EXT: AIRCRAFT CARRIER DECK
A Metropolis Police Chopper hovers over the massive deck as it slowly descends onto the landing pad. Armed guards stand at attention as a medical staff rushes up to receive the package. The chopper’s doors open to see Clark securely strapped to a gurney.
Whitaker walks up to one of the Metropolis medical officers: “Is he conscious?”
Medical Officer: “He’s been in and out. Nothing is piercing his skin so intravenous drugs are out.”
Whitaker: “Nothing pierces his skin?”
Medical Officer: “We tried every gauge known and it’s like trying to push through steel.”
The medical officer hands Whitaker a briefcase.” Here’s the footage. I think you’ll see my point.”
Whitaker takes the briefcase: “I’m sure I will.”
EXT: DAILY PLANET-DAY
INT: MEDIA FLOOR
Perry comes out of his office heading toward Lois’s desk.
Perry: “Lois, your deadline as moved up. I’m gonna need the fire department piece in an hour.”
Perry notices Lois’s surprised look.
Perry: “The rescue Dalmatians I told you to cover three hours ago.”
Lois: “Right, I remember. Umm Jimmy and I got a little sidetracked by the Bank of Metropolis robbery. Roads were closed for hours.”
Perry raises his voice so the whole floor can hear: “Sidetracked! When I give you a story to do I expect it done! If roads are closed you find away to turn your car into a plane and fly! There are no excuses Miss. Lane!”
Lois terrified: “I do have a story chief.”
Perry: “About what, how many times they play Lady Gaga between the 10 o’clock and 11 o’ clock hour?!”
Lois: “No, we were on site. Jimmy got great pictures and I grabbed several interviews.”
Lois hits the print button on her computer and hands Perry a stack of papers. “It’s all right here. Just read it.”
Perry takes a look at several photos and skims through the notes. He pauses for a moment as his anger begins to slowly subdue.
Perry: “Thousand word article at the end of the day.”
Perry tosses the material back on Lois’s desk and walks away. Lois finally lets out a large sigh realizing she escaped journalism death.
INT: INTERROGATION ROOM
Clark sits in the small room. The room consists of two chairs and table. On the table sits an untouched glass of water. Clark still wears the battered and burned clothing from the explosion but his body shows no resemblance. Across from Clark a wall monitor is replaying footage of Clark taking down the bank robbers.
CUT TO:
Outside the interrogation room Whitaker watches Clark through the other side of the monitor. Another officer stands at Whitaker’s side.
Whitaker: “How is he?”
Officer: “He hasn’t moved. All he does is stair at the monitor. Do you want me to call Luthor?”
Whitaker: “Not yet. I want to talk to this guy.”
As Whitaker turns away the monitor quickly flickers and returns to normal.
INT: INTERROGATION ROOM
A door opens and enters Whitaker. Clark makes eye contact with the former war hero. After a moment Whitaker looks at the monitor replaying footage.
Whitaker: “You do that often?”
Clark makes no response at the question. Whitaker makes his way to the chair across from Clark.
Whitaker: “I’ll have to admit I’ve watched that over a dozen times trying to wrap my head around it all. I keep thinking it’s some kind of computerized image or camera trick. Those bank robbers never stood a chance.”
Clark continues to show no emotion staring back.
Whitaker (continued): “You got a name son?”
Clark’s face is stone with no response.
Whitaker: “Since we can’t get a blood sample, your prints are negative, and you don’t seem talkative I’ll just call you John for now. So where are you from John?”
Clark: “I don’t know.”
Whitaker: “That’s what I figured you’d say.”
Whitaker looks back at the monitor footage then back at Clark.
Whitaker: “So tell me. Why did you wait so long to intervene? It’s obvious you could have stopped them before they ever drew their first gun. Is it that girl? What does she mean to you?”
Clark: “She’s nobody. I didn’t want to see people get hurt.”
