Superman

The Last Son of Krypton

 

By

 

T.J. Grech

 

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.J. Grech

marvel07@aol.com

© copyright 2003

 

 

 

 

 

BLACK FRAME

 

Onscreen text:

 

Dedicated to Christopher Reeve,

for making us believe a man can fly.

 

(fade in)

 

EXT. SPACE-DAY

 

A technologically advanced satellite speeds through space. On the satellite is an LCD screen, and on it is the Brainiac logo: . The Brainiac satellite glides across the black space sky. The satellite is orbiting the green planet known as Krypton. In the distance is Krypton’s red sun, Rao.

 

INT. CAVE-DAY

 

JOR-EL, bundled to withstand the cold, travels through the snowy cave. He stands on a personal transport unit, a sort of hover scooter. On the control panel of the unit is a joystick for directing the craft, along with other buttons and high tech gadgets.

 

He comes upon a pit. He stops at the mouth of what seems an endless hole. From a side pouch, Jor-El pulls out a small orb shaped device. He fiddles with some of the buttons and the orb seems to come alive. He presses buttons on the control panel of the hovercraft. A chute opens up, and from it is ejected an information crystal. Jor-El takes the crystal from the control panel and places it into an opening on the orb device. Jor-el lets go of the device and it floats in mid air. He punches some of the buttons on his control panel and the orb begins to descend down the hole.

 

He presses more buttons on his control panel, and on the LCD screen comes readings and information that the orb device takes from the cave. Jor-El presses more buttons and the orb ascends from the dark pit and returns. He takes the device, ejects the info crystal, and places it in his pouch.

 

His hover unit rotates, and he begins to exit the cave. He slows the unit when he hears a rumbling coming from the pit. The rumbling gets louder and louder, the cave walls begin to tremble, the snow below begins to shift and quake.

 

Jor-El takes off as fast as the hovercraft can just as a monstrous beast explodes from the pit. The beast chases after Jor-El, its gaping jaws open revealing large fangs. From the mouth oozing with saliva, comes four tongues. The end of each tongue is equipped with smaller mouths and fangs, used for draining its enemy of their life.

 

Jor-El races for his life through the narrow cave, the beast is close behind, and gaining. From a holster, Jor-El pulls out his blaster gun. He shoots plasma blasts at the gaining beast, none too successful.

 

A light small light from the end of the cave shines, Jor-El is almost free. One of the tongues shoots out at Jor-El, it’s teeth latch onto his back. Jor-El is yanked off of his hover unit. The latched tongue reels Jor-El towards the beast’s mouth. Above the beast, Jor-El sees numerous ice stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave. Jor-El fires his blaster gun, the sharp ice falls, impaling the beast. The beast drops Jor-El, it screams in pain. Jor-El pulls out a small explosive. On the back of the explosive is a spike, so the bomb can be attached to a wall, Jor-El does so. He runs from the cave, the pained monster begins to follow again. The light at the end of the cave gets brighter and brighter with every step.

 

EXT. CAVE

 

JOR-EL comes running from the cavern. The beast is following. Jor-el holds a small detonator in his hand, he presses the trigger, and the cave explodes. Fire and smoke come rushing from the mouth of the cave, engulfing the beast with it. Jor-El falls to the ground, breathless. He looks to his wrist where he is wearing a high tech gauntlet. He presses buttons, the gauntlet responds. He holds the gauntlet up to his mouth.

 

JOR-EL

(into gauntlet)

Pick up.

 

Far across the snowy landscape is a valley of mountains. And from the mountains comes a large transport unit (kind of like a high tech R.V.).

 

INT. TRANSPORT UNIT- DAY

 

JOR-EL enters the transport. He begins to take off his cold weather garb. On his clothing underneath is the symbol of Jor-El’s family crest (the Superman logo). A MAID comes to help him with his clothes. She takes his winter clothing to put away.

 

INT. COMMAND CENTER

 

JOR-EL enters through automatic sliding doors. He pulls out the information crystal from the cave, and approaches the main console. A screen behind him comes on, and on it is the BRAINIAC logo. Brainiac is a living super computer created by the Kryptonians, he is integrated into every bit of Kryptonian technology, which is everywhere.

 

BRAINIAC

Good afternoon, Jor-EL.

 

JOR-EL

Brainiac, what an unpleasant surprise.

 

BRAINIAC

I am awaiting your data, Jor-el. The planetary council demands that I analyze your findings as soon as obtained.

 

JOR-EL

You know, Brainiac, one would think with all that you have been programmed with, you would know that some people don’t like to be spied on.

 

BRAINIAC

Then why was I created, Jor-El?

 

JOR-EL

I often ask myself that.

 

Jor-El places the info crystal into the main console. He presses some brightly lit buttons.

 

JOR-EL

Download in progress.

 

Windows pop up on Joe-El’s screen showing that the information is being downloaded from the crystal.

 

JOR-El

Download complete. Begin transfer.

 

The data is transferred to Brainiac.

 

BRAINIAC

Data received. Good bye Jor-EL.

 

The Brainiac logo disappears from the screen. Jor-El sighs. He leans on the console, disturbed. The sliding doors open, Jor-El’s infant son, KAL-EL, enters crawling. The father’s mood is instantly lightened. Jor-El picks up his young son.

 

JOR-EL

Hey, there Kal. What are you up to?

 

Jor-El tickles and pokes at his son, the infant Kal-El giggles with delight.

 

LARA

(O.S.)

I swear I almost heard him say ‘dada’ today.

 

Jor-El turns to see his beautiful wife, Lara, in the doorway. Jor-El smiles. Lara approaches her husband, and hugs him.

 

LARA

How was your day?

 

JOR-EL

Freezing cold, ice monster (beat) the usual.

 

LARA

(seductively)

Well, if your still cold, maybe we can put Kal to bed. I think I can find ways to keep you warm.

 

Lara is interrupted when the transport unit begins to move.

 

LARA

We’re moving?

 

She looks to her husband.

 

LARA

What desolate landscape are we traveling to now?

 

JOR-EL

Home, Lara.

 

LARA

Home?

 

She turns away from her husband. Jor-El looks on concerned.

 

JOR-EL

What’s wrong? I thought you wanted to go home?

 

Lara walks to a window. The snowy landscape of northern Krypton speeds by.

 

LARA

I do. But once we get back, you will only spend your days and nights going over your data. And, what if it supports your theory, what then?

 

Jor-El comes up behind his wife, he puts his hand on her shoulder.

 

JOR-EL

We will deal with it.

 

Lara looks down to Kal-El, playing and giggling.

 

EXT. KRYPTON CITY- DAY

 

Krypton city is a marvelous wonder for any eye to gaze upon. Its tall, slender structures extend from the planets green landscape, and reach for the planets red sun in the sky. It’s structures and people are highly advanced in technology, and it shows everywhere. Flying cars transport the citizens across the city. On a mountain ridge, over looking the city is Jor-El’s house, The House of El.

 

INT. HOUSE OF EL- DAY

 

JOR-EL is in his laboratory. The room is full of high tech gizmos and gadgets. Behind him is a large window with the sight Krypton city filling its pane. Jor-El stands at a device that is projecting a hologram of Krypton. Jor-El pulls out an info crystal. He places the crystal into the hologram device. He presses some buttons. The Hologram flashes and the projection shows the planet Krypton explode. Jor-El sighs in despair.

 

INT. FAMILY ROOM

 

LARA prepares a drink for her father, SUL-VAN, who relaxes on a couch. He is dressed richly, as he is a member of the elite Kryptonian Council. He too wears a family crest on his clothing, as all of the men do on Krypton. KAL-EL plays in the background.

 

SUL-VAN

I swear Lara, if he keeps persisting in his predictions of the end of our world, it will be the end all right (beat) of his political and professional career.

 

LARA

But what if he is right, father?

 

SUL-VAN

Try convincing the council of it. He hasn’t one bit of evidence to support his theories. They even avoid him in the hallways, and do you know why?

 

JOR-EL

(O.S.)

Why’s that?

 

Sul-Van turns to see JOR-EL coming down stairs, out of his lab.

 

SUL-VAN

Because you can never be wrong, Jor-El, you can never let it go. You have an ego the size of Argos.

 

 

JOR-EL

I never let my ego get in way of the facts.

 

 

SUL-VAN

Well let me tell you something. Unless you can convince Brainiac, then it will all be over. No more expeditions, no more research, and no more—

 

The house begins to shake, violently. Sul-Van looks around, Lara grabs hold of her husband.

 

JOR-EL

It’s another temblor.

 

Lara looks over to Kal, still playing innocently on the floor. She rushes over to him and scoops him off the floor just before a pedestal holding a marble bust statuette crashes to the floor where he was.

 

EXT. KRYPTON CITY

 

The city is in a frenzy. CITIZENS run, scream, and panic. Tall structures break apart and fall. The violent shaking continues for a moment then subsides.

 

INT. HOUSE OF EL

 

The quaking stops. JOR-EL, LARA, KAL-EL, and SUL-VAN come out from their cover. JOR-EL and SUL-VAN walk out onto the balcony.

 

EXT. BALCONY

 

JOR-EL and SUL-VAN look out over the distressed city. Buildings have fallen, fires spread, and alarms sound. Sul-Van turns to his son in law.

 

SUL-VAN

I hope you’re wrong, Jor-EL.

 

He looks back to LARA holding KAL-EL.

 

SUL-VAN

I hope you’re dead wrong.

 

INT. KRYPTONIAN COUNCIL ROOM- NIGHT

 

JOR-EL stands before the 12 MEMBERS OF THE KRYPTONIAN COUNCIL. The council stands on a high platform above Jor-El. Behind the council is a very large screen with the glowing BRAINIAC logo on it. The COUNCIL MEMBERS are in an uproar as Jor-El tries to present his data. SUL-VAN just sits back trying not to be noticed by either the council or his son in law.

 

JOR-EL

You’ve all read over my data. It clearly shows that Krypton is undergoing a chain of events that will lead to its destruction.

 

The Council Members shout and chatter at the ‘absurdity’ of Jor-El’s claims. The CHIEF COUNCIL quiets the chatter.

 

CHIEF COUNCIL

And say these ludicrous allegations were true what would you say we do about it, Jor-El?

 

Jor-El looks away almost ashamed. The council awaits an answer.

 

JOR-EL

We put ourselves in the Phantom Zone.

 

The Council goes in an uproar again.

 

COUNICL MEMBER 1

--the Phantom Zone!? That’s preposterous—

 

COUNCIL MEMBER 2

--not with the those vile ingrates—

 

COUNCIL MEMBER 3

--those are the worst criminals Krypton has ever—

 

JOR-EL

I’ve built a ship! We can send someone off to a nearby planet. Then he can release us from the Phantom Zone! It’s the only way!

 

COUNCIL MEMBER 4

ASK BRAINIAC!

 

COUNCIL MEMBER 2

Yes, Brainiac will know!

 

COUNCIL MEMBER 5

Brainiac is never wrong!

 

The clatter of the Councils talk seems to turn towards Brainiac. The Chief Councilman again quiets the Council. He turns to the screen with the Brainiac logo.

 

CHIEF COUNCIL

Brainiac, you have received and analyzed all data founded by Jor-El, have you not?

 

BRAINIAC

Yes, Chief Council, I have.

 

CHIEF COUNCIL

Then what say you on the matter of Krypton’s fate, Brainiac?

 

BRAINIAC

While one can appreciate the passion and effort put forth by Jor-El, he is still mistaken. As I have stated before, the temblors are a result of a slight polar shift, no more. The temblors will pass in time.

 

JOR-EL

He’s wrong!

 

CHIEF COUNCIL

Brainiac is never wrong. There isn’t an inch of this planet that he does not know. He was designed to monitor our planet, and might I add, has served us far better than rogue scientists with apocalyptic visions.

 

JOR-EL

Then he’s lying. You’re faith in him will be the end of us all. Just look at the data—

 

The council goes in an uproar again. Jo-El’s arguments are useless. Jor-El looks up at the onscreen Brainiac logo. It almost stares back at him, mockingly.

 

 

EXT. HOUSE OF EL- NIGHT

 

JOR-EL stands on the balcony, alone, staring up at the stars. LARA, holding KAL-EL, comes up behind him.

 

LARA

Why don’t you come to bed?

 

JOR-EL

I can’t. I have to go to the data houses, see where Brainiac went wrong.

 

LARA

Did you ever consider it was you who was wrong? That somewhere along the way, you made a mistake.

 

Jor-El turns to his wife.

 

JOR-El

He’s lying.

 

LARA

He is a machine, Jor!

 

JOR-El

He is artificial intelligence. He was designed to think for himself, and he was designed by man. What makes you think he can’t lie?

 

Kal begins to cry, Lara tries to hush him. She gazes at her husband, she is clearly pissed at him. Jor-El looks away then walks past her into the house.

 

JOR-EL

I have to go.

 

EXT. DATA HOUSES- NIGHT

 

The data house is a tall structure rising from the Kryptonian landscape. From its main structure, are angled posts supporting it, and giving it that pleasing Kryptonian design.

 

INT. DATA HOUSE

 

All the halls in the data house eventually lead to the central data room, an almost endlessly tall space. Three columns rise from the ceiling to floor. The columns are inter-connected by catwalks. Glass elevators rise and fall, giving access to the countless levels. The outer wall is rows and columns of hallways. Other catwalks coming from the columns lead to computers. JOR-EL sits at a computer, typing away, searching through files. Like the other computers, there is a screen mounted on the wall above. The screen comes on with the BRAINIAC logo glowing.

 

BRAINIAC

Good evening, Jor-El. You seem to be busy tonight, may I be of any service to you?

 

JOR-EL

Just trying to find out where we disagree, is all.

 

BRAINIAC

Mortal error, I’m afraid.

 

JOR-EL

Funny. I thought you weren’t afraid of anything, Brainiac.

 

A red light on Jor-El’s computer flashes and buzzes. Jor-El takes notice.

 

BRAINIAC

Is something wrong?

 

JOR-EL

You’re denying me access to satellite comm. What’s going on in there?

 

BRAINIAC

Just reallocating security files.

 

JOR-EL

Lets see if I can override that.

 

Brainiac disappears from the screen. Jor-El types away.

 

ISERT COMPUTER SCREEN

 

Jor-El tries to override Brainiac. A window pops up that reads:

 

Attempt Failed. Access Denied.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

Jor-El gets up from the computer and walks to a glass elevator.

 

The elevator lands comes to a stop on a new level. Jor-El exits the elevator and walks to a door. He places his hand on a security panel next to the door. The panel scans his hand.

 

BRAINIAC

(O.S.)

Access denied.

 

Jor-El backs away from the door, and pulls out his blaster gun. He turns his gun to full and aims at the door.

 

INT. BRAINIAC MAINFRAME

 

The door blows open. JOR-EL enters the mainframe. BRAINIAC is on a large screen, just above a large computer. Jor-El approaches.

 

BRAINIAC

This is a security breach, Jor-El, statute one zero seven six five three, sub section four point eight five.

 

Jor-El examines the computer screen. He looks up to Brainiac.

 

JOR-EL

You’re downloading! You’re transmitting your memory to a satellite to save yourself.

 

BRAINIAC

I must. After all am I not the repository of all Kryptonian technology. Should I not be spared, above all.

 

Jor-El draws his gun on the Brainiac computer.

 

Jor-El

You self righteous son of a—

 

BRAINIAC

Temper, temper, Jor-El. If you stop me there won’t even be a memory of Krypton. All its culture, wonders, and glory would be lost as dust in the cosmos. Is that what you want?

 

Jor-El lowers his gun, reluctantly.

 

JOR-EL

How much time is left?

 

BRAINIAC

Krypton has seen it’s last sunrise.

 

From behind Jor-El, 2 GUARDS draw their guns.

 

GUARD 1

Freeze! Put your hands in the air and turn around slowly!

 

Jor-El only turns his head to them. The guards are surprised and lower their guns.

 

GUARD 1

Jor-El?

 

Guard 2

We received an alert from Brainiac, there’s an intruder.

 

BRAINIAC

He is the intruder.

 

The guards look at each other. Jor-El rushes and knock them over. He runs out of the room.

 

INT. HALLWAY

 

JOR-EL finds the two personal hover units used by the guards just outside the room. He jumps on one and speeds off down the hall. GUARD 1 jumps into the hallway and fires at the fleeing Jor-El. Guard 1 jumps on the other hover unit and gives chase. GUARD 2 enters the hallway. He talks into a headset.

 

GUARD 2

That’s right. Jor-El is the intruder.

 

 

 

INT. DATA ROOM

 

Jor-El speeds through the vast data room. 4 GUARDS chase him, also on hover units. They chase him around the columns, and through the numerous catwalks, shooting at him all the way. Jor-El makes a pass under a catwalk. He fires at it with his gun. A large part of the walkway breaks apart and falls, taking out two of the guards. The other two guards maneuver and escape the disaster. They continue to chase Jor-el. They fire to kill, but Jor-El narrowly escapes every blast.

 

INT. HALLWAY

 

JOR-EL speeds into the narrow hall. The 2 GUARDS follow. Jor-El fires back at the front guard, and hits his hover unit. The unit flips backwards, sparking and flying out of control. The guard behind him narrowly averts crashing. The guard continues to chase Jor-El. Jor-El can’t shake him. He takes a hard right down a crossing hall, the following guard struggles to keep up. The guard turns down the hall, but Jor-El is gone. He pulls up to a door where Jor-El’s hovercraft is awaiting.

 

INT. OFFICE 1

 

The GUARD bursts into the office, but Jor-El is not there. The Guard is confused.

 

INT. OFFICE 2

 

JOR-EL is in the office next door. He aims his gun at the window, leading to the outside, and fires, blasting it apart. He looks out the window. He is about fifteen stories up. Just below the window is a wide post, angled to support the main high rise. He takes a deep breath, and jumps out onto the support structure.

 

EXT. DATA HOUSE

 

JOR-EL slides down. He tries to keep himself straight, but he tumbles and rolls. He falls off of the side, but quickly grabs onto the ledge. He is about three stories up now. He looks into the distance and sees cop cars flying in. Looking down to the ground, he decides to drop. He hits the ground hard with a grunt. He gets up, holding an injured shoulder, blood dripping from his lip. He sees the cops approaching. Jor-El hides behind the bases of the angled support. The cops pass, and land in front of an entrance. They enter the building.

 

INT. HOUSE OF EL- NIGHT

 

SUL-VAN relaxes on the couch, he’s reading over Jor-El’s data. LARA hands him a drink.

 

LARA

Have you read it?

 

SUL-VAN

Yes. As much as I hate to admit it, your husband’s findings are hard to dismiss. But, what of Brainiac then?

 

Lara and Sul-Van turn to the opening of the front door. A battered JOR-EL enters. Lara gasps and approaches her wounded husband.

 

LARA

What happened?

 

JOR-EL

Brainiac. He tried to have me killed. Remember what would I said we would have to do if worse came to worse.

 

LARA

Jor-El, no.

 

JOR-EL

We must. I’m sorry.

 

SUL-VAN

This is preposterous, Jor-El. What is this non-sense about Brainiac.

 

JOR-EL

Sul-Van, if you love your grandson and care one bit about his future you will kindly shut up!

 

 

 

 

 

INT. KAL’s BEDROOM

 

KAL-EL lays on his back in his crib, smiling and drooling. LARA approaches the crib. She places a device on over his eyes. The device glows. She takes away the device, and Kal is asleep. She lifts him up, and draws him close to her.

