superman dark war part 2
TRANSCRIPT
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INT: ARENA-LEXCORP EXPO
Thousands of spectators fill the rafters. On stage, LEX LUTHOR
embraces the podium surrounded by loyal followers.
Luthor: The defining question of our nation. The
balance mankind is required to discover. What is
the purpose of Kal-El? What void does he feel?
What gives him the right to define himself with
the title of Superman? Is it simply his ability
to perform extraordinary fetes? The streets of
this nation are built on the sweat of men and
women able to perform extraordinary acts. This
nation, this world, is saturated with supermen
and superwomen. So let me ask the question why do
we need a Superman? What does he offer that we
cannot provide ourselves? What communication have
we established? What agreement do we share
constituting his alliance with our planet? The
answer is none. His simple presence accounts for
over 13 million deaths, the destruction of one of
the worlds greatest cities, and endangerment of
our own commander and chief. The writing is on
the wall, and I will spend every waking hour to
ensure this alien is brought to justice and lives
under the law constituted that all humanityabides in!
Crowd erupts into applause. Luthor soaks it in.
Luthor: Progression. That very word means so
much to us. Its a word George Washington and
Abraham Lincoln fought to achieve. It is
something I strive toward in making this countryand planet peaceful. I can tell you today Lexcorp
has found progression. And it is called Metallo.
The lights dim and from the stage floor an armored figure rises.
The armored suit is of dark green color, built for strength
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while maintaining stealth frame for speed and agility. The
helmet covers the entire head with dark red visor over the eyes.
Luthor: Modern warfare enters into a new age.
These armored combat suites provide our soldierswith physical and psychological advantages over
the enemy. Neural isotopes from the suite will
provide a mental acuity unlike anything before.
Fatigue will no longer be a weakness. The suite
enhances the bodies physiological function to
superhuman abilities. Ladies and gentleman
Lexcorp has created an army of supermen. God
bless you and God bless America!
Luthor waves to the people as he exits the stage. Security
escorts accompany him toward an exit hall.
INT: EXIT HALL (CONTINUOUS)
Flash bulbs and reports shadow Luthor down the hall toward an
exit door. The escorts cut off the media frenzy allowing Lex to
pass through the door into Black SUV.
INT: SUV (CONTINUOUS)
CAPTAIN MIXON sits across from Luthor.
Mixon: Stirring words.
Luthor fixes himself a drink: They drink it like
fine wine.
Mixon: People like bold stances especially when
theyre opposite the popular vote.
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Luthor: Who knew Superman would become a
marketing tool?
Mixon tosses a folder on the seat beside Lex.
Mixon: Metropolis was compromised.
Luthor: Mannheim?
Mixon: The entire operation. Abbots dead and
Corbens in pretty bad shape.
Lex examines the folder.
Luthor: Somebody talk?
Mixon hands Lex pictures of Lois and Clark.
Mixon: Lois Lane and Clark Kent, two reporters
from the Daily Planet. They funneled Intel to
Metropolis PD. That combined with Superman was
enough to cause major problems.
Luthor: Get me everything youve got on our
little recon junkies. Wheres Mannheim?
Mixon: Soaking wounds at LexCorp. Probably
hoping youll take an extended expo tour.
Luthor: Moxie is gonna have his day. What are
Corbens chances?
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Mixon: Seventy percent burns, lung damage,
liver, and heart failure. Not good.
Luthor: Get him out of Metropolis and inform Dr.
Michaels we have a subject.
Mixon (surprised): I thought his procedure was
still months away from human trials.
Luthor: Death is awaiting John Corben. I say we
give the Doctor an opportunity to change that.
EXT: ARTIC-DAY
A city of glaciers abstractly form natures palace FORTRESS OF
SOLITUDE. Superman gazes up at their colossal height before
entering.
INT: FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE (CONTINUOUS)
Ice, pure as crystal, lines the massive open fortress. At its
center sets the Oracle Crystal, mounted atop an ice podium,
illuminating blue light.
Superman touches the Crystal causing it to come to life shedding
various shades of blue light as a holographic JOR-EL emerges.
Superman: Am I allowed to love?
