEL
Oh shit! Help!
Chet quickly reorients himself and LAUNCHES TOWARDS HIM. He
CRASHES INTO DANIEL, wrapping his arms around him.
INT. CORRIDOR, SCAVENGER STATION -- CONTINUOUS
One of the Scavengers catches motion, head snapping around.
It GROWLS, stepping closer to the window, but sees nothing.
EXT. SCAVENGER STATION -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Daniel huddle just below the window frame. The
Scavenger moves on inside.
CHET
Careful.
Chet proceeds up the station towards the dome. Daniel
recomposes himself and follows.
They move up the station like climbers scaling a steep face,
finally coming to the top, the glass dome just ahead.
55.
Chet moves towards an AIRLOCK, an ALIEN NUMERIC KEYPAD beside

it. He pulls out a SMALL DEVICE and attaches it to the keypad.
DANIEL
That thing decrypts the code?
CHET
More or less.
The device EXPLODES, destroying the keypad. Chet spins the
hatch release and swings it open.
INT. AIRLOCK, SCAVENGER STATION -- CONTINUOUS
Chet seals the hatch. Hits a button on the wall, FILLING THE
SPACE WITH AIR. Eyes the SMALL COMPUTER on the forearm of
his suit as it analyzes. A light indicates green.
CHET
We're good.
They remove their helmets. Chet spins the inner release and
opens the hatch into --
INT. SCAVENGER STATION -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Daniel step into the dimly lit space, looking around.
DANIEL
What is this place?
SMASH! A FEROCIOUS ALIEN BEAST LEAPS AT THEM, slamming into
the transparent force field of its CAGE. Daniel jumps back
with a startled yell.
CHET
Their exotic pet collection. Try not
to provoke anything.
They creep past more cages containing a multitude of ALIEN
CREATURES. Some sleep soundly. Others eye Chet and Daniel's
every step, ready to pounce.
CHET
And there's our girl...
JO
Stands in a cage, staring out the windows into the cosmos.
CHET
She's been out here all alone, so
she's gonna be disoriented and scared.
DANIEL
No kidding.
They approach her cage.
56.
CHET
Dr. Joanne Kelley?
Jo turns, shocked to hear a human voice. Chet smiles suavely
as he presses a button to lower the force field.
CHET
Name's Chet Cunningham. I'm here to
take you home.
She gawks, mind racing.
CHET
Now I know that us being here may
not even seem possible, but I need
you to try and relax --
JO
Look, I don't care who you are or
how you got here. Just get me the
hell out and explain later!
Chet and Daniel exchange a look.
DANIEL
Scared and disoriented, huh?
CHET
Apparently not.
Chet opens his backpack, pulling out another SPACESUIT.
CHET
Alright doctor, I'm gonna need you to
put this on. My ship's parked outside,
and I'd love to be flying away before
the Scavengers realize you're gone.
Jo starts to pull on the spacesuit.
CHET
Oh, and just in case something goes
wrong and you find yourself floating
away in space...
Chet points to a BOXY DEVICE on the waist belt of the
spacesuit. A red button under a clear cover.
CHET
Pop the cover and press this button.
It'll open a miniature wormhole and
take you someplace safe. Think of it
as a life preserver. Just don't ever
use it inside a ship or in an
atmosphere. I hear bad things happen.
JO
Good to know.
57.
DANIEL
Yeah, Chet. Good to know.
CHET
Didn't I tell you how to use these
things?
DANIEL
No. Concern for my well-being must
have slipped your mind.
JO
Guys...
Jo points with alarm. All of the alien beasts roar and screech
furiously in their cages as --
A slew of SCAVENGERS ENTER. They close in around the humans,
blocking the only escape route. Daniel reaches for his gun.
CHET
I wouldn't do that unless you brought
enough bullets for all of them.
Chet raises his hands in surrender. Daniel reluctantly does
the same. The Scavengers LEAP FORWARD, howling furiously.
VARIOUS CORRIDORS
The Scavengers drag them through dark tunnels, taking sharp
turns, everything attached at odd angles in the piece-parted
station. OTHER SCAVENGERS howl triumphantly as they pass.
JO
I hope this is part of your rescue
plan.
DANIEL
Where are they taking us?
CHET
It's probably better you don't know.
The Scavengers open a wrought iron hatch and toss them into --
THE KING'S LAIR
Cave like, entirely dark except for starlight trickling in
from a VIEWPORT overheard. Several Scavengers follow them
in, slamming the hatch behind them, standing guard.
Chet, Daniel and Jo get to their feet and huddle together.
CHET
Let me handle this.
A GROTESQUE GROWL rises from the darkness. They startle with
fright. Chet puts on his translator, Daniel following suit.
58.
SCAVENGER KING (SUBTITLED)

Welcome back, Chet. It's been too
long.
CHET
I missed you too, King. Quite the
elaborate scheme you had going. Hijack
a Bruiser ship to cover up your
abduction. Too bad you underestimated
me. Again.
On the contrary, you were our payment
for taking the doctor.
Chet's cocky demeanor fades.
CHET
Your payment?
Out of the darkness the SCAVENGER KING emerges on all fours.
Bulging muscles, protruding canines, the supreme alpha male.
So as you can see, it is you who
underestimated me...
He rises to his hind legs, towering over the humans, dwarfing
the other Scavengers.
And I am not one to be underestimated.
Chet stands tall as the others shrink back behind him.
CHET
Who told you to take her?
You would hardly understand. The mere
fact that you came here proves that
you're the stupidest creature in the
galaxy.
CHET
And you're still the ugliest.
The Scavenger King STRIKES CHET IN THE FACE with lightning
speed, sending him flying back into a wall.
SCAVENGER KING
Though I do appreciate you bringing
another Earthie with you. I shall
enjoy possessing two such exotic pets.
DANIEL
Uh... Actually there are three of us.
59.
The Scavengers King looks at him with what almost amounts to

a smile. Then CRACKS HIM IN THE FACE, even harder than he
hit Chet, sending him reeling back into the same wall.
Or perhaps I shall keep only one.
He eyes Jo and raises his lips, licking the grime off his
teeth. She recoils, moving back to Chet and Daniel. They
writhe in pain on the ground. She struggles to help them up --
Then notices the HANDGUN sticking out of Daniel's pocket.
JO
(whispers)
You planning on using that thing?
DANIEL
No, go ahead, put me out of my misery.
The Scavengers advance --
JO
Well if you're not gonna do anything --
Jo pulls on her helmet, grabs Daniel's gun and aims at the
large VIEWPORT overhead --
CHET
Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait!!
JO PULLS THE TRIGGER repeatedly as Chet and Daniel scramble
to get their helmets on. The GLASS BLOWS OUT --
Chet, Daniel and Jo FLY OUT IN A VIOLENT MAELSTROM OF WIND
AND GLASS, along with all the Scavengers.
The King manages to hang on, HOWLING FURIOUSLY.
EXT. SCAVENGER STATION, SPACE -- CONTINUOUS
Daniel and Jo catch hold of a support beam. CHET FLIES PAST
AND SMASHES INTO A BULKHEAD, barely hanging on.
CHET (VIA RADIO)
Are you out of your mind?!
JO (VIA RADIO)
You were out of ideas!
CHET
I was about to get us out of there,
not try to kill us all!
DANIEL
I hate to break it to you two but
now is not the time!
60.
A nearby airlock opens. SCAVENGERS EMERGE IN SPACESUITS.

CHET
Wait! Doctor, you're in zero gravity
now, so whichever way you --
Jo JUMPS OFF THE STATION, flying towards a nearby piece of
debris. She catches it, perfectly stable and confident.
Chet and Daniel exchange looks.
CHET
Who is this girl?
They push after her.
The three of them JUMP and SOAR through the debris field,
heading towards Chet's ship.
THE SCAVENGERS
Pour out of airlocks all around the station, leaping
recklessly after them.
DANIEL
Jumps and catches hold of a piece of debris. A Scavenger
leaps at him from behind --
CHET
Daniel, duck!
Daniel pulls himself tight to the debris. The Scavenger flies
right over him, DRIFTING AWAY INTO DEEP SPACE --
Daniel watches it reach for its belt and press a RED BUTTON
similar to those on the human suits. Suddenly a SMALL WORMHOLE
opens up, and the Scavenger disappears into it!
DANIEL
Whoa!
JO
Grabs hold of debris. She catches motion to her side as a
SCAVENGER COMES AT HER!
Jo screams, instinctively raising the gun and FIRING POINT
BLANK. The impact reverses the Scavenger's trajectory, gas
venting from its suit as it spirals away.
CHET
Jumps for his life, a GROUP OF SCAVENGERS on his tail! He
lands on a large piece of floating debris --
61.
A Scavenger soars towards him. Chet CATAPULTS IT OVER HIM.