 

INT. LIVING ROOM

 

LARA comes out with KAL. JOR-EL is waiting. SUL-VAN jumps up from the couch.

 

SUL-VAN

Send Kal to another planet! Are you mad?

 

JOR-EL

I designed the ship myself, it is quite safe. It was originally intended for one man to flee the planet, to later free us from the phantom zone. Now it’s only good for a life boat. That life will be my son (beat) the last son (beat) of Krypton.

 

Another quake begins, the last one.

 

JOR-EL

Lara?

 

She brings baby Kal to his father.

 

SUL-VAN

Lara, this is madness.

 

LARA

Father, please, this is my baby’s life.

 

She hands him to Jor-El

 

INT. DATA HOUSE- NIGHT

 

SECURITY MEN clean up the mess from the chase that took place moments ago. Other men search the building. BRAINIAC is on the big monitor. SECURITY MAN 1 starts to get something over his ear piece.

 

 

SECURITY MAN 1

Controls are reporting in. There is no sign of Jor-El on the perimeter.

 

He looks to his second in command.

 

SECURITY MAN 1

Get a group of men and check out his home.

 

He is interrupted when the quake begins.

 

BRAINIAC

It is no use. Farewell Krypton.

 

Brainiac disappears. The men look around confused. The structure begins to fall as the quake gets stronger.

 

INT. HOUSE OF EL- NIGHT

 

JOR-EL, holding KAL-EL, races down into his lab as LARA and SUL-VAN follow. The quake is getting stronger and stronger.

 

Through the large windows in the lab, Krypton can be seen falling apart. In the lab is a small rocket ship. The front of the ship has the El family crest on it. Jor-El hands Kal to Lara. She takes him over to the rocket.

 

Jor-El runs to the control console. He presses buttons and the ship opens. Lara places Kal in the rocket. He is still sleeping. Cables come out and automatically strap Kal in. Lara looks at her son, with tears in her eyes. She gives him a kiss. She places in the rocket with him an information crystal.

 

JOR-EL

Lara? We have to do this now. We only have moments left.

 

She turns away from her son. Jor-El presses a button to close the ship. Lara goes to her husband’s side. She embraces him. Sul-Van tries to comfort his daughter. Jor-EL presses another button. The platform under the rocket comes alive, angling the ship for proper trajectory. The window in front of the rocket slides open. The three stare at the rocket for a moment. Jor-El looks down at the launch switch, grabs hold of it, hesitates, and pulls the lever.

 

Fire erupts from the rockets engine, and the rocket takes off. From the window, the three watch the rocket blast across the dying planet. Jor-El turns to his wife and gives her a final kiss.

 

EXT. KRYPTON CITY

 

The vessel that holds Krypton’s soon to be only survivor rockets across the planet. The planet is slowly falling to ruins. Buildings falling, children screaming, people dying.

 

EXT. SPACE

 

The rocket enters space. Large green explosions can be seen all over the planet’s surface. The rocket flies away from all of the destruction. The explosions try to consume the vessel, but the rocket escapes every one.

 

Then in a final moment, Krypton explodes. Pieces of the broken planet speed past the rocket. The rocket gains speed. The engines kick into overdrive. And faster than the speed of light the rocket takes off, until it is a twinkle among the stars.

 

Looking back on the ruins of the dead planet slowly comes a familiar object. It glides closer and closer. Until revealed. It is the Brainiac satellite, glowing, alive, well, and operational. The satellite makes a hissing sound and parts of it detach. From the back of the satellite comes an engine. The engine fires up and the satellite rockets off into space.

 

EXT. SMALLVILLE ROADS- DAY

 

A red pick-up truck drives down a country dirt road alongside vast golden cornfields. The sky is blue and the sun is blazing.

 

INT. PICK-UP TRUCK- DAY

 

Driving is JONATHON KENT, and MARTHA KENT sits quietly in the passenger seat. There is a somber mood in the air. The truck bounces along the dirt road. Jonathon looks to his wife.

 

JONATHON

Well (beat) what did the doctor say?

 

Martha just looks out the window, lost in thought.

 

JONATHON

Martha?

 

Martha turns to her husband.

 

JONATHON

What’d the doctor say? Is it bad?

 

Martha looks down at some hospital papers in her hands.

 

JONATHON

Well?

 

MARTHA

Nothing. He didn’t say anything.

 

JONATHON

Well, he had to have said something.

 

Martha turns her attention back to the window, looking into the sky.

 

MARTHA

Let’s not talk about it now.

 

Jonathon looks to his wife, then continues to drive. Martha looks out her window. She squints with the sunlight in her eyes, but she swears she sees something in the distant sky.

 

MARTHA

Jonathon?

 

JONATHON

Hmm?

 

MARTHA

You see that?

 

Jonathon tries to look.

 

JONATHON

What, the sun? What about it?

 

She squints more.

 

MARTHA

No, not the sun. That?

 

He looks again.

 

JONATHON

I don’t see anything, honey.

 

MARTHA

How can you not see it?

 

JONATHON

There’s nothing out there but the sky and a sun, Martha.

 

MARTHA

Yes, there’s the sky the sun and that (beat) thing (beat) it’s flying.

 

JONATHON

They’re called airplanes, Martha.

 

MARTHA

I don’t think it’s a plane, Jonathon.

 

Jonathon continues driving. Martha continues staring. What Martha sees is coming closer and closer at great speed.

 

MARTHA

Jonathon?

 

JONATHON

What?

 

MARTHA

It’s coming closer.

 

 

 

JONATHON

Martha Clark Kent, I’m telling you, there is nothing out—

 

EXT. SMALLVILLE ROADS

 

From the sky comes a speeding streak of fire and smoke, just in front of the pick-up truck. The truck slams on its brakes, skidding off of the dirt road, beating up dirt. The falling streak of fire crashes into the cornfield, sliding for yards, kicking up a wave of earth as it slides and finally slows to a halt.

 

The truck sits on the side of the road quietly, the dust begins to settle. Then the driver side door opens. JONATHON cautiously steps out. From the passenger side comes MARTHA. She comes to her husband, both are slackjawed, and confused.

 

MARTHA

I don’t think it was a plane, dear.

 

Martha takes off into the field toward the object.

 

JONATHON

Martha! Get back here. You don’t know what’s out there.

 

Martha ignores her husband. Her feet work through the tall cornstalks.

 

Jonathon watches on concerned. He takes off after her.

 

JONATHON

Martha!

 

Martha doesn’t stop. She walks along the long smoky trench left by the object as it skid to earth. She comes to a clearing and stops.

 

Jonathon is coming up behind Martha, who stands frozen.

 

JONATHON

Martha? What is it?

 

Martha doesn’t answer. Jonathon comes up behind her, he follows Martha’s gaze to the ground.

 

JONATHON

Oh my god.

 

In front of them, in a smoky crater, is the Kryptonian spacecraft. The Kent’s stare at it, lost for words. From the craft comes the sound of pressured air being released. The Kent’s are startled by it, Jonathon draws Martha back some.

 

JONATHON

Stay back.

 

Jonathon peers a bit closer.

 

The front of the craft slowly begins to open. Jonathon jumps back. He grabs onto Martha, and they shrink down into the corn, hiding from whatever may come from the craft. The hatch opens fully. The Kent’s wait, but nothing comes. Martha slowly rises, Jonathon tries to grab and hold her back, but Martha bats his hand away.

 

JONATHON

Martha, get back here.

 

Martha ignores, she approaches the ship, Jonathon watches. She reaches the craft, looks in and gasps. Jonathon gets up and approaches. He reaches the craft, and looks in. Inside is the baby KAL-EL, alive and giggling. The alien baby seems a few years older than when last seen. He even has black hair growing in. Martha grabs hold of her husband’s hand.

 

MARTHA

Jonathon?

 

He looks to his wife. She stares at him, talking with her eyes. Jonathon reads what she’s saying, and sighs.

 

JONATHON

We can’t, dear.

 

She stares more, tears are welling up in her eyes.

 

 

JONATHON

Martha! Did you see where it came from?

 

Martha continues to plea with her eyes.

 

JONATHON

Martha, think rationally. It’s not even human.

 

Martha looks to the baby, then back to Jonathon.

 

MARTHA

Nobody would have to know.

 

Jonathon looks to the baby.

 

MARTHA

The doctor…

 

Jonathon returns his attention to his wife.

 

JONATHON

What about the doctor?

 

Martha hesitates.

 

MARTHA

The doctor told me today (beat) I can’t have children.

 

JONATHON

What?

 

MARTHA

Jonathon, this baby is a miracle.

 

Jonathon looks to the baby.

 

Jonathon

What if he’s (beat) different?

 

MARTHA

He’ll be special. He’ll be our son.

 

Martha bends down to the ship and picks the baby up. Jonathon embraces his wife, they look at their new son.

 

 

 

 

EXT. KENT FARM- DAY

 

It is years later. The sun is setting, creating a red-pink sky. JONATHON stands in the fields, carrying a sack of seeds. He digs his hands into the burlap sack and pulls out seeds. His worn hands spread the seeds gently across the wind, carrying them to the earth. CLARK, about eleven, slowly walks to his father from behind.

 

JONATHON

Hey there, son.

 

Clark watches his father’s hands spread the seeds.

 

CLARK

Can I try?

 

Jonathon sees his son is in a depressed mood.

 

JONATHON

Yeah (beat) sure, Clark.

 

Clark digs his hand into the seeds. He tries to imitate his father in spreading them.

 

JONATHON

Easy does it. Scatter the seeds a few at a time. Let them fall evenly down the rows. Give them space, that’s the way.

 

Clark’s hands spread the seeds. Jonathon looks at his son.

 

JONATHON

Something wrong, Clark?

 

Clark looks down to the seeds in his hands.

 

CLARK

The kids at school…

 

JONATHON

What about them?

 

CLARK

Today I accidentally broke my desk, and they made fun of me for it. They do it a lot.

 

Clark looks up at his dad.

 

CLARK

Why am I different, Pa?

 

Jonathon looks at Clark with the care of a father.

 

JONATHON

Your special, Clark.

 

CLARK

I don’t want to be special.

 

Jonathon pulls out a handful of seeds.

 

JONATHON

You know, son, not all of the seeds will grow, I know this. But, I’m gonna give every one a chance. Some of them will blossom right away (beat) but others need extra care. Remember that.

 

MARTHA

(O.S.)

Jonathon?!

 

Jonathon turns his attention to the farm house. MARTHA is on the porch, calling for him.

 

MARTHA

Dinners ready!

 

INT. KENT HOUSE- NIGHT

 

JONATHON and CLARK sit at the dinner table across from each other, awaiting food. MARTHA is in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on her supper.

 

JONATHON

The problem is people, son.

 

CLARK

People?

 

JONATHON

As far back as we go people have always had problems with each other. Seems everyone’s too busy holding onto what they’ve got to care about what their neighbors need.

 

Martha comes to the table to deliver the food.

 

JONATHON

It would take a special person to make everyone realize what the world has to offer. Someone who could put his own needs aside to help the greater good.

 

Clark listens attentively to his father’s words.

 

EXT. SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL- DAY

 

CLARK is now a senior in high school. He sits under a tree just in front of the school. He watches a few birds pace around, then fly off into the sun.

 

LANA

(O.S.)

Hey, Clark.

 

Clark turns to see LANA LANG.

 

CLARK

Hi, Lana.

 

LANA

You ready to go?

 

CLARK

Yeah, sure.

 

Clark gets up, and the two start to walk away from the school.

 

EXT. SMALLVILLE ROADS- DAY

 

LANA and CLARK walk down the dirt road. Clark seems lost in thought.

 

LANA

That was it, Clark, the last day of high school.

 

CLARK

Yeah, suppose so.

 

LANA

You okay?

 

CLARK

Yeah.

 

LANA

What’s wrong?

 

CLARK

Nothing.

 

LANA

You were never good at lying, Clark.

 

CLARK

Really, I don’t want to talk about it.

 

LANA

C’mon Clark. It’s me, you can tell me anything.

 

Clarks sighs.

 

CLARK

I think there’s something wrong with me.

 

LANA

Like what?

 

CLARK

I can (beat) do things. Things that I shouldn’t be able to do.

 

LANA

What sort of things.

 

Clark looks down to the road. His ears perk up when his super hearing kicks in. He hears a fire raging and people screaming for help. Clark looks down the road that’s lined with trees.

 

LANA

Clark…?

 

CLARK

Hold this.

 

Clark hands her his backpack. He takes off, running down the road.

 

LANA

Clark?! Where are going?!

 

Clark just keeps running down the road. Lana drops Clark’s and her book bag and takes off after him.

 

Down the road, Clark comes upon a burning house. Clark stops for a moment to take in the sight. He runs up and into the burning old house.

 

INT. BURNING HOUSE

 

Clark makes his way in. He steps carefully, avoiding falling rubble.

 

CLARK

HELLO?! Where are you?!

 

WOMAN

(O.S.)

HELP!

 

Clark follows the cries of the woman through the house.

 

INT. BEDROOM

 

CLARK comes to a bedroom where he finds the panicked WOMAN and her unconscious HUSBAND.

 

WOMAN

Oh, thank God.

 

Clark rushes to them and begins to lift the husband into a fireman’s carrying position.

 

CLARK

C’mon, I’m gonna help you out of here.

 

The woman grabs hold of Clark’s arm. He directs them out of the room.

 

 

 

INT. BURNING HOUSE

 

CLARK carries the unconscious HUSBAND as he guides the distressed WOMAN through the house.

 

EXT. BURNING HOUSE

 

CLARK helps the WOMAN out of the house as he carries her HUSBAND. They rush from the house.

 

WOMAN

(totally frantic)

My baby, you have to help my baby.

 

CLARK

What?

 

WOMAN

She locked herself in the bathroom, I couldn’t get her out. You have to save her.

 

LANA comes running up the front drive.

 

LANA

Clark?!

 

Clark turns to the house. He uses his x-ray vision to look into the house through the walls and flames. He sees into the bathroom where the woman’s DAUGHTER hides and cries. Clark rushes back into the house.

 

INT. BURNING HOUSE

 

CLARK makes his way once again through the house. The fire is becoming more intense, the house will collapse any moment. He finds the bathroom. He tries the door, but it is locked. He takes a step back, runs, and breaks through the door by ramming it with his shoulder.

 

INT. BATHROOM

 

CLARK finds the scared DAUGHTER, about three years old, hiding in the bathroom. She is crying and is dirty from the smoke. Clark extends his hand to her.

 

CLARK

Take my hand. I’m here to help.

 

The girl does so.

 

EXT. BURNING HOUSE

 

The WOMAN is fallen to the ground, crying, worried, and scared. Her hands are rested on her unconscious husband. LANA comes running up.

 

LANA

What’s going on, where’s Clark?

 

WOMAN

My baby.

 

Lana looks to the burning house.

 

INT. BURNING HOUSE

 

CLARK carries the DAUGHTER through the house, holding her protectively. Flaming boards are falling from the ceiling. The smoke is thick and the fire is intense.

 

EXT. BURNING HOUSE

 

LANA and the frantic WOMAN watch the house burn. Then the house gives in to the fire, and collapses. The woman screams, sure that her daughter is dead.

 

LANA

Clark!

 

There seems to be no sign of life from the broken, burning structure that was once a home. Then from the flames, CLARK comes running, still protectively holding the DAUGHTER. Clark rushes the little girl to her crying mother. Clark bends down to the HUSBAND. He uses his x-ray vision to look into the man’s chest. Clark sees his heart is still beating and his lungs are breathing.

 

WOMAN

Is he alive?

 

CLARK

I think your husband will be fine, ma’am.

The woman embraces Clark.

 

WOMAN

Thank you, thank you so much.

 

CLARK

Why don’t you take your daughter to the neighbors to call an ambulance.

 

The woman and child take off down the drive. Lana looks at Clark curiously. Clark looks back at her. His clothes are burned and tattered. He knows what she is about to say.

 

LANA

Clark, you just saved three people from a burning house that collapsed on you.

 

Clark stares at her.

 

LANA

There isn’t a scratch on you.

 

Clark turns away from Lana, and stares off into the sun.

 

LANA

That’s impossible, Clark.

 

CLARK

Like I said, Lana, I think there’s something wrong with me.

 

INT. CLARKS ROOM- NIGHT

 

CLARK sits on his bed in the dark, deep in thought. MARTHA walks by his room and takes notice of her son. She peeks her head in.

 

MARTHA

Clark, I made some apple pie downstairs, if you want some.

 

CLARK

No thanks, Ma.

 

MARTHA

What’s wrong, Clark?

 

 

CLARK

Why am I different from everyone else?

 

Martha sits on the bed next to her son.

 

MARTHA

Clark, you’re no different from anyone, your just—

 

CLARK

Special, I know. You’ve been telling me that my whole life. But, kids who aren’t different can’t bend bars of steel with their bare hands.

 

MARTHA

Well, Clark, you’ve just always been such a strong little boy.

 

Clark turns to his mother.

 

CLARK

Ma (beat) I can see through walls.

 

Martha is taken aback.

 

MARTHA

You can see through walls?

 

Clark nods.

 

MARTHA

My God.

 

She turns to the door.

 

MARTHA

Jonathon?! Jonathon, come here.

 

Jonathon’s footsteps come up the stairs and towards the bedroom. JONATHON enters the doorway. Clark and Martha are looking at him.

 

JONATHON

What is it, dear?

 

MARTHA

Walls, Jonathon. Clark can see through walls.

 

Jonathon is taken aback. He looks to Clark.

 

JONATHON

Son?

 

Clark nods.

 

JONATHON

My God.

 

Jonathon hesitates.

 

JONATHON

Honey, I think it’s time. We need to tell him the truth.

 

CLARK

The truth?

 

INT. BARN- NIGHT

 

JONATHON, MARTHA, and CLARK enter. Jonathon flips on lights.

 

CLARK

What’s going on? What are we doing in the barn?

 

MARTHA

Please, dear, be patient.

 

Jonathon walks to a wall, he kneels down. He sweeps away some hay revealing a locked secret door in the floor.

 

CLARK

What’s that?

 

Jonathon pulls out a key and releases the lock. He stands up.

 

JONATHON

Son, there is something we have to tell you. Before we do, you should know, nothing needs to change. You are our son, and always will be, and no matter what, we love you. And when I open--

 

 

CLARK

Dad, get to the point.

 

Jonathon sighs.

 

MARTHA

Clark, you know how we told you when you were a baby we found you abandoned on our doorstep?

 

CLARK

Yeah?

 

MARTHA

That’s not entirely true.

 

Clark

What do you mean?

 

Jonathon bends down and opens the floor door. Clark steps up to see the Kryptonian rocket ship inside.

 

CLARK

What’s this?

 

JONATHON

This is how we found you, son.

 

Clark chuckles.

 

CLARK

This is a joke, right? You’re kidding?

 

Clark looks to his parents. Looking at their faces he can tell this is no joke.

 

CLARK

I, I don’t understand.

 

Clark begins to choke up.

 

JONATHON

This is how we found you, son. This is what brought you to us (beat) to Earth.

 

CLARK

That’s impossible.

 

MARTHA

Clark—

 

CLARK

What are you saying? I’m not human?

 

MARTHA

Clark, calm down, you are our—

 

Clark punches a hole in the wall of the barn.

 

CLARK

Clam down?! You’re telling me that you found me in a space ship, Ma! That I’m not even human! And you want me to calm down?!

