Earthbound Screenplay (ACT ONE)

Earthbound Screenplay (ACT ONE)

EARTHBOUND, ACT ONE


EXT : ONETT HILL, EAGLELAND : MORNING : 198X :

A swath of green envelopes the area and slowly becomes more defined as the camera changes focus. There is a leaf at the center of the screen, a crystal-clear bead of dew rolling off toward the very tip where it hangs for several seconds and catches the distorted reflection of the grass and sky behind it--a near-microscopic parody of the Earth itself.

The dew drops off and the camera pans away from the leaves, which are part of a bush, and focuses in on a small boy, sitting atop a hill, with a red and blue baseball cap.

This is NESS: about five-years-old, his unruly jet-black hair is held in place by the oversized hat. All of his clothes, in fact, are too large for his almost frail-looking body. They are bright and colorful, unlike his dark and distant eyes that remain fixed on the town a few miles off. A dirty wooden baseball bat rests in the grass near his outstretched legs, his name colored on the surface with crayon.

NESS remains silent and still as a wide shadow is cast over him. He glances up, and there is a look of recognition about him, though his expression does not change.

The camera pans up and around to focus in on the face of an older, larger boy standing over NESS.

This is PORKY MINCH: big and brutish, he appears to be the complete opposite of the first character in every way. The soft blonde hair on his head is brushed down neatly and starting to grow over his eyes. It perfectly accentuates his round face and body, unlike his clothes, which he has already grown out of. The fly of his blue shorts is unbuttoned and his chubby belly has spilled over the waistline, peeking out from under his stained white shirt. Though he looks closer to ten, he is barely eight-years-old.

PORKY
(smiling, a mocking tone to his voice)
Hey there, neighbor. Whatcha doin'?

NESS says nothing. He looks away from PORKY and down the hill at the town of ONETT.

PORKY (CONT.)
(frustrated)
I said hey there, neighbor! What's the matter, Ness?
Too stupid to talk?

Still, NESS says nothing and his face remains blank. It seems as if he is not participating mentally in the current scene.

PORKY (CONT.)
(smiling, but with a devious expression)
You know, my mom's got some new cooking knives in
the kitchen. I could steal ‘em easy and we could play
doctor. You be the patient, and I'll operate on you--just
for pretend, of course. I promise I won't really cut you.

There is still no word from NESS, though he looks up at PORKY again with his blank and innocent eyes.

PORKY (CONT.)
(after a short pause)
Or, we could fight--like superheroes! But you can only
use your hands. No cheating.

PORKY kicks the baseball bat and it rolls down the hill. Emotion suddenly returns to NESS and he stands up, devastated, but before he can chase after the bat, PORKY grabs his collar and swings him around.

PORKY (CONT.)
(releasing NESS and readying himself)
I'll say ‘one, two, three' and then we go, okay? One...

NESS regains his balance after stumbling backward, and then looks down the hill again where his baseball bat has fallen.

PORKY seizes the opportunity to rush his neighbor without counting to three. He runs at NESS, who curls inward and closes his eyes. PORKY grabs the front of his striped shirt. There is a bright flash and PORKY is flung several feet up and away by an unseen force. He lands hard on his back.

PORKY
(dazed, and then violently angry)
... Nobody pushes me! Ness, I'll get you!

After a short struggle, PORKY rolls up off the ground and charges toward NESS again with the full force and weight of his body. Before he even reaches the boy, there is another bright flash and he is flung back once more.

The camera focuses in on PORKY, who realizes that NESS has pushed him without using his hands. He stands up again, but has lost all will to fight.

PORKY
(frightened and hiding this with anger)
Freak! You're a freak! No wonder nobody wants to
play with you! There's something wrong--you're not
normal!
(pause, catching his breath)
You'll never have any friends. No one will ever talk
to you now that they know you're a freak!

Thunder rolls in the darkening sky above as PORKY exits the scene.

NESS uncoils his arms from around his tiny body and watches PORKY running scared. Then, he slides down the grassy hill, the rain at his back, as a woman's voice calls his name from somewhere off-screen.

FADE TO:

INT: ONETT HILL : NESS'S HOME : AFTERNOON : 199X :

The camera focuses in on a bright ray of sunlight streaming in through a window. It falls on a shaggy white dog resting on the floor beside a couch, upon which a boy is sleeping.

This is NESS: eight years have passed, and he has grown a bit taller. Now thirteen, he has taken his first step into puberty. His bright clothes--a striped t-shirt and pair of frayed denim shorts--appear to fit him better here, as does his red and blue cap. There is still an ethereal but innocent look about him.