Whitaker: “Well you accomplished that. There were no fatalities and several were admitted to the hospital but they’ll live. Truth is John I served in all four branches of the military. I’ve been knee dip in the worst places this world can offer. In those places I’ve witnessed men perform extraordinary fetes bordering on unexplainable but never in my life have I seen a man do what you did. There’s no material on this earth capable of deflecting that kind of gunfire. No human has that kind of speed, strength, or ability to fly. I don’t know who you are or where you’re from but I do want to know what you are here for?”
Clark stares deep into Whitaker’s eyes unwilling to reveal what he knows of his past.
Clark: “Just let me live.”
The entire room shakes as lights flicker. Clark and Whitaker both brace themselves.
Whitaker reaches for his com: “What’s going on up there?”
Only static returns from the com. Concerned, Whitaker heads toward the door. He exits into a control room.
INT: CONTROL ROOM
Whitaker: “Did we hit something?”
Control officer: “I don’t know but the entire network is down. Must have been some kind of power surge.”
As he finishes that statement the wall explodes. Smoke and debris feel the room as Black Zero Agents enter.
INT: INTERROGATION ROOM
Clark feels the explosion shake the room.
INT: CONTROL ROOM
Laser fire has ensued as four Black Zero Agents begin killing everyone inside. Whitaker as taken cover while returning fire but it is to no prevail.
CUT TO:
Clark opens the interrogation room door. A Black Zero Agent spots him.
Agent: “He’s over there.”
The four agents level their weapons at the room unloading on it. After the entire room is in flames they seize fire and look for the body. As they approach the blaze Clark emerges from the debris punching out the closest Agent. The other three draw electric staffs. Clark is at a standoff. Whitaker emerges from a crouched position firing on the Agents. Taking advantage of the moment Clark lands another punch to an Agent dropping him. Clark is struck in the head by a staff and then receives a punch to the face. Clark stumbles back. The Agent swings another punch that Clark blocks and lands a punch into the agents gut followed by a knee to the face. Clark looks over to see Whitaker violently taking a beating. Clark intervenes by throwing the Agent through a wall.
Clark see’s that Whitaker is barely alive: “Let me help you.”
Clark attempts to move Whitaker but he stops him: “It’s too late for me. Go, this world will need your help.”
Another explosion is felt from somewhere in the ship as Whitaker takes his final breath. Clark makes his way into the ships hall.
INT: HALL
Water is beginning to fill the battered hallway. Using x-ray vision he sees the ship is crawling with Black Zero Agents that are led by a man he does not recognize. Clark flies through the ship’s side and soars high into the sky.
INT: CONTROL ROOM
Zod, with a battalion of Agents, enter the control room. Zod scans the debris noticing four woozy agents. Zod angered grabs the closest agent by the throat.
Zod: “Where is he?”
The Agent still beaten: “I don’t know where he went. He escaped.”
Zod: “You are supposed to be the pinnacle of military combat yet a scared orphan overpowered four of you!”
Agent gasping for air: “He’s something else. I’ve never seen strength like his.”
Zod becomes overwhelmed with anger chocking out the Agent and throwing him to the ground.
Zod: “Get back to the ship and destroy this worthless vessel.”
EXT: SKY ABOVE SHIP
Zod’s massive warship hovers above the damaged aircraft carrier. The ship’s cannon fires a single blast destroying the aircraft carrier leaving nothing behind.
INT: WARSHIP BRIDGE
Zod watches with enraged eyes as the naval ship goes up in flames. Zod turns to one of the agents at a console.
Zod: “What is the highest populated city on this planet?”
The agent manipulates the controls: “A city called New York. We can be there in less than one click.”
Zod: “Chart its’ course, time to make our presence known.”
EXT: NEW YORK-DAY
A normal busy day presides over the city. As people roam the streets a thunderous noise shakes the massive skyscrapers. The curious people look to the sky to see Zod’s Warship casting it’s shadow among the street. Some people run as others are mesmerized by the large ship.