Jor-El: Love was encouraged on Krypton. The love
I shared with your mother was my greatest
strength. However you must understand love is a
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choice, a decision. Be careful who you share that
with because as you live among them you are not
one of them.
Superman: Thats encouraging.
The Oracle Crystal flashes exploiting a mechanical voice:
Request cannot be processed.
Superman: That wasnt a question.
Superman sighs before turning back toward his holographic father.
Superman: I dont understand. You purposely send
me here to live among the people of Earth yet you
constantly remind me that I am not to be one of
them. (pause) Why am I on Earth?
Oracle Crystal: Coded message identified.
Encryption complete.
Holographic Jor-El fades revealing a new version of Jor-El, one
of distress and fear.
Jor-El: By now you have learned the true
destruction of Krypton. Months before its demise
I began construction on an instrument capable of
reckoning our planet, Orions Star. It has theability to transport you back through time one
week prior to General Zods attack. Krypton would
still be lost but the Kryptonian civilization
would not. Before your jettison I had the Orions
Star sent to Earth to await you. A remote locator
was hidden in your transport ship. It will lead
your way to the device.
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A blinking light catches Supermans eye. He focuses on it
realizing it is coming from his arrival ship. He walks over the
ship finding a hidden compartment has retracted revealing the
remote locator.
Jor-El: With its power you can save our culture
from extinction. Follow your heart Kal and we
shall be one again.
EXT: S.T.A.R. LABS-DAY
Black SUV pulls through guard gate up to Research and
Development building entrance. Lex Luthor exits car and entersbuilding.
INT: R&D FRONT LOBBY (CONTINUOUS)
Luthor escorted through lobby security enters elevator.
INT: SECURED LABORATORY (CONTINUOUS)
Elevator doors open with the escorting exiting into a highlyadvanced laboratory of white coats diligently working at
stations. DR. ALBERT MICHAELS greets Luthor.
Michaels: Mr. Luthor welcome to S.T.A.R. Labs.
Luthor: Thank you Doctor. If you have a moment I
have something to discuss with you.
Michaels: Certainly, this way.
Luthors escort team hangs back as Lex and the Dr. Michaels make
their way into his private office.
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INT: MICHAELS OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
Michaels: Ive been watching the news Lex. Sladehas taken well to the metahuman soldier serum.
Too bad the government couldnt make room for it
in their financing budget.
Luthor: I agree but I do pride myself in turning
failures into victories.
Michaels (smiles): Very true Mr. Luthor.
Luthor: I see you still have the lab rats
burning it at both ends.
Michaels: Its the only way to keep them from
asking questions.
Luthor: Well you know there are ways of taking
care of that.
Michaels: Yes but I dont have the same
firewalls around myself to do things such as
that.
Luthor: Very true Doctor. How far along is our
little scientific venture?
Michaels: Its complete. Final diagnostics were
completed last night. Human trials are ready to
begin.
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Luthor: Good news because I have a human
currently in need of a trial.
Michaels: You have a living subject? Who?
Luthor: Living and willing. Lets just say a man
in need of a second chance. When can you be
ready?
Michaels: Now, all I need is the body.
Luthor: Excellent Ill have Slade pick him up.
EXT: KENT FARM-SUN DOWN
A light breeze creates an elegant wave of wheat across a field.
A car travels down the dirt road living a trail of dust behind.
It comes to a slow stop in front of the small country house.
Clark exits the car to be greeted by JONATHAN and MARTHA KENT.
INT: KENT HOME-KITCHEN TABLE
Martha: How did you find the message?
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Clark: It was coded. I asked Why I was on
Earth? And a new projection appeared. My father
seemed different. He was tired, stressed, he
seemed afraid.
Jonathan: It must have been from right before
Krypton was destroyed.
Martha: Do you know where this Orion Star is?
Clark removed the small remote device from his pocket placing it
on the table.
Clark: No but I was given this.
Jonathan picks the remote looking over it.
Clark: It emerged from the ship I arrived in
while the message played.
Jonathan: Lookscomplicated. Any idea how to use
this?
