GREYSKULL TALES
EPISODE #9
SHADOW OF THE CONDOR
BY JOHN M. T'LUSTACHOWSKI
SCENE 1
SNAKE MOUNTAIN. EXT. NIGHT
START WITH A LONG PAN OF THE MOUNTAIN RANGE, THEN SEVERAL LOUD EXPLOSIONS. WE THEN SEE THE WARBIRD ARC OVERHEAD INTO VIEW, FIRING ON THE NIGHTMARISH SPIRE. LASERS AND FLAK CANNONS ALL RETURN FIRE, AS WE SEE SEVERAL AIRCRAFT CLOSE IN.
SNAKE MOUNTAIN TAKES SEVERAL HITS, AND A FEW LARGE EXPLOSIONS SHAKE THE DARK MONUMENT. GUNS CONTINUE TO STROBE THE AIR PIERCING THE NIGHT. THICK PLUMES OF SMOKE RISE FROM THE AREAS HARDEST HIT.
CUT TO THE COCKPIT WHERE WE SEE A VERY ANGRY TYLER LINING UP ANOTHER FACE SHOT AT SNAKE MOUNTAIN.
TYLER
Payback time, Skeletor!
Now that I know where to find you!
WE CUT TO HIS RADAR AS A SERIES OF BLIPS APPEAR. THE COMPUTER DRAWS A QUICK OUTLINE SKETCH OF 3 FRIGHT FIGHTERS ESCORTING A DOOMBUSTER BOMBER.
TYLER
O.k. boys! Come and get it!
THE WARBIRD ARCS AT THE APPROACHING SQUADRON. LASERS ARC PAST THE WINDOW AS THE WARBIRD FLIES THROUGH THE TIGHT FORMATION, BLASTING THE FLIGHT LEADER HEAD ON.
AS THE WARBIRD COMES AROUND, IT LINES UP ANOTHER SLOW TURN FRIGHT FIGHTER AND BLOWS IT OUT OF THE SKY.
TYLER THEN TURNS HIS ATTENTION TO THE HULKING BOMBER ON APPRAOCH TO LAND. WE CUT TO THE WAISTGUNNERS P.O.V. AS HE FIRES HIS HEAVY GUN AT THE WARBIRD COMING IN FROM THE REAR.
WE CUT CLOSE UP TO THE WARBIRD'S MULTI-BARREL CANNON AS IT FIRES CONVENTIONAL ROUNDS AT THE BOMBER.
ITS WING ENGINE BURSTS INTO FLAME, AS HE SEES THE BOMBER LIMP ASIDE AND VEER OFF.
TYLER
Now, if there are no more interruptions…
Watch the birdie!
CUT TO EXT. CLOSE UP OF TYLER'S CAMERA AS IT TAKES X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHS OF SNAKE MOUNTAIN.
CUT TO THE WARBIRD AS IT BREAKS OFF, AND HEADS BACK SOUTH TO CASTLE GREYSKULL. WE HOLD ON THE SMOLDERING SNAKE MOUNTAIN FOR A MOMENT LONGER.
CUT TO THE WARBIRD AS IT LANDS IN THE OPEN HEAD OF CASTLE GREYSKULL. AS THE DOME CLOSES, FADE.
SCENE 2
INT. CASTLE GREYSKULL. DAY.
IN THE WARNIRD HANGAR, TYLER EMERGES FROM THE COCKPIT AND CLIMBS DOWN. HE THEN OPENS THE CAMERA CYLINDER AND REMOVES THE FILM FOR PROCESSING.
WE FOLLOW TYLER INTO A RED LIGHT DARKROOM, WHERE HE TOSSES IN THE FILM, AND SHIFTS IT AROUND IN THE CHEMICAL PAN. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, WE SEE HIM HANGING THEM ON THE LINE TO DRY.
CUT TO TYLER, AS HE TAKES THEN IN A FOLDER TO ZOAR'S LAB DOWNSTAIRS. HE SITS AT THE COMPUTER TERMINAL AND TYPES A FEW KEYS. NEXT TO HIM IS THE PARTIALLY DISASSEMBLED ROBOT, FAKOR, HOOKED UP TO TYLER'S MACHINES.
AS TYLER SIPS THE CUP OF COFFEE, HE EXAMINES THE SCREEN. HE LOOKS AT THE X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHS.
TYLER
O.K. chuckles, what can you tell me about the lay out of the dump?
THE COMPUTER ENHANCES THE PHOTOS, SHOWING ACCESS TUNNELS, ARMORED SHELTERS, POWER CONDUITS, AND OF COURSE WEAPON INSTALLATIONS.
TYLER
Pretty well defended.
This isn't going to be as easy as I thought…
ZOAR
Mmmm…
I thought I smelled coffee.
TYLER
Mornin', Angel.
I made you a cup. It's over on the counter.
Cream no sugar.
ZOAR
Thank you.
What are you doing?
TYLER
Reconnoiter.
