PSION:
AGENT OF U.L.T.R.A.
By Haze Thomas
ISBN: 978-1-4661-7335-4.
Screenplay
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Copyright © 1996-1998, by Haze Thomas and Roberts-Jones Publishing.
Haze
Thomas
542 Plymouth Lane
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770)
619-5783
© 1998, Haze Thomas
The screen is black. The Narrator begins to speak. As he does, what he says is shown in a crawl.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
During the mid-1970s, Congressional Hearings of CIA covert assassination attempts against Fidel Castro led to Executive Order 12333.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Signed by President Ronald Reagan on December 4, 1981, Executive Order 12333 prohibited any individual acting on the behalf of the U.S. Government from engaging or conspiring to engage in assassination.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
However, in response to an epidemic of terroristic attacks against the U.S. And its allies, President Steve Largent rescinded Exec Order 12333 on July 4, 2018.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Soon thereafter, U.L.T.R.A. - The Uni-Lateral Terrorism Response Agency - was established to deal with the problem of terrorism head-on. Privately owned, operated in secret, and with no official ties to any government, U.L.T.R.A.'s agents are the deadliest Covert Operatives on earth. Their motto? "SURRENDER OR SUFFER!"
FADE IN:
CAPTION: KHARTOUM, SUDAN. SEPTEMBER, 2015.
INT. PALATIAL CASTLE OF SAYA LIN A'DEN - MIDNIGHT
It is dark and silent within the huge dwelling terrorist Saya Lin A'den calls home.
Lin A'den is lying in bed, attempting to sleep.
Meanwhile, a MALE INTRUDER and a FEMALE INTRUDER glide down a long dark corridor (their feet 12 inches from the floor). Both are dressed head-to-toe in futuristic, stealth bodysuits.
As they proceed, they see two well-armed bodyguards.
The Male Intruder raises his right hand ever-so slightly. His eyes are glowing; even with the night-vision specs he wears.
PSION (V.O.)
(in a whisper)
Don't worry about the guards. We're invisible to them.
FLUX (V.O.)
Acknowledged. Take my hand.
The Male Intruder complies.
The intruders enter the bedroom by flowing through the wall.
INT. LIN A'DEN'S MASTER BEDROOM - CONTINUING
Lin A'den's bed is now visible.
The Male Intruder's eyes and hands began to glow of lavender again. This strange energy lights up the dark room.
Lin A'den abruptly sits up and looks around. He sees nothing. He lies back down and closes his eyes.
Seconds later - like a ghost - the Female Intruder tele-slides up through the middle of Lin A'den's bed and firmly CLAMPS her right hand over the terrified Lin Aden's mouth.
The Male Intruder descends slowly down from the cathedral ceiling. He SNATCHES off his black mask.
Lin A'den can hear his words clearly; despite the fact the Male Intruder's mouth is not moving.
PSION (V.O.)
Saya Lin A'den - by the power vested in me as an Acquisitions Operative of The Uni-Lateral Terrorism Response Agency - I, Psion, do hereby find you guilty of high crimes and multiple terroristic attacks. You are summarily sentenced to death. So decrees U.L.T.R.A..
The Male Intruder raises his glowing right hand and places it upon Lin A'den's forehead. Lin A'den's body begins to tremble and lurch sporadically.
His body stops moving. His eyes are frozen. He is dead.
The Male Intruder uploads footage of the scene via a tiny videocamera mounted on his wrist.
As he reapplies his mask, he turns to his partner.
PSION (V.O.)
Our work here is done. Let's go!
They walk to the center of Lin A'den's bedroom.
Suddenly, two wormholes open beneath both of them. They slide slowly into the wormholes and vanish silently. The wormholes seal after them. Just like that, the Intruders are gone.
CAPTION: MANHATTAN (N.Y.C.). TWO DAYS LATER.
EXT. CORNER OF LEXINGTON & 53RD, MANHATTAN - MORNING
A candy apple red, 2015 Chevrolet Twin-Turbo Corvette comes to a SCREECHING halt.
The man - PSION - sits in the driver's seat. He's a 6-foot tall, muscular Black Man with short wavy hair, a very handsome face and a goatee. His Armani suit fits him well.
In the passenger seat sits the Woman called FLUX. She is over 5-feet tall, with a lean but sculpted physique. She is Hispanic, extremely beautiful, with piercing brown eyes and long flowing brown hair. She looks simply stunning in her cream-colored, custom-tailored Givenchy business suit.
INT. PSION'S CORVETTE - CONTINUING
PSION (V.O.)
(mouth closed)
I'm running inside to -
FLUX
Use your mouth, please.