He rips off a LARGE CHUNK OF METAL and uses it to CLOBBER
two more advancing Scavengers. But another Scavenger dives --
And COLLIDES WITH CHET, sending them both FLYING OUT OF
CONTROL through the junkyard!
DANIEL AND JO
Jump towards Chet's ship, grabbing onto the hull.
DANIEL
Where's Chet?
CHET
FIGHTS WITH THE SCAVENGER as they soar freely through space.
They CRASH into a clump of debris, sending them spiraling
wildly in another direction. SMASH into another large object,
drastically changing their trajectory again.
Chet seizes the Scavenger's arm and uses its claws to SLASH
HIS OWN SUIT! Air VENTS OUT --
And Chet PUSHES OFF, using the venting air to PROPEL HIM
TOWARDS HIS SHIP --
Daniel and Jo catch him! They all hurry into the airlock.
Chet turns back to grab the hatch and sees --
ANOTHER SCAVENGER LEAPING FOR THE DOOR. Chet grabs the edge
of the hatch and SWINGS OUT, KICKING THE SCAVENGER IN THE
CHEST, sending it spinning away. Then slams the hatch shut.
Chet rips off his helmet, gasping for breath.
CHET
That's one way to make an exit.
He quickly powers up the ship as Daniel and Jo strap in.
JO
Did you actually build this thing?
DANIEL
Nah, he was abducted by aliens when
he was a kid. He killed them for it.
CHET
I didn't kill them, they died!
Chet hits the thrusters. The ship lifts off.
JO
Now it makes sense.
(MORE)
62.
JO (CONT'D)
You didn't strike me as some super
genius who built his own spaceship.
CHET
You know, you look a lot nicer in
your picture.
BOOM! An EXPLOSION ROCKS THE SHIP, sending it off course.
They look out the window to see --
A SWARM OF SCAVENGER SHIPS CLOSING.
CHET
These guys never quit.
Chet cranks the ship around and flies away. ALARMS BLARE.
DANIEL
They're firing again!
CHET
No, that's a proximity alarm. Probably
gonna try to latch on and cut us to
pieces with their mining lasers.
DANIEL / JO
Mining lasers?!
They look out the window to see MAGNETIC GRAPPLERS and LASER
CUTTERS extending from the Scavenger ships.
DANIEL
Chet, please get us out of here.
Chet frantically works on the navigational computer.
CHET
Almost there...
Jo eyes the DANGEROUSLY CLOSE Scavengers.
JO
So are they!
The navigational hologram pans around the galaxy, COMPLEX
MATRICES shifting over it.
CHET
Come on baby, come on...
JO
What's he doing?
DANIEL
You might want to hold onto something.
The LASER MATRIX forms in front of the ship.
63.
JO
Oh my God...
Chet pushes the throttle forward, DRIVING TOWARDS THE WORMHOLE
BEFORE IT'S COMPLETELY OPEN. It's gonna be just wide enough --
The ship LURCHES VIOLENTLY, rammed from behind by a SCAVENGER
VESSEL as it enters the --
WORMHOLE
Chet's ship soars through, the Scavenger Vessel MERE FEET
BEHIND, grapplers trying to latch on, laser cutters glowing
bright, SPARKS RISING FROM CHET'S HULL.
But the wormhole isn't meant for more than one spacecraft.
It begins to COLLAPSE AROUND THEM, BLAZES OF GAS STREAKING.
Chet cringes as yet another ALARM BLARES.
DANIEL
Do I want to know what that means?
CHET
I don't know what that one means!
The wormhole's exit lies just ahead. Chet pushes the throttle,
cringing as --
EXT. SPACE -- CONTINUOUS
CHET'S SHIP EMERGES and clears.
The wormhole COLLAPSES behind it, ripping the Scavenger ship
apart. It EXPLODES IN A MAGNIFICENT FIREBALL.
They all watch the flames fade away with shocked awe.
CHET
I always wondered what happened if
you didn't make it through one of
those...
He sits back with a sigh of relief. Jo stares at him.
JO
Who are you?
CHET
Just an ordinary guy who happens to
have a spaceship.
He smiles coolly as the ship rotates to reveal --
64.
EARTH in the distance.

DANIEL
Now that's a beautiful sight.
(to Jo)
Can I have my gun back?
Chet turns to Jo and launches into his rehearsed speech.
CHET
Dr. Kelley, you've just been through
a traumatic, life-altering experience
that you will never fully understand.
But it'll be in your best interest
not to tell anyone about it back home --
JO
What are you talking about? I can't
go home yet.
A beat.
CHET
I'm sorry, what?
JO
I wasn't abducted out of the blue.
They took me for a reason.
CHET
Does this have something to do with
me being a bargaining chip?
JO
This isn't about you. Earth is in
danger. The fact that those aliens
took me proves I'm right.
Chet and Daniel eye her skeptically.
JO
(sighs, frustrated)
About a year ago, when I still worked
at NASA, I discovered an anomalous
radio transmission sent from within
our own atmosphere. Everyone else
disregarded it as random interference,
but I was suspicious because something
else happened that night too.
Sudden recognition on Chet's face.
CHET
A UFO sighting?
JO
Exactly.
(MORE)
65.
JO (CONT'D)
Of course my colleagues thought I was
crazy for thinking there could be
some kind of connection between static
and aliens, and when I wouldn't let
it go, they fired me. So I started
digging into the signal myself.
Eventually, I was able to decode enough
of it to realize how seriously screwed
planet Earth is.
CHET
Okay, I buy that you could have
stumbled upon a transmission. But
how did the Scavengers know you were
the one person in seven billion who
heard them?
JO
I got a job at the observatory so
that I could transmit an S.O.S. I was
hoping there might be some benevolent
aliens out there that would come to
our aid. Unfortunately, the wrong
aliens heard me first.
CHET
Hmm... That's a really interesting
story, doctor, but there's one little
problem with your theory. Earth has
been protected for millions of years.
So no alien, including the Scavengers,
would ever dare harm it.
JO
Protected by what?
DANIEL
You know that asteroid we thought
killed the dinosaurs? Turns out it
was an alien spaceship. So now Earth
is a nature preserve.
CHET
The message you picked up was probably
just some alien tourists sending
vacation photos home to their friends.
JO
You wouldn't say that if you saw it.
She glares at him.
DANIEL
Hey Chet, maybe we should take a
look. You know, just in case.
66.
CHET
We? Suddenly you're an expert?
DANIEL
What's the harm in looking?
CHET
(sighs)
Fine. I'll take a look at your little
"message," but when it turns out that
everything is fine, then can we all
go home in peace?
JO
I'd gladly be done with all this.
CHET
Perfect.
Chet taps a small PAD sitting off to the side of the ship's
controls. A HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAY projects above it.
JO
You can access my computer from here?
CHET
Hacking human computers is like
breaking into a kid's piggy bank.
A new hologram forms, showing Jo's Mac desktop.
CHET
Now let's see what's so scary...
JO
There. That's it.
Chet opens a file, revealing --
Pages of NUMERIC TEXT. Various segments seem deciphered by
Jo, creating a WIREFRAME MODEL of our SOLAR SYSTEM, with
approach vectors pointing towards what must be THE EARTH.
DANIEL
Uh... Chet...
Chet scrolls through the file. Another wireframe model shows --
A MASSIVE ALIEN SHIP. Fierce in its very design.
Chet and Daniel look closer, dread rising.
DANIEL
Who builds ships like that?
CHET
I don't know. I've never seen anything
like it.
67.
JO
Like I said, it doesn't look good
for Earth.
EXT. BOOKKEEPER SHIP -- SPACE
Chet's ship emerges from a wormhole and flies towards the
Bookkeepers' vessel.
INT. GRAND LIBRARY, BOOKKEEPERS' SHIP -- SPACE
Chet, Daniel and Jo stand behind the Librarian as he operates
his holographic display, importing Jo's alien transmission.
LIBRARIAN
Your ingenuity is astounding, creature
of Earth. Especially for a species of
such minimal technological development.
JO
Thank you. Most people just thought
I was nuts.
LIBRARIAN
It appears that the transmission you
received was incomplete, but I can
still make a rudimentary analysis.
In front of him, Jo's intercepted message is deciphered into
a COMPLEX 3D MODEL. The HAUNTING ALIEN SHIP materializes in
far greater detail. Vaguely resembling a squid with small
body and large fixed tentacles that arc out like talons.
LIBRARIAN
Massive skeletal superstructure
designed to support laser matrix
generators. Limited command and control
compartments. All suggest a vessel
with singular purpose.
CHET
The Scavengers couldn't build that.
LIBRARIAN
The Scavengers, it seems, were pawns.
Mercenaries hired to abduct Dr. Kelley
before her message could reach anyone
else. Only one species is capable of
constructing such a craft... Phasic
energized symphonic particle clouds.
A hint of fear in Chet's eyes.
CHET
Phantoms...
The Librarian brings up a new hologram of an AMORPHOUS CLOUD
OF BLUE GAS with BOLTS OF ENERGY radiating through it.
68.
LIBRARIAN
Phantoms, as Chet Cunningham refers
to them, are the oldest known creatures
in the galaxy. They developed in the
vacuum of space and thus do not require
atmosphere or gravity to survive.
They pioneered wormhole technology
and are responsible for nearly all
such systems in modern spacecraft.
The holographic Phantom's form shifts to resemble a
Bookkeeper. Then other aliens.
CHET
And they shapeshift to look like
whatever species they're dealing
with. Creepy as all hell.
LIBRARIAN
Most tend to keep to their shipyard
in the galactic core, preferring to
remain isolated. They are emotionless
creatures, feeling not love nor hate
nor fear.
JO
Then why would they want to destroy
our planet?
LIBRARIAN
On the contrary, a device of such
design does not appear to be
destructive in nature, but rather,
transitory.
CHET
A wormhole generator?
LIBRARIAN
Of planetary scale.
A long moment as this sinks in.
DANIEL
They're gonna steal the Earth?!
CHET
Port it to the core and strip it for
all its worth...
DANIEL
But you said Earth has been protected
for millions of years. Wouldn't there
be massive uproar if that happened?
69.
LIBRARIAN
It would not be the first time that
such a preserve was destroyed. A
tragedy, for certain, but life will
go on in the galaxy.
JO
There has to be some way to stop them!
You can help us! You have to help us!
LIBRARIAN
We are not capable of interference.
I am sorry, creatures of Earth.
CHET
Could you at least tell us where to
find them?
LIBRARIAN
I can try. Though given the chaotic
nature of the galactic core, even
our navigational assessment will be
a rudimentary estimate at best.
CHET
That's better than I can do.
INT. CORRIDOR, LIBRARIAN SHIP -- SPACE
Jo stares out the viewport at the vast expanse of stars.
Daniel walks up, looking out alongside her.
DANIEL
I can't say that I was expecting to
see this when I woke up this morning.
JO
Me neither. Even in my wildest dreams,
the galaxy was nothing like this.
It's amazing.
DANIEL
Aside from the crazy aliens that
want to steal our planet.
JO
Aside from them.
They stare out.
JO
So you're a cop? How'd you get mixed
up in all of this?
DANIEL
I happened to be the only witness of
your abduction. I felt obligated to
see the case through.
70.
JO
Well I appreciate you putting in
some overtime.
She glances at Chet standing alongside the Librarian at one
of the displays, sorting through data.
JO
So what's his deal? He's some sort
of galactic investigator?
DANIEL
I guess you could say that. Though
he's a bit more brash than any
detective I've ever met.
JO
Have you figured out who Cassandra is?
DANIEL
No. But seeing as he's already
threatened to kill me... I try to
steer clear of personal questions.
Jo eyes Chet for another moment, intrigued. She turns away
as he approaches.
CHET
We've got a destination. Let's go.
INT. MESS AREA, CHET'S SHIP -- SPACE
They all step aboard.
DANIEL
So I had a thought: why don't we
just figure out what the Phantoms
want and give it to them?
CHET
Because the Earth doesn't fit into
my briefcase.
DANIEL
Right... So how do we kill them?
CHET
That's the tricky part.
Chet pulls open a storage compartment. A pile of WEAPONS
tumble out, alien and human.
DANIEL
Would've loved to know about this
earlier.
71.
CHET
Most of them are broken, but even if
they weren't, they still wouldn't do
a thing to a Phantom.
Daniel picks up a NERF GUN, eyeing Chet.
CHET
What? Aliens don't know it's harmless.
But Phantoms could care less. Anything
projectile-based goes right through
them.
Jo picks up an old handheld TASER. She pulls the trigger,
electricity arcing between the two electrodes.
JO
Phantoms are energy based, right?
Chet eyes the taser, considering.
CHET
That just might piss them off.
INT. COCKPIT -- SPACE
They all take their seats, strapping in. Chet works away on
the navigational computer.
JO
I can't believe I'm about to see the
galactic core.
CHET
Don't get too excited. This won't be
a joyride.
The laser matrix appears as the wormhole begins to open.
Chet pushes the throttle forward, taking them inside. All is
ordinary until suddenly --
The tunnel shifts -- a sharp CURVE IN THE PIPE!
CHET
What the...
Chet steers the ship around the corner then sees --
The ENTIRE TUNNEL BENDING AND WARPING, like a children's
play tunnel being pushed and pulled from the outside.
JO
Is this normal?
CHET
This is very not normal!
He frantically manipulates the controls.
72.
WORMHOLE
The ship bumps into the edge of the gaseous tunnel, instantly
vaporizing that section of the hull in a stream of sparks.
COCKPIT
Chet struggles to maintain control of the ship, taking sharp
turn after turn, until they finally exit into --
THE GALACTIC CORE
COUNTLESS STARS display a vast spectrum of color. They ORBIT
RAPIDLY causing GRAVITATIONAL CHAOS.
COCKPIT
The ENTIRE SHIP SHAKES AND CANTS VIOLENTLY to the side.
CHET
Hang on!
Out the window they see an ENORMOUS STAR pulling them in.
DANIEL
I think the Librarian miscalculated!
CHET
He wasn't lying about rudimentary!
Chet fights with the thrusters as he reorients the ship and
burns the engines to escape the star's intense gravity well.
SPACE
Chet's ship flies past smaller stars and gas giants, getting
YANKED THIS WAY AND THAT by the powerful galactic forces.
COCKPIT
Chet steers towards a massive NEBULA OF BILLOWING GREEN
CLOUDS, accents of gold and purple filling the cracks.
DANIEL
We're going in there?
CHET
Can't be worse than out here.
SPACE
The ship flies into the brilliantly colored nebula like a
small plane flying into roiling storm clouds.
COCKPIT
The murky nether-world engulfs them, impairing visibility.
73.
JO
I have to say, it's kind of beautiful.
CHET
It's a big cloud. Get over it.
A DARK SHAPE whooshes past.
DANIEL
What was that?
CHET
Just a pocket of gas.
ANOTHER DARK SHAPE APPEARS, MOVING QUICKLY TOWARDS THEM.
JO
That's not gas, that's an asteroid!
Chet yanks the controls as --
THE ASTEROID
Emerges from the fog, NARROWLY MISSING THEM. They abruptly
change course, flying into thick trails of GOLDEN GAS --
CHET
Glad I saw that coming.
JO
What's this gas made of?
CHET
What's it matter?
The GAS IGNITES, bright CHEMICAL FLAMES ERUPTING around the
ship. ALARMS BLARE.
JO
That's why it matters!
FLAMES trace across the windows, ENGULFING THE SHIP. Chet
throws the throttle forward, desperately steering --
The ship clears the golden gas. The flames dissipate, alarms
going silent. They breathe a collective sigh of relief.
JO
Lovely place, the galactic core.
CHET
Speaking of lovely...
The gas begins to clear in front of them...
74.

