This script came in trade already turned into .txt. I don't have the original to go by, so I'm assuming it's like #1 for this season, LotF... To pop everything into place... use Courier 10 (or 10 characters per inch) set top margin at 0.5", bottom margin at 0.5" (or minimums) (I had to tell the program that my primitive printer was using legal-size paper) left margin at 1" & right margin at 1" for pages---BEFORE TEASE Page For TEASE Page and after, left margin at 0.8 and right margin at .25 (or minimum) * and (X) used in script probably mean "this line changed from previous version" Notes: Cover: I assume it was set up like "Lord of the Flys" Typos noted: Page 3, twice, "alright" should be spelled "all right" --page break-- (graphic - insert logo.bmp or logo.jpg) LOIS AND CLARK THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN "Battleground Earth" EPISODE TWO Prod. #465202 Written by Eugenie Ross-Leming & Brad Buckner Directed by Philip J. Sgriccia _Production Draft_ July 3, 1996 FULL Blue 7/15/96 Pink Rev. 7/18/96 Yellow R. 7/23/96 Green R. 7/30/96 Gold R. 8/2/96 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Battleground Earth_" FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE MARTHA KENT JONATHAN KENT _________________________________________________________________ ___ ZARA CHING NOR TREY JEN MAI RAN DRULL COLONEL CASH MESSENGER --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Battleground Earth_" Pink Rev. 7/18/96 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Daily Planet Newsroom Conference Room Smallville Town Hall Lois' Apartment Malt Shop Living Room Kitchen Metropolis Street Malt Shop * Mother Ship Lois' Balcony Grand Chamber Bridal Chamber Corridor --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Battleground Earth_" Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 _CHRONOLOGY_ As Continued from Episode One SC. 1 - 3 DAY #5 SC. 4 NIGHT #5 SC. 5 - 50 DAY #6 * SC. 51 - 54 NIGHT #6 * SC. 55 - 74 DAY #7 SC. 75 - 78 NIGHT #7 --page break-- _LOIS AND CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "_Battleground Earth_" _TEASE_ FADE IN: RECAP Clark on Mother Ship, hearing Nor has gone to Earth; Clark reuniting with Lois, caught by Trey; Nor telling Smallville it's been taken over; Lois brought in as concubine; Nor vaporizes Cash's tanks; Clark and Lois smuggled into Smallville; Nor telling Clark he wants to get rid of him. 1 EXT. SMALLVILLE - TOWN HALL - DAY #5 CONTINUED 1 RAN holds a weapon on JONATHAN and MARTHA, DRULL and a Guard hold CLARK; LORD NOR is in the middle of all of them, pleased by this turn of events. LOIS watches nervously from the crowd in the square. NOR (looking around him) Well, well, we have here a tableau of infinite possibilities, none of them, unfortunately, pleasant for you. He walks contemptuously up to Clark. NOR (CONT'D) Do you try to escape and I kill the Kents? Do you attack me and I kill you? Do we do battle and I kill all these Earth people? Stop me if. you're sensing a theme... CLARK (menacingly) You don't want to do battle with me. NOR (an inch from Clark's face) Oh, but I do. All my life I've been one step away from marrying Zara and taking the throne. All my life I've heard the lore of the great House of El and its beloved son.. my rival. How I've hated you. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 2. 1 CONTINUED: 1 CLARK It's not me who kept you from the throne... It's the law of your own people. NOR On the contrary, the law of my people will _place_ me on the throne! You are under arrest. CLARK Under arrest for what?! (X) MARTHA He hasn't done anything! JONATHAN You're the one who's breaking the law! LOIS You hired an assassin to kill him! Is _that_ legal?! Nor slowly turns and regards them with utter contempt. NOR Excuse me, do any of you hold Kryptonian law degrees? LOIS No. NOR Then shut up. (to Clark) So, not content with ruling your world, you wanted to rule mine. Ambition'll be the end of you, Kal El. (nods to Kents and Lois) And them as well. BLACK. _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 3. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 2 EXT. CORNER MALT. SHOP - DAY 2 Jonathan and Martha stand chained to the post outside the door, flanked by two Kryptonian Guards with drawn weapons. Lois arrives, escorted by Ran. MARTHA Lois, dear, are you alright? LOIS Are _you_ two alright? (crossly, to Ran) Could you at least get them chairs or something? RAN On New Krypton we do not give hostages chairs. She storms inside, drags out two wire ice cream parlor chairs, all during: LOIS You know what? I don't _like_ New Krypton. There, I said it. I know you're supposed to be so intellectually advanced, but I think you're a bunch of creeps and I am sorry Kal El even gave you the time of day much less sacrificed everything to save your stupid planet. During this, she's placed the chairs for Jonathan and Martha and they've slid their chains down the pole and sat down. LOIS (CONT'D) (to Kents) Are you comfortable? (to Ran) So're you gonna shoot us over a couple of chairs? I don't think (X) so! 'Cause we're the only hold (X) you've _got_ over my friend Kal El who'd be out here in maybe two seconds to mop the floor with you. The Kents applaud with their shackled hands. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 4. 2 CONTINUED: 2 JONATHAN Well said, Lois. MARTHA Hear, hear, Honey. RAN Silence! (to Lois) You. Inside. 3 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 3 Clark stands near the counter, anxiously watching the exchange outside, watched over by a Guard. RAN Kal El. In accordance with your legal rights, you have a visitor, a particularly vile Earth woman. LOIS Watch it, I'm his favorite concubine. Ran glares at her, and he and the Guard leave. Lois runs to Clark, throwing her arms around him, as: CLARK Lois, you've gotta be careful with these guys. Get 'em' angry and they might... LOIS I know. I'm sorry. I get upset and shoot my mouth off; I don't know if you've noticed. CLARK (smiling) I have. (kisses her, then nods at the room) When I was a kid, I used to sit right on that stool, eating a banana split. Never thought I'd be locked up in here with my parents chained up outside and the world about to be taken over. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 5. 