When the Martians came, they promised peace, but all that remained was destruction and an otherworldly silence.
Watch the original version of Mars Attacks!
Prologue:
They came in peace, or so they said. A fleet of Martian spacecraft surrounded the world’s major cities and all of humanity waited with bated breath to see what the extraterrestrial visitors had in store for them. U.S. President James Dale received assurances from science professor Donald Kessler that the Martians’ mission was a friendly one. But when a peaceful exchange ended in the total annihilation of the U.S. Congress, the military called for a full-scale nuclear retaliation. It was clear that the Martians had no intention of negotiating, and humanity was ill-prepared for the war to come.
Chapter 1:
The sky glowed an eerie green, casting an unearthly light over the deserted streets of Washington D.C. Cars lay abandoned in the middle of the road, their doors left ajar as if their owners had fled in a hurry. The only sound was the distant hum of the Martian spacecraft, hovering high above the city.
At the White House, President James Dale watched the events unfolding on the television screen with a sense of dread. He had been assured by science professor Donald Kessler that the Martians had come in peace, but the sudden attack on the U.S. Congress had shattered that illusion.
Dale turned to his advisors, his voice shaking. “What do we do now? How do we fight them?”
“We can’t fight them with conventional weapons,” said General Decker, his face grim. “They have technology beyond our wildest dreams. We need to find their weakness, exploit their vulnerabilities.”
“But we don’t even know what they want,” protested Dale. “Maybe there’s still a chance to negotiate.”
“We’ve tried to communicate with them, Mr. President,” said Kessler, his voice heavy with resignation. “But they seem to be speaking a language we don’t understand. And their weapons… they’re like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”
Dale slumped into his chair, feeling overwhelmed. He had dreamed of being a great leader, but had never expected to face an enemy from another world. “What happens if we can’t stop them? What happens if they wipe us out?”
“We can’t think like that, Mr. President,” said Decker, his tone stern. “We need to be proactive. If we don’t act fast, we’ll lose this war before it’s even begun.”
Kessler nodded in agreement. “We need to gather as much information as we can, analyze their patterns and behaviors. We need to find a way to counter their attacks.”
Dale stood up, his resolve strengthening. “You’re right. We can’t give up. Our survival depends on it. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect our people.”
As he left the room, he heard General Decker mutter under his breath. “God help us all.”
Outside the White House, a group of people huddled together, watching the skies with a mixture of fear and wonder. Among them was Richie Norris, a teenage conspiracy theorist who had always believed in the existence of extraterrestrial life. He had spent countless hours researching alien encounters, analyzing photos and videos of supposed UFO sightings. And now, he had found himself smack in the middle of one.
“Can you believe it?” he said to his friend, a retired magician named Ray. “I always knew they were out there, but I never thought they’d come to us.”
Ray shook his head, his eyes scanning the skies for any sign of movement. “It’s not what I thought my retirement would look like. I figured I’d be playing shuffleboard somewhere sunny.”
Richie chuckled, trying to hide the fear that gnawed at his gut. “What do you think they want?”
“I think they want to take over our planet and enslave us all,” said Ray, only half-joking.
Richie’s expression turned serious. “You think we can stop them?”
“We have to try,” said Ray, his voice firm. “We can’t just sit around and let them have their way. We need to organize, find others who want to fight back.”
Richie nodded, feeling a sense of purpose. “You’re right. We need to start a resistance. We need to show them we’re not afraid.”
As the Martians continued their attack, humanity was left with a choice – submit to their rule or fight back with all their might. The fate of the world hung in the balance, and no one knew what the final outcome would be. But one thing was certain – they were in for the fight of their lives.
Chapter 2: The Laughing Aliens
The laughter was spreading faster than anyone could have ever imagined. It started with just a few isolated incidents – people walking down the street suddenly bursting into uncontrollable fits of laughter. At first, it was dismissed as a kind of mass hysteria, but it wasn’t long before the laughter started affecting more and more people, spreading from person to person like a virus.
The cause of the laughter was soon discovered to be the Martians themselves. Whenever they appeared, their strange, high-pitched laughter would start ringing out, infecting anyone nearby. It was almost as if they were trying to communicate with us, but their laughter was so alien, so completely different from anything we had ever heard before, that it was impossible to understand.
I watched in horror as the laughter spread through the streets of Washington D.C. People stumbled around, clutching their sides and gasping for breath. Some collapsed to the ground, completely incapacitated with laughter. It was impossible to tell whether they were in pain or experiencing some kind of twisted pleasure.
As the laughter spread, so did the chaos. Cars crashed into each other as drivers succumbed to fits of laughter. People stumbled into stores and restaurants, still laughing uncontrollably, causing those inside to join in the cacophony.
The military tried to intervene, using loudspeakers to warn people to stay inside and avoid the Martians at all costs. But it was too late – the laughter had already infected too many.