ZOAR
Excuse me?
TYLER
Reconnaissance.
Our little friend here is going to be the second biggest mistake Skeletor ever made.
ZOAR
Oh?
And what was the first?
TYLER
He got me mad at him.
ZOAR
Where did you get these photos?
TYLER
This morning.
I stopped by Snake Mountain to thank him for you-know-who, here.
I lucked out that the Warbird had X-Ray film loaded in the camera from the test flight.
Unfortunately I can't get any of that stuff anymore.
ZOAR
When did you go there?
TYLER
You were still asleep.
'Bout an hour ago.
ZOAR
(LOOKING DEEP INTO HIS EYES)
Why?
TYLER
Let's just say, I've been having trouble sleeping recently.
ZOAR
I see.
Then perhaps now is not the ideal time to tell you…
TYLER
Tell me what?
Orko coming over?
What?
ZOAR
No…
ZOAR SITS ON HIS LAP, AND WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND HIS NECK. SHE SMILES DOWN AT HIM.
ZOAR
I have a…surprise for you.
TYLER
A surprise?
From the Mysterious Sorceress of Greyskull, huh?
This ought to be good!
ZOAR
No, it might help to just think of me as a woman…
TYLER
Well, that's easy enough.
What is it?
ZOAR SMILES AND IS ABOUT TO BUST OUT LAUGHING. UNABLE TO SPEAK, SHE BEGINS SWAYINGHER ARMS, LIKE A CRADLE. IT SINKS IN.
TYLER
A baby…?
A baby!
That's wonderful!
When?
ZOAR
In the Spring.
TYLER
Are you sure…I mean…you're sure…right?
ZOAR
Of course I'm sure!
I don't need to be the Sorceress to figure this one out!
TYLER
Oh Angel, I love you!
And I'm so proud of you!
ZOAR
I love you too, John…
TYLER
So we're going to have a little Sorceress girl here running around, huh?
I mean, we're going to keep her, right?
You're not going to like quote some Greyskull Law that we have to give her away or anything, right?
ZOAR
No. The child shall be ours alone.
And do you know what the best part is…?
TYLER
What's that?
ZOAR
I don’t know the mystic explanation for it, but you have done something unprecedented. And I am going to be the first Sorceress in the history of Castle Greyskull to bear a son.
TYLER
A SON??
Another little Tyler runnin' around!
Are you sure, Angel?
ZOAR
Again with the 'are you sures'!
YES! I am certain!
We're going to have a son.
TYLER
Oh…what are we going to call him?
We need a name…
ZOAR
I think we have some time for that!
TYLER
What about after my father…Robert Tyler?
ZOAR
You never told me much about your past…
What kind of man was he?
TYLER
I…don't remember too much about him.
His F-4 was shot down over Viet Nam in 1972.
All I have are childhood memories…
ZOAR
I'm sorry…
TYLER
There's an old saying, that in peace, sons bury their fathers.
In war, fathers bury their sons…
ZOAR
That name is unsuitable.
It carries with it, too many painful memories, my love.
How about your middle name?
TYLER
David?
David Tyler?
All right, that sounds pretty good…
ZOAR
I love you.
SCENE 3
SNAKE MTN. INT. DAY.
WE PAN TOWARDS THE HANGAR BAY, AS GLEAMING SPOTLIGHTING REFLECT OFF THE PARTIALLY ASSEMBLED PLANE. THE TWIN FUSELAGE FIGHTER LOOKS LIKE AN EVIL TWIN BROTHER OF THE WARBIRD, AS DOZENS OF SKELETOR'S BEST TECHNICIANS CONTINUE THE ASSEMBLY.
WE SEE BANDS OF HIGH-DENSITY AMMUNITION BEING LOADED INTO THE CANNON BAYS AS THE SKELETAL WINGS ARE LOWERED INTO PLACE. WELDERS ARE ATTACHING ARMOURED PLATES AS SPARKS FLY.
AS WE TRACK THE CAMERA DOWN ALONG THE OPEN COCKPIT, WE SEE THE CHROME NAME OF THE PLANE.
CONDOR I
WE THEN CUT TO A GRAINY, JERKY, COMPUTER-ENHANCED IMAGE OF THE WARBIRD, AS A MISSILE FOLLOWS IT, AND IT BURSTS INTO FLAMES.
WE THEN CUT BACK TO TRAP-JAW STRAPPED TO A LARGE COMPUTER SIMULATION. HONING HIS SKILLS.
TRI-KLOPS
Good shooting, Trap-Jaw!
SKELETOR
Excellent!
You downed the Warbird in only fifteen seconds!
TRAP-JAW
I can do it in ten…
Reset the computer.
Maximum difficulty.
TRI-KLOPS
That was maximum difficulty!
This Tyler-guy ain't gonna know what hit 'im!
TRAP-JAW
I have no intention of underestimating him.
Start the simulation…NOW!