A knocking sound is heard off-screen. It wakes NESS and he slides off the couch with the dog watching.

The dog is KING: a sheepdog-mix with dirty white fur. His tired eyes suggest age and wisdom, as well as a fair amount of apathy about much of the world around him. He communicates with NESS through a disembodied voice, suggesting a telepathic bond between them.

KING
That smell again... it's the large one, Ness, and his
littermate. I would bark if I thought it would drive them
away. You'll just have to let them in.

NESS does not respond to KING. He opens the door to reveal two blonde boys, one fat and tall, the other thin and a bit shorter.

The tall, fat boy is PORKY MINCH: now well into his teens, he has retained his ponderous shape and it is obvious that height has done nothing to hide this. His thick blonde hair has grown completely over his eyes, though it is well taken care of. Only his clothes--a white shirt tucked into a bright blue pair of overalls--are dirty. There is still something troublesome about this young man.

The thin blonde boy is PICKY MINCH: the younger brother of PORKY. Despite the difference in height and weight, the siblings look like twins. He is the same age as NESS. Although he has reached puberty, his voice and demeanor are still soft and childish, and show no signs of changing soon. He is the thinnest of the three boys. His dark shirt and baggy jeans hang on him like a blanket on a wire, hiding many of the bruises given to him by his brother.

PORKY
(faking politeness)
Hey there, bestest friend.
(pause, sniffing the air)
Is lunch ready?

PORKY shoves past NESS to get inside. PICKY is much more reserved and remains on the doorstep until NESS gestures him inside with an exasperated expression.

PICKY
He hasn't had his third lunch yet. Is it okay?

NESS nods but says nothing in response.

The camera pans away from NESS and PICKY to capture the rest of the residence. It is a small but comfortable home, furnished lightly and decked out in scratched wooden floors. The wallpaper is bright and cheerful, as is the woman working diligently in the kitchen.

This is NESS'S MOTHER: a caring and loving person who is closing in on the middle-aged era of her life. Her hair is still a youthful, shining blonde, unlike that of her son, and she wears an equally radiant pink dress to match her upbeat personality.

NESS'S MOTHER is heard speaking to PORKY off-screen as NESS and PICKY join them in the kitchen. PORKY is eating when they arrive.

PORKY
(speaking with a mouthful of food)
Thank you for lunch, ma'am. What a beautiful dress you
have on. And is that wallpaper new? It so perfectly
matches your lovely blue eyes.

NESS
(seating himself beside his neighbor)
Calm down, P. You've already gotten the food.

NESS'S MOTHER smiles and sets down plates for NESS and PICKY, but makes no response to the empty compliments being thrown at her. Her facial expression speaks volumes.

PORKY (CONT.)
Ness, don't you think we have the most wonderful mothers
in the whole world? So lovely and charming, and such
talented cooks.

PORKY waits for NESS'S MOTHER to walk out of the kitchen before he starts to gag on the food he has been holding in his overstuffed cheeks. It is obvious he dislikes the taste, but is overreacting about just how much.

PORKY
(spitting the half-eaten mush onto his plate)
Sick! What the hell is that? Tastes like carrots and
dog crap.

NESS
No one's making you eat it. No one's making you
stay, either.

PICKY eats with a mix of gratitude and apprehension. The camera focuses in on him for a moment as he glances back and forth between his brother and NESS from across the table, but he chooses to stay out of the brewing argument.

PORKY
Ness, we're best friends, right? We've had good times
and bad. You'd tell me if you had any goodies in the
cupboard, wouldn't you old pal, best friend?

NESS shies away from PORKY as the larger boy attempts to drape an arm over his shoulders.

Undaunted, PORKY slips off his chair to raid the cupboards, though he races back to his seat the moment he hears NESS'S MOTHER reenter the kitchen. She smiles at the boys, and they all smile back, though NESS appears bothered.

NESS'S MOTHER
You boys haven't seen Tracy today, have you?

NESS
Must still be upstairs. She was busy this morning.

NESS'S MOTHER
I'll have a look. You boys are free to go when you
finish, just don't leave the dishes lying around for
someone else to do.

NESS'S MOTHER exits.

PORKY chuckles under his breath and watches her leave.

PORKY
(leaning in close, whispering)
Did your mom finally decide to go out and get that job?

NESS
(refusing to look at PORKY)
What're you talking about?

PORKY
(grinning)
C'mon, Ness. We're best pals. I know your family's
poor. Your dad's been beggin' money from my dad
since we were little. And I'm pretty sure I saw your
mom standin' on the corner in town.

NESS drops his eating utensils and they clatter loudly on the plate. The noise stuns both PORKY and PICKY.

