ACT ONE: THE ELDERS' DISCUSSION
LOCATION: COUNCIL CHAMBER, SECTOR 101.
(The Chamber is dim, lit only by weak lanterns. The air feels heavy as the Elders gather around a worn circular table.)
Hale:
(Looking over scattered reports, voice tense) The numbers keep dropping.
Food stores, water reserves... even mineral deposits.
Everything is running dry.
Soren:
(Arms folded, frowning) That's impossible.
Sector 101 has survived for generations. Resources don't just disappear overnight.
Elias:
(Calm but worried)
It wasn't overnight, Soren.
We ignored the signs for too long.
The land outside the walls has been dying for years.
Hale:
(Sighs deeply)
The farmers report that the soil is turning to dust. The water pumps are pulling nothing but mud.
Soren:
(Leaning forward)
Then let us expand, search farther out. Send more teams.
The wastelands beyond the eastern ridges haven't been searched in decades.
Elias:
(Shakes head slightly)
That region was abandoned for a reason.
The last team that was sent there years ago barely returned.
Soren:
(impatient)
So, we just sit here and watch our planet starve?
Hale:
(firmly)
No. We can't, Elias. Let's send out the Search Force.
Elias:
(thinking) The Search Force?
Hale:
Yes, we can send two or three teams; they are the most capable units we have.
Soren:
(Nods slowly)
Hale is right; if anyone can find something out there, it's the search force.
Elias:
(thoughtful)
But which teams do we send out?
Hale:
(firmly)
There is only one man whom I know is ambitious enough to lead his team to the wasteland and back profitably.
Elias:
(standing up) Collins!
Soren:
(Grim expression) Collins.
The chamber falls silent as the weight of the decision settles over them.
ACT TWO: THE ELDERS' ANNOUNCEMENT
Location: Council Chamber, Sector 101.
The large doors open as three search force leaders step inside. The elders sit watching them closely.
Collins of the Vanguard unit, Rhett of the Iron Unit, and Alric Dane of the Horizon unit stand silently.
The elders observe them for a moment before speaking.
Hale:
(Calm but firm)
Collins… Rhett Calder… Alric Dane.
The three of you lead the finest search teams in Sector 101.
Soren:
(Leaning forward, hands clasped)
For years, your teams have protected our people and explored the lands beyond our walls.
Elias:
(Measured tone) But exploration has grown… predictable.
(The three leaders remain silent, listening. )
Hale:
The surrounding regions have been searched countless times. Paths are known. Ruins are mapped. Discoveries have become rare.
Soren:
(slight smirk) Which is why we have decided to make things more interesting.
Elias:
Tomorrow at dawn, the three of your teams will leave Sector 101 on a new search expedition.
Hale:
Each team will travel to a different unexplored region beyond the wastelands.
Soren:
The eastern ridges… the southern ruins… and the northern black plains.
Elias:
(calmly) These territories have not been explored in decades.
Hale:
Which means opportunity.
Soren:
(Voice slightly competitive)
Think of it as a contest.
The leaders remain silent but attentive.
Elias:
The team that returns with the most valuable discovery will be rewarded by the Council.
Hale:
Resources. Ancient artifacts. Hidden structures. Anything that benefits Sector 101.
Soren:
(Serious now)
But understand this… the lands beyond our borders are dangerous.
Elias:
You will face unimaginable and unseen things.
Hale:
That is why we have chosen your teams.
(The elders stand, signaling the end of the meeting.)
Soren:
Prepare your squads.
Elias:
At sunrise, the gates of Sector 101 will open.
Hale:
And the search will begin.
The three leaders bow their heads silently before leaving the chamber.
Behind them, the elders watch the doors close… unaware that this "contest" will soon lead to the discovery that changes their world forever.
ACT THREE: THE SEARCH
Location: Vanguard Unit Base.
The air was tense as Collins was addressing his search force.
