GREYSKULL TALES
Episode #8 "HOLY WAR"
By John M. T'lustachowski
Original Screen Play By John M. T'lustachowski
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CAST OF CHARACTERS:
HE-MAN
DUNCAN
KOBRA KHAN
KING HISS
RATTLOR
ANACONDA
TRI-KLOPS
BLACK GUARD COMMANDER RADIO TECH
RADIO COMMANDER FRIGHT FIGHTER PILOT
BLACK GUARD FORCES
SAUROD BRAVES
SAUROD CIVILIANS
HUMAN NOMADS
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GREYSKULL TALES: EPISODE #8
"Holy War"
By John M. T'lustachowski
1. FADE IN.
WE START WITH A LONG LEN~ SHOT OF THE FANG MOUNTAIN
REGION. THROUGH THE JUNGLE FOLIAGE WE SEE A SMALL
CONTINGENT OF SKELETOR'S LAND SHARKS CRASHING THROUGH
THE LEAVES, WITH BOMBASTIC MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND.
THE LAND SHARKS IN SINGLE FILE BARREL THROUGH THE LUSH
UNDERBRUSH, CRUSHING SMALL TREES AND SENDING LEAVES FLYING.
'THEN WE PAN PAST THE TANKS AS THEY GO BY, AND IN THE FOREGROUND,
WE SEE A LONE SNAKE~MAN LEANING ON A SPEAR.
THEN WE CUT BACK TO THE FRONT VIEW OF THE LEAD LAND SHARK APPROACHING
THE CAMERA. THEN SUDDENLY THE NOSE OF THE LAND SHARK DISAPPEARS AS THE
TANK FALLS INTO A MASSIVE COVERED PIT TRAP.
WE THEN RAPIDLY CUT TO THE TOP OF THE HILL WHERE WE SEE THE
SNAKE MAN THROW OUT HIS ARMS AND SCREAM HIS BATTLE CRY:
KOBRA KHAN
Jihad!
AT THE SOUND OF HIS VOICE, AN ENTIRE ARMY OF
SNAKE MEN EMERGE FROM THE JUNGLE AND CHARGE
HEADLONG AT THE HALTED COLUMN OF LAND SHARKS.
THE SNAKE MEN POUR DOWN THE HILL AT THE TANKS
AND ATTACK WITH THEIR PRIMITIVE WEAPONS. THE
SAURODS ARE ARMED WITH STONE AXES AND SPEARS,
AND WEAR AZTEC STYLE ARMOR.
FROM THE TANKS, WE SEE BLACK GUARD COMMANDERS
EMERGE FROM THE TOP HATCHES, AS THEY BEGIN TO
RETURN LASER-FIRE AT THE SAVAGES.
LASERS ARC INTO THE TREES SETTING OFF SMALL
EXPLOSIONS AND FIRES, BLOWING AWAY CHARGING
SAURODS HIDING BEHIND THEIR WICKER SHIELDS.
BUT DESPITE THE LOSSES, THE FORCE OF THE CHARGE DOES NOT SLOW.
WE CUT TO A LONG ANGLE PAN, AS WE SEE THE FORCES
TRADING VOLLEYS. SPEARS AND ARROWS AGAINST LASERS
AND GUNS. OVER THE SAUROD BATTLE CRY, WE HEAR
THE WHINE OF LASERS AND EXPLOSIONS.
THEN AS THE SAURODS FINALLY REACH THE LAND SHARK
TANKS , THE TIDE OF BATTLE CHANGES IN THIS DUEL
OF HIGH VERSES LOW TECHNOLOGY.
FIRST WE CUT TO A VERY LARGE SAUROD, AS HE SAVAGELY HACKS AT A TANK TREAD WITH
HIS AXE UNTIL HE SEVERS A LINKS, AND THE TREAD COILS OFF THE WHEELS. THEN MORE
SAURODS SWARM OVER THE IMMOBILIZED TANK.
WE CUT TO A BLACK GUARD SHOOTING HIS LASER GUN
AT SEVERAL SNAKE MEN FROM HIS TURRET, THEN HE
IS HIT BY A VOLLEY OF ARROWS. HE SLUMPS INTO
THE HATCH OF THE TANK, AS A SAUROD LEAPS UP
ONTO THE TANK AND HURLS HIS SPEAR INSIDE.
BY NOW ,THERE ARE SEVERAL BURNING TANKS, AND LASERS
ARCING THROUGH PLUMES OF BLACK, OILY SMOKE, AS WE
SEE THINGS HAVE REALLY TURNED AGAINST THE BLACK
GUARD.
NOW WE SEE A FEW SAURODS RETURNING FIRE WITH
CAPTURED LASER RIFLES, AS A RETREATING LAND
SHARK EXPLODES INTO A GLISTENING MASS OF METAL
AND FLAME.
WE CUT BACK TO A REAR LINE TANK, AS HE PREPARES TO WITHDRAW FROM THE AMBUSH.
BLACK GUARD COMMANDER
Tank 224, form up!
Withdraw, WITHDRAW!!!
RADIO TECH
224, acknowledged: Signal the retreat!
THE SAURODS CONTINUE TO FIRE ON THE FLEEING TANKS,
YELLING AND JEERING AT THEIR FIRST VICTORY.
RATTLOR
Kobra Khan, two Land Sharks are retreating...
KOBRA KHAN
Signal the others to get away from those tanks.
You men, bring us about.......
RATTLOR WAVES A RED BANNER , AND ALL THE SAURODS
CLINGING ONTO THE RETREATING TANKS LEAP CLEAR, AS
A SMALL GROUP OF SAURODS BEGIN TO PUSH A CRIPPLED
LAND SHARK TO ROTATE ITS CANNON ON THE OTHERS.
KOBRA KHAN
FIRE!!!
A LARGE VOLLEY OF LASER FIRE AGAIN RIPS THROUGH
THE JUNGLE, AS BOTH LAND SHARKS ARE OBLITERATED
IN A SUPER HEATED BALL OF FIERY GAS
RATTLOR
Kobra Khan, we have lost fifty-four braves.
Three score more are wounded.
KOBRA KHAN
Very well, Rattlor.
Take all the weapons and supplies we can carry back to the village.