AGAIN WE CUT TO CHOPPY ANIMATION AS THE WARBIRD IS BLASTED FROM THE FRONT AFTER ONLY A FEW SECONDS OF FLIGHT TIME. FADE.
SCENE 4
CASTLE GREYSKULL. EXT. DAY.
THE DOME OF CASTLE GREYSKULL IS OPENED AS TYLER LIES UNDERNEATH THE WARBIRD CLOSING UP THE CAMERA DOME. HE HEARS HIGH-HEELED BOOTS.
TYLER
Hand me the seven-sixteenth, will you Angel?
TEELA
Here you go, darling!
TYLER
Oh! Hiya, Teela.
I thought you were Zoar!
I assume she told you the good news?
TEELA
Yes, isn't it wonderful?
Where is she?
TYLER
She's still downstairs working on a
liquid/light spell.
She should be up in a few minutes.
TEELA
I have to talk to her!
I'm so happy for you both!
TYLER
Thanks.
I'm kind of looking forwards to the little bambino myself!
TEELA
A family…
TYLER
Is there something else on your mind?
TEELA
I…kind of…think I should tell this to the Sorceress.
No offense, but it's a girl thing…
TYLER
Suit yourself.
TEELA
Or…actually…maybe you would be a better choice to tell this too.
I mean, you're a man, right?
TYLER
Uh…yeah.
'Last time I checked!
TEELA
I'm sorry, but, Sorcerer, be honest with me: Am I…pretty?
TYLER
You're kidding, right?
TEELA
No, I'm serious.
Do you think I'm pretty?
TYLER
What are they out of mirrors over in Palace Eternia?
Of course you are! You're beautiful!
TEELA
You…really mean that?
TYLER
Yes.
You feel like telling me what this is really about, Teela?
TEELA
Well for the longest time, I've always had…feelings for Adam…
I mean Prince Adam…
TYLER
Go on.
TEELA
Well, I just don't feel like I know how to get him to notice me anymore.
I mean, I'm not getting any younger. I don't know what to do.
I don't want him to think I'm after him because he's the Prince, because I'm not. I just want him to take some real interest in me.
TYLER
Teela, first off, you're kind of hard NOT to notice!
And secondly, all I can recommend for getting noticed, is simply being alone together more.
Go out for walks, picnics, dinner.
TEELA
No, I've tried all that.
It never works out…
TYLER
No, I don't mean with your father and with Orko! I mean alone together.
When I was courting Zoar I made a point of it to be alone together.
That's when you can begin to express how you really feel.
ZOAR
Yes, that's good advice.
TEELA
Sorceress!
Oh I'm so happy for you!
Actually, I'm really quite envious!
ZOAR
Why, thank you, Teela.
TEELA
Do you really think it'll work?
ZOAR
Not if you don't try…
TEELA
You're right, Sorceress.
I'll make a dinner-date with him for tonight.
I know a quiet place near the coast.
It'll be perfect…
TYLER
Oh, and Teela, one more thing: Lose the battle-armor!
Wear a nice dress! Speaking from experience, a guy can not resist a nice dress!
ZOAR
Oh, really?
TYLER
Or so I heard!
See you later.
TEELA
Goodbye, both of you!
I'll let you know how it turned out.
ZOAR
Goodbye, Teela.
And good luck!
*AHEM!* Now, then…Just what nice dress couldn't you resist…?
TYLER
That was six hundred years ago…
ZOAR
Uh huh!
Oh, by the way…breakfast is ready…
TYLER
I'll be right there.
SCENE 5
INT. SNAKE MOUNTAIN DAY.
CUT TO THE HANGAR OF SNAKE MOUNTAIN. AS WE SEE A CLOSE UP OF FINAL ASSEMBLY. THE AIRBRUSH SPRAYS THE DEADLY SUPER-FIGHTER WITH RED ENAMEL PAINT.
WE THEN SEE TECHS AS THEY BRING IN THE HEAT-SEKKING MISSILES, AND ATTACH THEN TO THE CONDOR'S WING. THEY CLOSE THE GUN HATCHES, DUPLICATING THE WARBIRDS MULTI-BARREL CANNON PERFECTLY.
ENTER TRI-KLOPS, TRAP-JAW, AND SKELETOR.
TRI-KLOPS
I still think that this is unwise: We should wait until more of these planes are ready.
Then attack in force.
TRAP-JAW
We don't have that kind of time.
If Tyler is attacking Snake Mountain Proper, we risk losing everything if we wait.
TRI-KLOPS
My squadron will be nearby if you get in over your head.
Maybe we can flush him out.
SKELETOR
I still think you are making a mistake…
I have plenty of experienced pilots.
I need you here, developing those Nuclear weapons.
You are not expendable, Trap-Jaw…
TRAP-JAW
I am as ready as I'll ever be.
Further preparation would only be a delay at this point.
I must face him…Alone.
SKELETOR
Why you…?
TRAP-JAW
He deserves me.