PSION
Sorry. I'm running inside the bank to pickup a little cash.
FLUX
Just hurry up, OK? You promised me breakfast before we left for Alpha H.Q. I'm getting hungry!
PSION
Alright! I'm going.
Psion SLAMS the car door and proceeds to cross the street.
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND MILLENNIUM NATIONAL BANK - CONTINUING
A Pest Control van is parked directly behind the bank.
INT. THE PEST CONTROL VAN - CONTINUING
ROBBERY LEADER
Listen up, everybody. It's time to get paid! Lock and load 'em, boys.
All twelve men inside the Econoline Van secure their weapons from a vast collection of handguns, machine guns, and rifles.
ROBBERY LEADER
OK. We've cased out this place for weeks. We got a good plan. If we stick to it, we'll all be rich men bound for paradise soon.
CREW MEMBER #4
Yeah, baby!
CREW MEMBER #5
That's what I'm talkin' about.
ROBBERY LEADER
Remember your assignments. Watch each other's backs in there. And make sure you follow my lead.
INT. LOBBY OF MILLENNIUM NATIONAL BANK - CONTINUING
Psion approaches the bank vault.
MR. SMITHEE - the Bank's President - is waiting patiently there. He greets Psion warmly with a handshake.
PSION
Good morning, Mr. Smithee.
MR. SMITHEE
Good morning, Sir. How are you?
PSION
I'm just fine. How is your family?
MR. SMITHEE
Everyone is well. It's a pleasure to see you again. We've been expecting you. Dian?
DIAN, an attractive, well-dressed Bank Manager walks over.
MR. SMITHEE
Would you be so kind as to escort this fine gentleman to his safe deposit boxes, please?
DIAN
I'd be happy to.
Dian shows Psion the way with her hand.
PSION
Thanks again, Mr. Smithee.
MR. SMITHEE
See you shortly. And please: call me Nelson.
Dian unlocks the massive vault door with her access code. She then proceeds to take Psion within the vault.
INT. PSION'S CORVETTE - CONTINUING
Flux reaches over and flips the ignition switch backward so that she can hear some music. EARTH, WIND, & FIRE STREAMS out of customized surround sound speakers.
Bopping her head, Flux turns down the music.
INT. MAIN FLOOR OF MILLENNIUM NATIONAL BANK - CONTINUING
The bank's main floor is vast and tastefully decorated. About 20 or so Bank Customers are standing in line.
The "pest control men" enter the bank with their duffel bags and spray tanks in tow. They move quickly, appearing to know exacting where they're going.
Mr. Smithee sees them - and intercepts them.
MR. SMITHEE
May I help you, gentleman?
ROBBERY LEADER
(with a NYC accent)
How's it going? I'm Dennis and we're from Mincey Pest Control.
MR. SMITHEE
And what, precisely, is the nature of this visit?
ROBBERY LEADER
Your pest problem.
MR. SMITHEE
Excuse me?
ROBBERY LEADER
We came to rid you of it, pal. You Richard Marler?
MR. SMITHEE
No, I'm Nelson Smithee, the President of this Bank.
ROBBERY LEADER
Whatever you say, buddy! My crew's gonna kill your roaches.
MR. SMITHEE
(looking around)
Roaches? Here? That's absurd!
ROBBERY LEADER
Let me tell you something, Mister. This is New York City. Whether you're rich or poor: if you're here, you got roaches, OK?
CREW MEMBER #2
Here is a work order signed by Richard Marler, Operations Manager. Is he here?
MR. SMITHEE
No. He's out sick.
CREW MEMBER #3
Too bad. Does he work for youz?
MR. SMITHEE
Yes.
CREW MEMBER #3
This his signature?
MR. SMITHEE
Yes, it is. But -
ROBBERY LEADER
Here's the deal: we can leave right now, or we can do the job. Either way, we get paid!
INT. BANK VAULT - CONTINUING
Psion takes a single stack of bankrolled $100 bills and slips it into the breast pocket inside his jacket. He SLAMS the safe deposit box shut.
PSION
C'est tout que j'aural besoin aujourd 'hui. Merci beaucoup, Dian.
(subtitle)
THAT'S ALL I'LL BE NEEDING TODAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, DIAN.
Dian smiles graciously and relocks the deposit box into place.
DIAN
Comment vous m'avez connu avez parle francais, Monsieur - ?
(subtitle)
HOW DID YOU KNOW I SPOKE FRENCH, MISTER - ?
PSION
Appelez-moi Psion. Et je connais parce que je lis votre esprit.
(subtitle)
CALL ME PSION. AND I KNOW BECAUSE I READ YOUR MIND.