A gargantuan clear area within the nebula cloud. At its
center, a SPIRAL OF GLOWING MATTER orbits around an INFANT
STAR, casting an eerie glow upon --
THE PHANTOM SHIPYARD
Bustling with activity. An interstellar construction zone.
Monstrous scaffolds around hundreds of spacecraft of all
shapes and sizes. But most prominent of all --
THE WORMHOLE SHIP
As outlined in Jo's intercepted message. But far more
terrifying in person. Dwarfing everything. It sits away from
the other ships, fully completed, no scaffolds around it.
DANIEL
How the heck do we destroy that?
Chet eyes all the other half-completed ships in the yard.
CHET
We use it to destroy itself. Crash
it through the shipyard until it's
beyond repair.
He quickly adjusts some settings on the navigational computer.
CHET
If I'm not back in an hour, it means
I'm toast. This thing's programmed
to take you back to the Bookkeepers'
ship. Just tell them what happened
and I'm sure they'll take you in.
DANIEL
Whoa, you can't go in there alone.
CHET
You wanted to find Dr. Kelley. We
did that.
(to Jo)
You wanted your message to reach
someone who could help. It has. But
this is a suicide mission. Neither
of you signed up for that.
JO
And you did? Even if you somehow
manage to destroy that thing, how
were you planning to get out?
75.
CHET
I'll cross that bridge when I get
there.
DANIEL
Or you could just let us help you.
Chet sees the determination on their faces. Sighs.
CHET
Look, I'm the only one here who has
any chance of figuring out how to
fly that thing. But... I could
probably use a getaway driver.
He looks to Daniel.
DANIEL
Oh shit, are you serious?
CHET
Can you handle it or not?
DANIEL
I guess we'll find out.
JO
Well, it doesn't take two people to
fly this ship.
(to Chet)
I'm going with you.
CHET
Doctor, there's no reason for you to
risk your life --
JO
Chet, if you even think of saying
that I can't risk my life because I'm
a woman, you're gonna find your balls
in your throat.
Chet blinks hard.
CHET
I guess the doctor's coming with me.
INT. MESS AREA -- SPACE
Chet and Jo zip up their spacesuits. Daniel stands by.
CHET
Our best chance is to go in stealth.
Dr. Kelley and I will climb out onto
the front of the ship.
(MORE)
76.
CHET (CONT'D)
(to Daniel)
When I give the signal, nudge the
thrusters to launch us off. If we're
lucky, they won't see us coming.
Daniel holds out his handgun.
DANIEL
Here. Take this. It's not gonna be
any use here with me.
CHET
I don't need your gun, Daniel. They're
phantoms, remember?
DANIEL
You're going against one of the most
advanced species in the galaxy with
a taser. It can't hurt.
Chet weighs this. Takes the gun and sticks it in a pocket.
He seals his helmet, opens the airlock and steps inside.
CHET
Don't come for us until I radio you,
no matter what happens.
Jo steps in beside him.
JO
(to Daniel)
See you on the other side.
CHET
And remember, if all else fails,
just do something really stupid.
That's human ingenuity.
He winks as he shuts the hatch.
EXT. CHET'S SHIP -- SPACE
Chet and Jo climb around to the ship's nose. Chet attaches a
short TETHER from his suit to hers, tying them together. Jo
apprehensively looks out into space --
They are a long ways away from the Wormhole Ship.
JO
You really think this is a good idea?
CHET
You really think you have a better
one?
77.

