Dr. ELENA REEVES (34, scientist, astrophysicist) scans the
night sky searching for a one-in-a-million planet. Charts and
data streams across multiple monitors illuminate her
determined face.
CAPTAIN MICHAEL CHEN (35, former astronaut, and scientist)
moves beside Elena and looks over her shoulder.
MICHAEL
When are you going to give up on
your mission to find an alternative
to our planet. I doubt one exists.
ELENA
It exists, Michael. I just haven't
found it yet. But I will. I
definitely will.
Michael walks away laughing.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Don't doubt me yet. When this
fragile planet of ours falls apart,
you'll hope I found something.
MICHAEL
It's not going to fall apart in my
time, Elena, so I'm not too
worried.
Elena turns sharply.
ELENA
You really believe that? Despite
all the evidence? And how about
Zach and Vic?
Michael stops and walks back.
MICHAEL
What evidence? Show me what you've
got.
Elena pulls a folder from the bottom drawer of her desk and
sets it on the table in front of him.
ELENA
Start with that, then tell me
nothing's wrong.
Michael leafs through the folder, and his face grows more
grim as he turns each page.
MICHAEL
This is true?
Elena nods.
ELENA
I don't want it to be, but it is.
She puts a USB drive into the slot on the side of her
computer.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Now take a look at this.
Michael looks on as the video plays.
MONTAGE: EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
- Ice caps melting. Giant glaciers breaking off into the sea.
- Air pollution in major cities. Far worse than even Los
Angeles.
- Mass extinction of wildlife on both land and sea.
- Coastal cities flooding regularly.
- Massive refugee migrations from uninhabitable regions.
- Failed crops and empty supermarket shelves.
- Riots and social unrest over water and food.
END OF MONTAGE
Michael remains silent for a moment, then he looks at Elena.
MICHAEL
And this is for real?
Elena nods.
ELENA
It's real. That's why I'm here
every night searching the skies.
We've got to find somewhere to go.
Michael chuckles nervously.
MICHAEL
How? Even if you found somewhere,
we couldn't get there.
ELENA
You're the astronaut. I'm counting
on you to handle that part.
MICHAEL
Thanks for letting me know.
ELENA
You've seen the video. You better
be quick. Even then I don't know
how we're going to pull this off.
Based on my calculations, we've got
maybe 18 months. After that — Earth
is gone.
MICHAEL
There's a chance. NASA's been
testing a new spaceship with the
right propulsion technology
combined with magnetic energy. The
ship's even got a fully working
hibernation chamber big enough to
hold forty pods.
Elena bursts out laughing, her excitement obvious.
ELENA
And it works?
MICHAEL
I wouldn't go as far as that — yet.
But initial trials showed an 85%
success rate.
(a beat)
Best of all though, the ship is
based less than a mile from here,
and Eddy has access. He's been
doing a lot of the launch testing.
ELENA
Oh my God! This is fantastic.
(a beat)
But we need to expedite the plans.
(MORE)
ELENA (CONT’D)
We can't afford to have them move
the ship.
MICHAEL
Commander Torres still holds sway
there, and I’m guessing he’ll go
with us. He’s in a position where
he can stall things for a while.
ELENA
Good. I'll prepare the family. You
need to do the same, and tell the
others to do likewise.
Michael heads for the door.
MICHAEL
If I'm going to work on this, I
better get some sleep. See you
tomorrow.
Elena begins putting things away.
ELENA
I won't be far behind you.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
A Night of Warmth and Worry
INT. REEVES' HOUSE - NIGHT
Elena walks through the door and is greeted eagerly by her
two kids, RENNY REEVES (14, male, enthusiastic, nerdy) and
JESS REEVES (13, female, shy and reserved).
RENNY
Hey, Mom. How'd your day go?
Jess gives her a hug.
JESS
Tell us about it.
Elena gives them hugs, then heads toward the kitchen.
ELENA
Let me get a glass of wine before
you swamp me with questions. And
where's your dad?
Renny laughs it off.
RENNY
He's off doing what dads do, I
guess.
(MORE)
RENNY (CONT’D)
Or at least what our dad does. He
left a couple of hours ago.
JESS
He said something about meeting Sam
for drinks.
ELENA
(concerned)
Sam?
RENNY
You know, that old guy who used to
work at the space center. Dad's
been talking to him a lot lately.
Elena's face grows worried.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Family Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A Dire Conversation
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Elena pours herself a glass of wine and sits at the table.
ELENA
I need to talk to both of you.
The kids pull out chairs and sit.
RENNY
What's up? Anything wrong?
Elena shakes her head.
ELENA
Yes, and no. It's just ... the
Earth, our planet, is falling
apart. If it continues we won't
have long to live.
Jess reels back.
JESS
What do you mean?
Elena takes another big sip from her glass.
ELENA
I mean what I said, Jess. I know
you've heard me talk to your father
about it. Now I'm telling you.
Earth is falling apart, and there's
nothing we can do to stop it. We
waited too long.
Renny grows almost defensive.
RENNY
That can't be right, Mom. My
science teacher says the climate
reports are exaggerated. He says
technology will fix everything.
ELENA
Your science teacher is an idiot.
And anyone who tells you
differently is wrong. We're doomed
— unless we find another home.
JESS
What are we gonna do?
Elena slugs the remainder of her glass and stares at the
kids.
ELENA
I'm searching for a place to go.
RENNY
Where?
JESS
How will we get there?
Elena pours herself another glass, unusual for her.
ELENA
I don't have all the answers yet.
(a beat)
Hell, I don't have any answers yet.
But I'll get them, and soon.
RENNY
Mom, you're scaring us.
ELENA
Good. You should be scared. We all
should be.
JESS
But what about school? Our friends?
ELENA
What about them? None of that will
matter if we're all dead.
The harshness of her words makes both kids shrink back.
ELENA (CONT’D)
(softening)
I'm sorry. I don't mean to frighten
you more than necessary. But this
is serious. More serious than
anything that's ever happened to
our family.
Renny gets up from the table and hugs his mom.
RENNY
All right, Mom. We're going to bed.
You've given me plenty to worry
about.
JESS
Goodnight.
Elena calls to them.
ELENA
One more thing. You can't tell
anybody. I mean no one. If they
knew what I was doing, I'd go to
prison.
RENNY
Prison? For what?
ELENA
For trying to save us all.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Fractured Plans
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
DR. KEVIN REEVES (40, intelligent, vocal, drinks too much)
enters the living room quietly. He turns on a light, but then
Elena's voice startles him.
ELENA
I'm here, Kevin.
He staggers to the sofa and plops down.
KEVIN
I didn't see you there. I was just
down —
ELENA
At the bar. I know. Finding you is
never a problem.
Kevin snaps back at her, slurring his words.
KEVIN
Finding you is no problem either.
You're at that observatory every
goddamn night.
Elena's face forms a scowl.
ELENA
And I'm there for a reason. To save
our asses, yours included, though I
don't know why.
KEVIN
I know all about your plans. I was
telling Sam down at Murphy's —
Elena bolts up erect.
ELENA
Telling who? Who did you tell, and
what?
Kevin gets defensive.
KEVIN
I just told old Sam. He's nobody.
Elena trembles.
ELENA
Sam used to work for the launch
teams. He knows a lot of people.
Important people.
Kevin brushes it off.
KEVIN
He won't tell anybody. Sam's all
right. Besides, he thinks the whole
thing is crazy talk anyway.
ELENA
What exactly did you tell him?
KEVIN
Just that my wife thinks the world
is ending and wants to steal a
spaceship to fly to some imaginary
planet.
Elena's wine glass slips from her hand and shatters on the
floor.
ELENA
Kevin, you idiot. You complete and
total idiot.
KEVIN
Hey, what's the big deal? Like I
said, he thinks it's nuts.
ELENA
The big deal is that Sam may think
it's nuts, but he also knows enough
about the space program to verify
whether we actually have access to
a ship.
Elena pushes her wine glass away and picks up the phone.
ELENA (CONT’D)
We can't risk it.
She dials a memorized number.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Michael. We've been compromised. We
need to accelerate the plan. I
think I can stall for a while, but
I don't know for how long.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
How bad is it?
ELENA
Kevin told Sam about everything.
The ship, the plan, everything.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
Christ. Okay, I'll call Torres and
Eddy. We need to move fast.
ELENA
How fast?
MICHAEL (V.O.)
Two days. Maybe sooner.
KEVIN
(overhearing)
Two days? Elena, what the hell are
you talking about?
Elena hangs up and turns to face her husband.
ELENA
We're leaving in two days. With or
without you.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Mission Under Threat
INT. OBSERVATORY - DAY
Elena is busy analyzing charts when Michael walks in with
EDDY FALCO (35, opinionated, strong believer in the mission).
ELENA
Kevin told Sam what we're doing. He
thinks Sam won't talk, but I'm not
so sure. In fact, I'm certain he
will.
Michael sets his laptop on the table and opens it.
MICHAEL
Whether he does or doesn't makes no
difference. We can't risk it.
EDDY
I've been monitoring radio chatter.
There's already increased security
around the launch facility.
ELENA
They know?
EDDY
They suspect. That's enough.
ELENA
I agree. Help me scrub these
computers clean so they can't trace
what we've been doing.
(a beat)
By the way, Michael. Since this is
your area of expertise - what are
we going to use to get to our new
home.
Michael laughs grimly.
MICHAEL
You haven't told me where the new
home is, or how far we'll have to
travel.
Elena smiles, but only briefly.
ELENA
I was afraid you'd ask. I finally
identified a planet that should
support life, but it's a hell of a
long voyage.
Elena moves to another monitor, one that shows a map of the
galaxy. She points to a distant speck, light years away.
ELENA (CONT’D)
This is it. I'm calling it
Atlantis. If there's life there,
God only knows what they call it.
We'll have to see.
Michael steps closer and looks. He types in a few numbers to
calculate the distance, then steps back.
MICHAEL
You weren't shitting when you said
it was far away.
EDDY
How far exactly?
Elena smiles grimly.
ELENA
Based on my latest calculations,
it's 4.5 light years away.
Eddy whistles low.
EDDY
That's ... that's impossibly far.
Michael paces, his face showing concern.
MICHAEL
You realize that space hibernation
is still in its infancy. The first
trials have shown mixed results,
with almost 20% casualties.
Elena nods.
ELENA
We'll have to take the risk.
Without it, we face decades of
flight. None of us would survive
that.
EDDY
What about supplies? Food, water,
oxygen?
MICHAEL
The hibernation pods slow our
metabolism to almost nothing. We'll
need minimal supplies for the
journey itself, but we'll need
enough for the settlement phase.
ELENA
How minimal?
MICHAEL
Each person in hibernation consumes
roughly the equivalent of one day's
normal supplies per year.
ELENA
So for a forty-year journey ...
MICHAEL
Forty days' worth of supplies per
person. Maybe double that for
safety.
EDDY
That's manageable. What about the
ship itself? Can it handle a
journey that long?
MICHAEL
Between you and me, we have access
to everything we need. The ship is
designed for extended deep space
missions. If Sam keeps his mouth
shut, we're golden.
Elena nods grimly.
ELENA
I'll make sure of that.
EDDY
What does that mean?
ELENA
It means I'll do whatever it takes
to protect this mission.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Dinner Table Tensions
INT. REEVES' HOUSE - KITCHEN - NEXT NIGHT
Elena serves dinner, pasta with sausage and peppers, to the
kids, Kevin and SAM COOPER (60s, former launch technician,
nervous disposition).
ELENA
I hope you all enjoy it. The
peppers weren't as fresh as I
hoped, but I think they'll be all
right.
Kevin and Sam dig in, and Sam is the first to comment.
SAM
Damn, Elena, that's good; in fact,
it's great.
Elena smiles warmly.