I found myself drawn to the source of the laughter, unable to resist the strange, otherworldly sound. I made my way towards the center of town, where a group of Martians had apparently gathered.
When I arrived, I saw the Martians for the first time – strange, humanoid creatures with bulbous heads, large eyes, and thin, spindly limbs. They were standing in a loose circle, their laughter ringing out like a twisted choir.
I couldn’t help myself – I started laughing too. It wasn’t forced or fake – it was genuine, a strange mixture of fear and amusement that I couldn’t control.
One of the Martians turned towards me, its eyes locking with mine. It pointed its spindly finger at me, and suddenly, the laughter stopped. The Martian’s face twisted into a snarl, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me.
Without warning, the Martian lunged towards me, its thin fingers wrapping around my throat. I gasped for air, struggling to free myself from its grip. But the Martian was too strong, its fingers digging into my flesh.
Suddenly, I heard a voice in my head – a strange, alien voice that seemed to be coming from the Martian itself.
“Human,” it said. “You will serve us.”
And with that, the laughter started up again, the Martian still holding me tightly as we both convulsed with mirth.
I don’t remember much after that. The laughter consumed me completely, and everything went black. When I woke up, I was in a strange, dark place, surrounded by Martians.
I knew then that my life would never be the same. I was trapped, a puppet in the hands of these laughing aliens. And I had no idea what they had planned for me – or for the rest of humanity.
Chapter 3: The Resistance Forms
The news reports were grim. The Martians had revealed their true intentions and had launched an attack on humanity. The world was in chaos as people struggled to escape the Martian onslaught. Amidst the chaos, a group of unlikely allies banded together to fight back.
The group consisted of a teenage conspiracy theorist named Timmy, a retired magician named Harry, and an ex-marine named Jack. It was an odd combination, but it seemed like fate had brought them together for a reason.
Timmy had been following the news about the Martians for weeks, convinced that they were not to be trusted. He had even started a blog about it, which had gained a following amongst the few people who still had internet access. But now, he knew he had to do more than just write about it.
Harry had retired from his career as a magician years ago, but he still had a few tricks up his sleeve. He had watched the events unfold on TV with a sense of dread, knowing that his skills might be needed one day. When he heard about the group forming, he knew that he had to join them.
Jack had been discharged from the marines after suffering a leg injury. He had never thought he would be called upon to fight again, but the Martian invasion had changed all that. He knew he had to use his military training to defend his country.
The three of them met in a deserted alleyway, away from the chaos of the city. They each had an idea of what they could bring to the table, but they needed a plan.
“We need to know more about the Martians,” Timmy said, his eyes darting around nervously. “We need to know their weaknesses.”
“I have a contact at NASA,” Harry said. “He might be able to give us some intel on their technology.”
“I can get us some weapons,” Jack said, his voice firm. “I know a guy who knows a guy.”
They all nodded in agreement. It was a start.
Over the course of the next few days, they worked tirelessly to gather information and resources. Harry’s contact at NASA provided them with schematics of the Martian spacecraft, which they studied intently. Jack’s contact provided them with firearms, grenades, and other weapons that they could use against the Martians. Timmy spent hours pouring over his conspiracy theories, trying to find anything that might be useful.
They worked in secrecy, knowing that any slip-up could mean the end of their mission. But despite the danger, they were determined to fight back against the Martian invaders.
Finally, after days of planning, they were ready to strike. They had identified a Martian command center in the heart of the city, where the aliens were coordinating their attack. It was a risky move, but they knew it was their best chance of stopping the invasion.
They made their way towards the command center, moving as silently as possible. The streets were deserted, and the only sound was the occasional blaring of a car alarm. They knew they were walking into a dangerous situation, but they were prepared for whatever might happen.
As they approached the command center, they could see the Martian spacecraft looming in the distance. It was an intimidating sight, but they didn’t let it deter them.
“Okay, here’s the plan,” Timmy said, his voice shaking slightly. “Harry, you’re in charge of distracting the guards. Jack, you take out the perimeter defenses. I’ll hack into their system and try to disable their weapons.”
They split up and went their separate ways, each with a task to accomplish. Harry pulled out a deck of cards and began performing a magic trick for the guards outside the command center, distracting them long enough for Jack to sneak up and take them out.
Timmy made his way to the command center, his fingers flying over his keyboard as he tried to hack into the Martian system. It was difficult work, but he was determined to succeed.
Suddenly, an alarm sounded, and the Martians inside the command center were alerted to their presence. Timmy knew he had to work faster. With a final keystroke, he managed to disable their weapons just as Jack took out the last of the perimeter defenses.
“Let’s go!” Jack yelled, and they all rushed into the command center.
The Martians were caught off guard, and the Resistance took advantage of the opportunity. They used their weapons to destroy the control panels, effectively disabling the spacecraft. The Martians were left helpless, and the invasion had been stopped.