Clark: The message didnt say. I just hope it
comes on when I get close. Were there ever any
reports of meteors crashing the same time I did?
Martha: Not that I remember, but that was a long
time ago. Something may have happened but it
doesnt mean we would have heard about it.
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Jonathan: Cant you pull up the archives at the
Daily Planet?
Clark: Ill have to but its gonna be like a
needle in a hay stack.
Jonathan: Good thing youre familiar with hay.
Martha: What happens when you find it Clark? Do
you think youre ready for Krypton?
Clarks attention falls back into thought pondering the questionfor the first time.
Clark: I dont know.
INT: DAILY PLANET-CONFERENCE ROOM
Commissioner Henderson: Amongst the destruction
its hard to call this a victory.
Louis speaks up from across the large meeting table.
Louis: What about Mannheim?
Henderson: Gone and Ive got to explain to the
Mayor why hes having to divert 30,000 cars off
the primary traffic highways.
From beside Lois, PERRY WHITE makes his presence known.
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White: So youre wanting us to run a story
smoothing this fiasco into something more
manageable?
Henderson: We need an out. Something better than
a wild west shoot out in downtown Metropolis.
White: Lois, you and Clark start a caffeine IV
and crank out a diversion story. We need sympathy
and admiration for the boys in blue.
Lois tightens her jaw in frustration looking at the empty seat
Clark should be sitting in. Regaining composure she turns back
toward Perry.
Lois: Shouldnt be too hard. Ill spread the
word.
Henderson: Thank you for your assistance Mr.
White. I know these request arent easy.
White: Better than having that Intergang running
the streets.
Henderson: You can thank Superman for that.
Seems we just smoked them out while he did thereal work. CIA is sweeping leads right now for
Mannheim. So hopefully well have something other
than dead henchmen and a charcoaled mercenary to
question.
Perry stands from the table shaking the Commissioners hand.
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White: Nothing but confidence Commissioner. Your
story well be in print by morning. If youll
excuse me Ive got a dinner engagement with the
wife.
Perry exits. Before exiting Henderson turns toward Lois still
sitting at the table.
Henderson: Miss Lane I know its difficult to
see the positive after these events but a huge
threat has been eliminated. Metropolis did
undergo a great tragedy but you and Clarks intel
saved lives.
Lois: Thank you Commissioner. Ill get to work
on your story.
Henderson: Have a good night.
The Commissioner exits. Loiss pleasant expression as she leansback in her chair preparing for a long night.
INT: DAILY PLANET-HALLWAY (CONTINUOUS)
Lois walking toward elevator door as a black suit dressed man
AGENT TANNER walks up beside her.
Tanner: Miss Lane, Agent Tanner Central Intelligence
Agency.
Lois: Central Intelligence? You CIA guys work
all hours too.
Tanner: Yes mam the eight to five doesnt
compliment our kind of work.
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Lois: Join the club.
Lois pushes the elevator button.
Tanner: If you have a moment I would like to ask
you a few questions.
Lois: A moment no but I do have an elevator
ride.
Elevator doors open. Tanner smiles gesturing her into the empty
elevator.
Tanner: After you.
They enter.
INT: ELEVATOR (CONTINUOUS)
Tanner: "The CIA has opened a new division
collecting intelligence on Superman. Your recent
work as made you a person of interest.
Lois (puzzled): I thought the President was
comfortable with Superman.
Tanner: He is but that does not dismiss the fact
of wanting to gain as much information as we can.
The government doesn't just monitor its enemies.
Lois: Just the all potential threats."
Tanner: "Miss Lane I think youre implying we
have negative intentions with any potential
information you can provide."
Lois: "At this point I'm not implying anything.
Ive just finished a 14 hour day and have a story
to write tonight. The articles I have written on
Superman are hypothetical angles and theories.I've never so much as spoken with him."
Tanner: "All the same your assistance would be
much appreciated on the matter. I'm not here as
an enemy Miss Lane. Just doing my job."
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Lois: "And I'm doing mine. I don't know your
background Agent Tanner, but in the world of
journalism you never hand over your work for
free. While they are speculated angles and
theories they still belong to me."
