Bedaya - TV pilot

BEDAYA

Written by Mohammed Isa

Mohd.h.aai@gmail.com Copyright protected with Myows OW #182205

FADE IN: EXT. TRIBAL LANDS Orange snow falls on the decrepit homes of the Tribal Lands... The height of these humble makeshift dwellings barely exceeds one story buildings...

Every structure here is an amalgamation of faded and torn carbon fiber that has seen the worst of conditions... There is no wood, concrete, plastic, or any other material of any kind in sight...

The orange sky and snow make it impossible to tell if it’s day or night...

There are no traces of plant or animal life, just the contrast of carbon fiber homes erected on arid desert...

EXT. SHIM HAYET'S DWELLING TWO LA ZAWANEER CIVILIAN PASSERSBY exit the dwelling...

Every inch of their body is covered under their one-layer carbon fiber outfits... Their full head masks cover their nose and mouth... You can only see their eyes behind the mesh...

They speak in Dhafi, the common tongue of the Tribal Lands...

LA ZAWANEER PASSERBY #1 Looks like it’ll be heavy winter now.

LA ZAWANEER PASSERBY #2 It will be a hard walk back home to our tribe. Better hurry.

He glances at the dwelling behind him...

LA ZAWANEER PASSERBY #2 (CONT'D) Shim Hayet got his tale. No reason for us to stay in these dreaded La Shimshaaq lands any longer.

They walk away...

INT. SHIM HAYET'S DWELLING SHIM HAYET, an extremely old man with a wizard’s hair and beard, is hunched on the floor...

2

With a carbon fiber knife in hand, he is carving something at the end of a long line of symbols that are unfamiliar to us... They must be equations of some kind...

The whole place is covered in them, carved patiently over many years...

His eyes, though tired, are wide open as he continues jamming his knife into the floor...

He stops... stands up... and steps back...

Now he can see the full view...

Four symbols under each other at the end of the last equation... They look similar to coordinates...

He looks down at his palm...

The same exact coordinates on the floor have been carved into his hand...

SHIM HAYET I found it... I found it!

He grabs his mesh mask and rushes out the door...

EXT. SHIM HAYET'S DWELLING Shim Hayet treads in the snow, ploughing forward as fast as his old body allows him...

In a matter of a second, the heavy orange snow abruptly stops, immediately replaced by heavy orange RAIN AND THUNDER...

He lets out an OMINOUS COUGH... His days must be numbered...

He keeps treading forward, not registering the atmospheric change around him...

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - SAFEGUARDS COURT SHIM BISMAAT, SHIM YULYAAR, and SHIM KILMAAL, Shimshaaq military figures, all old, sit next as a panel of judges would... Unlike civilian their outfits feature additional carbon fiber are THE SAFEGUARDS...

three La to each other tribal members, layers... They

In front of them stands TAN MIN, a young and healthy La Shimshaaq civilian... He looks dejected...

3

A few paces behind him stands his wife, YOMRA holding the hand of their little boy, ROR MIN, nervously looking on...

SHIM BISMAAT Tan Min, we already explained this to you before. He is military. You are only a civilian.

TAN MIN But it's going too far. He's come into our home more than once. He helps himself to whatever food and drink we have. He sits there, sometimes, he sleeps there. He is stealing my home. I fear for the safety of my family.

SHIM BISMAAT (clears throat) He is very wrong to do that. Very, very wrong. Unfortunately, we can't do anything about that. It's well within his right as La Shimshaaq military to seek refuge and nourishment wherever he finds them.

SHIM YULYAAR Fighting takes a toll on the body.

Our warriors need all the sustenance they can find.

TAN MIN Then, you can increase our rations.

I don't mind accommodating him if we have enough for him and my family.

SHIM YULYAAR Only families with military members receive additional rations. You know this too.

TAN MIN So this is it? There is no end to our suffering?

SHIM BISMAAT Our hands are tied.

SHIM YULYAAR Of course, there is one way...

Tan Min braces himself, he knows what's coming...

4

SHIM YULYAAR (CONT'D) It's what we've told you every time you've come to stand before us.

You're still a strong and young man, Tan Min. You would be a great addition to the mighty force of La Shimshaaq.

TAN MIN You want me to join your military.

SHIM KILMAAL (disruptive) We want you to think of your family.

Tan Min is taken aback...

SHIM KILMAAL (CONT'D) A man like the one haunting your home will never stop. Once your rations are finished, what do you think he will do? What will happen when he starts feeling lonely in that bed of yours? Stop thinking about what he can take from you, and start thinking about who he can take.

The Safeguards glance at Yomra with a knowing smirk...

Tan Min looks back at his wife and child, broken...

SHIM BISMAAT Being a La Shimshaaq soldier means no one can intimidate you. You will be a warrior of the most powerful tribe in the Lands.

SHIM YULYAAR You will get extra rations, protection.

SHIM KILMAAL And you won't even need to come and belittle yourself in front of us every time you need something.

You'll be respected. Your family will be respected.

The SOUND OF STEADY RHYTHMIC CLAPPING starts to fill the atmosphere...

Tan Min closes his eyes, defeated...

5

LA SHIMSHAAQ JUDGE #3 (O.S.) Protect your family. Put on the layers of honor. We assure you, your courage will be rewarded.

The RHYTHMIC CLAPPING QUICKENS, INTENSIFYING...

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - ROYAL COURT HANDS CLAPPING IN EXTREMELY INTENSE RHYTHM...

They are the BOWWAREEN, the Bow-Shaaq ceremony performers...

The six of them stand in two rows, three in each one, facing each other as they continue their ominous clapping...

A CIVILIAN AWAITING VERDICT stands between the two rows, bullets of sweat falling down his face... His terrified eyes wandering left and right in anticipation...

Directly behind him stands the muscular executioner, SHAQQAR, his blood-stained mask covering his nose and mouth, but not his steely eyes... He holds a large, blood-stained carbon fiber sword pointed at the civilian's back, ready to penetrate...

Sitting on the throne a few steps away from this spectacle is SHIM NISHTAR, the leader of La Shimshaaq... He is old but strong, with a luxurious beard... His carbon fiber sword rests by his side... His missing right arm somehow adds to his menace...

Sitting next to him is his advisor, KULLAM... A man of cunning looks but his age is hard to tell... Unlike the rest, his outfit is one all-black layer...

Shim Nishtar stares down at the trembling civilian with ice in his veins, unfazed by the thunderous rhythmic clapping engulfing the court...

The CLAPPING STOPS. SHIM NISHTAR (Dhafi word for 'execute') Shaaq.

Shaqqar's sword pierces through the civilian's back, bursting out of his chest and pulling back out of his body in one swift move... A lightning fast execution that can be missed in the blink of an eye...

The civilian drops to the floor...

6

The Bowwareen drag his body away...

Shaqqar rubs his sword against the ground... The fresh red almost matches the stained one lining the court’s floor...

This execution was one of many...

He stands back in his position, ready for the next victim...

Bow.

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) (Dhafi word for 'next')

The Bowwareen are about to escort another CIVILIAN into the court when Shim Hayet barges in towards Shim Nishtar...

SHIM HAYET I found it! I found it!

Two of the performers grab hold of Shim Hayet and pull him back...

Behind him is JAWWARA, a precocious teenage girl with a resolute demeanor... She’s watching with caution, but not fear... In her hands are a number of carbon fiber slides containing parts of those long equations which must have been cut from Shim Hayet’s home...

SHIM NISHTAR (there will be no mercy) Shim Hayet, have you lost your mind? You know no one’s allowed to interrupt the Bow-Shaaq.

SHIM HAYET I found it! I found it!

SHIM NISHTAR Found what?

He holds his carved palm up high for all to see...

Shamseen.

SHIM HAYET

This stuns the court into an eerie silence...

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - ROYAL COURT Shim Hayet stands in front of Shim Nishtar and Kullam, both appear to be overwhelmed with this revelation...

Jawwara stands behind Shim Hayet, still holding on to those slides...

7

Shaqqar and the Bowwareen are in their “standby” positions, a bit further from the royal chairs but still within hearing distance of the royals...

SHIM NISHTAR So... Shamseen does exist after all. Who would have thought all those children’s stories about the desert planet were true?

KULLAM We should never have doubted the wisdom of the old Great Minds.

He looks at Shim Hayet, standing proudly...

KULLAM (CONT'D) Those numbers on your palm, you are certain that's where the planet lies?

SHIM HAYET Without the right equipment, no one can be completely certain. These coordinates are derived from my mind and its memory of all theSHIM NISHTAR But you’re saying it’s likely that they’re correct?

SHIM HAYET There's... a chance.

SHIM NISHTAR How much of a chance?

SHIM HAYET To represent it as a percentage...

Shim Nishtar GRUNTS, causing Kullam to intervene...

KULLAM Shim Hayet, it is understandable that the most complex things in life come easily to you, but you have to remember that we are not versed in the language of Great Minds...