ELENA
Glad you like it, Sam. I hadn't
made it in a while. It's actually
Kevin's favorite dish.
Kevin chimes in.
KEVIN
Good job, babe. I think it's great.
Sam seems nervous, glancing around the kitchen.
SAM
Nice place you got here. Very
organized.
ELENA
Thank you. I like things tidy.
SAM
Kevin tells me you work up at the
observatory.
ELENA
That's right. Searching for
habitable planets.
SAM
Find any?
Elena pauses, studying Sam's face.
ELENA
A few possibilities. Nothing
concrete yet.
SAM
But Kevin mentioned something about
... well, about actually going to
one of these planets.
Kevin shifts uncomfortably.
KEVIN
Elena's got some pretty wild
theories about Earth's future.
SAM
Wild how?
ELENA
I believe our planet is facing an
extinction-level environmental
collapse within the next two years.
SAM
And you think the solution is to
... what? Steal a spaceship and fly
away?
The room falls silent. Elena's smile remains, but her eyes
harden.
ELENA
I think the solution is to ensure
the survival of the human species
by any means necessary.
After dinner, Elena cleans the table and sets the dishes in
the sink.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Maybe we should step onto the back
porch. Kev, why don't you open a
bottle of wine.
(a beat)
Kids, it's bedtime.
RENNY
But Mom, it's only eight-thirty.
ELENA
(firmly)
Bedtime. Now.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
A Deadly Secret
EXT. BACK PATIO - NIGHT
Elena walks onto the back porch followed by Kevin, carrying a
bottle of Chianti. She holds her glass out for him to fill
it. Then he fills Sam's glass as well.
Elena walks close to Sam, and clinks his glass.
ELENA
Sam, you didn't tell anyone about
the crazy idea Kevin shared with
you, did you?
Sam takes a long gulp of wine.
SAM
You mean the far-fetched stuff?
Only a few people, the ones who
know him well.
ELENA
Which people, specifically?
SAM
Well, there's Director Frederick
down at the launch facility. And
Commander Harrison from security.
Oh, and that new guy, Peterson,
who's been asking a lot of
questions about unauthorized access
protocols.
Elena's face remains calm, but Kevin notices her hand
trembling.
KEVIN
Elena? You okay?
ELENA
I'm fine. Sam, when did you talk to
these people?
SAM
Just this afternoon. They seemed
real interested in what you folks
were up to.
Elena laughs, then pulls a pistol from the back of her
waistband, and shoots Sam twice in the gut.
Kevin gasps and stumbles backward.
KEVIN
What did you do? Holy Christ, what
did you do?
Sam collapses, blood spreading across his shirt.
SAM
(gasping)
Elena ... why ...?
ELENA
Because you just signed all of our
death warrants.
She fires once more, and Sam goes still.
Elena immediately dials her phone.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Michael, I'm going to need you over
at my house. And you might need
help.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
Help? For what?
ELENA
Sam's dead, and we need to dispose
of the body. Also, he talked. We're
blown.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
Oh, God. How blown?
ELENA
Security's asking questions. We
have maybe six hours before they
put it together.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
I'll be right there.
Kevin stares at his wife in horror.
KEVIN
You killed him. You actually killed
him.
ELENA
I saved us.
KEVIN
How does murdering Sam save anyone?
ELENA
Because now he can't tell them
anything else. And because it buys
us the time we need to get off this
planet.
KEVIN
Elena, you've lost your mind.
ELENA
No, Kevin. I've found it. For the
first time in years, I know exactly
what needs to be done.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Desperate Escape
INT. REEVES' HOUSE - NIGHT
Michael rushes inside, followed by Eddy. They both make haste
to the back patio.
EXT. BACK PATIO - NIGHT
Michael looks down at Sam's body, blood forming a puddle
under him. Elena is on her knees scrubbing the deck. She
looks up at Michael and Eddy.
ELENA
Did you bring your truck?
MICHAEL
I've got the truck and Eddy brought
several large bags. You got any
idea where we can dump him?
ELENA
The only place I can think of is
the observatory dump. They only
pick it up every other week.
Hopefully, we'll be gone by then.
Michael leans down and grabs hold of Sam under his arms by
the shoulders.
MICHAEL
Get his feet, Eddy. We'll bag him,
then take him down the porch steps
and right to the truck.
They put Sam in the bag, then carry him to the truck.
EDDY
Elena, what exactly did he tell
them?
ELENA
Enough. He mentioned Director
Frederick, Commander Harrison, and
someone named Peterson.
MICHAEL
Peterson's Internal Security. If
he's involved, we're in deep shit.
EDDY
How deep?
MICHAEL
They'll have the launch facility
locked down by morning. Maybe
sooner.
ELENA
Then we go tonight.
MICHAEL
Tonight? That's impossible. We're
not ready.
ELENA
We don't have a choice. It's
tonight or never.
EDDY
What about the others? The families
we talked about bringing?
ELENA
We call them now. Anyone who can be
ready in two hours comes with us.
Anyone who can't, doesn't.
Michael slams the truck tailgate shut.
MICHAEL
Elena, stop by the observatory in
one hour. You too, Eddy. We need to
make final plans for our new home.
Eddy opens his eyes wide.
EDDY
Really? We're actually doing this?
ELENA
We just crossed the line, Eddy.
There's no going back now.
EDDY
Where is this place we're going?
Elena looks at Kevin, then back to Eddy.
ELENA
Pretty damn far away. That's the
other reason I want you to come
over. We need to figure out
logistics.
EDDY
You didn't answer. How far?
ELENA
(sighing)
Four and a half light years.
EDDY
Jesus Christ!
MICHAEL
You better have a lot of wine when
we get there.
EDDY
The hell with that. Bring hard
liquor.
MICHAEL
We better get moving, Eddy. Sam's
getting heavy.
KEVIN
(to Elena)
What about the kids? What do we
tell them?
ELENA
We tell them we're leaving tonight.
That's all they need to know.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Urgent Departure
INT. REEVES' HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Elena sits in a chair facing Kevin, Renny, and Jess. She sips
from her glass of water, then begins.
ELENA
You all know what we've been
talking about. Now the time has
come. We leave tonight.
RENNY
Tonight? But Mom, I've got a math
test tomorrow.
JESS
And I'm supposed to go to Sarah's
sleepover this weekend.
ELENA
None of that matters now. We're
leaving in exactly ninety minutes.
KEVIN
Elena, this is insane. The kids
need time to process this.
ELENA
The kids need to stay alive.
Everything else is secondary.
RENNY
But why, Mom? I've heard it's not
that bad. Even my science teacher
says people are making more out of
it than what it is.
ELENA
(sighing)
And I told you before, he's wrong.
He's a science teacher; he's meant
to teach children facts from a book
that was written ... God knows
when, but it was long before we
began having problems.
JESS
What about our friends? Our school?
ELENA
What about them?
JESS
Will we ever see them again?
Elena pauses, considering how much truth to share.
ELENA
Probably not.
Both kids start crying.
KEVIN
If it's so real, why are you the
only one who knows about it?
ELENA
I'm not the only one, Kevin. Others
just don't want to believe it
because they don't want to face the
consequences.
(a beat)
Kevin, you have a choice. Stay
behind or go. But if you tell
anyone what we're doing ...
She doesn't finish the sentence, but Kevin understands.
KEVIN
I'm going.
Elena nods.
ELENA
It's settled then. Renny, you and
Jess pack one bag each. Only
absolute necessities. Clothes,
medications, maybe one personal
item.
JESS
What about school?
ELENA
There won't be any school where
we're going. Not at first.
RENNY
What will there be?
ELENA
Survival. That's all. Just
survival.
She points her finger at both kids.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Just remember. No one can know. If
you call anyone, if you try to say
goodbye, you'll be condemning them
to death.
JESS
Mom, you're scaring us.
ELENA
Good. You should be scared. But
more than that, you should be
grateful. We're the lucky ones.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Departure Dilemma
INT. OBSERVATORY - NIGHT
The observatory is crowded, more so than it's ever been.
Elena has her family there, as do Eddy, Michael, and JACK
MORRISON (40, pleasant, focused), a software engineer and his
family - wife BETTY (38) and teenage twins WILL and JEANNIE
(both 16).
Also present are DR. RINA VASQUEZ (40, astrophysicist,
realist), HERB WINSTON (45, linguist, pessimistic but
realistic) and his son ADAM (19, vocal, congenial), and
COMMANDER TORRES (45, military bearing, loyal).
JACK
Hey, Elena, where'd you hide the
beer?
ELENA
It's in the cooler, near the back
door.
BETTY
This is really happening, isn't it?
ELENA
It's really happening.
DR. VASQUEZ
I still think we should try to
contact the authorities. Work
within the system.
ELENA
The system is what got us into this
mess. The system doesn't want to
hear that Earth is dying.
HERB
What if you're wrong? What if Earth
recovers?
ELENA
Then forty years from now, when we
arrive at our new home, maybe we'll
get a radio signal telling us the
good news.
As the kids chat and the parents mingle, Michael pulls Elena
aside, then leads her out a door into the hallway.
MICHAEL
I identified the ship we need. It
has the right kind of engine and
will synchronize with our magnetic
drives. It also has room for 40
people, more than we need.
(a beat)
The best thing is that it's been
through all pre-launch tests, and
is ready to go. The only thing we
need is enough food and water to
maintain us through the waking
periods, the time when we won't be
in hibernation. And some reserves
if something goes wrong.
ELENA
When can we leave?
MICHAEL
We can go anytime; in fact, we have
to go soon or we miss the window.
They'll put the ship back in
storage within hours.
ELENA
What kind of window?
MICHAEL
Security window. Torres has
arranged for a shift change at 0300
hours. We'll have maybe twenty
minutes of reduced coverage.
Elena nods.
ELENA
I'll get my family ready. Is that
enough time?
MICHAEL
It has to be. And I've already
talked to Eddy and the rest of the
engineers and scientists. They're
ready too.
Elena walks a small circle around Michael, her lips pressed
together.
ELENA
I guess we're really doing this.
Michael grabs her shoulders, straightens her, and kisses her
cheek.
MICHAEL
We're doing it because it's the
only thing we can do. We have no
option.
Kevin steps into the hallway, grabs hold of Elena's shoulder
and yanks her back.
KEVIN
What the hell is going on here?
Michael steps between Kevin and Elena.
MICHAEL
Let's not start the journey this
way, Kev. You know there's nothing
going on other than wishing each
other luck.
Michael laughs.
MICHAEL (CONT’D)
If you want, I'll kiss your cheek
too.
Michael's comment lightens the mood, and even gets a laugh
from Kevin. He holds up his hands as if in surrender.
KEVIN
You're right, Mike. I think I had
too many beers. And too much worry.
MICHAEL
Save your worries for after we take
off, Kev. We'll need them then.
Kevin starts back to the main room.
KEVIN
I have plenty of worries left. Come
toast with me and we'll get rid of
a few of them.
They barely get inside the room, when Dr. Vasquez approaches.
She stops Elena mid-stride.
DR. VASQUEZ
If you go through with this, you're
talking about abandoning eight
billion people.
ELENA
We're talking about saving the
species.
DR. VASQUEZ
Who decides who goes? Your family
gets seats, I assume?
ELENA
Everyone who contributes to the
mission earns consideration.
DR. VASQUEZ
What if you're wrong about
Atlantis? What if we arrive and
it's uninhabitable?
Michael steps between them.
MICHAEL
Then we die in space instead of
dying on Earth. At least we die
trying.
Elena walks away, heading toward the monitors where everyone
is gathered.
Dr. Vasquez grabs hold of her shoulder and spins her around.
DR. VASQUEZ
I wasn't done. I want you to look
at my data. I need answers before I
commit to going.
Dr. Vasquez presents her analysis of what makes a planet
habitable, using Earth as a cautionary tale.