PORKY (CONT.)
Just thought you should know.

PICKY
(glancing up nervously)
Porky, don't make jokes like that. You know Mum
doesn't like it.

NESS
(standing up, angry)
Take it back.

PORKY
Why? What if it's true? Then what, Ness?

NESS
(shouting)
It's not true! Take it back!

NESS shoves PORKY off his chair. The force and weight of the two boys is enough to snap one of the wooden legs.

PORKY sits on the floor for a moment, stunned, before picking himself back up. PICKY flinches and shrinks in his seat.

NESS
Get out.
(pause)
Go!

PORKY
(blushing, angry)
Fine! I didn't want to eat your stupid crap lunch
or play with a freak like you, anyway! You're a
loser, Ness! A stupid, freaky loser from a freaky
loser family! See if my parents help yours out
anymore.

PORKY exits in a shame-filled rage.

PICKY slips out of his chair and approaches NESS with caution.

PICKY
I'm sorry. He doesn't mean what he says. He likes
to fight sometimes. Mum says he's just being a
teenager. Dad says it's gas.
(pause)
We're still friends, right?

NESS does not respond.

PICKY
See you later, Ness. And sorry, again.

PICKY exits.

NESS'S MOTHER enters. She looks stunned at the sight of the broken chair and her angry son.

NESS'S MOTHER
Sweetheart?

NESS
They left.
(pause)
It's nothing, Mom. Don't worry.

NESS'S MOTHER approaches NESS and places a hand on his shoulder as he picks up the broken chair.

NESS'S MOTHER
(in a quiet, soothing voice)
You're a good boy, Ness. Don't worry about that
now. Just go out and play.

NESS exits.

CUT TO:

EXT : ONETT HILL : NESS'S HOUSE : NIGHT :

A view outside the home of NESS. It is a quiet summer night, save for the chirping and whirring of insects. The camera lingers on the humble two-story house for only a moment before the view changes again.

CUT TO:

INT : ONETT HILL : NESS'S HOUSE : NESS'S BEDROOM : NIGHT :

The warm glow of a lamp bathes the far corner of the bedroom in a golden light. NESS drops his baseball cap over the top of the shade and props his bat against the nightstand. He is wearing striped pajamas and a distant expression, but a sudden knock at the door snaps him out of his reverie.

A petite blonde girl enters the room.

This is TRACY: the younger sister of NESS. She is just a child, but precocious. Her intelligence makes it easy for her to get along with adults as well as children her own age. Wearing her soft pink pajamas, she appears to be a nearly identical copy of her mother, and bears a similar, cheerful personality.

TRACY
(speaking softly)
Hey there, bro. Feeling better?
(pause)
What's wrong?

NESS remains silent. The small smile on his face fades in an instant.

TRACY (CONT.)
Ness? Did I interrupt you?

NESS
No. Sorry, I'm fine. I just feel a bit off tonight, that's
all. I have a headache, and-...
(pause)
Did you need something?

TRACY tiptoes across the room and over to the bed happily, throwing her arms around her brother.

TRACY
I've been on the phone almost all day and it's finally
paid off! I spoke to the district manager of Escargo
Express and she agreed to hire me! I can start working
the phones in Customer Service tomorrow!

NESS
(stunned, but pleased)
Tracy, really? That's great! I never understood why you
wanted a job so badly, being a kid and all.

TRACY
(cutting in)
I'm not just a kid, Ness. I think this will be good for me.
Maybe you should work on getting a summer job, too.
At least you're old enough.

Before NESS can respond, his mother peeks into the room from behind the door left ajar.

NESS'S MOTHER
Time for bed, guys. Especially you, Miss Tracy. That
fancy new job of yours isn't going to sound so exciting
at 7 a.m.

TRACY
(smiling)
Yes, Mom. In a minute.

NESS
Is Dad coming home tonight, Mom?

There is a period of awkward and somber silence as NESS'S MOTHER stares at NESS from the doorway.

NESS'S MOTHER
You know he isn't, sweetheart. Work has got him tied
to the wall, and we need the money.
(pause)
You'll just have to be the man of the house a bit longer.
This dry spell won't last. He'll be home soon. Until then,
I think he'd appreciate a phone call once in a while. Why
don't you do that in the morning?

NESS and TRACY nod in unison and their mother points a stern finger at them.

NESS'S MOTHER
Bedtime.

NESS'S MOTHER exits.

TRACY waits until she is out of earshot before speaking again.

TRACY
(in a hushed voice)
Mom told me you and Porky got into a fight.