TRAP-JAW
You sound as though you admire him…
TRAP-JAW
Indeed I do.
TRI-KLOPS
Good luck, Commander.
TRAP-JAW
You too.
SKELETOR
Pre-launch countdown will commence in thirty minutes.
The First wave will be the Fighters.
We want to gain their attention, so we'll hit Kaitain first.
When they respond…and they will, you will be in position.
TRI-KLOPS
With this plane, you'll be on equal footing with the Warbird.
But you will have surprise on your side.
See you there.
SKELETOR
I have never been one to believe in luck.
So I will not wish it upon you.
You are my best commander.
You will succeed.
TRAP-JAW
Thank you, Lord Skeletor.
SKELETOR ACTUALLY DOES TRAP-JAW THE HONOR OF SHAKING HIS HAND, BEFORE TURNING AWAY AND HEADING TO THE COMMAND CHAMBER. TRAP-JAW CONSIDERS HIS HAND FOR A MOMENT, AND WATCHED SKELETOR DEPRT. THEN HE SNAPS A SMART MILITARY SALUTE, AS HE DONS HIS HELMET, AND CLIMBS UP THE LADDER TO HIS WAITING PLANE.
WE TRACK THE CAMERA BACK TO THE COMMAND ROOM, BEHIND A LARGE SHATTER-PROOF PLANE OF GLASS, AS SKELETOR WATCHES THE CONDOR SLOWLY TAXI TOWARDS THE OPEN HANGAR DOORS.
SKELETOR
You are my best…you will succeed…
EVIL LYNN
Did you say something, Skeletor?
SKELETOR
No. Nothing.
HOLD THE CAMERA ON SKELETOR AS HE WATCHES SILENTLY.
SCENE 6
WE CUT TO AN EXTERIOR SHOT OF THE HANGAR BAY, AS TRI-KLOPS FRIGHT FIGHTERS TAKE-OFF, TWO BY TWO. AS THREE PAIRS OF FIGHTERS LINK UP, LAIDENED WITH BOMBS, THEN CUT BACK INSIDE.
WE NOW SEE THE CONDOR'S IMMENSITY, ITS WINGSPAN IS JUST SMALL ENOUGH TO FIT THROUGH THE MASSIVE DOOR. IT LOOKS THINNER AND MEANER THAN THE WARBIRD, AS IT TURNS TO LAUNCH POSITION. CUT TO AN INTERIOR SHOT OF TRAP-JAW AS HE HITS A FEW SWITCHES INCREASING THE POWER. THEN AS HE SLIDES THE THROTTLE FORWARDS, THE WHINE OF THE ENGINES TURNS INTO A NEAR DEAFENING ROAR.
ALL THE TECHNICIANS RECOIL AT THE SOUND. EVEN EVIL-LYNN, BEHIND THE GLASS COVERS HER EARS IN PAIN. SKELETOR STANDS MOTIONLESS, AS THE GROUND CREW CLEARS HIM TO LAUNCH.
THE CONDOR'S ENGINES FLARE A YELLOW GYSER OF FIRE, AS THE GRACEFUL WEAPON LEAPS INTO THE AIR. IT ARCS OVERHEAD FROM SNAKE MOUNTAIN, AND SOARS INTO THE CLOUDS. WE THEN SEE HER QUICKLY CATCH UP WITH TRI-KLOPS AND HIS SQUADRON. THE MAMMOTH AIRPLANE SPIRALS A VICTORY ROLL, AS TRAP-JAW SALUTES HIM FROM OUT HIS WINDOW, THEY TALK OVER THEIR RADIOS.
TRAP-JAW
I never felt so much power! I'm actually fightin' it to stay this slow!
TRI-KLOPS
How's she handling?
TRAP-JAW
Like a dream! And I'm only at about a third power.
TRI-KLOPS
Close up formation: We've just crossed the border.
TRAP-JAW
I copy. I've just picked up a blip. About 500 miles out.
TRI-KLOPS
Your radar can see that far?
TRAP-JAW
Identifying…
It's one of Randor's transports. A Free Trader.
Let's go have some fun.
TRI-KLOPS
Arming lasers, assume attack formation.
SCENE 7
EXT. SKY. DAY.
WE CUT TO AN ENORMOUS, BLOATED CARGO SHIP. AS IT SLOWLY LUMBERS ALONG. IT IS AN OLD, DIRTY LOOKING WHALE OF A SHIP. WE CUT TO THE TINY WINDOWS UP FRONT, WHERE THE BRIDGE IS.
RADIO OP.
This is free trader Gilgamesh: Over quadrant K-21.
We are under attack! Does anybody copy?
This is Gilgamesh…
THE NEXT INSTANT, THE FRIGHT FIGHTERS COME IN, AND FIRE ON THE SLOW MOVING HULK. THEY WHIZ BY WITH DIZZYING SPEED.