3 CONTINUED: 3 LOIS (touches his face) I know. It's always something. (then) Clark, how can they arrest you? Aren't you the king or something? CLARK Under their law, if one Noble charges another with a crime, a tribunal has to be convened. But the Elders can't convict me... I haven't _done_ anything. LOIS See, _you're_ so good, you assume justice will prevail. This is not something I assume. CLARK (holding her) Lois, I'm gonna beat this guy Nor. Then the Kryptonians can go back (X) and solve their _own_ problems, and faster than a speeding bullet, we're gonna get married. LOIS (smiles) Can you make it any faster than that? CLARK (quietly) Try to find out if they know about Kryptonite. It's the one thing that could be a problem. LOIS (quietly) As far as I can tell, they _don't_ know about it. For a bright bunch (X) of aliens, they sure haven't done their homework. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 6. 3 CONTINUED: 2 3 CLARK Then why's he so confident of winning? What _does_ he have? LOIS That's what I will try to find out. She grabs him in a big kiss, we... CUT TO: 4 INT. DAILY PLANET - ON CLOCK - NIGHT #5 4 Deathly silence. The clock reads 3:00 A.M. PULL BACK to find a newsroom packed with government and military types, watching the clock, speaking in low murmurs. PERRY comes out of his office with ZARA. PERRY Judas Priest, it's like a tomb in here. (loud, to room) Look, you all may call this your headquarters, but it's still my newsroom, so stop looking glum. Superman's on the case. (X) ZARA Still, one more day, and this whole planet may be at war. The world's (X) military gave Kal El just 48 hours (X) to find out what's going on in Smallville. COLONEL CASH strolls up, chewing on an unlit cigar. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 7. 4 CONTINUED: 4 COLONEL CASH I'll tell you what's goin' on. (X) We've got a wacko Martian on our hands and he's gotta be taken out! TREY/CHING Martian? COLONEL CASH A generic term for anyone who's never had a Big Mac. JIMMY races in. JIMMY Chief, bad news... Superman told (X) Star Labs to get their Kryptonite ready for use... Only there isn't (X) any. It was stolen from their vault. No sign of forced entry... It must've been someone on the inside. PERRY (glancing around) Or... someone with super powers. JIMMY That's what Dr. Klein said. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 8. 4 CONTINUED: 2 4 CHING If Nor _does_ know Kryptonite's power and uses it against him... ZARA ...he will marry me and assume the throne... TREY ... My dear, you continue to paint far too bleak a picture of Lord Nor. JEN MAI rushes in through the same door Jimmy entered through. JEN MAI I have bad news. PERRY (X) Anyone ever come through that door (X) with _good_ news? JEN MAI Kal El has surrendered to Nor, who invites us to meet him in Smallville. TREY (to Zara) I still maintain Nor is, at heart, loyal to the Nobility. Do what you should've done from the beginning. Go to this Smallville and confront him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 9. 4 CONTINUED: 3 4 JEN MAI (craftily, to Zara) You have the full backing of the Council of Elders. ZARA Well, if you feel that's best... PERRY Then it's a done deal. Olsen! Tag along with these folks and get word to Lois and Superman about the Kryptonite. Oh, and get the usual inside-the-force-field photos. (catches himself) If that's okay with your ladyship. Zara smiles, nods approval. JIMMY Great! Thanks. And thanks, Chief. The Kryptonians start out; Jimmy catches up with Ching. JIMMY (CONT'D) Listen... Ching... think I oughta wear one of those black suits like Kal El has? Just.. so I'd fit in better. (off Ching's look; following him out) It's not like I'd look _bad_ or anything... I've really lowered my percentage of body fat... CUT TO: 5 EXT. SMALLVILLE - TOWN HALL - DAY #6 5 Nor is in discussion with Ran when Drull approaches with a document. DRULL A citizens committee has drawn up a petition. They demand more food and water for the people. NOR That's only fair. Kill the committee and distribute their portions to the rest. (to Ran) Leadership is problem solving. Drull is going Nor turned back to his discussion; when a huge shadow comes over them. They all look up. --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 10. 6 EXT. SMALLVILLE - THE ENTIRE TOWN - DAY 6 The bubble remains over the city. And over the bubble looms the huge Mother Ship. 7 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 7 Nor smiles craftily. NOR I thought they'd never get here. Order the field made penetrable by thought transmission. 8 INT. MOTHER SHIP - GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 8 Zara closes her eyes while Trey, Jen Mai, and Ching look on. ZARA (V.O.) Lord Nor. It is Zara. I hereby order you to open the force field. 9 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 9 Ran and Drull look up anxiously. Nor listens, bored. ZARA (V.O.) ... You are here without authorization of the Council of Elders and have much to explain... 10 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 10 Lois stares at Clark, who's anxiously looking up, tuning in. LOIS What? CLARK It's Zara. They're here. 11 INT. MOTHER SHIP - DAY 11 Zara continues to focus. ZARA (V.O.) ... Not only to me, but to your people. Jimmy abruptly enters, grumpy, wearing a baggy black jump suit. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 11. 11 CONTINUED: 11 JIMMY (pulling unhappily at the baggy material) Ching, my man, could you have a talk with the guy who hands out suits...? The Elders glare, as: CHING Ssshh! Chastened, Jimmy apologetically backs off. Ching closes his eyes to focus. ZARA (V.O.) ... The entire Council joins me in warning you not to resist our... Jimmy has brought up his camera. FLASH! Zara's and Ching's eyes fly open, as they reel, 12 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 12 Nor listens, puzzled, to: ZARA (V.O.) Jimmy, we are trying to communicate! CHING (V.O.) Just go sit over there. Nor taps his head as if to clear a faulty connection, and: NOR (V.O.) Look, before you go invoking the Council, the law, and all that's sacred, let me extend you my sincerest welcome. 13 INT. MOTHER SHIP - GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 13 Zara and the others tune in to: NOR (V.O.) As always, I remain the Council's most humble servant. TREY Words of reason, Lady Zara. I fear Lord Nor's been judged too harshly. --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Gold Rev. 8/2/96 12. 