NESS
(embarrassed and hesitant)
He's just a jerk, that's all.

TRACY
But you two have been friends for years, ever since we
moved here. And yeah you fight a lot. Porky's always
been a brat, but you guys never stay mad long. I'm sure
you'll be outside playing tomorrow, just like you are
every day.

When NESS provides no response, TRACY embraces him gently and walks back toward the door.

TRACY
Don't worry too much. It isn't worth it.
Goodnight, Ness.

TRACY exits.

NESS ponders her words for a moment, shuts off the lamp on his nightstand, and crawls into bed with a heavy heart.

The camera closes in on his somber face. It zooms straight up into his left eye as he rolls onto his back and continues toward a single bright spot on the lens.

FADE TO:

EXT : EARTH :

The bright spot turns a deep blue as it morphs into a view of the Earth against the endless black backdrop space. There is an almost surreal quality about the scene, as if it is not truly happening.

The camera cuts to a closer shot of one quadrant of the planet, showing an indistinguishable landmass that is EAGLELAND. From the right side of the screen, a reddish-orange glow appears and races toward Earth.

It is a meteor. Though not very impressive in size, it survives the harsh and fiery ride through the atmosphere on is way toward the surface.

CUT TO:

EXT : ONETT HILL SUMMIT : NIGHT :

The camera pans upward to a bright red speck in the sky. It grows larger and brighter with each second, until it collides with the Earth.

Dirt, grass, and other debris are thrown violently into the air once the flaming rock hits. This scene continues for only a moment as the dust begins to settle.

CUT TO:

INT : NESS'S HOUSE : NESS'S BEDROOM : NIGHT :

NESS bolts upright in bed, eyes wide and filled with fear. His heart is pounding and this is obvious from the look on his face. Although he suspects he may have been dreaming, his fearful state is heightened by the sound of police sirens wailing somewhere outside.

NESS climbs out of bed and stumbles across the room in total darkness. A light flips on in the hallway, casting a yellow glow on the floor that floods into his room. He follows this out and finds TRACY in the hall, her eyes half-lidded in the overwhelming light.

TRACY
(disoriented)
Ness? Did you hear it, too? I was hoping that it
was just a dream.

NESS'S MOTHER enters, wrapping the band of her thin white robe around her waist.

NESS'S MOTHER
I thought I might find you both out here. Are you
all right?

TRACY
Fine, Mom. What happened?

NESS'S MOTHER
I don't know. A small quake or something, I expect.
Nothing's broken, nobody's hurt, so I want you both
back in bed.

NESS
(frightened and curious)
Mom-

NESS'S MOTHER
Now, mister. You, too, Tracy. You're not going to
use this as an excuse to stay up late.

Her lecture is interrupted by a frightful pounding coming from downstairs. She jumps suddenly with surprise, and then groans when she realizes the source of the sound.

NESS'S MOTHER
(exasperated)
Oh, for God's sake...

NESS
(racing down the hall)
I'll get it!

NESS'S MOTHER calls after him, but he clears the stairs in seconds and is soon out of range. The camera follows him all the way to the front door, which is flung open to reveal PORKY, still dressed in his daytime attire.

Without a word, NESS closes the door. His movements are intercepted by PORKY.

PORKY
(pushing himself against the door)
Wait! Ness, you've got to help me.

NESS allows PORKY to stumble inside and closes the door after him. The expression on his face is one of pure anger. He is holding his emotions in check.

PORKY
(out of breath)
Picky's gone. We snuck outside to see what
happened.
(pause, taking a few deep breaths)
I looked up, and he was just gone.

NESS
Well then go find him. You're wasting time.

PORKY
(desperate)
No! Please, you've got to help me. I don't-...
(hesitation)
It'll be faster if we look together. Please, Ness?
I swear I'll take back all the things I said about
your mom being-...

NESS'S MOTHER enters with TRACY on her heels. She is genuinely concerned to see PORKY and approaches the two boys.

PORKY
(faking politeness)
Oh, good evening, ma'am. You're looking lovely as
ever. I'm sorry if I disturbed you.

NESS'S MOTHER
Is everything all right, dear? What are you doing out
so late? Your parents must be worried.

There is a brief pause from PORKY, who is formulating his thoughts.

PORKY
I'm sorry. I only came to ask Ness if he would help
me find a toy I lost. I really need it.

NESS'S MOTHER
Well I'm sure it's around here somewhere. Why don't
you boys look for it in the morning?

PORKY
(interjecting sharply)
No! ... it's for Picky. It's his stuffed animal. He can't
get to sleep without it. Please help me, Ness. Please, oh
please help me look? It won't take long if we both go.