DR. VASQUEZ (CONT’D)
(pointing to atmospheric
models)
We need atmospheric pressure
between 0.5 and 2.0 times Earth
normal. Too low, and water boils.
Too high, and we're crushed.
ELENA
Atlantis shows 1.3 Earth
atmospheres. Well within tolerance.
DR. VASQUEZ
Temperature range must support
liquid water - roughly negative 50
to positive 50 Celsius at the
extremes. Seasonal variations can't
exceed our biological adaptation
limits.
MICHAEL
What about radiation?
DR. VASQUEZ
The planet needs a magnetic field
or thick atmosphere to deflect
cosmic radiation. Without it, we'll
develop cancers within months.
Elena enhances the display showing Atlantis's magnetic field
readings.
ELENA
Strong magnetosphere. Stronger than
Earth's, actually.
DR. VASQUEZ
Then there's atmospheric
composition. We need 16-25% oxygen.
Too little, we suffocate. Too much,
everything becomes combustible.
ELENA
22% oxygen. Perfect.
DR. VASQUEZ
What about gravity? Too high and
our bones will break. Too low and
our bodies will deteriorate.
ELENA
0.9 Earth gravity. We'll actually
feel lighter.
DR. VASQUEZ
And you're certain of all this
data?
ELENA
As certain as I can be from this
distance. We won't know for sure
until we arrive.
DR. VASQUEZ
And if you're wrong?
ELENA
Then we die. But we die fighting
for survival instead of sitting
here waiting for the inevitable.
HERB
What about indigenous life? What if
the planet is already inhabited?
ELENA
Then we'll have to hope they're
friendly.
ADAM
And if they're not?
Elena doesn't answer that question.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Departure at Dawn
INT. OBSERVATORY - DAWN
Elena sits at her desk, dual monitors facing her. She types
frantically on the keypad and moves the cursor across the
representative galaxy on the biggest monitor.
Michael sits behind her, watching intently. Others are
scattered around the room, some sleeping, others nervously
checking equipment.
MICHAEL
That's it? That's the destination?
ELENA
I call it Atlantis.
MICHAEL
Atlantis?
ELENA
Couldn't think of a better name.
Michael shrugs.
MICHAEL
I guess that'll have to do.
Atlantis it is. We had thousands of
years to find the original here and
never did, so I guess finding it in
space will have to suffice.
ELENA
Are we set?
MICHAEL
We're ready. Jack and Eddy have the
food, and they've secured access to
the ship. Torres confirms the
security window is still open.
ELENA
(sighs)
Then I guess it's time.
MICHAEL
You having second thoughts?
ELENA
Third and fourth thoughts. But not
different thoughts.
TORRES
(approaching)
We need to move. Security shift
change happens in thirty minutes.
ELENA
Is everyone here?
Elena looks around the room. Besides her family, she counts
Michael, Eddy, Jack and Betty Morrison with their twins, Dr.
Vasquez, Herb and Adam, Torres, and several others - about
thirty people total.
JACK
What about the Hendersons? They
said they'd be here.
BETTY
And the Yamadas?
MICHAEL
If they're not here now, they're
not coming.
DR. VASQUEZ
Maybe we should wait a few more
minutes.
ELENA
We can't risk it. Anyone who isn't
here made their choice.
HERB
This feels wrong, leaving people
behind.
ELENA
Everything about this feels wrong,
Herb. But it's still the right
thing to do.
TORRES
Transport vehicles are outside. We
leave in five minutes.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
No Turning Back
EXT. LAUNCH BASE OUTSIDE OF OBSERVATORY - NIGHT
A convoy of three vehicles moves through the darkness toward
the launch facility. Elena and her family are in the lead
vehicle with Michael.
RENNY
Mom, I'm scared.
ELENA
Good. Fear will keep you alert.
JESS
What if something goes wrong?
ELENA
Then we'll deal with it.
KEVIN
Elena, maybe we should —
ELENA
No, Kevin. No second-guessing. Not
now.
They arrive at the launch facility. The spaceship sits on the
pad, gleaming under floodlights. It's larger than Elena
expected, more impressive.
MICHAEL
Beautiful, isn't she?
ELENA
She's our lifeline.
The group quickly unloads supplies and equipment. Torres
monitors radio chatter while others handle logistics.
TORRES
Security sweep just passed sector
seven. We're clear for another ten
minutes.
EDDY
That's cutting it close.
JACK
All the food supplies are loaded.
DR. VASQUEZ
Medical equipment is secure.
HERB
Communications array is ready.
Elena looks around at the organized chaos.
ELENA
This is really happening.
MICHAEL
No turning back now.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Departure into the Unknown
EXT. SPACESHIP RAMP - NIGHT
Everyone gathers at the base of the ship's ramp. Elena
addresses the group.
ELENA
Before we board, I want everyone to
understand what we're doing. We're
leaving Earth forever. We're
traveling to a planet we've never
seen, to start a life we can't
imagine.
BETTY
Do you really think Earth is
doomed?
ELENA
I know it is. The only question is
whether we have the courage to save
ourselves.
WILL
What if we're wrong?
ELENA
Then we'll have lived an adventure
that few humans ever experience.
JEANNIE
And if we're right?
ELENA
Then we'll be the ones who ensure
humanity survives.
One by one, they board the ship.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Supplies and Uncertainty
INT. SPACESHIP - CARGO BAY - NIGHT
The cargo hold is packed with supplies: food, water, medical
equipment, tools, seeds for planting, and various
technological devices.
JACK
Think it's enough?
EDDY
It has to be.
DR. VASQUEZ
What if we need more once we get
there?
HERB
Then we'll have to make do with
what nature provides.
ADAM
Assuming nature provides anything
at all.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Countdown to Capture
INT. SPACESHIP - COCKPIT - NIGHT
Elena and Michael work through pre-flight checks while Torres
monitors communications.
ELENA
Are you ready?
MICHAEL
As ready as we'll ever be. Take a
seat and buckle up.
TORRES
Security patrol just reported to
sector five. We need to go now.
Moments later, everyone is on board and secured.
MICHAEL
We're ready. Everyone buckle up and
prepare for launch.
Elena looks around the cockpit.
ELENA
This is it, isn't it? The point of
no return.
MICHAEL
We passed that point when you shot
Sam.
Suddenly, SIRENS BLARE and a voice is heard over loudspeakers
surrounding them.
LOUDSPEAKER
Attention unauthorized personnel.
You are in violation of federal
law. Cease operations immediately.
Elena and Michael rush to complete final preparations. Jack
and Eddy double-check all instruments. The sirens continue to
blare.
TORRES
They found us faster than expected.
MICHAEL
How much time do we need?
TORRES
Two more minutes for full engine
startup.
LOUDSPEAKER
This is your final warning. Shut
down engines and exit the vehicle.
You are surrounded.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Betrayal in the Control Room
INT. LAUNCH HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
DIRECTOR FREDERICK (50s, professional) speaks into a
microphone while watching monitors showing the spaceship on
the launch pad.
DIRECTOR FREDERICK
Security teams Alpha and Bravo,
move in. Use non-lethal force only.
Commander Torres suddenly steps into the control room.
SECURITY GUARD
Sir, you're not supposed to be
here.
COMMANDER TORRES
Problem, Director?
DIRECTOR FREDERICK
We've got unauthorized personnel
attempting a launch. Where the hell
have you been?
Torres points a gun at Frederick.
COMMANDER TORRES
Right where I need to be.
Frederick turns, then steps back when he sees the gun. He
moves his hand toward the top drawer of his desk.
Torres fires, hitting the desk close to the drawer.
COMMANDER TORRES (CONT'D) (CONT’D)
The next one won't be aimed at the
desk. Now hand me the mic.
Frederick cautiously hands the mic to Torres.
COMMANDER TORRES (CONT’D)
(into mic)
All security units, this is
Commander Torres. Stand down.
Repeat, stand down.
DIRECTOR FREDERICK
Torres, what the hell are you
doing?
COMMANDER TORRES
(into mic)
Launch team, you are cleared to go.
Good luck, and may God bless you.
DIRECTOR FREDERICK
You're committing treason!
COMMANDER TORRES
I'm committing survival.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Launch into the Unknown
INT. SPACESHIP - COCKPIT - NIGHT
Elena jumps up and moves toward the exit, but Michael stops
her, shaking his head.
MICHAEL
He knew this might happen. Let's
make sure his sacrifice isn't in
vain.
A LOUD ROAR as the engines engage and the ship propels itself
upward. The acceleration presses everyone deep into their
seats.
RADIO (V.O.)
Alert! This launch is illegal and
breaks protocol. Return at once.
Michael ignores the call and continues forward, increasing
speed.
RADIO (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Alert! Repeat. This breaks
protocol. Return to base. If you
don't stop, we'll deploy
countermeasures.
Elena looks to Michael, her face showing anxiety.
ELENA
Countermeasures?
MICHAEL
Don't worry. We disconnected all
self-destruct features before
launch.
BARBARA CHEN (40s, Black, engineer, Michael's sister) pokes
her head inside the cockpit.
BARBARA
And I triple-checked them. We're
clean.
ELENA
Then let's get the hell out of
here.
Michael presses the controls to launch forward.
MICHAEL
We're off. Destination, Atlantis.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Into the Void: A Long Goodbye
INT. SPACESHIP - MAIN CABIN - NIGHT
They breach the atmosphere, then enter the vast expanse of
space, traveling at a speed none of them have experienced
except Michael and Torres. Through a large viewing port, they
watch Earth fade until it's just a blue marble, then a speck,
then nothing.
RENNY
Will we ever see it again?
ELENA
I don't know.
JESS
Do you want to?
Elena considers the question.
ELENA
Part of me does. But that part is
getting smaller every minute.
MICHAEL
It won't be long now. Just forty
years or so.
DR. VASQUEZ
You say that like it's nothing.
MICHAEL
In cosmic terms, it is nothing.
JACK
What about in human terms?
MICHAEL
In human terms, it's most of our
remaining lives.
BETTY
Will we age during hibernation?
DR. VASQUEZ
Minimally. Our bodies will be in a
state of near-suspended animation.
HERB
What are the risks?
DR. VASQUEZ
Brain damage, organ failure,
psychological trauma. The usual.
ADAM
Those sound serious.
DR. VASQUEZ
They are. But they're preferable to
certain death on Earth.
ELENA
Despite our pilot's way with words,
and his playful banter, I do think
it's time we discussed hibernation
procedures.
Michael begins programming the autopilot with a course for
Atlantis, double-checking his calculations.
MICHAEL
The system will wake us
automatically when we're within two
weeks of Atlantis. That should give
us time to prepare for landing.
ELENA
What if something goes wrong during
the journey?
MICHAEL
Then we wake up dead.
KEVIN
That's comforting.
MICHAEL
Kevin, we're traveling 4.5 light
years through space in a metal can.
Comfort was never part of the
equation.
After Michael finishes the autopilot programming, he asks Dr.
Vasquez to double-check his work.
DR. VASQUEZ
Navigation looks good. Course is
locked in.
ELENA
What about communications? Will we
be able to contact Earth?
HERB
Not after the first few months.
We'll be too far away.
ADAM
So we're really on our own.
ELENA
We've been on our own since the
moment we left the launch pad.
After Vasquez finishes her verification, they all head toward
the hibernation chambers.
MICHAEL
I guess it's time for the longest
sleep of our lives.
DR. VASQUEZ
And hopefully not the last.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Into the Unknown
INT. SPACESHIP - HIBERNATION CHAMBERS - DAY
The hibernation chamber is a large room filled with forty
pods arranged in neat rows. Each pod looks like a
sophisticated coffin with transparent lids and complex life
support systems.
ELENA
They look like coffins.
MICHAEL
Think of them as cocoons. We go in
as one thing, we come out as
something else.