As they made their way out of the command center, they could hear the sound of applause in the distance. It was the first time they had heard that sound since the invasion began. And for the first time in a long time, they felt a glimmer of hope.
Chapter Four: The Martian Ambassador
President Dale and his team of advisors were huddled in the Situation Room, trying to figure out their next move. They had just received word from Professor Kessler that the Martians had sent an ambassador to negotiate with the U.S. government. It was a shocking development, given the Martians’ previous actions, but the president knew he had to hear them out.
As they waited for the ambassador’s arrival, tension hung thick in the air. The president was flanked by his top military officers, General Decker and General Casey, who were eager to strike back against the Martian aggression. On the other hand, Professor Kessler was nervously tapping on his laptop, trying to come up with a strategy for peaceful negotiations.
Suddenly, the doors to the Situation Room burst open, and in walked the ambassador. All eyes turned towards him, taking in his bizarre appearance. He was tall, with a lanky build and a disproportionately large head. His skin was green and scaly, with large, bulbous eyes that seemed to be scanning the room.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” the ambassador said in a raspy voice. “I am here to speak on behalf of the Martian Unified Council.”
President Dale stood up, extending his hand in greeting. “Thank you for coming, Ambassador. We are eager to hear what you have to say.”
The ambassador ignored the president’s outstretched hand, instead gesturing to the large screen at the head of the room. “We have transmitted a message to your government, outlining our peaceful intentions. We wish to establish diplomatic relations with your planet.”
The message appeared on the screen, a series of unintelligible blips and bleeps that seemed to be some sort of alien language. Professor Kessler stepped forward, wearing a headset that was translating the message in real-time.
“According to the translation, the Martians are seeking a peaceful resolution to this conflict. They claim that their attacks on human targets were a result of miscommunications and misunderstandings. They want to establish a dialogue of cooperation and mutual understanding.”
There were murmurs among the gathered officials, many of whom were still skeptical of the Martians’ intentions. General Decker spoke up, his voice laced with anger. “We can’t trust these aliens. They’ve proven they’re willing to kill us with their attacks. We need to strike back and show them that we won’t be pushed around.”
The ambassador held up a scaly hand, silencing the general. “I understand your concerns, General Decker. But our intentions are genuine. We are willing to offer a technological exchange, as a sign of our goodwill.”
At this, Professor Kessler perked up. “Technological exchange? This could be a huge opportunity for us. Imagine the possibilities of alien technology!”
The president nodded, deep in thought. He knew that any decision he made could have catastrophic consequences. On the one hand, he wanted to protect his people and show the Martians that they couldn’t be pushed around. On the other hand, he didn’t want to risk an all-out war with a vastly superior alien race.
With a deep sigh, President Dale made his decision. “Ambassador, we are willing to engage in peaceful negotiations. But make no mistake – any further attacks on our planet will be met with swift and decisive action.”
The ambassador nodded. “Understood, President Dale. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership with your people.”
As the ambassador turned to leave, President Dale couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger conflict. He just hoped they were making the right choice.
Chapter 5: The Battle for Earth Begins
The sound of artillery echoed through the streets as the Resistance forces moved into position. In the distance, the Martian ships floated ominously in the sky, their metallic hulls gleaming in the sunlight.
The group had spent the past several days preparing for battle, building makeshift weapons and fortifications, and strategizing their next moves. They knew that they were outnumbered and outgunned, but they refused to give up hope.
As the sun began to set, the Resistance leaders gathered for a final briefing. Max, the teenage conspiracy theorist, stood at the head of the table, a map of the city spread out in front of him.
“We know that the Martians are focused on our major cities,” Max said, pointing to the map. “Their goal is to weaken us by destroying our infrastructure and our leaders. We need to be one step ahead of them.”
Barry, the retired magician, chimed in. “We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves, but we need to use them carefully. We don’t want to give away our position.”
The group discussed their plans for taking out the various Martian ships and bases that had been spotted throughout the city. They knew that they were taking a great risk by engaging in direct combat with the aliens, but they also knew that they had no other choice.
As the night fell, the group moved out into the streets, each armed with their homemade weapons and a fierce determination to protect their home planet.
They moved quickly and quietly, avoiding the main roads and sticking to the alleys and backstreets. In the distance, they could hear the sounds of explosions and gunfire as the Martians attacked various targets around the city.
They knew that they were getting close to one of the Martian bases when they started to see signs of the alien presence. Strange electrical equipment littered the streets, and the air was thick with an acrid, metallic smell.
Max signaled for the group to stop, and they huddled together behind a nearby building. He pulled out a pair of binoculars and surveyed the area.
“There,” he said, pointing to a towering Martian ship that was hovering above a nearby building. “That’s our target. It’s a communications hub, and if we can take it out, we can disrupt their entire network.”
The group nodded in agreement, and they began to move towards the building. As they approached, they could see the Martians moving around on the roof, their grotesque, insect-like bodies silhouetted against the moonlit sky.