NESS looks to his mother, whose heart has begun to melt at the display of emotion. Her eyes are filled with concern. The camera focuses in on her, and then switches to NESS and PORKY briefly before changing scenes.

CUT TO:

EXT : ONETT HILL : NIGHT :

NESS and PORKY are seen trudging up a steep portion of ONETT HILL. Their movements are guided by moonlight and the timeworn dirt path beneath their feet.

PORKY is walking uncomfortably close to NESS. He grabs hold of him to avoid losing his way in the dark.

NESS
(mildly annoyed)
You know I'm only doing this because my mom
felt sorry for you, though I don't know why you
had to lie to her. Or why I didn't say anything.

PORKY
Are you kidding? If your mom finds out Picky is
missing, she'll tell my mom. And if my mom
finds out Picky is missing, she'll tell my dad, and
then they'll blame me. They'll say-
(speaking in a high-pitched, squeal-like voice)
Porky! Why aren't you watching your brother?
You're the older one. You should be responsible.
Blah, blah, blah! Nag, nag, nag! Stop leaving your
dirty poopies all over the bathroom floor!

NESS halts suddenly and looks back at PORKY.

PORKY (CONT.)
(speaking normally)
Underwear.
(pause, begin walking again)
You're such a good friend, Ness. And I mean that.
What other guy would give up his whole night to
sneak out with his best friend and go check out
that big glowing spaceship at the top of the hill!

NESS
(stopping again)
Say what?

PORKY runs off ahead of NESS, puffing and panting all the way up the path. He disappears behind a ridge, continuing on.

NESS follows up shortly.

CUT TO:

EXT : ONETT HILL SUMMIT : NIGHT :

An orange glow dominates much of the landscape on the summit. As the camera pans away, it becomes clear that the light is coming from a crater in the ground--roughly the size of a large car. In the center of the crater is a rock black as the void of space from which it came, its edges and grooves fringed with fire.

A few trees dot the area. Their leaves have caught the glow from the rock, making them appear to be engulfed in flames.

At the base of one tree rests PICKY. He peers out from behind the trunk as, from off-screen, the sound of heavy footfalls draws near.

PICKY
(surprised, but pleased)
Porky! There you are! I've been waitin' for
almost an hour. Where'd you go?

PORKY
(hunched over and panting)
Shut up, Picky! Ness is coming!

PICKY
What did you bring Ness for?

PORKY hesitates a moment to catch his breath, and then glances over at the smoldering meteor.

PORKY
(disappointed and angry)
Aw, lame! What the hell is that? A rock?
I thought there were gonna be spaceships and
burnt-up satellites, or somethin' cool. Who the
hell is gonna pay to see some dumbass rock?

NESS enters. He is pleased to see PICKY, but otherwise looks frustrated and tired. When he notices the meteor, his facial expression drops. A mix of horror and awe envelope his visage. He presses a hand to his left temple, closing his eyes.

To avoid being overheard, PORKY sidles up close to PICKY.

PORKY
(whispering)
We can't let Ness know what we're doing. He'll
ruin everything.

PICKY
(whispering)
But Porky, you're the one who brought him along.

PORKY
(whispering)
He's the cover-up! Incase we get in trouble, we say
it was all his fault.

PICKY
(whispering)
That doesn't sound right. Maybe we should just go.

PORKY
(whispering, a bit louder)
What are you an idiot? This is our chance to be famous!
We were the first ones up here. Therefore, we have
every right to set up shop. We charge people admission
to come see this thing. It's just a rock, but we'll say it's
from Mars or an alien's butthole or somethin' crazy
like that. People will believe it! And they'll pay big
money to come see it!

The camera pans away from PORKY and PICKY to catch NESS falling onto his hands and knees. He looks to be on the verge of tears.

PICKY
Ness! What happened?
(rushing over)
Porky, maybe we should just go home. There's
something not right here. And Mum and Dad
have to know we snuck out by now.

PORKY
(angry and red-faced)
Fine! You two losers go home! But I came all the
way up here and I'm not leavin' until I get what's
mine! I'm not just gonna walk away only to have
some idiot come and take all this!

PICKY
Take what? It's just a rock! And the police are
prob'ly gonna have this area blocked off by
morning anyway. They'll just make you leave.
And then you'll really be in trouble. You know
how Dad is...

PORKY is silenced for a moment, though he retains his anger.

PICKY puts an arm around NESS, who responds with an ear-splitting scream . The sound is heard for only a moment before it is drowned out by a much louder one: a metallic wailing that fills the area.

NESS covers his ears. His eyes are shut tightly and his mouth is open, but his screams are unheard.

