Superman Unleashed

“SUPERMAN UNLEASHED”

The Bryan Singer sequel to Superman Returns that might have been.
BY PAUL JAMISON

EXT. DEEP UNCHARTED SPACE

It is over 1,000 centuries in the past. A tiny craft passes swiftly by. Its glossy black coating shimmers as light reflects off the hull. It approaches a beautiful green and blue marble of a planet.

EXT. PLANET SURFACE - TWILIGHT

The craft zooms effortlessly towards the surface and whizzes by interconnected cities. It comes upon the center-point, the capital building, of this technological spider's web.

EXT. THE CAPITAL BUILDING - TWILIGHT

THE NATIVE HUMANS of this planet walk out onto a large balcony in long white robes. Here, the sleek craft awaits them. Waiting. Studying.

INT. TINY CRAFT

Inside, SOMEONE is watching these Humans on a monitor. The Humans appear to be calling out to the craft. Waving their arms attempting to signal the strange visitor.

We see the back of a steel chair. The chair extends so THE ALIEN can stand. A booted foot touches floor. Human legs straiten. It is a graceful movement.

From behind we see newness, sleekness, a gorgeous design of man and machine merged together.

EXT. THE CAPITAL BUILDING

The Humans all look up as The Alien flies in a standing position from the ship to face them. He hovers in the air. He is a green-skinned humanoid with no traces of machine. His presence is commanding and inviting at the same time.

HUMAN #1
Who are you? Why have you come here? Please stand with us. We invite you. All races of peace are welcome.

There is a long silence as worry covers the faces of the committee.

THE ALIEN
My mission is to study and observe and learn about your planet, your culture and transitions to a higher species.

The inhabitants are relieved. Revealed are Kryptonian logos on each of their chests.

HUMAN #2
Then come.

The Alien touches down in front of them and is greeted with open arms. The group escorts The Alien inside as five probes are dispersed from the craft and make a halo above the capital building.

INT. VAST HALLWAY

The Alien and the group of Humans walk down the metallic and marble corridor. They crowd around The Alien all sharing aspects of their culture and customs. The Alien remains silent.

HUMAN #1
We have survived here isolated from other local star systems. We rarely come across travelers.

HUMAN #2
We welcome the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

HUMAN #3
Where did you say you were from? Are you Coluan? Do you share a love for science as we do?

HUMAN #2
We colonized this planet centuries ago developing sciences far beyond our fore fathers.

HUMAN #3
We are connected to our families through special energies we have learned to harness from matter.

HUMAN #1
The traditions we have are passed down from generation to generation. Which by itself may not be of interest but we have seen each new offspring develop remarkable new and creative ideas for advancement. We have seen quantifiable leaps of improvement in every aspect of our culture; science, art----.

The Alien observes and doesn’t speak. In fact, he appears to be calculating. His head jerks slightly. So slightly in fact, that it goes by mostly unnoticed.

THE ALIEN
Complete.

INT. MONITORING ROOM

Oval shaped computer screens flash as data begins to disappear while ANOTHER HUMAN mans them. He is distressed by this. The computer and lights then black out.

EXT. THE CAPITAL BUILDING

All lights in the web of cities go out. All powering down section by section before reaching the capital building. The five probes light up with a surge of power.

INT. VAST HALLWAY

The Delegates of this world panic. Nothing like this has ever happened before. The Alien stands motionless. It takes a moment for The Humans to put it all together.

The clincher comes from outside.

Large slender windows show the probes visible from the hall which then brightens the room.

HUMAN #1
You are doing this? Why? Why are you doing this?

HUMAN #2
You said your intentions were peaceful.

THE ALIEN
Then you are a small minded race.

HUMAN #2
We demand an explanation.

THE ALIEN
What I seek is the only item of importance.

HUMAN #3
And what is it that you seek?

THE ALIEN
Evolution.

HUMAN #3
None of this is necessary.

THE ALIEN
Conquest without resistance is beneficial.