Shim Hayet is lost...

8

KULLAM (CONT'D) (let me spell it out for you) Show us with your fingers.

A hesitant Shim Hayet raises 4 fingers... and lets out a worrying COUGH...

In dramatic fashion, Shim Nishtar raises one... two... three... four fingers...

SHIM NISHTAR You came rushing here to tell me that your chance of success can be counted on my one remaining hand?

Shim Nishtar bursts into LAUGHTER, the noise muffling Shim Hayet's horrid COUGHING FIT...

KULLAM Shim Hayet is the most brilliant mind in the Tribal Lands. He wouldn’t interrupt our sacred ritual if he didn’t think it was worth the risk. Perhaps, we are asking him the wrong questions?

Kullam looks at Shim Nishtar, awaiting approval...

A bored Shim Nishtar waves for him to proceed...

KULLAM (CONT'D) How did you come to this number?

SHIM HAYET I have dedicated my whole life to unlocking the secrets of the black skies. But I could never see them through the orange skies. So, I did the only thing I can do...

He extends his hand to Jawwara... She steps forward, handing him the slides...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) I looked to those children’s tales as you called them. I spent all my years carving them down...

He holds up the slides...

9

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) Every tale of every planet ever told, and the universe where they take place, it’s all here. Then, I started eliminating the ones that seemed wrong...

He starts tossing the slides away one by one...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) Ones that were only told once...

Ones that give two different locations of the same planet...

Ones told by those who seem to lack understanding of human nature...

Ones that were clearly just lies...

He runs out of slides...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) Until I was left with the ones that had the same planet in the same place. Every breath that ever spoke of these tales, from the nearest to the furthest ends of the Tribal Lands, had this planet in the same coordinates...

He holds his palm up, revealing the coordinates again...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) This could be where Shamseen lies.

You will say it’s a small chance, but you don’t need to be a Great Mind to know the difference between this chance... (holds four fingers up) And this one... (makes a fist to indicate zero) Kullam is impressed...

He looks to Shim Nishtar, who doesn’t seem to share the same sentiment...

KULLAM Well, Shim Hayet. You never cease to impress. It’s been said there are more tales of the black skies than any man can count. Yet, here you are.

10

Kullam catches Jawwara staring at him with piercing eyes...

She averts her gaze...

KULLAM (CONT'D) I see you brought your servant with you.

SHIM HAYET Jawwara is not my servant. She’s my assistant.

SHIM NISHTAR Assistant? She can’t have seen more than sixteen cycles in her whole life!

Fifteen...

SHIM HAYET

A leery smile draws on Shim Nishtar’s face as he strokes his luscious beard...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) But she’s very bright for her age.

KULLAM She’s not one of ours, is she? What tribe are you from, little girl?

La Shibt.

JAWWARA

SHIM NISHTAR Hah! Probably a spy from Shibt Wannar. He wouldn’t be above using little girls in his games.

SHIM HAYET She is no spy. She has been my right hand ever since she was a child. Her knowledge of the skies is almost as good as mine. She will make quite the Great Mind one day.

He looks back at her and smiles warmly... The love of a caring father...

KULLAM Strange that you’ve never told us this before. You just let us assume she was still your servant. Worried that we’d steal her from you?

Shim Hayet looks flustered...

11

KULLAM (CONT'D) I’m only joking, of course. We will discuss what we will do about Shamseen. Thank you for your loyalty, Shim Hayet. Your courage will be rewarded.

Shim Hayet and Jawwara exit the court...

SHIM NISHTAR He may be an old fool but his fire burns bright. He is a true La Shimshaaq.

EXT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - GATE More ORANGE RAIN AND THUNDER...

Shim Hayet and Jawwara, now wearing their carbon fiber mesh masks, exit the palace...

He puts his hand on the mask and lets out a HORRENDOUS COUGH... She holds him steady...

He looks down at his palm...

Droplets of blood now covering the coordinates... His time may have come...

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - ROYAL COURT A contemplating Kullam paces along the court’s floor...

Shim Nishtar still hasn’t moved... In front of him now is a tray containing grey cubic rations of unknown nutrients...

He takes a fistful and gulps them down as his eyes follow Kullam along...

It doesn’t take long for his thin patience to run out...

What?

SHIM NISHTAR (you win)

KULLAM Just wondering... what good is it to be the most dominant tribe in a dead world full of dead people?

SHIM NISHTAR So you believe Shim Hayet.

12

KULLAM What if he’s right? What if Shamseen is there, just waiting for the first tribe to claim it?

SHIM NISHTAR Even if he was right, what do you expect me to do? Grow flying arms and carry my people there like the tale of the Wandering Barkaz? We don’t have the flying machines our ancestors had.

KULLAM There is another way...

Kullam sits down again...

KULLAM (CONT'D) We can build a machine of our own.

SHIM NISHTAR You, more than I, know that we don’t have the materials or the people with the knowledge to build one of those things.

KULLAM We, La Shimshaaq, don’t. But the Tribal Lands do. Combined, there are many Great Minds who are capable of building such a machine.

SHIM NISHTAR The other tribes are not stupid enough to hand over their Great Minds to the enemy. Battles may not be fought like they used to, but don’t forget, we are supposed to be at war.

Kullam is elsewhere... An idea must have occurred to him...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) Our tribes were never the sort to work well with others. The closest we got was when our fathers made that damned Peace Accord. And we all know how that died its death.

KULLAM Then perhaps it's time to resurrect it.

13

Shim Nashtar's features take a sharp turn, going from incredulity to rage...

SHIM NISHTAR (remember who you work for) Kullam. I respect you enough as my advisor to let you step a little outside your limits, but if you go too far, I won't hesitate to cut you into a thousand pieces and line the floor of this court with your remains.

KULLAM (you don’t scare me) My job is to tell you how you can go far as a leader, and to do that, I have to go far as an advisor. And I have helped you get very far by doing that, as I'm sure you have admitted in the past.

Shim Nishtar gets a grip on his anger, though still unconvinced...

SHIM NISHTAR That accord was the worst thing that ever happened to our tribe.

The lies... The backstabbing... It tore these lands apart and put La Shimshaaq at risk of losing its power.

His fingers start caressing the handle of the sword by his side...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) My father drove his sword into my grandfather’s heart so we’d be set free from its curse. I won't be the one to take us back to that.

KULLAM You won't. You will take us to greater things. Your legacy is built on crushing great enemies.

What could be a greater enemy than death? You will live on as a legend in people’s tales. The La Shimshaaq who saved us all by defeating death itself.

Shim Nishtar is listening...

14

KULLAM (CONT'D) And we haven’t even considered the worst. If you pass on Shamseen, what makes you sure that La Hedsh or La Shibt won’t take it upon themselves to get there? If they arrive there first, it will be the end of us.

SHIM NISHTAR They can't. We have the greatest mind in the Tribal Lands.

KULLAM But you said it yourself. Spies are among us. That little girl could be telling Shibt Wannar about this as we speak. And who’s closer to Shim Hayet than her?

Shim Nishtar strokes his beard... Kullam is getting through...

KULLAM (CONT'D) The truth is, we don’t have a choice in the matter.

What?

SHIM NISHTAR

KULLAM You are bound by the La Shimshaaq creed to claim every territory as your own. Isn’t that the motto?

‘What’s yours is ours, what’s ours is sacred’?

SHIM NISHTAR Shamseen is not a territory yet.

For all we know, it could just be a dream inside that old fool’s head.

KULLAM It’s a dream inside all of our heads. That’s what makes it dangerous. It doesn’t matter if Shamseen is up there or not, they will move as if it is. You’re willing to risk the other tribes seeing you left behind in the race?

Shim Nishtar is in serious reflection now... This has finally sunk in...

15

KULLAM (CONT'D) No. We don’t have a choice in the matter. We must make the first move. Accords for peace may not be an option, but we can make one for something we all desperately want.

It’s time for the Future Accord.

INT. TU'TU'S FAMILY'S DWELLING TU'TU', young lanky simpleton, and JIBJOOB, young overweight mouth-breather, sit next to each other... They look guilty and embarrassed...

MEE'AH, short mother with fiery personality, berates them at the top of her lungs...

MEE'AH What do I do with you?! Tell me, what do I do with you?! Why do you do this to me all the time?!

Tu'Tu' and Jibjoob hang their heads in shame, nothing to say...

Behind Mee'ah stands Tu'Tu's father, MU’MU’, eyes of a man who resigned to fate long ago, quietly standing by as his wife furiously rants...

Next to him stands SHIBT MALMAR, a man whose prestige can be felt by his mere presence and distinguished features...

He seems extremely agitated, eyeing Tu'Tu' and Jibjoob with disdain...

MEE'AH (CONT'D) Who does this? Who hides in other people's dwellings?!

SHIBT MALMAR They didn't just hide at the dwelling, they also ate from the rations there. Well, one of them ate...

Jibjoob rubs his neck, embarrassed...