A sudden flash more brilliant than daylight accompanies the unearthly sound. It disappears a second later, and the noise melts away into the night air.

PICKY and PORKY appear stunned, but not incapacitated. NESS remains hunched over on the ground several feet from the crater.

PORKY
(dumbfounded, on the edge of fear)
Did you guys hear that?

PICKY
Let's go now. Please! There's something not right
here. Look at Ness!

PORKY
Who gives a damn about Ness! In times like this, it's
every man for himself. Don't expect me to cover for
you if Mom and Dad get upset.
(looking at NESS)
Nothin' personal, pal. But I ain't walkin' you home.
C'mon, Picky.

PICKY
(desperate and afraid)
But we can't just leave him!

There is another sudden burst of light, this time from the other side of the summit. The boys shield their eyes, except for NESS, who is still on his hands and knees in shock. When the light fades, a tall, almost statuesque figure is left in its place.

This is STARMAN #1: a being not of the Earth. Although it has the ability to speak and shows great intelligence, it appears to be more like a machine than a living creature. It stands several feet above the average adult human, makes use of both teleportation and bipedal movements, and is completely cloaked in a silver "skin" not unlike steel. There is a black visor where its eyes ought to be, and no signs of a soul inside.

PICKY and PORKY recoil at the abrupt appearance of STARMAN #1. NESS glances up from his vulnerable position, though he still is immobile.

STARMAN #1 gazes at all characters present as the camera focuses in on its face, acknowledging them individually. It then directs its attention to NESS.

STARMAN #1
This is the child. The one who will lead the four.

STARMAN #1 raises an arm, the end of which tapers off to a rounded point. A sharp red beam fires from it, whizzing directly past PORKY and PICKY toward NESS.

Still frozen, NESS lowers his head and closes his eyes only seconds before the beam makes contact with an unseen barrier. It bounces off, sending ripples of prismatic light down a domelike shape.

NESS remains still. PICKY and PORKY look on, awestruck.

From within the invisible dome comes a return attack: rapid jets of green that punch holes through the metallic body of STARMAN #1.

STARMAN #1 stumbles backward, injured.

STARMAN #1
Do not assume you have arrived here without my
knowledge. Destroy me now, if you wish, but in
the grand scheme, your efforts mean nothing. This
child and the other three have been marked for
death.

NESS, PORKY, and PICKY do not respond.

Another, thicker jet of light from inside the protective dome bursts forth, driving straight into the heart of STARMAN #1. The metallic being falls. Black globules of an ethereal, viscous blood bubble out of the wounds. Its body begins to disintegrate.

All three children are stunned.

VOICE
You are safe, but only for a time.
(pause)
Ness! You may stand up now.

NESS looks around, hesitates, and then stands. The throbbing pain in his head that had been bothering him only moments ago is no longer an issue.

NESS
(grateful, yet confused)
My headache... it's gone! I feel so much better.
But what-...
(hesitation)
Where are you? Who are you and what are you?

VOICE
Keep still. I am right beside you.

A small insect with clear wings and an iridescent carapace lands on NESS, crawling up his hand to his shoulder.

This is BUZZ-BUZZ: a powerful being with psychic abilities that has taken on the form of an arthropod. He is wise and dedicated. There is no way of knowing what the shape of his true form actually is.

BUZZ-BUZZ
Please don't be alarmed, Ness. I've come from a
time in the not-too-distant future with the hope of
correcting the destruction that has come to Earth.

There is a pause as the camera pans away from BUZZ-BUZZ and NESS to focus on PORKY and PICKY, who are still shaking off the fright from the encounter with STARMAN #1. They are oblivious to the presence of BUZZ-BUZZ.

PICKY and PORKY move up cautiously to the fallen body of STARMAN #1 to be certain it is dead while BUZZ-BUZZ continues to speak.

BUZZ-BUZZ
That being was a Starman, Ness. It followed me to
this time to seek out you and three other children.

NESS
To kill me--us. Whoever those other kids are.

BUZZ-BUZZ
Yes. Although, unlike myself, it was able to travel
safely in its original form. I, however, am a being
like you: I have an organic body, and in that
body is my soul.

PICKY and PORKY kick and prod the body of STARMAN #1. They receive no response. PORKY is interested in taking a closer look, but PICKY has grown more fearful.

BUZZ-BUZZ
In order to protect myself, I was forced to travel in
as compact a body as I was able, and so I chose the
form of an insect.
(flitting his wings restlessly)
I protected you from this single threat, but I cannot
remain here long. Already my body is growing weak.
The threads of my soul and coming apart, detaching
themselves from the physical realm. So we must be
quick. Come this way.