14 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 14 Clark listens, suspicious, opens eyes, glances at Lois. CLARK He's giving them permission to land. What's he up to? 15 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 15 Ran and Drull flank Nor; the remaining Guards stand at attention in two rows before them, forming a wide aisle. NOR (slyly) Look sharp, Lads. We do want to give our... ruler... a most fitting welcome. A FLASH and Zara, Ching, Jimmy (still in black suit), Trey, (X) and Jen Mai stand in the aisle between the rows of guards. Lord Nor makes a sweeping bow; the rows of Guards fall to their faces in a kowtow. Zara impatiently waves for them to rise, which they do. NOR (CONT'D) My most humble greeting, Lady Zara of New Krypton, and to the Council at whose pleasure she rules. ZARA (unimpressed) Lord Nor. You've taken Kal El prisoner, and we order his release. We also order you to surrender this territory. NOR (another bow; oozing slime:) Of course, my Lady, if that is what the Council wishes. (to Council) My Lords, my hope had been to present you with a full report about colonizing the Earth... ZARA 'Colonizing?!' We _have_ a home! NOR A temporary one, I feel. Lord Trey, wasn't our charter to find the most _hospitable_ home for our people? (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 13. 15 CONTINUED: 15 NOR (CONT'D) Can we think that barren wasteland (X) we live on is preferable to the (X) lushness of _Earth_? (X) He gestures around; Trey considers this. (X) CHING Our planet is _not_ temporary. The charter is fulfilled! Infuriated, Ran and Drull take a step toward Ching. NOR No, no, I beg you not to lash the Lieutenant for his boldness; even though the law demands it. TREY Very generous. Perhaps we should wait until your report is complete. Provided the townspeople are unharmed. NOR Even today, I increased their rations of food and water. As to Kal El, I'm merely holding him for tribunal, since he has the power to elude us. ZARA _What_ tribunal?! NOR (pleasantly) A tribunal must judge any charges brought by one Noble against another. ZARA (astounded) And what could Lord Kal El possibly be charged with? NOR (still pleasant) The same as you, Zara. Destroying (X) the royal bloodline... Betraying (X) your people. In short: (X) (deadly serious) High treason. (X) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 14. 16 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 16 Clark's been tuning in. His eyes fly open. Lois stares anxiously. LOIS What? _What_? BLACK. _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 15. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 17 INT. DAILY PLANET - ON PAMPHLET - DAY 17 The pamphlet has a happy face drawn on its cover and the words "New Krypton: We'll Have a World of Fun." PULL BACK to find the Planeteers, Perry, Colonel Cash, the Military and Government Types, all standing, stunned, holding pamphlets, listening to: JEN MAI (O.S.) (the sunny P.R. Man) ... Lord Nor commends the Earthly governments for ordering their military units not to interfere with the reorganization of this planet. 18 INCLUDE JEN MAI 18 He floats above the crowd, reading from a tablet. JEN MAI Being annexed by New Krypton is a lot like getting amiable, some say fun-loving new neighbors, except you'll be our slaves. We will take over one major city at a time, beginning with Metropolis. Any city resisting this opportunity (X) will be annihilated. Thanks for (X) your cooperation, and welcome to the New Krypton family! He smiles, waves and BLURS out the window as the room erupts in an UPROAR. 19 PERRY, COLONEL CASH 19 PERRY Great shades of Elvis, you ever (X) hear such unmitigated gall?! And (X) when did _that_ rascal switch sides?! COLONEL CASH (crossing to phone) Well, we're not just gonna sit still for this... I'm calling the Pentagon! The U.N. has to let the military _act_. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Gold Rev. 8/2/96 16. 19 CONTINUED: 19 PERRY But Colonel, what can you _do_ against these people? You've already lost men trying to stop 'em... You simply don't have a weapon that's effective against Kryptonians. CUT TO: 20 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - WITH DRULL - TRACKING - DAY 20 Drull strides through the exhausted Smallville people, ordering them into formation for work detail, passing out picks and shovels. DRULL Up! Up! Up! Form up for work detail! You! Up! (points) And you! Get in line. (X) CAMERA REVEALS a startled Jimmy, who points questioningly to himself. DRULL (CONT'D) Yes you. You in the baggy suit. (X) JIMMY (annoyed) Hey! Drull turns around to harass other workers and Jimmy starts shuffling toward the line as Lois slithers up to him. LOIS (an urgent whisper) Jimmy! JIMMY You notice these aliens have a lot of attitude? LOIS This Kryptonite you said was stolen from Star Labs... Hear any talk about it? JIMMY No, and I've been nosin' around since I got here. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 17. 20 CONTINUED: 20 LOIS Me, too. No one's saying anything, but Nor's got _some_ game plan here and I'll bet he's got it. In the b.g. Drull has been approached by a Guard, who's told him something, pointing to Lois. Drull comes over. DRULL You. Concubine. LOIS (had it) Okay, let's just get one thing straight! I am not a concubine! DRULL (leers, winks) Sure. Baby. (then) You are to report to the palace. The trial is about to commence. He takes her arm, starts away with her. JIMMY Hey, what about me?! I'm with the press! DRULL This is a Kryptonian matter, and no one of your species is to attend. Unless they are evidence. He continues on with Lois, who suddenly freezes, staring at him. LOIS '_Evidence_?' CUT TO: 21 EXT. SMALLVILLE - FULL SHOT - MOTHER SHIP - DAY 21 The Mother Ship hovers over the town as we hear: NOR (V.O.) ... My Lords of the Tribunal of (X) Elders, the evidence is all too clear... --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 18. 22 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - ON NOR - DAY 22 NOR ... That Kal El and Lady Zara did willingly enter into a cynical pact to delude the people of New Krypton and place Zara illegally on the throne! MURMURS all around. CLARK (O.S.) That is a lie! WHIP PAN to a dramatic SHOT of Clark, in his black Kryptonian suit, standing on a short raised platform, a prisoner's dock, full of anger. Zara, on a similar platform nearby, tries to motion him quiet. CLARK (CONT'D) Everything I've done was for the _good_ of New Krypton. 23 WIDER 23 The Grand Chamber's been reconfigured as a courtroom, with spectators (all Kryptonian) a seated Lois and Ching, the Kents (menacing guards on either side of them), and a small (X) raised dais where the Jen Mai and Trey, in sleeveless ceremonial robes, sits behind a table. NOR And who would _you_ be to judge what is 'good for New Krypton?!' (whirling on judges) My Lords, Kal El was raised on Earth... A virtual half breed! Awash in the primitive teachings of these simple rustics... He gestures toward the Kents. MARTHA You watch your mouth. JONATHAN He's the best son we could've hoped for. NOR (revolted) No doubt. (to the room) To anoint Kal El our ruler is to place an Earthling on the throne! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 19. 23 CONTINUED: 23 Horrified BUZZING from spectators, the Tribunal glances and murmurs to each other. CLARK I'm _proud_ of how I was raised. If I knew nothing about Krypton, it's because I was sent here as a baby... NOR Your heritage was preserved for you in the ship you arrived in. Holograms... writings... CLARK In a language I didn't know! NOR You mean a language of no interest to an Earth child! The same child who would become a man and give his heart to... (spins and points to Lois) An Earth woman! Horrified gasps from the assembled as Nor furiously whirls back to Clark. NOR (CONT'D) Do you deny you were in love with this creature? That you had her smuggled into the palace as your 'concubine?' That you planned to _marry_ her, in direct violation of Kryptonian law?!! Loud MURMUR from the galleries. TREY Silence! Silence! There will be order to these proceedings! CLARK I _left_ her on Earth! I _left_ to bring _peace_ to your planet! NOR (amused) Did you now? And wasn't that a ruse, too? The crowd reacts as Nor waves a hand and a screen materializes; on it is the recorded image of Lois and Clark kissing passionately outside her building. More gasps. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 20. 23 CONTINUED: 2 23 CLARK (V.O.) You see? I told you I'd come back. LOIS (V.O.) And you did... (beat) Don't ever leave me again.... CLARK (V.O.) I won't. TREY (unnerved) I'm sad to say I witnessed this myself. ZARA There is no question he loved this woman... But also no question what his intentions were when he left Earth! NOR (pleasantly) Ah, his intentions. I'm so glad you brought that up... He waves his hand and we hear: ZARA (V.O.) You saved yourself for her? CLARK (V.O.) Yes. ZARA (outraged, to Nor) (X) How dare you?! (X) ZARA (V.O.) And I've saved myself for Ching. CLARK (V.O.) Then we're agreed? Not partners in bed, but partners in battle. Horrified GASPS as Nor whirls on them: NOR Do you deny you never intended to produce an heir as demanded by law?! That this 'marriage' was never consummated?! That you have no intention of doing so?! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 20A. 23 CONTINUED: 3 23 Trey shifts uncomfortably, having some inside knowledge of this, as the room erupts in more angry murmuring. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 21. 23 CONTINUED: 23 NOR (CONT'D) A sham marriage for the sole purpose of snatching the throne from the proper bridegroom: Me. CLARK That's not true! NOR Oh no? He waves his hand once more. CLARK (V.O.) ... Lois, I'm gonna beat this guy Nor. And with him out of the way, the Kryptonians can go back and solve their _own_ problems.... and we're gonna get married. NOR In a single speech, Kal El reveals his plans to... (ticking them off on his fingers) Abandon the people he'd pledged to rule, commit adultery and bigamy, and... Murder a fellow Noble!! LOIS (leaping up) No, you tried to murder _him_!! TREY Silence, concubine! LOIS For the last time, I am not a concubine!! NOR From her own lips! A confession of her subterfuge!! And where is one shred of proof of this wild-eyed murder allegation? ZARA I saw the assassin Tez! CHING As did I! CLARK Me, too. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 22. 23 CONTINUED: 4 23 NOR (a pitying stare) Well, there's an air tight case if I ever heard one. Clark jumps from the dock, strides toward the tribunal. CLARK Do you see the railroad job going (X) on here?! All Zara and I are guilty of is trying to save our people. (emotionally) Because I was grateful to the planet that gave me life, and to my father, Jor El, who _saved_ my life. My father was honest and good, so I imagined a great society with noble ideals... (beat) And I imagined saving it from war was worth turning my back on everything and everyone I loved. NOR (quiet; slow; dark) Oh, it is a noble society, Kal El, and you are its nightmare: A duplicitous, lying half breed bent on seizing the throne, ending the bloodline, and diluting the culture. (to tribunal; thundering:) If you do not banish him, my Lords, no telling what he'll do to you! And to Lady Zara! The ruling couple of New Krypton will most likely be the half breed and his earthly slut! With this he points to Lois. Clark charges him! CLARK NOR!! Nor spins in horror, but Drull and Ran leap into Clark's way, wrestling him back toward the dock as all in the courtroom leap to their feet, shouting in confusion. TREY (jumping up, shouting) Silence! Silence! There _will_ be order!! CUT TO: --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 23. 24 INT. BRIDAL CHAMBER - LOOKING DOWN AT CLOSEUP OF ZARA - DAY 24 She lies on the bed, lost in miserable thought. We hear the DOOR OPEN, and we PULL BACK and DOWN as she sits up to see Nor standing in the doorway. He smiles evilly, closes the door. NOR Well, Lady Zara. On the bridal bed at last. Dare I hope to soon be joining you? He goes to side table, pours wine into an ornate cup. ZARA You proved nothing in court. All you did was prey on their fears and prejudices. NOR (drinking) Brilliantly, if I do say so. Ooh, I'm sipping from the wedding cup... I take to all this quite naturally. (coming closer) By the way, I've begged the Council for leniency in your case. Care to show your gratitude in some inventive way? ZARA Get out. NOR Tossing your husband from the bedchamber's no way to start a marriage. ZARA You'll never be my husband. NOR I beg to differ. With Kal El gone, I'm next pig at the trough. (leaning over her, leering:) And I assure you. _I'll_ have no trouble consummating the marriage. Furious, Zara slaps him hard. He reels back, glaring. NOR (CONT'D) Not feeling romantic, dearest? I swear, this'll be the _last_ time you deny me. He heads for the door, pauses, looks back at her. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 24. 24 CONTINUED: 24 NOR (CONT'D) You've lived on this idiot planet too long, Zara. And grown far too emotional. And he stalks out. She sinks down on the bed, looking helplessly around, and we... CUT TO: 25 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - ON METAL CYLINDER - DAY 25 BUZZ of spectators. The cylinder hangs from a metal armature. It is struck with a mallet, making a GONG-like ring. PULL BACK and PAN to Trey. TREY This chamber will come to order. Come to order. 