BETTY
What if we don't come out at all?
JACK
Then our kids do. That's what
matters.
WILL
Thanks for the pressure, Dad.
JEANNIE
What do we do if only some of us
wake up?
DR. VASQUEZ
We deal with whatever situation we
find ourselves in.
Each person approaches their assigned pod. Technicians help
them into the chambers and connect monitoring devices.
ELENA
(to her family)
See you on the other side.
RENNY
What if we dream?
DR. VASQUEZ
You probably won't. Your brain
activity will be too reduced.
JESS
What if we have nightmares?
ELENA
Then we'll wake up in paradise and
forget all about them.
One by one, the pods seal and the occupants enter
hibernation. Elena is the last to enter her pod.
ELENA (CONT’D)
(to Michael)
Take care of them.
MICHAEL
Take care of yourself.
ELENA
Forty years. It sounds impossible.
MICHAEL
So did escaping Earth twelve hours
ago.
Elena lies back in her pod. The lid closes, and she feels
drowsiness overtaking her.
ELENA
(whispering)
Please let us all wake up.
CUT TO BLACK.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Awakening in the Void
INT. SPACESHIP - HIBERNATION CHAMBERS - FORTY YEARS LATER -
DAY
An ALARM sounds in the chamber, causing everyone to stir,
some abruptly, some slowly stretching. The pods open with
soft hissing sounds.
Renny is the first to fully awaken, followed by Elena. She
steps out of the pod and stretches slowly, her knees
buckling.
ELENA
Good morning, Renny. Or good
whatever it is.
Renny reaches to check his phone and laughs.
RENNY
I guess the iPhones don't work out
here.
Elena looks around the chamber. Most of the pods have opened,
but three remain sealed.
ELENA
Who's not awake?
MICHAEL
(checking displays)
Henderson, Mrs. Yamada, and
Rodriguez.
DR. VASQUEZ
Are they ...?
MICHAEL
Dead. Probably for years.
A sobering silence falls over the group.
ELENA
At least most of us made it.
JACK
Thirty-two out of thirty-five.
Better than the projected survival
rate.
BETTY
Tell that to their families.
ELENA
We will. When we get settled.
Elena slips a shirt over her head and puts socks and boots
on.
ELENA (CONT’D)
We must be close. I need to check
the readings.
Michael meets Elena on her way to the cockpit.
MICHAEL
You feel different?
ELENA
Everything feels different.
MICHAEL
I meant physically. The hibernation
affects people differently.
ELENA
I feel ... younger. Stronger.
MICHAEL
That's the reduced aging effect.
We're all probably about five years
older instead of forty.
ELENA
What about the kids?
MICHAEL
They'll be in their twenties
instead of their fifties.
ELENA
Good. They'll have their whole
lives ahead of them.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Awakening to New Horizons
INT. SPACESHIP - COCKPIT - DAY
Elena and Michael analyze data and examine the monitors
displaying their destination.
ELENA
How close are we?
MICHAEL
Still a long way off. Two weeks
minimum.
ELENA
That's not long after traveling
almost forty years. Besides, it
will take everyone at least a week
to get their legs back.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Then we better wake everyone so
they'll be ready.
(a beat)
But first let's make certain of the
atmosphere. Help me take readings.
Michael sits beside her and enters data into the computer.
ELENA (CONT’D)
It's looking good so far.
When he finishes typing, he looks at the screen and smiles.
MICHAEL
We're getting the same readings —
more or less — that you got before
we left.
Elena releases a huge sigh.
ELENA
Thank God. I was so worried about
that.
She hugs Michael, the smile on her face saying it all.
ELENA (CONT’D)
I'd say Atlantis is safe.
MICHAEL
So far. We haven't met any
inhabitants yet. Or tested the
water. Or confirmed the soil
composition.
ELENA
All right. All right. Don't spoil
things. I've waited forty years for
this day.
Michael gets up and heads toward the hibernation room.
MICHAEL
I'm going to check on everyone
else. See you later.
Elena follows him back to the hibernation chamber and helps
wake the remaining members of their group. Soon, everyone is
awakened, and miraculously, most are alive and healthy.
ELENA
This must be considered a good
omen. Thirty-two of us survived
hibernation.
MICHAEL
I concur. Now let's stretch and get
fully awake, then we can explore
our new home.
Eddy steps up, looking anxious but also excited.
EDDY
The atmosphere?
ELENA
Is fine, Eddy. I ran tests earlier.
It's even better than we expected.
We'll have to test water, and soil
conditions, but at least we know
the air is good.
DR. VASQUEZ
What about gravity?
ELENA
Point-nine Earth normal. We'll feel
lighter, more energetic.
HERB
Any signs of life?
ELENA
Vegetation, definitely. Animal
life, possibly. Intelligence ...
we'll find out soon enough.
MONTAGE: PREPARING FOR LANDING
- Exercising in the gym.
- Eating real food.
- Running around the deck.
END OF MONTAGE
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Final Briefing: Embracing the Unknown
INT. SPACESHIP - MAIN CABIN - TWO WEEKS LATER - DAY
The group gathers for a final briefing before landing.
ELENA
In twelve hours, we'll be on the
surface of Atlantis. Everything
we've worked for, everything we've
sacrificed, has led to this moment.
RENNY
What if it's not what we expected?
ELENA
Then we adapt. That's what humans
do.
JESS
What if there are hostile life
forms?
MICHAEL
Then we'll try to establish
peaceful contact.
EDDY
And if that fails?
Elena looks around the group.
ELENA
Then we'll do whatever it takes to
survive.
DR. VASQUEZ
What's our immediate priority once
we land?
ELENA
Water, food, shelter. In that
order.
JACK
What about long-term goals?
ELENA
Long-term, we build a sustainable
community. We establish
agriculture, develop technology,
and ensure the continuation of
human civilization.
BETTY
And if we're not alone on this
planet?
ELENA
Then we learn to coexist. Or we
find another planet.
HERB
There is no other planet, Elena.
This is it.
ELENA
Then coexistence it is.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
A New Beginning: Embracing Peace on an Alien World
INT. SPACESHIP - EXIT BAY - DAY
Elena stands in front of the group of passengers waiting to
explore their new home. Everyone wears environmental suits as
a precaution.
BETTY
Shouldn't we leave someone here, in
case ...
JACK
In case what, dear?
Betty seems embarrassed.
BETTY
I don't know, just in case.
Dr. Vasquez laughs.
DR. VASQUEZ
I think we'll be fine, Betty. As
long as we stick together.
Michael holds his arm out and stops Eddy and HECTOR MARTINEZ
(45, former police officer) from exiting.
MICHAEL
No guns. We agreed on that long
ago.
HECTOR
I've been a cop all my life. I'm
not surrendering my gun.
EDDY
Me neither. It goes where I go.
MICHAEL
Then both of you are staying here,
because we're not taking guns
outside.
Elena pushes through the crowd until she reaches Hector and
Eddy.
ELENA
We're not going to start off as
humans did on Earth. No guns, and
that's final.
EDDY
What if they're dangerous?
ELENA
We'll have to convince them not to
be.
She makes her way back to the exit door, then turns to face
everyone.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Everybody ready? Take hold of your
breathing device, and be prepared
to use it, though it shouldn't be
necessary.
She opens the door, takes a few steps down the ramp, and
breathes deeply. Those behind her do the same. Suddenly sharp
sounds of laughter fill the air.
JESS
It worked.
JEANNIE
I can't believe it. I can breathe,
Will. Even better than on Earth.
Will pushes her forward.
WILL
Let's see if you can run.
Will takes off running toward a wooded area, Jeannie giving
chase, and keeping pace with him.
JACK
Will, Jeannie! Don't go far. We
don't know what's out there.
BETTY
I'm sure they'll be all right.
As they explore the immediate area, they're struck by the
beauty of the place. The trees are similar to Earth trees but
larger, with leaves that shimmer in the alien sunlight. The
grass is softer, more vibrant. Everything seems more alive,
more vibrant than anything they remember from Earth.
DR. VASQUEZ
The biodiversity here is
incredible.
HERB
Look at those flowers. I've never
seen colors like that.
ADAM
The whole place seems to glow.
As they walk the grounds, some of them bending down to feel
the soil, and some fascinated by the brilliance of the shiny
leaves on the trees, a SOUND echoes from the wooded area
nearby.
In the distance, four beings approach: short, squat, no hair,
but rough, wrinkled skin. Their eyes are large and dark,
their ears are nothing but recessed holes. They look anything
but dangerous.
Eddy instinctively reaches for a gun that isn't there. He
steps to the front, arms crossed, poised to fight.
EDDY
Everyone stay back.
ELENA
Eddy, they don't look threatening.
HECTOR
Looks can be deceiving.
The TALLEST ONE of the four steps forward while the others
stay back.
KULLI
My name is Kulli, and my companions
are Anele, Clkan, and Uthur. In
your language Clkan is pronounced
as Culkane. Feel free to call him
that.
The landing party exchange amazed glances.
HERB
(stepping forward)
How is it that you speak our
language?
Kulli makes a sound that resembles a laugh.
KULLI
We have known you were coming for
many years — once we confirmed your
destination based on Hohmann
transfer principles. After learning
your trajectory and your course, we
learned your language. Some of it.
The smile on Herb's face spreads to his ears.
HERB
Perhaps we could learn some of
yours ...
Kulli steps forward and bows.
KULLI
We ... we ...
Clkan leans close and whispers.
CLKAN
Appreciate.
Kulli bows to him.
KULLI
Yes, we appreciate the offer, but
our language would be difficult to
master unless learned from birth.
Jack pulls out a cigar and strikes a match.
KULLI (CONT’D)
I'm sorry but we cannot allow such
activities here.
Jack looks around, puzzled.
JACK
Allow what?
Kulli points to the cigar.
KULLI
That. I believe you refer to it as
smoking.
Jack furrows his brows.
JACK
What the hell do you mean? We're
outside.
Kulli nods patiently.
KULLI
I understand, but we protect all
life on our planet, and that
includes all animals and trees. The
smoke is harmful to trees, animals,
and, of course, us. Even the
residue from your ashes is harmful.
We cannot tolerate it.
Jack angrily tosses his cigar on the ground, then crushes it
into the dirt.
JACK
I can't believe this shit.
ELENA
Jack, we're guests here.
Kulli turns and nods to UTHUR, who moves quickly to where
Jack crushed the cigar. He pulls a small container from a
pocket and scoops the cigar and the ashes inside. Afterward,
he closes the lid.
ANELE steps forward, facing the humans.
ANELE
We must insist that you do not
partake of this habit. And that
includes inside your ship.
Michael moves to the front of the group.
MICHAEL
Are there other things we should
know?
ANELE
Just be mindful of all life. It is
all sacred.
CLKAN
To better explain — killing an
animal is the same as killing one
of us. And cutting down a tree is
the same as killing an animal.
HERB
What do you call yourselves?
KULLI
What do you call us?
ELENA
We call you Atlanteans.
Kulli turns to the others and nods.
KULLI
After your long lost civilization?
Elena's eyes go wide with surprise.
ELENA
How did you know?
KULLI
I told you, we've had almost forty
years to study your planet — and
its history.
DR. VASQUEZ
You've been watching us?
KULLI
Observing. Learning. Preparing.
HECTOR
Preparing for what?
KULLI
For this moment. For your arrival.
Kulli and Clkan gesture for the humans to follow them.
KULLI (CONT’D)
Come. Let us show you our home.
They walk toward a village that seems to grow out of the
landscape itself. The buildings are organic in design,
blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
ELENA
It's beautiful.
BETTY
How long have you lived here?
LULLA (Kulli’s partner, female, friendly) appears from one of
the buildings.
