Thunderbirds Are Go!: The Movie

Scene 7 - Alien Signals In Harmony

Now we have returned to Harmony. Lady Penelope, Rigby, and Parker pass their donkeys and horses. Parker's animal makes a loud noise and jumps up to him, showing its buck teeth.

Parker:

Argh! Get off you stupid...

Rigby:

I heard something back there about falling lights from the sky. What does that remind you of?

Penelope:

It's obviously linked. But we need to be careful where we enter around at. These people want us where they can see us. Which makes it rather a bother if this alien source is outside.

Parker:

Maybe these aliens have already taken over the peoples of the town and are now under their influence like zombies!

Penelope:

We mustn't let our imaginations run away from ourselves, Parker.

Rigby:

He's got a point. We have no idea what this alien is and what it could do to us. What I do find a little unearthly is how this population has kept itself entirely isolated from the rest of the world. Not just from the world, but still act like they're in the 18th or 19th century.

Penelope:

Well we won't find the source of the signal standing here. Come on.

They proceed back the way Rigby came when he met up with Penelope and Parker.

Rigby:

Maybe those who have come here don't ever leave. These farmers see to that.

Penelope:

Hmmm. I hate to sound rather hypocritical, but the cowboy's use of guns has brought much trouble and death. We only use it because we have to in an organization such as ours, but I mean...

Rigby:

Don't worry. We know exactly who you're talking about. Too many innocent lives have had their blood spilt by them.

A number of cowboys suddenly appear in front of them. Their hands are on their hips as we see the many gathered together blocking their way. Clanton is at the front. Behind him is Ringo and the still drunk Pete. A few other gunmen stand behind them.

Clanton:

What was that? You don't like our customs and traditions here I take it.

He approaches them. Parker turns around and has noticed the Kid behind them pointing a gun at them.

Every man in Harmony carries a gun. Take this.

He presents a silver gun to Rigby.

Rigby:

No thanks.

Clanton is disappointed.

Clanton:

I dare you, stranger. To a draw.

Rigby:

No.

The bystanders, including those like Kathy around, watch nervously.

Clanton:

What's the matter? Aren't afraid or something? Do you even know how to hold a gun?

Rigby:

I said no.

Clanton:

How do you mean?

Rigby:

It means no.

Clanton:

Fine then. You don't draw, and then we'll kill your two friends here.

The Kid loads his gun up at Parker and Penelope. Rigby has no choice but to except. He takes the gun. The bystanders hide and watch. Penelope and Parker are brought to the side by the Kid and the other gunmen, powerless to help Rigby. He returns to the other entrance he just came through, as Clanton turns his back and slowly heads to the other side.

I hope you're not thinking of shooting me already. Not when I have my back turned, would you?

Rigby frowns angrily. The fear of the townspeople shows up on their sweaty faces, nervous facial expressions, and widened eye contact. Clanton continues walking slowly to the other side. All is silent apart from the sound of his footsteps. Tension builds as Clanton finally makes it to the other side and then turns around. We see more terrified townspeople, and then watch Lady Penelope's reaction to the fighting. Rigby and Clanton are ready to fire. Rigby's hand tenses as the gun is held by his belt to the ground, and Clanton's fingers wiggle as he prepares to grab the gun and fire. We hear the wind whistling until the moment feels right. The men stare, and then... CLICK! CLICK! Their guns weren't firing. Clanton laughs wickedly. The Judge then enters.

Judge:

What's going on here?

Penelope:

Judge, that man just threatened Rigby to a draw. He threatened to kill me and my associate if he didn't fight.

Judge:

Is this so?

Clanton:

No. Look. Our guns were firing blanks.

Judge:

What about the bystanders watching?

They all remain silent.

Clanton:

I wasn't going to kill him. I couldn't have. It was a gag. They refuse to carry a gun. They mess with our constitution, Judge.

Judge:

Well, seems as though as I'm going to have to teach these people a lesson. Take them to the jailhouse.

Penelope:

This isn't justice!

Judge:

Shut up! And you just get into that cold, empty cell of yours and you think about the consequences of your actions.

They are taken away by a number of Clanton's men and the Kid. Clanton is left smirking to himself. Rex Tucker watches mysteriously through a house window. We see his face in the reflection and then heads away, with the evidence he has just seen...