26 NEW ANGLE 26 As Lois takes her seat. Doors open and Clark is escorted in. He glances over at his parents, still under guard and threatened by weapons. Then he looks over at Lois. 27 LOIS 27 She and Clark lock eyes, never leaving each other's gaze as: 28 THE ROOM 28 Zara, Ching and Nor have entered. The Tribunal is seated. TREY Having considered all the evidence, the tribunal will render its verdict. 29 QUICK SHOTS - THE KENTS - NOR - LOIS - CLARK - ZARA 29 30 BACK TO SCENE 30 TREY Kal El... Of the charges of high treason and conspiracy... The Tribunal finds you.... (beat) Guilty as charged. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 25. 30 CONTINUED: 30 Big reaction from the courtroom. Lois and the Kents leap up, are threatened by Guards. TREY (CONT'D) And we do hereby direct for you to be banished forever... That your body be disintegrated and your molecules scattered over countless distant galaxies. More reaction from the room. TREY (CONT'D) That is the sentence of this court. The Tribunal stands to leave. The Kents and Zara look stricken. Nor looks smug. Lois tries to rush to Clark, is wrestled back and.. BLACK. _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 26. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 31 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 31 There's a stunned silence. Guards restrain Clark; Ran and Drull aim weapons at the Kents. NOR I assume the sentence will be carried out post haste. LOIS What about Kal El's appeal?! NOR Admittedly he's well built. But a bit dull for my tastes. LOIS I _meant_ his legal options. NOR Oh that. There are none. CLARK (to the Council) Council, you've been used. Lied (X) to and manipulated to get me outta the way. So Nor could threaten the people of this planet with extinction. NOR The ravings of a condemned man, My Lords, for which there is not one shred of proof! ZARA (to the Council) Kal El is your ruler! Surely his case is entitled to more consideration than this! NOR Kal El only rules so long as he is married to you. TREY The Tribunal has annulled your marriage. ZARA _What_? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 27. 31 CONTINUED: 31 NOR (drawing close to Clark) He is a mongrel dog, unfit to lead, unworthy of your hand. An impostor who has been unmasked. Any last words, Mongrel? Clark's hand whips away from the Guard and his fingers close around Nor's neck, lifting him off the ground. CLARK I'm a man of few words. NOR (struggling to speak) Slit their throats. Ran and Drull bring weapons closer to the Kents. (X) CLARK No! (X) Clark considers his options, is forced to back down. (X) CLARK (CONT'D) (murderously calm) One day you'll have nothing to hide behind. And it'll just be you and me. And you'll be made to answer for all the lives you've ruined. For a moment they hold each other's eyes, then Nor smiles contemptuously and turns away, grabbing Zara's arm. He sweeps out, followed by Jen Mai and Trey. NOR Come along, gentlemen! You're invited to a wedding! ZARA No!! Trey pauses at the door. TREY The prisoner shall be placed in the molecular disbander. He turns and goes as a shiny cylinder suddenly APPEARS before Clark. LOIS Clark!! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 28. 31 CONTINUED: 2 31 One eye on his parents, Clark moves toward the cylinder, escorted by Ran. Martha and Jonathan can't bear it anymore and finally: MARTHA Clark, don't do it. JONATHAN We kept thinking the Tribunal would free you, but now... MARTHA Honey, a lot more lives are at stake than ours... JONATHAN Get out of here, Clark. Clark hesitates for a moment, looks from his parents to Lois, who watches him pleadingly. CLARK I... can't do that, Dad. They'd (X) kill you. He is inside the cylinder, which begins to VIBRATE ominously. 32 32 THRU OMITTED THRU 33 33 34 INT. BRIDAL CHAMBER - DAY 34 Trey concludes the ceremony. TREY ... Thus ends this ceremony which binds you together. NOR (whirls to Zara) Kiss me, my pet. She slaps him another time. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 29. 34 CONTINUED: 34 ZARA (X) I'd rather die. (X) A MESSENGER rushes in. (X) MESSENGER My lord Nor! I have urgent news! Metropolis has refused to surrender. ZARA I knew this would happen! NOR Shut up, beloved! TREY Metropolis? NOR I was conducting delicate negotiations for our people to share the city... TREY By ordering it to surrender? NOR I had to have _some_ leverage! JEN MAI Lord Nor is our leader now, Trey. He is not to be questioned. Trey looks from Jen Mai to the triumphant sneer of Nor, now realizing how things are aligned. TREY (quietly) I see. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 30. 34 CONTINUED: 2 34 MESSENGER Any response sir? Nor whirls on the man and VAPORIZES him with a blast of HEAT VISION. NOR That was 'yes.' (turns to the Elders) My Lord Jen Mai! Alert my generals. We proceed to Metropolis. Where we will destroy the city. He seizes the squirming Zara by the shoulders, gives her an enormous kiss, flings her back on the bed and stalks out. (X) A shaken Trey stares after him. TREY (hollow) He's mad. ZARA (glaring at him) Yes. (beat) He is. JEN MAI Careful. As I'm sure I needn't remind you... such words are treasonous. He smiles craftily at Trey, gives Zara a limp bow, and goes. 35 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - ON LOIS 35 She stares in horror. 36 THE KENTS 36 Jonathan holds Martha, who's in tears. 37 THE ROOM 37 The cylinder, with Clark inside, is all but gone. Ran and Drull are gone, and two Guards oversee the procedure. --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 31. 38 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIDAL CHAMBER - DAY 38 Exhausted and distraught, Trey stumbles from the Bridal Chamber, leans against a wall. A beat, and Ching hurries down the corridor to him, carrying an ancient-looking tablet. CHING Lord Trey! There's been an oversight. The court must allow two nobles vying for the throne to settle their differences privately! TREY (wearily) Yes, yes, the Right of Challenge. An ancient law. Almost never used. In any event, Kal El didn't request it... CHING He didn't know of it! (waving tablet) _I_ barely knew of it... TREY As a traitor he's lost the Right... Stripped of his title.... The verdict is irreversible. CHING (firmly) If he was not informed of the Right before the trial, the verdict is (X) _illegal_. Trey slowly looks up at him, hope creeping into his eyes. He grabs Ching and they hurry off. 39 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 39 The VIBRATING HUM is horrendous, the cylinder nearly invisible. Lois lurches away from a Guard and staggers toward the vanishing Clark. LOIS No... no.... The cylinder is gone. Ching and Trey stride into the room. TREY Reverse the procedure at once! Bring Kal El back! JEN MAI (O.S.) You'll do no such thing!! --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 32. 