Tanner holds Lois's gaze a heart beat longer before lowering the
tension.
Tanner: "Very well then. I see your reputation
holds true. No more questions and thank you for
your time."
Lois gives a smirkish nod: "Same to you."
The elevator door opens and Lois jets off without looking back.
Tanner stares at her quick getaway into the busy lobby.
EXT: METROPOLIS HOSPITAL-NIGHT
INT: INTENSIVE CARE BURN UNIT
Two EMT personnel enter the unit pushing a gurney with a sheet
covered patient.
Nurse: Can I help you?
EMT 1 hands the nurse a clip board.
EMT 1: Orders for transfer patient Jones,
Edwards in bed 8 to Metropolis Memorial.
Nurse reads over the order: Im not aware of anyorder. Whos the admitting physician?
EMT 1: Dr. Hammonds.
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Nurse: This is not Dr. Hammonds writing.
Deathstroke explodes from the cover with a hand gun in each hand
blazing the nurses station. Terrified nurses and medical
personnel run in fear but to no use. In a matter of moments thescreams seize to dead silence.
Deathstroke climbs off the gurney trading his empty clips for
fresh ones.
Deathstroke: Check that writing a little closer
sweetheart.
EMT 2 checks the patient board.
EMT 2: Corbens in room 11.
Deathstroke: Time to make rounds. We have a
patient to discharge.
INT: ICU PATIENT AREA (CONTINUOUS)
Terrified patients and families watch the armored mercenary and
armed EMTs pass through.
Deathstroke: Relax, no need to get those blood
pressures any higher. We just need one man. Each
of your times will come.
INT: ICU ROOM 11 (CONTINUOUS)
The burned Corben lies in the bed covered with burn bandages,
ventilator tubes keeping him alive.
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Deathstroke views the heart monitor and ventilator settings.
Deathstroke: Your heart is failing.
EMT 1 hands Deathstroke a large syringe filled with medication.
Deathstroke: Time to call the Doctor.
Deathstroke stabs the needle into Corbens heart. After half a
heartbeat Corbens eyes explode open has he fights the
ventilator taking in a deep breath.
Deathstroke: Welcome back the world.
Corben fights the restraints for a moment fearful of the men in
his room. Deathstroke holds his resisting limbs.
Deathstroke: Dont fight it. There will be
plenty of that later.
The 2 EMTs pull the ventilator tube from Corben along with all
lines and tubes. They roll Corben from his room.
EXT: HOSPITAL ROOFTOP LANDING PAD (CONTINUOUS)
Corbens bed is pushed toward a chopper whose rotary blades
begin to rotate. Taking up the rear Deathstroke hears the roof
door bust open as Hospital Security enter the area.
Deathstroke: Get him aboard. Ill handle this.
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Security Officer 1: Freeze!
Security Officer 2 speaks into a megaphone:Power down the air craft.
Deathstroke holsters his hand guns pulling a Mauser 8mm machine
gun from around his back. Without hesitation he unloads pepper
fire upon the guards. They scatter like ants dipping and dodging
the raining bullets. Several are unable to avoid the deadly
force being gun down on spot.
Deathstroke drops the gun pulling 2 swords from the holsters on
his back walking toward the fearful security guards.
Deathstroke: What makes you think we will honor
your petty requests?
Deathstroke leaps into the air landing at the groups center.
Aimlessly they fire on Deathstroke but to no match to his
superhuman agility. One by one the security officers are cutdown with round house kicks and the sharpness of his death
blades.
Impelling the final security guard with his sword Deathstroke
grabs him around the throat lifting him. To the crowd of police
cars below Deathstroke dangles the helpless guard.
Deathstroke: The stage is yours my friend. Givethe people a show.
Deathstroke drops the guard falling toward the on looking crowd.
He then pulls a grenade from his belt. Pulling the pen he tosses
over the side before heading toward the helicopter that awaits.
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INT: POLICE CAR (CONTINUOUS)
A police officer drives up just as the guard slams into his
windshield. Two heartbeats later the armed grenade drops to the
pavement ending with a large explosion.