Skeletor must have been expecting a report of some kind from these men.
There will be more of them...
RATTLOR
Kobra Khan, we can not even carry back all of our wounded braves.
We can not march all the way home with their arms...
KOBRA KHAN
Who said anything about marching?
Six of these metal beasts are still alive.
Take all that we can. Destroy the rest.
RATTLOR
Yes, mighty Khan.
CUT OVER TO THE BATTLES AFTERMATH. WOUNDED BEING
PUT ON STRETCHERS, AND HANDED ON TO THE CAPTURED
TANKS. WE SEE SOME SAURODS IN BITS AND PIECES OF
BLACK GUARD ARMOR, CARRYING STOLEN LASERS AND
GUNS.
WE THEN CUT PAST A LARGE FIRE, AS WE SEE A GROUP OF SAURODS
OVERTURN AND IGNITE A CRIPPLED TANK.
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2. EXT. ELYSIUM VILLAGE DAY.
WE START OUT WITH AN OVERVIEW OF THE SNAKE MAN
VILLAGE. THERE ARE SEVERAL SMALL THATCHED ROOF
DOMES WITH CLOTH DOORS. THE ONLY STONE STRUCTURE IS A LARGE
AZTEC STYLE PYRAMID IN THE CENTER OF THE VILLAGE.
ABOVE THE ENTIRE VILLAGE, WE SEE A LARGE CAMOUFLAGE
MESH NET TO HIDE THE SAURODS FROM THE AIR
FIRST WE SEE THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN SAURODS, AS
WE HEAR THE FAINT RUMBLING OF THE APPROACHING
LAND SHARK TANKS. PANIC ENSUES, AS THEY FLEE
INDOORS GRABBING THEIR CHILDREN, AND DROPPING
THEIR BASKETS.
THEN AS THE LAND SHARKS ENTER THE VILLAGE
THEY SEE KOBRA KHAN AND RATTLOR POISED
PROUDLY AT THE HEAD OF THE COLUMN.
CHEERS WELL UP FROM THE VILLAGE, AS WOMEN BEGIN
THROWING DOWN FLOWER PETALS TO HONOR THEIR RETURNING
BRAVES.
KOBRA KHAN AND RATTLOR HOLD OUT THEIR ARMS IN
SALUTE TO THEIR HOME. THE PROCESSION HEADS
TO THE BASE OF THE GREAT TEMPLE.
AS RATTLOR AND KHAN DISMOUNT THE TANKS, AND ARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY
GREETED BY THE MASSES, THEY BEGIN TO ASCEND THE STAIRS OF THE TEMPLE.
THERE, BRIGHTLY PLUMED AZTEC PRIESTS AWAIT,
ALONG WITH THE LOVELY ANACONDA, AND KING HISS.
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ANACONDA
Khan!
KING HISS'
What is the meaning of this, Kobra Khan?
KOBRA KHAN
We have won our first victory against Skeletor, Mighty King Hiss!
I give you six land Sharks and fifty-seven brand new lasers.
KING HISS
Art thou mad?
This will mean war!
KOBRA KHAN
We are already at war!
'Tis time for us to take back our sacred
Temple of Snake Mountain by force!
KING HISS
The technology of mankind is forbidden You know that, Khan!
How dare you bring the infernal weapons of Skeletor here to Elysium...
KOBRA KHAN
Then let the great spirit judge me:
For I intend to use the forbidden technology to take back what is rightly ours!
KING HISS
Fifty lasers, against fifty thousand?
No, my young friend, we must honor our bargain...
Obey Lord Skeletor, and when Eternia falls,
our sacred temple shall be ours again.
KOBRA KHAN
It was the army of Hordak that took Snake
Mountain from us. Skeletor kept it...
KING HISS
We shall honor our agreement, Khan.
KOBRA KHAN
Hear me, King Hiss:
The time of the Jihad has come- The Holy War.
Skeletor's army faces total defeat. The armies
of Randor have dealt him terrible blows.
KING HISS
Will you obey?
KOBRA KHAN
There shall never be a better time...
slowly pan the camera skywards, and dissolve.
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3. INT. SNAKE MOUNTAIN COMMAND.
SEVERAL LOW-LEVEL RADIO OPERATORS ARE WATCHING
TROOP MOVEMENTS. WE TRACK TO THE SOUTHWEST AREA.
RADIO TECH
Battle group 220?
Battle group 220, where are you?
Report. Over!
RADIO COMMANDER
What is it, corpsman?
RADIO TECH
I can't seem to raise one of our southern units, sir.
RADIO COMMANDER
Any radar contact with enemy aircraft?
RADIO TECH
Negative ,Sir. Nothing near the boarder.
RADIO COMMANDER
What does battle group 220 consist of?
RADIO TECH
Stand by.. .
I have it ,sir.
Battle group 220: land shark company.
Under command of Colonel Arden.
En route to Lomar.
RADIO COMMANDER
Who's in the air?
RADIO TECH
Commander Tri-Klops Fright Fighter squadron.
RADIO COMMANDER
Patch me in:
Fright Fighter squadron Seven. This is Snake
Mountain Command. Acknowledge, over.
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3. EXT. SKY, DAY.
WE CUT TO TRI-KLOPS AS HE FLIES A PATROL WITH A
FULL FORMATION OF FRIGHT FIGHTERS. HE PICKS UP
SNAKE MOUNTAINS SIGNAL FROM O.S.
TRI-KLOPS
Squadron seven here:
Go ahead, Snake Mountain.
RADIO COMMANDER
We've lost contact with a Land Shark company West of you at HEX. 260. About sixty miles out.
TRI-KLOPS
Many of my pilots report near~empty fuel tanks.
Our you aware of our current situation?
RADIO COMMANDER
Affirmative, Squadron Seven.
You are cleared for refueling at Lomar Base.
TRI-KLOPS
Acknowledged.
RADIO COMMANDER
Follow battle group 220's route to Lomar through the jungle.
Report back the moment you see anything, Sir. We'll keep this channel open.
TRI-KLOPS
Squadron seven ,out.
All fighters, dispersal formation. Reduce altitude to tree-top level.
FRIGHT FIGHTER PILOT #1
I don't like this ,Sir.