INT. MAIN FLOOR, MILLENNIUM NATIONAL BANK - CONTINUING
ROBBERY LEADER
So what's it gonna to be?
MR. SMITHEE
Very well. Everything appears to be in order. Go about your work.
The Leader smiles at Mr. Smithee.
INT. LOBBY, MILLENNIUM NATIONAL BANK - CONTINUING
Psion and Dian emerge from the inside of the vault. Psion sees Mr. Smithee across the bank's vast first floor.
ROBBERY LEADER
Fellas, you heard the man.
The Leader quickly pulls out a .45 equipped with a sound suppressor and aims it point blank at Mr. Smithee's head. He pulls the trigger - FIRING a single shot, killing Mr. Smithee instantly. His body slumps to the floor.
The bank customers panic. There is SCREAMING and SHOUTING.
ROBBERY LEADER
Fellas, let's go to work!
(fires two shots in the air)
Everyone, shut up! Now! I killed that uppity bastard to prove a point. Unless you do what I say, you'll be next!
The robbers expand their perimeter, with their weapons drawn.
The Bank's two security guards are BEATEN senseless and relived of their weapons by the crew.
PSION
(handing her a phone)
Dian, listen to me! Go back inside the vault and stay there. Take my cell phone and call the police. Go!
Dian complies, too afraid to argue.
Psion closes his eyes, lifts his hands to both of his temples, and uses his telepathic power to project his voice into the minds of each of the terrified bank customers.
PSION
(continuing; with an authentic Irish accent)
Do nae resist the warm, gentle darkness that embraces ye now. When I snap me fingers, sleep deeply and know that I am here.
Psion snaps his fingers, and every single bank customer and employee COLLAPSES to the floor. All are asleep, some SNORING.
CREW MEMBER #4
Boss! What's going on?
Without warning, all of the bank's numerous videocameras begin to BURST: one after the other, in a domino effect.
CREW MEMBER #4
Shit!
ROBBERY LEADER
What the hell?
PSION (O.S.)
Not hell - Psion. P-S-I-O-N!
Psion's hands glow with a lavender-colored surge of energy.
He uses his telepathic powers to lift his body high into the air, landing 25 yards away from the robbers.
Their mouths drop open as they watch Psion soar, somersault, and land perfectly: ready for action.
PSION
Get over it! How I did that is the least of your problems.
(looking down at Mr. Smithee's body)
You just executed an innocent man. A good man, with a wife and a family - a man I happened to like.
ROBBERY LEADER
You're breakin' my fucking heart, pretty boy!
PSION
If you all throw down your weapons and surrender, right now, I guarantee you'll live to see the authorities.
CREW MEMBER #5
Yeah? And if we don't?
PSION
Here's your choice: surrender or suffer. It's that simple, fat man.
The Leader LAUGHS heartily. Then his face goes blank.
CREW MEMBER #5
Boss?
ROBBERY LEADER
Kill him!
Several of the crew rush up and stand side-by-side: unleashing a LOUD blizzard of bullets and shells at Psion.
EXT. CORNER OF BROADWAY & 43RD, NEW YORK CITY - CONTINUING
The GUNFIRE causes a large flock of pigeons to fly out of the courtyard outside the bank.
Flux sees the pigeons fly away - as she hears the gunfire.
INT. PSION'S CORVETTE - CONTINUING
FLUX
Psion!
Flux climbs out of the car, and SLAMS the door shut.
As her name implies, she seems to reach into the very fabric of space - causing a visual ripple effect similar to a rock thrown into a lake. Out of the dimensional wormhole she just created, she pulls out two of her spike knives.
Flux then opens a wormhole directly beneath her feet. Her body slides down into it; and it seals instantly behind her.
In a second, the wormhole projects her body up - through the marble floor inside the bank.
INT. MAIN FLOOR, MILLENNIUM NATIONAL BANK - CONTINUING
FLUX
Psion, I'm here! Are you OK?
Psion is standing there, bathed in a vertical chamber of psionic energy. All the bullets and shotgun shells fired at him seconds ago are held in place by his power.
PSION
I couldn't be better. Victims, meet Flux. Flux, meet the victims.
FLUX
You dumbasses actually tried to gun down my man? Oh, hell no! Now, I'm really pissed off!
Psion looks first at Flux, then down at his watch.
PSION
You guys wanted to get paid, right? OK, it's time to get paid - in full!
Energy radiates from Psion's eyes.
The would-be robbers are shell-shocked. Some begin to run, some begin to FIRE their weapons, one or two begin to SCREAM.