INT: CLARKS CUBICLE-MORNING
Lois tosses a newspaper on Clarks desk with a front page
headline titled INTERGANG BROUGHT OUT OF HIDING.
Clark: When did you write this?
Lois (stern): Oh I finished around 3:30 this
morning. Do you wanna know what comes on before
Early Early Morning Show because I can tell you.
Clark: But this wasnt the article we were
writing.
Lois: That one was cancelled after the meeting
with the Commissioner. The one you conveniently
missed. Where were you yesterday?
Clark: I had to be out of town. Something came
up.
Lois (increasing anger): Clark Kent I never
asked for you as a partner. I never wanted a
partner to begin with, but if you think youre
gonna
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Perry: Drop the interrogation Lois. I need you
two at Metropolis Hospital. John Corben was
abducted from his ICU room early this morning.
Lois: John Corben from Intergang?
Perry: Thats the one.
Clark: Any suspects?
Perry: Nobody knows and police arent talking.
Jimmy is already on his way. Your cars ready sosee what you can find out.
INT: METROPOLIS HOSPITAL ICU
Police tape and terrified witnesses being interviewed by
detectives litter the area. Clark ducks under the yellow tape
taking his place next to Lois.
Clark: Kidnapping huh?
Lois rolls her eyes: Obvious to you too. Two men
dressed as EMTs gun down everyone at the nurses
station, walk in Corbens room, and roll him out.
Clark: Would have been easier to unplug his IV,
but I guess they wanted to be sure he wouldnt
talk.
Lois: They made sure to the point of flying him
in a med chopper. They wanted to keep him alive.
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Lieutenant Turpin comes marching through the unit pass Lois and
Clark.
Lois: Lieutenant, do you have a statement or
would you prefer we speculate.
Turpin annoyed, keeps walking: We are currently
investigating and will update you as soon as
possible.
Clark turns to watch him walk away: Speculate it
is.
LEXCORP-Luthors Office
Lex enters office to find a nervous Mannhiem sitting on the
leather couch with two guards flanking his sides.
Luthor: Leave us.
Mannhiem stands from the couch: Lex good to see
ya, but were the guards really necessary?
Lex walks over to his beverage cabinet fixing himself a drink.
Luthor: You made yourself a wanted man Moxie.
Only a matter of time before every police station
puts out a manhunt for you.
Mannhiem: But this is LexCorp. No one can touch
this place.
Lex makes his way back over toward Mannhiem sitting in a chair
across from Mannhiem who retakes his seat.
Luthor: Only if I dont want them to, but there
are exceptions to every rule.
Mannhiem (nervous): Listen Lex I know we lost
the site, but it wasnt my fault. Someone sold us
out.
Luthor: Sold you out? More like uncovered.
Uncovered by two local media junkies from the
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Daily Planet. They went to Henderson and set up
the job.
Mannhiem: Who were they?
Luthor: That doesnt concern you. What I would
like to know is why are you here?
Mannhiem: We needed to regroup. Start fresh to
get back into Metropolis. The gang was really
making head way and Superman couldnt touch us. I
had that city by the throat.
Luthor: Did you ever wonder why Superman never
knocked on your door? How he always seemed to
avoid the strong hold?
Mannhiem: Never considered Blooming Bird a
threat.
Luthor: It was laced with Kryptonite. The
cement, mortar, down to every brick was designed
to keep him away. The Intergang wouldnt have
lasted a night without protection.
Mannhiem: What about the money the jobs? What
were they?
Luthor: Research
Mannhiem: Research?
Luthor: I needed to study Superman. To truly
understand who and what he was I needed lab rats
to provoke him.
Mannhiem: So none of it was real?
Luthor: Humbling when you finally understand how
insignificant you really are.
The office doors open with Deathstroke entering.
Mannhiem (nervous): This isnt right Lex. If it
was all just an experiment then you got what you
wanted.
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Lex: Beginning to feel even more real is it?
Deathstroke walks toward Mannhiem removing a sword from the
holster on his back.
Mannhiem: Please Lex I can still help. Ill do
whatever you ask.
Deathstroke lays the swords blade upon Mannhiems shoulder.