If we have to go into battle, we don't have enough fuel...
TRI-KLOPS
It may be nothing.... Bad communications.
Reduce speed to five hundred knots to conserve fuel.
Tri-Klops out.
CUT TO: FRIGHT FIGHTS ARCING LOW OVER THE TREES.
FIRST THEY CAREEN PAST A SMALL NOMAD HUMAN TOWN,
THEN THEY PASS SOME LOW, ROLLING FOOT HILLS.
THEN AS THE FOLLOW THE JUNGLE, THEY COME UP UPON
THE PATH THE TANKS CUT THROUGH THE WOODS. IN THE
DISTANCE WE SEE A SMALL PILLAR OF SMOKE RISING.
TRI-KLOPS SEES THE WRECKS OF BATTLE GROUP 220.
TRI-KLOPS
Squadron seven, to Snake Mountain...
Sighted wrecks of Land Sharks four miles
from Nomad village. No sign of survivors.
RADIO COMMANDER
Proceed to nomad village and attack.
It must be a rebel encampment.
TRI-KLOPS
Unable to comply.
All fighters are critically low on fuel.
We are proceeding to Lomar.
RADIO COMMANDER
You are ordered to...
TRI-KLOPS
Squadron Seven ,OUT!
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CUT BACK TO SNAKE MOUNTAIN COMMAND.
AS THE RADIO COMMANDER CONSIDERS HIS NEXT OPTION.
RADIO COMMANDER
How long will the refueling take?
RADIO TECH
At present speed, they can refuel in Lomar, and be back over the nomad village in under an hour.
RADIO COMMANDER
Signal the tank brigade in Goring to rendevous with the Seventh Squadron there at sixteen-hundred hours.
RADIO TECH
Yes, sir.
CUT BACK TO THE MAP SCREEN, AS WE PAN PAST THE RADIO TECH
CONVEYING HIS ORDERS TO GORING BASE.
SLOW FADE.
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EXT.DAY. FANG MOUNTAIN VILLAGE.
WE START WITH A LONG ANGLE SHOT OF THE PEACEFUL
NOMAD VILLAGE. THE PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA OF WHAT
IS GOING ON. THEN SUDDENLY SKELETORS FORCES
ENTER THEIR TOWN, AND BEGIN TO OPEN FIRE.
FIRST WE SEE ANOTHER CONTINGENT OF SKELETORS LAND SHARKS
NEARING THE TOWN, AND BEGIN TO ROUND UP CIVILIANS.
SECOND WE SEE A FEW LAND SHARKS OPEN FIRE ON THE TUDOR
STYLE HOUSES, SETTING THEM AFIRE. AS PANIC BEGINS
TO SPREAD, WE SEE SKELETOR'S BLACK GUARDS ENTERING
THE VILLAGE TO ROOT OUT THE REBELS.
THIRD, WE SEE OVERHEAD A SMALL SQUADRON OF FRIGHT-FIGHTERS
CIRCLE OVERHEAD, AND BEGIN TO BOMBARD THE LARGER BUILDINGS
IN THE CENTER OF THE TINY TOWN.
THEN AS SCREAMS AND SMOKE WELL UP FROM THE MORTALLY
WOUNDED VILLAGE, WE PAN TO THE JUNGLE AGAIN, AND INTO THE HILLS BEYOND.
THEN FROM A LONG LENS SHOT, WE SEE AGAIN, THE
SAUROD BRAVES, AND THEIR NEWLY REPAINTED TANKS.
THE LAND-SHARKS NOW HAVE GREEN AND YELLOW STRIPES
TO LOOK LIKE THE SNAKE MEN SKIN. WE PAN PAST THE
BRAVES, UNTIL WE GET TO KOBRA KHAN ,AGAIN IN HIS
ORNATELY PLUMED AZTEC STYLED ARMOR.
KOBRA KHAN
Jihad!
AT THE SOUND OF HIS BATTLE CRY, THE SAURODS
ATTACK. THE CAPTURED LAND SHARKS OPEN FIRE
AND POUR DOWN THE ESCARPMENT TO THE VILLAGE
BELOW. LASERS AND EXPLOSIONS WELL UP FROM
EVERYWHERE.
THE BATTLE IS A BRUTAL SURPRISE FOR SKELETORS' MEN.
MANY OF THEIR TANKS ARE CAUGHT OFF-GUARD AND
EXPLODE FROM THE INITIAL VOLLEY.
AS THE SAURODS ENTER THE VILLAGE WITH A COMBINATION
OF PRIMITIVE AND HIGH TECH WEAPONS, THE BATTLE IS
JOINED. CIVILIANS FLEE, AS MAN AND DINOSAUR MAKE
WAR ON ONE ANOTHER.
OVERHEAD, WE SEE A FEW FRIGHT FIGHTERS MAKE A
PASS AGAINST THE SAUROD LINE. SEVERAL ARE CAUGHT
IN A BOMB BURST, AS WE SEE A CAPTURED LAND SHARK
TURN ITS LASERS ON THE PLANE. THE PLANE IS HIT
DOZENS OF TIMES, AND BEGINS TO TRAIL SMOKE AS IT
PLUMMETS TO THE GROUND AND ERUPTS.
MIXED IN WITH THE FURIOUS MELEE OF LASERS AND GUNS
ARE THE ANCIENT AND DEADLY SPEARS AND ARROWS.
PAN THE CAMERA BACK, AS THE BATTLE RAGES ON BELOW.
< page break >
6. EXT SKY. DAY
A BATTLE OF SUCH MAGNITUDE CAN NOT GO UNNOTICED
LONG. AS WE CUT TO AN ETERNIA WIND RAIDER, IN
IT SIT MAN-AT-ARMS, AND HE-MAN HIMSELF.
DUNCAN
Thanks for coming with me, He-Man.
HE-MAN
Don't mention it, Duncan.
Are we near the site of those disturbances yet?
How far from the boarder are we?
DUNCAN
We crossed it ten minutes ago!
But one ship has a better chance of getting in and
out undetected than a whole army...
HE-MAN
Looks like some kind of action in the distance. Eleven '0 clock low.