Flux drops through the floor, and re-emerges to cut off Crew Member #4 from escaping. In a single fluid motion, she throws her spike knives, one from each hand, with deadly accuracy. The knives STRIKE him: one in his left eye, the other in his right eye. Taking a lovely (and lethal) pose, she exclaims:
FLUX
Flux fever: catch it!
Psion telepathically SPITS the robbers' own bullets back at them: FIRING them from his chamber (like a blowgun). Four of the robbers are mowed down.
PSION
That's what I call recycling!
Flux slides through the floor, and emerges from the floor again, this time taking one of the robber's head in her hands, and SNAPS his neck like a twig. The final sound he makes in this life is a GRUNT.
Crew Member #3 takes out two 9MMs and aims them at Flux.
CREW MEMBER #3
John Woo-style, baby!
PSION
Have a seat. In fact: have two!
Psion counters by using his power to propel two chairs from opposite sides of the bank at a startling rate of speed toward Crew Member #3. He cannot avoid either of them. The two chairs CRUSH Crew Member #3 simultaneously - making his body resemble that of a crash dummy.
FLUX
Thanks, partner! My turn!
Psion turns to face the Leader, who was aiming an Uzi at him.
PSION
Trying to shoot me in the back, eh?
With a slight gesture of his right hand, Psion takes the machine gun from the Leader, and casts it away.
PSION
I don't usually give boxing lessons, but for you, I'll make an exception.
The Leader throws a wild overhand right. Psion easily ducks it, then counters with two hard left JABS to the Leader's midsection. As the Leader doubles over, Psion CLOBBERS him with a vicious right cross. The Leader HITS the floor hard.
Flux runs up to Crew Member #2.
FLUX
Come with me!
Flux grabs Crew Member #2 and tele-slides into a wormhole - taking him through the floor with her, only she closes the wormhole before he comes out - making him one with the marble floor. Only his butt, legs, and feet remain visible. His deathscream is MUFFLED.
The Leader, still dazed, can only watch his men being crushed.
Flux reaches again into the fabric of space, and pulls out a rather impressive-looking laser pistol.
One of the last remaining robbers attempts to lay down some cover FIRE for himself, then run outside.
FLUX
Baby, don't leave me this way.
On the move, Flux aims and FIRES her laser pistol. A lethal green disk of energy disintegrates the fleeing robber's head. His body takes a step or two before it collapses.
The last robber living aside from the Leader has other plans. He takes out two grenades, EJECTS the pins, and announces:
CREW MEMBER #5
Mexican bitch! Drop the gun: or I blow us all to hell!
PSION
Better do as he says, Flux.
FLUX
OK. I'm dropping the gun.
Flux drops the pistol from her left hand to a wormhole in the floor - which opens in mid-air above Flux. The gun lands in her right hand. She catches and FIRES. Crew Member #5 is ash.
FLUX
I'm Puerto Rican - and you're dust!
PSION
Most impressive.
FLUX
Thank you, kind Sir.
ROBBERY LEADER
Mary, Mother of Jesus!
Psion turns his attention back to the Leader.
ROBBERY LEADER
Who - what are you people?
FLUX
We're citizens concerned about crime. Uptown Neighborhood Watch.
PSION
Yeah! I like this bank. I do business here - and I don't appreciate you trying to rob it.
Psion telekinetically lifts the Leader off the floor.
ROBBERY LEADER
Wait! What's happening? No! Please!
PSION
Tell me you'll never do this again.
ROBBERY LEADER
I'll never do this again, man. I swear! I swear to GOD I won't!
Psion's eyes began to glow again.
PSION
I know. Relax. Your ride is here.
With a gesture, Psion telekinetically throws the Leader SCREAMING across the Bank, SMASHING through the front glass doors, across the courtyard, and into the street - where a speeding yellow taxi cab first COLLIDES into him full-tilt. He is SPEEDBUMPED (run over).
FLUX
I like my chicken crispy!
The sound of SIRENS is nearby.
PSION
Exit corridor, Flux?
FLUX
I'm on it.
EXT. PSION'S CORVETTE - CONTINUING
Flux tele-slides herself and Psion back to his car.
FLUX
I'm sorry about your friend.
PSION
Yeah. Me, too.
They both get into Psion's car. Psion CRANKS it up.
INT. PSION'S CORVETTE - CONTINUING
FLUX
I assume you didn't forget about the getaway driver.
PSION
You assume correctly.
Psion makes a hand gesture similar to Darth Vader's when he choked his subordinates. The same is true here, as the getaway driver CHOKES to death at the wheel of the van.
Psion pulls off the curb, tires SQUEALING, and speeds away a few seconds before the Police arrive.
INT. PSION'S CORVETTE - CONTINUING
PSION
Hey, Flux: still hungry?