HUMAN #1
Conquest? Then what happens to our race? Our culture? Everything we have achieved?!

THE ALIEN
Your existence compromises the collection. Full genocidal sweep is in order.

A FEW PEOPLE from the group savagely retaliate and claw at his The Alien’s face. The others are frozen, petrified with fear.

However, they cannot grip the smooth surface of his cheek discovering The Alien's flesh is metallic. The Alien doesn't bother pushing them aside. He walks on as though they are nothing as they continue to paw at him.

HUMAN #1
These actions are senseless! They have no purpose! We have survived too long to be destroyed! Not like this! PLEASE!! NO!!

The Alien doesn't look back or stop or respond.

EXT. THE CAPITAL BUILDING

The five probes shoot thousands of tiny rockets to the surface. The five probes then regroup with the tiny craft and head into space.

EXT. DEEP SPACE

From space we see the slow fiery destruction of an innocent world.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - DAY

KAL-EL is wearing traditional Black Kryptonian attire. He watches a 3-D image of the fate of a world colonized by Kryptonians as it is destroyed.

JOR-EL (V.O.)
Many millennia ago, as it is measured on Earth, a group of revolutionary thinkers, fellow scientists, formed a colony on a neighboring planet. This planet was called Kandor. The colony grew fast and within the first few hundred years the civilization grew strong with many cities. They were loyalists to Krypton in nearly every manner but their ideology was different. Their advances in science overshadowed that of all Krypton. For that reason, the council severed ties to our planet. Then after 1,000 years of silence the planet was mysterious destroyed. The events that led to the destruction of our sister planet remains a mystery. I tried to find a connection to what will surely be the demise of Krypton but I have found nothing so far. Sufficed to say, Kandor was the most advanced colony in Krypton’s history. And now it is gone forever.

Kal-El watches as tears fall from his face. The planet torn asunder blazing in his presence.

JOR-EL (V.O.)
Keep the memory of us alive in your heart Kal-El. Everything we are and everything we sought for our future is relevant to your own personal history. You will be the last of our kind when we are gone. Never forget how important you are to us and to your adopted planet. You have much more to share with this world than you realize. There will be a time of discovery and a new phase to your existence.
Kal-El shuts his eyes and turns away from the scene. Not understanding fully the weight of his Father’s words.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE - DAY

Deep in the desert lies a rustic sanded over bunker. Three trucks move to what will become ground zero. The trucks back up to their drop spot. One truck opens to reveal a bulky, bubble shaped metal suit.

A high-tech forklift transplants the suit from the truck to its mark. There is A SOLDIER inside the suit. He is strapped in and nods to SOLDIER #2 that he is ready for the demonstration.

FOUR MORE SOLDIERS remove large bulky parts from the remaining trucks and clamp metal platings and attachments on the arms and legs. With their test subject in place, the trucks pull out.

INT. BUNKER

Inside the rustic bunker is all the latest technology. The monitors and systems are brand new and top of the line. GENERAL PIERCE, a 50’s girthy hard ass, watches the project unfolding.

He’s smoking a cigar as TROOPS and SUITED MEN behind him listen to A PRESENTER to the proceedings.

PRESENTER
The suit is a Mark 7 for project Skycap. The model is a Dynamic Traversing System or DTS for short. The purpose of this suit is to protect our troops during a wartime conflict. This suit is designed to be used on the frontline. The wearer can fire weapons while inside the suit’s plasma hydraulic boosters will enable the soldier to cover over a hundred yards at a time. We will begin with a weapons check. There are two sets of standard guns installed into the suit and an ion cannon with the ability to focus energy in billions of watts before disbursement.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE

The Armored Soldier fires a machine gun spread at a nearby decoy truck and swiss cheeses it in a few seconds.

INT. BUNKER

The Group applauds the impressive display. The General doesn’t react.