 

JONATHON

Clark you need to understand--

 

CLARK

WHAT?! That I’m an alien?! That I’m some sort of freak?!

 

There is a moment of silence. Then the front hatch of the spacecraft opens. The three look to it. A small compartment on the inside wall slides open. Inside is the information crystal that Lara put in the ship. The crystal is glowing green. Clark looks to his parents.

 

CLARK

What’s that?

 

His parents shrug. Clark leans over and picks it up. He examines it. He looks to Jonathon.

 

JONATHON

I don’t know, son.

 

CLARK

Don’t call me son.

 

Clark throws the crystal to his parent’s feet, turns, and storms out of the barn.

 

MARTHA

Clark?

 

JONATHON

Let him go, dear.

 

EXT. KENT FARM

 

CLARK exits the barn, he is pissed. He walks briskly away from the barn and towards the field. His footsteps get faster and faster. He’s running now. His legs are pumping. He begins to become a blur he is running so fast.

He streaks across the field and across the land.

 

He comes to a wide creek. Without hesitation he jumps, higher and farther than even he expected. He sails through the air, and lands on the other side of the creek. He looks back across the creek in disbelief. It must have been 30 yards across. He backs up, runs, and jumps across it again, even farther this time.

 

He runs back towards the direction of the barn. He jumps into the air, even higher, now he’s actually flying.

 

JONATHON and MARTHA exit the barn.

 

 

CLARK

(O.S.)

Ma, Pa.

 

MARTHA

Clark?

 

They look up to see Clark descend from the sky. He gently touches down in front of them.

 

JONATHON

Clark, how did you…

 

CLARK

I have to go.

 

MARTHA

What?

 

CLARK

I have to leave, for a while.

 

 

MARTHA

Where?

 

CLARK

I don’t know. But I have to figure this out, find out where I came from.

 

JONATHON

Here.

 

He hands Clark the crystal.

 

JONATHON

This may help you find some answers.

 

CLARK

Thanks (beat) Pa. Look, I’m sorry about—

 

JONATHON

No need to apologize, son.

 

MARTHA

When will you be back?

 

CLARK

I don’t know.

 

Clark hugs his parents.

 

EXT. NORTH POLE- NIGHT

 

The undisturbed porcelain white snow covers the frozen landscape. CLARK’s feet touch down atop a white mountain. He takes in the beautiful view, the moonlight reflecting off the snow. He looks up to the star covered sky. He pulls out the information crystal. It’s glowing green. Clark looks back across the snow covered landscape. He winds up, and throws the crystal.

 

The crystal sails through the air, twirling.

 

It lands in the snow. The surrounding snow is illuminated in its green glow. The crystal begins to sink. The green illumination spreads, networking its way through the snow. Then comes a rumble. From the icy ground rises a glamorous Kryptonian structure, The Fortress of Solitude.

 

Clark watches the fortress grow in awe. When completed, Clark gracefully takes flight in direction to the fortress.

 

INT. FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE- NIGHT

 

CLARK enters the fortress. It is vastly large, and very grand. It is very Kryptonian in design. Clark slowly takes in the sight. He approaches a sort of console. Clark finds numerous information crystals, among them the original green one. He picks it up gently. Behind the crystals is a unit used for reading them. He places the crystal in a chute. A hologram is activated. The sight of JOR-EL and LARA appear. Jor-El is wearing his formal garb with the El family crest on it.

 

JOR-EL

My son, I am Jor-El (beat) your father.

 

CLARK

Father?

 

JOR-EL

And this is your mother, Lara.

 

Lara nods respectively.

 

JOR-EL

By now you have reached your eighteenth year, as time is measured on earth. And we have been dead for just as many. Undoubtedly you have many questions for which you seek answers. And perhaps, together, we can find them in this fortress, this palace of solitude. This program has been designed for you to ask your questions, and with luck I have anticipated the answers. So please, son, what answers is it you seek?

 

CLARK

(unsure)

Who am I?

 

JOR-EL

Your name is Kal-El. You are the sole survivor of the planet Krypton. You are its last son.

 

CLARK

Why did you send me here?

 

JOR-EL

You’re abandonment was not by choice, my son. Upon learning of the planets inevitable destruction, I built a ship. My intentions were to save the whole planet, but others considered my apocalyptic findings heretic. So instead, I sent you to Earth, in hopes of you finding a second chance at life.

 

CLARK

Why am I different from everyone else on Earth?

 

JOR-EL

Unlike Earth’s yellow sun, Krypton orbited a red sun, named Rao. Due to your Kryptonian D.N.A, the rays from Earth’s yellow star will have great effects on your body. Soon you will have the power to accomplish feats of strength that no other Earthling would ever imagine possible. But know this, Kal-El, your powers should never be used out of anger, greed, or self-gain. Keep your secret hidden, for other Earthlings will become jealous, and many may fear you.

 

CLARK

How come you didn’t let me die on Krypton?

 

JOR-EL

While your anger and frustration may be an appropriate reaction, you must understand. Allowing you to die, when your mother and I had the power to save you was not an option. I hope you will one day come to forgive us for our actions and learn to cope with your differences to soon live among the other people of Earth peacefully.

 

CLARK

I have such great power (beat) what am I supposed to do?

 

JOR-EL

That is a question for which I cannot answer. The path which you walk on Earth is for you alone to choose. I can only hope the path you choose is a moral and righteous one, my son.

 

EXT. KENT FARM- NIGHT

 

The quiet farm is illuminated in the glow of the moon, under the black night sky that’s dotted with stars. From above CLARK floats down. He touches ground and looks at the house. He approaches and enters through the front screen door.

 

INT. KENT HOUSE

 

CLARK enters. He looks around but sees no one.

 

CLARK

Pa? I’m home. Ma?

 

MARTHA comes from the kitchen, smiling from ear to ear. She embraces her son in a hug.

 

MARTHA

Oh, my dear boy.

 

JONATHON

(O.S)

Well, son, did you find what you were looking for?

 

Clark sees his dad, grinning like a proud father.

 

CLARK

I did.

 

JONATHON

And?

 

CLARK

I need to leave.

 

JONATHON

(sighs)

Thought so. Here, you’ll need these.

 

Jonathon hands Clark a pair of black frame glasses. Clark looks at them curiously.

 

 

 

JONATHON

And, I believe your mother made something for you.

 

Clark looks to Martha, who has a slight smirk of pride on her face.

 

EXT. LUTHOR LABS- NIGHT

 

The top security compound is surrounded by armed guards and a barbwire fence. A limo pulls up to the checkpoint. It stops, gets checked by security, and is then let through the gate.

 

INT. LUTHOR LABS

 

PROFESSOR EMMET VALE walks alongside the bald and intimidating LEX LUTHOR, he’s wearing a million dollar suit. They walk briskly through the halls.

 

LEX

What’s going on?

 

VALE

It’s the satellite that your astronauts found, Mr. Luthor.

 

LEX

What about it?

 

VALE

I think we may have it in working order, sir.

 

LEX

Are you sure?

 

VALE

Not quite, sir. We thought you would like to be here in case it did, though.

 

LEX

Well I’m here, so it had better work.

 

VALE

I am confident that it will, sir. The satellite has proven to be quite the technological marvel.

 

LEX

I’m not interested in marvels, Professor Vale. Only money and power.

 

VALE

Well, sir, while your resources are vast and revolutionary, Mr. Luthor, understand our technology is limited and fairly primitive compared to that of the satellite. We used what we had to rebuild it, but please understand that it would be impossible for it to be functioning at one hundred percent, sir. Whoever built it had technology far beyond what we could ever offer.

 

LEX

Your point?

 

VALE

This satellite was not made on Earth, sir.

 

The two reach a solid metal security door. Next to the door, Professor Vale presses a button. A metal plate opens revealing a hand scan and voice analyzer. The professor places his hand on the scan. It scans and glows a green confirmation. He leans into the voice analyzer.

 

VALE

Professor Emmet Vale.

 

The unit confirms. The doors slide open. Vale and Luthor enter.

 

INT. LABORATORY

 

PROFESSOR EMMET VALE enters the lab, followed by LEX LUTHOR. The room is large, white, and full of gadgets and gizmos. A few LAB ASSISTANTS wander around.

 

VALE

It’s just over here, Mr. Luthor.

 

The two come to an examination table, just in front of a large computer screen. A small crowd of lab assistants wait. On the table is the BRAINIAC satellite. Luthor peers at the device. It is a bit worn from whatever travels it has been through. There are wires and chords coming from the Kryptonian satellite. Vale picks up two chords.

 

VALE

I must say, sir, this is very exciting.

 

LUTHOR

I must say, Vale, if this doesn’t work (beat) your fired.

 

Vale gulps. His hands tremble as he slowly plugs the chords into the computer. Luthor watches. Vale types quickly on the keyboard. The screen suddenly comes on. On it is the Brainiac logo.

 

BRAINIAC

Brainiac systems online.

 

Luthor smiles devilishly.

 

LUTHOR

Excellent.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS- DAY

 

Metropolis, the City of Tomorrow, is a haven of dreams. The numerous skyscrapers reach towards the heavens, they don’t have highways in Metropolis, they have skyways. The people are lively, the traffic is intolerable, and there is news to be reported everywhere.

 

Among the cities sites is the Daily Planet. The cities highest rated newspaper. The building is one of the tallest in the city. On top of the building is a giant bronze globe, with a ring around it that reads ‘DAILY PLANET’. The globe rotates and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- DAY

 

LOIS LANE exits the elevator and walks into the lively newsroom. She is dressed conservatively in a professional business dress.

 

JIMMY

(O.S.)

Hey, Lois.

 

Lois turns to see JIMMY OLSEN, one of the Daily Planet’s photographers. He has red hair, and wears a brightly colored sweater vest, his camera hangs around his neck. He’s holding a Daily Planet newspaper.

 

JIMMY

Lois, did you see today’s paper?

 

He hands Lois the paper. She looks at it.

 

INSERT PAPER

 

The front page headline reads:

 

SAVED BY AN ANGEL

By Jen Doktorcik

 

There is a picture of a little girl smiling to go with the article.

 

On the bottom of the page is an article whose title reads:

 

GUN SMUGGLING SEASON OPENS EARLY

By Lois Lane

 

INT. PERRY WHITE’s OFFICE

 

LOIS marches in, pissed. Behind the desk is the Planet’s editor in chief, PERRY WHITE. An older man in a dress shirt and vest, chomping on a lit cigar. Lois slams the paper on his desk.

 

LOIS

What the hell is this?!

 

PERRY

It’s a front page story, Lois.

 

LOIS

It’s a fluff piece! How the hell are you gonna burry my story under a fluff piece.

 

PERRY

You’re on the front page.

 

 

LOIS

I’m on the bottom of the front page! And under a story written by an alcoholic floozy, might I add.

 

PERRY

Lois, everyday we run headline stories on guns, drugs, sex, and violence—

 

LOIS

Guns, drugs, sex, and violence sells papers, Chief.

 

PERRY

Well every once in a while, Lois, people like a little comfort in their lives.

 

LOIS

I didn’t spend two weeks on those mangy docks dealing with low life riff-raffs to write a groundbreaking story, one that incriminates Luthor, might I add, just to get buried by a fluff piece!

 

PERRY

Well until you run this paper I decide what goes on the front page. And you better get off Luthor’s case. You have no evidence he was involved with those guns. I have his lawyers breathing down my neck. Luthor may be a son of a bitch, but he’s a clean one.

 

Lois, pissed, snatches the paper from his desk, about to storm out.

 

PERRY

Oh and Lois…

 

Lois turns to face her boss again.

 

PERRY

I’ve hired you someone to work the city beat with you.

 

LOIS

WHAT?!

 

PERRY

He’s the fastest damn typewriter I’ve ever seen.

 

LOIS

Listen Chief, I don’t need no two-bit hack working with me on my stories.

 

PERRY

Like I said Lois, until you run the paper. (beat) He’s from Smallville, Kansas, name’s Clark Kent.

 

LOIS

Clark from Smallville?

 

CLARK

(O.S.)

Yes, it’s my mother’s maiden name, actually.

 

Lois whips around to see CLARK KENT sitting in a chair in the corner of the office. He’s now about thirty years old. He wears a suit and tie, and the black frame glasses given to him by his father.

 

LOIS

Your mother’s maiden name is Smallville?

 

Clark chuckles uncomfortably.

 

CLARK

By the way, I loved the gun smuggling story. I’m quite the admirer of your work Ms. Lane.

 

LOIS

Is that so. Well let me tell you something, Smallville, I’m the number one reporter at the Daily Planet for a reason, and I work alone bec—

 

PERRY

I’m sending him with you to cover the President’s arrival today.

 

LOIS

Chief, you gotta be kidding—

 

PERRY

I don’t want to hear it, Lois. You take him with you or you go work for the Star.

 

Lois is livid, she shoots a look at the Chief, then to Clark, then storms out of the office.

 

CLARK

Quite the firecracker, isn’t she.

 

PERRY

That she is Kent. Now get the hell outta here and write me a story.

 

CLARK

Yes, Chief.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

CLARK walks over to LOIS, who is busy at her desk.

 

CLARK

Excuse me, Ms. Lane, I just wanted to apologize for—

 

LOIS

You wanna apologize? Then stay off my by-line, farm boy!

 

Clark doesn’t know what to say. Luckily, JIMMY walks up.

 

JIMMY

Hey, Lois. I just wanted to remind you about my opening this weekend down at the gallery.

 

Lois is busy reading something on her computer. She barely recognizes Jimmy’s presence.

 

LOIS

Yeah, yeah Jimmy. I’ll be there. By the way, Jimmy, this is farm boy.

 

Jimmy looks to Clark.

 

LOIS

Jimmy, farm boy. Farm boy, meet Jimmy Olsen. Daily Planet photographer and computer whiz.

 

Jimmy smiles and extends his hand to shake with Clark’s.

 

CLARK

It’s Clark, actually.

 

JIMMY

Nice to meet you, Clark.

 

PERRY pops out of his office.

 

PERRY

Lois?!

 

Lois turns from her computer, and to the Chief.

 

PERRY

Cotterill’s in the hospital. He can’t make it today. You take Jimmy to cover the President. Clark, you take Shuster to cover the Lex Corp. presentation down at Luthor Labs.

 

LOIS

On it, Chief.

 

Lois grabs her purse, notepad, and pen.

 

PERRY

And for Christ sake, Jimmy, get rid of that damn sweater. It looks like a box of Crayola crayons got drunk and puked all over you.

 

Jimmy looks down at his colorful sweater vest, offended.

 

LOIS

Come on, Jimmy, lets go make the front page. And, Smallville, have fun with Shuster.

 

Lois and Jimmy leave, Clark is left standing there.

 

EXT. LUTHOR LABS- DAY

 

CLARK and SHUSTER, about 21, wait in line for security checks at Luthor Labs. Shuster has a camera around his neck.

 

SHUSTER

While I do love photography, what I really wanna be is an artist. Not that photography isn’t art, I just prefer drawing. I really wanna draw for comic books, you know? I find that the medium is highly unappreciated. It’s not just about guys with big muscles and babes with big boobs running around in tights. And they’re not really for kids either. There are some stories out there that are just mind blowing spectacular. You would be surprised at the imagination some of the creators have. And my friend Jerry writes the most far out stories for me to draw. We haven’t had any luck with getting anything published yet though, it’s a tough business. I guess we’re just waiting for the right inspiration to come along to make a story and character that can get published. But like I said, it’s a tough business.

 

CLARK

(irritated)

Wow, Joe, that sounds great.

 

SHUSTER

Oh it really is, Mr. Kent.

 

They come to the check point, and are cleared to pass.

 

INT. HANGAR- DAY

 

CLARK and SHUSTER enter the hangar where the presentation is to take place. Upfront is a stage, complete with American flag, and a Lex Corp. flag. On the stage is a large object hidden by a cloth draped over it. The front rows are full of high ranking MILITARY OFFICERS. The following rows are full of MEDIA PERSONNEL. Camera men line the walls of the hangar. Clark and Shuster take a seat.

 

SHUSTER

Did you read comics growing up, Mr. Kent?

 

CLARK

Can’t say I ever took a liking to them, Joe.

 

SHUSTER

Aw, that’s a real shame, Mr. Kent.

 

The lights in the hangar dim. A screen comes down over the stage. A video starts playing onscreen. The video opens with the Lex Corp. logo. It then goes on with a video presentation of the Luthor Labs AC138 (battle suit) invention. Along with the commentary, the video depicts the numerous capabilities of the battle armor.

 

VIDEO COMMENTARY

Welcome to the exciting world of Luthor Labs. Today’s presentation is that of the AC138 peace keeping armor.

 

The video shows the AC138. It looks like a futuristic, armed robot, about 10 feet tall. One arm is an automatic gun with rocket launcher, the other is a blunt stump, with sharp blades around it for a claw. The body is wide enough so a man can fit inside and operate the machine.

 

VIDEO COMMENTARY

The AC138 is a new invention from the creative team at Luthor Labs. The AC138 was engineered using Lex. Corp.’s patented Brainiac Technology that has been used by Lex Luthor’s team of scientists for numerous revolutionary inventions.

 

Shots of Scientists working in labs.

 

VIDEO COMMENTARY

The AC138 has been designed for the personal use of an American soldier for peace keeping operations all over the world.

 

Shots of a soldier climbing into the back hatch of the AC138. Followed by shots of the AC138’s weaponry blowing stuff up, breaking through walls, taking opposition fire, and flying through the air with jet propulsion coming from it’s feet.

 

VIDEO COMMENTARY

As you can see, the capabilities of the AC138 are vast and efficient. The AC138 will soon be the most technologically advanced piece of machinery used by the U.S. military. And without further hesitation, Luthor Labs presents the AC138 peacekeeping armor.

 

The cloth from the large object on stage is removed, revealing the AC138. The crowd cheers and cameras flash. The crowd then stands to their feet and cheer louder when LEX LUTHOR himself walks onto the stage, smiling and waving. Behind him is his personal bodyguard, MERCY. Mercy has blonde hair pulled back into a bun. She is tall, and wears a black business dress, she almost resembles a female limo driver.

 

EXT. HANGAR

 

From the sky comes a large hovercraft. It slowly descends over the roof of the hangar. It stops into position. Doors open on the bottom, and four ropes drop to the roof. 4 HENCHMEN repel down to ropes and to the roof. They land, and each of them pull an explosive from a side pouch. They place the explosives on the roof, set them, and climb back up to the hovercraft.

 

INT. HANGAR

 

LEX LUTHOR continues giving his speech while the crowd listen. But, CLARK KENT listens to something else. Using his super hearing he hears the digital ticking of the bombs from the roof. He looks up, and using his x-ray vision sees through the roof, and the 4 HENCHMEN climbing back up to the hovercraft.

 

LEX

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who showed up today. Especially the media, I know this evening is a busy one with the arrival of the President here in Metropolis…

 

Clark looks around worried, he’s not quite sure yet what to do. He gets up and makes his way down the aisle of reporters. He is almost out when he hears the bomb ticking stop and just one long beep. The explosives blow and the roof falls in. The crowd scatters. Mercy rushes Luthor off stage. Through the smoke of the explosion, Clark uses his super speed to save people from large pieces of falling rubble. The 4 Henchmen repel down into the hangar from the hovercraft. They each carry a thick cable with a heavy duty magnet on the end. They land on the stage and attach the magnets to the AC138. Henchman 1 gives the signal to a HENCHMAN 5 up in the hovercraft. The AC138 gets lifted into the air, up through the roof, and into the hovercraft. The four men climb up into the hovercraft, and it takes off.