FROM THE DISTANCE WE SEE THE FIRST TELLTALE PLUMES OF SMOKE,
AS LASERS ARC IN EVERY DIRECTION. THIS ISN'T YOUR
AVERAGE UPRISING BEING QUELLED. SKELETORS ELITE LEGION IS
BEING CREAMED!
WE SEE DOZENS OF BURNING WRECKS, AND LAND SHARKS
ON ALL SIDES. CRASHED FRIGHT FIGHTERS IMPALED IN
BUILDINGS, AND STREET-TO-STREET COMBAT BELOW.
DUNCAN
What on Eternia is going on down there?
HE-MAN
It looks like Skeletor's boys bit off a bit more than they could chew!
DUNCAN
But who are they fighting?
I don't recognize those other tanks...
HE-MAN
We've got other things to worry about
Enemy Fright Fighters, closing in fast!
DUNCAN
I see them, hold on!
THE FIRST GROUP OF FRIGHT FIGHTERS CONVERGE ON
THE BURNING VILLAGE, THE SECOND GROUP HEADS FOR
THE LONE ETERNIA AIRCRAFT?
TRI-KLOPS
Seventh Squadron, this is Tri-Klops.
Eternia vessel sighted. Assume attack formation.
DUNCAN BRINGS THE WIND RAIDER INTO A TIGHT ARC, ION CANNON BLAZING.
ONE FRIGHT FIGHTER SIMPLY EXPLODES OUTRIGHT, AS THE OTHERS BREAK FORMATION.
WE ARC PAST THE GROUND AT DIZZYING SPEED, AS WE
SEE DUNCAN IS AN EXPERT PILOT. AS HE COME UP
FROM UNDERNEATH, HE LASERS ANOTHER UNTIL HE
CATCHES FIRE~AND CRASHES.
NOW THE FRIGHT FIGHTERS COME BACK FROM BEHIND,
FIRING ON THEM. AS LASERS BEGIN TO PERFORATE THE
WING, HE-MAN LEAPS UP WITH HIS SWORD DRAWN AND
DEFLECTS THE LASER BACK AT THE AGGRESSOR. AS HE
SWERVES TO AVOID THE LASER AS IT SEERS PAST THE
WINDOW, HE CATCHES THE WING OF A FELLOW FRIGHT
FIGHTER. BOTH CRASH A MOMENT LATER.
THEN FROM THE SUN, WE SEE ANOTHER FRIGHT FIGHTER
ARC AT THEM LASERS BLAZING. IT IS TRI-KLOPS HIMSELF, AS HE TEARS THE
WING AND ENGINE OF THE WIND RAIDER APART.
DUNCAN
We're going to hit heavy!
THE WIND RAIDER GRINDS ITS WAY INTO THE GROUND,
AS HE-MAN AND DUNCAN CLIMB OUT OF THE SMOULDERING WRECKAGE.
THEY EXAMINE THE BATTLE FIELD, AND SEE MOST OF SKELETORS MEN ROUTED.
THEY ARE THEN SURROUNDED BY WAR-PAINT WEARING SNAKE-MEN.
HE-MAN
Are you alright, Duncan?
DUNCAN
I think so.
But from now on, Talon fighters only! Agreed?
Uh oh...
RATTLOR
On your feet, Humans!
FADE TO BLACK
< page break >
7. SAUROD ENCAMPMENT. EXT. NIGHT.
WE PAN PAST SEVERAL SAURODS AROUND SMALL CAMPFIRES
BRANDISHING THEIR NEW WEAPONS AND BITS AND PIECES
OF STOLEN ARMOR. SOME SLEEP IN PRIMITIVE LEAN-TO TENTS.
WE SEE A FEW MORE CAPTURED TANKS BEING REPAINTED, AND SEVERAL SAURODS
MOUNTING A HEAVY LASER FROM A FRIGHT FIGHTER TO A PRIMITIVE WOODEN WAGON.
IN THE MIDST OF THE TORCHLIT ACTIVITY, IS KOBRA KHAN.
KHAN
As soon as the sun rises, we move out.
I want as many weapons as possible in Elysium,
in the event of an attack. We've seen what they
they do to civilians.
RATTLOR
Kobra Khan, we have captives.
KOBRA KHAN
Our Holy War is against the Carrion Lord
of Snake Mountain! Untie them at once...
RATTLOR
But, mighty Khan, they are .. Humans...
KOBRA KHAN
I said untie them!
I assure you, He-Man is no ally of Skeletor!
DUNCAN
Thank you!
KOBRA KHAN
That will be all, Rattlor.
See to it the braves are prepared to move out at dawn.
RATTLOR
M' lord!
KOBRA KHAN
Forgive my harsh treatment of you....
Although I am certain you could have freed yourselves at any time, He-Man, I am grateful that you did not:
Lest it may have caused chaos in our ranks, and cost us dearly.
HE-MAN
That's quite alright, Khan.
We knew that they would take us to their leader in time.
DUNCAN
Now then, what is going on here?
KOBRA KHAN
Isn't it obvious?
Isn't it glorious?
I ,Kobra Khan, lead the greatest of Saurod braves,
in the great Jihad. -The Holy War!
DUNCAN
Holy war?
HE-MAN
Yes, Duncan. Two words that negate one another~
KOBRA KHAN
I do not expect you to understand.
But you two have proven powerful foes in the past.
I have always respected you for that. Perhaps if
you were to understand our cause, you might prove equally
powerful allies.
There is a chill in the air.
Come to my tent. We shall eat, and I shall explain all.
< page break >
8. INT. KOBRA KHANS TENT. NIGHT.
THERE IS A SMALL FIRE FLICKERING ON THE DIRT FLOOR.
ON THE WALLS ARE STRETCHED SKINS WITH CRUDE MAPS.
KHAN SITS CROSS-LEGGED BETWEEN THEM EATING A SALAD.
KOBRA KHAN
Of all the ancient races on planet Eternia, we, the Saurods are the Eldest. From a time
before mankind, we ruled the world.
In the old world, the weather was hot. Much hotter than it is now, and we thrived. But When the Ice age began, Long ago, we were forced underground. To hibernate until it past. The Eternal flame kept us alive
through the eons. Until the world was warm enough for us to rise again.