LULLA
We have always been here. More
generations than you can count.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Taste of Atlantean Life
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - DAY
Kulli and Clkan show them around, taking them to the gardens
surrounding their modest homes, then to the wooded area.
KULLI
The wooded area behind us keeps us
cool during the heat of the day,
and it keeps us warm when the night
air brings a chill.
CLKAN
And behind all the houses you will
see a community growing area. What
you might call a farming area. All
of our food is grown here.
BETTY
How do you know who the food
belongs to?
Clkan laughs.
CLKAN
The food belongs to everyone, and
everyone shares.
DR. VASQUEZ
Where does the meat come from?
Kulli bows his head.
KULLI
Dr., we eat no meat. That would
require us killing an animal, which
is against our laws.
EDDY
(incredulous)
You mean to tell me you never eat
meat?
Kulli shakes his head.
KULLI
Never.
EDDY
I don't know if I can stay here.
ELENA
And I don't know if you can leave.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Cultural Exchange: A Day of Friendship
INT. ANELE'S HOUSE - DAY
Anele steps inside and rings a bell hanging from the ceiling.
BAZZU (female, 14, caring and giving) and NUNYA (13, female,
competitive) come running, smiles on their faces.
Meanwhile UTHUR (male, 40, serious) and WIGNAU (female, 39,
easy going) take the children outside the house and gather
neighborhood Atlantean children to join them.
UTHUR
(to the Atlanteans)
These are the children we spoke
about. The ones from the distant
planet. Welcome them and show them
around.
ANELE
I'll accompany them.
The interaction between the human and Atlantean children is
remarkable. Despite their physical differences, they
communicate easily and begin playing together almost
immediately.
RENNY
(to an Atlantean child)
What's your name?
OSSAN
(16, enthusiastic)
Ossan. I oversee crop production
and harvesting.
JESS
You're awful young to do that?
OSSAN
Age is less important than ability
and dedication.
The kids from both races get along well.
Each side teaches the other new games and new ways to play.
The Atlantean kids teach the humans how to tend crops, grow
and harvest them and gather firewood and leaves for compost.
They even teach them how to build aqueducts to bring water to
the farming areas, and even to the gardens and houses for
drinking, showers, baths, and plumbing.
HALLERIA
(17, patient teacher)
The water system is simple but
effective. Everything flows
naturally.
WILL
No pumps or machinery?
GARSON
(16, thoughtful)
Why complicate what nature already
does perfectly?
The plumbing system takes waste far away to an extremely deep
hole where it goes underground and is naturally cleansed.
JEANNIE
That's brilliant. No pollution.
NEKTANE
(15, loves cooking)
Everything we do works with nature,
not against it.
The Atlantean parents show the human parents how they cook
using fires with smoke that is whisked away up chimneys.
Everything they eat is grown in the farming area.
LULLA
We never take more than we need,
and we never waste anything.
JACK
What about technology? Machines?
Industry?
DANELLE
(Clkan's partner,
practical)
What would we need those things
for?
BETTY
Progress? Advancement?
WIGNAU
(Uthur's partner,
philosophical)
Advancement toward what? We have
everything we need.
KULLI
There is a central complex where
anyone can access information and
advanced technology. It is where we
first learned of your coming.
After a dinner where the humans find the food surprisingly
agreeable, they return to their ship, accepting an invitation
to come to dinner the next night.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Adventure","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Divided Perspectives on Atlantis
EXT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT
The humans gather to discuss their first day on Atlantis.
ELENA
Well? What does everyone think?
MICHAEL
They seem peaceful and genuinely
friendly.
DR. VASQUEZ
Their technology is primitive, but
their social structure is
impressive.
ELENA
I wouldn’t say technology is
primitive. They learned of our
arrival years before we got here.
HERB
I'd like to learn more about their
language and culture.
JACK
I still don't understand how they
survive without any industry.
BETTY
Maybe they don't need industry.
EDDY
Everyone needs weapons. It's basic
survival.
HECTOR
I agree with Eddy. Something's not
right here.
ELENA
What do you mean?
HECTOR
It's too perfect. No conflict, no
weapons, no meat, no technology.
It's not natural.
KEVIN
Maybe it's evolved. Maybe this is
what a mature civilization looks
like.
EDDY
Or maybe it's what a weak
civilization looks like.
ELENA
Eddy, they've survived here for
generations. We've been here one
day.
HECTOR
What if they're lying? What if this
is all some kind of setup?
MICHAEL
Setup for what?
HECTOR
I don't know. But my cop instincts
are telling me something's off.
DR. VASQUEZ
Maybe your cop instincts are the
problem. Maybe you're seeing danger
where none exists.
EDDY
Or maybe she's being naive.
The discussion continues late into the night, with the group
clearly divided about their new hosts.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Clashing Ideals: A Dinner of Discontent
INT. KULLI'S HOUSE - NIGHT - NEXT DAY
The next evening, the humans return for dinner. The Atlantean
children are excited to see their new friends again.
The adults engage in deeper conversation about their
respective societies.
KULLI
Tell us about your world. What was
Earth like?
ELENA
Complex. Beautiful in some ways,
but also destructive.
MICHAEL
We had great technology but
couldn't stop ourselves from
destroying our environment.
ANELE
How sad. Technology should serve
life, not threaten it.
Eddy brings up the subject of weapons.
EDDY
I still don't understand how you
protect yourselves without weapons.
Kulli nods patiently.
KULLI
But we have no need for weapons.
EDDY
What about animals? Predators?
Don't tell me they won't attack a
helpless person.
Lulla chimes in.
LULLA
The animals have no reason to
attack anyone. We don't harm them,
and they know it. We even feed them
if they are hungry.
Jack interrupts the conversation.
JACK
You feed them your food?
Lulla smiles.
LULLA
What's ours is theirs.
Anele taps on Eddy's arm.
ANELE
Many years ago, the lake that is
our water source ran dry. We had no
way of bringing water to our farm.
The Gurlongs — a race of tall,
almost giant people who live far
away by a deep lake — brought us
water every other day until the
rains returned. We have never
forgotten that.
HERB
There are other intelligent species
here?
KULLI
All species are intelligent in
their own way. We all coexist
peacefully.
HECTOR
All of them? That seems impossible.
CLKAN
Why impossible? We choose peace.
They choose peace. Peace is the
result.
Eddy slugs down a beer he'd brought from the ship.
EDDY
What about if an animal does
attack? What then? Without weapons,
you're lost.
KULLI
We can't spend our lives worrying
about what might happen, Eddy. We
have decided we don't need weapons,
and that resolves the issue. No
weapons it is.
Eddy shakes his head.
EDDY
Goddamn lunatics!
Elena grabs her plate and cup and walks them to the counter,
then she returns and gets more. Renny and Jess join in
helping to clear. She leans close to Lulla when she gets
near.
ELENA
(whispering)
I think we should go. Some of them
are getting out of hand with their
opinions.
LULLA
(whispering back)
We understand. Not all minds adapt
to new ways at the same pace.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Divided Frontiers
EXT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT
They return to the ship and have heated arguments about the
Atlanteans and their policies.
ELENA
We're the visitors. We adhere to
their laws.
EDDY
We don't have to.
Eddy pulls a gun from his jacket pocket. Several others gasp.
ELENA
Where did you get that?
EDDY
I've been carrying it since we
landed. For emergencies.
MICHAEL
This isn't an emergency, Eddy.
EDDY
Isn't it? We're defenseless here.
I've got this, Jack has one, and so
does Hector. Since we know they
don't have any weapons, I think we
can take the whole damn tribe if we
need to.
Elena's face goes white with rage.
ELENA
Oh my God! Listen to yourselves.
These people welcomed us when we
needed a home. We would have died
if not for them. And you want to
take them over because you don't
like their policies on guns?
EDDY
It's not just guns. It's the
smoking, no meat, no technology ...
all of it. They're living like
primitives.
HECTOR
What if this is some kind of test?
What if they're evaluating us?
JACK
For what?
HECTOR
I don't know. But something doesn't
feel right.
Elena throws a metal cup across the room.
ELENA
I'm sick of it. Sick of you
ungrateful sons of bitches.
Michael moves alongside Elena.
MICHAEL
I'm with her. These people have
been nothing but friendly. I don't
see why we need guns, or meat and
smoking for that matter.
DR. VASQUEZ
We traveled forty years to get
here. Are we really going to
destroy our only chance at survival
because we can't adapt?
BETTY
I think we should try to fit in. At
least for a while.
WILL
The Atlantean kids are amazing.
They know so much about how to live
in harmony with nature.
JEANNIE
And they're happy. Really happy.
When's the last time we saw that on
Earth?
KEVIN
Happiness isn't everything. What
about progress? Advancement?
RENNY
What if this is advancement, Dad?
What if they've evolved beyond the
need for the things we think are
important?
The arguments continue throughout the night, with the group
becoming increasingly divided. Some, led by Elena and
Michael, want to integrate with Atlantean society. Others,
led by Eddy and Hector, want to maintain human ways and
potentially take control if necessary.
Finally, exhausted, they all go to bed without resolution.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
A New Beginning: Seeds of Cooperation
EXT. SPACESHIP - MORNING
The next morning, Kulli's daughter, HALLERIA (17), comes to
the ship and invites everyone to Kulli's house for a dinner
celebration.
HALLERIA
My father wishes to honor your
arrival with a special feast.
In the meantime, she asks Jess and some of the other young
humans to join her, offering to show them how to start a
farming area near their ship.
HALLERIA (CONT’D)
You need to keep it on the high
ground, because you want the waste
to flow to the south where the low
ground is. And you'll want a
garden. It can go on the eastern
side. Besides, if you grow food on
the northern side, you can siphon
water from our aqueduct. You'll
have to build it, but it won't be
very far, not nearly as far as the
lake.
JESS
You'd help us build our own water
system?
HALLERIA
Of course. Water belongs to
everyone.
RENNY
What about tools? Equipment?
HALLERIA
We have everything you need. Or we
can show you how to make what we
don't have.
ADAM
This is incredible. They're willing
to share everything.
WILL
Why?
HALLERIA
Because you are here. Because you
are alive. What other reason do we
need?
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Trust in Uncertainty
INT. SPACESHIP - DAY
While the young people work with Halleria, the adults
continue their debates.
HECTOR
I've been watching them. Really
watching. And I'm telling you,
something's not right.
EDDY
What do you mean?
HECTOR
They're too perfect. Too
coordinated. It's like they're all
reading from the same script.
JACK
Maybe they just have a unified
society.
HECTOR
Or maybe they're not what they
appear to be.
DR. VASQUEZ
What are you suggesting?
HECTOR
I'm suggesting we need to be very
careful about trusting them
completely.
ELENA
Based on what evidence?
HECTOR
Based on twenty years of police
experience. When something seems
too good to be true, it usually is.
MICHAEL
Maybe your police experience is
exactly what's preventing you from
accepting that some societies
actually work.
HECTOR
And maybe your naivety is going to
get us all killed.
BETTY
Killed by who? They don't even have
weapons.
HECTOR
That we know of.
HERB
I've been studying their language
and behavior patterns. They seem
genuine to me.
HECTOR
You've been here three days, Herb.
That's not exactly a comprehensive
study.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
A Feast Interrupted: The Search for Nancy
INT. KULLI'S HOUSE - EVENING
When dinner time comes, everyone walks over to Kulli's house
for what turns out to be an elaborate feast.
The meal is prepared by Lulla, Anele, and several other
Atlantean women, featuring dozens of dishes made entirely
from plants but somehow more flavorful and satisfying than
anything the humans remember from Earth.
After eating, the kids run outside to play games that blend
human and Atlantean traditions.
JACK
I have to ask about something
that's been bothering me. Where is
your transportation? Your cars?
Trains? Planes? And what about your
cities and industries? I haven't
heard any of you talk about
computers or phones or any kind of
advanced civilization.