WE CUT TO TRI-KLOPS POV AS HE FLIES PAST THE MASSIVE TRANSPORT FIRING AS IT GOES BY. FROM HERE WE GET TO SEE
JUST HOW BIG THIS SHIP REALLY IS. THE LASER SCORCH THE SURFACE, AS A PAIR OF SMALL TURRETS TRY TO RETURN FIRE.
CUT BACK TO THE DISTANCE, AS WE SEE SMALL EXPLOSIONS BREAKING OUT, AND A THICK, BLACK CLOUD OF SMOKE TRAILING IT, AS THE TINY FRIGHT FIGHTERS PRESS THE ATTACK.
CUT TO THE TOP AS ONE OF THE TORRETS IS HIT AND EXPLODES.
THEN BACK TO THE BRIDGE.
RADIO OP.
This is Free Trader Gilgamesh! Calling anyone!
Laser turrets not responding! This is Gilgamesh…
CAPTAIN
Forget it, Son!
It's over! Everyone to the escape pod!
AS THE FIGHTERS CONTINUE TO HIT THE GIGANTIC SHIP, WE SEE A SMALL RECTANGULAR ESCAPE SHIP JETISON FROM THE FRONT AND HEAD DOWN. THEN THE FIGHTERS BREAK OFF AS THE MUCH LARGER CONDOR CLOSES IN.
TRAP-JAW
Are they away?
TRI-KLOPS
Let them go.
We want them to report.
TRAP-JAW
All fighters break off. Let's see what this thing can do…
CUT TO AN EXTERIOR SHOT, AS THE CONDOR CLOSES IN FROM BEHIND, AND FIRES ITS HEAVY LASERS AT THE BURNING TRANSPORT. THE BURST SETS OFF A SERIES OF EXPLOSIONS THAT CONSUME THE GILGAMESH.
TRI-KLOPS
Scratch one free trader!
CUT BACK TO SKELETOR IN SNAKE MOUNTAIN AS HE LISTENS INTENTLY TO THE RADIO. THE VOICES ARE CRACKLING, AND HIS MONITORS SHOW NOTHING BUT STATIC. STAY WITH SKELETOR AS WE HEAR:
TRAP-JAW
Close up formation, Tri-Klops: I've picked up another group of signals.
TRI-KLOPS
I see them.
About a hundred miles out.
Looks like enemy fighters out of Davon.
TRAP-JAW
Confirmed, Fright-Fighter One:
Four Wind Raiders, and one Talon.
TRI-KLOPS
Prepare to engage.
TRAP-JAW
Confirmed.
CUT TO WIND RAIDERS AS THEY ASSUME STANDARD FLIGHT FORMATION. THEY HAVE THE ENEMY ON THEIR SCOPES. THE PILOTS ARE HELMETED ETERNIAN GUARDS.
WIND RAIDER PILOT
Talk to me Evans…What have we got?
TALON PILOT
Roger, I got 'em.
Seven aircraft, fifty miles out. Closing fast.
Six Fright Fighters and one Command ship.
WIND RAIDER PILOT
Roger, Talon One.
I'm gonna disperse us to take the Fright Fighters head on.
You got the leader. Raider Four, out.
TALON PILOT
Negative contact with Gilgamesh…
Alright, steady boys, here they come!
THE CONDOR LEAPS PAST THE TALON LIKE A BLUR OF MOTION LONG BEFORE THE FRIGHT FIGHTERS COME ANWHERE NEAR ENGAGING RANGE. IT THEN COMES BACK AROUND.
TALON PILOT
What the hell is that?
WIND RAIDER PILOT
It flew by us, like we were standing still!
TALON PILOT
Cut the channel all wings.
Davon patrol, engaging prototype aircraft.
WIND RAIDER PILOT
What the hell is it?
CUT BACK TO THE CONDOR AND TRAP-JAW'S P.O.V. AS HE WHIPS THE PLANE AROUND, AND BEGINS TO SHOOT THE SLOWER MOVING TALON IN THE REAR.
THE TALON TRIES TO PULL AWAY, BUT THE CONDOR EASILY KEEPS PACE, AND CONTINUES TO FIRE ITS RAPID-FIRE GUN INTO THE TALON UNTIL SMOKE APPEARS.
HAVING DISPATCHED THE WING-LEADER, TRAP-JAW BRINGS THE CONDOR TO BEAR ON THE EVEN SLOWER WIND RAIDER PATROL-CRAFT.
AS THEY TRY TO DISPERSE, TWO ARE PICKED OFF WITH ALMOST PITIFUL EASE. THE OTHER TWO TRY TO RUN, BUT BY NOW TRI-KLOPS AND HIS PLANES HAVE ARRIVED.
WIND RAIDER PILOT
Get down! Now!
Aaarrgghhh….
THE FRIGHT FIGHTERS FIRE THEIR LASERS AND BLOW ONE OF THE ONES RUNNING OUT OF THE SKY. THEN AS THE LAST ONE TRIES TO ESCAPE, SEEING THE FRIGHT FIGHTERS IN THE DISTANCE SIGHS IN RELIEF. THEN HE GLANCES UP IN TERROR, AS HE IS SUDDENLY COVERED IN THE SHADOW OF THE CONDOR.