SHIBT MALMAR (CONT'D) Those were my nephew's rations.

He's Shibt military and he won't like hearing this once he's back.

16

MEE'AH Did you hear that? Now, you've done it! Apologize to the good man!

TU'TU' (sincere) We're really sorry. We didn't mean to cause all this trouble. My brother got hungry. He couldn't control himself. We really didn't mean it.

Jibjoob nods in agreement...

MEE'AH Please forgive them. They are still young and don't know any better. I promise, I will punish them as they deserve.

MU’MU’ Yes, she will teach them.

SHIBT MALMAR (As if Mu’Mu’ never spoke) Liars! I know about you two!

Everyone around these parts know about Tu'Tu’, the no good La Booz trouble maker! And your friend here, whatever his name was. You've been scrounging off of other people's good fortune for too long.

Well, your reign of terror ends with me.

This ominous threat fills the atmosphere with tense anticipation...

SHIBT MALMAR (CONT'D) I'll make sure you get the punishment you deserve. You wait until my nephew comes back from his shift, then it's straight to a military trial with you two!

Everyone is stunned by the announcement...

MEE'AH No! Please, I'm begging you, don't!

They will kill them! Please, look at them! They're not made for such harsh punishments! They'll never survive!

17

SHIBT MALMAR Perhaps if they weren't so over protected, they wouldn't be so weak. La booz. Hah! MEE'AH No! Please! Please!

Mee'ah tries to grab hold of him, but he pushes her away, sending her crashing down to the ground...

Mee'ah!

Ooma!

MU’MU’

TU'TU' (Dhafi word for 'mother')

Shibt Malmar storms out amid her crying...

She pummels her head in agony as her family is gathered around her, trying to console her...

MEE'AH You've done it now! You've done it now!

Tu'Tu' starts crying... Jibjoob holds his head in stunned silence...

Catastrophe has befallen the family...

INT. TAN MIN'S DWELLING Tan Min sits across from his wife, Yomra at the table...

The silence is heavy...

TAN MIN It's for the best. More rations, real protection. We'll finally be at peace.

YOMRA Peace? There's no peace for me knowing I can lose you at any day.

TAN MIN That won't happen.

18

YOMRA You will be military. In La Shimshaaq. You know what that means.

TAN MIN Being a soldier is not what it used to be. When was the last time we had a real war? Military men these days get all the perks without having to get their hands dirty.

You know that.

YOMRA I know what La Shimshaaq are like.

Killing is in their blood. You will be surrounded by people like Shim Nishtar. Don't tell me not to worry. I will worry about losing my husband.

He holds her hands...

TAN MIN Yomra. You know me. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think it was the only choice.

YOMRA Yes, I know that. Just... just promise me that you'll be careful.

TAN MIN Always. I promise.

They share a smile until...

FRONT DOOR SLAMS A BOORISH LA SHIMSHAAQ SOLDIER strolls past them, as if they're invisible, and goes into their bedroom...

BEDROOM DOOR SLAMS TAN MIN (CONT'D) (whispers) My initiation ritual begins in my after-sleep. Soon, all our problems will go away... forever.

Tan Min stares at the shut bedroom door, evil intensions brewing...

19

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - SHIM ARTAR’S DWELLING - BEDROOM SIM HARRAYA, a young attractive brunette, is naked, grinding on top of SHIM ARTAR, young fit man...

The flat surface of the carbon fiber bed makes a HARSH NOISE as beads of sweat drip down her back...

She’s pure evil as she holds down his moving arms, enjoying being on top and in control... grinding faster and faster...

He finishes... She lets go of him and lies by his side...

SHIM ARTAR (catching his breath) Had I known, I would have married you sooner.

SIM HARRAYA Had you married me sooner, you would’ve had a child for a bride.

SHIM ARTAR (laughs) True. You are quite the precocious girl.

SIM HARRAYA I do what I need to survive.

SHIM ARTAR Then please keep surviving.

She caresses his chest...

SIM HARRAYA And I do what I need for my Shim Artar to rise.

SHIM ARTAR Not this again...

SIM HARRAYA It’s your destiny to rule this land. You may not see it but I do.

SHIM ARTAR Do you know what my father would do if he knew we’re talking about... this?

SIM HARRAYA Your father wants you to be like this.

(MORE)

20

SIM HARRAYA (CONT'D) The reason why he doesn’t trust you with the big responsibilities is because he thinks you’re soft.

SHIM ARTAR Believe me, he does not think I’m soft. I am commanding his army.

SIM HARRAYA Then he thinks you’re not hard enough. He hasn’t even given you the Bow-Shaaq duty yet.

SHIM ARTAR So what do you want me to do?

SIM HARRAYA Show him what he likes.

Shim Nishtar BARGES IN, unannounced...

Shim Artar quickly throws his outfit on his naked waist...

SHIM NISHTAR Put your layers on and come to the court. There's something important I need to tell you.

Sim Harraya starts putting her outfit back on, but in no real hurry... She doesn't seem to mind Shim Nishtar’s glances at her naked body...

He leaves the room...

Shim Artar tries to get up right away but she holds him back...

SIM HARRAYA Make him wait.

SHIM ARTAR Have you lost your mind? Making Shim Nishtar wait is not a wise thing to do.

SIM HARRAYA He would have made his father wait for him. He'll respect you more if he sees himself in you. Wait, just a few breaths. Then make an entrance. It'll make you the center of attention at his court.

He seems convinced as he starts putting his outfit back on...

21

SHIM ARTAR My little risk taker. I have to be careful. You might just get me in trouble one day.

SIM HARRAYA Or I might just get you to that throne.

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ ROYAL COURT - ROYAL COURT Shim Nishtar and Kullam are sitting, waiting...

Shim Artar finally makes his entrance, fully dressed now...

SHIM NISHTAR It took less time to build the Bawj of Heavens than it took you to put that on.

Shim Artar takes his seat next to his father...

SHIM ARTAR I am here now. What is this important thing you need to tell me?

Shim Nishtar looks to his advisor...

KULLAM Shim Hayet has found Shamseen.

Beat.

SHIM ARTAR Found? Are we talking about the same Shamseen that we tell to children before they sleep? The one that does not exist?

KULLAM That was before Shim Hayet found it. Now, it exists.

SHIM NISHTAR (admiring) The old fool could not be stopped.

SHIM ARTAR And how sure are we that he found it?

22

KULLAM It’s a small chance. But it won’t make a difference. Sooner or later, every tribe will know what we know.

SHIM ARTAR What does that matter? We have the most men.

SHIM NISHTAR We have the most soldiers, not Great Minds. Those are who we need if we want to fly to Shamseen.

This pulls a condescending chuckle out of Shim Artar...

SHIM ARTAR Fly?! Are we supposed to hitch a ride on the back of the Wandering Barkaz?

SHIM NISHTAR (overreaction) Don’t make jokes! This is a serious matter!

Shim Artar’s smirk disappears...

Kullam tries to hide a knowing smile...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) Shim Hayet found the damned planet.

It exists. And it’s our tribe’s last hope to escape this cursed one we’re on. Now, we have to figure out how to get there.

KULLAM We can build a machine similar to the ones our ancestors used. It won’t be as perfect, of course, but it should be able to take us there.

SHIM NISHTAR To build it, we will need all the Great Minds we can find.

SHIM ARTAR That won’t be a problem. I can arrange to have my men sweep the Lands. We will take every Great Mind in sight.

23

SHIM NISHTAR You will do no such thing. The other leaders would kill them before we get there.

SHIM ARTAR Then, what are we going to do?

SHIM NISHTAR I have come to a decision. I will bring back the Accord.

Shim Artar jumps out of his seat...

SHIM ARTAR You will not!

Calm down.

SHIM NISHTAR

SHIM ARTAR You will bring about the end of this tribe!

Sit down.

SHIM NISHTAR

SHIM ARTAR You will besmirch the legacy of my grandfather!

SHIM NISHTAR You have no grandfather! I pulled you out of your dead mother’s hands after I slaughtered her and everyone she knew! The only reason you are part of this tribe is because I had pity on you and took you in! Now, sit down and be quiet or I’ll make sure you reunite with your real family!

DISTANT THUNDER... followed by PITTER-PATTER of rain drops...

It must be winter outside...

The vibe is different in the court now... The silence is charged...

Shim Artar is not happy... but he sits down...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) We will bring back the Accord, but we won’t make the same mistake my grandfather made.

(MORE)

24

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) We will only make the others think they’re our allies so we can keep an eye on them.

KULLAM Having the Accord in place means they can’t keep any Great Mind to themselves. They must share every resource for the good of the Union.

Every Great Mind in the Tribal Lands will be working on this machine.

SHIM NISHTAR And once we arrive at Shamseen, we will do away with the accord and their pathetic tribes.

I see.

SHIM ARTAR

SHIM NISHTAR Does this mean we are blessed with your approval?