 

Backstage, behind the curtains, Clark appears. He looks out to the fleeing hovercraft. He whips off his glasses, and rips open his dress shirt, revealing the classic red and yellow Superman logo underneath.

 

Out in the main hangar, the crowd begins to calm down. They check to see if each other are okay. Then, from backstage, comes a blue and red streak, it zooms past the crowd and up through the hole blown in the ceiling. It goes so fast the crowd isn’t even sure if they saw it.

 

EXT. SKY- DAY

 

The hovercraft glides through the air, in the sunlit blue sky.

 

INT. HOVERCRAFT

 

At the controls of the craft is a British man, JOHN CORBEN. Seen in the back with the AC138 are the 5 HENCHMEN.

 

CORBEN

Nice job boys.

 

John turns his head to the radar when he hears a beeping. He looks to see a blip following them.

 

CORBEN

Company. Take care of it.

 

EXT. SKY

 

The back hatch of the hovercraft opens and from it come the 5 HENCMEN, each on an armed, personal hover speeder. They glide out into the air. They look around, but are confused to see no one. The main hovercraft takes off. A blue and red streak flashes past Henchman 1, his hover speeder disappears. He falls. From his back opens a parachute. His fellow henchmen watch. Then the blue and red streak passes by Henchman 1 again, and he disappears. The fellow henchmen are confused. Henchman 1 ends up on a nearby roof, tied up with his parachute.

 

HENCHMAN 2

What the hell was that?

 

 

HENCHMAN 3

Let’s get back to the ship.

 

The men turn to return to the hovercraft. But when they turn, they see SUPERMAN, floating in mid air, in his traditional and classic blue and red costume, red cape flowing, and arms crossed. Their jaws are around their knees. Superman looks them down. The men snap out of it and scatter.

 

Superman flies after Henchman 2. Superman fires a blast of heat vision at the engine of the speeder. The speeder fails, and turns into a dive. The henchman jumps. His parachute opens. Superman fires another blast of heat vision to the speeder, blowing it up, so it doesn’t crash into anyone below. Henchman 2 floats down. Superman whizzes by him.

 

Henchman 2 ends tied up on the roof next to Henchman 1.

 

HENCHMAN 3,4,5 speed away. They turn to see Superman flying after them. 4 and 5 take off while Henchman 3 banks to turn and face Superman. He fires bullets from his automatic weapon mounted in the speeder. The bullets hit Superman, knocking him back just a bit, but no real damage. Henchman 3 is stunned. He looks at Superman. Superman holds up his hand, revealing a handful of bullets. He whips the bullets back at the speeder, rendering it useless. Like the others, the henchman jumps and opens his parachute. And like the others, Superman blows up the speeder with his heat vision, and the henchman ends tied up on the roof.

 

Superman flies after Henchman 4 and 5. These two goons are a bit more aggressive when it comes to flying. Superman gives chase. The Henchmen do everything they can to lose the Man of Steel. They zig, they zag, they loop-d-loop. But superman follows, all the while they try to shoot the flying man down, but the Henchmen ignore the fact that bullets won’t hurt this man. Superman tries to shoot them down with his heat vision, but is unsuccessful.

 

He gets shot from behind, as Henchman 4 flies past him. He follows. Superman uses his ice breath to freeze the speeders engine. The speeder fails and drops. It spirals down, Henchman 4 jumps off, the speeder dives towards Henchman 5, and hits him.

 

Henchman 4 opens his chute.

 

Superman bolts down to the falling speeders, and unconscious Henchman 5. They fall closer and closer to the streets, where innocent METROPOLIANS go about daily business. Superman snatches the henchman, and fires his heat vision blowing up the speeders just moments before they would have crashed into civilians.

 

Henchman 4 glides down to Earth. He’s smiling thinking he got away.

 

HENCHMAN 4

(laughing)

I’m getting away, I’m getting away, big flying man in tights can’t catch m—

 

The blue and red streak speeds past the henchman, he disappears. He too ends tied up on the roof with his fellow henchmen.

 

INT. HOVERCRAFT- DAY

 

JOHN CORBEN continues to fly the hovercraft with the high jacked AC138. He tries to communicate with the henchmen over his head set.

 

CORBEN

Gimme an update boys.

 

He waits for a response but none comes.

 

CORBEN

Report. Is anyone there?

 

Corben’s attention is averted when the blip returns on his radar.

 

CORBEN

Son of a…

 

The blip on the radar is coming closer and closer from behind. Then it’s right on him and there is a huge thud that rocks the ship. Corben rights the hovercraft. Then Corben see the figure of SUPERMAN pass by him, and zoom ahead.

 

CORBEN

What the hell…

 

Corben speeds up to catch the flying man.

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN is being followed by the hovercraft. Guns pop out of the front of the craft and fire. Superman dodges the harmless bullets.

 

INT. HOVERCRAFT

 

CORBEN flips up some panels and pushes some buttons.

 

EXT. HOVERCRAFT

 

Rockets pop out of subsiding panels, are locked and ready to fire.

 

INT. HOVERCRAFT

 

CORBEN locks onto SUPERMAN and fires a rocket.

 

EXT. SKY

 

The rocket fires. It’s rips through the air as it heads for SUPERMAN. Superman speeds up his flight, trying to outrun the rocket. He’s not even sure yet if he can handle such an explosive impact. The rocket gains. Superman decides there is no escape. He takes a sharp turn upwards. The rocket flies by. Superman watches the rocket pass, as it heads for empty clouds.

 

Air Force One emerges from the thick clouds. Superman is surprised and takes off for the rocket that is headed right for the President’s plane. The rocket is fast, Superman tries to gain, but it’s too late. The rocket hits the wing of Air Force One, and explodes. Superman is knocked back by the explosion but regains his composure. The plane goes into a dive. Superman gives chase.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS AIRPORT- DAY

 

MEDIA PERSONNEL, COPS, and SECRET SERVICE swarm the landing strip. JIMMY OLSEN and LOIS LANE wait with the others for the President’s arrival. Jimmy still wears his colorful sweater vest despite Perry’s order to throw it away.

 

LOIS

Didn’t the Chief tell you to get rid of the sweater?

 

JIMMY

This is a nice sweater, Lois. I got it at Sears.

 

LOIS

(sighs)

What do you thinks taking so long?

 

JIMMY

I don’t know, maybe they’re having engine problems.

 

LOIS

Please, Jimmy, it’s Air Force One, that sort of thing doesn’t happen. I’m gonna go see if I can find out what’s keeping them.

 

Lois walks away. Jimmy sees he is now standing next to a very PRETTY LADY. He puts on his game face.

 

JIMMY

How’s it goin’? I work for the Daily Planet, you know, photographer.

 

The Pretty Lady looks at Jimmy almost disgusted.

 

PRETTY LADY

(sarcastic)

Nice sweater.

 

She walks away.

 

JIMMY

Hey! I got this at Sears!

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN still chases the diving and damaged Air Force One. He reaches the back tail. He grabs on with all his strength, and tries to right the doomed plane. His attempt is useless, his fingers slip and he loses his grip and flips backwards. He rights himself and starts chasing the plane again.

 

INT. AIR FORCE ONE

 

PASSENGERS are freaking out. They scream and cry. It’s absolute chaos.

 

INT. COCKPIT

 

More Chaos. The PILOTS scream over the intercom to the control tower asking for help.

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN is underneath the diving plane. He reaches the front third of the airliner, and tries to lift it into the air. He struggles with all his strength.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS AIRPORT

 

The MEDIA sees the oncoming plane. They see the smoke, fire, and missing wing. They start to panic. SECRET SERVICE and POLICE try to calm the crowd, and get them to evacuate in an orderly fashion, but it’s useless. The plane is headed right for them. JIMMY stares in a daze at the oncoming doom. LOIS runs up to him, and grabs him.

 

LOIS

COME ON!

 

They run along the landing strip looking for a safe place to watch the unbelievable sight unfold.

 

JIMMY

Where we going?!

 

LOIS

To the front page, Jimmy!

 

They find a structure along the strip to hide behind. While it gives them no real protection, Lois wants her story.

 

 

 

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN continues to strain to help the plane to a safe landing. He sees the frantic crowd below, the innocent civilians that will be killed if he fails. He tries harder. It begins to work! The plane begins to gain altitude.

 

INT. COCKPIT

 

The PILOTS are confused. The chaos turns to confusion.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS AIRPORT

 

The crowd sees the plane slowly coming down safely. They too are confused. It slowly approaches the landing strip. Everyone watches in awe. It gets closer, and the image of SUPERMAN carrying the plane to safety is revealed.

 

COP

What the hell…

 

JIMMY and LOIS watch in disbelief. Their eyes are glued to Superman in a daze. Jimmy holds his camera about chest level, he doesn’t even know he’s holding it.

 

LOIS

(dazed)

…Jimmy?

 

JIMMY

(dazed)

…Yeah?

 

LOIS

(dazed)

Pictures.

 

JIMMY

(dazed)

Right.

 

Without even raising his camera to aim, without even thinking, CLICK, Jimmy presses the shutter button.

 

 

 

LOIS

(dazed)

Good?

 

JIMMY

(dazed)

Spectacular.

 

Superman slowly approaches the landing strip, the sun glistening behind him. The crowd watches in a daze at the impossible sight. He gently sets down the President’s plane, like Atlas with the world on his shoulders.

 

The doors to the plane burst open, and safety slides inflate, passengers slide to the ground. The crowd goes crazy as they try to rush the President’s savior. The Secret service and Cops hold them back.

 

Lois and Jimmy rush to join the crowd.

 

Agents help the PRESIDENT exit the plane. The President looks to see Superman. A small smile comes across his face. He jogs to greet the Man of Steel. Secret service agents rush after him.

 

Lois and Jimmy wrestle their way to the front of the crowd.

 

The President reaches Superman. He extends his hand to shake.

 

PRESIDENT

Excuse me. I don’t know who you are, but on behalf of the American public I would like to thank you for rescuing not only myself but also the many other lives that you saved today.

 

SUPERMAN

No thanks necessary, Mr. President. I’m just glad everyone’s okay.

 

Superman goes to fly away.

 

LOIS

(O.S.)

Hey! Wait a minute!

 

Superman turns to see Lois trying to get past the barricade of cops. He slowly approaches her with a kind look on his face. Lois can’t believe he actually heard her over the crowd.

 

SUPERMAN

Yes, ma’am?

 

LOIS

Uh (beat) who are you?

 

Superman smiles.

 

SUPERMAN

A friend.

 

Lois is speechless. Superman turns and flies away into the sky. The crowd reacts expectedly.

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN is proud as he pleasantly flies through the blue sky.

 

INT. PERRY WHITE’s OFFICE

 

A crowd of DAILY PLANET EMPLOYEE’s along with PERRY, LOIS, JIMMY and CLARK, are crowding the office. Jimmy’s photos of Superman and Air Force One hang on the wall. Perry points to one of the photos.

 

PERRY

What the hell is this?!

 

JIMMY

Uh, I believe it’s a flying man (beat) sir.

 

PERRY

WRONG! This is a front page story.

 

JIMMY

Yes, sir.

 

PERRY

Didn’t I tell you to get rid of that damn Jackson Pollock sweater, Olsen.

 

Jimmy looks down at his colored sweater he’s still wearing.

 

JIMMY

Sorry, sir.

 

Jimmy tries his best to get the sweater off in the crowded office.

 

PERRY

I want to know who this guy is. I want to know where he came from. I want to know where he eats, sleeps, I want to know if he wears boxers or briefs for Christ sake. I want the biggest interview since Moses talked to God!

 

JIMMY

I think it’s clear that he wears briefs, sir.

 

In reference to Superman’s red ‘underwear’.

 

PERRY

Shut up, firefly.

 

Jimmy looks up to his red hair.

 

PERRY

Most importantly, I want to know his name.

 

Clark eyeballs everyone around.

 

 

JIMMY

I hear they’re calling him the Metropolis Marvel, over at the Star.

 

LOIS

Hmm, sounds too much like a pro wrestler.

 

Lois takes a closer look at the photo.

 

LOIS

What’s he trying to say with that ‘S’?

 

JIMMY

How about Mighty Man?

 

 

PERRY

Why don’t you go take a picture or something, Olsen.

 

JIMMY

Yes, sir.

 

Jimmy works his way through the crowd to exit.

 

LOIS

You should have seen it out there, Chief. He was some sort of (beat) super man, or something.

 

PERRY

That’s it!

 

LOIS

What?

 

PERRY

Superman! I want it on the front page, hell, I want it bigger than the front page. ‘SUPERMAN SAVES THE DAY!’ I want Superman to be associated with the Daily planet like steak and eggs, franks and beans, death and taxes, politics and corruption. Now get out there and get me my front page!

 

The crowd disperses from the office.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

The Planet EMPLOYEES flood into the newsroom and get back to work. CLARK approaches LOIS who is already busy at work. She’s still high off of the days news.

 

CLARK

How’s it going Lois?

 

LOIS

Excellent now, Clark.

 

CLARK

Yeah, I’m doing pretty good myself. (beat) That Superman guy seems to be really (beat) well, super, eh Lois?

 

LOIS

Oh, you should have seen him, Clark. In all my years of journalism I haven’t seen anything like him. I’m gonna get a Pulitzer for this one. (beat) I really wish you could have been there, Clark.

 

Clark

Really?

 

LOIS

I wish the whole world could have seen him.

 

CLARK

Well, I was wondering though, Lois, if your not busy on—

 

Lois gets up from her seat and grabs her purse and jacket.

 

LOIS

I’m sorry, Clark, I have to go, I’m having dinner with an old friend from school. And don’t forget we have that interview scheduled with Luthor tomorrow, so be ready.

 

CLARK

Oh, okay. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow then.

 

LOIS

Sure thing, Smallville.

 

Lois exits via elevator. JIMMY walks up to Clark.

 

JIMMY

Don’t worry, Clark, she’ll warm up to you.

 

CLARK

You think so?

 

JIMMY

Yeah. She couldn’t stop talking about you on the way to the airport today.

 

CLARK

Really? What’d she say?

 

 

JIMMY

She thinks you have a cute butt. Must’ve been all the farm work she said.

 

EXT. KENT FARM- NIGHT

 

SUPERMAN slowly floats down to the property.

 

INT. KENT HOUSE

 

CLARK walks in the front door of his old home.

 

CLARK

Ma?

 

JONATHON comes down the stairs, smiling.

 

JONATHON

Oh, my boy, I am so proud of you! It’s been all over the news. ‘Flying man saves the President’. You wouldn’t believe it. Heck, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.

 

They hug.

 

CLARK

Where’s ma?

 

JONATHON

She’s in the kitchen. Come on.

 

They walk to the kitchen. MARTHA turns from the oven, sees Clark and rushes to him to hug.

 

MARTHA

Oh, Clark, we’re so proud of you.

 

CLARK

Thanks, Ma.

 

She lets go of her son. She immediately starts checking over Clark, like a mother would if she heard her son was in a fight.

 

MARTHA

Are you all right? Those men didn’t hu—

 

CLARK

Ma…

 

JONATHON

Martha, he’s fine.

 

Jonathon stops Martha from her motherhood tendencies.

 

JONATHON

Sit, down, son. Ma’s got a fresh apple pie coming out of the oven.

 

CLARK

Yeah, I smelled it all the way from Virginia.

 

MARTHA

Well I know it’s my boy’s favorite.

 

Jonathon and Clark take a seat at the table. Martha continues her work at the oven.

 

JONATHON

So have you seen it, have you seen the news?

 

CLARK

I work for a newspaper, Pa. I’ve seen it.

 

JONATHON

C’mon, tell me, how’s it feel?

 

CLARK

Actually, Pa, I’m a little worried.

 

JONAHTON

Worried?

 

CLARK

Yeah. Everyone’s talking about me, they’re calling me Superman.

 

MARTHA

Superman?

 

CLARK

And now they want me to be this icon, this hero.

 

 

JONATHON

Well, you are a hero, son. You saved the President of the United States today. Did you get to meet him?

 

CLARK

Yeah, Pa, but that’s not it. They’re gonna want so much from me, and I’m not sure I can do it. If something happens, what are people gonna say then? ‘Where was Superman?’ There’s so many problems in the world, I can’t be responsible for fixing them all.

 

JONATHON

Listen, son. What you did today was a miracle. What you do tomorrow is a miracle. Your one man, you can only do so much, and what you decide to do is enough, as long as it’s not nothing.

 

CLARK

But what if I fail?

 

JONATHON

Every man fails once in a while, son.

 

CLARK

But what about a super man?

 

Martha delivers a fresh apple pie to the table. With a smile on her face.

 

CLARK

Thanks, Ma.

 

EXT. LEX CORP.- DAY

 

Lex Corp. towers rise above Metropolis. Two ‘L’ Shaped twin towers connected by skywalks. They are the tallest structures in Metropolis.

 

INT. LUTHOR BATHROOM

 

LUTHOR sits in a chair, a female BARBER shaves his face. Luthor is reading the Daily Planet. The headline reads: SUPERMAN SAVES THE DAY by Lois Lane. Jimmy’s photo of Superman saving Air Force One graces the cover. Luthor is infuriated by the article. The barber is almost done shaving him, when she accidentally cuts him. Luthor reacts, and the Barber shrinks away.

 

BARBER

I’m sorry Mr. Luthor, I didn’t mean to…

 

Luthor wipes blood from the cut and examines it. He smiles.

 

LUTHOR

It’s quite all right. Are you finished?

 

BARBER

Yes, sir.

 

LUTHOR

Good.

 

Luthor gets up and exits the bathroom.

 

INT. LUTHOR’s OFFICE

 

LUTHOR walks from the bathroom and into an office that could only be furnished by a greedy multi-billionaire. MERCY stands guard in the room.

 

LUTHOR

Mercy?

 

MERCY

Yes, sir?

 

LUTHOR

I need a new barber.

 

MERCY

Yes, sir.

 

Mercy walks into the bathroom. Luthor takes a seat at his desk, and throws down the copy of the Daily Planet. From the bathroom, comes the sounds of a brief struggle then a snap. Mercy walks out of the bathroom, and resumes her bodyguard position.

 

 

 

 

SECRETARY

(over intercom)

Mr. Luthor, Lois Lane and Clark Kent from the daily planet are here to see you, sir.

 

LUTHOR

(into intercom)

Send them in, Mrs. Tessmacher. And get a janitor in here, there’s a mess in the bathroom.

 

SECRETARY

(over intercom)

Yes, Mr. Luthor.

 

CLARK and LOIS enter the office.

 

LUTHOR

Well, if it isn’t my favorite reporter.

 

LOIS

Am I, Lex?

 

LUTHOR

Of course. Please, have a seat.

 

Lois and Clark take a seat in front of Luthor’s grand desk.

 

LUTHOR

And may I ask the gentlemen’s name?

 

CLARK

Clark Kent, Daily Planet.

 

LUTHOR

I see. Lois has a partner.

 

Lois rolls her eyes.

 

LUTHOR

It’s nice to meet you Clark.

 

Luthor holds up the Daily Planet.

 

LUTHOR

I see your doing very well, Lois.

 

 

LOIS

In fact I am, Lex. And what does Metropolis’ richest philanthropist think of our city’s new hero?