PRESENTER
The next test is going to be the ion cannon. This will knock out missile trajectory and disrupt electricity in the region. This makes it literally millions of times more effective at decimating a region of 150 miles. The weapon has full control over the electrons along the naturally occurring magnetic field lines of the Earth. It can then accelerate them to near the speed of light and direct that energy anywhere in visual range.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE

There is a loud scream of electronic gears. There is a build up of power before the suit fails and ignites a plasma overload inside. The Man inside the suit realizes this and tries to move and the suit freezes to a stop in an automatic shut down.

INT. BUNKER

The Presenter rushes to a terminal and a horrified expression washes over him.

GENERAL PIERCE
What’s happening?

PRESENTER
Reactor overload in the suit. We need to clear out now.

GENERAL PIERCE
What about safety precautions?

PRESENTER
They’re in the suit. Hopefully, the compressed plasma will shoot upward. If not, we’re all dead. In any event, there are emergency shuttles at the rear exit. Please file out quickly. We have 2 maybe 3 minutes.

TROOP #1
What about him?

PRESENTER
There’s no time!

The Suited Men and Troops quickly file out of the bunker.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE

The Armored Soldier is trapped as he witnesses the shuttles drive off abandoning their guinea pig. He screams in terror; harder and louder each time.

EXT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Kal-El slowly disrobes. In his depressive state his hearing kicks in as he hears faint yells. He super-speeds into his Superman uniform and races off.

EXT. SPACE

A satellite camera follows but Superman moves so fast the camera can't keep up.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE

The Armored Man reaches critical mass...

...THE EXPLOSION HAPPENS!!

And literally a fifth of a second before The Armored Man is incinerated Superman swoops in.

The explosion bubble outward several hundred yards. I shoots it’s plasma exhaust then into the sky and into space. The plasma bubble increases in size as it does this.

EXT. SKY

The Soldier is in his underwear in Superman's arms. He is dazed and takes a moment to sober up.

EXT. SPACE

The plasma burst reaches out until it strikes a large floating Kryptonite rock. It grabs hold of the rock and begins pulling it towards Earth.

EXT. EMERGENCY SHUTTLES

Superman lands in front of the escaping vehicles.

INT. EMERGENCY SHUTTLE #1

THE DRIVER stops abruptly.

DRIVER
What the hell?

EXT. EMERGENCY SHUTTLE #1

General Pierce hops out of the shuttle.

GENERAL PIERCE
Superman! How the hell did you pull that off?

SUPERMAN
General, do you need assistance containing the area?

GENERAL PIERCE
That and then some Superman. Whatever you can do.

TWO TROOPS take The Weary Soldier into their custody and walk him onto the shuttle.
Superman uses his microscopic vision to see not only the blast fire spreading but the radiation spreading out from the bubble as well.

EXT. BLAST SPREAD (X-RAY VISION)

Superman sees tiny red particles shining out through the blast afterbirth.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE

Superman flies to the blast site. The radiation kicks up and the blast burns at the Man of Steel. Superman takes a step back and uses his super breath to freeze the blast but it doesn't work.

The fire consumes him as red particles gash away at his flesh.

EXT. EMERGENCY SHUTTLE #1

From afar The General and SOLDIERS witness heat blasts barreling from ground zero. It’s one tiny explosion after another.

Then, they see Superman shooting straight up into the sky.

EXT. SKY

Superman blocks the fire into space and takes the brunt of the plasma shock.
Inside the plasma Superman shakes one hand so fast he creates a tornado of wind. Then he makes another tornado, then another. The hard winds slowly begin to cool the particles. The tornadoes converge exploding in a discharge of cool air when they meet.

Superman then freezes the burst with his super breath. Straining to make it work. This time it does work. A frozen mass the size of a house shoots up to him and he punches it shattering it into billions of snow particles.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE

The General and Troops look up in awe at the snowfall.

EXT. SPACE

The plasma grip on the Kryptonite rock has ceased. It slowly approaches Earth.
We see the cloudy swirls over Earth’s surface begin to dissipate and break apart.

INT. CLARK’S APARTMENT - DAY

Clark walks into his no frills apartment as the sun comes up. He has gashes on his face that are still healing. He is physically and emotionally exhausted and it’s written all over his face. He watches the sun creep over the buildings.