SHIM ARTAR I was brought up to believe in the La Shimshaaq creed. ‘What’s yours is ours’. I’m not used to seeing La Shimshaaq avoiding battle.

SHIM NISHTAR We’re not. This is one battle we can’t fight with our swords. We have to do this one with our wits.

KULLAM And we must make the first move right now. We have to send our messengers to the best tribal leaders out there.

SHIM ARTAR So, who are we inviting?

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - GRAND HALL FIFTEEN TRIBE LEADERS AND THEIR ADVISORS sit in a semi-circle arrangement... Each tribe is represented by the unique shapes and colors of their outfits... Only two chairs are vacant...

In this sea of unimportant faces, a few stand out...

25

There is HEDSH GOOL and his advisor HEDSH KAAF, both of extremely old age, recognized by their colorful La Hedsh outfits...

And SHIBT WANNAR and his advisor SHIBT BARKAN, recognized by their heavily patterned and silver monochrome La Shibt outfits... Their matching silver hair and beards make their age ambiguous... Shibt Wannar sits with cheek in hand, bored...

Kullam and Shim Hayet stand to the side behind Shim Nishtar, who is about to address the gathering... He looks at the mumbling group of losers in front of him, unimpressed...

He glances at the two vacant seats... and GRUNTS. The ANNOYING MURMURS STEADILY INCREASE IN VOLUME...

SHIM NISHTAR (shut up and listen) La Shimshaaq has found Shamseen.

This was enough to stop the mumbling outright...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) Shim Hayet, the greatest mind in the Tribal Lands, has found its location in space...

They’re listening now...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) We all know the stories. We all heard the poems about the desert planet. And we know, from the tales of our ancestors, that deserts are where life grows. Every time...

Shim Artar strolls in, stealing the attention away from Shim Nishtar as he heads to his chair...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) Every time when we wake up in our after-sleep, this Earth dies a little more, killing us with it.

THUNDER. CUT TO:

26

EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF TRIBAL LANDS A winter storm is in full effect... Merciless THUNDER and HEAVY RAIN blur Jawwara’s vision through the mesh mask as she treads through the desert...

SHIM NISHTAR (V.O.) The weather changes from burning heat to freezing snow in one breath, and from drowning rain to blinding fog in another...

No hint of Tribal Lands’ structures in sight... She must be far from home...

SHIM NISHTAR (V.O.) It’s choking the life out of this planet. Nothing grows. Nothing will...

She stops to catch her breath...

SHIM NISHTAR (V.O.) The rations under the Safeguards’ watch are growing smaller. Soon, there will be nothing to eat. And everyone in these lands will starve to death. We all knew this was coming...

She finds the strength and continues in her path...

SHIM NISHTAR (V.O.) But now we have hope.

BACK TO: GRAND HALL Shim Nishtar still addressing the crowd...

SHIM NISHTAR Now, we have Shamseen. La Shimshaaq never walked away from a battle.

But this will be a battle of numbers, and we all know that numbers can only be tackled by the Great Minds...

He turns to Shim Hayet...

27

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) Shim Hayet is the most gifted of all, but even he can't do this alone. He will require all the help of the other Great Minds the Lands have to offer. And we, La Shimshaaq... need your trust.

He turns to the audience...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) Which is why, right now, I am announcing the creation of the Future Accord and extending the invitation for all of you to join.

This causes quite a stir among the crowd...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) Together, we will build a flying machine to take us to Shamseen.

TRIBAL LEADER You must be joking!

ANOTHER TRIBAL LEADER The last accord spelled disaster for us!

YET ANOTHER TRIBAL LEADER But Shamseen is just a children’s story!

Only La Hedsh and La Shibt remain composed...

Shim Nishtar is unfazed... His firm grip on his sword’s handle is in clear view of everyone...

The attendees quiet down, perhaps remembering who they are talking to...

SHIM NISHTAR This time, it will be different.

There’s a small chance all this is true but we’re taking it. Join us and your people can go with us on the machine. Otherwise, stay here and rot to death.

Beat.

28

HEDSH GOOL (composed) How can we help you build this machine?

Shim Nishtar gestures for Shim Hayet, who steps forward...

SHIM HAYET We will need two things. Great Minds with knowledge of the skies, and material that was in abundance in the Old Times. We will have to explore every part of the Lands for both, but I am sure there is something out there. You give me that and I will give you the machine.

MURMURS as the leaders and advisors discuss among themselves...

KULLAM I’m afraid we all know ourselves too well. None of us can be trusted to work alone. But under the rules of the Future Accord, we all work together, sharing resources for the good of the Union. No secrets.

Beat.

KULLAM (CONT'D) Those of you who want to join us, stand up and let it be known.

Hedsh Gool and Hedsh Kaaf stand up...

Followed by another tribe... and another... and another...

Everyone is now standing except for Shibt Wannar and Shibt Barkan...

KULLAM (CONT'D) Shibt Wannar. Is there something on your mind?

SHIBT WANNAR Where will you build this machine?

KULLAM It will be quite big, and will need a lot of empty space around it. The best place for it will be Khiltar.

29

SHIBT WANNAR (stoking the fire) Khiltar. That’s one of yours, isn’t it?

KULLAM (please stop stoking the fire) Yes... but we are open to your suggestions.

SHIBT WANNAR Why not the border desert? It belongs to no one. Plenty of open space there.

KULLAM This machine will need many strong bodies to assemble its parts.

Khiltar is closer to our men. They will spend less time travelling.

SHIBT WANNAR And that’s important since you have the most men... of course.

Shim Nishtar GRUNTS...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) We are honored by the invitation, but La Shibt will respectfully decline taking part in this Accord.

We will not stand in the way of it or any other tribe, but we just don’t see the benefit for our people.

KULLAM You don’t see the benefit in helping them stay alive?

SHIBT WANNAR We don’t know if Shamseen will help them stay alive. We don’t even know if it actually exists.

SHIM HAYET It does exist!

SHIBT WANNAR Even if it did, what makes you think it is what we think it is? It could be a place just as bad as this one.

30

No!

SHIM HAYET

SHIBT WANNAR Or it could be ten times worse.

SHIM HAYET (holding in his cough) N... No...

SHIBT WANNAR Are we sure we can even return once we’re there?

Shim Hayet lets out a HORRENDOUS SERIES OF COUGHS...

He’s bent over, clutching his chest...

Kullam holds him up...

KULLAM Are you alright?

Kullam looks at the floor...

Fresh blood...

He leads Shim Hayet to one of the vacant seats and helps him sit down... then walks over to Shim Nishtar, turning their backs to the crowd so they can have a discreet conversation...

KULLAM (CONT'D) (whispers) I’ve been thinking... Perhaps it would be wise to use his assistant.

The little girl from La Shibt.

SHIM NISHTAR You mean the little spy.

KULLAM Maybe she is, maybe she isn’t. Look at him. He can’t have much time left. What choice do we have?

SHIM NISHTAR (loud enough for all to hear) Shim Hayet. Where’s the little girl?

Shim Hayet is taken aback...

31

SHIM HAYET What do you want with her?

SHIM NISHTAR Answer the question!

SHIM HAYET She’s gone missing. I... I don't know where she is.

Shim Nishtar looks at a now flustered Kullam...

He turns his gaze to Shibt Wannar, who is now back to planting his cheek in his palm...

HIM NASHTAR Shibt Wannar! Where is the little girl?

SHIBT WANNAR What little girl?

SHIM NISHTAR Don't lie to me! You’ve seen what I do to the tongues of liars!

SHIBT WANNAR (I'm not lying) What little girl?

KULLAM (on the verge of cracking) The little girl! The little girl who's always by Shim Hayet's side.

She's run away.

SHIBT WANNAR Why would I know about that?

SHIM NISHTAR She's from your tribe, isn’t she?

KULLAM (cracks) We will need her right now! She may be the key to all of this! We cannot get to Shamseen without her!

Shim Hayet LETS OUT ANOTHER HORRENDOUS COUGH...

32

SHIBT WANNAR I don’t know where she is, but we can find her... if it’s that important to you...

Shim Nishtar is fuming...

A LITTLE KNOWN LEADER OF A LITTLE KNOWN TRIBE enters...

LITTLE KNOWN LEADER Shim Nishtar, my apologies for arriving late. I wasSLICE His sentence is left unfinished as his head rolls in the air and lands on the floor...

GASPS from some of the leaders, one or two of which stand up in reflex reaction... But no one from La Hedsh or La Shibt even flinched...

Shim Nishtar storms out to the hallway...

Kullam follows him...

Shim Artar, reluctantly, gets up and follows them...

The other tribes get ready to leave...

SHIBT WANNAR (to Shibt Barkan) Always fun to visit old friends.

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - HALLWAY Shim Nishtar storms through the hallway...

Kullam and Shim Artar catch up with him...

KULLAM We will find her. You have my word.

SHIM NISHTAR Your word? It’s your words that have made a fool out of me.