INT: WARSHIP BRIDGE
Zod looks out amongst the city.
Zod: “Pathetic, these people consider themselves superior beings. Activate the Eradicator, nothing lives.”
An Agent manipulates a console. The Eradicator Cannon emerges from the ship’s bow. The cannon fires a single discharge creating a massive mushroom cloud explosion that rips through the entire city of New York. In only a few moments New York City is nothing more than a massive flame.
Zod watches with cenacle eyes: “This is only the beginning.”
EXT: WHITEHOUSE-DAY
It’s normal business as usual on a beautiful day in Washington.
INT: OVAL OFFICE
The President is in a meeting with his chief of staff discussing foreign policy.
Chief of Staff member 1: “The Chinese are becoming more aggressive by the day. Lex Luthor was able to diverge the most recent act but I fear their day is coming.”
President: “What kind of forces do we have in place?”
Luthor confidently speaks up:”Mr. President I can assure you China, nor any country for that matter, imposes any threat to the United States. The blockades set up around our coasts are impenetrable. We are by far the safest piece of land in the world.”
An Intelligence Officer, frantically, storms into the room.
Intelligence Officer: “New York has been destroyed.”
President taken back by the comment: “Excuse me?”
Intelligence Officer: “New York City was wiped off the map half an hour ago.”
Luthor: “Some kind of WMD?”
Intelligence Officer: “At this time we have no idea. Our satellites and radars are clean. It had to have come from within the city.”
A thunderous explosion shakes the earth beneath them. Everyone in the room ducks for cover as the extreme vibration shakes the room.
Chief of Staff member 2: “What was that?”
Secret Service Agents storm the room surrounding the President.
SSA 1: “We have a security threat Mr. President.”
President: What kind of threat?”
Secret Service get the President to his feet.
SSA 1: “Not sure sir but we are initiating Independence Protocol.”
A powerful explosion blows through the oval office’s wall. Through the smoke filled entrance Zod along with a dozen armed Black Zero Agents enter the once secured office.
Zod: “Your primitive protocols no longer serve purpose.”
Secret Service immediately draw their weapons.
Zod takes notice: “Save your strength it will do you no good.”
President: “Who are you and how did you get in here?”
Zod: “I am General Dru-Zod formerly of Krypton. How I obtained entrance into the safest place in the world is what separates my abilities from yours.”
President: “Then what do you want General?”
Zod: “Living among you is the last living Kryptonian other than what you see before you. He is the son of Jor-El the one responsible for our planet’s destruction. Jor-El found death by way of my hand and I will do the same to his son Kal-El.”
President: “I can assure you General we have no reports indicating arrival of any outside life. We have satellites orbiting in our atmosphere and…”
Zod becomes angered getting closer to the President: “I have no use for your worthless machines! Kal-El is here on your planet!”
Zod regains his composure: “The people of this nation refer to you as their leader. They place much faith in your ability to do what is in their best interest.”
Zod gets closer to the President:” Tell me, do you have the people’s best interest?”
President: “I love this country and will stop at nothing to save it.”
Zod: “I am giving you twenty four earth hours to deliver Kal-El to me alive. Failure to comply with that request will align you with the same fate as Krypton.”
Luthor speaks out: “Are you threatening us now?! Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with?”
Zod turns toward Luthor: “I see your arrogance Earthling but more than that I feel your fear! You will obey my commands without flaw.”
President: “General we cannot negotiate within the terms you have set.”
Zod turns back toward the President becoming outraged grabbing him bay the collar: “Once I knew a man unwilling to adapt to survive. If you are truly the leader of these people I suggest you find Kal-El before your planet is destroyed. As already seen your cities can be obliterated at will. Do not make the same mistake as the ones before you. I will spread my message to the world so that everyone will know their fate lies in your hands.”