With the events shown at the Fortress, he thinks he is as alone as he ever was. The phone rings.

MARTHA (V.O.)
Clark?

CLARK
Hi, Mom.

MARTHA (V.O.)
How are you son?

CLARK
(Clark smiles weakly.)
Better now.

EXT. MILITARY TEST SITE - DAY

We see an old industrial styled sand buggy in the desert. The vehicle stops near the military suit wreckage and a large hatch door opens.

MEN IN JUMPSUITS are disgorged then a RAGGED STUBBLED MAN stands at the doorway. His large goggles block his face.

STUBBLED MAN
Bring all the pieces you can find of the suit.

INT. SCIENCE PRESENTATION HALL - DAY

LOIS LANE is at a scientific seminar. She is in a semi full auditorium as A PROFESSOR speaks.

SCIENCE PROFESSOR
The principles of living light in science and the discovery of light existing within all life is not new. Yet all application relating to this phenomenon are nearly non existent in our field. The light is used to read brainwave patterns. So, this light does exist. Why have we not tried to harness this light? Why have we not tried to tap into its potential and learn more about it? Some theorize that humankind will eventually evolve into beings of light over the next 25,000 years. Which then begs the question; what is the next evolutionary step for man? And how does that step relate to our role in the universe?

Lois' mind wanders. She looks at a picture of JASON WHITE being silly, now 12 years old, on her cellphone.

EXT. THE DAILY PLANET - MORNING

Establishing shot.

INT. THE DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

CLARK KENT is diligently hammering away on his keyboard computer. He is typing at a feverish pace at the same time he’s on the phone chasing up a lead.

CLARK
Yes, I know. Are you sure? Is that something that can be confirmed? By whom, you? Great, thanks.

Clark prints his story and gets off the phone. He calls out to JIMMY OLSEN.

CLARK
Jimmy, I have an article printing now. Can you hand it in to Mr. White for me?

JIMMY
Sure thing Mr. K.

Clark races out on the hot tip.

INT. THE DAILY PLANET HALLWAY

Clark passes Lois as a GAGGLE OF EMPLOYEES crowd the area. Clark enters the elevator as she comes off but neither have a chance to greet the other.

PERRY WHITE is coming from further down the hallway.

INT. THE DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

Lois and Perry meet up and enter the newsroom together walking to Perry’s office.

PERRY
Lois, I’m glad you’re here. How’s your ulcer?

LOIS
Fully recovered, Chief.

PERRY
Good. I need that story on the PTA scandal.

LOIS
I finished it. I want to do the story on government misappropriation of military defense funds I pitched to you last week.

PERRY
Can’t do it. Richard is smack dab in the middle of an assignment and military cooperation is essential for us at this time. Where’s the story I asked for?

LOIS
I told you it’s done.

PERRY
Then why isn’t it in my hands?

LOIS
I need to do a spell check on it.

PERRY
Give it to me when it’s done. Then we’ll discuss the next story.

LOIS
And yet you have Clark off on another exclusive.

PERRY
The man is a dynamo. He’s pounding them out like you used to do. I can’t remember what this paper was like without him.

LOIS
Is that why you’re feeding him the better stories?

PERRY
Stop competing, Lois. He’s just motivated.
(beat)
You have priorities. You’re not any less a reporter for it.

JIMMY
Hey Chief!

PERRY
Jimmy, I swear, one more damn time and--

JIMMY
I have Mr. Kent’s story on the East Side train derailment.

PERRY
Damn that man is fast. I just--

There is a boom heard from a far off distance. They feel the repercussion shock while not even noticing Clark entering the newsroom in the background.

PERRY
There’s an exclusive right there. And where are you? In the past, you would be there not here arguing with your editor. Take Clark for example.
Perry turns to Clark’s desk and notices he’s there and not covering the boom either.

PERRY
Hmm.

Perry heads to his office again, Lois shuffling beside him.