BUZZ-BUZZ takes off from NESS and alights onto a small rock a few meters away. NESS approaches. PORKY and PICKY take notice, but they say nothing.

A gentle blue light emanates from BUZZ-BUZZ and spreads across the rock like a stream of water, smoothing out all rough edges until it is uniformly even.

BUZZ-BUZZ
Take this. Hold it close to yourself. Press it to your
forehead and allow your mind to wander.

NESS takes the stone as BUZZ-BUZZ crawls back up his arm. He places it against his forehead, gasps as a sudden chill hits him, but does not pull away.

BUZZ-BUZZ
This is a Sonograph Stone, or Sound Stone for short.
What was once a lifeless rock is now imbued with
the ability to record sound, but only that which
reaches your heart. The power of this stone is in
your very soul, Ness.

PORKY and PICKY watch NESS hold the stone to his forehead. They exchange glances, but still say nothing.

NESS
(removing the stone)
But I don't understand. When I hold this rock,
I can feel something inside me.

BUZZ-BUZZ
(interjecting)
Yes. Your heart beats within that very stone just as
it beats within your chest. If fate is kind, soon the
rhythm of the Earth itself will join yours. Believe
me when I tell you, Ness, that you must seek out
the eight sanctuaries of your earthbound soul and
unite with the other three children.

NESS
That's what I don't get.
(hesitation)
Well, I don't get a lot of it, to be honest. None of
this is making any sense.

PICKY
(cutting in meekly)
Ness? What's wrong? Who are you talking to?
(pause)
We should be getting home. We'll be in trouble.

BUZZ-BUZZ
He is right. Before my body withers and my soul is
cast off, let's take shelter. I will explain more to
you then.

NESS looks up from the Sound Stone at PORKY and PICKY.

NESS
Right. Come on then. I'll walk you guys home.

CUT TO:

EXT : ONETT HILL : PORKY AND PICKY'S HOUSE : NIGHT :

The scene outside the MINCH residence is not much more peaceful than the scene atop Onett Hill, but the building itself is elaborate and beautiful with a spacious and well-tended garden. It is more than twice the size of the house NESS lives in, making it quite an awesome sight against the natural green backdrop.

Every light is on, bathing the boys in a harsh glow as they stroll up the path toward the front gate. Shouting can be heard. It is coming from inside the house, though the words are indiscernible.

PORKY
(exhausted, physically and mentally)
Aw, damn. Mom sounds pissed.

PICKY
So does Dad. I told you they would find out we
were gone! Now what're we gonna do?

PORKY
Ness is comin' in with us. We'll tell Mom and Dad
that...
(pause)
That we needed to find Ness. He got lost and his
mom cried and cried for us to help her find him.

PICKY
(speaking sarcastically)
Yeah, great. And how do we explain us sneaking
out of the room then?

The discussion is interrupted by the opening of the front door. A tall, portly woman dressed in a thin nightgown stands in the doorway, casting a wide shadow onto the boys.

This is LARDNA MINCH: the mother of PORKY and PICKY. She is a heavyset woman with thick blonde hair. Her personality is as erratic as her application of mascara. To look upon her is both bewildering and frightening.

LARDNA shuffles down the walk to the front gate and opens it for her boys. The colorful powders and creams on her face are running off in rivers from all the tears she has shed. Her eyes are bloodshot.

LARDNA
(relieved and angry)
There you are! How dare you go off in the middle
of the night. And without saying a word to either of
us!
(ushering the boys inside)
Climbing out the window? These are the sort of
stunts five-year-olds pull. And here you both are,
young men of the world, sneaking out of your
bedrooms at night like a pair of hooligans!
(shouting to someone off-screen)
Al! Come take a look at your boys, the state
they're in. Clothes all dirty, hair a mess! I do
hope you haven't been wrestling in the dirt
again!

NESS is prepared to leave, but PORKY grabs hold of his hand and drags him inside with the rest of the family.

The door closes and a tall man approaches the group.

This is ALOYSIUS MINCH: the father of PORKY and PICKY. His appearance and demeanor are sharp, cold, and stand-offish, as are the clothes he wears. He is often dressed in a business suit of a drab color, with golden hair slicked back over his head and mustache neatly trimmed. Behind his crystal-clear glasses are a pair of malicious eyes, and behind them an even more malicious soul.

ALOYSIUS turns to meet the three boys as they are led inside. He takes note of NESS, but keeps his attention, first and foremost, on his sons.