40 NEW ANGLE 40 as JEN MAI angrily roars in. The Guards look from one to the other in confusion. CHING Kal El was denied his legal rights! JEN MAI Lord Nor will determine his rights! TREY Nor follows the same laws we all do! JEN MAI Do this, Trey, and you'll answer to Nor! TREY If Nor breaks the law, he answers to _me_! LOIS HEY!! They turn and stare. LOIS (CONT'D) Kal El's being scattered all over the Milky Way! So shouldn't someone _do_ something, and maybe you could measure your manhood... later? Trey glares at Jen Mai, grabs the controlling device from the hands of a Guard, and spins the knob. TREY (weary of her) (X) Frankly, I don't know _what_ Kal El sees in you. Lois looks over at him. 41 THE ROOM 41 The cylinder gradually RE-MATERIALIZES with Clark inside. Jen Mai charges furiously out of the room. Clark stumbles from the cylinder, trying to get his bearings. Martha rushes up to him, embracing him. MARTHA Clark! Oh, honey, I thought we'd lost you. CLARK Careful, Mom, I'm a little shaky... --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 33. 42 CLOSE ON CLARK 42 He looks up from the embrace and connects with... 43 LOIS 43 She smiles emotionally back at him. CUT TO: 44 OMITTED 44 45 EXT. SKIES OVER METROPOLIS - DAY 45(X) The Mother Ship races toward the city. 46 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET - HIGH ANGLE - DAY 46(X) It's a war zone. Burning cars and overturned military vehicles litter the streets. 47 STREET LEVEL - HAND HELD 47 Combat footage. Citizens run screaming in terror as Kryptonians grab them, toss them around. WHIP PAN to various positions on the street: Kryptonian thugs atop the theatre marquee; others hustling people out onto the street from buildings. 48 WITH JEN MAI 48 He floats down to the street, approaches Drull. JEN MAI Where's your master? NOR (O.S.) Enjoying himself immensely. Nor steps from the shadows, carrying golf club like a swagger stick. NOR (CONT'D) And just why are you here and not looking after my interests back at the Palace? JEN MAI The Palace is _here_. Kal El has exercised the Right of Challenge. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 34. 48 CONTINUED: 48 NOR _Kal_ _El_?! JEN MAI He lives. The Tribunal determined he must be given the Right. (off Nor's furious gaze) The... traitorous _Chief_ of the (X) Tribunal. Master. (X) NOR (lips curling) And you probably feel it would be prudent to accept. JEN MAI (nervously) There is a certain public relations upside to a duel, yes... Wherein it is certain you will emerge the victor... The 'Surround-Sound' voice of Trey fills the heads of Nor and Jen Mai. TREY (V.O.) Lord Nor. Kal El is no longer an outcast... 49 THE MOTHER SHIP - GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 49(X) Trey stands in the chamber eyes closed, alone but for two Guards at an exit. TREY (V.O.) Further, I can assure him the (X) support of at least a portion of (X) the nobility. Avoid a massive (X) battle. A battle you well could (X) lose... And accept the challenge. 50 METROPOLIS STREET - NOR AND JEN MAI - DAY 50(X) They stand there, eyes closed, absorbing: TREY (V.O.) Mind you, this duel belongs to you and Kal El. Your warriors are restricted to their barracks. Is that clear? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 35. 50 CONTINUED: 50 NOR (V.O.) Perfectly. (beat) The street upon which I now stand. (beat) Noon. Tomorrow. (X) He opens his eyes. JEN MAI You're doing the right thing, Master. Kal El is as good as dead. NOR Oh be still, you sickening sycophant. (an evil smile) Although you're not incorrect. I do possess the superior skill. JEN MAI There's that. NOR And I cheat. JEN MAI That, too. The two savor the moment with cruel glee, and... BLACK. _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 36. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 51 INT. LOIS' LIVING ROOM - NEAR KITCHEN - ON LOIS - NIGHT #6 51(X) Lois is on the cel phone. There are CRASHES, strange noises of struggle coming from the background. LOIS (covering an ear; into phone) What bothers me, Dr. Klein, is this duel is coming up, and Lord Nor seems _completely_ unconcerned.. One reason may be that _he_ has the missing Kryptonite! A huge CRASH. Lois looks wearily over at: 52 THE ROOM 52 Empty food cartons are everywhere. Other food steams away on the stove. Clark and Ching duel with "Drei's," pole-like weapons tipped at each end with shimmering globes. Clark has just knocked Ching against a table and sent a lamp flying. LOIS (loud) Excuse me, but that was my grandmother's lamp! Zara dashes in from the kitchen with bowls of chips and pretzels. ZARA Sorry, I meant to move it... And you're almost out of high-fat, high salt, nutritionally worthless snack items. LOIS I nearly cleaned out the store! ZARA I know, but we're all nervous and with our high metabolism we can eat a lot of... LOIS Trust me, I know all about it. Ching goes flying over the couch. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 37. 52 CONTINUED: 52 LOIS (CONT'D) (X) Boys! Watch the fish tank! (into phone) (X) Sorry, Dr. Klein... Don't you (X) agree Nor could've pulled off the robbery without signs of forced entry? 53 CHING AND CLARK 53 Ching comes at Clark, who fends him off with some quick moves. Ching pivots, swings the Drei like a club, Clark ducks. CHING You're a very quick study. Nor's dueled with the Drei since childhood, but you've already mastered its fine points... Ching stabs Clark in the chest, Clark reels back. (X) CHING (CONT'D) ... as well as the nine hundred and eighty basic moves. Clark spins the drei and hurls Ching across the room, disarming him as well. CHING (CONT'D) And you've won three out of four matches. CLARK That's good isn't it? CHING Yes. But I could still beat you. CLARK (too confident) You sure? CHING Yes. Lois crosses through with dustpan and whisk broom, still on the phone. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 38. 