Daniel looks over the array of controls, intimidated.
DANIEL
Guess it would have been a good idea
to pay attention instead of staring
out the window...
CHET (FROM RADIO)
You alright in there, Daniel?
DANIEL
Yeah, perfect.
CHET (FROM RADIO)
Good. Now just give us a little nudge.
DANIEL
Okay, here we go.
He pushes a lever forward --
EXT. CHET'S SHIP, SPACE -- CONTINUOUS
The MAIN ENGINE IGNITES, thrusting the ship forward.
CHET
Wrong lever! Wrong lever!
INT. CHET'S SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
DANIEL
Oh crap!
He frantically yanks back the throttle.
EXT. CHET'S SHIP, SPACE -- CONTINUOUS
CHET AND JO SOAR OFF, momentum carrying them. They fly through
space at BREAKNECK SPEED. The Wormhole Ship grows larger by
the second, their bodies like minuscule insects flying at an
enormous beast.
JO
We're gonna miss it!
Chet looks ahead. Their trajectory is off!
CHET
I'm open to suggestions!
INT. COCKPIT -- -- CONTINUOUS
Daniel watches in horror as Chet and Jo shrink into the
distance. Then it hits him --
78.
DANIEL
The gun! Use the gun!
Chet looks to his pocket with realization.
CHET
Grab hold of me!
Jo yanks the tether and takes hold. Chet pulls out the gun,
points it into space and FIRES REPEATEDLY. The recoil changes
their trajectory back towards their target, very close now.
CHET
Brace yourself!
They SMASH INTO THE WORMHOLE SHIP, SLIDING DOWN ITS SMOOTH
HULL towards the void of space --
JO SAILS OFF the edge!
Chet SNATCHES A SENSOR ANTENNA as he slides past. It flexes
but holds. The tether goes taut and --
JO SNAPS BACK towards him. HE CATCHES HER, both of them coming
to a halt, teetering on the edge. They look into each other's
eyes, catching their breath.
JO
Thanks.
CHET
Don't mention it.
DANIEL
Are you guys okay? Please tell me
you're okay.
CHET (FROM RADIO)
We're fine, Daniel. Onboard. Nice
gun, by the way.
Daniel breathes a sigh of relief.
CHET
Now get back into those clouds before
any of them see you.
Daniel awkwardly takes the controls and flies away.
EXT. WORMHOLE SHIP -- SPACE
Chet and Jo make their way up the hull, boots sticking
magnetically. They approach a hatch. Chet leans down, and
with the push of one button, it swings open.
79.
CHET
Guess they weren't counting on
intruders.
JO
Doesn't strike me as a place you expect
to get your ship stolen from.
They climb into --
INT. AIRLOCK, WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet seals the hatch. AIR FLOODS THE SPACE. The screen on
Chet's forearm computer turns green.
CHET
What the hell?
JO
What is it?
CHET
Oxygen.
He removes his helmet and breathes freely, growing concerned.
Looks down at his feet planted firmly on the floor. Notices
several small BLINKING PODS on the ceiling.
CHET
And gravity too.
Jo takes off her helmet and breaths the air.
JO
I thought the Phantoms didn't need
gravity or atmosphere.
CHET
They don't.
(beat)
They built this thing for someone
else.
INT. CORRIDOR, WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
A hatch opens. Chet and Jo enter. One side of the corridor
has windows looking into the ship's CAVERNOUS INTERIOR. Energy
flows though glowing conduits like blood vessels feeding the
wormhole lasers, casting an eerie glow.
JO
Where are all the Phantoms?
CHET
Ship looks finished. Maybe they've
moved on to other projects intended
for galactic domination.
80.
They cautiously make their way past more dark corridors, not
a soul in sight.
JO
Do you have any idea where you're
going?
CHET
Not a clue, doctor.
JO
You know, you can call me Jo.
CHET
I'd rather keep this formal.
Otherwise, rescuees have a tendency
to fall for their rescuer.
JO
Don't hold your breath.
Out of the darkness behind them -- a PHANTOM emerges. An
amorphous cloud of blue energy, creepily transforming into
HUMANOID FORM as it silently drifts after them.
CHET
You know, if they built this for a
species that's kinda like us, it's
far more likely that I'll actually be
able to fly it.
JO
You didn't think you could fly it?
CHET
I had my doubts.
The Phantom drifts closer. Right behind them.
JO
So you hatched this whole plan without
having any idea if it could work?
CHET
I'm a firm believer in figuring stuff
out as you go.
The Phantom reaches out with its ghostly hand. A SPARK JUMPS
from it causing a LOUD POP. Chet and Jo turn --
CHET
RUN!
They SPRINT AWAY, rounding corners, ducking into --
81.
ANOTHER CORRIDOR
They slow and look back the way they came. But the Phantom
is nowhere to be seen. Jo holds the taser, on guard.
JO
Where'd it go?
The PHANTOM APPEARS out of the shadows behind them.
CHET
Move!
Jo screams as a wave of SPARKS from the Phantom's arms engulf
her suit. SHE THRUSTS THE TASER at the Phantom --
The electrical energies aren't conducive to each other, the
taser's sparks streaking into the Phantom's gaseous interior.
And suddenly, the PHANTOM BEGINS TO GROW, its blue interior
changing to shades of purple then red.
CHET
Stop! Stop!
But Jo holds on, the Phantom growing larger and larger until --
It EXPLODES, releasing a WAVE OF ENERGY, knocking Chet and
Jo down. They scramble to their feet.
All that remains of the Phantom is small pockets of gas.
JO
(re: taser)
Guess it does more than piss them
off.
CHET
I don't think so.
Chet points as the gas pockets conglomerate into MINI PHANTOMS.
JO
You weren't kidding about creepy.
CHET
Let's go before more show up.
They run off down the corridor.
The Mini Phantoms fly away in the opposite direction. They
gradually merge together, retaking the form of a full sized
Phantom. It joins a waiting GROUP OF PHANTOMS. They watch as
Chet and Jo scamper away, the electricity in their cores
pulsing to one another -- a form of communication.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WORMHOLE SHIP -- SPACE
Chet and Jo run in through a wide sliding hatch.
82.
Sweeping display panels of BLACK GLASS are spread throughout

the room, no buttons or levers evident. The only light comes
from the PANORAMIC WINDOW looking out over the shipyard.
Chet touches a dark display. They all come to life,
holographic controls covering their surfaces.
CHET
Well this doesn't look so bad,
probably only a few hundred years
more advanced than my ship.
JO
Please tell me you're joking.
He goes to work futzing with the controls.
CHET
My ship may be an old clunker, but
that doesn't mean I don't know how
to drive a brand new Mercedes.
Chet sweeps his hand across a large glowing control.
EXT. SHIPYARD -- CONTINUOUS
The Wormhole Ship's ENGINES COME TO LIFE, pushing it forward.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet steers towards the shipyard, picking up speed, heading
towards LARGE SCAFFOLDS and UNFINISHED SHIPS.
CHET
Might wanna hold onto something.
Proximity alarms sound. Jo braces herself as --
The Wormhole Ship CUTS THROUGH a large unfinished ship as if
it were a tin can, sending pieces spinning away.
The ship rocks gently under their feet. Chet frowns.
CHET
Well that wasn't very destructive.
An ELECTRICAL POP echoes behind them. They turn to see
PHANTOMS moving down the corridor.
CHET
Seal the doors!
JO
How?!
83.
CHET
I don't know, start pressing stuff!
Jo touches the wall next to the main hatch. Holographic
buttons light up, text foreign. The Phantoms drift nearer.
Jo frantically hits buttons. The HATCH CLOSES just in time.
CHET
Get the others!
Jo runs around the room, pounding buttons, closing hatches.
She goes for the last one - A PHANTOM REACHES THROUGH - She
TASES IT, driving it back. Closes the hatch.
CHET
Brace yourself!
Jo grabs a console. The room shudders as --
The Wormhole Ship CAREENS through other vessels, EXPLOSIONS
rising from smaller ships, debris flying every which way.
CHET
We're not taking enough damage.
SPARKS shoot out of a nearby panel.
JO
They're coming in through the
conduits!
A PHANTOM CLOUD begins to take shape above the panel. Jo
charges it with the taser, electrifying it before it can
fully materialize. But MORE SPARKS rise around the control
room, MORE PHANTOMS emerging from the electrical conduits.
Jo thrusts the taser wildly, BLOWING UP PHANTOM AFTER PHANTOM.
But they rapidly reform into smaller, faster versions, furiously
swarming. Chet shouts at Jo as chaos reigns around them.
INT. COCKPIT, CHET'S SHIP -- SIMULTANEOUS
Daniel stares at the radio speaker in horror, listening to
the cacophony of sound.
CHET (VIA RADIO)
On your left! Your right!
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WORMHOLE SHIP -- SIMULTANEOUS
Jo rushes to the next nearest Phantom, zapping it.
CHET
Behind you!
84.
Jo turns as a Phantom bears down on her --

Chet steers the ship sharply to the side, causing Jo to fall
away from the approaching Phantom's wrath.
The other Phantoms turn towards Chet. Then MORPH INTO VAPOROUS
BLUE GAS, spreading out over the instrument panels. Chet
tries to touch the controls, but LARGE SPARKS ZAP HIS HANDS.
CHET
They're taking control of the ship!
JO
We need a bigger taser!
Several Phantom clouds shift from the controls to her,
attacking with electricity. She screams in pain.
JO
GET THEM OFF ME!
Chet looks around desperately, then spots --
THICK POWER CABLES running down the nearby wall. He grabs
and tears with all his might. A CABLE RIPS FREE, A SHOWER OF
SPARKS from the end.
Chet shoves it into a nearby Phantom, disrupting its
electrical field until it EXPLODES COMPLETELY. He swings the
cable around, keeping the others at bay.
But there are too many of them! They surround Chet and Jo,
closing in. Chet looks for any means of escape, seeing none.
Then inspiration strikes as he looks to the ceiling --
He pulls out Daniel's gun and SHOOTS THE GRAVITY PODS. The
artificial gravity vanishes. Chet and Jo DRIFT INTO THE AIR.
The unaffected Phantoms continue to hover near the floor.
Chet shoves the SPARKING POWER CABLE into the steel wall,
CAUSING THE ENTIRE ROOM TO ELECTRIFY. Sparks engulf the
Phantoms, causing them to grow larger, shift colors and --
EXPLODE! Flinging Chet and Jo wildly through the air. Half
the room goes dark. The cable stops sparking.
Chet and Jo come back to their senses. The Phantoms are gone,
a confetti of BLUE DUST floating in the air.
CHET
You okay?
Jo nods, shaken up but alive.
CHET
Still gotta figure out how to destroy
this thing.
85.
Out the window, the DISTANT STAR drifts into view.