EXT: KENT FARM-NIGHT
Clark comes barreling in from the sky landing in the front yard. Clark’s powerful landing leaves a miniature crater. Startled by the ruckus Martha and Jonathan come running out of their house. They find an exhausted beat up Clark barely able to stand. They both run over to their son each taking him under the arm.
Martha: “Clark honey what happened to you?”
Clark shakes his head still in disbelief: “I don’t know.”
Jonathan: “Where’s Lana?”
Clark: “We got separated in Metropolis. After the robbery I was taken to a ship.”
Martha: “What ship?”
Clark: “Just get me inside and I’ll explain everything.”
INT: LIVING ROOM
Clark sits on the couch covered in a warm blanket holding a cup. Martha and Jonathan sit up close facing Clark. Jonathan’s face is in shock while Martha fights to hold back tears.
Jonathan: “Do you know if they were after you?”
Clark: “It sure felt that way.”
Martha: “I always feared a day like this would come. Clark I’m so sorry this happened to you. We should have…”
Clark: “There’s nothing you could have done. We all knew one day my past would catch up with me.”
Over his mother’s shoulder Clark catches a glimpse of the TV. The screen reads EMERGENCY BROADCAST. The screen turns to the oval office with General Zod sitting at the President’s desk as the President stands up beside him. Clark recognizes the Black Zero Agents standing at Zod’s side.
Clark: “That’s them.”
Jonathan: “That’s what?”
Clark: “The TV. That’s who came after me on the ship.”
Jonathan and Martha turn to face the TV.
Zod: “Citizens of Earth. I am General Zod formerly of Krypton. I come to you with a message. For years you have been laying home to one of the last remaining Kryptonians in the universe. His name is Kal-El. I make the peaceful request of bringing him to me at your President’s palace. Failure to meet this request in twenty four hours will result in the extinction of this planet. Kal-El if you are listening the fate of this world lies in your hands just has your father once held Krypton’s. I look forward to our meeting.”
Jonathan: “You don’t think he’s referring to you?”
Clark: “What was my name before Clark?”
Martha: “I don’t know? There was no identification or anything from your ship.”
Clark turns to his father: “Do still remember where you buried it?”
Jonathan: “It’s still under the barn.”
INT: BARN
The barn floor has a door pulled open with a stair case leading down. Clark and his parents stand at the top of the stairs pointing flashlights down the dark descent.
Jonathan: “I haven’t been down there since the day I built it. It took me six months and nearly twelve tons of cement, but I didn’t want anyone or anything finding it if you know what I mean.”
Clark: “After today’s events I think I might.”
Martha: “Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you?”
Clark: “I can do it. It’s my past anyway.”
Jonathan: “It’s straight down the steps on your left. The door is like what they use for bank vaults so atleast you’re familiar.”
Clark: “Yeah thanks”
Clark makes his way down the dark stare case and arrives at the vaulted door. He begins to turn the air locked wheel. The nearly ancient wheel has rusted causing him to requiring all his strength to break the seal. The heavy door slowly opens to a loud creek.
INT: CEMENT VAULT
Clark points his flashlight into the vault catching a glimpse at a small pod-like ship. To finally lay eyes on what brought him to earth is a surreal moment for Clark. He makes his way closer to the pod. He notices control panel and glazes over it with his hand. The panel automatically comes to life with flashing lights as if rebooting itself. Clark blindly manipulates several the controls which unlocks the pod’s cockpit allowing him to see inside.
INT: POD
A touch screen control panel lights up. The blue tented controls light up the vault to the point of not needing a flash light. Clark scans the pod’s inside noticing a crimson red cloth wrapped around a silver box. He pulls the cloth off the box. He studies the box for a moment noticing an encryption pad. Clark touches the pad causing the causing it to flash green and the box pops open. Clark finishes opening the box to find the Oracle Crystal. Clark pulls the crystal from the box. The Crystal bolts from Clark’s hand suspending itself in midair. It begins to brightly glow until the entire room is engulfed. In a quick flash an energy blast fires through the vault with stars flashing around him. After a moment the intense flashing ceases and a figure wearing a white cloak with an altered Superman logo chest piece, and a crimson red cape Jor-El stands before him.