53 CONTINUED: 53 LOIS Well, if not Nor, who else had access to the vault? Zara! Stir the fudge and turn off the popcorn! ZARA (running toward kitchen) Which is which? LOIS Finally, someone worse in the kitchen than me. Clark tosses Ching's drei back to him. CLARK (cocky) Go for it. Ching adopts a new posture. A serene violence settles on him. His expression changes. Spinning the drei so fast it becomes only SOUND not sight he hurls something which appears almost as PHOTONS at Clark, knocking him out of FRAME. (X) LOIS (into phone) Gotta go. 53A ANGLE TO INCLUDE WINDOW 53A(X) Lois and Zara run to the shattered window just as Clark (X) BLURS back in. CLARK (breathless) What the heck was that??? CHING There is a mind-set crucial to all drei-masters. A point in the match where the man becomes the weapon. All else vanishes. No doubts. No heart. No mercy. Just the kill. ZARA You have not shown us that. Clark considers this, glances over at Lois, and: CLARK And I won't. That's not me. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 39. 53A CONTINUED: 53A CHING Yes it is, Clark. It is part of the Kryptonian will that lies within you. CLARK I've... never believed in killing. I've closed my mind to Kryptonian (X) instincts like that. A moment, then: CHING Then I doubt you will survive the duel. CUT TO: 54 OMITTED 54 --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 40. 55 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE THE PLANET - HIGH ANGLE - DAY #7 55 It's "High Noon." The streets are vacant. No people. No traffic. 56 PANNING SHOT 56(X) A Merchant lowers his blinds. People peer from behind (X) shades. Another Merchant hangs a "Closed" sign inside his door. 57 INTERCUT WITH PLANET BULLPEN 57 Lois, Perry, Jimmy and the staff tensely look out the window. 58 THE MOTHER SHIP 58 Ching and Trey wait with Zara, a Guard enters and whispers (X) something to her. ZARA Nor's men are safely in their barracks. She looks away and the departing Guard exchanges a knowing look with Jen Mai. 59 EXT. DAILY PLANET INTERSECTION - LOW ANGLE - DAY 59 Two feet, shod in black, step into FRAME. We TILT UP to find Lord Nor, carrying two drei's, looking like he means (X) business. He glances around, then up as he hears the sound of RUSHING AIR. 60 VARIOUS ANGLES 60 People behind shutters and windows also look up. Inside the Planet, everyone stares up. Even in the tension, big smiles start breaking out. 61 EXT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 61 SUPERMAN, in traditional blue, FLOATS down until he lands (X) before the Daily Planet. He's also loaded for bear. 62 INTERCUT NOR 62 He stares, Superman stares back. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 41. 62 CONTINUED: 62 NOR A change of uniform, Kal El? In whose name are you fighting? SUPERMAN I'm fighting for my home. Superman glances up at the buildings, quickly X-RAYS them. NOR Don't you trust me? I assure you we're quite alone. Nor tosses a drei to Superman. Nor then wields his like a bo in martial arts. He takes a premature swipe at Superman, sending him backward, then hurls the drei like a spear, almost knocking Superman off his feet. Then, the weapon reappears in Nor's grip. NOR (CONT'D) Did I mention I'm quite good at (X) this? (X) 63 INT. PLANET BULLPEN - LOIS' DESK - DAY 63 Lois is on the phone. LOIS (frantically, into phone) Dr. Klein, what _is_ it? You know you can trust me. (then; deathly calm) Even if it _is_ a rumor... If you have information about who else had access to that Kryptonite, you have to tell me. Now. Behind her, Colonel Cash checks his watch and slips out of the room. LOIS (CONT'D) What did you say? No I won't quote you. I swear. She hangs up, thinking fast, hurries over to the crowd at the window. JIMMY (staring out) Whoa! The guy just sucker punched Superman! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 42. 63 CONTINUED: 63 LOIS Perry, did you ever hear a rumor that when Kryptonite was first deposited at Star Labs, the government insisted the military also be given the access codes? PERRY (turns to Lois) I recall there was some fear that Superman, who was pretty much an oddity at the time, might go berserk and use his superpowers against us. The military wanted assurances they could stop him. Lois stares at him, then her gaze shifts to the glass walls of the conference room. (X) 64 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - COLONEL CASH - DAY 64 CASH (into phone) This is Code Name 'Ready Money.' It's a go-ahead on deployment of lethal gas in three minutes. He looks behind him, startled to find Lois standing in the open doorway. LOIS Lethal gas? CASH (closing cel phone) We're covering our bets, in case Superman can't beat this Nor guy in combat. LOIS Ordinary gas wouldn't be lethal to Kryptonians would it, Colonel? Unless it's laced with Kryptonite. He just watches her evenly, and starts toward the door. LOIS (CONT'D) The missing Kryptonite's been in your hands the whole time! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 43. 64 CONTINUED: 64 CASH I know tactics. If we take Nor down, his followers will cave. (then) We just didn't have a way of getting to him. LOIS Not until you had Superman for bait. CASH If you'll excuse me. He tries to get past her, but she grabs his arm. LOIS Stop the gas. CASH No can do. LOIS Superman has risked his life for all of us, even you, thousands of times, and you repay him with betrayal? CASH It was a tactical decision. (jerking his arm from her grasp) Now, do you have anything else to say? She stares at him a beat, then hauls off and decks him. LOIS No. (X) 65 EXT. STREET - NEAR ALLEY - DAY 65 Nor and Superman are deep in mortal combat near the alley. They've crossed drei's, struggling to break the deadlock. Suddenly Nor whips the drei around, belts Superman with it, and Superman flies into the little alley. Nor advances on him. --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 44. 66 66 THRU OMITTED THRU 67 67 68 THE ALLEY 68 A couple more whirling dervish moves from both men, and suddenly Superman has Nor pinned back against the metal stairs, the drei against his neck. He keeps pressing, Nor thrashes about, trying to position his weapon. LOIS (O.S.) Superman!! Superman looks and CAMERA ADJUSTS to find Lois at the mouth of the alley. LOIS (CONT'D) They're gonna hit the two of you with Kryptonite gas! Get out of here! Blam! Nor brings the end of his drei up into Superman's jaw, sending Superman reeling backward into a pile of trash cans, the drei falling from his hand. Smelling blood, Nor (X) brings his drei up to make the kill. (X) NOR Only one of us leaves this place. (X) LOIS You have to get out of here!! (X) 68A AN UPPER STORY WINDOW 68A A rocket launcher appears out of the window, a Soldier readying to fire. --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 45. 