HE-MAN
Yes, I have seen the cavern of the Eternal Flame.
KOBRA KHAN
It is for that reason alone, I am telling you this.
According to the great legend, the story of our people, handed down from generation to generation,
we emerged some six-hundred summers ago. There was a great warming of the Earth, and we ventured forth.
In the ruins of mankind's civilization, we began to rebuild our own. It took Saurods three-hundred
summers to build our greatest temple. Our monument to the great spirit...
Snake Mountain.
DUNCAN
Snake Mountain..?
KOBRA KHAN
For centuries, it was our most sacred shrine. Then, on the black day, twenty summers ago,
the Temple fell to the invaders from the skies.
HE-MAN
Invaders from the sky...?
The .. Horde?
KOBRA KHAN
Despite our faith and our courage, Snake Mountain fell almost overnight to the Hordes infernal technology.
In the end, the braves were driven from their temple. After the Horde was defeated and driven back into the skies, our most sacred Temple remained in the hands of the Carrion Lord..
Skeletor.
DUNCAN
But why did you fight us? Become Eternia's enemy?
KOBRA KHAN
For many moons we fought the Dark Lord, but still his weapons made him all but invincible. In the final battle,
fought ten summers ago, led by King Hiss himself, we were defeated. King Hiss, himself was captured but was
freed by Skeletor with this bargain:
If we served the Dark Lord, Skeletor, then upon the fall of Eternia in the South,
Snake Mountain, our most sacred temple, would be returned to us.
HE-MAN
What made you turn against him?
KOBRA KHAN
Bargain rather than fight?
He is no Saurod!
DUNCAN
I can see why Skeletor wanted you as allies!
KOBRA KHAN
But we no longer are.
May the great spirit be merciful to us, for in order to claim victory,
I must now break the sacred words. 'Take no weapon of man,
lest ye share mankind's fate.'
But I have taken man's weapons, and we have done well.
I would rather break a holy word, than keep an unholy one with Skeletor.
Be not too quick to judge the predecessors of your race.
Now I must prepare to move my forces back to our home Village.
HE-MAN
Khan, wait!
I don't know how much of a chance you have of taking back Snake Mountain.
But I would be honored to go with you...
KOBRA KHAN
In my many years of campaigning with humans, I have found them cowardly, distrustive,
and so very corrupt able. But if more men were like you, He-Man, then perhaps the catastrophe of
600 years ago could have been averted.
Mayhaps this alliance in our Holy war, is our first step, in a lasting peace.
I will be honored to have you.
AS KHAN GIVES HIS FINAL SPEECH, HE IS DONNING
HIS BATTLE ARMOR. AS HE CONCLUDES, HE DRAWS
TWO WHITE LINES OF WAR PAINT UNDER HIS EYES.
AS HE WELCOMES DUNCAN AND HE-MAN TO JOIN HIM,
HE PAINTS TWO LINES UNDER THEIR EYES AS WELL.
THE THREE BRAVES EXIT TOGETHER.
< page break >
9. EXT. DAY. JUNGLE."
WE SEE THE CAPTURED LAND SHARK COLUMN HEADING THROUGH THE JUNGLE TOWARDS
THE VILLAGE OF ELYSIUM. WE PAN TO THE LEAD COMMAND TANK, WHERE WE SEE HE-MAN,
DUNCAN AND KOBRA KHAN,
KOBRA KHAN
In the days I served Skeletor , I had some basic training in the operation of such machines.
That was how we were able to use them against him so quickly. I...
RATTLOR
What's that smoke yonder?
KOBRA KHAN
Elysium...?
No... it can not be...
All Land Sharks, double speed!!
CUT TO THE TANKS AS THE ACCELERATE TO THE SMOKE.
< page break >
10. ELYSIUM RUINS. EXT. DAY.
THE TOWN IS DESERTED. THE PYRAMID STILL STANDS,
BUT NOT MUCH ELSE. MOST OF THE OTHER HOMES ARE
JUST BLACKENED SKELETONS AND SMOKING GARBAGE.
THE GREAT CAMOUFLAGE SCREEN IS DOWN AS WELL.
GREAT POCK-MARKS IN THE STREET SHOW ELYSIUM
WAS ATTACKED BY THE AIR.
KHAN AND HIS MEN SIFT THROUGH THE ASHES. AS
A COLD WIND BLOWS, WE SEE SMOKE RISING FROM
THE SAUROD RUINS.
RATTLOR
Mighty Khan,
The scouts have come back,
there's no one here.
KOBRA KHAN
I don't understand it...
How could they have found us so quickly?
DUNCAN
They took their supplies with them, And apparently had time to bury the dead.
But where did they go...?
HE-MAN
The only place that they could go...
KOBRA KHAN
The cavern of the Eternal Flame.
This is my pride: I have driven the Saurods back underground...
RATTLOR
There is nothing salvageable here, M'lord.
DUNCAN
Their trail isn't difficult to follow. It looks like the survivors
headed off that way, to the Western Mountains.
KOBRA KHAN
Rattlor, tell the braves to pay their respects to the temple.
We move out in one quarter of an hour.
RATTLOR
M'lord!
AS RATTLOR HURRIES OFF KOBRA KHAN KNEELS BEFORE
THE GREAT STONE PYRAMID AND WHISPERS A PRAYER
IN A LANGUAGE WE CAN NOT UNDERSTAND. AS HE SHUTS
HIS EYES, HE-MAN RESPECTFULLY FALLS TO ONE KNEE
BESIDES HIM, AND RISES WITH HIM.
KOBRA KHAN
Krill sssahn, Na'hsahn, T'ah Saha...
HE-MAN
I.. I'm sorry, Khan.
KOBRA KHAN
Yes.
And Skeletor is going to be even sorrier...
SLOW FADE AS ALL THE BRAVES BOW IN UNISON, AND
THE TANKS KICK UP SMOKE AND DUST AS THEY BEGIN
TO HEAD OUT OF THE RUINS OF ELYSIUM. FADE:
< page break >
11. EXT. JUNGLE. DAY.
AS THE SNAKE MAN ARMY HEADS ACROSS THE JUNGLE, EDIT SEVERAL RAPID CUTS TO
SHOW A SENSE OF URGENCY AS THE TANKS CRASH THROUGH THE UNDERBRUSH.