Clark is startled yet feels a sense of peace at this man he has never seen before. Jor-El walks over to Clark.
Jor-El:” Kal-El if you are receiving this message I have been dead for many years. I am your father Jor-El. You are from the planet Krypton. A once peaceful world taken over by greed and careless actions leading to its destruction. In order to make certain you avoided such fate your mother and I placed you in a transport pod allowing you to escape to earth. Even though it is not your home live as one of them Kal-El, to discover where your strength and powers are needed. Always hold in your heart the pride of your special heritage. They can be great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you… my only son. Before you lies the Oracle Crystal, sacred among all Krypton. For generations, has a rightful soul waited to receive its’ gift. Kal-El, make its’ power your own as you will see my life through your eyes. Good bye my son.”
A tear runs down Clark’s cheek as he reaches toward his father. His hand moves through the holographic image as Jor-El slowly fades away. The Oracle Crystal begins emitting blue energy waves encircling Clark. The waves begin conforming to Clark’s arms creating sleeves that spread over his legs, trunk, chest, and finally his entire body. The once folded crimson cloth begins coming to life as it unfolds and attaches itself to Clark’s back. A glowing center piece on Clark’s chest begins to dim revealing a red graphic S with a yellow background and red triangle border. The Crystal’s bright light reveals Clark in the Superman suit for the first time. Clark’s eyes reveal amazement has he scans over the suit feeling a power he has never known before.
Clark slowly makes his way back up the steps.
INT: BARN
Eagerly waiting their son’s return they catch their first glimpse of Clark’s new look.
They both remain speechless for a moment stunned.
Martha: “Oh Clark.”
Jonathan: “I don’t remember seeing that before.”
Both parents touch Clark’s new suit has to never seeing such power.
Clark: “I now know what I must do with my life. I no longer bare a curse but a gift.”
Martha: “What did you find?”
Clark: “Everything I have ever known was in preparation for this moment. I was not abandoned but sent here for a purpose of good. It is time I fulfill that purpose.”
Jonathan: “What are you going to do?”
Clark: “I’m going to Washington to end this.”
EXT: PENTAGON-NIGHT
INT: WAR ROOM
Extreme tension feels the room as government leaders sit at the large meeting table.
Defense Secretary Hanson: “The idea of a preeminent attack on that ship is suicide. We cannot risk the President’s safety!”
Captain Mixon: “Safety! His safety is already compromised along with everyone on this planet.”
Vice President Tucker: “What about the demand? Is there any intel on this Kal-El’s whereabouts or existence for that matter?”
Captain Mixon: “We’re tearing apart every database, satellite record, and rock we’ve got. The FBI, CIA, and NASA are hard at work but we don’t know what this so called inhabitor even looks like.”
Defense Secretary Hanson: “I believe I have someone who can help with that, Commissioner Henderson.
Henderson perks up feeling overwhelmed by his current company: “Yesterday we had an encounter with a potential supernatural being during an attempted robbery at the Bank of Metropolis. This man took down twenty one armed bank robbers and withstood a bomb explosion. He demonstrated flying capabilities, super human strength, he could outrun a bullet.”
VP Tucker: “Is this guy some kind of super man? Where is he now?”
Henderson: “He was transported to Captain Whitaker’s aircraft carrier for further surveillance…”
Henderson does not finish the statement
VP Tucker: “And…?”
Defense Secretary Hanson: “Whitaker’s ship went missing just before New York was decimated. Best guess this Kal-El guy escaped from Zod on that ship so now Earth is basically a ransom for Kal-El to turn himself in.”