69 INTERCUT SUPERMAN 69 He tries to collect his senses. Nor prepares to plunge the drei downward. Lois stares in horror. NOR Your world is mine. Suddenly Superman looks up at Nor and the same deadly expression Ching earlier wore transforms Superman's face. He is focussed, calm, deadly power flowing through him. Nor brings down his drei and Superman catches the end of it in his palm. He shoves it violently back at Nor who staggers backward. Superman leaps to his feet, still holding the drei, (X) swinging Nor around. He now flings Nor's drei aside, and (X) with his fists, pastes Nor and the man staggers dazedly. Superman picks up his own drei, which glows in his hand, and, swinging it like a bat, he connects with Nor, the shimmering PHOTONS sending him flying back against the wall, where he collapses in an unconscious heap. Lois stares, stunned. A beat, then: LOIS (awed) You did it. 'No doubts... no mercy... Just the kill.' Superman stares from Nor to Lois, startled himself by what came over him, and not entirely happy about it. LOIS (CONT'D) Clark, the gas... Come on! SUPERMAN I can't leave him here. (going to Nor) He's still alive. And he picks Nor up, fireman style, and begins to carry him to safety. Suddenly, Ran, Drull, and Jen Mai BLUR in to (X) the mouth of the alley. (X) LOIS Nor had no intention of facing you alone! Jen Mai grabs her arm, holding her tight as Ran and Drull, (X) fire a blast of HEAT VISION, staggering Superman. (X) 70 UPPER STORY WINDOW 70 The rocket launcher fires! --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 46. 71 THE ALLEY 71 The rocket lies into the alley and EXPLODES! Instantly (X) the FRAME is filled with a wall of green smoke. (X) 72 EXT. STREET - AT ALLEY 72 Out of the alley billows a cloud of green smoke. Jimmy races up as a military vehicle SCREECHES UP and a squad of (X) soldiers piles out. (X) 73 THE ALLEY 73 We are SHOOTING from inside the alley toward its mouth. Weapons drawn, the soldiers warily approach, the smoke clearing. Jimmy pushes through them as they come upon Lois, leaning against a wall, dazed. Jimmy puts an arm around her as they fearfully look around the alley, now being revealed by the departing smoke. PULL BACK to reveal Drull lying (X) dead. A Soldier takes his neck pulse, shakes his head. Slowly, Lois creeps through the clearing smoke. Jen Mai is also lifeless. She looks ahead and gasps. 74 HER POV 74 Up ahead, from a little bend in the alley, protrude two red boots. Lois rushes forward, joined by Jimmy. They move around to find Superman lying on his side, covered by Nor (X) and Ran. Jimmy pulls the Kryptonians off Superman. (X) JIMMY They didn't make it. 74A LOIS' HAND 74A(X) It slowly reaches out toward Superman. (X) LOIS He's not dead. He's not dead. You're not dead. (X) She feels his neck pulse, then leans into FRAME, smiling. (X) LOIS (CONT'D) You're alive. (X) DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 47. 75 INT. MOTHER SHIP - BRIDAL CHAMBER - NIGHT #7 75(X) Superman is reclining on the bed, weakened but recovering. (X) Surrounding him are Lois, Zara, and Ching. Lois hugs him, gives him something to drink. SUPERMAN Thanks, Honey (to Lois) So Nor and Ran saved my life. LOIS They 'saved your life' by absorbing most of the gas with their bodies after first knocking you senseless. SUPERMAN (tries to smile) I keep tellin' you... There's some good in everyone. LOIS Oh? How about Colonel Cash? He's in jail, by the way. Trey enters and offers a tablet to Superman. TREY Kal El, this will require your signature. SUPERMAN (standing) What's this? TREY (hands him a writing tool) Orders for my arrest. Before you say more, let me assure you I accept full responsibility for the gravity of my acts. The ease with which Lord Nor appealed to my arrogance, my fear, and my mistrust of you is shameful. Further, I accept with humility whatever punishment you and the Tribunal deem proper. A beat. SUPERMAN And who will advise Lady Zara while you're imprisoned? She'll need the steady hand of a statesman to keep all the factions in line. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 48. 75 CONTINUED: 75 TREY Isn't that what you'll... I mean aren't you..? CHING Kal El is not returning with us. SUPERMAN Trey, the more I try to be Kal El, (X) the more I know I am Clark. Zara (X) will do what she's been prepared for since birth... Rule wisely over New Krypton. Her place is there. with the man she loves. (looks to Ching) Mine is here. With Lois. TREY But Lieutenant Ching is not of the nobility... SUPERMAN You know, I think what matters isn't nobility of blood... but nobility of spirit. CAMERA PUSHES IN on Zara and Superman. ZARA Good-bye... Clark. We are grateful beyond words. (she hugs him) I said once you've been on this sloppy planet too long, and now I think it's true of me. For the first time in my life, I have tears. He smiles fondly. They part, she takes Ching's hand, they step back, waving. 76 SUPERMAN AND LOIS 76 They wave good-bye as an enormous HUM of engines fills the air, wind blows at the Earth people, and the whole FRAME glows bright and WHITES OUT. 77 EXT. NIGHT SKY 77 A streak of light, the Mother Ship, whisks across the sky and is gone. --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 49. 78 EXT. LOIS' BALCONY - NIGHT 78 Lois and Clark stand outside watching as the Mother Ship streaks away. LOIS It seems like years ago we stood at this window and said good-bye to each other. CLARK That was the worst night of my life. LOIS (nestling him) Did any part of meeting up with your roots feel good? I mean did it satisfy some need, or did it disappoint you? CLARK Maybe all of those. I kept waiting for some incredible feeling of connection... A feeling that I was exactly where I belonged. (beat) But that's only happened to me once in my life. LOIS When? CLARK The day I met you. She just stares at him, almost overwhelmed. LOIS For a space man, you are' the most romantic person I've ever known. Earth guys don't have a chance against you. And then a big kiss. Still very close to her, he pulls the ring out of his shirt on its chain. CLARK I told you I'd keep it safe. LOIS (recalling his words) (X) 'As safe as your love for me.' (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 50. 78 CONTINUED: 78 CLARK (it just gushes out) Marry me Lois. Let's not plan, let's not wait, let's not let clone-makers or psycho psychiatrists or women who shrink people keep us apart... Just marry me. LOIS You know... That's precisely what I was thinking. Another huge kiss as we PULL BACK and... BLACK. _THE END_