KULLAM They have not. We are still going to Shamseen.

Shim Nishtar stops in his tracks, facing him...

33

SHIM NISHTAR Shamseen is now in the hands of that imbecile out there. If he finds her, he will have the upper hand. And that’s if he doesn’t even have her already.

KULLAM He wouldn’t dare lie to you.

Shim Nishtar gets uncomfortably close to Kullam, looking him in the eye... His hand steady on his sword’s handle...

SHIM NISHTAR Say that to me again, but leave out the lie this time.

Kullam does not reply, opting to look down at the floor instead...

SHIM NISHTAR (CONT'D) I’m going outside to plunge my sword into someone or something. I don’t wanna hear any of this nonsense when I’m back.

Shim Nishtar walks away...

SHIM ARTAR What about your Bow-Shaaq duty?

SHIM NISHTAR You do it. You’re in charge until I’m back.

He vacates, leaving the two behind...

INT. SHIM ARTAR DWELLING Sim Harraya is standing behind the door, eavesdropping...

She hears APPROACHING FOOTSEPS... and stands back...

Shim Artar enters...

SHIM ARTAR You will not believe what just happened.

SIM HARRAYA I know. I heard everything. This is your chance!

34

SHIM ARTAR My chance for what?

SIM HARRAYA You can finally prove to your father that you are worthy of sitting on that throne.

SHIM ARTAR What do you mean?

SIM HARRAYA Shim Hayet. He is what’s standing between you and your glory.

Shim Artar is lost...

SIM HARRAYA (CONT'D) Can’t you see it? None of the tribes are out there looking for that girl. Why do you think that is?

SHIM ARTAR How did you know about that?

SIM HARRAYA I know everything that happens in this palace. And I know how to get that girl.

How?

SHIM ARTAR

SIM HARRAYA You have to execute Shim Hayet.

What?

SHIM ARTAR

SIM HARRAYA As long as he is alive, the other tribes will think Shamseen belongs to La Shimshaaq. But if you remove him, then they will all be out looking for that girl, hoping she can take them to Shamseen instead.

And when they find her, that’s when you take her by force.

SHIM ARTAR Shim Hayet is a sick, old man. He will die soon anyway.

35

SIM HARRAYA If he dies of old age, then your father will not even think of you.

But if he dies on your orders, your father will see you as the one who saved the tribe.

SHIM ARTAR I can’t just execute him. He’s La Shimshaaq. He needs to be proven guilty of something.

SIM HARRAYA He helped the girl escape.

SHIM ARTAR How do you know?

SIM HARRAYA Because it’s the only thing that makes sense. He’s either hiding her or he helped her escape. Why else would she not be here?

This clicks with him...

SHIM ARTAR Your father left you in charge of the next Bow-Shaaq. This is the only chance you will have to get rid of Shim Hayet. It’s now or never.

SHIM ARTAR (CONT'D) Yes... but Bow-Shaaq ritual stipulates that there must be an advisor present at the ceremony.

Kullam has gone out as well.

She gently places her hands on his cheeks, focusing his attention on her...

SIM HARRAYA Who appoints the advisor?

SHIM ARTAR The leader...

SIM HARRAYA And who’s the leader now?

He smirks...

36

SIM HARRAYA (CONT'D) It’s time you have an advisor who has your interest at her heart.

INT. LA HEDSH PALACE - ROYAL COURT The court is empty aside from Hedsh Gool and Hedsh Kaaf, who sit on the throne and advisor’s chair, respectively... They share a look of deep contemplation...

In front of them is a tray of those cubic rations...

HEDSH GOOL I don’t like this. Something feels strange.

HEDSH KAAF No one could have seen this coming.

Shamseen a real place? A new Accord? Shim Nishtar must have something sinister planned.

HEDSH GOOL Shim Nishtar is a glorified executioner. It’s his advisor, pulling the strings. Still. If they do build the machine and get there, who knows what they will find.

Food? Soil?

Allies?

HEDSH KAAF

That one stung Hedsh Gool the most...

HEDSH GOOL We are second behind him in numbers, which means we’ll be the first tribe in his sight once he’s there. This damn planet will spell the end of La Hedsh.

HEDSH KAAF Perhaps we’re not considering all the options.

HEDSH GOOL He has the most soldiers and soon he will have all the Great Minds.

HEDSH KAAF Not all. There’s that girl, the one from La Shibt.

37

HEDSH GOOL She’s not a Great Mind.

HEDSH KAAF Perhaps not, but she must be extremely valuable for them. You’ve seen the look on Kullam’s face.

HEDSH GOOL That was gratifying.

HEDSH KAAF What if we found her first?

HEDSH GOOL I assure you, every tribe leader out there is having the same thought... but no. She is just one person. We need something more... attainable.

He gets up and grabs one of the cubic rations, his back turned to his advisor...

He crushes it in his hands and lets the powder fall from his palm and onto the floor...

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D) No. Chasing behind La Shimshaaq is no longer an option. Shamseen will be a race, and you cannot win a race without an advantage.

He looks down at the crushed food on the floor, inches away from his boots...

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D) Hedsh Kaaf, do you know why La Shimshaaq are so desperate to find that little girl?

HEDSH KAAF She was a student of Shim Hayet.

She possesses his exceptional knowledge about Shamseen.

HEDSH GOOL No. It’s because despite all our soldiers, and all our Great Minds, and all our rations, she still has the one thing that none of us have...

He sweeps the powder to the side with his boot...

38

A future.

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D)

He turns around, facing Hedsh Kaaf...

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D) The future belongs to the young.

And La Hedsh needs a future.

Hedsh Kaaf is attentive but silent, perhaps a bit nervous of what’s to come...

Hedsh Gool sits back on his throne...

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D) How many people do we have?

HEDSH KAAF Less than La Shimshaaq but more than any other tribe.

HEDSH GOOL But how many?

HEDSH KAAF You are talking about a head count.

We haven’t done that in a long time.

HEDSH GOOL Because you never had a good reason. Now, you do. You will conduct a head count in every one of your after-sleeps. Every man, woman, and child in La Hedsh must be counted.

HEDSH KAAF Those numbers will be too big...

HEDSH GOOL Which is why they will be represented by the numbers of the Old Times. You will need the help of a Great Mind. Hedsh Murr can help you. And he can enlist the help of any other Great Mind. We will reward him and any one he hires with extra rations.

Hedsh Kaaf is lost...

Hedsh Gool stands up... He looks at Hedsh Kaaf, waiting for him to do the same... which he does, though still bemused...

39

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D) (Dhafi word for ‘enter’) Khool!

The gates on both ends of the court open, and in comes a long row of LA HEDSH SOLDIERS from each one...

The right and left rows move in unison while pounding their boots into the ground, creating quite a RHYTHMIC RUCKUS...

This is clearly a La Hedsh ritual...

The two rows of soldiers intertwine, meshing together and forming a triangle pointing towards their leader...

The boot pounding stops... The HEAD SOLDIER at the pointy tip of the triangle takes a step forward, establishing himself as the leader...

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D) Take this message to our people...

I, Hedsh Gool, the leader of La Hedsh, declare that, from this moment forward, all those living in La Hedsh lands must obey the Law of Children. Every man must copulate with every woman until she is with child, by will or by force.

CUT TO: EXT. LA HEDSH ROAD THREE LA HEDSH SOLDIERS have rounded up TWO OLD MEN AND WOMEN, escorting them to a destination... They appear to be complying...

HEDSH GOOL (V.O.) Regardless of age... health...

INT. LA HEDSH DWELLING A MOTHER and her TWO ADULT SONS are huddled together next to a table, waiting in fear...

The door BURSTS open and in comes TWO LA HEDSH SOLDIERS...

HEDSH GOOL (V.O.) Or kinship...

SOLDIER #1 grabs hold of the mother, pushing her back-first onto the table and holding her down... He rips away her clothes...

40

HEDSH GOOL (V.O.) Every family member, neighbor, and citizen must obey this law...

SOLDIER #2 grabs one of the sons and throws him onto his mother... She gently holds his head as they both cry...

He gives the son a push, instructing him to follow through...

The son complies...

HEDSH GOOL (V.O.) Our soldiers will be there to ensure that they do...

Soldier #1, still holding down the mother, looks away... He’s not proud of this...

He sees the other son, hate brewing in his teary eyes...

HEDSH GOOL (V.O.) By any means they deem fit.

The soldier looks down instead... He closes his eyes...

BACK TO: ROYAL COURT Hedsh Gool stands proud...

HEDSH GOOL Under this law, every child born in our land will be awarded military status upon birth, and his or her family will be entitled to extra rations. That is all.

He sits down... Hedsh Kaaf does the same, stunned...

Rooj!

HEDSH GOOL (CONT'D) (Dhafi word for ‘exit’)

The soldiers exit the same way they came in, un-meshing into two rows and pounding their boots until they exit through the gates in each side of the court...