THEN AS THE REPAINTED TANKS REACH A CLEARING,
WE SEE THAT SKELETOR HAS NOT BEEN SITTING STILL:
AN ENTIRE BATTALION OF ENEMY LAND SHARKS AWAIT ON THE HORIZON,
AS A COUPLE OF FRIGHT FIGHTER MOVE IN.
THE FIRST CRIES COME FROM A SNAKE MAN IN A REAR
TANK, AS HE IS STRAFED FROM BEHIND. THE PLANES
ARC OVERHEAD SHOOTING AT THE REST OF THE LINE.
SNAKE MAN
Airships! AIRSHIPS!
KOBRA KHAN
Get down! NOW!
THE SAURODS RETURN SMALL ARMS FIRE AND SUCCEED
IN TAGGING ONE OF THE FRIGHT FIGHTERS WINGS. IT
BEGINS TO SMOKE, AS IT ARCS TO THE GROUND AND
EXPLODES.
RATTLOR
Here they come again!
SMARTING FROM THEIR FIRST LOSS, THE FIGHTER
NOW CROSSES THE COLUMN OUT OF THE CANNONS
LINE OF FIRE. BULLETS AND TRACERS STREAM UP
AT THE PLANE, BUT HARMLESSLY GLANCE OF THE
ARMOR. THE FRIGHT FIGHTER BLOWS AWAY A
SAUROD TANK IN THE PASS.
CUT TO KHAN AS HE BRAVELY WATCHES THE DEADLY
PLANE ARC IN LOW BEHIND HIM, AS HIS MEN FIRE
BACK. ANOTHER TANK ERUPTS IN FLAMES.
CUT TO DUNCAN AS HE TURNS ON HIS WRIST ROCKET.
AS THE PLANE CUTS ACROSS THE LINE AGAIN, THERE IS
A FAINT HISS AND A THIN TRAIL OF SMOKE. THE TINY
ROCKET CURVES TO HIT THE FRIGHT FIGHTER UNDER THE
WING. THERE IS A SMALL EXPLOSION, AS THE WING
BEGINS TO TRAIL SMOKE AND PIE~ES FLY OFF. THE
PLANE LOSES THE WING, SPINS OUT OF CONTROL AND
CRASHES.
HE-MAN
Good shooting, Duncan!
JUST AS THEY BEGIN TO FEEL RELIEVED, WE SEE THE
FIRST EXPLOSIONS OF ENEMY TANK FIRE KICK UP SAND
NEXT TO THEM. A FEW OF THE REAR TANKS BEGIN TO
RETURN FIRE, AND A FEW MOMENTS LATER WE SEE THE
DISTANT EXPLOSIONS APPEAR ON THE HORIZON.
ALTHOUGH THE TANKS ARE EVENLY MATCHED, THE
PROBLEM IS, THE SNAKE MEN ARE NOT EXPERIENCED
ENOUGH AT TANK COMBAT TO DEFEAT A LARGER FORCE
OF WELL TRAINED BLACK GUARD.
KOBRA KHAN
I count two score enemy land sharks and a column of infantry...
DUNCAN
How far is it to this cavern of yours?
KOBRA KHAN
Almost a day.
Rattlor, prepare to disperse the column.
DUNCAN
You don't have enough fuel for a prolonged Battle...
RATTLOR
Then what do you suggest?
We can not stay in this formation!
They'll cut us to pieces!
HE-MAN
Khan! Head for the caverns...
DUNCAN
What do you mean to do?
HE-MAN
No time to explain...
KOBRA KHAN
Good fortune, He-Man brave.
Signal the others!
AS THE EXPLOSION CONTINUE TO BURST ALL AROUND THE RETREATING TANK
COLUMN HE-MAN CHARGES ALONE TOWARDS THE ENEMY.
SKELETORS TANKS ARE POISED ON A LARGE STONE CLIFF
FIRING DOWN INTO THE JUNGLE CLEARING WHERE KHANS
FORCES ARE. (IN AN EXPOSED POSITION)
WE CUT BACK TO KHANS' FORCES TAKING A TERRIBLE
PUMMELING AS THEY FLEE THROUGH THE SMOKE AND
HAZE OF THE CONTINUED UNOPPOSED BOMBARDMENT.
KOBRA KHAN
Can you see him?
RATTLOR
'Tis madness!
DUNCAN
There!
THROUGH DUNCAN'S BINOCULARS WE SEE HE-MAN,
A LONE SPECK ON THE BASE OF THE CLIFF, AS HE DRAWS HIS SWORD...
THEN HE-MAN BEGINS TO HACK AND CHOP AT THE STONE WITH
HIS INDESTRUCTIBLE BLADE. WE SEE A LARGE CRACK
APPEAR BEFORE HIM IN THE CLIFF, AND RISE HIGHER WITH EVERY BLOW.
WE THE CUT BACK TO DUNCAN'S VIEW AS WE SEE A HAIRLINE
CRACK SLOWLY RISING UP THE CENTER OF THE RISE. THEN
BACK TO HE-MAN AS HE CONTINUES TO CHOP THE STONE.
THEN WE CUT TO THE TOP OF THE RISE, WE SEE THE LINE
OF ENEMY TANKS ARE FIRING RELENTLESSLY. THEN OVER THE
THUNDER OF ARTILLERY, WE HEAR A FAINT CRACKING
SOUND, AS THE RIFT REACHES THE TOP ,CREEPING LIKE A VINE.
PANIC ENSUES AS THE INFANTRY SEE IT AND BEGIN TO FLEE,
JUST AS THE ENTIRE RISE BEGINS TO TREMBLE.
CUT BACK TO HE-MAN AS HE GLANCES UP AT THE WALL.
THE CRACK IS REACHING ALL THE WAY UP, AS HE SEES
THE FIRING HAS STOPPED. HE-MAN THEN BACKS AWAY AS
THE ENTIRE SHEER FACE OF THE CLIFF BEGINS TO CRUMBLE.
CUT BACK TO THE TOP, WHERE WE SEE SOME TANKS BACKING
AWAY AND INFANTRY FLEEING. SOME TANKS ARE ABANDONED
JUST AS THE SECTION OF ROCK FALLS FROM UNDERNEATH IT.