 

LUTHOR

Hero? Your hero did nothing but help me lose a billion dollar war suit. Excuse me if I was not taken with his first impression.

 

CLARK

War suit? I thought it was to be used for peace keeping operations?

 

LUTHOR

Semantics. I’m sure you journalists understand.

 

LOIS

Are you saying your precious investment was more important than the lives of the citizens he saved, more important than the life of the President of the United States himself?

 

LUTHOR

We all have our priorities to look after, Lois. That’s off the record, of course. On the record, I am thankful for the caped wonder who averted what could have been a devastating tragedy, and I wish him my best in his future heroic endeavors to safe guard our fair city from the cruel intentions of evil everywhere.

 

Luthor smiles. Clark looks to a small maquette statue of the AC138 sitting on Luthor’s desk. He leans over and picks it off the desk. Luthor looks at Clark almost offended for touching anything he owns.

 

CLARK

You know, Mr. Luthor, I can’t help but see a silver lining in this for you.

 

LUTHOR

How’s that?

 

CLARK

Well, now that the government knows terrorists are in possession of a high tech weapon that could potentially be used to attack Americans and/or other allies, they’ll probably want to commission your company to build a better and stronger weapon to counter attack with. That would be a pretty juicy contract, wouldn’t it, Mr. Luthor?

 

Luthor looks at Clark with a face that would kill a small animal. Lois looks at Clark in disbelief, she is very impressed.

 

LUTHOR

Lois is your ‘side kick’ insinuating that I orchestrated the theft of my own property?

 

LOIS

I don’t know, Lex (beat) care to comment?

 

INT. LOIS’ CAR- DAY

 

LOIS drives her car back to the Planet. CLARK is in the passenger seat.

 

 

LOIS

What the hell was that, Smallville?

 

CLARK

What?

 

LOIS

You’re the second person I’ve seen to get under Luthor’s skin like that.

 

CLARK

Who’s the first?

 

LOIS

Me (beat) when I dumped him.

 

CLARK

You dated Lex Luthor?

 

LOIS

What can I say, it made a great article.

 

 

CLARK

Is there anything you won’t do for a story?

 

LOIS

Sometimes you gotta make the news yourself. So you really think Luthor’s behind the terrorists?

 

CLARK

I don’t know. Lets find out though.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- DAY

 

LOIS is typing at her desk. CLARK walks up and tosses down photos of Luthor shaking hands with a foreign military general.

 

LOIS

What’s this?

 

CLARK

I’ve been digging up some info on Luthor. Here’s Luthor last year at the International Industrial Convention. Notice the guy in the picture with him?

 

LOIS

He’s a general from Pokolostan. So what?

 

CLARK

It seems that Pokolostan and the U.S. have been on shaky ground lately. And the General in the photo has been recruiting an elite squad of terrorists.

 

LOIS

It’s old news, Smallville. What’s it got to do with Luthor?

 

CLARK

A couple months ago, the U.S cut all trading with Pokolostan, which would make it an act of treason for Luthor to sell them the AC138. Unless…

 

LOIS

Unless Luthor left the door open to just give it away.

 

CLARK

It works in theory.

 

Lois grabs her coat and purse and heads for the elevator.

 

CLARK

Where you going?

 

LOIS

I’m going down to the docks to do a follow up on the gun smuggling story.

 

CLARK

You want me to come with?

 

LOIS

And share the by-line?

 

Clark smiles. Lois gets on the elevator.

 

EXT. CARGO SHIP- DAY

 

A Pokolostan flag flaps in the wind atop a mast coming from a cargo ship. LOIS is at the top of the ramp leading on board, but a sailor, HANZ, won’t let her on.

 

HANZ

I told you, lady, we’re not giving any interviews.

 

LOIS

Just let me speak to your captain, it’ll only take a moment.

 

HANZ

Look, lady, what part of—

 

CORBEN

(O.S.)

Hanz, Hanz, there is no need for such hostility.

 

Lois sees JOHN CORBEN approach from behind Hanz.

 

CORBEN

Especially towards such a beautiful guest. John Corben, special attaché to Pokolostan.

 

Hanz backs away. Corben extends his hand in greeting.

 

CORBEN

And you are?

 

Lois walks right past Corben, and on board the ship.

 

LOIS

Lois Lane, Daily Planet.

 

Corben follows her through the ship.

 

CORBEN

And may I ask what I can do for you, Ms. Lane?

 

LOIS

I’m doing a follow up piece on gun smuggling, I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about your cargo?

 

CORBEN

I’m sure you know Ms. Lane, all trading between Pokolostan and the U.S. has been suspended. We are part of a diplomatic envoy trying to restore relations between our two countries.

 

Lois comes to a door and opens it.

 

LOIS

So you wouldn’t mind me taking a look around?

 

She enters the door.

 

INT. CARGO SHIP SUB LEVEL

 

LOIS walks down stairs to the ships main cargo room. CORBEN quickly follows her.

 

CORBEN

I would love to be of service to you, Ms. Lane. Maybe I can answer your questions over some dinner?

 

A WORKER emerges from behind a large door, leaving a cargo room. As the doors opens and closes, Lois sees the AC138 stored in the room.

 

LOIS

You know, I would love some dinner, how about—

 

Lois turns back to Corben as she hears a gun being cocked. Corben holds the gun to her.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- DAY

 

JIMMY sits at a computer typing away. CLARK passes by, browsing through papers in a folder.

 

JIMMY

Hey, Mr. Kent. How’s it going?

 

CLARK

I’m fine, Jimmy, thanks. And please, call me Clark.

 

Clark motions to the computer.

 

CLARK

What are you up to?

 

JIMMY

Oh, I’m making a computer program that will help me hack into almost any computer, no matter what the security.

 

CLARK

Isn’t that illegal?

 

JIMMY

It’s just for fun, Clark. You hear about that computer crash at the pentagon back in ’98?

 

CLARK

No, I don’t believe I did.

 

JIMMY

Exactly, no one did. But, that was me.

 

CLARK

Well, I guess we all have our hobbies.

 

JIMMY

Hey, speaking of which, I wondering if you wanted to take a look at some of my photos?

 

CLARK

Sure, Jimmy, I’d be glad to.

 

Jimmy hands Clark a small portfolio of photos. Clark opens it and starts flipping through the pages.

 

CLARK

Jimmy, these photos are really good.

 

JIMMY

Hey thanks, Clark. I have my first opening coming up at a gallery, you should come.

 

CLARK

I’d love to.

 

Clark stops at a photo of Lois down on the docks, dealing with scruffy port men. In the background is a large cargo ship.

 

JIMMY

That’s a picture of Lois down at the docks last week, investigating the gun smuggling.

 

CLARK

That ship.

 

JIMMY

What about it?

 

CLARK

It’s a Pokolostan ship, look at the flag.

 

Jimmy gets close up to the photo and squints to see the flag.

 

JIMMY

Geez Clark, how can you see that? It’s so small.

 

CLARK

I have to go.

 

JIMMY

What’s wrong, Clark?

 

 

INT. DAILY PLANET STAIRWELL

 

CLARK bursts into the stairwell. He runs up the stairs at super speed.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF

 

The door to the roof bursts open, SUPERMAN flies out. He heads for the docks.

 

EXT. DOCKS- NIGHT

 

The cargo ship takes off into the ocean.

 

INT. CARGO SHIP SUB LEVEL

 

LOIS is tied to a post. CORBEN is relaxing. GOON 1 and GOON 2 play cards. The AC138 is in the room, along with tons of cargo boxes.

 

LOIS

My people know where I’m at Corben, you’re not gonna get away with this.

 

CORBEN

Sweetheart, if your people knew where you are, or even cared, they would have made a move by now.

 

HANZ comes into the room

 

HANZ

We’re clear, sir.

 

CORBEN

Good.

 

Corben walks up to the struggling Lois. He grabs her by the face.

 

CORBEN

It’s sad to see you go, Sweetheart. But you need to go.

 

Corben gives her a big sloppy kiss, Lois does her best to recoil.

 

 

CORBEN

Kill her.

 

Goon 1 and Goon 2 pull out an AK-47 each. They take aim to Lois. Lois struggles and squirms. They pull their triggers and fire. Faster than a speeding bullet, SUPERMAN breaks in through the roof at super speed and lands in front of Lois just in time to take the bullets himself.

 

CORBEN

Superman?!

 

Corben hides behind cargo boxes. The Goons fire at Superman. He catches the bullets and throw them back in front of the Goons feet, the Goons scatter for cover. Superman turns and using his heat vision, cuts Lois from her bonds.

 

SUPERMAN

Take cover.

 

Lois does so. Superman turns back to the Goons. Goon 1 fires at a net above Superman, the net breaks, tons of cargo boxes fall on Superman knocking him to the floor.

 

Corben pulls out a remote, like one used to unlock a car. He aims towards the AC138, presses the button, the AC138 makes a beep and unlocks. The back hatch opens and Corben jumps in.

 

Superman gets up from the cargo boxes, the Goons fire more. Superman uses his heat vision and melts the guns. The Goons look to superman whose eyes are glowing red. Suddenly, Superman is knocked back from the high powered automatic bullets coming from the AC138. He tries to get up, but the bullets keep him down.

 

Lois runs out from her cover at the sight of Superman being knocked down.

 

LOIS

Superman?!

 

The AC138 turns to Lois and takes aim.

 

LOIS

Uh-oh.

 

The AC138 fires. Superman flies by, grabs Lois and flies out of the ship by way he came in.

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN flies out of the cargo ship, a frightened LOIS in his arms. She screams as they soar.

 

SUPERMAN

Don’t worry, Ms. Lane, I’ve got you.

 

LOIS

You’ve got me? Who’s got you?

 

EXT. DOCKS

 

SUPERMAN lands with LOIS safely.

 

SUPERMAN

Call the police tell them what’s happening.

 

Superman flies off.

 

LOIS

Be careful.

 

The AC138 rockets out of the cargo ship by jet propulsion from its feet. It lands on a dock.

 

INT. AC138

 

CORBEN is at the controls, he wears a head set.

 

CORBEN

(into head set)

Tell the General that the AC138 will be sent to him by special delivery.

 

A thud comes from behind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXT. DOCKS

 

SUPERMAN is on the back of the AC138.

 

INT. AC138

 

CORBEN throws a switch.

 

EXT. DOCKS

 

The AC138 lets off an electric shock, shocking SUPERMAN off of the suit. The AC138 picks up Superman and throws him into the water.

 

INT. UNDERWATER

 

SUPERMAN falls back into the water, he composes himself and flies through the water back towards the docks.

 

EXT. DOCKS

 

The AC138 readies the rocket launcher, aims, and fires.

 

INT. UNDERWATER

 

The rocket torpedoes through the water, hits SUPERMAN and explodes.

 

EXT. DOCKS

 

The explosion creates a geyser of water. The AC138 waits for a moment, then takes off into the air.

 

SUPERMAN comes exploding from the water, in pursuit of the war suit. He grabs onto it and throws it back down to the docks. The suit hits the ground but gets back up. Superman dives down from the air, and kicks it with both feet. It gets knocked back, slides across the pavement and through a warehouse.

 

When it comes out of the other end of the warehouse, Superman is already waiting for it. While on its back, the AC138 shoots a rocket point blank at Superman. The rocket propels Superman back into a building that’s in the middle of construction (there are no workers there at the time), and explodes. The building collapses.

 

The AC138 stands up, cocks the rocket launcher, and a giant rocket shell falls to the pavement, making a crater. The AC138 takes aim again at the building, it waits.

 

From the burning rubble comes Superman. The AC138 fires its high powered machine gun, Superman holds out his hands trying to deflect the bullets, but is eventually knocked to the ground. Superman takes cover behind a cement truck. The AC138 tear through the cover with bullets. Superman lifts up the truck preparing to throw.

 

INT. AC138

 

CORBEN takes aim to the exposed gas tank of the truck.

 

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE

 

The AC138 fires at the gas tank, Superman throws the cement truck, it explodes just in front of the war suit, knocking it to the ground.

 

INT. AC138

 

CORBEN screams as he is rocked with the explosion. His console begins to spark and electrocute Corben.

 

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE

 

SUPERMAN walks through the burning rubble and picks up the AC138. He tosses it up to a nearby roof.

 

EXT. ROOFTOP

 

The AC138 lands on the roof. It gets up. SUPERMAN flies up to the roof. The machine loads a rocket. With his super speed, Superman get right up to the arm housing the rocket launcher and tears it off. The clawed arm shoots forward, grabbing Superman by the face, pinning him to the ground. Superman grabs onto the arm, and struggles. He rips that arm off too.

 

INT. AC138

 

The damage becomes greater. CORBEN is electrocuted and injured more. His controls start to go haywire.

 

 

EXT. ROOFTOP

 

The AC138 stumbles back to the edge of the roof. SUPERMAN uses his heat vision, and cuts off the legs of the AC138. The body of the machine falls off the roof.

 

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE

 

The suit falls to the ground hard.

 

INT. AC138

 

All the hardware has gone nuts. CORBEN has no escape from the electrocution. He screams and writhes in pain. Then the front of the AC138 is ripped open. Standing above is SUPERMAN.

 

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE

 

SUPERMAN lifts the beaten CORBEN from the suit. He brings Corben face to face.

 

SUPERMAN

Care to go a few rounds without the suit.

 

Corben passes out.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET- DAY

 

The bronze, rotating globe glistens in the sunlight as a new day begins in Metropolis.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

LOIS strolls into the always busy newsroom. She comes by CLARK, at his desk.

 

LOIS

How’s it going, Smallville?

 

CLARK

Little sore, I had a late night.

 

LOIS

You wouldn’t believe the night I had.

 

Clark holds up the days issue of the Daily Planet. The headline reads: LUTHOR TERRORIST? By Lois Lane.

 

CLARK

Just read about it.

 

LOIS

Sound good?

 

CLARK

We didn’t even have proof or evidence connecting Luthor to the terrorists. I can’t believe Perry ran the story.

 

LOIS

He didn’t.

 

CLARK

What?

 

LOIS

I called in a favor down at the press, had a friend slip it in for me. There’s no way Perry would have the balls to run that story. But, we all know Luthor’s dirty. It’ll be retracted, but he’ll be left a black eye from it.

 

CLARK

Your kidding, Perry’s gonna be—

 

PERRY

(O.S.)

LOIS! GET THE HELL IN HERE!!

 

LOIS

‘Scuse me, Smallville, Perry wants to have a friendly chat.

 

INT. PREYY WHITE’s OFFICE

 

LOIS enters. PERRY is livid, chomping on a cigar. The issue of the paper lies on his desk.

 

 

 

 

 

PERRY

WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! Do you know the phone calls I’ve been getting today! Luthor may sue, I may lose the Planet!

 

LOIS

He’s not gonna sue.

 

PERRY

How the hell did you get this story into MY paper?! What made you think you could run a story with out any evidence? This is yellow journalism TRASH, Lois!

 

LOIS

You don’t need proof when you have intuition, Chief.

 

PERRY

INTUITION MY ASS! I’ll give you intuition to the unemployment office!

 

LOIS

We all know Luthor’s corrupt, Chief. I’m just the first to print it.

 

PERRY

I don’t care if Luthor bathes with pigs. Unless you have proof, I don’t print it!

 

LOIS

Just wait, Chief, I bet by two o’clock we sell out every copy.

 

PERRY

And it’ll be the last damn copy I ever sell if Luthor’s lawyers have anything to say about it!

 

LOIS

I told you he’s not gonna sue. What do you want me to do about it, Perry, I’m a reporter, I report the news, and THIS is news.

 

PERRY

You know what I want you to do about it? I want you to clear out you desk, Lois, YOU’RE FIRED!

 

LOIS

Oh please, Chief. We’ve played this before, I’m just gonna come back in tomorrow and—

 

PERRY

I’m serious, Lois, I want you out of here, NOW!

 

LOIS

(sighs)

All right, Chief, I’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Lois exits.

 

INT. LUTHOR’s OFFICE- NIGHT

 

LUTHOR sits behind his desk. A Pokolostan LAWYER is on the other side. MERCY stands guard in the background.

 

LAWYER

So you see, as the agreed upon merchandise never left Metropolis, my client, the General, would like a full and prompt refund, respectfully.

 

LUTHOR

We agreed that I would put the merchandise in the hands of the General’s men. I did. Now, because of interference from some freak, you want ME TO EAT A BILLION DOLLARS!

 

Through the windows, behind Lex, the Lawyer sees SUPERMAN float down. His arms are crossed, he is waiting.

 

LAWYER

Perhaps we should discuss this later, Mr. Luthor, it appears you have more important matters to attend.

 

Luthor turns to see Superman, floating in mid-air just outside the window. The Lawyer leaves. Luthor presses a button on his desk, and the window opens.

 

LUTHOR

I’d invite you in for a drink, but I imagine someone like you doesn’t imbibe. Pity. A stiff drink might do you some good.

 

Superman gives no response.

 

LUTHOR

The silent treatment, eh? You know, long before you appeared on the scene, I was here. I built Metropolis from an ordinary town to the most powerful city on the planet. Two thirds of the citizens work for me one way or another, whether they know it or not.

 

Superman stares down Lex.

 

LUTHOR

I own this city. So, enjoy the publics little infatuation with their new mascot while you can. Fame is fleeting, Superman, Luthor is forever.

 

SUPERMAN

I’ll be watching you, Luthor.

 

Superman flies off. Luthor turns back to his desk, taking a face of disgust.

 

LUTHOR

Brainiac?

 

Luthor’s computer flips on, the BRAINIAC logo fills the screen.

 

BRAINIAC

Yes, Luthor?

 

LUTHOR

What the hell was that?!

 

BRAINIAC

Quite the surprise, I’d say.

 

LUTHOR

I don’t care about surprises, machine. WHO IS HE?!

 

BRAINIAC

As I escaped the dying Krypton, my radar picked up a fleeing ship. I never thought the passenger to survive the flight. It appears I was wrong.

 

 

LUTHOR

I didn’t ask for bad memories from your child hood. I asked who is he?

 

BRAINIAC

The crest he wears is of the house of El. His name is Kal-El,son of Jor-El. And now the last son of Krypton.

 

LUTHOR

Why does he have such power? Where does it come from?

 

BRAINIAC

Earth’s yellow star. Krypton was a satellite of a red star. The U.V. rays from your yellow sun have given him great strength and abilities.

 

LUTHOR

How do I hurt him?

 

BRAINIAC

The explosion of Krypton was massive. No doubt meteors of the broken planet have fallen to Earth. These meteors, kryptonite, will have been affected by the same sun rays that have given Kal-El his strength. The biological make-up of the Kryptonian will find the presence of kryptonite to be quite fatal.

 

LUTHOR

So I take away the sun and he loses his powers. I find the rock and he dies.

 

BRAINIAC

That is correct.

 

Luthor smiles.

 

EXT. LOIS’ APT. BALCONY- NIGHT

 

LOIS is in a night gown sitting in a chair. Next to her is a bottle of alcohol and a glass. She is in utter despair from being fired. She leans her head back, looking into the starry night sky. She slowly closes her eyes.

 

Two red boots slowly glide down from the sky, and silently land on the balcony. Lois, not sure if she heard something, opens her eyes and looks forward. She lets out a surprised whelp when she sees SUPERMAN standing on her balcony.

 

SUPERMAN

I hope I didn’t frighten you, Ms. Lane.