The group crept closer, their weapons at the ready. As they got within striking distance, they launched their attack. Barry unleashed a barrage of fireworks, sending the Martians scattering in all directions.
Max and a few other members of the group charged forward, taking out the remaining aliens with a series of well-aimed blows from their makeshift weapons.
As they cleared the roof, the group could see that the base was wired with all sorts of strange equipment, including a large, glowing device that seemed to be the source of the communication signals.
“We need to destroy that device,” Max said, pointing to the glowing object.
Barry nodded in agreement, and he began to work his magic. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a deck of cards. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the cards flying towards the device, each one exploding on impact.
The group watched in awe as the device began to smoke and spark, before finally exploding in a shower of sparks.
“We did it!” Max shouted, pumping his fist in the air.
But their victory celebration was short-lived. They could hear the sound of reinforcements approaching, and they knew that they needed to get out of there fast.
The group jumped down from the roof and made a run for it, sprinting down the darkened streets towards their next target.
As they moved deeper into the city, the sounds of battle grew louder. Explosions rocked the streets, and the air was filled with the stench of smoke and burning metal.
But the Resistance fighters pushed on, their bravery and determination carrying them forward. They knew that their fight was far from over, and that they would have to face even greater challenges in the battles to come. But they were ready for whatever lay ahead, and they would do whatever it took to protect their planet from the alien invaders.
Chapter 6: The Spy Among Us
The Resistance had suffered heavy losses in their battle against the Martians. They had managed to keep the alien forces at bay, but not without casualties. As they regrouped, they received a shocking revelation – there was a spy among them.
It had started with small things – supplies going missing, equipment sabotaged – but soon escalated to more serious incidents. The final straw came when one of their members abruptly disappeared, and evidence pointed to them being a traitor.
The group was in disarray. Trust had been broken, and suspicion hung heavy in the air. They knew they had to act fast, or risk losing everything they had been fighting for.
The group gathered in a dimly lit room, faces grim with determination. They knew they had to find the spy before it was too late. Everyone was a suspect, and no one was above suspicion.
Their leader, the teenage conspiracy theorist Leo, stood at the head of the table, a map of the city laid out in front of him. He looked around at the rest of the group, his eyes blazing with intensity.
“We need to figure out who the spy is, and fast,” he said. “Anyone have any ideas?”
Silence filled the room for a few moments, until finally, the retired magician Zoltar spoke up.
“I have an idea,” he said. “We’ll use a truth serum to find out who the traitor is.”
The others looked at him skeptically.
“Do we even have a truth serum?” one of them asked.
Zoltar smiled wryly. “I may have a few tricks up my sleeve,” he said.
The group nodded in agreement. It was worth a shot.
They split into teams, each assigned to a different member of the group. They would use the truth serum on each person one at a time, starting with those who were most suspicious.
Zoltar led the first group, who were tasked with administering the serum to one of the newer members of the group – a young woman named Emma. Emma had been a mystery from the start, and there were rumors that she was a spy sent by the Martians to infiltrate the Resistance.
Zoltar and his team brought Emma to a small room, where they strapped her to a chair and injected her with the serum. They waited as it took effect, watching as her eyes grew glassy.
“Emma,” Zoltar said softly. “Are you a spy?”
Emma stared at him, wide-eyed. “No,” she said, her voice trembling. “I swear, I’m not a spy.”
Zoltar nodded, satisfied. While it wasn’t foolproof, the truth serum had given them a starting point.
They moved on to the next person, and the next, until they finally arrived at the member who had disappeared – a man named Jack. Jack had been a valuable member of the group, but had disappeared one night without warning.
They found him holed up in an abandoned building, looking haggard and paranoid. They brought him back to their headquarters and administered the truth serum.
“Jack,” Leo said. “Are you a spy?”
Jack’s eyes darted around the room. “No,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not a spy.”
But Leo wasn’t convinced. Something about Jack’s demeanor didn’t sit right with him.
“Let’s do it again,” he said, and Jack was given another dose of the serum.
This time, Jack broke. He confessed everything – how the Martians had promised him riches beyond his wildest dreams, how he had been tempted by their offer, how he had betrayed the Resistance.
The group was stunned. Jack had been one of their own. The betrayal was a hard pill to swallow.
But they had no time to dwell on it. The Martians were still out there, still a threat. The Resistance had to regroup, and fast.
Chapter 7: The Ultimate Weapon
The Resistance gathers in a secret underground facility, preparing to activate the mysterious and powerful weapon that could potentially save humanity from the alien threat. The atmosphere is tense as they go over the plans and make sure that everything is in order.
The room is dimly lit, with only a few flickering lights illuminating the space. The walls are lined with old-fashioned metal lockers, and the floor is cold and damp. The air is thick with the smell of rust and mildew, and the sound of dripping water echoes throughout the room.