HEDSH KAAF Most of our tribe’s men are old and weak. They are well beyond the age of fertility. Their bodies will not allow them to-

41

HEDSH GOOL Then they can die trying. If Shim Nishtar wants to taunt us with deaths, I will fight him back with births.

Hedsh Gool leaves, heading to the hallways...

Hedsh Kaaf observes him until he disappears... and then runs to one of the gates...

I/E. LA HEDSH PALACE/DESERT YARD At the court’s gate, Hedsh Kaaf composes himself... and exits...

He walks across the court’s desert yard, with the long row of La Hedsh Soldiers standing still at one side...

Each soldier he passes pounds his boot on the sand... Another La Hedsh ritual...

He maintains his composed posture, head held high and chest pointing forward, throughout his trek...

He reaches the small door of a separate, smaller dwelling at the opposite side of the desert yard...

He enters...

INT. LA HEDSH SERVANT QUARTERS This place looks distinctly older than anything else in the palace... The carbon fiber walls looks faded, stained, and worn out...

Hedsh Kaaf closes the door behind him and runs through the narrow hallways...

LA HEDSH FEMALE SERVANT, old, stops walking, stands next to the wall and looks down as he passes by... He doesn’t even register her existence, preoccupied with whatever he is looking for...

He reaches a closed door and grabs the handle...

INT. LA HEDSH SERVANT QUARTERS - LAYLEE’S ROOM Hedsh Kaaf bursts in...

42

LAYLEE, gorgeous young girl of similar age as Jawwara, tender eyes and skin with flowing silky hair, is on her bed... She looks up and smiles, happy to see him...

She can see the fear in his eyes...

Her smile turns into a worried frown...

HEDSH KAAF You’re not safe here. You have to come with me.

LAYLEE What’s wrong?

HEDSH KAAF I don’t have time to explain. You have to come with me now.

He grabs her hand and tries to pull her but she resists...

She stands up and backs away from him...

LAYLEE I’m scared.

Her reaction finally snaps him out of it...

HEDSH KAAF Don’t be. Everything will be fine.

He takes her hand, gently this time, and they sit on the bed...

HEDSH KAAF (CONT'D) It’s Hedsh Gool. He’s... He’s gone mad. He’s about to destroy all our lives. You have to come with me so I can protect you.

LAYLEE Did he find out about us?

HEDSH KAAF No. And he never will.

He looks at her... realizing what she is... A flower in the barren desert...

HEDSH KAAF (CONT'D) You know I love you, Laylee. I would never let any harm come to you. But if you stay here, then I won’t be able to protect you.

(MORE)

43

HEDSH KAAF (CONT'D) I must hide you from this world.

You have to come with me.

He stands up, his hand still holding hers...

Right now.

HEDSH KAAF (CONT'D)

She stands up, clasping his hand tighter...

LAYLEE I’ll go wherever you tell me to go.

As long as I’m with you.

They embrace...

LAYLEE (CONT'D) What about my mother? Will she be safe?

HEDSH KAAF (just realizing) Your mother...

LAYLEE She’ll still be in the servant quarters, won’t she? Is she in danger too? Don’t let any harm come her way. Please! I can’t live without her! Please!

HEDSH KAAF She will be fine. I will see to that. Come.

They exit the room in a hurry...

EXT. LA HEDSH COURT YARD Hedsh Kaaf emerges out of the servant quarters, leading Laylee by the hand to the court’s gate...

He’s pulling her forcefully in full view of the guards...

HEDSH KAAF Come, servant!

He looks to the horizon... He can hear RISING CROWD NOISES coming from the residential dwellings in the distance... The chaos has already started...

44

INT. LA SHIBT COURT Tu'Tu' and Jibjoob stand next to each other, staring at the ground in despair...

Behind them stand the LA BOOZ TRIBE MEMBERS, consisting of the grandfather, LOO’OO, and the three little granddaughters of varying ages, SENSEN, SEE’AH, and SENTEE’AH... Next to them is a crying Mee’ah being consoled by Mu’Mu’...

On the other side stands Shibt Malmar, his typical smug self...

Shibt Wannar and Shibt Barkan sit on their respective thrones... Unlike other leaders and advisors, the space between these two thrones is small, allowing for some discreet conversations between the two...

Shibt Wannar is in deep concentration as he eyes Tu’Tu’ and Jibjoob... He looks uncharacteristically serious...

He gestures for Shibt Barkan to lean closer... His advisor obliges, getting close enough for the two to whisper...

SHIBT WANNAR Who are these people?

SHIBT BARKAN They are the La Booz tribe.

SHIBT WANNAR That’s a tribe? I thought it was a family.

SHIBT BARKAN They are that too. Those nine family members are all that’s left of their tribe.

SHIBT WANNAR And they’re all here? Why? This is the La Shibt court.

SHIBT BARKAN You see those two? It seems they are quite the rabble-rousers.

They’ve been hiding in other people’s dwellings and eating their rations without anyone knowing for a long time.

He points at Shibt Malmar...

45

SHIBT BARKAN (CONT'D) Shibt Malmar over there caught them red handed. And of course, they don’t have a La Booz court or trial or leader, so...

Shibt Wannar gestures for Shibt Malmar to approach...

SHIBT WANNAR Shibt Malmar, I understand those two have been stealing your rations.

SHIBT MALMAR Not mine. They are my nephew’s rations.

SHIBT WANNAR And where is he?

SHIBT MALMAR He is Shibt Military and he is out fulfilling his duties towards the tribe.

SHIBT WANNAR Oh... right... (whispers to Shibt Barkan) What would those be exactly?

His advisor simply smiles and shrugs, far too used to his leader’s nonchalant attitude by now...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) (to Tu’Tu’) You. What’s your name?

Tu’Tu’.

TU’TU’

A SNICKER is heard... One of the guards...

SHIBT WANNAR And I assume that’s your father behind you... What is his name?

Mu’Mu’.

TU’TU’

BURSTS OF LAUGHTER... All the guards...

46

SHIBT BARKAN (firm yet understanding) Quiet.

The laughter stops...

SHIBT WANNAR (to Jibjoob) What about you?

SHIBT BARKAN That one is mute. He’s not really one of them but was adopted by the family.

SHIBT WANNAR (to Tu’Tu’) I’ll spare our soldiers the agony and forgo asking about your brother’s name.

Tu’Tu’ and Jibjoob are far too deep into their hopelessness to register any of this...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) Is it true what Shibt Malmar is saying? You stole his nephew’s rations and hid in his dwelling?

TU’TU’ (broken) Yes...

SHIBT WANNAR Why did you do that?

TU’TU’ We were hungry... and my brother is unhealthy... He needs more rations than normal people... We barely have enough for our family...

SHIBT WANNAR So you decided to hide in that man’s dwelling while he was out on his shift?

TU’TU’ No... he was there too.

Shibt Wannar is taken aback by this...

SHIBT WANNAR He was there?

47

TU’TU’ He had to be there... It was the only way to get his rations without him seeing us...

Go on...

SHIBT WANNAR

TU’TU’ We always follow Shibt soldiers...

They store good amounts of rations... We follow them for a while... They don’t see us but we see them... Then we find the right moment and sneak in... and take from their rations...

SHIBT MALMAR There! He has confessed! I demand the most severe punishment!

SHIBT WANNAR (as if Shibt Malmar never spoke) But how did you hide while he was there?

TU’TU’ Shibt soldiers never look back when they are walking in or out of their dwellings... So it’s easier to sneak in behind them and hide where they can’t see...

SHIBT WANNAR Are you telling me they don’t see you there, inside their own dwelling?

TU’TU’ They always head straight to bed when they’re back from their shift... They don’t care enough to look around... We hide under tables, comfort rooms... Sometimes under their beds while they sleep on it.

SHIBT WANNAR And no one ever saw you sneaking in?

48

TU’TU’ People don’t really see us...even when they’re looking at us...

SHIBT WANNAR Until Shibt Malmar walked in and saw you hiding inside, right?

Tu’Tu’ lowers his head... ashamed...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) How long have you been doing... what you’re doing?

TU’TU’ All our lives...

SHIBT WANNAR So, you’re telling me that you’ve been outwitting our soldiers all this time? Just strolling into their dwellings and taking whatever you want without them even sensing you there?

Tu’Tu’ nods his head...

Shibt Wannar gestures for his advisor to lean in again for more whispering...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) Tell me about La Booz. What happened to them?

SHIBT BARKAN There used to be more, but the rest all died.

From what?

SHIBT WANNAR

SHIBT BARKAN Natural stupidity. Bad luck.

Illnesses. Fights that started with the wrong words. There’s a funny tale about one tripping and falling on his head.

SHIBT WANNAR Mmm. So those two are basically the best chance of survival their tribe has. Sneaking, hiding, and stealing for a living. What a shifty, sneaky pair.

49

He ponders for a moment...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) Tu’Tu’, how would you like to become a member of La Shibt?

