SC29 - Science from Fiction
INT. THE PHILOSOPHER BRIDGE. MIDDAY.
The Philosopher soars gently through the clouds. Its white coloring makes it difficult to spot from the ground and its engines are almost completely silent.
On the bridge, Eleanor paces up and down while Dr. Adams explains the situation to her. Zavier and Kayla sit nearby, listening closely.
ZAVIER: So let me get this straight... You weren't happy with your staffs pay so you stole this airship?
DR. ADAMS: Precisely. I warned Crimson that our budget was too small so he decided to cut our pay so we could complete the project.
ZAVIER: But you stole THE EMPEROR'S airship!
DR. ADAMS: Our money bought it, so as far as I'm concerned this vessel belongs to the staff of Emerald Industries. I don't give a damn about Crimson.
KAYLA: And what happens when he comes looking for you?
DR. ADAMS: (laughs) This is the most technologically advanced airship in the fleet! There's no chance we'll be caught - it's speed and stealth are unmatched. After all, I designed it.
ELEANOR: But I still don't understand. If you're not working for the Empire, then why were you looking for us? ... for me?
Dr. Adams begins typing into a console.
DR. ADAMS: My dear, you are a marvel! To any scientist, you might as well be one of the great wonders of the world. To study your ability... that is what I want more dearly than anything.
ELEANOR: I'm no lab rat, Doctor.
DR. ADAMS: Of course not! Do not take me as a fool, Eleanor. I know that what I want will come at a price and oh do I have something I think you'll like.
She pushes one last key on the console and a projection flickers to life in the center of the room. It is a sceptre, with a shining jewel at its core.
ELEANOR: What is that?
DR. ADAMS: This sceptre belonged to your ancestor, Surie Haven.
ELEANOR: How do you know about...
DR. ADAMS: My dear, please. I told you I'm no fool. When you work around the Emperor, you have to make sure you're clued in on everything. Now this is no ordinary sceptre. Haven fashioned it herself with the help of her ability, as a key of sorts that would be able to open or close a certain portal to a demonic realm - albeit a key that only worked for one with her powers.
ELEANOR: So that's how she did it.
DR. ADAMS: Indeed. And I happen to know that Crimson is not only looking for you, but this sceptre as well. You don't need to be a genius to see the connection.
ELEANOR: He wants to open the portal? Why on Aedryn would anyone want to do that?
DR. ADAMS: Why indeed. Anyway, I have tracked the location of the sceptre. If you allow me to simply take a sample of your blood, I will not only tell you where to find it, I'll also help you to obtain it.
Zavier stands up and approaches Dr. Adams.
ZAVIER: Wait a moment, what makes you think we even want the sceptre?
DR. ADAMS: Call it a hunch but I don't think you'd trust it in the hands of anyone else. Besides, it's only a matter of time before Crimson finds it.
ELEANOR: She's right Zavier. This key, I have to protect it.
ZAVIER: Elle you don't have to...
ELEANOR: Yes I do Zave. It's my responsibility.
ZAVIER: Now wait a minute, a few hours ago our responsibility was to take down Crimson. Finding this thing won't help us with that. We should be working out how to reach General Greye.
ELEANOR: And we will but if we're going to then I need to know the extent of my powers first. This sceptre... just looking at it, I know it can teach me something. Please, let me do this.
Zavier nods reluctantly.
ZAVIER: Alright. I'm with you whatever you choose, Elle. I owe you that much.
Eleanor takes a deep breath then extends her hand toward Dr. Adams.
ELEANOR: It's a deal.
Dr. Adams takes her hand and smiles widely.
DR. ADAMS: Excellent! And to show my appreciation, you're all honorary crew members.
ZAVIER: Sweet!
ELEANOR: So where's the sceptre?
DR. ADAMS: We'll get to that later. Right now we have a small problem to deal with...
KAYLA: What problem?
Commander Fredricks enters the bridge.
FREDRICKS: Ma'am, with your permission I'd like to deal with the insurgents now.
KAYLA: Insurgents?!
DR. ADAMS: As our new crew members, how about you help Commander Fredricks here deal with that? I'll sort out our new flight vectors in the mean time.
Kayla frowns at Fredricks.
KAYLA: You have some explaining to do.
YOU ARE READING
Daylight - First Draft
Adventure(Some of the second draft is now up. Check it out on my profile if you want the latest version of the story) The world of Aedryn has entered an era of unprecidented peace and prosperity. War is a thing of the past, old feuds reduced to mere legends...