FLUX
I'm starved.
PSION
We have time yet before our flight to Atlanta. I'll buy you breakfast.
FLUX
Outstanding.
TITLE SEQUENCE
ROLL CREDITS
FADE IN:
INT. DELTA JUMBO 767 JET - AFTERNOON
Psion and Flux are sitting in first class, talking to each other telepathically (for both privacy and security purposes).
FLUX (V.O.)
Why are so you so quiet?
PSION (V.O.)
Just thinking. No pun intended.
FLUX (V.O.)
What about?
PSION (V.O.)
Do you ever miss your prior life? Before you were recruited by U.L.T.R.A.? Before the bio-serum that transformed you into Flux?
FLUX (V.O.)
I think about it sometimes. More than anything, I miss my parents, and the friends I left -
(pauses)
Oh, Psion, I'm sorry.
PSION (V.O.)
I can talk about Erika. GOD knows I miss her still. It's ironic.
FLUX (V.O.)
What is?
PSION (V.O.)
Telepathically, I have the power to wipe out every living memory from a person's brain. Telekinetically, I could wipe out a small army. But I'd trade every iota of that power to hold my wife in my arms again.
FLUX (V.O.)
Her death wasn't your fault. You know that, don't you?
PSION (V.O.)
Erika was tortured and killed because she married me. I didn't even know she was pregnant. If I hadn't been away on assignment -
FLUX (V.O.)
You'd be dead, too. You didn't have the power then. All you had was a gun - and we both know how easily a gun can be nullified.
PSION (V.O.)
Want to hear a secret, Flux?
FLUX (V.O.)
Sure.
PSION (V.O.)
Sometimes when I'm out in the field - and I'm outnumbered or tired, you know what I do?
FLUX (V.O.)
Tell me.
PSION (V.O.)
I pretend that the bad guy I'm facing is the one who killed Erika and the baby. That never fails.
FLUX
Now I see why you're so proficient.
Psion looks out the window.
PSION (V.O.)
You know what I want for Christmas? What I'd really love?
FLUX (V.O.)
What's that?
PSION (V.O.)
Lasting peace, love, and goodwill on Earth. I'd love to see the day when U.L.T.R.A. is unnecessary.
FLUX (V.O.)
And until then?
PSION (V.O.)
Until then, it's business as usual. We kill terrorists. Dead.
FLUX (V.O.)
I know that's right.
Psion and Flux gently pound fists - both smiling.
Just then, both of their U.L.T.R.A.-issued Nokia com/cel phones begin to VIBRATE.
Psion pulls out his phone.
The top slides open to reveal a small oval shaped videoscreen next to a keypad. The Director's face is seen in the screen.
PSION
Urgent message from The Director.
Psion presses a button, then enters a code.
COM/CEL PHONE VOICE
Message commencing.
THE DIRECTOR (V.O.)
Psion, you and Flux are to report to H.Q. immediately upon landing in Atlanta. We have a situation.
The image freezes, then the com/cel screen goes blank.
COM/CEL PHONE VOICE
Message concluded.
PSION
I wonder if it has to do with this?
Psion points to the copy of the New York Times in front of them. The cover story is regarding the death of terrorist mastermind Saya Lin A'din in Sudan two days prior.
CAPTION: ATLANTA, GA.
EXT. THE HOLLINS INSTITUTE OF ECONOMIC STUDIES - EVENING
A sleek, ebony 2016 Lincoln Towncar Limousine pulls in front of the beautiful, silver glass & steel building. Psion and Flux have arrived at U.L.T.R.A.'s Headquarters (under the guise of an Economic Think Tank called The Hollins Institute).
INT. LOBBY OF THE HOLLINS INSTITUTE - CONTINUING
They enter the building and approach the security desk. There Psion and Flux walk through a device which resembles a large, cylindrical Metal Detector. This device, a ID Matrix, digitally SCANS their bodies in general - and their retinas in particular - to confirm their identities.
ID MATRIX COMPUTER
Please state your name for digital voice compression and confirmation.
FLUX
Flux.
ID MATRIX COMPUTER
Operative number, please?
FLUX
97522 Alpha Tango Alpha.
ID MATRIX COMPUTER
Confirmed.
ID MATRIX COMPUTER
Please state your name for digital voice compression and confirmation.
PSION
Psion.
ID MATRIX COMPUTER
Operative number, please?
PSION
19366 Delta Niner Tango.
ID MATRIX COMPUTER
Confirmed. Good evening, Flux. Good evening, Psion.
They are greeted by two well-armed Security Officers.
SECURITY OFFICER #1
Mr. Psion, Miss Flux. Good evening.