Luthor (dark tone): Go ahead Moxie beg for your
life just the way Kyle Abbot did before you
murdered him.
Mannhiem (terrified): Abbot was getting sloppy.
I had no choice.
Luthor (dark tone): We always have a choice, and
Im going to give you one. Do you truly want to
be ahead of the curve?
Mannhiem: Yes I wont disappoint you.
Luthor (light tone): Good
Deathstroke holsters his sword backing away.
Luthor: Since Mr. Abbot is no longer with us I
have a need for your services. I need you inCentral City.
Mannhiem: Why Central City?
Luthor: Youll see.
Mannhiem (relieved): Thank you sir.
Luthor (dark tone): Youre lucky I didnt kill
you today. Next time I will.
INT: FORTRESS OF SOLITUE
Clark studies the remote locator for the Orian Star. Kryptonian
symbols paint its exterior. He notices what appears to be a
finger slot. He places his index finger into the area and the
remote lights up projecting a holographic outline of Earth. A
robotic voice comes from the remote.
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Scanning initiated.
The energy impulses mimic waves over the holographic globe for a
few moments. The impulses seize and a flashing signal begins
over the Pacific Ocean.
Orion Star located. Latitude 11.3 North,
Longitude 142.2 East.
EXT: SKY (CONTINUOUS)
Superman blazes through the clouds over land masses and quickly
over the ocean. Looking at the remote device the signal alarm
becomes faster and stronger. He comes to a stop as the signal
alerts him he is directly over the device. He concentrates with
his eyes peering down into the bottomless sea to see the Orians
Star for himself.
Taking in a deep breath he explodes into the ocean leaving a
large ripple behind. He penetrates the deep sea effortlessly. In
a matter of moments he reaches the bottom. Eyes glowing red he
shines light upon the perfectly preserved device.
Superman grabs hold of the device pulling it from the years of
sand and vegetation that have grown a liking to its presence.
Bending his knees he explodes from the oceans floor toward the
surface and back into the clouds.
Back at the site a signal device flashes from where the Orians
Star had been laying.
INT: AIRCRAFT CARRIER RADAR ROOM-CONTINUOUS
On a secluded monitor a radar screen begins flashing. The
working radar technician takes notice of the alert. His face
feels with concern. He picks up the phone.
Radar Technician: Secure line to Captain Mixon.
INT: FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
Superman manipulates a control panel on Orions Star thatprojects a holographic Jor El.
Jor El: Kal, you found it. If this message finds
you the essence of our race can be saved. Listen
closely to these instructions. The cylinder
located between the spheres energizes Orions
Star. It can be charged by Earths sun. Once
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charged and in place the device will be
operational. Follow the instructions on the
keypad and a portal will open. Once open you will
have a direct feed to Krypton. We will transfer
as many people as possible to Earth. The portals
stability will be fragile. It has the ability for
a single use. I look forward to laying my true
eyes upon you son.
EXT: LEXCORP-DAY
INT: OPERATING ROOM-CONTINUOUS
The horrifically burned Corben barely alive on life support is
rolled into the sanitized room. Surrounded by dozens of monitors
and surgical steel instruments a medical team prepares the area.
A picture of a modern day Frankensteins lab. From above the OR
Lex and Captain Mixon look on from an observation suite.
INT: OBSERVATION SUITE (CONTINUOUS)
Mixon: Playing Frankenstein these days?
Luthor: This is no mere science experiment.
Corben was already a monster. Were just going to
make him scarier.
A medical staff member caries in a large green glowing canister.
Mixon: What is that?
Luthor: The future my friend. We call it
Metallo. A combination of Berilium mined out of
China and Kryptonite.
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Mixon: When did you start dealing with the
Chinese?
Luthor: Lets just say our acquaintance, Admiral
Chen, is willing to play ball when a couple ofwar heads are pointed at his legacy.
Mixon smiles: Survival of the fittest.
Luthor: Nature at its finest.
INT: OPERATING ROOM (CONTINUOUS)
Wearing a high security surgical suit, Dr. Michaels enters the
room.