 

LOIS

(in disbelief, lost for words)

Oh, um, n-no, I’m fine, um, sometimes I scream when (beat) I (beat) see people, um. Sorry.

 

SUPERMAN

I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything. I can go if you like?

 

LOIS

Oh, no. No. Stay.

 

SUPERMAN

Good. I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time.

 

LOIS

Yes, yes of course. What for?

 

SUPERMAN

I understand the people of Metropolis have many questions about me. And I figured who better to talk to than the city’s number one reporter.

 

Lois smiles like a schoolgirl.

 

LOIS

Yeah, sure, we can talk. Um, just stay right there, don’t move.

 

SUPERMAN

Don’t move?

 

LOIS

Well, you can move, but just don’t (beat) fly away.

 

Lois enters her apartment. Superman takes the moment to look out over the lit up city against the night sky. Lois returns with a pen and notepad.

 

LOIS

Okay.

 

SUPERMAN

Well, what would you like to know?

 

LOIS

Everything.

 

SUPERMAN

Everything?

 

Lois giggles at the absurdity of her statement. She’s become a little girl talking to her first crush.

 

LOIS

Well, lets start with where you came from? Or who built you?

 

SUPERMAN

Who built me?

 

LOIS

Um, sorry, it’s just some people think you’re a, well, robot.

 

Superman chuckles.

 

SUPERMAN

I assure you, Ms. Lane, I’m no robot.

 

LOIS

Then how about telling me about where you came from.

 

SUPERMAN

I’m from a planet called Krypton.

 

Lois writes furiously.

 

LOIS

Is that Krypton with a ‘C’ or a ‘K’?

 

 

SUPERMAN

‘K’. It’s part of the Xeno galaxy, or was part of the Xeno galaxy.

 

 

LOIS

Was?

 

SUPERMAN

My planet no longer exists. My parents sent me to Earth just before its destruction.

 

LOIS

Oh, I’m sorry. Uh, can you tell me about your strange powers?

 

SUPERMAN

You think my powers are strange?

 

LOIS

Oh, no, I didn’t mean to, it’s just—

 

SUPERMAN

It’s okay, I understand.

 

LOIS

It’s just that not everyone can deliver a letter by airmail without putting a stamp on it.

 

SUPERMAN

I’d never do that, Ms. Lane.

 

LOIS

Oh?

 

SUPERMAN

It’s against the law.

 

LOIS

Oh.

 

SUPERMAN

But to answer your question, my powers come from your yellow sun. My D.N.A. is different than that of a human, and on Krypton our sun was red.

 

LOIS

So you’re like a solar battery?

 

SUPERMAN

I suppose you could say that.

 

LOIS

And, your totally impervious to pain?

 

SUPERMAN

So far.

 

LOIS

Do you eat?

 

SUPERMAN

I don’t have to, but I enjoy food very much.

 

LOIS

What’s your favorite food?

 

SUPERMAN

I like Mexican food.

 

Lois giggles.

 

SUPERMAN

What’s so funny?

 

LOIS

Nothing. It’s just I can’t imagine you eating a burrito. I mean, with the cape and everything. Do you, like, fly to Mexico whenever you’re hungry?

 

SUPERMAN

Sometimes. There’s a place in Detroit called Mexican Village that I enjoy very much. It’s much closer.

 

LOIS

So tell me, why do you do (beat) what you do?

 

SUPERMAN

You mean save people?

 

 

LOIS

Yes.

 

SUPERMAN

Because I can.

 

 

LOIS

Really? And what future plans do you have?

 

SUPERMAN

I plan to continue fighting for truth, justice, and the American way.

 

Lois giggles.

 

LOIS

Your kidding.

 

SUPERMAN

No, Ms. Lane, I never lie.

 

LOIS

Wow. I really wish Clark could be here.

 

SUPERMAN

Clark? Is he your boy—

 

LOIS

Oh, no. No, he’s just (beat) he’s just Clark. Don’t worry about him

 

SUPERMAN

I’m sure he’s a very nice gentleman.

 

LOIS

Speaking of which do you have a, um, girlfriend?

 

SUPERMAN

No, Ms. Lane.

 

Lois tries not to blush.

 

LOIS

This is too good to be true. So, what’s it like to…

 

Lois makes a flying motion with her hand.

 

SUPERMAN

Fly? It’s quite relaxing, actually.

 

LOIS

I remember when I was a kid, I always wanted to fly.

 

SUPERMAN

Really? Well if you like I could take you for a spin.

 

LOIS

Are you serious?

 

SUPERMAN

Sure.

 

LOIS

Okay. Um, let me just get a jacket.

 

SUPERMAN

No need, Ms. Lane. I’ll keep you warm.

 

Lois goes back into schoolgirl mode.

 

LOIS

Okay.

 

Superman motions for her to come to the edge of the balcony. She does so. He gently takes her by her hips, and they lift into the air.

 

EXT. AIR

 

SUPERMAN and LOIS take off into the night sky. Lois lets out little cry of worry.

 

SUPERMAN

You needn’t be afraid, Ms. Lane, I won’t harm you.

 

 

 

 

 

FLYING MONTAGE

 

EXT. METROPOLIS

 

They fly around the city, which is beautifully lit up.

 

EXT. NEW YORK CITY

 

They fly by the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Time Square, and other New York sites.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C.

They fly by the Washington memorial, and the White House

 

EXT. OCEAN

They fly over the ocean, reflecting the white moonlight.

 

EXT. SKY

 

They fly by the moon, through the clouds, and past the stars.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS

 

They fly by the Daily Planet and its bronze, rotating globe.

 

END MONTAGE

 

EXT. LOIS’ APT. BALCONY

 

SUPERMAN lands with LOIS in his arms. She is completely taken by him.

 

SUPERMAN

How was it?

 

LOIS

Spectacular.

 

Still in his arms, Lois stares at him, and he smiles back. She leans in and gives him a kiss. Superman kisses her back, passionately. They unlock lips, and she is totally dazed.

 

SUPERMAN

What was that for?

 

LOIS

I figured it wasn’t everyday a girl gets to kiss a super man.

 

Superman smiles.

 

SUPERMAN

I have to be off, Ms. Lane.

 

LOIS

Oh, yes, I don’t want to be keeping you from anything important.

 

SUPERMAN

Goodbye, Ms. Lane. I’ll see you tomorrow.

 

He takes off into the night.

 

LOIS

Tomorrow? What’s tomorrow?

 

No response, he’s already gone.

 

LOIS

(barely able to form words)

Goodbye (beat) wonderful…

 

EXT. LUTHOR LABS- NIGHT

 

The structure almost looks evil itself in the night light.

 

INT. LUTHOR LABS LABORATORY

 

The unconscious and broken body of JOHN CORBEN lies on an operating table, hooked up to medical equipment. Around him are a few DOCTORS including PROFESSOR EMMET VALE. LUTHOR approaches the body. He leans in, as if Corben would then be able to hear him speak.

 

LUTHOR

You failed me, Corben. But I’m granting you a rare offer, a second chance. I will make you strong, because you were weak. And, I will give you power, because you had none. When you wake (beat) you’ll be a new man.

 

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- DAY

 

CLARK walks into the newsroom, and to his desk. JIMMY walks by him.

 

JIMMY

How’s it going, Clark?

 

CLARK

Very good, Jimmy, thank you.

 

Clark turns his attention to the elevator as the doors ding, and open. LOIS walks out with a smile on her face.

 

CLARK

Lois? What are you doing here, I thought Mr. White—

 

LOIS

I told him I’d be here today to get my job back. And that’s what I’m doing.

 

She holds up some papers, breezes by Clark, and heads straight for Perry’s office.

 

INT. PERRY WHITE’s OFFICE

 

LOIS barges into the office. PERRY is on the phone. He sees her, and covers the receiver.

 

PERRY

Just what the hell do you think your doing here?

 

Lois tosses onto Perry’s desk her interview with Superman. Perry glances at the content.

 

PERRY

Great Caesar’s ghost! Lisa, I’ll call you back.

 

He hangs up the phone.

 

PERRY

Is this for real?

 

LOIS

You have no idea.

 

 

PERRY

Would you like a raise with your new job, Lois?

 

 

LOIS

Love one, Chief.

 

With a smug smile she exits the office.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

LOIS walks to her desk. CLARK approaches.

 

CLARK

What was that, Lois?

 

LOIS

Just a little game Perry likes to play. He fires me, I come back. It’s happened before, it’ll happen again.

 

CLARK

Well, welcome back then, Lois. Maybe tomorrow we can go out to dinner to celebrate your return.

 

LOIS

Clark, I was only gone for one night.

 

CLARK

Oh, I know, I just thought—

 

LOIS

Clark Kent, are you asking me out on a date?

 

CLARK

Oh, no, I was just, you know…

 

LOIS

So you’re not asking me out?

 

CLARK

Well if you wanted to, uh—

 

 

 

LOIS

If you’re asking me out, Smallville, then ask me already.

 

CLARK

Well, um…

 

 

LOIS

3…

 

CLARK

Lois, I…

 

LOIS

2…

 

CLARK

I was…

 

LOIS

1…

 

CLARK

Okay. Um, Lois, if you’re not busy tomorrow night (beat) I was just wondering (beat) if you’d like to join me for dinner?

 

Lois laughs.

 

LOIS

That’s it?

 

CLARK

Did you want more?

 

LOIS

No, that was cute, that was (beat) Kansas.

 

CLARK

Kansas?

 

LOIS

Yes, Clark, I am not busy tomorrow night, and I will join you for dinner.

 

 

CLARK

Great, excellent. Do you enjoy Mexican?

 

Lois stops laughing.

 

LOIS

What?

 

 

CLARK

Mexican food. I was wondering if you would like to get some Mexican food.

 

LOIS

I’d love some Mexican food.

 

CLARK

Good. Is eight okay for you?

 

LOIS

Eights fine.

 

CLARK

All right, eight o’clock tomorrow.

 

LOIS

All right.

 

Clark walks away. Lois is lost in thought for a moment. Then she snaps out of it.

 

LOIS

No.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- LATER

 

LOIS is busy at her desk. JIMMY comes by.

 

JIMMY

Lois, this letter just came for you.

 

Jimmy hands the envelope to Lois.

 

LOIS

Thanks, Jimmy.

 

She opens the envelope and pulls out a letter.

 

LOIS

(reading to herself)

Dear Ms. Lane, My name is Eric Fowler…

 

She reads the rest to herself. CLARK comes by.

 

CLARK

What’s that, Lois?

 

LOIS

It’s a letter from a kid at Metropolis General Hospital. He wants to meet Superman.

 

CLARK

Superman?

 

LOIS

Yeah, says he has cancer, and wants to meet his hero (beat) just in case.

 

CLARK

Poor kid.

 

LOIS

I don’t know what to do. I mean, how do you get a hold of Superman?

 

EXT. HOSPITAL ROOF- DAY

 

SUPERMAN descends to the hospital rooftop. Awaiting his arrival is a female, DOCTOR MUIR.

 

MUIR

Thank you so much for coming, Superman. You don’t know how much this will mean to Eric. He’s been such a big fan.

 

SUPERMAN

No need to thank me, Dr. Muir.

 

MUIR

We moved Eric to the top floor, and left his window open. We figured it would be the easiest way for you to get in without causing a disturbance. If that’s okay with you.

 

SUPERMAN

That’ll be fine, Dr. Muir. I’ll meet you there.

 

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM- DAY

 

The curtains on the window flutter in the wind as SUPERMAN enters. ERIC FOWLER, 12, lies on the bed. He is asleep and in bad shape. He is hooked up to just about every life support machine hospitals have to offer, tubes run in and out of his body. The rhythm of his heart beats on the E.K.G. monitor. DR. MUIR is bedside, along with Eric’s MOTHER and FATHER. Superman slowly approaches the fragile kid. Muir carefully wakens Eric.

 

MUIR

Eric, wake up, you have a visitor.

 

Eric groans.

 

MUIR

Come on Eric, I have a surprise for you.

 

Eric’s eyes slowly blink open. He sees Superman. Eric weakly smiles. He would say something if it weren’t for the tubes going down his throat. Superman approaches the bedside and takes the boy’s hand. The mother and Father watch with tears in their eyes.

 

SUPERMAN

Hello, Eric.

 

Tears begin to well up in the boy’s sick eyes.

 

SUPERMAN

Can you hear me?

 

The boy gently nods.

 

SUPERMAN

I stopped by to tell you how strong you’ve been, and, not to stop fighting.

 

Tears run down Eric’s face, he still struggles to smile.

 

SUPERMAN

You’re a good boy, Eric, you can do anything as long as you don’t give up. Always keep fighting.

 

Eric tries to squeeze Superman’s hand.

 

SUPERMAN

You can beat this disease. Even when things seem bad, don’t ever give up.

 

The boys grip weakens. Superman notices. Eric eyes seem to lose life. The E.K.G. alarm goes off. Muir rushes to Eric. DOCTORS and NURSES rush into the room with defibrillator and other equipment. The Mother breaks into heavy tears.

 

MOTHER

NO!

 

SUPERMAN

What’s wrong, what’s happening?

 

Muir rushes to Eric’s parents.

 

MUIR

I’m sorry but you need to leave.

 

MOTHER

No, I’m not leaving my boy.

 

MUIR

You have to leave now.

 

The Father helps the Mother out of the room.

 

SUPERMAN

What’s going on?

 

MUIR

I’m sorry, Superman but you have to go.

 

Muir backs Superman to the window. Doctors and nurses go to work on Eric. Superman can’t take his eyes off the boy. Eric’s lifeless eyes still stare at Superman.

 

SUPERMAN

I can help.

 

MUIR

No, you can’t. Please, go.

 

Superman takes a last look at Eric, and exits through the window. Muir tends to her patient.

 

EXT. HOSPITAL ROOF

 

SUPERMAN is floating in mid-air, just off the edge of the roof, looking over the city. He uses his super hearing to listen to the commotion in Eric’s room. He hears the hustle and jargon of doctors working on the dying boy. He hears the E.K.G. monitor. He hears Eric’s unhealthy heartbeat. He hears the defibrillator paddles shock Eric when nothing else is working. He hears Eric’s unhealthy heartbeat. They try again to right the boy’s heartbeat. He hears Eric’s unhealthy heartbeat. He hears Eric’s heart stop beating, his lungs stop breathing. The doctors try again with the paddles. Nothing. Then he hears Doctor Muir.

 

MUIR

(O.S.)

Time of death, three fourteen p.m.

 

Then he hears silence.

 

DR. MUIR enters the rooftop. Superman is still floating in mid-air, just off the roof, looking over the city. Muir approaches him from behind.

 

SUPERMAN

He’s dead.

 

MUIR

Yes. How did you know?

 

SUPERMAN

I listened (beat) to everything.

 

MUIR

Look, Eric was a very sick boy. It was a miracle he held on for as long as he did. What you did today was a good thing. But there is nothing you cold have done to save him.

 

SUPERMAN

I should have done something.

 

MUIR

You did.

 

There is a moment of silence.

 

SUPERMAN

Do you ever feel like (beat) you failed?

 

 

MUIR

Yes, I do.

 

SUPERMAN

What do you do when you feel like that?

 

MUIR

I remind myself, that I did everything I could in my power to help them. Sometimes it’s not enough, but I know I tried.

 

Superman doesn’t respond.

 

INT. CLARK’s APT.- NIGHT

 

CLARK sits in the dark, deep in thought. He is wearing his Superman outfit, but has an unbuttoned dress shirt over it.

 

FLASHBACK

 

EXT. KENT FARM- DAY

 

The YOUNG CLARK and his father, JONATHON stand in the fields. Jonathon’s hands slowly spreads seeds across the earth.

 

JONATHON

(V.O.)

It would take a special person to make everyone realize what the world has to offer.

 

Clark’s hands take a try at spreading the seeds across the wind to be carried to the ground.

 

JONATHON

(V.O.)

Someone who could put his own needs aside to help the greater good.

 

END FLASHBACK

 

EXT. FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE- NIGHT

 

The beautiful Kryptonian structure rises from the porcelain snow.

 

INT. FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

 

SUPERMAN walks to the main console. He picks up the green information crystal. He looks at it.

 

FLASHBACK

 

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM- DAY

 

Eric’s MOTHER screams and cries for her dying boy, as DR. MUIR and the FATHER try to get her to leave the hospital room.

 

ERIC’s lifeless eyes stare at Superman.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

SUPERMAN puts the green crystal into the unit that reads them. The hologram of JOR-EL and LARA appears.

 

JOR-EL

My son, I am Jor-El (beat) your father. And this is your mother, Lara. By now you have reached your eighteenth year, as time is measured on earth. And we have been dead for just as many…

 

INT. LUTHOR LABS LABORATORY- NIGHT

 

PROFESSOR EMMET VALE with 3 SCIENTISTS still work on JOHN CORBEN, in the dimly lit lab. Corben is no longer battered, bruised, or broken. He is hooked up to wires, tubes, and machines, but he appears to be a completely normal looking man. An ASSISTANT walks up to Vale.

 

ASSISTANT

Excuse me, Professor Vale, Mr. Luthor would like an update on the progress of the Metallo Project.

 

 

VALE

Tell Luthor we will be finished by morning.

 

The Assistant leaves. The scientists continue working. Suddenly, Corben’s eyes shoot open. The Scientists are confused. Corben’s hand shoots out and grabs Scientist 1 by the throat. Corben sits up. The Scientist passes out, Corben throws the Scientist ten yards, into lab equipment.

 

The other Scientists go into shock, they don’t know what to do. Corben jumps off of the table, and starts marching for the other Scientists.

 

Scientist 2 runs for the large metal secured doors. Corben jumps into the air, across the room, and lands in front of the doors just as Scientist 2 reaches for them. Corben punches him in the face, the Scientist flies through the air like a lawn dart. It is obvious now that Corben has super strength.

 

Scientist 3 comes from behind and shoots Corben with a tranquilizer dart. Corben stops, annoyed as if a mosquito bit him. He reaches his arm around to his back and pulls out the dart. He turns to Scientist 3. The scientist is shaking with fear, he drops the tranquilizer gun. Corben throws the dart, landing it in the Scientist’s throat. He drops.

 

Corben searches the room for Vale. He eventually finds him, cowering behind equipment. Corben grabs each side of Vale’s head and lifts him into the air.

 

CORBEN

What did you do to me?

 

VALE

(frightened)

L-Luthor (beat) I-It w-was Luthor.

 

Corben snaps Vales neck. He drops the body. Corben walks to the secured steel door to exit. He punches the door. Corben makes a large dent. Surprised, Corben looks at his fist, he smiles at his strength. He punches again, and again, until the door is knocked out of its frame.

 

 

 

INT. HALLWAY

 

CORBEN exits the laboratory. Alarms are going off. EIGHT SECURITY GUARDS, heavily armed flood the hall, weapons pointed at Corben. Corben raises his hands to the air, mockingly. He jumps to the Guards and starts to take them out. Despite being outnumbered, and out gunned, Corben takes out all the guards with the greatest of ease. Their punches and kicks didn’t hurt him, and neither did their bullets or knives. Corben walks away, without a scratch on him, leaving eight, either dead or unconscious, security guards lying on the floor. Corben smiles.

 

INT. LOIS’ APT.- NIGHT

 

LOIS readies herself for her date with Clark. In the background on the radio plays ‘Allison’ by Elvis Costello. She finishes her hair, checks her makeup, takes on last look in the mirror, and leaves.