PSION
Hello, Sam... Roger.
SECURITY OFFICER #2
The Director is in the Ready Room.
FLUX
Thanks.
INT. READY ROOM, U.L.T.R.A. H.Q. - CONTINUING
A rugged, but intellectual-looking man wearing a dark Ralph Lauren suit and Versace framed glasses is standing with his back to the door of the Ready Room.
THE DIRECTOR
Welcome back, you two. How was your R&R in the Big Apple?
PSION
Quiet. Uneventful, for the most part, accept for an encounter with some would-be bank robbers.
THE DIRECTOR
Ah, yes: Millennium State Bank. I knew it was your handiwork.
FLUX
I can't say the workout didn't come in handy.
THE DIRECTOR
Congratulations on your retirement of Saya Lin A'den.
PSION
Thank you, Sir. We received the signal. There's a situation?
THE DIRECTOR
Yes. Have a seat.
Psion and Flux sit down.
THE DIRECTOR
Lights.
The lights dim.
THE DIRECTOR
Display.
The voice-activated overhead projector engages itself. Saya Lin A'den appears on a huge wall projection screen.
FLUX
The late Saya Lin A'den. Sleep well - in hell.
The Director clears his throat.
FLUX
Sorry.
THE DIRECTOR
As you know, Lin A'den was a terrorist extraordinaire. Wealthy, resourceful, fearless -
PSION
Sir, with respect to you, I telepathically facilitated Lin A'den's brain hemorrhage. Why are we still discussing him?
THE DIRECTOR
Gone, yes; but not forgotten. Remember my motto: first we identify, then we rectify.
FLUX
Please explain.
THE DIRECTOR
Lin A'den's body was found by his 2nd in Command. Next frame.
The projector advances to the next photo.
THE DIRECTOR
His name is Juman.
FLUX
Juman what?
THE DIRECTOR
Just Juman, as far as we can determine. In the past 36 hours, he's called two separate news conferences: the first to condemn the West for Lin A'den's death.
PSION
And the second?
THE DIRECTOR
It was to announce a $25 Million cash reward for any information leading to the location and identification of Lin Aden's assassins. He swears to wage a holy war upon the U.S. unless the assassins are turned over to him.
FLUX
He's very brave; or very stupid.
PSION
What do we know about him, Sir?
THE DIRECTOR
This is what we've confirmed. 1: Juman is ruthless and ambitious. 2: Lin A'den had been grooming Juman as his successor for years - which means that Juman now has access to Lin A'den's wealth, political connections, and his store of weapons. 3: He speaks English fluently and researches current events via the Internet. 4: Juman leads the guerilla group known as The Flaming Sword. And 5: he hates all things American - particularly our movies.
PSION
What kind of weapons does he have?
THE DIRECTOR
No biological weapons to speak of. Our main area of concern is what he might do with the explosive devices he has access to. Things like C-6 plastics, nitro-glycerin, even some mixture fuel explosives.
PSION
But Juman has no nukes, right?
THE DIRECTOR
Our intel is unable to confirm or deny that at this time.
FLUX
Uh-oh.
PSION
Lin A'den made a name for himself in January of 2001 when he sponsored the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in London and Paris. This holy war of Juman's may be his coming-out party - his own bid for the world stage. Close-up.
The projector complies - zooming in on Juman's image.
FLUX
Director, could he be bluffing?
THE DIRECTOR
Juman doesn't believe in bluffing. If he couldn't back up his claims, he wouldn't have gone public.
PSION
The G-8 Nations are scheduled to have a Economic Summit in Los Angeles in a few days. Will Juman's sabre rattling alter it?
THE DIRECTOR
That's hard to say. But if he wanted to really make a statement, he couldn't pick a better target. The Leaders of Italy, Canada, the U.K., Germany, Japan, France, and the U.S. will all be there.
FLUX
Then why don't Psion and I just go back to Sudan and deal with Juman?
THE DIRECTOR
The situation is incredibly delicate. Lin A'den hasn't been dead 72 hours. Our ally nations in that region are understandably worried that they may be targeted by Juman, as it is. If Juman dies now, it could touch off a war.
FLUX
How wide-ranging?
THE DIRECTOR
If we mishandle this, it could escalate beyond our worse nightmare. A Mid-East civil war.
There are a few seconds of silence.
FLUX
I say we make Juman vanish!
THE DIRECTOR
What say you, Psion?
PSION
I realize that this man is dangerous, sir. I really do. But Juman is no different than any of the other terrorists we face. They huff and they puff; but when we confront them, they shrivel up like beef jerky.
THE DIRECTOR
Your point being - ?