The leader of the Resistance, a retired magician named Max, stands at the front of the room, addressing the group. “We know how desperate the situation is,” he says, his voice echoing off the metal walls. “But we have a chance to turn the tide of this war. This weapon is our last hope.”
He turns to a group of technicians huddled around a large console at the back of the room. “Are we ready to activate the weapon?” he asks.
One of the technicians nods nervously. “Yes, sir,” he replies. “All systems are online and ready to go.”
Max nods, his expression serious. “Alright, let’s do this.”
The technicians begin to enter codes into the console, and the room fills with the sound of beeping and whirring machinery. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake, and the walls start to vibrate.
“What’s happening?” someone shouts over the noise.
“It’s the Martians,” Max answers grimly. “They’re attacking the facility.”
The group looks around, panic starting to set in. “What do we do?” someone asks.
Max takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what is to come. “We hold the line,” he says, his voice steady. “We can’t let the Martians get to the weapon.”
The group nods in agreement, and they take up defensive positions around the console. The sound of alien weapons firing can be heard in the distance, and the ground shakes as the Martians draw closer.
Suddenly, the door to the room bursts open, and a group of Martians flood in. The Resistance fights back fiercely, using everything at their disposal to hold the Martians off. Max uses his magic to conjure up illusions, confusing the aliens and giving the Resistance an advantage.
The battle rages on for what feels like hours, and the Resistance begins to feel the strain. But they know that failure is not an option. They fight on, fueled by the knowledge that the fate of humanity rests on their shoulders.
Finally, the Martians begin to retreat, driven back by the Resistance’s determination and skill. The room is filled with smoke and debris, and the group is battered and exhausted. But they have held the line, and the weapon remains safe.
Max approaches the console, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation. He enters a final code, and the console beeps in response. He turns to the group, a look of determination on his face.
“We have activated the weapon,” he says. “Now we wait.”
The group huddles together, waiting anxiously for any sign that the weapon has worked. Minutes pass, and there is no indication that anything has happened. But then, from outside the facility, there is a sudden, deafening silence.
The group rushes to the entrance, cautiously peering outside. To their amazement, they see that the Martian ships are all gone. The sky is clear, and the world seems to have returned to normal.
Max smiles in relief, and the group cheers in triumph. They have saved the world from the alien threat, and they have done it together.
Chapter 8: The Endgame
The Martian mothership loomed over the Resistance, casting a shadow over the battlefield. The air was thick with tension as the two sides faced off, ready to do battle. At the head of the Resistance, President James Dale and his closest advisors worked to formulate a plan to stop the Martians once and for all.
They had come too far to give up now. The Resistance had fought tooth and nail to get to this point, facing impossible odds and losing many good people along the way. But they had persevered, driven by a fierce determination to protect their planet and their way of life.
As they stood there, gazing up at the massive ship, they knew that this was it – the final showdown. They had come to the endgame.
The Resistance moved towards the ship, their weapons loaded and ready for action. They had a plan – a daring, desperate plan – but they knew it was their only chance. They had to stop the Martians before it was too late.
As they approached the ship, they were met with a barrage of laser fire from the Martian troops. The Resistance returned fire, taking out several of the aliens in the process. But they knew they couldn’t keep this up for long – they had to act fast.
The plan was simple, but risky. They would infiltrate the ship and disable the main power source, effectively shutting down the entire vessel. It was a long shot, but they had to try.
The Resistance split into teams, each one assigned a specific task. President James Dale led one team, while the others were led by his advisors and key members of the Resistance.
The infiltration was a success, but not without casualties. Several members of the Resistance were killed in the crossfire, but they had managed to disable the main power source. The ship began to sputter and shake as it lost power, and the Martians were thrown into chaos.
The Resistance made their way back to the surface, but they knew they weren’t out of the woods yet. The Martians were regrouping, and they knew that they still had a fight on their hands.
But they had an ace up their sleeve – the ultimate weapon. The weapon was a last resort, something they had kept hidden from the Martians until now. It was a powerful device that had the potential to destroy the entire ship, but it came at a cost.
The device needed to be manually activated, and the person who did it would not survive. It was a sacrifice they were willing to make, but they had to be sure that it would work.
President James Dale volunteered to activate the device, knowing that he might not make it out alive. As he made his way to the weapon, he thought about all the people he had lost in this war. He thought about his family, his friends, and all the innocent people who had died because of the Martians.
He knew that this was his chance to make things right, to save humanity once and for all. With a deep breath, he activated the device.
The weapon emitted a bright light, blinding everyone in its path. The ground shook as the ship began to break apart, pieces of it falling from the sky like rain. The Martians screamed in agony as they were consumed by the explosion, and the Resistance could only watch in awe as the ship was destroyed.
But their victory was bittersweet. The cost had been high – too high. President James Dale had made the ultimate sacrifice, and the Resistance would never forget his bravery and selflessness. They had won the war, but at what cost?