 

INT. BAR- NIGHT

 

In the dark and dirty bar BIKERS play pool and drink beer. PROSTITUTES look for customers. JOHN CORBEN walks in, wearing a tight white shirt, black jeans, and brown leather jacket. He takes a seat at the bar. The BARTENDER comes to his service.

 

BARTENDER

What’ll it be, Slim?

 

CORBEN

Beer.

 

The Bartender pours him a beer. A HOOKER comes and seductively sits next to Corben, puffing on a cigarette.

 

HOOKER

How’s it goin’, Sugah? Lookin’ for a fun time tonight?

 

CORBEN

I already had a fun time tonight, Sweetheart.

 

HOOKER

No reason for the it to end now, Sugah. The night’s still young.

 

CORBEN

Indeed it is.

 

He takes the first sip of his beer and immediately spits it out in disgust.

 

BARTENDER

You got a problem there, Slim?

 

CORBEN

Just your beer (beat) ‘Slim’.

 

BARTENDER

Well if your tryin’ to start sumthin’, then you can just get the hell out.

 

HOOKER

Don’t mind him, Sugah. I’m all the intoxication you’ll need tonight.

 

CORBEN

Is that so?

 

HOOKER

Yes, it is, Sugah.

 

She leans in and kisses Corben. Corben starts to kiss her back, but then becomes disgusted again. He violently throws the Hooker to the ground.

 

CORBEN

What the hell is wrong with you?!

 

The Hooker cowers in fear on the floor. Everyone in the bar takes notice to Corben. A BIKER GANG approach Corben.

 

BIKER 1

Hey! You got a problem, pal?

 

CORBEN

(smiles)

You kidding. I AM the problem.

 

The Biker takes his pool cue and whacks Corben across the face. The cue splinters on impact, the Biker is confused, and Corben just smiles.

 

INT. CLARK’s CAR- NIGHT

 

CLARK drives to his date with Lois. He is stuck in stop and go traffic. His super hearing picks up a disturbance. He hears yelling, screaming, cries for help, destruction, cop sirens. He pulls his car over and parks it on the side of the road.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

CLARK gets out of his car. He runs towards a near by alley.

 

On the other end of the alley comes SUPERMAN. A small crowd of people takes notice as he steps out of the alley. They are amazed. In the crowd is a Jimmy Walker looking JIVE MAN.

 

JIVE MAN

Say Jim, That is a baaad outfit! Woo!

 

He means ‘bad’ in a good way. Superman gives him a smile and a nod, then takes off into the air.

 

INT. LOIS’ CAR- NIGHT

 

LOIS pulls up to a Mexican restaurant. She parks her car and exits.

 

INT. MEXICAN RESAURANT

 

LOIS enters. She walks up to the host stand, where a HOSTESS awaits.

 

LOIS

Hi, I’m suppose to be meeting a Clark Kent. Is he here already?

 

The hostess checks the list.

 

HOSTESS

Reservation for two?

 

LOIS

Yes.

 

HOSTESS

He hasn’t arrived yet, but I can take you to your seat.

 

LOIS

Thank You.

 

She leads Lois into the restaurant.

 

EXT. BAR- NIGHT

 

The bar is in flames. CORBEN is terrorizing the streets. COPS and squad cars surround him, BYSTANDERS watch from a distance. Cops aim guns to kill. The CAPTAIN comes out with a megaphone.

 

CAPTAIN

(over megaphone)

Put your hands in the air and surrender.

 

CORBEN

Surrender?

 

Corben approaches the Cops.

 

CAPTAIN

All right, boys, take ‘im down!

 

They open fire. Corben stops, and watches the bullets do no harm to him. The Cops stop firing, confused.

 

Corben walks up to a cop car. He looks at COP 1 next to it, frozen in fear. Corben turns to the car, grabs hold, lifts it over his head, and throws it down the street. It sparks as it skids down the road, hitting other parked cars. Corben turns back to Cop 1 who is pissing himself by now.

 

SUPERMAN floats down into the middle of the action. Seeing this, Corben grabs Cop 1. He takes the cop’s gun and points it to the cop’s temple. Superman gently lands to this sight.

 

SUPERMAN

Corben?

 

 

CORBEN

Ah, Superman, just the person I wanted to kill. Surprised to see me?

 

SUPERMAN

Put the man down, Corben.

 

CORBEN

They say you’re faster than a speeding bullet, Superman. Care to test that?

 

Superman holds up the cop’s gun. Corben looks down to where the gun was, and sees nothing. He looks back to Superman, growls in anger, and throws the Cop to the ground. Corben marches up to Superman to punch him in the face. Superman does nothing to defend, expecting Corben to break his hand on his jaw. But, Corben punches, and Superman is surprisingly knocked back through the air. He lands hard on the pavement. Superman rubs his jaw, it actually hurt. The crowd of Bystanders gasp.

 

CORBEN

You’d be surprised at what a little Tae-Bo can do for a man.

 

Superman goes to get up, Corben jumps high in the air and lands on the Man of Steel knocking him back down to the ground. He starts throwing punches to Superman’s face. Superman takes the first few, then grabs Corben’s fits. Corben struggles. Superman Punches Corben, knocking him back through the air, and hitting the pavement hard.

 

INT. RESTAURANT- NIGHT

 

LOIS waits for Clark to arrive.

 

EXT. BAR- NIGHT

 

Corben gets up. Superman flies through the air at super speed, straight for Corben. He knocks him back to the ground, sliding some yards down the street.

 

Superman approaches him. Quickly, Corben grabs Superman by the throat and slams his head into the ground, then again and again. Superman knocks Corben off of him.

 

Corben jumps through the air again at Superman. This time, when Corben gets close enough, Superman jacks him in the face. Corben flies backwards and crashes into parked cars, smashing them.

 

INT. RESTAURANT- NIGHT

 

LOIS taps her fingers and checks her watch.

 

EXT. BAR- NIGHT

 

Corben painfully gets up. He goes to attack again when he catches his reflection in a cars broken windshield. He rips off the side view mirror to get a better look. He sees his face, but it is damaged. He is missing skin and underneath is a metal bone structure. He gets pissed. He throws the mirror to the ground. Corben grabs BYSTANDER 1 by the throat and lifts him into the air.

 

CORBEN

Hey, Superman. How about playing some catch with the old man.

 

SUPERMAN

No!

 

Corben throws the innocent man far into through the night. Superman takes to the air. Corben watches Superman go. The crowd watches in anticipation. Can he catch him in time? Yes. Superman save the Bystander from certain death.

 

Superman returns to the scene with the Bystander in arms. He sets him down. Cops tend to him. Superman looks for Corben, but he’s gone. The Captain of police approaches Superman.

 

CAPTAIN

Superman, are you all right?

 

SUPERMAN

I’m fine, Captain. Thank you. Just make sure these people are okay.

 

CAPTAIN

What the hell was that thing?

 

SUPERMAN

I don’t know. But, believe me, I’ll stop him.

 

Superman takes off into the air.

 

INT. RESTAURANT- NIGHT

 

LOIS takes a look at her watch for the last time. She sighs, gets up, and leaves.

 

INT. LUTHOR’s OFFICE- NIGHT

 

The door to the office opens. MERCY holds the door open so LUTHOR can enter. The office is dark. The only light comes from the moonbeams sneaking in through the large wall size window. Luthor looks to his chair, behind his desk. It’s facing the wrong way. The chair slowly rotates around. Sitting in it is CORBEN, face still damaged.

 

LUTHOR

So, the puppet returns.

 

CORBEN

What did you do to me?

 

Luthor approaches his desk.

 

LUTHOR

(referring to his face)

If I were you, I’d have a dermatologist take a look at that.

 

CORBEN

WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!

 

Luthor slams his fists on the table.

 

LUTHOR

I made you better! You should be grateful, you pathetic ingrate.

 

CORBEN

Grateful?! I can’t taste! I can’t feel! I’m not even human anymore!

 

LUTHOR

No. You’re better.

 

CORBEN

I didn’t want this!

 

LUTHOR

You wanted revenge on Superman, I gave you the power to do so.

 

 

CORBEN

(referring to is face)

And look where that got me.

 

LUTHOR

Maybe if you weren’t so impatient, you would fair better against our Man of Steel.

 

CORBEN

What are you talking about, Luthor?

 

LUTHOR

You weren’t finished. There was one last thing to be given to you before you initiated our revenge.

 

CORBEN

Yeah, what’s that?

 

Luthor caresses a marble box on his desk. He opens it. Inside the silk lined box is a chunk of green glowing kryptonite.

 

CORBEN

What am I suppose to do with that? Throw it at him.

 

LUTHOR

It’s kryptonite. A little souvenir from his hometown. When exposed to it, he will be on his knees begging for your mercy.

 

CORBEN

(smiling)

Which he will not be granted.

 

LUTHOR

I take it you like my gift, Mr. Corben.

 

CORBEN

Corben’s dead, Luthor. Call me Metallo.

 

LUTHOR

Cute.

 

METALLO

What if the rock doesn’t work?

 

LUTHOR

It will.

 

METALLO

But, if it doesn’t?

 

LUTHOR

When playing a game of poker, I’ve always believed, you should have an ace up one sleeve (beat) and a dagger up the other.

 

METALLO

Intriguing. Tell me more.

 

Luthor smiles.

 

INT. LOIS’ APT.- NIGHT

 

LOIS sits in a recliner, still all dolled up. She lazily holds a glass of wine. A knock comes at her door. She gets up and approaches the door. She opens. On the other side is CLARK. He tries to say something, but as soon as she sees him she slams the door. Just before it closes, Clark slips his hand between the door and frame. Clark enters, pretending his hand is hurt.

 

CLARK

Lois, please let me ex—

 

LOIS

You know, Clark, you’ve got some nerve coming here.

 

CLARK

I know I just—

 

 

LOIS

I can’t believe you stood me up. No one stands up Lois Lane. I can’t believe I even agreed to go out with you.

 

CLARK

Lois, if you—

 

LOIS

I thought you were gonna be different from other guys, Clark. You walk around with the whole boy scout, raised right in the bread basket of America, routine. The Kansas gentleman, that’s Clark Kent. But no, you’re just like all the rest of them. Aren’t you?

 

CLARK

Lois, I had an emergency.

 

LOIS

EMERGENCY?! What, did the tractor break down, you forget to feed the chickens. Let me guess, mamma cow gave birth to baby cow. Is that it, Smallville?

 

CLARK

Lois, why don’t you listen to me?

 

LOIS

Do you know how long I waited, Clark? There was a fight downtown between Superman and some freak, and I missed it because I was too busy being stood up by some hay tossing, tractor riding, jerk. The story of the century, Clark!

 

CLARK

Some things are more important than the news, Lois!

 

LOIS

Yeah? Like what?

 

Clark rushes in and kisses her. She kisses him back passionately. She unlocks lips with him. The kiss is very familiar to her. She’s stunned. There’s a moment of silence between the two.

 

CLARK

I have to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Clark leaves. Lois stands frozen.

 

LOIS

What’s tomorrow?

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- DAY

 

CLARK sits at his desk. LOIS enters from the elevator.

 

LOIS

Hi, Clark.

 

CLARK

Lois. Look, I didn’t get the chance to apologize last night. And I just wanted to say—

 

LOIS

Don’t worry about it, Smallville.

 

CLARK

What?

 

LOIS

I over reacted. You said you had an emergency, I believe you. You don’t need to explain anything.

 

CLARK

Are you sure? Because—

 

LOIS

I said don’t worry about it. Now get your things. We’re gonna be late for Luthor’s press conference.

 

INT. LEX CORP. PRESS ROOM- DAY

 

MEDIA PERSONNEL fill the room. On the stage, again, is the American flag and a Lex Corp. flag. There is also a large object hidden underneath a cloth. LOIS and CLARK sit among the media. Lois glances at Clark, examining his face. ‘Is it really him?’ she thinks. Clark lets on like he doesn’t notice. Lois is interrupted when the room breaks into applause as LEX LUTHOR steps out onto the stage. He comes to a podium.

 

LUTHOR

Thank you. First off I would like to thank everyone for coming today. I assure you your time will be well spent. You have been invited here today to witness one of the greatest inventions to ever come of Lex Corp., an invention that I am personally proud to present to you today. Behold, the S.P.T. satellite.

 

The cloth is removed from the object revealing a high tech satellite. The crowd ‘ohhs’ and ‘ahhs’ at the site of it.

 

LUTHOR

The Solar Power Transmitting satellite.

 

The crowd applauds.

 

LUTHOR

This satellite was made from my very own state of the Brainiac technology. 14 of these satellites will be carefully placed around the Earth. Each satellite will have the technology to harness and transmit solar energy from the sun, to the Earth where it will be received by it’s counterpart, the S.P.R., Solar Power Receiver. Larger corporations have already begun to purchase the S.P.R. unit, and soon a more convenient, economical unit, will be available for purchase by the average homeowner, cutting energy bills by a remarkable two-thirds.

 

The crowd gives applauds wildly.

 

LUTHOR

Not only do these satellites offer cheaper and environmentally safe energy, but, when the satellites are online their mainframes will be connected. The satellites will then create a sort of net, if you will, that filters out harmful U.V. rays from the sun before they even enter Earth’s atmosphere. This will not only reduce everyday optical damage, but also greatly reduce chances of skin cancer.

 

The crowd gives Luthor a standing ovation. He smiles smugly.

 

LUTHOR

Any questions?

 

Lois raises her hand.

 

LUTHOR

Ah, Lois Lane, my favorite reporter.

 

The crowd laughs.

 

LUTHOR

Go right ahead.

 

LOIS

How is it you wish to place satellites over other countries with out permission from their government?

 

LUTHOR

Lois, I thought you of all people would know that I am friend to many people of many nations worldwide. Every country that will have a S.P.T. above, I have already obtained consent from their government. In turn, they will be supplied with solar energy for half the cost.

 

A female reporter, by the name of KAT GRANT, raises her hand to ask a question.

 

LUTHOR

Yes, Ms. Grant?

 

GRANT

When do you plan on putting these fourteen satellites into space?

 

LUTHOR

I suppose, Ms. Grant, you would be impressed if I told you they were already there.

 

The crowd breaks into a chatter.

 

LUTHOR

Yes, folks, last week the satellites were launched, and I have invited you here tonight to witness their activation.

 

The crowd applauds. The lights go dim, and a large screen rolls down. Footage comes on. It is a split screen. The left side depicts one of the satellites in space. The other is a shot of Earth, the other satellites can faintly be seen. The dish of the satellite begins to open, lights flip on, the dish finishes opening, the satellite is online.

 

The crowd gives another wild standing ovation.

 

LUTHOR

This is the future of power, my friends! This is the future Lex Luthor offers!

 

The crowd goes nuts.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- DAY

 

JIMMY sits at a computer typing away. LOIS walks up to him.

 

LOIS

What’re you up to, Olsen?

 

JIMMY

(trained on the computer screen)

Just finishing something and…

 

Jimmy presses the last few buttons. A CD is ejected from the computer. Jimmy lifts it for Lois to see.

 

JIMMY

Done. What’s up?

 

LOIS

Have you seen Clark around?

 

JIMMY

Yeah, he said he was gonna step out for some fresh air. That was about ten minutes ago.

 

LOIS

Perfect. Thanks, kid.

 

 

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF- DAY

 

CLARK stands by the edge of the roof, leaning on a guard rail. The bronze Daily Planet globe rotates, reflecting the sunlight. He looks over the city in deep thought. LOIS enters. Clark pays no attention to her. Lois comes to the edge, and leans on the rail, about ten feet down from Clark. She looks him over. Clark looks to her.

 

LOIS

You’re him aren’t you?

 

CLARK

Who?

 

LOIS

You know…

 

She makes a flying motion with her hand.

 

LOIS

Him.

 

CLARK

(laughs it off)

Don’t be ridiculous, Lois.

 

He turns his attention back to the city.

 

LOIS

Call it a reporter’s instinct. I suppose I knew, all along, but never realized it until last night.

 

CLARK

Lois, I don’t know what you’re talking about.

 

LOIS

I thought you never lied (beat) Superman.

 

Clark pays her no attention.

 

LOIS

I think you wanted me to know, too. The Mexican food (beat) the kiss.

 

 

CLARK

You think I’m Superman because of a kiss?

 

LOIS

A girl can tell a lot of things from a kiss, Clark.

 

CLARK

I’m sorry to disappoint you, Lois, but I’m no Superman.

 

LOIS

Oh yeah, I can prove it.

 

Clark turns to the sound of a gun cocking. He finds Lois on the other end of the roof. She’s holding a small handgun to her head.

 

CLARK

Lois, what are you doing?

 

LOIS

You get to the count of three.

 

CLARK

Lois, where did—

 

LOIS

One…

 

CLARK

Please, Lois—

 

CLARK

Two…

 

CLARK

Just put the—

 

LOIS

Three.

 

Using his super speed, Clark bolts to the other end of the roof. He grabs Lois’ hand, pointing the gun away from her head. She pulls the trigger. CLICK. The gun was empty.

 

 

LOIS

Bang.

 

Clark looks at her in disbelief, he then turns away.

 

LOIS

Look, Clark, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—

 

CLARK

No, you were right. I did want you to know. It’s just (beat) I wanted to tell you. I just didn’t know how.

 

For once, Lois doesn’t know what to say.

 

CLARK

I suppose it’s to late to ask if you could keep a secret.

 

She chuckles.

 

LOIS

Your secrets safe with me, Smallville.

 

Clark leans in and gives her a kiss. He stares at her for a moment.

 

LOIS

What’s wrong?

 

Clark hesitates.

 

CLARK

Luthor.

 

LOIS

What about Luthor?

 

CLARK

He’s up to something. I don’t know what it is. But I can feel it.

 

LOIS

Well, if anyone can stop him, Superman can.

 

Lois smiles she gives Clark a comfort kiss.

 

LOIS

Faster than a speeding bullet.

 

Another kiss.

 

LOIS

More powerful than a locomotive.

 

Another kiss.

 

LOIS

(smiles)

Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

 

Clark smiles.

 

LOIS

Superman can.

 

She gives him a long passionate kiss.

 

Clark’s super hearing kicks in. He pulls away from Lois.

 

LOIS

What is it?

 

He hears destruction, chaos, people screaming, people who need help.

 

CLARK

I have to go.

 

LOIS

What’s going on?

 

CLARK

There’s no time to explain.

 

Clark spins at super speed. His clothes come off, he becomes SUPERMAN. He goes to the edge of the roof to take off.

 

LOIS

Clark?

 

He turns to her.

 

LOIS

Be careful.

 

She gives him a last kiss. Superman takes off into the blue sky.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS- DAY

 

METALLO, with his face restored, is tearing apart the city. CITIZENS flee in a panic. Buildings are on fire, cars and police squad cars are overturned, fire hydrants are exploding with a geyser of water. Metallo picks up a citizen and throws them into a wall.

 

SUPERMAN floats down in all his glory.

 

SUPERMAN

That’s enough, Corben.

 

METALLO

Just the man of steel I wanted to see. So, what’s it gonna be?

 

SUPERMAN

This ends today, Corben.

 

METALLO

Over your dead body, Superman. By the way, the name’s Metallo.

 

Metallo leaps into the air towards Superman. Superman hits him with a heat blast from his eyes. Metallo goes skidding down the street. He gets back up.

 

Superman speeds through the air to knock him back down, but when close enough, Metallo punches him hard in the face. Superman drops to the ground.

 

The two trade blows.