PSION
For once, I'd like to see one of these guys stand up and fight. Just once, I'd like to be pushed to the limits of my psionic power.
THE DIRECTOR
So, you want to be challenged?
PSION
Yes, sir. I do.
THE DIRECTOR
Be careful what you wish for, Psion. This man is deadly.
FLUX
Then let's snuff him.
THE DIRECTOR
I'll take that under consideration. I'll need to consult with our ruling body, The High Council; and then with the U.N.. You two get some rest. You're on 24-hour mission alert.
Psion and Flux stand up and excuse themselves.
The Director picks up the phone and begins DIALING.
THE DIRECTOR
Denise, contact the members of The High Council.
CAPTION: KHARTOUM, SUDAN.
EXT. OFFICE OF JUMAN'S ESTATE - MORNING
JUMAN, a ruggedly handsome Egyptian man with a long, thick beard and a foreboding presence enters his study. His eyes are black and weary.
He is wearing a fencing uniform. Juman holds a sabre in his right hand, and his fencing face mask in his left hand.
He sits down behind his desk.
A servant humbly enters Juman's study.
SERVANT
(in Arabic)
My Liege?
JUMAN
(also in Arabic)
Has Mohammed arrived? And is Sharif with him?
SERVANT
Yes, my Liege.
JUMAN
Very well. Send them in. And I wish to be undisturbed.
SERVANT
As you wish.
The servant leaves quickly. A few seconds later, MOHAMMED, a huge, muscular Islamic man enters Juman's study. He is bin Laden's Director of Security.
SHARIF, a lean, tall Islamic man with a full goatee and exotic facial features comes into the study and stands beside Mohammed. Sharif is a time-trusted guard, who has known Juman for quite some time.
MOHAMMED
(in Arabic)
Your Eminence? I am here.
SHARIF
(also in Arabic)
Greetings, your Eminence.
JUMAN
(in English)
Sharif, you have a seat over there. Mohammed, you stand where you are. And speak English - it is the language of our arch enemies.
MOHAMMED
As you wish.
JUMAN
Do you know why I you are here?
MOHAMMED
No, your Eminence.
JUMAN
I wanted you to explain in your own words how infidels could have desecrated the sacred grounds of the hallowed Lin A'din. How could you, Director of Security, have permitted assassins to enter his home - his blessed home - with hostile intent?
MOHAMMED
Your Eminence, if I may speak -
Juman gestures his approval with his right hand. He then places both hands in his lap.
MOHAMMED
We reviewed all of the videotape from each of the cameras on the grounds. There was nothing that -
JUMAN
I am uninterested in excuses. Though there was no physical evidence of foul play upon Lin A'den's sacred body, there is no doubt that he was killed. None of your men even saw the killers, let alone engaged them in battle. Your failure to prevent this tragedy cannot be ignored. Or tolerated.
MOHAMMED
If I could give my life to rectify our great loss, I would do so.
JUMAN
Those words are music to my ears.
Suddenly, Juman begins FIRING a Gatling gun stationed beneath his desk. Mohammed's body, as well as the massive teak desk, is SHREDDED by bullets.
Juman stares at Mohammed for a few seconds. He then presses a button on the intercom system upon his desk.
SERVANT
You rang, my Liege?
JUMAN
Yes. Summon the Medical Examiner and tell him to bring the toxicology results he conducted upon my mighty mentor. And come remove the trash from my study.
Juman then turns his attention to the sitting Sharif.
JUMAN
Arise, Sharif. And face me.
Sharif takes a deep breath, then stands to face Juman.
SHARIF
I, too, stand ready to atone for my failure, my Liege.
JUMAN
Don't be absurd. I'm appointing you my new Director of Security. Your first task is to take Mohammed's body, cut off his head, and display it prominently in the city. Let it be known that failure to fulfill one's duties under my command will be severely punished.
SHARIF
It shall be done.
JUMAN
Good.
INT. PSION'S DINING ROOM - MIDNIGHT
Psion is sitting at the dining table sorting his mail telekinetically. He is wearing a brown silk bathrobe.
PSION
Junk... bill... junk... junk.
Psion's butler, BRIDGES, enters the dining room holding a silver tray full of food. He is a middle-aged, handsome man with silver highlights in his black curly hair. His brown eyes are kind; his voice deep and mellow.
BRIDGES
Master William? Dinner is served.
Psion smiles at the sight of Bridges.
PSION
That smells awesome.
BRIDGES
It's your favorite, Sir - garlic breast of chicken served with warm buttered rolls, rice pilaf with slivered almonds, and a side Caesar salad.
Bridges sets down the entree in front of Psion.