This sends ripples of shock throughout the court...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) Same thing for your brother. And your whole family. Would you all like to become La Shibt? You will get the same rations and protection as other members of our tribe.

Tu’Tu’ is exchanging looks with his family, who are all in disbelief...

TU’TU’ Y... Yes. We would.

SHIBT WANNAR I have a task for you. One of our tribe members, a young girl named Jawwara, has run away. She’s most likely heading for the misty border. Find her, bring her back alive and well, and I will reward you by making you and your family part of our tribe.

The La Booz tribe are staring at each other, bewildered...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) Discuss it among yourselves. Go on.

Tu’Tu’, Jibjoob, and the others huddle, whispering next to an extremely unhappy Shibt Malmar...

Shibt Barkan leans in again for more whispering... Shibt Wannar does the same...

SHIBT BARKAN This is a task for our most trustworthy and capable soldiers, not outsiders. And certainly not those two.

SHIBT WANNAR You don't think they will succeed?

50

SHIBT BARKAN Look at them! One looks like he hasn't eaten in days and the other looks like he hasn't gone a day without eating for two! It's a small miracle they made it through enough cycles to be alive today.

SHIBT WANNAR But that's precisely the point.

Anyone who can live in a world ruled by La Shimshaaq while looking like that was built for survival.

He ponders again...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) Tell me, Shibt Barkan, if you were Jawwara, and you look to your right and see a La Shibt soldier approaching, and then look to your left and see those two approaching, which one are you less likely to run away from?

Shibt Barkan smiles, silently admiring his leader’s wisdom...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) What you think are their weaknesses are actually their greatest strengths. They just need the right motivation...

The family is still huddled, discussing...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) If you accept, you will also be supplied with more than enough rations to last you through your journey.

SHIBT MALMAR Shibt Wannar, this is notSHIBT WANNAR Don’t worry, Shibt Malmar, we will replace all your stolen rations.

SHIBT MALMAR But I want them to be punished!

51

SHIBT WANNAR Trust me, if they go on this journey, it will be more than enough punishment for them...

He turns to Tu’Tu’...

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) They will go places that not even our bravest men dare go. They’d be venturing into the unknown where their lives may be at risk at all times... So, have you decided?

TU’TU’ We want to know why you need the girl...

SHIBT WANNAR Why is that important to you?

TU’TU’ We only steal because we’re hungry but we never want to harm anyone...

If you want to find the girl to harm her, then we... we don’t accept...

Shibt Wannar smiles in admiration... He looks at his advisor, who nods his head in agreement...

SHIBT WANNAR She holds knowledge that can save the whole of Tribal Lands. We need to find her and bring her back so we can put her knowledge to good use. I assure you, no one will harm her.

TU’TU’ Yes... we accept.

SHIBT WANNAR Very well. We will prepare your supplies for the journey, but you have to leave soon if you plan to catch up with her. Good luck.

The family embraces...

Shibt Wannar and Shibt Barkan lean in closer for more whispers...

52

SHIBT WANNAR (CONT'D) I mean, even if they don’t find her, think of the look on Shim Nishtar’s face when we tell him we sent our best men after her, then he discovers it’s these two.

Almost on cue, they both break into A HEARTY LAUGH...

CUT TO: INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - SAFEGUARDS COURT Tan Min SCREAMS at the top of his lungs... Sheer agony...

He’s on his knees, stripped to only a small sheet around his waist... His shivering body is covered in welts and stab wounds... He’s breathing heavily...

The three Safeguards stand in observance... Shim Yulyaar holds a carbon fiber sword dripping with blood...

Shim Kilmaal is handed the bloodied sword... He approaches Tan Min, placing the tip of the sword on his shoulder, directly on a large, open wound... And proceeds to insert the sword, slowly...

Tan Min closes his eyes, absorbing the excruciating pain...

I can’t...

You can!

I CAN’T!

TAN MIN SHIM KILMAAL TAN MIN

SHIM KILMAAL You must! You are La Shimshaaq.

Pain is within your control. Your family’s protection is within your control.

Those words are familiar to Tan Min... He opens his eyes...

SHIM KILMAAL (CONT'D) Protect your family. If Tan Min can’t, then Shim Tanmin can.

Tan Min holds back his heavy breathing... He is now still...

53

Shim Kilmaal smiles... He slowly pulls the sword out of the open wound... then JABS it right back in...

Tan Min SCREAMS FOR HIS LIFE... His eyes are bulging out...

He won’t make it...

INT. TAN MIN’S DWELLING - DINING ROOM The Boorish La Shimshaaq Soldier sits at the table, eating out of the family’s ration box...

Yomra and Ror Min stand a few steps away from him, watching helplessly...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK The soldier keeps eating, as if he didn’t hear it...

Ror Min starts heading towards the door and she grabs him...

She nods ‘no’...

KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK...

The soldier stops eating... his anger visibly building up...

KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK...

He sprints up, pushing the chair over and stares at the two...

Yomra and Ror Min stay back... She stands in front of her child, shielding him...

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK The soldier heads to the door... Yomra and Ror Min remain in the room...

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK SOUND OF DOOR OPENING SLICE BEAT. SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS...

The soldier re-enters the room, giving Yomra and Ror Min his back - which now has a large sword sticking out of it...

54

He collapses, revealing Shim Tanmin, dressed in La Shimshaaq military layers, standing in front of him with the sword in hand...

He looks down at the dead soldier...

Then at his terrified wife and child...

He throws away the sword and embraces them...

He looks down at his hand... now soaked in the blood of his victim...

EXT. MISTY BORDERS OF TRIBAL LANDS A thick cloud of orange mist forms a wide and long barrier, completely obstructing view of whatever lies behind it...

Jawwara arrives at the border... She puts down her bag, gently... and brings out an astronaut’s helmet...

Unlike anything ever seen in the Tribal Lands, this helmet is made of plastic and glass...

She holds it in her shaking, wobbly hands, exhausted from the long trek...

She sees her reflection in the glass...

DISSOLVE TO: INT. SHIM HAYET'S DWELLING Jawwara’s reflection in the glass, holding the helmet... This time, she’s not wearing her mesh mask...

She puts the helmet down on the table and turns around to see Shim Hayet sitting down, using a small carbon fiber sheet to wipe the droplets of blood on his hand that seeped through his mask earlier...

JAWWARA They will kill you the first chance they get. You know that, don't you?

SHIM HAYET Why would they kill me? I'm helping their tribe beat the others to Shamseen.

55

JAWWARA They won’t need a good reason to do it. It's just who they are. They're savages who lust for blood.

SHIM HAYET You're not making any sense. I know you didn’t want us to go to him, but you have to believe me when I tell you, Shim Nishtar is our best chance.

JAWWARA Shamseen is our best chance and you’re giving it away. We can finally get rid of him and his murderous soldiers. It was supposed to be a place for people like us.

Don't you want to live in a world where the mind makes the decisions, and not the sword?

SHIM HAYET And how will we get there? We need to build that flying machine and for that, we need resources that only he can give us.

JAWWARA He’s not giving them to us, he’s giving them to himself. Their tribe's entire philosophy is to claim what belongs to others as their own. What do you think will happen to the people of Shamseen the moment he steps foot on it?

SHIM HAYET You are right... but what other choice do we have?

JAWWARA We go beyond the misty border, we find the Barkaz and we fly it to Shamseen.

SHIM HAYET (laughs) Barkaz? Now, that's a children's tale! There is no creature of that size who flies from one planet to the other. Look around you. There's no creature here at all!

56

JAWWARA You based your life's work on those tales. They led you to Shamseen.

SHIM HAYET Some of them. The rest turned out to be myths, fantasy, lies.

JAWWARA We both know of people who crossed that border. What if there is a better world there than here?

SHIM HAYET What if there is a world much worse?

JAWWARA Yes, what if. Isn’t it the duty of a Great Mind to find out?

Shim Hayet smiles, proud of his protégé...

SHIM HAYET Jawwara... did I ever tell you what your name means?

JAWWARA Yes. You once said it's Old Tongue for neighbor.

SHIM HAYET No, that's Jarrah. Jawwara is Old Tongue for a type of precious carbon, much older than ours. It was so rare that our ancestors fought over it. They had to dig deep into the ground to find it, and when they did, it changed the course of their whole lives. That's you. Ashtawatta named you well.

JAWWARA You never told me that before.

SHIM HAYET Consider it your last lesson in Old Tongue. I can tell you’ve learned it well. Just like I can tell, by that stubborn gleam in your eyes, that you're going beyond the border... with or without me.

57

JAWWARA I owe it to our people to try.

SHIM HAYET Yes, I don't doubt that you believe that.

He points to the astronaut’s helmet...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) Take that with you.

Why?

JAWWARA

SHIM HAYET It’s made from material that can resist the harshest of conditions.

Wear it when you’re crossing the border. It’s my greatest find... after Shamseen, of course.

JAWWARA So, you’re still going with Shim Nishtar.