Collins:
(Pacing around)
I know this might be the hardest task we have ever embarked on, but I know that together, this team can accomplish anything.
Darius:
(Sounding a bit scared)
But commander, this is the wasteland we are talking about... is it really safe to do this?
Mira:
(mockingly)
Is little Dari scared? What a big baby.
(All the remaining crew burst out into laughter)
Collins:
(Also laughing)
Mira, that's ok, it is normal for Darius to be scared. In fact, it would be out of order if we said none of us is terrified.
This is a big step we are taking; we don't know what we are going to face, what will be waiting for us.
Kael:
Then why are we doing this?
Collins:
(Confused, didn't know the answer to give)
We are doing it for the people of Sector 101. We need to learn about what's out there to know how to defend ourselves in here.
Toen:
Is that really the reason we are doing this, Commander, and not for the fame and recognition?
Collins:
(shocked)
What are you trying to say, Toen?
Toen:
I heard this was a so-called competition to know which search force gets the most resources.
Mira:
Commander, is this true?
Are we really doing this just because it's a game?
Collins:
(In a more serious tone)
No, Mira, I know our council did say it to seem like a competition, but I know the council can't tell us to embark on something this serious as a game.
So, as I said before, we're doing this for the people of Sector 101 and its future.
Toen:
But....
Collins:
(Stopped him from finishing it)
No buts, we leave in an hour, and that's an order.
Dismissed.
Collins ended the meeting, but the tension that the last part of the meeting carried remained.
The time came, and each search force departed to different sides of the wastelands.
Hours after their departure, the unexpected happened...
ACT FOUR: THE SEARCH CONTINUES
Hours passed after the Search force left for the wastelands. And what happened changed the course of nature for good.
Location: The Northern Dark Plains of the Wasteland, Collins is on the floor holding a box in his hands.
Collins:
(Kneeling on the floor) No!!!, How did this happen?
(A huge giant centipede heading towards him)
Collins:
(weeping)
So, is this how it all ends?
(Looking round, seeing the bodies of his Search force)
Mira:
(Being dragged into the mouth of one of the monsters) Commander help!!!
(weeping)
(The monster ate her)
(Mira's left hand got cut off as the monster bit her)
Collins:
(Holding a box in his hands) Is this my end?
ONE HOUR AGO
Collins and his team had left for the Northern Dark Plains of the Wasteland.
Collins:
Darius coordinates?
Darius:
If my calculations are correct, we are heading sixty-three degrees north-west. We are currently about one thousand four hundred and ninety
kilometers away from Sector 101.
Mira:
Simply put, no turning back, right?
Darius:
Exactly...
Collins:
Well, I never intended to. Now let's split up to cover more ground.
Kael and Toen, you guys cover that side (pointing towards his right-hand side)
While the rest of us will take this path. Meet back here in an hour.
All:
Yes sir
(Toen and Kael left)
Collins:
Let's go.
(They walked in the opposite direction, they walked for a while and didn't come across anything, everywhere was sandy like they were in the desert)
Mira:
Isn't that a temple?
Collins:
What is a temple doing in the middle of the desert? Darius, let's head in.
Darius:
Ok Commander
(Collins, Mira, and Darius walked into the temple)
(The inner walls of the temple glowed with luminous lights of 12 different
colors coming out of each corner. Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Black, Silver, Gold, White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Crimson. And in the middle, a box was placed with the mixture of all the colors reflecting on it from above)
Collins:
(Amazed, walking towards the box) Marvelous, Spectacular.
Mira:
Commander, is it really right to head towards it?
Darius:
It might be boobytrapped, Commander!
Collins:
(Absorbed by the glow that reflects on the box, continued moving towards the box)
The fame, the wealth, the recognition I would get after presenting this to the council, I can't picture it.
Mira:
(shocked)
Commander! So it was all about the competition to you.
Darius:
Commander says this is not true, after all you said to us.
Collins:
(took the box up, held it up)
It was always about the fame to me. After all these years of being stuck in the position of commander, I would use this to gain recognition. Maybe move to General or higher. The possibilities are endless.