CUTTING BACK, WE SEE THE ENTIRE SHEER FACE OF THE CLIFF
CRUMBLE AND COLLAPSE INTO A BOILING CLOUD OF TAN DUST.
THEN WE SEE THE FAINT SHADOWY FORM OF HE-MAN AS HE
APPROACHES FROM THE MISTS IN THE DISTANCE
KOBRA KHAN
You surpass me, Human.
I am indebted to you.
DUNCAN
Well done, He-Man.
ALL THE SAURODS BURST INTO CHEERS AT THE OUT-OF-BREATH HUMAN
WHO HAS JUST SAVED THEIR LIVES!
< page break >
12. CAVERN OF THE ETERNAL FLAME. INT. DAY.
THE FINAL BACKGROUND SET IS A LARGE UNDERGROUND CAVERN
OF STALAGMITES AND GLOWING STREAMS OF LAVA. THERE
IS A MASSIVE PIT OF MAGMA AND FLAME IN THE CENTER
OF THE CAVERN. ALL AROUND ARE ANCIENT CARVINGS
AND STONE HEWN STAIRS LEADING TO COUNTLESS CAVES.
WE START WITH A LONG LENS SHOT TO GET ACROSS THE
SHEER SIZE OF THIS CAVERN, UNTIL WE COME UPON
KING HISS CALLING DOWN FROM HIS TEMPLE TO THE
MISERABLE REFUGEE SAURODS BELOW.
KING HISS
The infernal technology of man has brought you to this. For was it not written, that no weapon man be taken,
lest ye suffer his fate. And was this not so? Here in the ancient sanctuary of our fore fathers,
let us return to the days of pure faith.
We have been led to this moment by our arrogance! Our pride! That which was long deemed forbidden, is what we have chosen to embrace. Hear me all Saurods, and repent. And commit thyselves to the ancient ways of our elders.
We must enact, the ritual of repentance...
AS KING HISS SAYS THE DREADED WORDS, A MURMUR
GOES OUT OVER THE CROWDS THAT IS SILENCED AT
A WAVE OF THE KINGS HAND. THEN HIS COLD, EVIL
EYES SURVEY THE TERRIFIED CROWDS OF SHOCKED
VICTIMS BELOW HIM, UNTIL HE CATCHES THE EYES
OF ANACONDA.
ANACONDA
Father, No!
The rituals of blood have been outlawed for years! You can't possibly...
KING HISS
SILENCE!
WITH THAT HE POINTS DOWN AT THE CROWD WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT THEM.
HIS FINGER FALLS ON HER.
SEVERAL LARGE GUARDS GRAB ANACONDA'S ARMS AND BRING HER TO THE ALTER
WHERE KING HISS STANDS & CHAIN HER.
ANACONDA
Father! NO!
KING HISS
I ask ye not for your blood, Saurods! Without shedding my own!
Behold, my own daughter, and lover to the traitorous Kobra Khan,
who is truly responsible, for your suffering.
ANACONDA
Father, please!
KING HISS
Let us pray to the great spirit, that through this sacrifice,
we may find forgiveness for our many sins
KOBRA KHAN
HOLD!
ANACONDA
KHAN! !!
KING HISS
INFIDEL!
Destroy them!
AS KING HISS CALLS DOWN TO HIS GUARDS, THEY READY
THEIR BOWS AND SPEARS, AND FIRE AT KHANS BRAVES AT
THE MOUTH OF THE CAVE. THEY IMMEDIATELY RETURN
FIRE WITH LASERS!
THE CAVE QUICKLY BECOMES A MELEE
AS LASERS AND ARROWS FLY AND BEGIN TO TAKE THEIR TOLL.
THE CROWDS DISPERSE AND FLEE TO THE CAVES IN PANIC,
AS EXPLOSIONS BEGIN TO WELL UP BEHIND THE HARD-LINERS.
KOBRA KHAN STANDS AT THE HEAD OF HIS TANK AND CRIES OUT.
HIS MEN CEASE FIRING AT HIS COMMAND.
HE-MAN
Here,let me...
KOBRA KHAN
No, He-Man.
This is my fight.. alone.
CEASE FIRE!
HEAR ME, SAURODS...
KING HISS
No one hears you, traitor!
KOBRA KHAN
Traitor, is it?
Through my betrayal of you, we have won three victories 'gainst Skeletor's minions in just two days!
At the cost of a stone temple and a few thatched roofs.
KING HISS
You have betrayed our faith...
KOBRA KHAN
And you have betrayed our people!
KING HISS
How dare you...
KOBRA KHAN
Hear me all Snake men, King Hiss is challenged!
I demand the ancient 'Ritual of Fangs.'
And in our duel to the death let the truth be known. For in the eyes of the great Spirit,
no warrior who is false can win in combat, against a warrior who is true.
KING HISS
SO BE IT!
WITH THAT KHAN AND HISS LEAP FORWARDS WITH KRIS
KNIVES DRIPPING VENOM. BOTH SLASH AND PARRY IN
AN ANCIENT RITUAL OF BLOOD.
BOTH ARE STRONG AND VERY FAST AS THEY SLASH, CIRCLE, PARRY, AND SLASH AGAIN.
WE CUT BACK TO THE COMBATANTS EYES,
THEN TO THE SPECTATORS.
THE TERRIFIED BOUND BEAUTY, ANACONDA.
DUNCAN HOLDING BACK HE-MAN.
THE STUNNED AND STRICKEN CIVILIANS.
THE SAUROD BRAVES ON BOTH SIDES. SOME WITH
STONE AXES, SOME WITH LASER RIFLES, AWAITING
THE FATE OF THE ENTIRE SAUROD KINGDOM.
FINALLY WE CUT BACK TO THE GLADIATORS THAT HOLD THE OUTCOME IN THE POISONED
TIPS OF THEIR BLADES. THEN AS HISS MAKES A WILD SLASH, KHAN DROPS TO ONE KNEE,
AND PLUNGES HIS POISON DAGGER INTO KING HISS'S CHEST.