JO
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
CHET
For the first time, yes.
Chet pushes off the ceiling towards the ship's controls. He
goes to work, setting a new course.
CHET
Let's hope Daniel can bail us out.
DANIEL (VIA RADIO)
Just say the word, and I'm there.
They fly towards the star. But it's EXTREMELY FAR AWAY.
JO
Can't this thing go any faster?
CHET
This is full throttle. Unless I can
figure out how to open a wormhole...
Chet looks over the controls, then starts touching this and
that at random --
Suddenly A HUGE WORMHOLE OPENS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE SHIP.
JO
You did it!
Chet's eyes widen as he takes his hands off the controls.
CHET
No, I didn't....
The BOOKKEEPERS' MOTHER SHIP emerges from the wormhole.
COUNTLESS MORE WORMHOLES open, SMALL BOOKKEEPER SHIPS POURING
OUT OF THEM. They dock with the Wormhole Ship in seconds.
JO
The Bookkeepers! They've come to
help!
Her excitement fades when she sees the look on Chet's face.
CHET
There's only one way they'd know the
exact spot to tunnel into... And
that's if the Phantoms told them
where to go.
(beat)
I think we've found the buyers.
86.
BOOKKEEPERS flood into the control room, aiming alien weapons

menacingly at Chet and Jo. Two Bookkeepers push off for the
ceiling, attaching new gravity pods. They float to the floor
alongside Chet and Jo as --
The Librarian enters.
LIBRARIAN
Ah, creatures of Earth. So persistent.
At what point in its evolution did
your species lose the common sense
to just give up and die.
Sounding just as soothing and melodious as when we first met
him, no hint of malice.
LIBRARIAN
I send you to the Scavenger's home,
and you survive. I fly you into a
star, and you come through yet again.
I am astounded.
CHET
It was you... It was you all along.
You convinced the Scavengers to abduct
Dr. Kelley. You paid the Phantoms to
build this monstrosity. You want to
destroy the Earth?
LIBRARIAN
Destroy? Never. Your planet is far
too valuable. Which is why we are
going to relocate it to a new star
system to better manage your exports.
JO
Exports?
Chet straightens, understanding.
CHET
I trade organics from Earth like
they're gold. But if no one knows
where Earth is, they can sell
everything to the highest bidders.
Greed makes the galaxy go round.
LIBRARIAN
Greed is also what allowed you to
save so many human lives. You took
advantage of what your planet had to
offer. Your bribes and under the
table deals enlightened us to the
possibilities of a vast new market
which we did not yet control. In
fact, if it weren't for you, none of
this would have been possible.
87.
Horror washes over Chet's face.

JO
What about the human race?
LIBRARIAN
They'll work for us, of course. It
is only natural for life forms of
lower intelligence to serve those
who are superior.
CHET
Superior? You're bookkeepers! You're
neutral bookkeepers!
LIBRARIAN
That is merely the name you bestowed
upon us. It is not what we call
ourselves. Information is a valuable
commodity, which is why we gather
it, and use it to our own benefit.
You assumed we were neutral because
we are not quick to partake in armed
conflict, when in fact we are simply
intelligent enough to know when it
is most advantageous for our species
to do so. You think you understand
this galaxy, Chet Cunningham, but in
reality you are nothing more than a
primitive creature who happened upon
a spacecraft.
Chet glares hatefully. The Librarian looks around serenely.
LIBRARIAN
Where is your helper, Daniel McKenzie?
Chet's ship hovers on the edge of the nebula, shrouded from
the Phantom shipyard.
Daniel covers his mouth, staring at the radio speaker as he
listens to the entire conversation.
CHET (FROM RADIO)
He didn't make it. My ship was
destroyed... With him on it.
LIBRARIAN (FROM RADIO)
Pity.
88.

CHET
Yeah, well, lucky for us we banged
the hell out of your little ship here.
I don't think you're gonna be able to
enslave all of humanity anytime soon.
The Librarian consults the controls, a hologram of the ship
spinning above it, highlighting damage in red.
LIBRARIAN
An unfortunate delay. But after we
increase the Phantom's compensation,
I foresee the repairs taking no more
than a handful of Earth hours.
Chet and Jo share an alarmed look.
LIBRARIAN
It has been a pleasure doing business
with you for so many years, Chet
Cunningham, but regrettably our
relationship is at an end.
CHET
You won't kill a creature of Earth.
You didn't before, you won't now.
LIBRARIAN
You're right. I could never bear to
destroy anything that has value, so I
will send you someplace where good
use can be made of you.
The Librarian smiles warmly.
INT. COCKPIT, CHET'S SHIP
Daniel watches an ESCAPE POD jettison from the Wormhole Ship.
A SMALL WORMHOLE opens and it DISAPPEARS INSIDE.
Daniel looks over the vast array of controls in front of
him. Out at the menacing Wormhole Ship, still intact.
DANIEL
Oh my God...
EXT. SPACE
The escape pod emerges from its wormhole, plunging into a
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERE. Small jets fire, slowing its descent
before it CRASHES TO THE GROUND.
Dust plumes into the air. Then slowly settles to reveal --
89.
EXT. SCRUB DESERT ENVIRONMENT -- CONTINUOUS

The escape pod's hatch swings open. Chet and Jo stumble out,
shaken but unhurt, helmets sealed on their spacesuits.
Chet eyes the computer screen on his forearm, indicating
green. He unseals his helmet and breathes. Jo does the same.
JO
Well at least they were nice enough
to send us someplace with air.
CHET
That smooth talking son of a bitch!
All this time he's just been using
me! How could I not have seen it?
JO
Because you thought he was your
friend.
CHET
And people wonder why I work alone.
He hastily sets off walking.
CHET
We've gotta figure out where we are
and barter passage off this planet.
We can still stop this.
He comes to the top of a hill, looking off into the distance --
His face drops, confidence draining.
CHET
Holy Mary mother of God...
JO
What is it?
She joins him on the hilltop, overlooking a paved road leading
into a sprawling rural town. A SIGN proclaims:
"WELCOME TO ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO"
CHET
We're fucked.
INT. LIQUOR STORE -- DAY
Chet throws a twenty on the counter and walks away with a
BOTTLE OF HARD ALCOHOL.
JO
So that's it? Just because we're on
Earth, you're gonna give up?
90.
CHET
Hey astrophysicist, here's a simple
equation. I don't have my ship. There
aren't any other ships here. And I
can't even call anyone for help
because all of the stuff to do that
is... On my ship!
BYSTANDERS stare at the crazy man in the odd spacesuit.
CHET
Might as well enjoy our freedom while
it lasts.
He takes a swig and walks out. She storms after him.
EXT. MAIN STREET, ROSWELL, NM -- CONTINUOUS
UFO central. Alien mumbo-jumbo in every store window, on
every sign, even the street lamps have slanted alien eyes.
Chet strolls down the street, liquor in hand, Jo right behind.
JO
Daniel might come after us.
CHET
(scoffs)
He's a cop! He doesn't know how to
do anything without backup and arrest
warrants and spiny flashing lights!
Several UFO FANATICS walk by in cheesy ALIEN COSTUMES.
ALIEN FANATIC
Hey man, great costumes!
CHET
The end is near! Go get laid!
He walks off, taking another swig.
JO
What about Cassandra? You're just
gonna give up on her too?
Chet stops in his tracks.
JO
Who is she?
CHET
She's not your concern.
JO
Is she your wife? Your daughter?
91.
CHET
Drop it, doctor.
JO
Whoever she is, I know she matters
to you.
CHET
It's just a name.
JO
Would she be proud of you right now?
Boozing it up. Calling it quits.
Giving up on the entire human race.
Chet hesitates, deep pain in his eyes.
JO
Who is she?
CHET
She's my sister. And I never found
her. I couldn't bring her home.
Jo softens, taken aback.
CHET
Our parents were gone, I was all she
had. We were inseparable... Until we
were abducted. It was days before I
could find a way out of my cell. By
then, the aliens on the ship had died
from something, disease maybe... But
she was gone. I searched the galaxy,
but all I ever found was other people.
I kept telling myself that she'd be
next, that someone would have seen
her. But there's been nothing. All
that's left is her photo on my wall.
JO
And if you were the one missing, don't
you think that she would go on?
CHET
Do you understand where we are? We're
on a nature preserve! An ass-backwards
nature preserve, half-a-million years
behind in technology! There's no way
off this wretched rock!
Jo smirks.
JO
You know, you don't give your own
species enough credit.
92.
She points to a nearby store window. Chet turns to see, amidst

the various postcards of fake aliens and UFOs, a POSTER of --
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE.
JO
You do remember where I used to work,
don't you?
Chet stares at the image, hope returning.
JO
What would Cassandra do...
CHET
(smiles)
She always was the troublemaker.
INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL -- DAY
Chet and Jo approach a ticket counter, still in their
spacesuits. An employee, MARTHA (20s), eyes them curiously.
CHET
We need two tickets on the next plane
to Orlando.
MARTHA
(re: spacesuits)
Do you work at one of the theme parks?
JO
Not exactly.
Martha smiles awkwardly. Types on her computer.
MARTHA
Okay, there's a flight leaving in
forty-five minutes.
(winces)
But it looks like seats are sixteen-
hundred dollars each.
CHET
We'll take them.
MARTHA
Oh. Okay then. I'll just need your
credit card.
CHET
Actually Martha, I seem to have
misplaced by credit card. But let me
know if these will cover it.
Chet pulls out several sparkling DIAMONDS, enormous by Earth
standards. Martha's jaw drops as he sets them in her hand.
93.
MARTHA
Would you prefer aisle or window?
INT. AIRPLANE -- DAY
Chet and Jo walk down the aisle, now in casual clothes, Chet
carrying a new DUFFEL BAG. They squeeze in next to a
GRANDMOTHER, the last ones to take their seats.
GRANDMOTHER
Looks like you to just made it.
(chuckles)
Do you have family in Florida?
CHET
Actually, we've got to get to Cape
Canaveral, hijack the space shuttle
and try to stop a vastly more advanced
species before they steal the Earth
and enslave the human race.
The Grandmother stares at him. Then gets up and changes seats.
Chet and Jo exchange smiles.
CHET
You do realize that this is insane,
even by my standards.
JO
Let's hope Daniel's come up with a
better plan.
EXT. SPACE -- WITH CHET'S SHIP
The ship still drifts on the edge of the nebula.
Daniel slams his head onto the controls over and over.
DANIEL
Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
He slams his head again. Starts to pace.
DANIEL
Come on Daniel, you've gotta do
something. I mean no pressure, but
the fate of the human race is in your
hands.
He glances out the window at the intimidating Wormhole Ship.
DANIEL
Damn, they're all screwed.
He sighs, hope gone.
94.
Then calms, refocusing.