FADE TO WHITE.
SCENE 8
EXT. GAP OF DAVON. DAY
WE CUT TO ETERNIAN DEFENSES AT THE GAP OF DAVON. AS PANIC ENSURES. RANDOR’S MEN IN ATAK TRAKS AND BATTLE RAMS PEPPER THE SKY WITH FIRE, AS THE ENEMY FRIGHT-FIGHTERS FLY OVERHEAD, DROPPING THEIR BOMBS.
SEVERAL TANKS AND GROUNDED AIRCRAFT EXPLODE, AS LARGE FIRES BEGIN TO ERUPT EVERYWHERE. MEN ON THE GROUND BEGIN TO FLEE AND PANIC.
CUT BACK TO TRAP-JAW IN HIS FIGHTER AS HER STRAFES A SLOW MOVING ATAK TRAK ON THE GROUND.
TRAP-JAW
And where do you think you’re going?
CUT TO THE EXTERIOR SHOT, AS THE TANK EXPLODE. THEN TO AN EXTREME CLOSE UP OF TRAP-JAW’S EYES.
TRAP-JAW
And where do you think you’re going?
CUT TO THE EXTERIOR SHOT, AS THE TANK EXPLODES. THEN TO AN EXTREME CLOSE UP OF TRAP-JAW’S EYES.
TRAP-JAW
Come on, Tyler.
Where are you?
CUT BACK TO THE EXTERIOR AS THE GROUNDED PLANES BURN AND EXPLODE. THROUGH THE SMOKE, WE SEE THE ETERNIAN ROYAL BANNER SLOWLY FALL
FADE TO BLACK
SCENE 9
CASTLE GREYSKULL. INT. DAY.
UNAWARE OF THE ENSUING CONFLICT, TYLER SITS AT HIS COMPUTER TERMINAL EXAMINING FAKOR'S VAST MEMORY FOR ANY INFORMATION THAT CAN AID HIM AGAINST SKELETOR.
ZOAR
You've been at this for hours…
What are you hoping to find?
TYLER
Anything about Skeletor we can…
ZOAR
What is it?
TYLER
Just a minute…
ZOAR
John…?
TYLER
Oh my, God…
TYLER LEAPS TO HIS FEET, AS ZOAR LOOKS AFTER HIM, THEN TURNS TO THE COMPUTER MONITOR. ON THE SCREEN IN A SPLIT-SCREEN ARE SCHEMATICS OF THE WARBIRD, AS WE PAN INTO THE FLASHING RADIATION SYMBOL IN THE LOWER RIGHT CORNER.
ZOAR
What does it mean?
What are you doing?
TYLER IS PREPARING THE WARBIRD FOR DEPARTURE.
ZOAR IS NEAR PANIC, AS SHE WATCHES HIM INTENSELY PREPARING FOR BATTLE. AS SHE LOOKS AT HIM IN FEAR, THE COMMUNICATOR BUZZES. BOTH STOP, AND ARE SILENT FOR A MOMENT AS IT CONTINUES TO BUZZ. ALMOST IN SHOCK, ZOAR ANSWERS, AS WE SEE DUNCAN.
DUNCAN
Sorceress?
Sorceress, can you hear me?
ZOAR
Yes, Duncan.
What is wrong?
DUNCAN
Is the Sorcerer there? We have a crisis situation! We've lost contact with a Free Trader over Kaitain an hour ago.
Thirty minutes ago, Davon patrol was attacked and destroyed by Fright Fighters and an unconfirmed report of a new secret weapon.
Ten minutes ago, Davon surveillance was bombed.
Can you assist us, Sorcerer?
TYLER
We've captured a robot-assassin of Skeletor's.
It seems to have accessed my database.
With it, they may have been able to duplicate the Warbird-
DUNCAN
Good Lord….
TYLER
That's not the worst of it.
If they have duplicated the Warbird, they may have been able to figure out its power source.
We can not let Skeletor develop Thermo-Nuclear Weapons.
ZOAR
Then that plane must be destroyed at once…
TYLER
That’s not good enough.
We have to destroy his base, his facilities, his notes, and computer records.
Now!
DUNCAN
I'll prepare the Wind Raider Core…
TYLER
No!
Under no circumstances launch anything against that plane.
Muster all the Bombers you've got to hit Snake Mountain, as soon as I give the all clear.
ZOAR
But surely we must…
TYLER
I must face him….alone.
ZOAR
John…wait! Please…
It's not your fault…
TYLER EXCHANGES A HARD GLANCE, AND KISSES HER CHEEK, DRYING A TEAR, AS HE CLIMBS INTO HIS WARBIRD AND SLOWLY BEGINS TO LIFT OFF. ZOAR TURNS BACK TO THE MONITOR IN FEAR.