INT: OBSERVATION SUITE (CONTINUOUS)
Mixon: Bold getting S.T.A.R. Labs on board.
Luthor: Boldness is a matter of perspective. Dr.
Michaels and I share an equal interest pushing
boundaries. It was his team that performed
General Zods autopsy discovering Kryptonites
effect on humans.
Mixon: So how does this concoction keep Corben
alive?
Luthor: First the Metallo will match to his
skeletal system. It works as an indestructible
bone marrow maintaining blood formation. The
Kryptonite will quickly regenerate cells creating
brand new tissues.
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INT: OPERATING ROOM (continuous)
Corbens life support tube is removed and replaced with a mask
fitting over his nose and mouth. Restraining straps are placed
across his forehead, wrist, waist, and ankles. Intravenouscatheters are inserted into bilateral brachial arteries at the
elbows connected to the green canister containing Metallo.
INT: OBSERVATION SUITE (CONTINUOUS)
Mixon: Will he maintain his normal appearance?
Luthor: He will appear has the John Corben
before. The centerpiece will be all that is
exposed through the skin.
Mixon: That wont prevent Superman from engaging
him in close proximity? Hell just keep his
distance.
Luthor: Thats the trick. Metallo will form new
neuropathways allowing voluntary control of the
Kryptonite. Hell appear as a normal threat and
when Superman engages Corben flips the switch.
INT: OPERATING ROOM (CONTINUOUS)
Dr. Michaels performs final checks on intravenous sites and
canister. Satisfied he steps over to a control panel placing his
finger over a red button.
Dr. Michaels: Beginning procedure.
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Metallo flows from the canister into Corbens body. Violent
convulsions roar through his muscles fighting against the
restraining straps. Alarms sound has his vital signs
significantly spike from a nearly dead man to fully alive. The
once charred skin begins to return to its original form
rebuilding a muscular frame.
A medical technician studies the control board reading Metallo
fully administered.
Medical Technician: Metallo reservoir is 100%
infused.
Dr. Michaels: Proceed with the center piece.
Several technicians carry a circular Krypton fragment encircled
in a golden frame. Delicately they place it on Corbens chest.
INT: OBSERVATION SUITE (CONTINUOUS)
Mixon: What is that?
Luthor: Pure Kryptonite that will sustain the
transformation. It will be infused with his
heart.
Mixon: A battery.
Luthor: Capable of sustaining Corbens for a
thousand years.
INT OPERATING ROOM (CONTINUOUS)
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Dr. Michaels manipulates the control panel and the Kryponite
center piece presses deep into Corbens chest infusing with the
tissue. Corbens muscles contract with pain has he unleashes a
painful yell which slowly subsides. Corbens eyes relax from the
painful sensation opening revealing a green outline around the
pupil.
INT: OBSERVATION SUITE (CONTINUOUS)
Mixon: You really think this Metallo can stop
Superman?
Luthor: Not stop Superman. He will kill him.
INT: LOISS APARTMENT
Hair up, sweat beading on forehead Lois rolls the paint brush up
and down the wall. Her doorbell rings. Lois puts down the roller
and tip toes over the protective plastic covering the floor.
She opens the door to Clark.
Lois: Clark?
Clark: Hi
Lois: Its Saturday.
Clark: Right I know. I was in the area and
wanted to bring you something.
He holds out a dinner box containing sushi with Sushi Mizutani
written on the outside.
Clark: I know how much you like sushi and heard
this place had the best in town.
Lois takes the box.
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Lois: Sushi Mizutani, the famous sushi bar in
Tokyo?
Clark: Right its probably just the box. Someone
trying to make a buck off the name. Can I come in
or would you rather I-
Lois: No its fine come in. I need a break.
Clark enters and notices the half painted wall.
Clark: Redecorating?
Lois: Yeah just going for something different.
Ive never been able to figure out that wall.
Hoping Duck Egg blue does the trick.
Clark: Duck Egg blue?
Lois: I know right. Youd think they could come
up with something better.
Clark: No, duck egg. Thats exactly what it
looks like. Classic duck egg.
Lois laughs at Clarks sarcastic comment Clark smiles.
Clark: Really it looks good Lois.