(As he was talking, the ground started to shake, and a giant three-headed snake arose)
Mira:
(scared) Commander!!!, behind you.
Collins:
(turned and saw the snake, became terrified, and started shaking)
Darius:
(took his sword up and ran towards the three-headed snake, wanting to slash him)
(one of the heads of the three-headed snake bit his waist)
Darius:
(choking and coughing out blood) Commander run!!!!
Mira:
(crying) No!! Darius.
(The commander took the box and started running out, holding the hands of Mira and running out as fast as they could.)
(They ran as fast as they could, but they didn't know the three-headed snake didn't move out of the temple)
(They arrived at the point where they parted ways with Toen and Kael and stopped)
Mira:
(Still shocked)
Darius got... eaten, he is dead!!!
Collins:
Mira, get a grip on yourself. (Thinking of what could be done next)
We need to regroup with Toen and Kael.
(Before he could finish talking, a giant millipede started shooting up out of the ground)
Collins:
(shouting) Mira run!!
(Collins and Mira ran as fast as they could towards the side. Toen and Kael went)
(After running for a while, they stumbled on a head)
Collins:
(Turned the head over to see it was Toen) NO!!!
Mira:
(Fell on her butt)
That's Toen head. He is dead.
Collins:
(Fell on his knees)
I caused this
(A huge swarm of millipedes surrounded them)
Collins:
No!!!, How did this happen?
(A huge giant millipede heading towards him)
Collins:
(weeping)
So, is this how it all ends?
(Looking round seeing the bodies of his Search force)
Mira:
(Being dragged into the mouth of one of the monsters) Commander help!!!
(weeping) Commander help!
(The monster ate her)
(Mira's left hand got cut off as the monster bit her)
Collins:
(Holding a box in his hands) Is this my end?
(As he was about to give up, the box fell from his hand, and 12 rings poured out)
Collins:
(surprised)
What!! Rings, I wasted my life and my comrade's life for rings (He turned the box over and saw one ring stuck on the tip)
Another ring
(Pulled the ring out)
(The giant millipede swallowed him)
The clouds turned to pitch black, the weather turned foggy and rainy, and everywhere mysteriously turned black.
(From inside the millipede's mouth, a hand shut out)
Collins:
(Tore out of the millipede)
I didn't die, (crying)
(A swarm of clouds twirled above him) What's happening!!!
(A ray of lightning fell and hit him) No!!!!!!!!
(Smoke surrounded the area, Pitch Black)
Emperor Morvex:
(A huge, monstrous being with two huge horns, face filled with scars, arose after the smoke cleared)
Finally, I'm back (laughing evilly)
(An unexpected darkness has descended, and the world of Sector 101 is going to change forever.)
ACT FIVE: THE RINGS
After Collins transformed into Emperor Morvex, A sudden darkness surrounded Sector 101. The sky turned pitch black, the sun was caught up in the darkness, the blue seas, and the trees.
Emperor Morvex created his legions of warriors and conquered Sector 101, looking for the remaining twelve rings, which mysteriously disappeared after the transformation.
That was one thousand years ago.
Location: Sector 101 Western Minefield. (A group of miners mining the field)
Old Man Chris:
(Drops his axe)
Ok, let's begin to round up over here.
(All the miners began to drop their axes and carry the little coal they could dig up)
NessGee:
(Still with his axe, hitting a rock)
Old Man Chris:
(Went over his side to tap him)
Gee, take it easy; you have done well today.
NessGee:
(Got angry) No!!!
How can we call it over now, when we haven't found anything? Only coal are we really expected to live on coal.
Old Man Chris:
(Tapped his head)
Gee, you have done well. We are heading to the southern mines soon. Our luck might change today, let's have hope.
NessGee:
(Got pissed off)
Luck! That word doesn't exist.
(Took his axe and stormed out of the minefield)
Julius:
He still has his anger issues, Chris.