SHIM HAYET We each have our own destiny to fulfill. Yours is behind that border. Mine is with him... You will need a head start before they realize you've disappeared. Go. She takes the helmet and heads towards the door... then looks back at him...

He’s back to COUGHING...

JAWWARA What does Bao-Shaaq mean?

SHIM HAYET It’s from La Shimshaaq’s old military tongue. Shaaq means 'guilty' and Bao means 'innocent'.

JAWWARA No. Bao means 'next'. And Shaaq means 'kill'. It’s an execution ritual.

Shim Hayet is taken aback...

58

SHIM HAYET You're right... I don't know why I forgot that. I don't even remember what the word for 'innocent' was.

JAWWARA They don’t have one... Goodbye, Shim Hayet. I will do my best to get to Shamseen. I just hope you'll be there when I do.

She exits, leaving Shim Hayet alone with his thoughts...

BACK TO: MISTY BORDERS OF TRIBAL LANDS Jawwara’s wobbly hands holding the helmet... barely...

CRASH The helmet is now in pieces... It’s all gone...

She stares at it in stunned silence...

She looks up...

Nothing can be seen beyond the orange vapors ahead...

Undeterred, she stands up... takes a deep breath...

And ventures into the orange mist...

INT. LA SHIMSHAAQ PALACE - BOW-SHAAQ HALL Shim Hayet stands idly in the middle of the hall...

He is surrounded by the Bowwareen and Shaqqar...

Shim Artar walks in, Sim Harraya right behind him...

Shim Hayet watches them walking all the way as they reach and sit on the leader and advisor chairs usually occupied by Shim Nishtar and Kullam...

Bao!

SHIM ARTAR

One of the Bowwareen holds Shim Hayet and brings him closer, now facing Shim Artar...

59

Shaqqar takes his position behind him, his large sword in hand...

SHIM ARTAR (CONT'D) Shim Hayet. You’re accused of hiding the one named Jawwara. She is a valuable resource for the Union, and by the law of the Future Accord, you have to share her or be punished.

Shim Hayet has no reply...

SHIM ARTAR (CONT'D) Tell us where the little girl is or you will suffer the worst fate.

Reality finally dawns on Shim Hayet, his expression of bewilderment replaced with one of defiance and determination...

SHIM HAYET She's beyond the border by now. You will never find her.

SHIM ARTAR Don't lie, old man. No one can ever go through that orange mist.

SHIM HAYET Oh, but that’s the lie. Your people were never brave enough to cross the border, so you made up that tale about the killing mist. But those of us who are smart enough did cross it. You were just too stupid to find out.

Shim Artar smirks...

SHIM ARTAR How brave. Perhaps it’s time your courage is rewarded.

SHIM HAYET I never sought reward for my courage. Another one of your savage tribe’s dumb sayings.

SHIM ARTAR I see you've made up your mind.

SHIM HAYET I see your wife has made up yours.

60

Sim Harraya glances at Shim Artar, gauging his reaction...

Shim Artar's smirk disappears... But quickly returns...

SHIM ARTAR Let me tell you what will happen next. I kill you, and then I find your little servant and torture her until she helps us get to Shamseen.

You will be the reason for both of your suffering. Just a stupid old man who spent his whole life working towards his own downfall.

That will be your legacy.

SHIM HAYET My legacy was written before you were born. I am Shim Hayet, the greatest mind the Tribal Lands have ever known. I found Shamseen and saved all my people. Now, write your pathetic name into my story and be the fool who murdered me. It will only make mine the greatest tale ever told.

Shim Artar seems hesitant...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) Go on. Say that damned word. Make me a legend in your father's eyes.

Sim Harraya and Shim Artar exchange looks...

He seems flustered... She seems unsure...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) You know that if you don’t kill me, I’ll make it impossible for you to find her. Go on. Do what I say and kill me.

Shim Artar’s anger is building up...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) Kill me! Say the damn word! Say it!

Say it!

He keeps looking at Sim Harraya, refusing to face Shim Hayet... Stuck...

SHIM HAYET (CONT'D) Or do you need her to say it for you?

61

SHIM ARTAR (facing Sim Harraya, eyes squeezed shut) SHAAQ! Shaqqar's sword instantly PIERCES through Shim Hayet's back, bursting through his chest...

He falls to his knees... and lets out a LOUD SIGH, one that has been decades in the making...

He collapses...

Shim Artar storms out...

Sim Harraya stares at Shim Hayet's body in discontent... this was not satisfying... She follows her husband...

Shim Hayet lies still on the floor, his eyes facing the coordinates on his open palm, now entirely covered in blood...

INT. OUTSIDE MEE’AH’S DWELLING FOCUS ON MEE’AH’S TONGUE, ULULATING...

Tu’Tu’ and Jibjoob, each wearing a headband made of extremely thin carbon fiber threads, walk side by side amid the JUBILANT CLAPPING AND ULULATION of their family and tribe members...

They are following two long lines laid out on the sand, at the end of which sit two bulky carbon fiber bags full of supplies...

As the two slowly walk forward, LA BOOZ TRIBE MEMBERS take turns going around them, clapping and whistling in rhythm...

Mee’ah and Mi’Mi’ throw more threads at them...

It’s a traditional La Booz celebration...

Tu’Tu’ and Jibjoob finally reach the end of the laid out lines and pick up the two bags... causing the ululations to reach their loudest... and finally die down... It’s over...

MEE’AH I knew you were destined for great things!

TU’TU’ Thank you, Ooma. For all of this.

62

MEE’AH It was only possible because of you.

MI’MI’ I never thought I’d live to see another La Booz Journeying ceremony. I don’t even remember when the last one was. You have made us so proud, son.

MEE’AH We will miss you. Be careful out there. Both of you.

TU’TU’ We will. Don’t worry about us. We will find Jawwara. And we will all be La Shibt once we’re back. I promise you.

The four embrace...

Tu’Tu’ and Jibjoob throw their bags on their backs and turn around, one last look at their tribe who wave goodbye...

They wave back... and are off on their journey...

EXT. BEYOND THE TRIBAL LAND BORDERS Piles and piles of discarded material are stacked on top of each other... some are so high, the top can’t be seen...

Metal, cardboard, cloths, and various other items are scattered along the misty border...

Jawwara cautiously emerges out of the orange mist...

She looks around to see there is no orange sky here, just thick clouds of grey smoke...

She breathes in the air... Nothing happens, she’s safe...

CLANK She hears a noise but can't tell from where...

CLANK CLANK Now it's coming from different places... closing in on her...

CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK

63

She's pulled DOWN, falling face first into the sands...

She turns over on her back to see BORDER SCROUNGER #1, hideously disfigured face, grasping onto her legs...

Saliva pours down from his eroded teeth as he leers over her...

CLANK... CLANK... CLANK...

Clanking metal boots approach her until her head is in between each boot... She's trapped from both sides...

She looks up to see...

BORDER SCROUNGER #2, head and shoulder with mostly burnt skin, stands over her...

BORDER SCROUNGER #2 (Old Tongue) See? Just like I told you. Best place to fish.

BORDER SCROUNGER #1 (Old Tongue) I've never seen a savage like this before. It's so... young... and soft...

He leans in closer, drooling over her lips...

JAWWARA (Old Tongue) Don't kill me! Don't kill me!

BORDER SCROUNGER #1 (Stunned) This one speaks like us.

JAWWARA Yes, I speak the Old Tongue.

BORDER SCROUNGER #1 The old what?

BORDER SCROUNGER #2 Where did you learn to speak like us?

JAWWARA Shim Hayet taught me.

Who?

BORDER SCROUNGER #2

64

JAWWARA Shim Hayet. He's the Greatest Mind in the Tribal Lands.

Huh?

BORDER SCROUNGER #1

JAWWARA (points at the misty border) There. I come from there.

BORDER SCROUNGER #2 (laughs) You savages have tribes now? How adorable!

JAWWARA I'm not a savage, please don't kill me!

BORDER SCROUNGER #1 She speaks good!

BORDER SCROUNGER #2 Who cares? I'm hungry. Hold her down, I want one of her thighs.

JAWWARA No! No! Please! #1 holds her legs down and removes part of her carbon fiber sheet, revealing her right thigh...

His dry tongue starts licking her from the knee and up...

SWOOSH A traveling metal rod flies into his mouth, puncturing his skull...

His head flops down on her leg... He's dead...

CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK She looks up to see #2 running away...

SWOOSH Another metal rod flies over her head, landing right into #2’s back... He collapses...

She pushes the dead corpse off of her and sits up...

65

An image forms through the grey mist in the distance... It’s a man riding... something...

RAYYAS, a hulking mass of a man wearing dusty white clothes made of fabric, rides RAKKAB, an aging and sickly looking white Arabian horse...

Rakkab reaches Jawwara... and REARS with an impressive NEIGH...

Jawwara stands frozen in disbelief...

JAWWARA (CONT'D) Barkaz...

END