As the dust settled and the survivors began to pick up the pieces, one thing was for certain – they had saved humanity from the Martians. They had been pushed to their limits, but they had succeeded against all odds.
And as they looked up at the sky, they knew that they could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The threat was gone, and they had emerged victorious. It was a new beginning for humanity, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Some scenes from the A.I. movie Mars Attacks!
Title: The Lost City
Fade in:
EXT. JUNGLE – DAY
The camera pans over a dense, vibrant jungle canopy. The sounds of wildlife fill the air. We hear the faint sound of a helicopter in the distance.
CUT TO:
EXT. HELICOPTER – DAY
A helicopter with the word “EXPEDITION” written on the side, flies through the jungle, hovering over the treetops.
CUT TO:
INT. HELICOPTER – DAY
Inside the helicopter, we see a group of explorers preparing for their journey into the unknown. There is LUCAS, the leader of the expedition, a tall, rugged man in his late thirties. Next to him is DR. SARAH, a brilliant archaeologist in her mid-thirties. They are joined by a camera crew consisting of JAKE, the cameraman, and TINA, the producer.
LUCAS: (to the group) Alright, we’re approaching the location. Everyone ready?
DR. SARAH: (smiling) More than ready.
JAKE: (excitedly) Let’s do this!
TINA: (adjusting her camera) Just remember to keep it interesting, Jake.
The helicopter descends, and the explorers catch their first glimpse of a vast and mysterious lost city.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOST CITY – DAY
The city is partially hidden by thick foliage, but we can see the crumbling ruins of ancient temples and other structures. As the helicopter lands, the explorers jump out and begin to explore.
The camera follows Lucas and Dr. Sarah as they walk through the city, marveling at the ancient structures surrounding them.
LUCAS: (whispering) Just think, no one has set foot in this place for centuries.
DR. SARAH: (excitedly) I can’t wait to get started on our excavation.
Suddenly, there is a loud rumble, and the ground begins to shake violently.
LUCAS: (alarmed) Everyone, take cover!
The camera crew quickly follow Lucas and Dr. Sarah as they run for cover.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOST CITY – DAY
The ground cracks open, and a massive sinkhole appears, swallowing up a large portion of the city. The camera is now fixed on the terrified expressions of the explorers as they struggle to avoid falling into the void.
Suddenly, a mysterious figure appears out of nowhere, grabbing Jake and pulling him towards the edge of the sinkhole.
JAKE: (screaming) Help me! Somebody help me!
LUCAS and DR. SARAH run towards Jake, trying to save him from the figure’s grip.
CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE – DAY
As the camera zooms out, we see the helicopter pilot frantically trying to take off, but the vehicle is being pulled down by an unseen force.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2:
INT. JEN’S APARTMENT – DAY
Jen is frantically packing her bags, throwing clothes, toiletries and other items into a suitcase. She seems to be in a hurry, pausing for only a few seconds to take a sip of water before continuing to pack.
JEN
(to herself)
I can’t believe this is happening. I never thought I’d have to leave like this.
Her phone rings and she quickly answers.
JEN
(into phone)
Hello?
CALLER
(o.s.)
Jen, it’s me, Adam.
JEN
(nervously)
Adam, hi, what’s going on?
ADAM
(o.s.)
Jen, listen to me, it’s not safe for you to stay in the city anymore. You have to leave.
JEN
(panicked)
What are you talking about? Why is it not safe? Adam, please, you’re scaring me.
ADAM
(o.s.)
I can’t explain everything right now, but trust me, you need to get out of there. I’ve arranged for a car to pick you up in 10 minutes. It will take you to the airport, where you’ll board a flight to a safe location.
Jen looks around the apartment, then nods her head.
JEN
(resigned)
Okay, I trust you. I’ll be ready.
She hangs up the phone and continues packing, moving even faster now.
CUT TO:
EXT. JEN’S APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
A black SUV pulls up outside the building. The driver steps out and nervously looks around before opening the back door.
INT. SUV – DAY
Jen climbs into the back seat of the SUV, where she finds Adam waiting for her.
ADAM
(smiling reassuringly)
Hey, you made it.
JEN
(looking around nervously)
What’s going on, Adam? Why is this happening?
ADAM
(sighing)
It’s complicated. But the important thing is that you’re safe now.
Jen nods her head, then looks out the window as the SUV pulls away from the curb.
JEN
(whispering to herself)
Please let this be over soon.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3:
INT. HARRY’S OFFICE – DAY
Harry sits at his desk, pouring over paperwork in a cramped office. He looks up at the sound of a knock on the door.
HARRY: Come in.
Lena, his assistant, enters the room.
LENA: You have a call on line one, Harry. It’s the mayor.
Harry puts down his pen and picks up the phone.
HARRY: Mayor, what can I do for you?
MAYOR: Harry, thank god you answered. We’ve got a situation on our hands.