LOIS
My priorities have never been more “in place.” Just give me something to sink my teeth into. What do you need?

PERRY
Okay, I need you to cover some mysterious weather conditions in Ghobi.

LOIS
Ghobi? As in desert?

PERRY
That’s it.

LOIS
Perry, are you serious?

PERRY
I’m always serious. That’s how I keep this paper running in a bad economy.

LOIS
Right. I mean do you actually expect me to go to The Ghobi Desert and check this out?

PERRY
Only if it is absolutely necessary. I just need a preliminary article to decide how much coverage to lend this. Besides, I need you here sitting tight until I get out from this meeting.

LOIS
Why, what’s going on?

PERRY
Lois, have I ever informed you of anything before I absolutely was ready to do so?

Lois is silent.

PERRY
Exactly. Now make some calls and sit tight.

Perry stops Lois short at his office and shuts the door on her.

Lois takes her cellphone out and speed dials Perry’s cell and gets voicemail.

PERRY’S VOICEMAIL (V.O.)
Lois, just sit tight.

Lois turns defeatedly and approaches Clark’s desk.

LOIS
Forget something?

CLARK
Um, yeah. I guess you could say that.

Lois rolls her eyes. Obviously, Perry's over-estimating him.

LOIS
Well, “I’VE” got a big story the Chief has put me on.

CLARK
Oh, okay.

Lois backs away trying to excuse herself.

LOIS
Big story. You’ll be bowled over when you see this exclusive.

CLARK
I look forward to it.

LOIS
Right.

From behind Clark A SEXILY DRESSED WOMAN by the name of CAT GRANT sneaks up and tries to startle him. Clark is lost for a moment, focused on Lois. He notices the "pounce" a second late then reacts. He jumps and knocks papers off his desk.

Cat is nearly 10 years Clark’s senior. She is sexy in every way and she knows it and knows how to use it to her advantage.

CLARK
What are you doing?

CAT
Sorry about that, sport. I was just having a little fun.

CLARK
Fun?

CAT
We haven’t met. I’m Cat Grant.

CLARK
Oh yeah, the new gossip columnist.

CAT
Ouch! Was that contempt or disdain in you voice?

CLARK
Um..

CAT
You’re wondering why my department wasn’t hit with the other recent cutbacks?

CLARK
Well, um, no.....I wouldn’t.

CAT
You don’t have to. I can see it on the tip of your tongue.

She leans in flirtatiously. Clark nervously pulls back and grabs his things.

CLARK
I’m sorry Miss Cat, uh, Miss Grant. I am late for a follow-up.

Clark walks off and bumps into Lois who is walking to her desk reading pages that are in one hand and sipping coffee from the other. The coffee spills onto her pages and clothes.

CLARK
Oh geez, I’m sorry Lois.

LOIS
Clark, maybe you should....

Clark rushes onto the elevator. The doors shutting almost immediately.

LOIS
...Slow it down.

Cat sidles up to Lois.

CAT
Is he always like that?

LOIS
Clark is Clark. That’s why we love him.

INT. LADIES RESTROOM

Lois enters. She heads to the sink and tries to soak up some of the stain with paper towels. Cat follows her in.

LOIS
You have been shadowing me for the past couple days, Newbie. What do you want?

CAT
I’m sorry. We were never formally introduced. I was just kind of thrown into the mix to either sink or swim here.

LOIS
No offense but the best thing you can do Cat, would be to just let us do our job.

CAT
Stay out of your way. I should have expected that. You know, I went to journalism school too. I graduated with honors. I may write fluff but I’m better at it than anyone. Anyone.

Perry bursts in ignorant of this being the ladies room.

PERRY
Lois, there you are. Superman is heading out to stop a terrorist. An Eco-Terrorist, if you can believe that. Kent’s not here. I need you to take the Planet Chopper and cover it.

LOIS
I’m on it.

Lois happily bolts out the door. Cat just stands there awkwardly facing Perry, the one man who intimidates her.