Clkan places his hand on Kulli's.
CLKAN
I'll handle this.
Clkan looks at Jack, then the others.
CLKAN (CONT’D)
We could have had all of that and
more, but we agreed as a society
that we didn't need it. Weapons are
only meant to harm others. Rapid
transport is only meant to move
from one place to another more
quickly than is necessary.
(a beat)
Cities only offer crowding and
pollution. If a community can feed
itself and care for its members, it
can take care of itself. All we
need is food, water, shelter, and
good company - friends to talk to
and share our thoughts with.
JACK
But what about medical technology?
What if someone gets seriously ill?
ANELE
We have healers. And we have
learned that most illness comes
from stress, conflict, and living
out of harmony with nature. Your
stomach keeps your body in harmony.
Eat well, and you will feel well.
DR. VASQUEZ
What about scientific advancement?
Learning about the universe?
KULLI
We learn by observing, by
listening, by being present with
what is.
(MORE)
KULLI (CONT’D)
We have learned much about the
universe this way. If we need more,
we can go to the central complex.
HERB
But what about preserving
knowledge? Keeping records?
UTHUR
We keep what we need to keep. The
rest, we let go.
HECTOR
That sounds like intellectual
stagnation to me.
KULLI
Does it? Or does it sound like
knowing the difference between
wisdom and mere information?
Suddenly, Halleria runs in, out of breath and clearly
distressed.
HALLERIA
Nancy is missing.
Eddy jumps up. NANCY (12) is his youngest daughter, who had
been playing with the other children.
EDDY
Missing? Where? How?
MILLIE (40, Eddy's wife, congenial) heads for the door.
MILLIE
What happened, Halleria?
HALLERIA
We were playing hide-and-seek in
the woods behind the village. Nancy
said she found the perfect hiding
spot, but when we went to find her
... she was gone.
BETTY
How long ago?
HALLERIA
Maybe an hour. We've been searching
ever since.
EDDY
An hour? And you're just telling us
now?
HALLERIA
We thought we would find her
quickly. We know these woods very
well.
HECTOR
If you know them so well, how did
you lose a twelve-year-old girl?
The entire party of humans as well as the Atlanteans
immediately organize search parties and scour the woods for
hours, calling Nancy's name and systematically checking every
possible location.
But there is no sign of her.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Calm in the Chaos
EXT. WOODED AREA - NIGHT
Torches and flashlights cut through the darkness as the
search continues. The humans are becoming increasingly
frantic, while the Atlanteans seem strangely calm.
EDDY
(to Kulli)
Why aren't you more worried? A
child is missing.
KULLI
We are concerned, Eddy. But panic
serves no purpose.
HECTOR
Concerned? You seem about as
concerned as if we'd lost a ball,
not a human being.
ANELE
We value all life equally. We are
searching as hard for Nancy as we
would for any lost being.
MILLIE
(crying)
She's just a little girl. She must
be so scared.
LULLA
Fear is often worse than the thing
we fear. Nancy is strong.
EDDY
How would you know? You just met
her.
Kulli pats Eddy on the shoulder.
KULLI
I suggest we continue searching for
an hour or so, and then start over
in the morning when we'll have full
light.
EDDY
And I'm bringing a goddamn gun.
Kulli shakes his head sadly.
KULLI
You know we can't allow that.
EDDY
Bullshit! That's my daughter, my
baby.
KULLI
I'm sure she is safe.
HECTOR
How can you be sure? How can you
possibly be sure?
KULLI
Because this is our world. We know
its dangers, and there are very
few.
MICHAEL
What about predators? Wild animals?
CLKAN
There are large animals, but they
do not hunt intelligent beings.
JACK
How do you know?
CLKAN
Because we have communicated with
them. Long ago, we established
understanding.
DR. VASQUEZ
You can communicate with animals?
KULLI
All life communicates, if you know
how to listen.
HECTOR
This is getting more bizarre by the
minute.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Divided in the Dark
EXT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT
The humans return to the ship exhausted and increasingly
suspicious. The group is more divided than ever.
Eddy, Jack, and Hector want to take guns; no one else agrees,
especially the children.
EDDY
I don't care what any of you say.
Tomorrow I'm armed, and I'm getting
my daughter back.
MICHAEL
Eddy, think about what you're
saying. These people have been
helping us search.
EDDY
Have they? Or have they been
leading us away from wherever Nancy
really is?
ELENA
That's paranoid thinking.
HECTOR
Is it? A little girl doesn't just
vanish into thin air. Someone knows
where she is.
JACK
I hate to say it, but Hector's
right. Something doesn't add up.
Eddy's son, REECE (16), speaks up during a tense moment of
silence.
REECE
Look, Nancy's my sister, and nobody
wants to find her more than me. But
it wasn't the Atlanteans who did
this. I was with them the whole
time.
(MORE)
REECE (CONT’D)
We were all playing together, and
the next minute, she was gone. Just
gone.
When Eddy speaks, his voice is almost a growl.
EDDY
It had to be some kind of animal, a
beast of some sort.
Reece shakes his head.
REECE
Dad, I would have heard it, or seen
it. We all would have. There was no
sound, no disturbance. She just ...
wasn't there anymore.
EDDY
Then what the hell happened to her?
Reece looks at his father pleadingly.
REECE
I don't know, Dad. But it wasn't
them. I wish you'd stop being so
negative about everything. Stop
treating them like you treated ...
other people back home.
EDDY
What the hell are you talking
about? I didn't —
Reece nods firmly.
REECE
Yes, you did, Dad. You treated
anybody who wasn't white like they
were suspect. Like they were
dangerous.
Millie puts her arm on Reece's shoulder and hugs him.
MILLIE
He's right, Eddy, and you know it.
Dr. Vasquez, Herb, and others go silent. Some of them step
back, staring at Eddy with new understanding.
DR. VASQUEZ
Is that what this is about? Racism?
EDDY
This has nothing to do with race.
This has to do with my missing
daughter.
REECE
Does it? Or does it have to do with
you not trusting anyone who's
different from you?
Michael, one of the few who doesn't shy away from the
confrontation, speaks softly.
MICHAEL
I'll help you find Nancy, Eddy. We
all will. But then we need to have
a serious conversation about how
we're going to live on this world.
Eddy reaches for Michael's arm, but he yanks it away.
MICHAEL (CONT’D)
If we can't trust the people who
live here, then we don't belong
here.
Michael walks away to his quarters, followed by several
others.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Reflections of Concern
INT. KULLI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
After the humans leave, Kulli and Lulla sit alone. Their
other family members have gone to bed, only Halleria
remaining.
HALLERIA
It's my fault. I was responsible
for her.
LULLA
It was no one's fault, and worry
not. No one will be harmed.
HALLERIA
But the father is so angry. And the
others are becoming suspicious.
KULLI
This was expected. It is part of
the process.
HALLERIA
What if they try to hurt us?
LULLA
They cannot hurt what they do not
understand.
When Halleria leaves for bed, Kulli and Lulla sit in
meditation. Slowly, their short, squat forms begin to shift
and change, becoming taller, more graceful, more luminous. A
soft glow emanates from their bodies, creating an aura of
light around them.
Kulli draws a rectangular shape in the air with his finger. A
transparent screen appears, showing the inside of the human
spaceship. The humans are arguing heatedly, with Reece trying
to defend the Atlanteans while his father grows more angry
and suspicious.
LULLA (CONT’D)
I don't trust the father. His anger
runs too deep.
KULLI
No, but the son shows promise, as
do several others.
LULLA
What about the woman Elena? The
leader?
KULLI
She wants to belong, but she's
afraid of letting go of old ways.
LULLA
And the one called Michael?
KULLI
He has the capacity for wisdom. The
question is whether he'll choose
it.
LULLA
How much longer will we continue
the test?
KULLI
Until we know who they truly are.
The screen dissolves, and they return to their meditation.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
The Search for Nancy: Day Two
EXT. WOODED AREA - DAY TWO
The search resumes at dawn. The humans spread out through the
forest in organized search parties, calling Nancy's name and
checking every conceivable hiding place.
The Atlanteans help, but with the same strange calmness that
continues to disturb the humans.
EDDY
(to Kulli)
You said you know these woods.
Where would a scared little girl go
to hide?
KULLI
There are many places. Caves,
hollow trees, clearings where the
soft moss makes comfortable
sleeping.
HECTOR
Then why haven't we found her?
KULLI
Perhaps because she doesn't want to
be found.
EDDY
What the hell is that supposed to
mean?
KULLI
Children sometimes run away when
they're frightened or confused.
MILLIE
Nancy wasn't frightened. She was
having fun playing with your
children.
ANELE
Sometimes the adjustment to a new
world is difficult, even for
children.
JACK
Are you saying she ran away on
purpose?
CLKAN
We're saying that all possibilities
should be considered.
DR. VASQUEZ
This is getting us nowhere. Let's
focus on the search.
But after another full day of searching, there's still no
trace of Nancy.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Descent into Desperation
EXT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT - DAY TWO
The search has been called off for the night. Back at the
ship, tensions are at an all-time high.
BETTY
What if we never find her?
WILL
We will, Mom. We have to.
KEVIN
Maybe she's dead. Maybe we need to
face that possibility.
MILLIE
(screaming)
Don't say that. Don't you ever say
that!
ELENA
Kevin, that's not helping.
KEVIN
Nothing's helping. We've been
searching for two days and found
nothing. Face reality, Elena.
HECTOR
I think it's time we considered
other possibilities.
MICHAEL
Such as?
HECTOR
Such as the Atlanteans knowing more
than they're telling us.
DR. VASQUEZ
You're suggesting they're lying?
HECTOR
I'm suggesting they're not telling
us everything.
HERB
Based on what evidence?
HECTOR
Based on their behavior. They're
too calm, too accepting. Normal
people would be frantic by now.
JACK
He's got a point. I've got kids,
and if one of them was missing, I'd
be losing my mind.
BETTY
Maybe they just handle crisis
differently than we do.
HECTOR
Or maybe they know exactly where
she is.
Eddy, who has been sitting quietly, suddenly stands up.
EDDY
I've made a decision.
Everyone turns to look at him.
EDDY (CONT’D)
Tomorrow, I'm taking my gun, and
I'm getting answers.
MICHAEL
Eddy, that's not —
EDDY
I don't want to hear it, Mike.
That's my little girl out there,
and these ... creatures know more
than they're telling us.
REECE
Dad, please don't do this.
EDDY
Stay out of this, Reece.
MILLIE
Eddy, honey, you can't just
threaten people.
EDDY
I'm not threatening anyone. I'm
getting my daughter back.
Elena stands up slowly.
ELENA
If you do this, Eddy, you're on
your own. The rest of us won't be
part of it.
EDDY
Fine by me. At least I'll be doing
something instead of just sitting
around talking.
He storms off to his quarters, leaving the others in
uncomfortable silence.
MICHAEL
This is exactly what I was afraid
of.
DR. VASQUEZ
What?
MICHAEL
That we'd bring Earth's problems
with us instead of leaving them
behind.
ELENA
Maybe some people can't change, no
matter where they go.
HERB
The question is: what do we do
about it?
ELENA
We do what we have to do to protect
our chances of surviving here.
KEVIN
Even if it means abandoning Eddy?
ELENA
Even if it means abandoning anyone
who threatens our future.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
A Father's Desperation
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - DAY THREE
The next morning, Eddy emerges from the ship with his gun
holstered but clearly visible. He marches directly toward
Kulli's house, followed at a distance by several other humans
who want to intervene if things go wrong.
EDDY
(shouting)
Kulli! I want to talk.
Kulli emerges from his house, flanked by Clkan and Uthur. His
demeanor is as calm as ever.
KULLI
Good morning, Eddy. How can we help
you?