KHAN RISES AS HISS DROPS HIS BLADE, AND STARES STUPIDLY AT THE KNIFE JUTTING OUT OF
HIS CHEST. HE OPENS HIS MOUTH AS IF TO SCREAM BUT MAKES NO SOUND.
THEN HORRIBLY, HE BEGINS TO CONVULSE AS HIS HANDS
BEGIN TO TREMBLE. HE OPENS HIS MOUTH WIDER. WIDER
THAN POSSIBLE. THEN IN A HIDEOUS SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
HIS FACE AND HANDS SPLIT WIDE OPEN.
IN PLACE OF THE SAUROD KING STANDS THREE HIDEOUS
GIANT SNAKE HEADS JUTTING OUT OF A HUMAN LIKE
TORSO. ALL FALL BACK IN HORROR AT THE CREATURE.
KHAN LEAPS BENEATH A GLEAMING FANG, AS ONE OF
HISS'S GUARDS TRIES TO STAB THE MONSTER WITH
ITS SPEAR. INSTEAD ONE HEAD KNOCKS THE SPEAR
OUT OF THE GUARDS HANDS, WHILE ANOTHER BITES HIM.
AS THE THIRD HEAD SNAPS AT KHAN ON THE FLOOR, HE
ROLLS TO ONE SIDE AND GRABS THE SPEAR. HE KNOCKS
ASIDE ONE HEAD AND HOLDS HIS SPEAR READY.
FOR ONE HIDEOUS MOMENT ALL THREE HEADS FACE HIM, AND THE TWO HUMAN LEGS
BRING HIM A STEP CLOSER. LIKE A HORRIBLE, HUMANOID HYDRA.
KHAN KNOCKS ASIDE ONE HEAD AS IT STRIKES, THEN
STABS THE NEAREST ONE. IT SCREAMS AND FALLS
LIMP AS THE REMAINING TWO FIGHT ON.
THEN FINALLY THE BEAST KNOCKS HIM DOWN, AS KHAN
QUICKLY RECOVERS. HE PLUNGES HIS SPEAR INTO THE
JUNCTION OF THE THREE HEADS. THE LAST TWO HEADS
SCREAM AND CONVULSE AS HE PUSHES THE SPEAR IN FURTHER.
THEN FINALLY THE HORRIBLE MONSTROSITY FALLS
WITH THE SPEAR STILL JUTTING OUT OF ITS BODY.
KOBRA KHAN LIES GASPING FOR A FEW MOMENTS BEFORE RISING AND
RUSHING TO ANACONDA'S SIDE, AND FREEING HER. THE SAURODS ALL BEGAN CHANTING:
KHAN ! KHAN ! KHAN!!
AS HE UNCHAINS HER, HE IS JOINED BY HE-MAN, DUNCAN
AND RATTLOR. ANACONDA BEGINS WEEPING IN HIS ARMS
ANACONDA
Oh, Khan... Khan.
KOBRA KHAN
It's over, my beloved.
You are safe.
ANACONDA
I was so worried about you.. .and. . my father...
KOBRA KHAN
I know, I'm sorry.
But it had to be done...
HE-MAN AND DUNCAN NEAR THE HIDEOUS CORPSE AND RETRIEVE THE
CROWN AND ROYAL SIGNET. THEN TURN BACK TO KOBRA KHAN.
KOBRA KHAN
He-Man, what was that evil creature?
HE-MAN
One of Skeletor's demons.
My guess is that your King Hiss has been dead all along...
DUNCAN
That would explain why he made his weapons taboo.
He didn't want your people using them against him.
RATTLOR
With six battle tanks, a score of cannons, and
an army of lasers, I say our time has come...
KOBRA KHAN
Thank you ,He-Man, the greatest of braves.
If ever you need me, then all you need ever
... is call.
HE-MAN
And what about you, Kobra Khan?
KOBRA KHAN
Our Holy War shall continue, He-Man. Until the day all
Saurods may pray freely in the sacred halls of Snake Mountain.
And perhaps on that day, man and Saurod, can live in peace.
Fare thee well, He-Man.
HE-MAN
Farewell, Kobra Khan.
< page break >
13. SNAKE MOUNTAIN INT. NIGHT.
SKELETOR AND TRAP JAW CONTINUE TO ANALYZE THE
DATA THEY STOLE FROM TYLER LAST EPISODE. AS
TRAP-JAW FINALLY CRACKS THE CODE- E--Mc2.
TRAP-JAW
That's it...
SKELETOR
E=Mc2. . .that is the secret of his power..?
TRAP-JAW
Yes, through a. . nuclear.. reaction.
This would give the Sorcerer's plane virtually.. limitless power.
SKELETOR
Could this.. nuclear reaction, be modified into a weapon?
TRAP-JAW
Theoretically.. .yes.
In fact, it would be an enormously powerful weapon.
Possibly the very weapons that destroyed the Ancients...
SKELETOR
How soon can you get the duplicate planes ready?
TRAP-JAW
Now that we know the power source.. .a few weeks.
Maybe less.
SKELETOR
Excellent. Do keep me informed...
AS SKELETOR EXITS THE CHAMBER AND STARTS DOWN THE CORRIDORS,
HE IS MET BY A NERVOUS RADIO COMMANDER WHO HAS DONE HIS BEST TO HIDE
THE DEFEAT OF THE LAND SHARKS TO THE SAURODS.
RADIO COMMANDER
M'lord Skeletor. ..?
SKELETOR
A.. nuclear weapon.. .
Eh? What is it?
RADIO COMMANDER
I regret to inform you of several defeats in the Southern sector.
Several of our land sharks were captured, turned against us by Saurod rebels.
Also several Fright Fighters of Tri-Klops squadron have been downed.
He reports that He-Man may have...
SKELETOR (ignoring him)
Yes.. what a lovely day this has been....
HAHAHAHAHAHHHHHHHHH!! ! ! !!
AS SKELETOR TURNS DOWN THE CORRIDOR, VERY SLOWLY FADE AS SKELETOR'S MANIACAL
LAUGHTER ECHOES DOWN THE HALLWAY. THE RADIO OPERATOR SILENTLY LOOKS ON,
SURPRISED TO STILL BE ALIVE FOLLOWING HIS REPORT...
FADE TO BLACK
END.