Captain Mixon: “So we’re doomed. Either way we go to war but if we throw the first punch we’ll do so over the head of our nation’s leader.”
From a large viewing screen the President chimes in: “Gentlemen this is not a matter of safety but survival. We are at the mercy of an extraterrestrial terrorist. All options are on the table.”
Defense Secretary Hanson: “Mr. Luthor what is your suggestion?”
Luthor’s face appears on a large viewing screen opposite the President’s.
Luthor: “Our current situation makes military strategy and standard protocols obsolete. We are at the mercy of an unknown enemy whose true power is yet to be seen. The one card we still have is they are equally as blind to our counter measures. We use the element of surprise with a full scale attack. Use all available assets.”
Defense Secretary Hanson: “If we launch an attack you are willing to make the President, White House staff, and yourself war casualties?”
President chimes in before Luthor: “The answer is yes. This country has never given into terrorist’s demands and we’re not going to start on my watch. When I took office I swore to do what is in the best interest of this country. Paying with my life to save not only this country but mankind is cheap price considering.”
The room falls silent for a moment.
Luthor: “Colonel Wilson, have satellites been able to provide any intel on the ship’s infrastructure?”
Wilson is high ranking marine officer with salt and pepper hair and go-t to match. Wilson manipulates a control displaying thermal photos on a viewing screen.
Wilson: “Thermal readings indicate a large energy source at the ship’s bow. Some sort of weapon maybe. We also counted over a dozen energy pulses atop the ship which we believe to be torrents of some kind.”
Defense Secretary Hanson: “Any idea about fighter aircraft or is it a single vessel?”
Wilson: “We’re not picking up on any additional aircraft within the vessel but they could still exist. Overall the energy signatures are off the chart with code we’ve never seen before. It might as well be a foreign language. The only thing we are sure of is this is some kind of warship with no shortage of firepower.”
Defense Secretary Hanson: “What kind of strategy do we have?”
Luthor: “Three aircraft carriers are seventy miles off the eastern seaboard along with six combat subs. Bolling Air Force Base is on standby with F-22 squadrons ready for launch. Colonel Wilson will lead a team to breach the ship and take over inside.”
Captain Mixon: “What about an evacuation plan for Washington? There are over half a million people in the city.”
Wilson: “That’s DCPD’s game. An evacuation is currently under way but the sheer scale makes it unlikely the entire city will be reached.”
Luthor: “An unfortunate loss but one that cannot stop us. I vote to begin pre-op preparations.”
The room again falls silent realizing the world’s fait lies in their decision.
Wilson: “I second that.”
President: “Begin preparation and may God be with us.”
INT: PERRY WHITE’S OFFICE
Perry sits at his TV watching a live news broadcast.
News Reporter: “We are live from just outside the Whitehouse. As you can see a massive ship, of some kind, has been hovering over the Whitehouse for nearly thirteen hours. No word yet on the ships origin nor if we have made contact…”
Perry stands from his chair exiting his office.
INT: MEDIA FLOOR
Perry finds the floor silent with eyes glued to TVs.
Perry: “Where’s Troupe?”
Jimmy takes his gaze from the TV for a moment.
Jimmy: “He left an hour ago chief.”
Perry: “What about Lombard?”
Jimmy: “Gone too.”
Perry: “Do we have anyone left?!”
Perry’s eyes meet Lois’
Perry: “Lois get to Washington now. If E.T. is dangling over the Whitehouse I want our cameras taping it.”
Lois immediately begins packing her bag: “I’m on it.”
Perry: “I’m sending Jimmy with you as punishment for that last stunt you pulled.”
Lois pauses and looks up to see Jimmy smiling at her.
INT: ZOD’S PRIVATE QUARTERS
Zod scans through holographic images of Krypton. He pans through various cities and mountainsides. After several turns he arrives at an image of himself with his wife and daughter. Zod reminisces for a moment before his face turns to anger.