PSION
Dessert?
BRIDGES
Margo lavender flan with creme de ment and grasshopper sauce.
PSION
Bridges, you reign supreme!
BRIDGES
Thank you, Master William.
PSION
I won't be around, so take a few days off. Here. I brought you something from New York City.
Psion places the stack of $100 bills on the dining table.
PSION
Go do some shopping; have some fun.
BRIDGES
Sir, how incredibly generous -
The phone RINGS.
BRIDGES
Excuse me, Master William.
PSION
I got it, Bridges. It's no trouble.
BRIDGES
Will that be all, Master William?
PSION
I'm all set. Good night, Bridges.
BRIDGES
Good night, Sir.
Psion lifts his right hand as the headset sails over to him from across the room. He CATCHES the headset, then ANSWERS it.
PSION
Yes?
INT. FLUX'S BEDROOM - CONTINUING
Flux is lying on top of her bed. Candles are lit. Soft music is PLAYING on her stereo nearby. She is wearing a lavender, chiffon teddy with nothing underneath.
FLUX
Hi, there.
PSION
Hey, Flux. What are you up to?
FLUX
Well, I was going to watch "Star Wars: Episode III" on video, but that's no fun alone.
PSION
Fantastic movie. But I understand.
FLUX
I was thinking of you.
PSION
Really?
FLUX
Really. Could I ask you something?
PSION
Of course.
FLUX
Don't you think you've been alone long enough? It's been over 5 years. Erika wouldn't want this.
PSION
Want what?
FLUX
You holding an eternal flame for her. Living your life all alone.
PSION
It's just so hard to start all over again. You know what I mean?
FLUX
I understand. I just want you to be happy, Psion. That's all.
PSION
I appreciate that, Flux. But, I'm not lonely. I have you, don't I?
FLUX
That's right. You do.
PSION
Right.
There is a few seconds of silence.
PSION
Well, Flux: I have to go. Try to get some rest. You never know when The Director will call us.
FLUX
OK. I'm here for you: anytime, day or night. Should you need to talk, or come over, or something.
PSION
I'll keep that in mind, Flux. One last thing before I let you go.
FLUX
Yes?
PSION
Back in the Bank, do you realize that you called me your man?
FLUX
I said that?
PSION
You said that. To the robbers.
FLUX
Are you sure?
PSION
I have a photographic memory, remember? Not that I objected to you saying it. I didn't.
FLUX
On that note, I'll say good night.
PSION
See you in my dreams, Flux.
FLUX
Promise?
PSION
I promise. Sleep well.
Psion DISCONNECTS the call. He smiles to himself.
INT. FLUX'S BEDROOM - CONTINUING
Flux HANGS up the phone, then sighs quietly.
INT. TRAINING ROOM ONE, U.L.T.R.A. H.Q. - AFTERNOON
Psion is HITTING the boxing bag. He's wearing shorts and a tank top with white socks and a pair of white athletic shoes.
Nearby, Flux - also wearing athletic gear - is sharpening her kickboxing skills. Suddenly, there are SOUNDS of a struggle.
Both Psion and Flux stop their training techniques and turn towards the door. It is KICKED open abruptly!
Juman enters the room - with a machine gun in both hands.
FLUX
Holy horseshit! Juman?
PSION
I don't know how you got here, but you won't be leaving! Not alive!
JUMAN
Venegance is mine!
Juman begins to FIRE both machine guns.
Psion's summons his psionic energy to create a force field in front of Flux with his left hand. With his right hand he LAUNCHES several volleys of psionic energy at Juman.
Juman flawlessly dives to the floor, ROLLS, and LANDS.
Psion leaps into the air, his fists glowing with power.
Flux pulls two of her spike knives from her thigh belt.
She tele-slides through the floor.
Psion flips in mid-air, LANDS, spins then uses his left hand to GRAB Juman by the throat. His glowing right fist is at Juman's right temple - ready to erase Juman's mind.
Flux comes up through the floor to Juman's immediate left. One of her spike knives is pointed at his left temple, the other is pointed at his rear end.
Juman freezes in place.
PSION
So you see, MegaMorph? Had you been the real Juman - and had those been real bullets and not rubber ones - I would have been giving you your Alzheimer's starter kit right about now.
FLUX
And I would've given you C.P.R..
JUMAN
C.P.R.?
FLUX
Yep: Cardio-pull-my-spike-knives-out-your-rectum.
Psion LAUGHS, then powers down.
JUMAN
I see.
Flux slides her knives back into her thigh belt.
Juman becomes MEGAMORPH: an Italian, nice-looking, young man with brown eyes, olive-toned skin, and black wavy hair.