EDDY
You can start by telling me where
my daughter is.
KULLI
We don't know where Nancy is. We've
told you this repeatedly.
Eddy's hand moves to his gun.
EDDY
I think you're lying.
The other humans arrive, having followed Eddy from the ship.
ELENA
Eddy, put the gun away.
EDDY
Not until I get answers.
KULLI
Violence will not bring your
daughter back, Eddy.
EDDY
Maybe not, but it might loosen your
tongue.
He draws his gun and points it at Kulli.
EDDY (CONT’D)
Now, where is she?
The Atlanteans don't flinch or step back. They stand calmly,
their expressions showing what appears to be sadness rather
than fear.
KULLI
You are making a grave mistake.
EDDY
The only mistake I made was
trusting you freaks.
HECTOR
Tell us what you know about Nancy's
disappearance.
JACK
We just want our child back.
ANELE
We want that too. We care about
Nancy.
EDDY
Bullshit. If you cared, you'd tell
us where she is.
Suddenly, a voice calls out from behind them.
NANCY (O.S.)
Daddy?
Everyone turns. Nancy emerges from the woods, looking
perfectly fine and healthy, accompanied by two TALL, GRACEFUL
BEINGS — the GURLONGS that Anele had mentioned earlier.
EDDY
Nancy!
He lowers his gun and runs to her, sweeping her up in his
arms.
NANCY
I'm okay, Daddy. These people took
care of me.
EDDY
Where have you been? We've been
looking everywhere.
NANCY
I got lost in the woods, really
lost. These tall people found me
and took me to their home by the
big lake. They kept me safe and fed
me and told me stories.
One of the Gurlongs steps forward. He stands nearly eight
feet tall with elongated limbs, graceful movements, and a
serene expression.
GURLONG
We are sorry for the distress. The
child wandered far from your
settlement into our territory. We
could not return her until today
because of the great storm that
passed between our lands.
KULLI
Thank you, friends, for keeping her
safe.
The Gurlong nods.
GURLONG
The little one is curious and
brave. She asked many questions
about our world.
NANCY
They're amazing, Daddy. They can
talk to animals and make plants
grow just by touching them.
The Gurlong and his companion fade back into the forest as
quietly as they appeared.
Eddy looks around at everyone, the gun still in his hand. The
realization of what he almost did begins to settle in.
EDDY
I ... I'm sorry. I thought ...
KULLI
You thought with fear, not wisdom.
This is understandable but
dangerous.
ELENA
Eddy, give me the gun.
Reluctantly, Eddy hands over the weapon.
ELENA (CONT’D)
We need to talk. All of us.
MILLIE
(hugging Nancy)
Thank God you're safe.
NANCY
I was never not safe, Mommy. The
tall people are really nice. And
they taught me things.
REECE
What kind of things?
NANCY
How to listen to plants. How to
feel the energy in water. How to
understand what animals are
thinking.
The humans exchange glances. Nancy seems different somehow —
more calm, more centered.
HECTOR
Nancy, did anyone ... hurt you?
NANCY
Hurt me? No. They were wonderful. I
didn't want to come back.
This statement creates an uncomfortable silence.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Revelations in the Clearing
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - CLEARING - DAY
The entire group gathers in a circle in the village clearing.
The Atlanteans sit across from the humans, with Nancy sitting
between the two groups.
KULLI
We have something to tell you.
Something we should have shared
from the beginning.
MICHAEL
What is it?
KULLI
We have not been entirely truthful
about who we are.
ELENA
What do you mean?
Kulli and the other Atlanteans look at each other, then back
at the humans.
KULLI
What you see is not our true form.
DR. VASQUEZ
I don't understand.
KULLI
We are not what we appear to be.
Again, as they had done in private, the Atlanteans begin to
change. Their short, squat bodies elongate and become
graceful. Their wrinkled skin becomes smooth and luminous.
They glow with an inner light that makes them appear almost
ethereal.
The humans gasp and some step back in shock.
LULLA
We are energy beings. We can take
any form we choose.
DR. VASQUEZ
That's ... that's impossible.
KULLI
By your science, perhaps. But your
science is limited to what you've
experienced on your world.
JACK
Why ... why did you deceive us?
KULLI
Because we needed to test you. To
see what kind of beings you truly
are.
ELENA
Test us? For what?
ANELE
To see if you were worthy of
sharing our world.
HECTOR
Worthy? Who are you to judge us?
KULLI
We are the guardians of this world.
It is our responsibility to protect
it from those who would harm it.
JACK
And Nancy? Was she part of this
test?
KULLI
Yes. We needed to see how you would
react to crisis. How you would
treat us when you were desperate
and afraid.
Eddy's face grows red again.
EDDY
You put my daughter in danger to
test us?
LULLA
She was never in danger. She was
safe with the Gurlongs the entire
time.
MILLIE
But we didn't know that. We thought
she was lost, maybe dead.
KULLI
Your fear was real, and that was
necessary. We had to see your true
nature under stress.
NANCY
I wasn't scared, Mommy. The
Gurlongs told me it was important
for you to learn something.
REECE
Learn what?
KULLI
To learn whether you can evolve
beyond the destructive patterns
that destroyed your first world.
ELENA
And what did you find?
KULLI
We found what we expected. Some of
you are ready to evolve. Others ...
are not.
Kulli's gaze falls on Eddy, then Jack and Hector.
ELENA
What does that mean for us?
KULLI
It means you have a choice. Those
who can embrace our ways, our
philosophy of peace and
cooperation, may stay and learn
from us.
CLKAN
Those who cannot ... must find
another path.
EDDY
You're kicking us out?
KULLI
We are offering you freedom to
choose your own destiny. But you
cannot stay here if you bring
violence and discord.
HECTOR
And what if we choose to stay
anyway?
The Atlanteans exchange glances, and their glow intensifies
slightly.
KULLI
That would be ... unwise.
MICHAEL
Are you threatening us?
LULLA
We do not threaten. We simply
explain reality. This world exists
in harmony because all who live
here choose harmony. Those who
choose otherwise cannot remain.
DR. VASQUEZ
How many civilizations have you
tested like this?
KULLI
Many. Over thousands of years.
HERB
And how many passed the test?
KULLI
Fewer than you might hope. More
than you might fear.
Elena stands up.
ELENA
I need to think about this. We all
do.
KULLI
Of course. Take all the time you
need.
ELENA
What if we're divided? What if some
want to stay and others want to go?
KULLI
Then those who stay will learn to
live as we live. And those who go
will find their own way.
EDDY
Find our way where? This is the
only habitable planet we know of.
LULLA
The universe is vast, Eddy. There
are many worlds, many possibilities
for those who seek them.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Divided Futures
EXT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT
Back at the ship, the humans are deeply divided and the
arguments are more intense than ever.
ELENA
I say we stay. Some of us, anyway.
DR. VASQUEZ
I agree. They're offering us
something incredible here. A chance
to live without the conflicts that
destroyed Earth.
MICHAEL
A chance to evolve beyond our
destructive patterns.
KEVIN
Without meat, without cigarettes,
without guns, without technology.
Without anything that makes life
interesting.
HERB
Kevin, you can't be serious.
KEVIN
Dead serious. This isn't living.
This is existing under someone
else's rules.
EDDY
I'm with Kevin. And after what they
put us through with Nancy, using
her as a pawn in their sick game, I
don't trust them.
JACK
They made fools of us. Manipulated
us like lab rats.
BETTY
But Nancy's safe. That's what
matters.
HECTOR
This time. What about next time?
What other tests do they have
planned for us?
NANCY
It wasn't a test for me. It was
wonderful. The Gurlongs taught me
things about life that I never knew
were possible.
EDDY
Nancy, you're twelve years old. You
don't understand what they did to
us.
NANCY
I understand better than you do,
Daddy. You're angry because you
couldn't control what happened. But
some things aren't meant to be
controlled.
MILLIE
Nancy, that doesn't sound like you
talking.
NANCY
Maybe it's me growing up.
Elena looks around the group.
ELENA
So what are we saying? We're
willing to give up paradise because
we can't adapt?
EDDY
Paradise? You call this paradise?
We're prisoners here, Elena.
Prisoners with invisible chains.
REECE
Dad, that's not true. They're
offering us freedom.
EDDY
Freedom to do what? Live by their
rules, think their thoughts, become
their little puppets?
MILLIE
Eddy, you're being ridiculous.
EDDY
Am I? Tell me one thing, one single
thing, we're allowed to do here
that we want to do.
JESS
We're allowed to live, Dad. On
Earth, we were going to die.
KEVIN
Maybe that would have been better.
ELENA
Kevin!
KEVIN
I'm serious, Elena. What's the
point of living if you can't really
live?
DR. VASQUEZ
The point is survival. Evolution.
Becoming something better than what
we were.
JACK
Better according to who? Them?
RENNY
Better according to the fact that
their way actually works. They have
peace, sustainability, happiness.
What more do you want?
HECTOR
Freedom to choose. Freedom to make
mistakes. Freedom to be human.
MICHAEL
Maybe being human is what got us
into trouble in the first place.
The argument continues deep into the night, growing more
heated as positions become more entrenched.
WILL
I want to stay. The Atlantean kids
are teaching me things I never
imagined were possible.
JEANNIE
Me too. I feel like I'm finally
understanding what life is supposed
to be about.
BETTY
But what about our family staying
together?
JACK
What about our right to live as we
choose?
ADAM
Maybe some choices are wrong. Maybe
that's what we need to learn.
HERB
My son's right. If our choices led
to Earth's destruction, maybe we
need to make different choices.
HECTOR
Or maybe we need to find a place
where we can make our own choices,
right or wrong.
The division becomes clear: Elena, Michael, Dr. Vasquez,
Herb, and most of the young people want to stay and adapt to
Atlantean society. Eddy, Kevin, Jack, Hector, and some others
want to leave and find their own way.
The arguments continue for hours, with families torn apart by
the decision.
ELENA
We need to make a final decision.
Who stays and who goes?
EDDY
I'm going. And I'm taking Nancy and
Millie with me.
NANCY
I don't want to go, Daddy.
EDDY
You're twelve years old. You don't
get to decide.
MILLIE
Eddy, maybe we should listen to
her.
EDDY
Listen to her? She's been
brainwashed by these ... things.
REECE
I'm staying, Dad.
EDDY
You can't be serious.
REECE
I've never been more serious about
anything in my life.
MILLIE
(crying)
Our family is falling apart.
ELENA
Families change, Millie. Sometimes
growth requires separation.
KEVIN
The kids are old enough to make
their own choice.
RENNY
I'm staying with Mom.
JESS
Me too.
KEVIN
Elena, you can't seriously be
choosing these aliens over your own
husband.
ELENA
I'm choosing survival over
destruction, Kevin. I'm choosing
growth over stagnation.
KEVIN
You're choosing them over us.
ELENA
I'm choosing the future over the
past.
MICHAEL
I'm staying too.
DR. VASQUEZ
As am I.
HERB
Count me in.
ADAM
And me.
WILL
Mom, Dad, please stay. This could
be amazing for our family.
JACK
Will, I can't live under someone
else's rules.
BETTY
But they're not bad rules, Jack.
They're just different.
JACK
Different isn't always better,
Betty.
One by one, the final choices are made. In the end, about
half the group decides to stay, including Elena and her
children, Michael, Dr. Vasquez, Herb and Adam, most of the
teenagers, and surprisingly, Millie and Nancy.
The other half, led by Eddy, Kevin, Jack, Hector, and Betty
(who can't bear to separate from Jack), choose to leave.
EDDY
Millie, you're making a mistake.
MILLIE
Maybe. But it's my mistake to make.
NANCY
Daddy, you could stay too. You
could learn what I learned.
EDDY
Baby, I can't. I just can't.
REECE
(to Eddy)
Dad, it's not too late. You can
still change your mind.