ALOYSIUS
(sternly, almost dangerously)
Out late at night after an earthquake, the police
patrolling in droves, people starting riots in town.
Did it seem like the perfect time for a midnight stroll?

A moment of silence ensues before either of the MINCH siblings can gather enough courage to respond.

PORKY
We were out looking for Ness.

ALOYSIUS strikes his oldest son across the face, leaving a bright red print in place of pale flesh.

ALOYSIUS
(violently angry)
Get the hell upstairs. Both of you. Now!
(turning to NESS)
And get your ass out of my house. I've told my
sons time and again not to associate with the
trash of the neighborhood.

LARDNA takes NESS by the shoulders, guides him toward the door and away from her husband.

BUZZ-BUZZ crawls up to the cap NESS is wearing, but LARDNA spots him immediately.

LARDNA
(frantic and screaming)
Oh my God! Al! Al! Get it out of here!

LARDNA flails and strikes NESS in an attempt to kill BUZZ-BUZZ. The palm of one fat, swollen hand lands on the frail insect body.

Though NESS puts up his arms to shield himself and his passenger, BUZZ-BUZZ is crushed and LARDNA recoils from the sight.

LARDNA
(screaming)
Get out of here! Get out, you dirty thing!

NESS is ushered roughly out the door. He takes off, hopping the gate and turning east on the dirt road toward home.

The camera switches to a more personal shot of NESS as he stops near a swath of trees along the path and removes his hat. BUZZ-BUZZ rests atop it, his body smashed.

NESS
(emotional)
Hello? Hello, are you there?
(pause)
Please... I'm sorry. But you can't be gone
now. What about this rock? This stupid
thing you gave me!

NESS removes the Sound Stone from his pocket and holds it in his unoccupied hand. He concentrates on it for a moment, and it begins to glow a faint blue.

BUZZ-BUZZ
(weak, nearly inaudible)
There. It has begun.

NESS
(frustrated)
What! You haven't told me anything!

BUZZ-BUZZ
But I've told you everything, Ness. You are a boy
with an immeasurable gift.

There is a short pause before dialogue continues.

NESS
You mean a freak. That's what they call me, right?

BUZZ-BUZZ
There is goodness in your heart and a light in your
soul. A great evil is descending upon this world.
Things will begin to change, your merits will be
tested. Every ounce of sanity in you will be torn
to shreds.

NESS
I must be halfway there already.

BUZZ-BUZZ
(stern)
Listen to me now. Keep the stone with you at all
times. It is both your memory and guide. As for
the other children...
(pause)
The bodies need only catch up with the souls.

NESS
What does that mean?
(pause)
Hello?
(pause)
Hello! Please, answer me! I don't know-...
I don't know what to do!
(to himself)
I feel like I'm losing my mind.

NESS waits, but there is no more response from BUZZ-BUZZ. Certain that the creature is dead, he scrapes the insect remains off his cap with a leaf and buries the crushed body in a small hole that is dug out by hand.

NESS covers the grave and stands, head down, for a minute in contemplative silence as the camera pans around him and cuts to different angles of the scene. A final close-up shot of his face shows him wiping tears away just before he dons his cap.

FADE TO:

INT : ONETT HILL : NESS'S HOUSE : NIGHT :

Inside the house, TRACY and NESS'S MOTHER sit with KING in front of the television, which is providing their only source of light along with a floor lamp in the corner. All three are startled by the sound of the front door opening.

NESS enters.

NESS'S MOTHER
(turning)
Ness! Oh, my baby!
(rushing over to her son)
I was starting to worry. What happened. Did
you boys find what you were looking for?

NESS halts and allows his mother and sister to embrace him. KING approaches the group, wagging his tail lazily.

TRACY
I suppose you made it a late night after all, didn't
you? I wouldn't expect anything less from my
big brother.

NESS does not respond.

NESS'S MOTHER
The boys have gone back home, I assume?

NESS
(looking up, exhausted)
I don't want to talk about our neighbors anymore,
Mom. I just want to sleep.

NESS'S MOTHER
Of course. Go on up, then. And you, too, Tracy.

NESS exits with KING on his heels.

CUT TO:

INT : ONETT HILL : NESS'S HOUSE : NIGHT :

The camera is set at the top of the stairs to catch NESS as he ascends. KING is padding along beside him, looking as world-weary as ever.

KING
The world is changing fast. It's enough to make
me never want to set paw outside again.

NESS enters his bedroom as KING follows.

NESS
I hear you, boy. Loud and clear.

NESS flops onto his bed with the Sound Stone still in hand. It continues to glow a faint blue until he sets it aside on his nightstand and falls asleep.


FADE OUT
END ACT ONE