ZOAR
Duncan, have you contacted Adam?
Perhaps He-Man can…
DUNCAN
Adam and Teela aren't here. They left an hour ago.
I don't know where they went, but they left their communicator.
I hope they're alright…
FADE TO WHITE
SCENE 10
EXT. SKY. DAY
CUT TO TYLER IN HIS WARBIRD, AS HE PASSES A SQUADRON OF RETREATING WIND RAIDERS. WE THEN CUT TO INTERIOR OF COCKPIT, AS HE TALKS WITH DUNCAN OVER HIS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM.
TYLER
Roger, I see him. Six Fright-Fighters and one prototype.
About two hundred and fifty miles out.
DUNCAN
Can you confirm its power source?
TYLER
Yeah…
AS THE SORCERER IDENTIFIES THE CONDOR WITH HIS COMPUTER, WE SEE THE SMALL TELL-TALE NUCLEAR SYMBOL FLASHING IN THE CORNER…
CUT TO: EXTERIOR SHOT OF WARBIRD AS IT ACCELERATES.
CUT BACK TO THE ENEMY SQUADRON AS TRAP-JAW AND CREW PICK UP ON THE WARBIRD. FIRST WE CUT TO THE CONDOR, AS TRAP-JAW'S COMPUTER DRAWS THE WARBIRD, AND HE WARNS OFF HIS MEN.
TRAP-JAW
Condor One to Snake Mountain Command: Sighted U.S.S. Warbird in quad K-24.
All Fright-Fighters return to base.
TRI-KLOPS
Trap-Jaw, no! Wait!
We still have twenty minutes of fuel left.
At least let us…
TRAP-JAW
Return to base immediately- THAT'S AN ORDER!
TRI-KLOPS
Yes, Sir…
All Fright-Fighters, form up on my wing.
Returning to base. Tri-Klops has the lead.
Good luck, Commander.
THE FRIGHT-FIGHTERS PEEL OFF AND HEAD FOR HOME, AS THE CRIMSON CONDOR ACCELERATES INTO THE CAMERA. THE FRIGHT-FIGHTERS DISAPPEAR IN THE DISTANCE.
TRAP-JAW
Alright, Tyler….
It's between us alone now….
SCENE 11
CUT BACK TO WARBIRD ONE, AS TYLER ARMS HIS WEAPONS. A WARNING BUZZER ALERTS HIM AS THE CONDOR CROSSES THE CRITICAL RANGE LINE OF 120 MILES. WE CUT TO TYLER AS HE SELECTS HIS AIM-54 PHOENIX MISSILE. WE CUT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WARBIRD AS THE WHITE MISSILE, AS REALISTICALLY DRAWN AS POSSIBLE SLIDES OUT OF ITS METALLIC DEN.
TYLER
Missile one armed.
Gridlocked 120 miles.
Fire!
AS TYLER LAUNCHES THE IMMENSE PHOENIX MISSILE AT HIS TARGET WE CUT BACK TO THE RADAR SCREEN. AS WE SEE A SIMILAR DOT LAUNCH FROM TRAP-JAW'S PLANE! THE TWO MISSILES CROSS EACH OTHER'S PATH, AND CONTINUE TOWARDS THE CLOSING PLANES.
TYLER
He even duplicated my weapons!
Phoenix missile locked on me!
Only one chance…
TYLER SWITCHES TO HIS 100mm LASER CANNONS. WE CUT TO A CROSSHAIR ON HIS HEADS UP DISPLAY, AS HE LOCKS ON THE INCOMING MISSILE.
THE WARNING KLAXON BLARES, AS TYLER LOCKS ON THE LASER, AND BLOWS THE MISSILE UP. THERE IS A BRIGHT ORANGE FLASH, AS THE WARBIRD FLIES THROUGH THE CONCUSSION BLAST. AS THE FIREBALL FADES, CUT BACK TO THE RADAR, AS WE SEE TRAP-JAW HAS ALSO EVADED THE FIRST ATTACK!
BY NOW THE PLANES ARE AT VERY CLOSE RANGE, AND WE SEE A BLACK BLUR WHIZ PAST THE CANOPY, AS TYLER DIPS THE WARBIRD'S WING TO PURSUE.
TRAP-JAW
Well done, Commander.
It is almost a pity I must crush so skillful an artist.
So worthy an opponent.
CUT TO CONDOR, AS IT FIRES A SMALL SIDEWINDER AIM-7 MISSILE. AS A HEAT-SEEKER, IT ARCS TO THE WARBIRD.
TYLER
Trap-Jaw!
I should've known!
He's locked a heat seeker on me…
TYLER DARTS THE WARBIRD AROUND, AS WE SEE THE TRAIL OF SMOKE IN THE BACKGROUND. THEN CUT BACK TO THE COCKPIT, AS TYLER HITS HIS CENTER CONSOLE FLARE TOGGLE SWITCH.