EDDY
Son, you can still come with us.
REECE
I can't, Dad. This is home now.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Farewell and Futures
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - DAY
The next morning, the Atlanteans help those who are leaving
to prepare their ship for departure. They provide supplies,
food, water, and even technological improvements to the
ship's systems.
KULLI
Where will you go?
EDDY
We'll find somewhere.
KULLI
The universe is vast. There are
worlds that will suit your nature
better than this one.
HECTOR
What's that supposed to mean?
LULLA
It means there are places where
conflict and competition serve a
purpose. Where your warrior spirits
can find expression.
JACK
You're saying we don't belong here.
ANELE
We're saying you belong where you
choose to belong.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Bittersweet Farewells
EXT. SPACESHIP - DEPARTURE DAY
A week later, the ship is repaired and ready for departure.
The Atlanteans have provided enough supplies for an extended
journey and enhanced the ship's sensors to help locate other
habitable worlds.
Emotional goodbyes are exchanged between family members and
friends who may never see each other again.
REECE
(to Eddy)
Dad, I'm going to miss you.
EDDY
I'm going to miss you too, son.
Take care of yourself.
REECE
You too, Dad. And Dad ... try to
find happiness, wherever you go.
MILLIE
(crying, to Eddy)
I love you. I'll always love you.
EDDY
Then come with me.
MILLIE
I can't. Nancy needs to be here.
And maybe ... maybe I need to be
here too.
Nancy runs up to Eddy and hugs him fiercely.
NANCY
I love you, Daddy. Maybe someday
you'll understand why I had to
stay.
EDDY
(with tears in his eyes)
Maybe someday I will.
Kevin approaches Elena one last time.
KEVIN
This is really it, isn't it?
ELENA
It doesn't have to be forever,
Kevin. Maybe someday you'll change
your mind.
KEVIN
And maybe someday you'll realize
you made a mistake.
ELENA
Maybe. But I don't think so.
They hug awkwardly, both knowing it's likely the last time
they'll see each other.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Take care of yourself.
KEVIN
You too. And Elena ... if things
don't work out here ...
ELENA
They'll work out.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
A New Horizon
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - DAY
The ship launches successfully, disappearing into the sky as
those who remain watch until it's just a speck, then nothing.
KULLI
Are you sad?
ELENA
Yes. But not regretful.
LULLA
Sadness is natural. It means the
bonds you shared were real.
MICHAEL
What happens now?
KULLI
Now you begin your real journey.
Learning to live in harmony with
yourselves, with us, and with this
world.
CLKAN
It will not be easy. Your old ways
will call to you.
ANELE
But you will not walk this path
alone.
DR. VASQUEZ
Will we ... will we become like you
someday?
KULLI
Perhaps. Evolution takes many
forms. You will become what you are
meant to become.
NANCY
The Gurlongs told me that all
beings are connected. That
separation is an illusion.
ELENA
What do you think they meant?
NANCY
I think they meant that even though
Daddy left, he's still part of us.
And we're still part of him.
REECE
That's a comforting thought.
KULLI
It is also true.
MONTAGE - ONE YEAR LATER
- The human settlement grows and integrates with the
Atlantean community.
- Gardens flourish everywhere, tended by both humans and
Atlanteans working in harmony.
- New homes dot the landscape, built in the organic Atlantean
style.
- Human children play with Atlantean children, learning and
teaching in equal measure.
- Elena works alongside Lulla in a garden, both moving with a
grace that seems almost otherworldly.
- Michael teaches a mixed group of human and Atlantean young
people about astronomy.
- Dr. Vasquez studies Atlantean healing techniques.
- Herb has learned to communicate with some of the planet's
animal life.
END OF MONTAGE
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Reflections in the Garden
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - ONE YEAR LATER
Elena stands in a garden that she has helped create, watching
the sunset paint the sky in colors that still amaze her after
a year on this world. She has changed - not just in her
knowledge and abilities, but in her entire being. There's a
calm about her, a centeredness that was never there on Earth.
Lulla approaches, also in her true form now. Elena has
learned to shift her energy as well, though not as
dramatically as the Atlanteans.
ELENA
Do you ever wonder about the
others? Those who left?
LULLA
Often. But wondering and worrying
are different things.
ELENA
Have you ... sensed them? Out
there?
Kulli approaches, his luminous form moving gracefully through
the garden.
KULLI
They found another world. One more
suited to their nature.
ELENA
Are they happy?
KULLI
They are surviving. They are
learning. Happiness is a choice
each being must make for
themselves.
ELENA
What kind of world?
KULLI
A frontier world. Challenging.
Dangerous.
(MORE)
KULLI (CONT’D)
A place where their warrior spirits
can find expression in protecting
and building rather than just
destroying.
LULLA
Eddy has become a leader there. His
protective instincts serve him
well.
ELENA
And Kevin?
KULLI
Kevin has found purpose in
building. He helps construct
settlements and develops technology
that works in harmony with their
new environment.
ELENA
I'm glad. I was worried ...
KULLI
That they would carry their
destructive patterns to a new
world?
ELENA
Yes.
LULLA
All beings can evolve, Elena. They
simply evolve in different ways and
at different paces.
Renny and Jess run up, laughing and glowing with the same
inner light as the Atlanteans. They have clearly thrived in
this environment.
RENNY
Mom! Come see what we learned to
do.
JESS
We can make the plants grow faster
just by touching them.
Elena watches in amazement as her children demonstrate their
newfound abilities, placing their hands on a small plant and
watching it grow several inches in moments.
ELENA
How is this possible?
KULLI
Your species has more potential
than you realized. Being here, away
from the chaos and negativity of
your old world, allows that
potential to emerge.
Michael approaches with Nancy and Reece.
MICHAEL
Elena, you need to see this.
He leads her to a clearing where several of the remaining
humans are gathered around what appears to be a shimmering
portal in the air.
DR. VASQUEZ
It just appeared this morning.
HERB
It's some kind of communication
device.
Through the portal, they can see images of Earth - but not
the dying Earth they left behind. This Earth is green and
thriving, with clean cities, restored forests, and clear
skies.
ELENA
Is that really Earth?
KULLI
Time moves differently across the
galaxies. What was forty years for
you was much longer for Earth.
ELENA
You mean ...?
LULLA
Your planet healed itself. Life
found a way, as it always does.
ANELE
Those who remained adapted,
evolved, learned to live in harmony
with their world.
Elena stares at the images of the restored Earth, tears in
her eyes.
ELENA
We could have stayed. We could have
been part of that healing.
KULLI
Perhaps. Or perhaps your departure
was necessary. Perhaps those who
stayed needed to face the crisis
without the option of escape.
MICHAEL
Are you saying we were meant to
leave?
CLKAN
We are saying that every choice
creates possibilities. Your choice
to leave created the possibility
for those who stayed to find
another way.
DR. VASQUEZ
And our choice to come here created
the possibility for us to become
something new.
KULLI
Exactly.
NANCY
Can we contact them? The people on
Earth?
KULLI
If you wish. But consider carefully
what you want to say.
ELENA
What about the others? Kevin and
Eddy and the rest who left here?
The portal shifts, showing another world - harsher terrain,
but alive with human activity. Cities rise from rocky ground,
and people work together to build and create in an
environment that clearly challenges them.
KULLI
They found their place as well. A
world where their nature could
express itself fully.
ELENA
Are they ...?
LULLA
They are exactly what they chose to
be. No more, no less.
In the portal, they see Eddy leading a group of people in
building a defensive wall against some unseen threat. Kevin
works with others on what appears to be an advanced
irrigation system. Jack coordinates supply distribution. All
of them look purposeful, engaged, alive in a way they hadn't
been on Atlantis.
REECE
Dad looks ... happy.
KULLI
He is fulfilling his nature.
Sometimes that requires conflict,
challenge, the need to protect and
fight for survival.
MILLIE
I miss him. But I think you're
right. He needed that.
NANCY
And we needed this.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
A New Beginning in Atlantis
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - EVENING
As the sun sets (though it's a different, more golden sun
than Earth's), the community gathers for their evening meal.
Humans and Atlanteans sit together, sharing food and stories,
their forms often shifting between physical and energy states
as the conversation flows.
HERB
I've been thinking about the test
you put us through.
KULLI
What about it?
HERB
Was it fair?
KULLI
Fairness is a concept limited to
beings who see themselves as
separate from each other. The
universe is neither fair nor
unfair. It simply is.
ELENA
That's not really an answer.
KULLI
It is the only answer. You faced
choices. You made decisions based
on your nature. Those decisions
revealed who you truly are. There
is no fairness or unfairness in
truth.
MICHAEL
And what truth did our choices
reveal?
KULLI
That your species stands at a
crossroads. Some of you are ready
to evolve beyond your current
limitations. Others prefer to
express their nature in different
ways. Both paths have value.
DR. VASQUEZ
But not on the same world.
LULLA
Not at this time. Perhaps someday,
when understanding grows, all paths
can coexist.
ADAM
Do you think we'll ever see them
again? The ones who left?
ANELE
The universe is vast but not
infinite. All paths eventually
cross again, in one form or
another.
WILL
What does that mean?
UTHUR
It means that this is not an
ending. It is a beginning.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Embracing Choice in the Atlantean Night
EXT. ATLANTEAN VILLAGE - NIGHT
Later that evening, Elena walks alone through the village.
The bioluminescent plants provide a gentle glow, and the air
hums with peaceful energy. She has become accustomed to the
sense of connection she feels here - to the land, to the
other beings, to life itself.
She comes to a small hill overlooking the entire settlement.
Kulli appears beside her, both of them in their true,
luminous forms.
KULLI
Second thoughts?
ELENA
No. Just processing everything.
KULLI
It is much to process.
ELENA
On Earth, we always thought we were
alone in the universe. Finding you,
learning what we've learned ... it
changes everything.
KULLI
Does it?
ELENA
Doesn't it?
KULLI
The universe was always vast and
full of life. Your awareness of it
is what changed.
Elena considers this.
ELENA
The test you put us through ... it
wasn't really about worthiness, was
it?
KULLI
What do you think it was about?
ELENA
Choice. It was about giving us the
opportunity to choose who we wanted
to become.
KULLI
And who did you choose to become?
ELENA
Something new. Something I never
thought was possible.
KULLI
And are you content with that
choice?
Elena looks out over the village, watching the gentle lights
move through the settlement as beings go about their evening
activities. She sees her children playing with Atlantean
youngsters, their laughter carrying on the night air.
She sees Michael deep in conversation with Clkan about the
mysteries of the universe. She sees Dr. Vasquez learning
healing techniques that blend science with something deeper.
ELENA
Yes. For the first time in my life,
I feel like I'm exactly where I'm
supposed to be.
KULLI
And what about those who left? Do
you think they made the wrong
choice?
ELENA
No. I think they made the choice
they needed to make. Maybe that's
what wisdom is - understanding that
there's more than one right path.
KULLI
Now you begin to understand what
we've been trying to teach.
ELENA
What comes next?
KULLI
That depends on you. You can remain
here, continuing to learn and grow.
Or you can choose another path.
ELENA
Another path?
KULLI
Your portal showed you Earth
renewed. You could return, if you
wish. Help guide those who
remained. Become a bridge between
what was and what could be.
ELENA
Could we? Really?
KULLI
The choice is always yours, Elena.
That is the gift and burden of
consciousness - the eternal freedom
to choose who you become.
ELENA
But not today.
KULLI
Not today.
ELENA
Today, I'm exactly where I need to
be.
KULLI
Yes. You are.
They stand in comfortable silence, watching the stars emerge
in the alien sky. In the distance, both on this world and
visible through occasional glimpses of portals to other
worlds, communities of beings - human and otherwise - go
about their evening routines.
All of them learning, growing, choosing who to become next.