Old Man Chris:
What can we say about it? The poor boy has a lot he is going through. He got his parents taken away from him at a pretty young age, dealing with being raised alone, all by himself, in the era of the king, which is pretty awful.
I feel the rage he is exhibiting isn't towards us.
He just hates the feeling of being helpless.
To me, Young Gee has the potential to change the course of history.
Tina:
(compassionate)
Didn't know he is passing through all this, felt it was weird for him to have a lot of rage for a kid his age.
You really have high expectations for him, Old Man Chris.
Old Man Chris:
No, I wouldn't call it expectation. I would say hope, Gee gives me hope. (NessGee with his axe, walking towards the southern mining fields)
(He spotted some cyrobots)
Note: Cyrobots are Emperor Morvex's minions that travel in packs.
NessGee:
(surprised)
What are the cyrobots doing this far away from the king's castle? (He decided to follow them)
(The cyrobot stopped at an old warehouse)
General Cyron:
(Talking to Iacekage)
And you are certain it's one of the rings
Iacekage:
Yes, Sir. A group of miners said they discovered a hard rock that they could not break through
General Cyron:
(Angry)
A rock (Grabbed him by his neck)
Just hope that when the cyrobots break through the rock, a ring should be inside, or else I would personally break through you.
Iacekage:
(Shivering with fear)
No problem, General Cyron would not want to disappoint one of the King's Generals
GeneralCyron:
Better (Left him)
So I would take my leave (Jumped and teleported out)
Note: General Cyron is one of the King's High Five Trusted Generals. Iacekage is one of the minions from the king, not as high in rank as a general, but can command the cyrobots. He is a full monster made entirely of ice.
NessGee:
(Shocked)
A General, what's going on? I need to get a closer look.
(Decided to go closer to the warehouse)
(Inside the warehouse, multiple cyrobots are holding axes and mining a particular region of the warehouse)
NessGee:
What are they doing?
Iacekage:
Keep mining like your life is on the line. We must find that ring, and it doesn't matter if you get tired or lose a hand. Keep mining.
NessGee:
(As he was hiding, he mistakenly pushed a shovel, and it fell, making a sound)
Shit!
Iacekage:
(Turned as he heard the noise) Who is there?
(pointed at three cyrobots to go check it out)
NessGee:
(Still hiding) Damn, I'm done for (holding on to his axe)
(The minions went closer to where the sound came from and where he was, as they approached closer to the place NessGee still held onto his axe)
Old Man Chris:
(Entered the warehouse)
Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I was just passing through to the southern mines
(The cyrobots that were heading towards NessGee stopped)
Iacekage:
Old Man, you have walked into a bad spot here, cyrobots
(The cyrobots went towards Old Man Chris and captured him)
Iacekage:
Cyrobots get back to work
(The cyrobots continued mining, Old Man Chris was tied up, and NessGee was still in his spot, hiding)
NessGee:
(thinking)
Old Man Chris, what do I do?
(The cyrobots continued mining; they stumbled on a hard part of the rocky section.)
Iacekage:
(Curiously went towards it) Bring this part out now. Be quick
(The cyrobots mined around the hard part and brought it out; the rocky section had an unusual circular appearance.)
Iacekage:
What's this?
(Moved closer to the rocky section, and inside he saw the 12 rings arranged around it)
This is it, we have finally found it.
The king would be so proud.
Cyrobots, we need to carry this to the king immediately (Some cyrobots carried it)
Iacekage:
(Pointing at two cyrobots)
Take this human along, it would be our gift to the King.
(The cyrobots took Old Man Chris, Iacekage opened a portal, and the cyrobots and he passed through it)
NessGee:
I can't leave Old Man Chris
(Ran towards the portal)
This has got to be the right thing to do.
(Enter into the portal)
(The portal transported him to the basement of the King's Palace)
NessGee:
(Shocked)
The King's Palace!
TO BE CONTINUED