Lois takes a bite of the sushi.
Lois: Wow, where did you say this was from?
Clark: Umm you know. That knew sushi bar on
Fullerton. I cant remember the name.
Lois: Youre gonna have to get the name for me.
If I didnt know better Id swear this was from
Tokyo. Sure you havent snuck over to Japan
lately?
Clark (smiles): Promise. Lois the real reason I
came over here was to apologize for not being
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there to help with the Intergang cover story. You
know if Id known about it I would have helped.
Im sorry.
Lois puts a piece sushi back into the container.
Lois: Clark I understand things come up but that
wasnt the first time youve disappeared without
anyone knowing. Youre a good partner Clark you
really are, but theres gotta be trust. So
whatever it is that requires you to be gone you
can tell me. You dont have to keep it to
yourself all the time.
Clark: Thank you
Lois (smiling): But if keeping it to yourself
gets me sushi then keep quiet.
INT: LEXCORP CONFERENCE ROOM
Lex enters to find Mixon sitting at the large table alone with a
file in front.
Luthor: Just you?
Mixon: Take a seat Lex.
Mixon pushes the file in front of Lex. He reads the title.
Luthor: Black Hole? Ive never heard of this.
Mixon: That was intentional.
Luthor: I dont understand. Whats Black Hole?
Mixon: August of 1986 NASA tracked an object
from deep space that penetrated Earths
atmosphere crashing off the cost of Japan. NASA
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along with the US Navy hired your father to
investigate. Lional immediately determined it was
of alien origin. The energy readings, shape,
design were not of this Earth. The Navy wanted to
keep the object and run further test but your
father didnt see it that way. He believed the
device was dangerous and it was too risky
experiment on in fear of who or what may come
looking for it. So your father got rid of it.
Luthor: Jettison it back into space?
Mixon: No he sank it back to the bottom of the
Mariana Trench 7 miles beneath the ocean. The
event was covered as a Naval training exercise
and the object was to never be spoken of. Even
President Reagan was kept in the dark.
Luthor: Why are you telling me this now?
Mixon: Deep sea sensors were placed around the
object in case anyone attempted to take it with a
small anonymous team monitoring.
Luthor: Get to the point.
Mixon: Three hours ago sensors detected activity
at the site and then went offline. We believe the
object has been taken.
Luthor: Superman
Mixon: We cant confirm but its most likely.
The architecture and symbols matched that of
Kryptonian.
Luthor: Why was I never informed of this?
Mixon: Your father swore it to secrecy. He knew
no one on the Earth had the knowledge or
discipline to handle it. If the device fell into
the wrong hands someone could invite an alien
race to our planet. Its a chance he wasnt
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willing to take and frankly something I wasnt
willing to risk.
Luthor: So you undermined me.
Mixon: I protected you Lex! I followed your
fathers orders.
Luthor: My fathers dead! This is a different
time. There was no alien putting his Earths
safety at risk. For all we know its a doomsday
device that will finish us all.
Mixon: You dont know that! Were just as
dangerous as he is and in ways maybe more.
Luthor hangs on that statement for a moment allowing his anger
to subside.
Luthor: You sound like him.
Mixon: Sound like who?
Luthor stands from his seat.
Luthor: My father. The great Lional Luthor,
founder of the very walls around us.
Mixon: Youd benefit from sounding more like himyourself.
Luthor begins to walk around the table toward Mixon.
Luthor: Yes-yes-yes we cant have the apple
falling far from the tree. That would look bad,
disrupt the status quo everyone has become
complacent to.
Mixon: Lex I know your hate for Superman. I
understand what he threatens to take from you,
but if you start a war. If you go toe to toe with
someone you dont fully understand. It will
destroy you. You have everything in your corner
to be a prominent figure for a very long time.
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Dont waste it Lex.
Luthor walks up behind Mixon placing hands on his shoulders.
Mixon does not react.
Luthor: My legacy? They look at him like a god.
I will show the people even a god can die.
Lex quickly snaps Mixons neck killing him. He picks up the file
closing it.
Luthor: Its a shame it came to this. I always
looked at you as a father.