HARRY: What’s going on?
MAYOR: There’s been a break-in at the Natural History Museum. I think you know what that means.
HARRY: I’ll be there in ten.
Harry hangs up the phone and grabs his coat as Lena hands him his hat.
LENA: Be careful, Harry.
HARRY: Always am.
Harry rushes out of the room and down the hallway. Lena watches him go with a worried expression on her face.
Scene 4:
INT. RESISTANCE HQ – DAY
The Resistance HQ is a dimly lit basement with scattered piles of weapons and equipment in the corners. A group of people sits around a table in the center of the room. SARAH, a young and determined woman, stands at the head of the table with a map of the city in front of her.
SARAH: “Alright, we know the aliens are attacking the city in waves. Our mission is to take them out before they can cause too much damage. Any suggestions?”
JIM, a grizzled veteran, speaks up.
JIM: “We need to take out their ships. Without those, they’re just sitting ducks.”
SARAH nods in agreement.
SARAH: “Agreed. But we need to be careful. We don’t know how many of them are out there, and we don’t know what kind of weapons they have. Any ideas on how we can take them out?”
MAX, a tech-savvy teenager, speaks up.
MAX: “I’ve been working on a new EMP device. It should be able to take out their ships’ electronic systems, rendering them powerless.”
SARAH: “That’s great, Max. Do you have a prototype ready?”
MAX nods and pulls out a small device from his backpack.
MAX: “Right here.”
SARAH inspects the device.
SARAH: “Alright, Jim and his team will provide cover. Max, you’re with me. Let’s move out.”
The group nods and starts to gather their weapons, preparing for the mission.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5:
INT. THE RESISTANCE HIDEOUT – DAY
The Resistance members sit around a table, looking weary and disheartened. Mac, the teenage conspiracy theorist, slams his fist on the table.
MAC:
We can’t give up now. We have to keep fighting!
ALICE, a retired magician, speaks up.
ALICE:
Mac is right. We can’t let the Martians win. But we need to come up with a new strategy.
Suddenly, the room is filled with a blinding light. The members shield their eyes and look towards the source – a hologram of a figure appears before them.
HOLOGRAM FIGURE:
Greetings, Resistance. I am the keeper of the ultimate weapon.
The members exchange skeptical looks.
ALICE:
And who, exactly, are you?
HOLOGRAM FIGURE:
I am the last of an ancient race. My people created the ultimate weapon to fight against threats such as the Martians.
MAC:
And you’re just now telling us about this?
HOLOGRAM FIGURE:
I have been watching you, Resistance. You have proven yourselves to be formidable opponents of the Martians. I believe you are the only ones who can wield this weapon and emerge victorious.
The Resistance members exchange glances, unsure if they can trust this mysterious figure.
ALICE:
How do we know we can trust you?
HOLOGRAM FIGURE:
You have no other choice. The Martians are too powerful for conventional weapons. This is your only chance.
The hologram disappears, leaving the members to contemplate their next move.
Scene Six:
INT. APARTMENT – NIGHT
We see Tony sleeping on the couch. His phone vibrates on the table, waking him up. He rubs his eyes and picks up the phone.
TONY: (half asleep) Hello.
DAVE: (on the phone) Hey man, sorry to wake you up.
TONY: (yawning) It’s okay. What’s up?
DAVE: Have you heard from Emily today?
TONY: (sitting up) No, why?
DAVE: She didn’t show up for work and she’s not answering her phone.
TONY: (concerned) That’s not like her. Let me try calling her.
Tony dials Emily’s number but it goes straight to voicemail.
TONY: (worried) Her phone is off.
DAVE: (getting anxious) Should we go check on her?
TONY: (nodding) Yeah, let’s go.
Tony quickly gets dressed and they head out the door. As they exit the building, they see a group of people huddled around a TV in a shop window. They stop to see what’s happening.
NEWS ANCHOR (on TV): (reporting) …and in other news, the city continues to be plagued by a wave of violent crimes. The police have released a statement urging residents to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity.
TONY: (shocked) What the hell is going on?
DAVE: (scared) I don’t know, man. Let’s get to Emily’s place.
They hurry down the street, avoiding groups of people who seem to be running in panic. As they approach Emily’s building, they see that the front door is broken and hanging off its hinges. They cautiously enter the building.
END OF SCENE.
Scene 7:
INT. UNDERGROUND FACILITY – NIGHT
The Resistance members sneak into the underground facility, wary of any booby traps or alarms. They move silently through the darkened halls, led by the teenage conspiracy theorist, Max.
MAX
(whispering)
This way, guys. The weapon should be just up ahead.
They round a corner and come face-to-face with a group of Martian soldiers, armed to the teeth.
MARTIAN SOLDIER
Halt! Identify yourselves.
The Resistance members freeze, unsure of what to do next. Suddenly, the retired magician steps forward, holding out his hands in a show of surrender.