DANIEL
What would Chet do... What would Chet
do...
And suddenly... Eureka. A smile spreads across his face.
DANIEL
Something incredibly stupid.
INT. MESS AREA -- CONTINUOUS
Daniel rips open the closet full of ALIEN WEAPONS. They tumble
out around him. His eyes widen.
DANIEL
Even Chet wouldn't be this stupid...
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA -- DAY
Tourists galore, snapping photos around the various historical
space attractions, rocket garden, Saturn V on its side, etc.
Chet and Jo step off a TOUR BUS, Chet carrying his duffel.
JO
They're running a fuel test for the
upcoming launch. If we can get inside
the shuttle after it's fueled, it's
ours for the taking.
CHET
And how exactly do you plan to get
us inside the shuttle?
JO
You just worry about getting it off
the ground.
She leads him to an inconspicuous door, its sign reading
"Authorized Personnel Only." A numeric pad beside it.
CHET
You really think they haven't changed
the code in the past year?
Jo punches a code. The door clicks. She swings it open.
JO
It's a government operation.
INT. CORRIDOR, NASA -- CONTINUOUS
They walk past several closed doors. Jo leads them into one
marked "Locker Room."
95.
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Jo makes her way through the rows, scanning names.
JO
Here. This one.
A padlock holds it closed. She pulls out a paper clip and
starts fiddling with it. Chet grabs a FIRE EXTINGUISHER off
the wall and smashes the lock off.
CHET
I never understood the fascination
with picking locks.
Jo grabs the jumpsuit from inside the locker.
JO
There should be one labeled Sanders
around the corner. That's yours.
EXT. LAUNCH CONTROL CENTER -- DAY
Chet and Jo emerge, now dressed in NASA JUMPSUITS, complete
with hats, sunglasses and security badges. They hastily walk
towards a SECURITY GATE, manned by ARMED GUARDS.
GUARD
Names?
JO
Carrie Price and Humphrey Sanders.
Chet eyes her and mouths "Humphrey?"
GUARD
(references list)
I'm not seeing you.
JO
Launch Control just detected a
malfunction in the LCS data center,
and we need to repair it before the
test. Call Phillips in security and
have him reference the master list
for pad access.
The Guard nods, grabs a phone in the booth. Hesitates.
JO
His extension is six-four-three-nine-
two, in case you forgot.
GUARD
Thanks.
They exchange smiles. Chet eyes the other Guard and subtly
moves to cover the photo of someone else on his badge.
96.
GUARD (INTO PHONE)

Hey, this is Collins at gate six. I
have a Price and Sanders here trying
to get access to the pad. Something
about a malfunction in the LFC --
JO
LCS data center.
GUARD
LCS data center.
(listens)
Alright. You got it.
(hangs up)
Sorry about the holdup.
The Guards open the gate. Chet and Jo pass through.
JO
You learn the little things when you
work someplace for years.
GUARD
Hey...
Chet and Jo turn back, trying to hide their concern.
GUARD
Isn't the pad supposed to be totally
clear in forty-give minutes?
JO
Yep. We'll just be in an out.
Chet and Jo walk on. They climb onto a small bus with other
NASA TECHS. It pulls away towards --
The SPACE SHUTTLE in the distance. Looking magnificent under
the midday sun.
EXT. SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH PAD -- DAY
The bus arrives at the base. Chet and Jo step off with the
other Techs. Chet looks up at the towering shuttle.
CHET
So archaic.
JO
I prefer to think of it as classic.
The Techs head off. Chet and Jo go a different direction.
INT. LAUNCH CONTROL DATA CENTER -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Jo duck in. Racks of computer servers. Miles of
network cable. Several workstations amidst the setup.
97.
JO
Can you interface from here?
CHET
Remember what I said about hacking
human computers?
Chet unzips his duffel bag revealing their spacesuits inside.
He detaches the forearm computer from his spacesuit. Sets it
on the desk next to a workstation.
JO
That's it?
CHET
Size isn't everything.
He taps the computer. A holographic display projects above
it. Jo watches as he begins interacting with the hologram.
JO
CHET
I've been saying that for years.
Daniel takes a seat in the captain's chair. Makes some
adjustments on the navigation computer. Takes a deep breath.
DANIEL
A BRIGHT LIGHT turns his attention to the window --
The WORMHOLE SHIP'S ENGINES IGNITE. Bright lasers intersect
as an enormous wormhole opens in front of it. The Bookkeeper
ships follow suit, opening wormholes of their own. They all
fly in, disappearing from the shipyard.
Daniel looks down to the computer. Hits a few more buttons.
DANIEL
Here's hoping...
A laser matrix opens in front of Chet's ship, creating another
wormhole. Daniel flies the ship in.
EXT. SCAVENGER STATION -- SPACE
The wormhole opens and Chet's ship emerges, flying towards --
The SCAVENGER STATION.
INT. DOCKING BAY, SCAVENGER STATION -- SPACE
Scavengers unload cargo from other ships. They all turn as --
98.
A hatch opens, steam clearing to reveal --

DANIEL. ALIEN WEAPONS slung over his shoulders, strapped to
his waist. HUGE NERF GUN in hand.
All work stops, every Scavenger staring with alarm.
DANIEL
Take me to your leader.
INT. LAUNCH CONTROL DATA CENTER -- EVENING
Chet and Jo now wear their spacesuits. Jo paces, watching
the COUNTDOWN. "4:03, 4:02, 4:01." It stops at "4:00."
JO
That's their final launch sequence
hold. They'll keep it here for a few
minutes, then defuel from the test.
CHET
Then let's get this show on the road,
see if that tin can actually flies.
(hold hands over computer)
Hope you don't want your old job back.
Chet presses a holographic key. Computations and code fly
across the projection. Alarms flash around the room as --
THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES. "3:59, 3:58, 3:57!"
INT. LAUNCH CONTROL CENTER -- CONTINUOUS
Alarms blare. ALIEN CODE flashes across the screens. FLIGHT
CONTROLLERS gasp and shout as the COUNTDOWN TICKS AWAY.
FLIGHT DIRECTOR
Tell me this is a practical joke...
FLIGHT CONTROLLER
Someone's activated the main elevator
on the launch pad!
A CAMERA FEED shows two people riding up the elevator in
spacesuits, helmets over their heads.
FLIGHT DIRECTOR
Who in God's name is that?
INT. ELEVATOR, LAUNCH PAD -- CONTINUOUS
The elevator rises painfully slow. Chet eyes his watch. "2:31,
2:30, 2:29."
CHET
You'd think with all the engineers
here they could build a faster
elevator.
99.

Panic! All of the Flight Controllers are on their feet,
scrambling around, frantically making phone calls.
FLIGHT DIRECTOR
Clear the pad! Call the pentagon!
We've got a national emergency!
"1:06, 1:05, 1:04..."
EXT. LAUNCH PAD -- CONTINUOUS
The elevator reaches the top. Chet and Jo run across the
gantry to the shuttle's hatch. Swing it open --
INT. SPACE SHUTTLE -- CONTINUOUS
They struggle to climb up, everything on its side for the
vertical launch. Chet eyes his watch.
"0:29, 0:28, 0:27..."
CHET
Probably want to pick up the pace!
They climb, slipping, nearly falling, as they ascend into
the COCKPIT. The monitor just above the main controls reads --
"0:11, 0:10, 0:09..."
CHET
Strap in!
Jo climbs into her seat, straps in. Chet jumps into the
pilot's seat, fiddling with his harness --
THE MAIN ENGINES FIRE. The whole shuttle SHAKES beneath them.
Chet almost tumbles out of his seat.
Everyone watches, jaw dropped as THE SHUTTLE LIFTS OFF THE
PAD, smoke billowing away as it rises into the sky.
FLIGHT DIRECTOR
There goes all our funding.
INT. KING'S LAIR, SCAVENGER STATION -- SPACE
Daniel stands tall as the Scavenger King circles in the shadows.
You think you can just barge into my
home and demand a meeting with me?
100.
DANIEL
I didn't barge in. Your boys held
the door open.
Give me one reason why I shouldn't
kill you right now.
Daniel holds up the Nerf gun and cocks in a round.
DANIEL
How about a whole bunch of reasons.
The King snatches the gun away and rips it in half.
Do you really think I am that stupid?
DANIEL
I hope not. Because I have a
proposition for you. A business
proposition.
The King growls, reluctantly intrigued.
Daniel pulls out Chet's metal briefcase and lifts the lid.
I have no interest in your fruit.
Daniel pulls out an apple and takes a bite, smiling cockily.
DANIEL
I'm not offering fruit.
INT. COCKPIT, SPACE SHUTTLE -- CONTINUOUS
The atmosphere fades away as the shuttle enters space. Chet
struggles with the control stick.
CHET
How do you get this thing off
autopilot?
Jo flips a switch.
CHET
Thanks.
He brings the shuttle around to see --
The WORMHOLE SHIP, bearing down on Earth.
CHET
We're cutting this a little close.
JO
So what's the plan?
101.
CHET
Honestly, I never expected us to get
this thing off the pad.
Jo shoots him a look.
CHET
Guess we'll just have to wing it.
JO
How do you plan on winging that?
She points out the window. Chet's eyes go wide at the sight
of countless small BOOKKEEPER SHIPS FLYING TOWARDS THEM!
CHET
ABANDON SHIP!
They unfasten their restraints and race out of the cockpit.
The Bookkeeper Ships OPEN FIRE, ripping into the Shuttle.
INT. SPACE SHUTTLE -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Jo cower as they make their way deeper into the
shuttle, energized shells cutting everything apart.
CHET
Suggestions?
JO
Cargo bay!
The whole shuttle SHUDDERS beneath them. They push into the --
CARGO BAY
Jo punches a control, OPENING THE CARGO BAY DOORS. They dive
behind a SATELLITE for cover, grabbing hold.
JO
Jump away towards the ship on three?
CHET
One, two --
GUNFIRE blazes into the bay, BLOWING A TANK, KNOCKING THE
SATELLITE FREE. Chet and Jo hang onto it as --
The Satellite SPIRALS AWAY. The Bookkeeper ships rip apart
what's left of the Shuttle, engulfing it in a FIERY EXPLOSION.
Chet and Jo hang on for dear life, riding the satellite as
it CAREENS TOWARDS THE WORMHOLE SHIP. Closer, closer --
102.
The satellite CRASHES THROUGH A VIEWPORT!

