Imperial Aspirations SAMPLE

This script is the first volume of a comic series and serves primarily to lay out a full understand of the series protagonist Wel-Atta for the audience by following his life from youth to being a young adult as the galaxy changes drastically around him.

Transcript

1. EXT. ZYGERRIAN PALACE-LANDING PAD-DAY The new Imperial ship lands on the pad extending from the grounds of the Zygerrian palace, high above the markets. The PRIME MINISTER approaches the ship, met by an IMPERIAL AMBASSADOR. PRIME MINISTER Hail Imperials, what might be the purpose of your visit? IMPERIAL We are here to discuss new terms on behalf of the Emperor. Zygerrian services has been unappreciated for too long. PRIME MINISTER I couldn’t agree more, seems there is hope for a strong galaxy under new Imperial guidance after all. The Prime Minister waves the Imperial convoy towards the palace. INT. ROYAL PAVILION-DAY Intricate grating on the ceiling and walls filters dramatic sunlight into the luxurious private garden it surrounds. WEL-ATTA (5) is a Zygerrian with angled horns and curly hair. He picks through the exotic plants with a tablet in one hand. GEVEK (4) is of the same species, with unkempt claws and a more jagged look. He claws at the delicate carvings without care for blemishes left by his upward struggle. Wel-Atta wanders to the far edge of the pavilion, laying down and sticking his arms through the grating to get his tablet to capture plants that had sprouted beyond the enclosure. Footsteps cause Wel-Atta to peek out from under the flora. He perks up at seeing the stranger but slinks from view when he sees Prime Minister just behind the Ambassador. The plant Wel-Atta was following extends into the walkway and the Imperial Ambassador pauses to grind a bud with their heel IMPERIAL For the sake of your people’s future, I truly hope one of your heirs is suitable to the Academy.
2. 2. PRIME MINISTER I already have an offering in mind, you’ll understand when you meet him The pair turn towards the pavilion entrance and Wel-Atta scrambles from the brush back to Gevek. Gevek tumbles from his half-hearted climb as the two adults enter to inspect the two royals. Wel-Atta watches from the edge, half obscured by the garden’s flora. IMPERIAL Gevek and Wel-Atta I’ve been told? Children as young as you are positioned to take hold of an incredibly different galaxy and as born leaders you have a duty. GEVEK Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? Ambassador frowns at Gevek, and glances at Wel-Atta. IMPERIAL It takes courage to seize the future, and I’d hope to see that the Zygerrian royalty would not be washed away by the tides of time. PRIME MINISTER You worry too much. I think you’d find your eh, ‘Imperial ethic’ in that one there. Wel-Atta bristles as Prime Minister directs the Ambassador to him, moving to place a stern hand on his shoulder. PRIME MINISTER (CONT’D) He’d fit in better with your lot then he does with our royal breed. Wel-Atta creases his brow, fixated on the ground before slowly lifting his gaze to meet the Ambassador’s. The Ambassador in turn analyzes him with a calculating glare. Wel-Atta shrugs off his father’s hand and steps towards the Imperial Ambassador. He mimics the Ambassador’s body language WEL-ATTA I would be honored to deliver a strong future to my people, in whatever way best suits me. 2.
3. 3. Ambassador grins, and the Prime Minister nods eagerly. Wel-Atta hurriedly follows the Ambassador when they exit the pavilion. He doesn’t react to Gevek’s pouty look. When Wel-Atta exits, Gevek turns to his father with a sour glare. The Prime Minister chuckles heartily. PRIME MINISTER Oh lighten up son, I’ve just cleared your path to succession! I knew I’d make you a proper King one way or another. An inconvenience rid of and Imperial favor secured. EXT. ZYGERRIAN PALACE-BALCHONY-DAY The Imperial Ambassador strides through the open air hallway balconies of the Zygerrian Palace, not slowing for the child struggling to keep up with their strides. WEL-ATTA Are you taking me to leave? The Ambassador slows to turn and see Wel-Atta standing in place, trying to pose himself authoritatively. IMPERIAL That will be necessary yes, the Empire asks difficult things of all of us for- WEL-ATTA I don’t care, I want to leave. The Ambassador looks at the child with new interest. IMPERIAL Interesting. You will fit in nicely at the Imperial Academy young one. INT. IMPERIAL ACADEMY-DAY As Wel-Atta steps into the lofty speech hall of the Imperial Academy, his head swivels around to see as much of his surroundings as he can. He wears a formal white uniform. Adults in Imperial uniforms line the walls, watching the crowd of students. Ambassador is among them. The sound of speakers directs the crowd’s attention to the main stage of the hall, the speaker’s outfit more decorated. 3.
4. 4. HEADMASTER On this day, the Imperial Academy welcomes it’s first student body. Wel-Atta glances around him, taking peeks at his new peers. One student does the same, and Wel-Atta makes eye contact with a human boy his age with blond hair and dark eyes. Wel-Atta grins at him, the student gives a small wave. INT. ACADEMY HALLS-DAY HEADMASTER (V.O.) Here you will learn the Imperial values that keep our galaxy orderly Wel-Atta rushes down the hall with many tablets in tow, and he excitedly grabs the boy by the shoulder. WEL-ATTA I’m Wel-Atta of Zygerria! From orientation! What’s your name? The boy is initially flustered but responds in a snap. HUX I’m Hux, hailing from Corusant. WEL-ATTA What’s you next class? INT. ACADEMY LIBRARY-NIGHT HEADMASTER (V.O.) The Empire asks much of it’s leaders, peace throughout the galaxy demands as much. Wel-Atta stands in front of a group of students, talking with wild gestures in front of a hologram. He hastily scrawls notes and diagrams onto a board for the other students. Most the group looks uneasy but Hux stares intently and offers occasional responses to break up Wel-Atta’s monologue. The two play off each other casually, the rest of the group just having to sit there and watch Hux encourage Wel-Atta. 4.