FROM THE REAR OF THE WARBIRD, THREE GLOWING FLARES SHOOT DOWNWARD, AND THE MISSILE IS INSTANTLY ATTRACTED TO THE HEAT. IT EXPLODES A MOMENT LATER.
NOW TYLER GOES ON THE OFFENSIVE. AS HE TURNS UP AND AROUND, HE IMMEDIATELY GOES TO GUNS.
THE WARBIRD CATCHES THE CONDOR ACROSS ITS LEFT WING. THE SHELLS STITCH HOLES IN A LINE ALONG THE WING.
BOTH PLANES SPIRAL AND ARC DOWNWARDS. BOTH BREAK OFF IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THE ENTIRE HORIZON ROTATES 360 DEGREES.
SUDDENLY THERE IS LASER FIRE FROM BELOW THE WARBIRD, AS TYLER'S WING IS HIT. FIRE BURSTS FROM THE WING, AS THE PLANE IS MOMENTARILY THROWN OUT OF CONTROL.
CUT BACK TO TYLER AS HE VIOLENTLY GRABS THE CONTROL STICK, AND JERKS IT BACK AND FORTH TO RETURN CONTROL.
THEN CUT BACK TO TYLER AS HE SCANS THE SKY ABOVE HIM. HE LOOKS AT THE BLAZING SUN.
TYLER
This guy's good!
I lost him in the sun…
SUDDENLY, THE CONDOR LUNGES IN FROM THE SUN, GUNS BLAZING.
CUT TO THE WARBIRD, AS THE CANNON CUTS ACROSS THE FUSELAGE, AND SHATTER THE GLASS CANOPY. TYLER IS HIT AND IS BLEEDING.
TRAP-JAW
That's quite a compliment, coming from you, Tyler.
WE CUT BACK TO TYLER AS HE BRINGS THE SMOKING WARBIRD AROUND TO BEAR, AND FIRES HIS LASERS AT TRAP-JAW. BUT WE SEE HIM STRUGGLING TO AIM THROUGH HIS WOUNDS. THE THREE BURSTS OF LASER FIRE MISS THE CONDOR.
TRAP-JAW BRINGS HIS PLANE TO COUNTER-ATTACK.
CUT BACK TO TYLER, BEATEN AND BLOODIED IN THE WARBIRD. POWER IS FAILING, AND THE WARBIRD'S CRITICAL WARNING SCREEN IS LIT LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. A WARNING BUZZER GOES OFF AGAIN AS THE WARBIRD'S RADAR PICKS UP THE INCOMING MISSILE.
TYLER
Wounded badly…side's burning.
Tasting blood-Another missile locked on me.
Radar lock is gone. Laser's inoperative.
Engine one is out. Too weak to teleport.
CUT TO CLOSE UP OF THE WOUNDED SORCERER, AS HE SLUMPS BACK IN PAIN. HE HEAVES A HEAVY SIGH.
TYLER
Goodbye…Zoar.
FADE TO WHITE
AN INSTANT LATER THE MISSILE HITS THE TOP OF THE WARBIRD, JUST BEHIND THE COCKPIT. THE PLANE EXPLODES INTO HUGE SEGMENTED CHUNKS. THE FUSELAGE SPLITS INTO THREE AND IS CONSUMED IN A FIREBALL. THE WINGS BLOW APART AND SPIN AWAY IN FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FIERYCONFLAGERATION HEADS DOWNWARDS IN A TRAIL OF BURNING SMOKE. LARGE GLOWING PIECES OF DEBRIS SPIN DOWN WITH THE WRECKAGE, AS THE CONDOR SPIRALS A VICTORY ROLL IN THE BACKGROUND.
TRAP-JAW
Condor One to Snake Mountain.
Mission accomplished. Returning to base.
Over and out.
AS THE CONDOR FLIES OFF INTO THE SUNSET, WE FOLLOW THE BLACK PILLAR OF SMOKE RISING FROM THE WARBIRD'S FINAL RESTING PLACE, AS WE TRACK THE CAMERA DOWNWARDS.
IN THE FINAL SEQUENCE, WE TRACK THE CAMERA OVER THE SMOLDERING PIECES OF DEBRIS ON THE GROUND, AS WE HEAR THE MOURNFUL HOWL OF THE WIND.
AS WE TRACK ALONG THE GROUND, WE COME UPON TYLER'S BLOOD-STAINED FEATHERY HEADCREST, AS IT LIES ON THE GROUND, REFLECTING THE DYING FIRELIGHT.
TYLER'S VOICE (O.S.)
Goodbye…
VERY SLOWLY FADE TO BLACK.
Coming in two weeks...
Tyler is defeated, the Warbird is destroyed. Eternia is at the mercy of Skeletor, who has learnt the secret of Atomic Power. Can He-Man and the heroic warriors defeat Skeletor, or will Eternia be ruled by evil?
SHADOW OF THE CONDOR PART II
PHANTASM