INT. WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Jo are thrown about, AIR BILLOWING out of the
breached window into space. They get to their feet in the
artificial gravity and make their way through a hatch.
CORRIDOR
They slam the hatch closed and collapse to the floor, removing
their helmets, out of breath.
JO
That was easy enough.
CHET
We've gotta find our way to the power
source. Take it out before they take
the Earth.
He pulls out Daniel's handgun.
JO
Tell me that's not all you're packing.
CHET
They're just bookkeepers.
Chet pokes his head around the corner --
GUNFIRE ERUPTS! Chet narrowly dodges for cover.
JO
Just bookkeepers?
CHET
Apparently they read some books on
guns.
Chet ducks around the corner, firing at the advancing GROUP
OF BOOKKEEPERS. They unload a slew of AUTOMATIC RAIL GUN
FIRE in return, driving Chet back. He sticks his gun around
the corner, firing blindly.
JO
We're not gonna get far like this.
Chet looks around, noticing the GRAVITY PODS on the ceiling.
CHET
I wonder...
He jumps up and rips off a pod. Starts tinkering with it.
JO
What are you doing?
103.
CHET
These suckers simulate gravity, so
if I can just tweak the output
settings a little, then --
He TOSSES THE GRAVITY POD down the corridor towards the
Bookkeepers. It stops in their midst. They eye it curiously.
JO
Then nothing happens?!
CHET
I don't know, I was improvising!
The Bookkeepers continue their advance --
BOOM! The Gravity Pod releases a MAGNETIC PULSE so violent
it sends the Bookkeepers FLYING IN EVERY DIRECTION, brutally
slamming them into the walls and ceiling.
JO
We need a bunch more of those.
They race down the corridor past the fallen Bookkeepers.
VARIOUS CORRIDORS
Chet and Jo run through the ship, rounding corners. GUNFIRE
follows them. They duck for cover.
Jo jumps up and grabs a gravity pod, tweaking it.
CHET
Do you know what you're doing?
JO
Not a clue.
She throws the pod -- BOOM! An even BIGGER PULSE than last
time, sending Bookkeepers flying.
CHET
Good enough for me.
They grab more gravity pods off the ceiling.
Suddenly a THROBBING HUM draws their attention, like the
entire ship is coming to life. They look outside to see --
A laser matrix forming in space as a WORMHOLE BEGINS TO OPEN
RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE EARTH!
JO
How much time do we have?
CHET
Not enough.
104.
They sprint, rounding corners until they emerge into the --

ENGINEERING COMPARTMENT
They seal the hatch and turn to see --
The POWER CORE. A towering clear sphere filled with swirling
blue gas, a bright point of light dimly visible in the center.
CHET
(re: gravity pods)
Let's hope these things pack enough
punch.
Chet and Jo lay all the gravity pods under the sphere's
support structure.
CHET
You do realize that if we blow this
thing up, it's not gonna end too
well for us.
JO
If we save Earth then it doesn't
matter.
CHET
(considers)
I suppose you're right.
Chet arms the gravity pods and runs back. He and Jo duck for
cover as the GRAVITY PODS PULSE SIMULTANEOUSLY, sending out
a SHOCK WAVE that knocks them off their feet.
But the power core stands unaffected.
CHET
Are you kidding me?
He pulls out the gun and empties the clip at the sphere. Not
even a ding. He throws the gun at it. It clanks off.
CHET
I'm open to suggestions, doctor.
JO
I... Uh...
The hatch BLOWS OPEN. BOOKKEEPERS POUR IN, guns trained on
Chet and Jo. They raise their arms, surrounded.
THE LIBRARIAN
Walks in with his usual sense of serene pleasantness.
105.
LIBRARIAN
Chet Cunningham, I have grown tired
of your petulant interference. While
it once seemed prudent to preserve
your lives, I have since reevaluated
my stance.
CHET
I'd rather die than be enslaved by a
species like yours.
The Bookkeepers stiffen, ready to fire. But the Librarian
waves them off.
LIBRARIAN
No, no, not like that. Toss them out
the airlock. I want our guests to
enjoy the view as their planet is
whisked away.
(to Chet)
You'll die the way you've always
been, Chet. Alone. Just like all of
those poor souls who you failed to
bring home. Just like your sister.
Chet glares hatefully at him.
LIBRARIAN
Pity you never found her. But you'll
have plenty of time to think about
that as you drift away into the depths
of space.
Chet and Jo have the snap realization at the same moment,
eyes meeting, looking down to the --
"LIFE PRESERVERS" on their belts.
JO
You said never use them in a ship.
CHET
Time to see why.
They pull them off their belts, pop the covers, press the
red buttons and THROW THEM TOWARDS THE ENERGY CORE --
WORMHOLES SPRING TO LIFE. While they would be stable in the
vacuum of space, in the ship, surrounded by atmosphere and
matter, they RAPIDLY GROW OUT OF CONTROL.
The POWER CORE BREACHES in moments, the sphere COLLAPSING,
inner gas swirling into the wormholes. The LIGHTS GO OUT.
SPARKING CONSOLES provide flashes of the chaos --
Chet and Jo grab onto a railing as a VIOLENT TORRENT OF WIND
AND GRAVITY sucks Bookkeepers into the GROWING WORMHOLES.
106.
CHET
Get higher!
Chet and Jo climb, fighting against the maelstrom, the
wormholes growing bigger and bigger, getting closer to them.
Jo pulls herself onto a landing. Chet moves to follow --
A FLYING OBJECT collides with him on its way into the
wormholes. Chet FALLS --
JO
CHET!
She grabs his hand just in time. He DANGLES OVER THE EDGE,
the wormholes ALMOST UPON HIM.
Jo struggles to pull him up. But suddenly a hand LATCHES
ONTO HIS LEG. Chet looks down to see --
The LIBRARIAN clinging mightily to him.
LIBRARIAN
Your stupidity will kill us all,
creature of Earth.
CHET
It's not stupidity... It's human
ingenuity!
With his free leg, Chet winds up and CLOBBERS THE LIBRARIAN
IN THE FACE, causing him to lose his grip and FALL.
Jo pulls Chet up to safety. They look down to see --
The Librarian plummeting away, face still serene. Without so
much as a scream, he DISAPPEARS INTO THE WORMHOLE.
Then just like that, the WORMHOLES BLINK OUT, their mini-
generators dropping to the floor, dark. Every Bookkeeper is
gone. All is silent.
CHET
Most undervalued commodity in the
galaxy.
They look out a viewport to see --
ESCAPE PODS JETTISONING from the ship. Librarian Ships open
wormholes and retreat as --
The WORMHOLE IN FRONT OF EARTH FADES AWAY.
For a moment, everything is peaceful.
But their perspective suddenly changes, the Earth CANTING
AWKWARDLY in the window, GROWING LARGER BY THE SECOND.
107.
JO
Uh... Chet?
CHET
This thing's gonna crash!
He runs out the door. Jo races after him.
CORRIDORS
They sprint through the dark ship, pools of sunlight streaming
in through the scattered windows.
CONTROL ROOM
Chet and Jo rush in. Chet desperately goes to work on the
control panels running dimly on emergency power.
CHET
The whole ship's toast. All the escape
pods are gone.
JO
Chet, a ship this size...
CHET
Yeah... Just like the dinosaurs...
The Earth grows larger and larger in the window before them.
CHET
We didn't save the planet... We're
about to destroy it.
They watch in silence. Impending doom drawing ever closer.
Jo takes Chet's hand, squeezing tight.
STREAKS OF FIRE build around the edges of the window as the
Wormhole Ship enters the upper atmosphere.
Then suddenly -- POPPING STATIC in their radio headsets.
Chet snaps around to the displays, recognizing a SMALL VESSEL
in the radar hologram.
CHET
What the -- That's my ship!
DANIEL (VIA RADIO)
Chet? Jo? You guys out there?
JO
Daniel?!
CHET
Daniel, get us off this thing fast!
This whole ship's about to take a
swan dive into the planet!
108.