MAGICIAN
We come in peace.
The Martian soldier eyes the group suspiciously, but after a moment, he motions for them to follow him.
MARTIAN SOLDIER
Come with me. The Ambassador wishes to speak with you.
The Resistance members exchange worried glances, but they have no choice but to follow the Martian soldier deeper into the facility.
Scene 8:
INT. MARTIAN MOTHERSHIP – DAY
The Ambassador stands at the head of a long table, flanked by several Martian soldiers. The Resistance members are brought before him, their hands bound with energy shackles.
AMBASSADOR
Welcome, humans. It seems we have much to discuss.
MAX
(angrily)
What do you want from us? Why did you attack Earth?
AMBASSADOR
(smiling)
Oh, we didn’t attack Earth. We merely eliminated a threat. Your government was preparing to launch a full-scale nuclear attack on us. We had to act first.
MAGICIAN
(disbelieving)
That’s impossible. We would never…
AMBASSADOR
(interrupting)
Would never what? You humans are so predictable. So violent. So… primitive.
The Ambassador leans forward, studying the Resistance members with interest.
AMBASSADOR
But you, Max. You are different. You have intelligence. Creativity. Maybe… potential.
MAX
(defiantly)
I’ll never help you. I’ll never betray my own kind.
The Ambassador smiles, but his eyes betray a hint of anger.
AMBASSADOR
Pity. You could have been so much more.
The Ambassador nods to the soldiers, who move to lead the Resistance members away. Just before they leave, Max turns to face the Ambassador one last time.
MAX
(spitting)
Go to hell.
The Ambassador’s smile fades, replaced by a look of pure malice.
AMBASSADOR
(smiling)
Oh, my dear Max. You have no idea.
The Resistance members are led away, leaving the Ambassador alone to plan his next move.
The setting shifts to a sleek, modern office building downtown. We see a beautiful woman in her early 30s, SARAH, sitting at a desk with a large window overlooking the cityscape. She is wearing a sharp suit and has a no-nonsense expression on her face. Sarah is a successful lawyer, and we see from her office that she has achieved great financial success.
Suddenly, Sarah’s phone rings, and she answers it with a curt “Hello?” A voice on the other end of the line speaks, and Sarah’s expression changes from one of indifference to one of shock.
Sarah: “What do you mean he’s missing?”
The voice on the other end of the line is inaudible to us, but we can see that Sarah is becoming increasingly agitated.
Sarah: “Yes, of course I’ll help. I’ll be there in an hour.”
As Sarah hangs up the phone, we see her face contort with concern. It’s clear that she has received news that has shaken her to her core.
Cut to: The inside of a run-down bar on the outskirts of town. We see a group of rough-looking men gathered around a table, shouting and laughing. One of them, JACK, is a scruffy-looking man in his mid-40s, with a greasy ponytail and a stubbly beard. Jack is drunk, and he’s waving a gun around, pointing it at the other patrons of the bar.
Jack: “I’m not afraid to use this thing, you hear me?”
The other patrons cower in fear, and the bartender is on the phone, presumably calling the police.
Suddenly, the door of the bar bursts open, and Sarah enters, looking resolute. She approaches Jack with a calm but firm demeanor.
Sarah: “Jack, put the gun down. Let’s talk about this.”
Jack: “Stay back, Sarah. I know what you’re here for.”
Sarah: “I’m here to help you, Jack. You just need to put the gun down.”
Slowly but surely, Sarah manages to talk Jack down, and he eventually relinquishes the gun. The police arrive and arrest Jack without incident.
As Sarah exits the bar, we see her looking relieved but also troubled. It’s clear that this was not the first time she’s had to deal with situations like this.
As Carl and Emily leave the nightclub, they walk down the quiet street towards Emily’s apartment. The night air is fresh, and the streetlights flicker overhead. Emily looks at Carl and says, “Thank you for walking me home. I had a great time tonight.”
Carl smiles and replies, “I had a great time too. You know, it’s not every day that I get to meet such a beautiful, funny, and intelligent woman.”
Emily giggles and playfully nudges his arm. “Stop it, you’re making me blush,” she says.
As they approach the entrance to Emily’s apartment building, Carl turns to her and says, “Can I see you again? Maybe we can grab dinner tomorrow night?”
Emily smiles and nods. “I’d like that,” she says. “I’ll text you the details tomorrow.”
Carl leans in and gives Emily a gentle kiss on the cheek, making her heart flutter. He watches her enter the building, and then heads back to his own apartment, feeling hopeful about what the future might hold.
As he walks down the street, he sees a shadowy figure lurking in the alleyway, watching him. The figure seems to be wearing a hooded cloak, and Carl can’t make out their face.
Suddenly, the figure steps out of the darkness and confronts Carl. “Give me your wallet,” the figure demands, brandishing a knife.
Carl freezes in fear, not sure what to do next.