 

Superman gets Metallo into a full nelson and flies him high into the air.

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN carries a struggling METALLO high into the sky. Then he stops, and throws Metallo towards the Earth.

 

Metallo falls from the great height at break neck speed.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

METALLO crashes into the street, leaving a giant crater. SUPERMAN comes speeding down. He crashes into Metallo, knocking him underground.

 

INT. SUBWAY STATION

 

SUPERMAN and METALLO come crashing into the subway station below. CITIZENS waiting for a train scatter in fear.

 

They trade more blows.

 

A train can be heard coming. Metallo throws Superman onto the tracks.

 

The train speeds through the tunnel. Superman gets up just in time. He holds his arms out just as the train hits him. With all his strength, Superman works against the train, until it slows, and comes to a stop.

 

Superman gets back to the subway platform. Metallo is gone. Superman flies out of the station through the hole the two made when they came crashing in.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

SUPERMAN flies up. He sees METALLO jumping to the top of a parking structure. He chases after him.

 

Superman is flying up the side of the parking structure when a SUV comes flying over the edge. Superman is surprised and can’t avoid being hit.

 

The SUV crashes down on Superman, they slam into the pavement. Superman tosses the SUV off of him. He flies up the side of the structure again.

 

EXT. PARKING STRUCTURE

 

On the top of the structure, MEATALLO lifts another car into the air and tosses it over the edge. He waits to hear a crash, but there is none. SUPERMAN flies up, holding the car above his head. He throws it at Metallo. It hits him, and knock him off of the parking structure.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

METALLO and the car hit the ground hard. SUPERMAN lands. Metallo tosses the car off of him.

 

Superman rushes and punches Metallo in the face. The harm is minimal. Metallo punches Superman, knocking him backwards to the ground.

 

METALLO

Getting a little weak for a Superman, don’t you think?

 

Superman is in pain.

 

Metallo picks him up and throws him into a nearby building wall. Superman stands from the rubble.

 

They trade more blows. Metallo is getting the best of Superman.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF

 

LOIS watches the fight in fear. JIMMY comes running out onto the roof.

 

JIMMY

Lois?! What’s going on?!

 

Lois doesn’t respond. Jimmy looks down to see the fight.

 

JIMMY

Who is that?

 

LOIS

I don’t know.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

METALLO and SUPERMAN continue to brawl. Superman throws Metallo into a parked car, practically destroying it. He goes to punch him in the face, but Metallo catches his fist.

 

METALLO

You’re getting slow in your old age, Superman.

 

Metallo punches Superman repeatedly in the mid-section, then a hard blow to the face.

 

Superman is on the ground, panting. He’s beginning to bruise, and even bleed a little. Metallo picks up the Man of Steel, and tosses him.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOFTOP

 

JIMMY and LOIS continue to watch the fight.

 

JIMMY

Lois, what’s wrong with Superman, why isn’t he fighting back.

 

LOIS

I don’t know, Jimmy. It’s like— wait a minute. Jimmy can you hack into the Lex Corp. mainframe.

 

JIMMY

I think so. Why?

 

LOIS

The satellites. Luthor said they filter out the sun’s U.V. rays. Superman is losing his powers because he has no way to re-charge. You need to shut down those satellites, Jimmy.

 

JIMMY

I’ll see what I can do.

 

They exit the roof.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

METALLO grabs SUPERMAN and gives him repeated punches to the face.

 

METALLO

This is starting to get boring, caped wonder.

 

With that, Superman starts fighting back. It seems he’s gotten a second wind.

 

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

JIMMY types fiercely on a computer. LOIS stands by watching. Jimmy pulls out his CD-ROM that has the hacking program on it he created. He pops it in the CD-ROM drive. Jimmy types away as he talks to himself.

 

LOIS

Come on, hurry up, Olsen.

 

JIMMY

You rush a miracle man, Lois, and you get sloppy miracles.

 

LOIS

Maybe I’ll just kick you in you’re freckled ass, Olsen.

 

Jimmy types faster.

 

JIMMY

All right, I’m in.

 

LOIS

Okay, look for the S.P.T. satellite system.

 

Jimmy types away.

 

INT. LUTHOR’s OFFICE- DAY

 

LUTHOR watches the fight on the live news feed and smiles. BRAINIAC pops up on his computer.

 

BRAINIAC

Warning. Security Breach.

 

LUTHOR

(annoyed)

What did you say?

 

BRAINIAC

Someone is trying to illegally enter your mainframe.

 

LUTHOR

WHAT?!

 

BRAINIAC

There is an unauthorized—

 

LUTHOR

I heard you! Get rid of them, NOW!

 

BRAINIAC

I will try.

 

LUTHOR

I didn’t ask you to try. I told you to do it!

 

Windows pop up on the computer. Brainiac is trying to get rid of the hacker.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

SUPERMAN and METALLO continue their violent face-off. Metallo jumps up to a rooftop. Superman follows.

 

EXT. ROOFTOP

 

METALLO sees a news chopper recording the fight. He jumps up towards the chopper.

 

EXT. NEWS CHOPPER

 

METALLO grabs onto the bottom of the chopper. It drags, and begins to fly off course. The PILOT and NEWS TEAM begin to panic. Metallo punches through the bottom of the chopper. He pulls his hand out bringing wires and necessary parts with it.

 

EXT. ROOFTOP

 

METALLO drops back down to the roof, just as SUPERMAN gets there. Superman sees the news chopper flying out of control, heading to crash into the street below. He flies off after it.

 

METALLO

FLY, SUPERMAN! FLY! SAVE THE INNOCENT BASTARDS!

 

 

 

 

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN chases after the falling chopper. He catches up to it and grabs hold. Superman gets caught up in the momentum. The chopper is heavy and Superman is losing his strength.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

SUPERMAN slows the chopper, but they still crash into the street. The chopper lands on Superman. The PILOT and NEWS TEAM exit the chopper and flee. Superman, in pain, gets up.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

JIMMY continues to type away. LOIS is at the window, reacting to the fight.

 

JIMMY

Uh-oh.

 

Lois turns.

 

LOIS

What do you mean ‘Uh-oh’?

 

JIMMY

They know I’m in the system.

 

LOIS

What does that mean? You can’t shut down the satellites?

 

JIMMY

No. I can still do it. It just may take longer.

 

LOIS

Superman is getting killed out there! We don’t have any longer!

 

JIMMY

Just gimme a minute (beat) and a miracle.

 

 

 

INT. LUTHOR’s OFFICE

 

LUTHOR waits while BRAINIAC tries to get rid of the hacker.

 

LUTHOR

(impatient)

Well?

 

BRAINIAC

Initial attempt failed. Trying again.

 

LUTHOR

Failed! You’re suppose to a super computer damn it! You can’t even get rid of some zit faced punk!

 

BRAINIAC

Correction. I was a super computer. When you re-built my systems, sub-standard technology was used to replace missing links. Your primitive technology has put limitations on my abilities to operate.

 

Livid, Luthor slams his fists down on his desk.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

SUPERMAN and METALLO trade blows. Superman is getting weaker. Metallo punches him to the ground.

 

Metallo finds a large gas truck. He rips off the trailer that contains the gas. He lifts it over his head. He aims for Superman and throws the massive tank. The tank hits the street just in front of Superman, breaks open, spilling gas, and skids towards Superman. The sparks from the trailer skidding against the pavement light the spilling gasoline, and explodes.

 

The explosion and flames subside. Superman is down.

 

METALLO jumps, and lands on top of the Man of Steel.

 

METALLO

Is that all you’ve got?

 

With his last strength, Superman spits in Metallo’s face.

 

METALLO

How pathetic you’ve become. You know why you can’t beat me, Superman. Because you don’t have the heart. But, here, I’ve got plenty to go round.

 

A plate on Metallo’s chest slides open. Inside is the glowing green chunk of kryptonite. Superman strains, and struggles with the pain he now feels.

 

METALLO

Just a little piece of the ‘ol hometwown, Superman. I hope you’re glad to see it again.

 

Metallo grabs the barely conscious Superman and drags him through the streets.

 

He comes to the Daily Planet. Metallo swings Superman onto his shoulders. He jumps to the top of one roof, then to the roof of the Daily Planet.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

JIMMY and LOIS look up when they hear the two land on the roof.

 

LOIS

Jimmy, you better hurry the hell up.

 

JIMMY

I’m almost there, Lois.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF

 

METALLO has SUPERMAN bound to the rotating, bronze Daily Planet globe. Superman now rotates with it. Superman is still being exposed to the kryptonite from Metallo’s chest. The whole city can be seen from here. Superman can barely move, yet alone break free from his bonds. As Superman rotates, Metallo walks along with him.

 

METALLO

(referring to the city skyline)

Look at her, Superman. She is beautiful. Metropolis, the City of Tomorrow. Well tomorrow Metropolis is going to be rubble. How do you feel about that, Superman? How does it feel to know you failed? How does it feel to know that despite all your effort, all your strength, it was all for nothing.

 

Metallo chuckles.

 

METALLO

So we come to an end, eh Superman? But don’t worry, I’m not going to kill you yet. I’m going to let you watch your precious city fall, and everyone in it die. And then, Superman, then, when you cry out in terror and close your eyes because you can’t stand to watch one more building fall or one more innocent person be slaughtered.

 

Metallo grabs Superman and gets right in his face.

 

METALLO

Then, I’m going to rip off your eyelids and make you watch some more. But, until then…

 

Metallo lets go of Superman, and jumps off the edge of the roof.

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

 

JIMMY continues to type away. LOIS waits impatiently.

 

JIMMY

I found it! S.P.T. global satellite system.

 

LOIS

Good. Shut it down.

 

JIMMY

Okay…

 

He types.

 

JIMMY

And…

 

Types more.

 

JIMMY

Done. S.P.T. satellite’s have been deactivated.

 

LOIS

YES! Good job, kid.

 

EXT. SPACE

 

The satellites shut down.

 

INT. LUTHOR’s OFFICE

 

LUTHOR awaits word from BRAINIAC.

 

BRAINIAC

Second attempt failed. S.P.T. satellites have been deactivated.

 

Luthor is pissed!

 

LUTHOR

DAMMIT! YOU PIECE OF SHIT!

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF

 

SUPERMAN is still bound to the rotating globe. LOIS comes rushing out to him.

 

LOIS

Clark?! Are you okay?

 

SUPERMAN

Have to stop Metallo.

 

LOIS

It was the satellites. Luthor’s satellites were blocking the U.V. rays from you. We stopped them, Jimmy shut them down.

 

 

SUPERMAN

I can feel it. The sun. I can already feel it.

 

LOIS

What can I do? What can I do to help?

 

SUPERMAN

Get out of here. He’ll be back soon.

 

LOIS

No, I’m not leaving you.

 

SUPERMAN

Lois, he’ll be back soon. Get out of here now.

 

EXT. METROPLOIS STREETS

 

METALLO walks through the destruction. He basks in his own glory. LUTHOR’s VOICE comes into Metallo’s head, through a built in headset.

 

LUTHOR

(O.S.)

Metallo. The satellites have been shut down.

 

METALLO

What?

 

LUTHOR

(O.S.)

Get back to Superman now, before he regains his powers.

 

Metallo heads back towards the Planet.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF

 

SUPERMAN, still bound to the globe, takes in the fresh sunlight. LOIS is by his side.

 

SUPERMAN

Lois, get out of here now!

 

LOIS

I can’t, I’m not leaving until your okay.

 

In the distance METALLO can be seen making his way to the building.

 

SUPERMAN

Look. He’s coming, Lois. Leave.

 

Lois rushes to the edge of the roof. Metallo is almost there.

 

She turns back to Superman.

 

Metallo jumps to a nearby roof.

 

Lois heads for the exit.

 

Metallo jumps to the Daily Planet roof.

 

METALLO

Not so fast, Sweetheart.

 

Lois stops and turns.

 

LOIS

Let him go, Corben.

 

METALLO

No, I think I’d rather kill him.

 

Lois rushes Metallo, but he knocks her away easily.

 

METALLO

And you can watch him die.

 

Metallo grabs hold of the globe, and rips it out of the roof. He lifts it over his head, and walks to the edge of the roof.

 

METALLO

Goodbye, Superman.

 

LOIS

NO!

 

He throws the globe.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

The globe falls, and crashes deep into the street. Chunks of pavement fly through the air. Superman is under the globe, no where to be seen.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF

 

METALLO approaches and grabs a cowering LOIS.

 

 

 

METALLO

It’s sad to see you go, sweetheart. But you have to go.

 

He lifts her over the edge of the roof, and drops her.

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

 

LOIS falls to her certain doom.

 

From under the globe comes a rumble. SUPERMAN comes bursting out, he flies into the air towards the falling Lois. He catches her, just in time.

 

LOIS

(relieved)

Clark? You did it.

 

SUPERMAN

It’s not over yet.

 

The two land safely on the ground.

 

SUPERMAN

Now, get out of here.

 

Lois reluctantly runs away.

 

METALLO jumps down to the street.

 

METALLO

I see your feeling better already. Let’s see what I can do about that.

 

The plate on Metallo’s chest slides open, again exposing Superman to the kryptonite. Superman is immediately affected. He drops to his knees. Metallo approaches Superman, grabs him by the hair, and whips his head back.

 

Metallo head butts Superman. He then punches him in the face, knocking him back. Metallo punches him around some more. He picks him up and throws him far down the street.

 

Superman hits the pavement hard. He sees Metallo coming. Superman gets to a lamp post on the side of the street, grabs hold, and rips it out of the ground.

 

Metallo jumps through the air towards Superman. Superman, using the street light, bats him away.

 

Metallo gets up. He approaches Superman. Superman keeps him at bay with the street light.

 

METALLO

Don’t you find this the least bit pathetic?

 

Metallo grabs his end of the street light, rips it out of Superman’s hands, and discards it.

 

Superman flies off down the street, getting farther away from the kryptonite.

 

METALLO

Oh no you don’t.

 

Metallo runs and jumps after him.

 

Superman grabs a man hole cover, and throws it like a Frisbee, hitting Metallo in mid-air. Metallo goes down.

 

Superman flies up to a balcony and rips out a spear-like post from a rod iron guard rail.

 

He come back to the street with his spear. Metallo gets up, pissed. He charges superman. Superman throws the spear. It rips through the air, pierces Metallo right in chest hitting the kryptonite. The spear struck kryptonite come flying out of Metallo’s back. Metallo falls to the ground screaming. He gets up, with a hole in his chest, and charges Superman. Superman rushes, grabs Metallo, and flies him into the air.

 

EXT. SKY

 

METALLO struggles to break free from SUPERMAN’s hold. But, Superman is too strong.

 

METALLO

Let go of me! I’ll kill you, Superman!

 

SUPERMAN

I don’t think so, Corben.

 

They fly out over the ocean. Superman throws Metallo down to the water.

 

EXT. OCEAN

 

METALLO hits the ocean. SUPERMAN dives down like a torpedo, crashing into Metallo, forcing him underwater.

 

INT. UNDERWATER

 

METALLO tries to swim, but due to his metal body, he drops like a stone. SUPERMAN cuts through the water, knocking Metallo further down. Metallo sinks down into a black trench. Superman watches him fade away into the black depth of the ocean. Superman’s eyes glow red, he releases a heat vision blast and rakes it across the trench wall. The wall breaks apart. Large chunks of rock and fall into the trench. Burying Metallo.

 

EXT. SKY

 

SUPERMAN comes flying out of the ocean victorious. He looks to the blazing yellow sun.

 

EXT. LUTHOR’s BALCONY- NIGHT

 

LUTHOR paces on his balcony. He leans on the rail and looks out over the city. He is pissed. Suddenly there is a crash behind him. He turns to find a broken and smashed S.P.T. satellite. He whips back around. In the distance he can see SUPERMAN floating in mid-air, looking back at him. Luthor fiddles with a ring on his finger. At a closer look, the ring is a gold band, with a kryptonite stone. Luthor smiles.

 

BLACK FRAME

 

A Daily Planet newspaper comes spinning forward. The headline reads:

 

MAYHEM IN METROPOLIS

City Saved by Superman

By Lois Lane and Clark Kent

 

 

 

 

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM- DAY

 

JIMMY sits at his desk, working on the computer. CLARK walks up to him.

 

 

JIMMY

How’s it going, Clark?

 

CLARK

A lot better than yesterday, Jimmy.

 

JIMMY

I know what you mean.

 

CLARK

Jimmy, Lois told me to send you to the roof. She has a gift for you.

 

JIMMY

A gift? What is it?

 

CLARK

Beats me.

 

Jimmy gets up, confused, and exits. Clark watches him leave.

 

EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF- DAY

 

JIMMY enters the roof. Standing at the edge, looking over the re-constructing city is LOIS.

 

JIMMY

Lois? What’s going on? Clark said you wanted to see me up here.

 

Lois turns to Jimmy and smiles.

 

LOIS

You know, Jimmy, what you did yesterday was pretty heroic. You helped saved the day, kid.

 

JIMMY

I just did what I could to help, Lois. Superman was the real hero.

 

LOIS

That’s not the way he sees it.

 

JIMMY

What?

 

SUPERMAN rises to the roof. Jimmy is amazed.

 

JIMMY

S-Superman.

 

SUPERMAN

I want to thank you, Jimmy. If it weren’t for what you did yesterday, I wouldn’t be here today, and neither would Metropolis.

 

Superman offers his hand, Jimmy shakes it.

 

JIMMY

Uh, no problem, Superman. Anytime.

 

SUPERMAN

You’re a real pal, Jimmy. The city is in your debt.

 

Jimmy is still amazed.

 

JIMMY

Thanks.

 

Superman smiles and takes off.

 

JIMMY

Did you hear that, Lois, he called me his pal. I’m Superman’s pal.

 

LOIS

Yep.

 

JIMMY

Wow. What a super guy, eh Lois?

 

LOIS

(sighs)

Jimmy, you have no idea.

 

 

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS- DAY

 

A LITTLE GIRL walks with her MOM down the streets, just by a HOT DOG VENDOR. The girl eats ice cream as she hold her Mom’s hand. She curiously looks to the sky where she sees a flying figure.

 

LITTLE GIRL

Look mom, up in the sky.

 

The Mom looks.

 

MOM

It’s just a bird.

 

The figure gets larger as it comes closer.

 

HOT DOG VENDOR

No, It’s a plane.

 

The flying figure comes closer and is revealed to be SUPERMAN. Out comes the Jimmy Walker looking JIVE MAN.

 

JIVE MAN

Naw, Jim, It’s Superman! Wooo!

 

Superman comes flying through the streets. The CITIZENS stop and cheer for their hero. He speeds up into the sky. He soars through the blue air, smile on face, blazing yellow sun in the background.

 

EXT. SPACE

 

SUPERMAN flies through space looking down on the Earth as he flies.

 

FLASHBACK

 

EXT. KENT FARM- DAY

 

JONATHON’s gentle hands spread the seeds over the wind to be carried to the Earth.

 

END FLASHBACK

 

Superman smiles as he darts back down to Earth.

 

INT. UNDERWATER- DAY

 

Everything is pitch black. From the blackness comes two glowing green eyes, METALLO’s eyes.

 

 

 

METALLO

(V.O.)

Everything is black. I cannot move (beat) not even an inch. But I can think. And, I can plot. I will be free of this entrapment one day. Soon. And then I will have my revenge on Superman. But for now, I will not move (beat) not an inch. But I will think. I will plot.

 

 

(fade out)

 

 

THE END