DANIEL
Good to see you too, Chet. But I've
got a better idea.
EXT. WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
COUNTLESS WORMHOLES OPEN around Chet's ship. SCAVENGER
SPACECRAFT pour out.
Chet's jaw drops at the sight.
CHET
Daniel... What did you do?
DANIEL (VIA RADIO)
I called for backup.
DANIEL
You told me this job is about figuring
out what everyone wants. Well I figured
the Scavengers would love a really
big ship to tear apart. But you might
want to get out fast, I don't think
they're gonna wait for you.
EXT. WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
The Scavenger spacecraft SWOOP IN, LATCHING ONTO THE WORMHOLE
SHIP, ripping into it with LASERS and CUTTING SAWS.
Chet and Jo exchange a look, then SPRINT FOR THE DOOR, pulling
their helmets on just as --
The control room is CUT IN HALF!
INT. VARIOUS CORRIDORS, WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Jo run for their lives, dodging lasers and saws as
THE SHIP IS RIPPED APART AROUND THEM.
Daniel pilots through the chaos, jutting around Scavenger
Spacecraft, narrowly avoiding lasers, explosions rising as
he maneuvers towards the Wormhole Ship.
INT. WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Jo round a corner. And suddenly, their path is
blocked by SEVERAL INTERSECTING LASERS, moving closer.
109.
They try to turn back, but a SAW CUTS THROUGH THE HULL, a
wall of sparks BLOCKING THEIR RETREAT.
Chet and Jo stand in the midst of destruction. The artificial
gravity disappears and they drift into the air.
JO
Chet?
CHET
Yeah?
JO
I never thanked you for saving me.
Their eyes meet.
The CORRIDOR BREAKS APART around them. They look up to see --
CHET'S SPACESHIP closing in fast.
DANIEL (VIA RADIO)
Grab hold!
Chet and Jo grab the hull. The ship radically changes course,
rocketing back out of the chaos as larger and larger explosions
billow around them. Chet and Jo struggle to hang on --
And they're clear! Chet and Jo look back to see --
THE ENTIRE WORMHOLE SHIP BEING CHOPPED TO PIECES, all of
which are DRAGGED AWAY BY SCAVENGER SPACECRAFT. Wormholes
open as the Scavengers tunnel away with their treasure.
Jo climbs through the hatch into Chet's ship. Chet moves to
follow, then notices --
ONE SCAVENGER SHIP REMAINING, bristling with weapons. It
thrusts towards him, the SCAVENGER KING visible in the window.
For a long moment, the two sworn enemies glare at each other.
Then ever so subtly, the Scavenger King nods. Chet nods back.
The ship flies away, disappearing through a wormhole.
INT. MESS AREA, CHET'S SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Chet and Jo come out of the airlock, tossing their helmets.
CHET
How in the world did you pull that
off?!
DANIEL
I just took your advice: I did
something really stupid.
110.
CHET
That wasn't stupid, Daniel. That was
ingenious.
(holds out hand)
If you ever want to come along on
another case, you're more than welcome
to pump the gas.
Daniel laughs. They shake hands proudly.
CHET
(to Jo)
And as for you...
He launches back into his rehearsed speech.
CHET
Dr. Joanne Kelley, you've been abducted
by aliens, survived a trip to the
galactic core and helped prevent the
theft of planet Earth. It's probably
gonna be in your best interest not to
tell anyone about this back home.
JO
Chet... I'm not going home.
CHET
You're not?
JO
You're not gonna get rid of me that
easily.
DANIEL
Me neither. I can't go back to finding
puppies after this.
Chet looks them over. A smile spreads across his face.
CHET
We're gonna need a bigger spaceship.
EXT. SPACE
Chet's ship flies back towards Earth, the pristine planet
gleaming in the sunlight.
EXT. DESERT, ARIZONA -- DAY
The sun shines down on the endless expanse of desert, Chet's
rundown construction trailer the only sign of life. A tumble
weed blows past the NEW SIGN:
"C. Cunningham, J. Kelley & D. McKenzie Contracting."
111.
INT. CHET'S OFFICE -- DAY

Three desks have been squeezed into the space. Chet supervises
as Daniel and Jo hang his WORLD MAP on the wall, displaying
photos of the people he's saved.
CHET
Little to the left. Little more.
There. Perfect.
They step back, looking it over.
JO
I think it's missing something.
Chet pulls out JO'S PHOTO and sticks it into Arizona.
CHET
You know, you really do look a lot
nicer in your picture.
Jo eyes him menacingly. They all laugh.
DANIEL
So... Technically speaking, "boss,"
do we need to fill out any start
paperwork?
CHET
I'm not really a paperwork kinda
guy.
JO
What about benefits?
CHET
You have the benefit of riding in my
spaceship.
DANIEL
Sick pay? Overtime? Christmas bonuses?
Chet buries his head in his hands.
CHET
I'm regretting this already.
AMBER (O.S.)
Chet...
CHET
Christ, can I even get one day off?
Amber appears in the doorway, mouth hanging open as if she's
just seen a ghost. She holds a printout in her hand.
CHET
What is it?
112.
AMBER
A message, from the Overseer.
CHET
Who'd they take and how much do they
want?
AMBER
It's not a kidnapping, Chet. All it
says is... "I said you'd be the first
to know."
Sudden recognition in Chet's eyes. He snatches the printout.
A BLURRY IMAGE, enhanced and sharpened, but unmistakable.
The face of a WOMAN (late 30s) who is strikingly familiar...
Chet looks to the PHOTO OF CASSANDRA hanging beside the map.
To the image in his hand. He knows. It's her.
CHET
What planet was this taken on? What
system?
AMBER
That's the thing, Chet. It wasn't
taken here. It's from another galaxy.
A moment as Chet processes this. But it won't stop him. It
won't even slow him down. A flame has been reignited. A fire
that will never die. He storms towards the door.
JO
Chet, wait!
He turns back to see Daniel and Jo, standing tall.
DANIEL
We're coming with you.
EXT. DESERT -- DUSK
The sun sets as the three of them walk towards the large
ROCK OVERHANG. Chet grabs at the rock and pulls, yanking
down the camouflaged tarp, revealing --
His Spaceship. "Cassandra" gleaming in the fading sunlight.
Chet opens the hatch and climbs on.
Daniel and Jo stand back, looking it over.
DANIEL
So Doctor... How exactly does one
get to another galaxy?
113.
JO
I have a feeling it's gonna involve
a lot of human ingenuity.
They climb aboard and close the hatch.
A LOW RUMBLE as the engine spins up. LIGHTS across the hull
illuminate as the SHIP COMES TO LIFE. It LIFTS OFF THE GROUND,
hovering out from under the overhang. The rear engines fire --
ROCKETING THE SHIP TOWARDS THE HEAVENS.
SMASH TO BLACK.

Chet Cunningham

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Chet Cunningham

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CHET CUNNINGHAM

Steve Desmond & Michael Sherman

Shan Ray Jenny Wood

THE DEPTHS OF SPACE, distant stars and galaxies twinkling.

TWO ALIENS enter, their weapons making the high pitched

Chet leads George to a DOCKING HATCH. Enters a numeric code.

George smiles, tears of joy forming as he begins to cry.

EXT. RURAL ROAD, ARIZONA -- EVENING

Chet walks in and sets down the vacuum amidst an assortment

INT. POLICE STATION -- EVENING

EXT. PARKING LOT / INT. POLICE CAR -- NIGHT

INT. TELESCOPE DOME -- NIGHT

And for a moment, all is quiet. Serene. Beautiful. Jo smiles.

EXT. CHET'S FIFTH WHEEL -- MORNING

EXT. RURAL ROAD -- DAY

Hears the birds. Turns to see Daniel on the hill.

Chet types into his navigational computer. Once again, the

EXT. SCORPIO -- CONTINUOUS

In the midst of it all crouches ANOTHER BRUISER, though far

EXT. MUSKRATS' BOOTH, STREET MARKET -- LATER

We will later come to know them as SCAVENGERS.

Looks over his shoulder, seeing the Scavengers closing.

Their central hub. Multiple tiers radiate up through the

Chet pushes off to another piece of debris. Daniel follows.

Chet moves towards an AIRLOCK, an ALIEN NUMERIC KEYPAD beside

SCAVENGER KING (SUBTITLED)

The Scavengers King looks at him with what almost amounts to

A nearby airlock opens. SCAVENGERS EMERGE IN SPACESUITS.

A Scavenger soars towards him. Chet CATAPULTS IT OVER HIM.

EARTH in the distance.

EXT. SPACE -- CONTINUOUS

INT. COCKPIT -- CONTINUOUS

Sweeping display panels of BLACK GLASS are spread throughout

Jo turns as a Phantom bears down on her --

Out the window, the DISTANT STAR drifts into view.

BOOKKEEPERS flood into the control room, aiming alien weapons

Horror washes over Chet's face.

INT. CONTROL ROOM, WORMHOLE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS

EXT. SCRUB DESERT ENVIRONMENT -- CONTINUOUS

She points to a nearby store window. Chet turns to see, amidst

Then calms, refocusing.

INT. LOCKER ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

GUARD (INTO PHONE)

A hatch opens, steam clearing to reveal --

INT. LAUNCH CONTROL CENTER -- CONTINUOUS

The satellite CRASHES THROUGH A VIEWPORT!

They sprint, rounding corners until they emerge into the --

INT. COCKPIT, CHET'S SHIP -- CONTINUOUS

INT. CHET'S OFFICE -- DAY

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