CAT
I’m sure I have some good gossip to cover.

PERRY
How about handing in yesterday’s Celebrity Olympics coverage?

Perry huffs as he exits. He has to constantly tell everyone what to do. Cat is slow to respond.

CAT
Um, yeah, I was...about to...um....

EXT. DAILY PLANET HELIPORT - DAY

Lois boards the Planet Chopper. Once she’s in the helicopter it immediately takes off.

EXT. HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS - DAY

Superman approaches a series of high-rise building complexes all intricately linked.
He gives the structures a scan with his x-ray vision.

INT. HIGH-RISE BUILDING OFFICES (X-RAY VISION)

Many of the floors are shaded over so he can’t see through them.

BACK TO SCENE

He lands on one of the rooftops to face off THE ECO-TERRORIST who is in a protective suit.

ECO-TERRORIST
(nervous)
It’s you. You came. I knew you would. I’m glad you did.

SUPERMAN
It’s okay.

ECO-TERRORIST
It’s not. Nothing is. That’s the problem.

SUPERMAN
What’s your name?

ECO-TERRORIST
Charles.

SUPERMAN
You don’t want to do this, Charles.
Whatever you are hoping to accomplish. There is another way--

ECO-TERRORIST
Hahaha! I’m sorry sir, but I have tried to reason with my bosses. I have even gone so far as to threaten them with industrial espionage. Nothing works. Because at the end of the day they don’t care about what’s going to happen to society on the long term. It’s all about what they can get from you right now. What can they get from you and how can they get it?

Lois’ helicopter approaches. Superman notices this.

INT. DAILY PLANET CHOPPER

Lois and THE HELICOPTER PILOT move in on the scene.

LOIS
Get in as close as you can.

EXT. HIGH-RISE BUILDING

ECO-TERRORIST
I used to work here. Various areas were designed specifically to protect the atmosphere from radiation leakage. Radiation from various chemicals and compounds. Unsafe chemicals. Everyday chemicals. Oh, and I’ve planted explosives there too.

SUPERMAN
I’m sure if we sit down and talk this out we can come to a mutually acceptable solution.

ECO-TERRORIST
You don’t understand. Superman, you have no idea what you are talking about. For all your strength, you are so naive. The way the world is put together is not what we have been brought up to believe that it is. How can anyone accept authority when authority is corrupt?

SUPERMAN
Let me help. Tell me everything. But first, step down from setting anything off.

ECO-TERRORIST
No offense, Superman but your words sound like they’re from a textbook. You haven’t been through what I’ve been through. How can you relate to me on my level? You’re the most powerful being on this planet. Your heroics should be an inspiration but all it does is mock us. We can’t do what you can do. We can’t relate to you on your level no more than you can relate to us on ours.

SUPERMAN
No, you’re wrong.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

A sleek craft enters our solar system.

EXT. CRAFT

WE PUSH IN CLOSE on the hull to see old structural cracks and new ones forming. The ship is seriously damaged.

EXT. SPACE

The craft is on a collision course for Earth. But there is an obstruction blocking its path. The obstruction is the large Kryptonite rock.

The craft crashes through the edge of the Kryptonite rock causing various debris to break off. The fragments follow the craft into Earth's atmosphere.

BACK TO:

EXT. HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

Superman is waiting for The Eco-Terrorist to respond.

ECO-TERRORIST
I can’t back down.

SUPERMAN
If you don’t, I can’t help you.

It seems like The Eco-Terrorist is about to give in when it begins to rain Kryptonite.

INT. DAILY PLANET CHOPPER

Lois holds tight as the helicopter is bombarded by the tiny shards of rock.

EXT. HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

The debris of hail rains down upon the scene. The Eco-Terrorist witnesses Superman’s knees weakening. He nervously triggers the explosives and an eruption of fire burns everywhere at once.

The helicopter propellers are blown off by the explosion and the chopper is hurled out of control as it catches fire.

INT. DAILY PLANET CHOPPER

The Chopper Pilot is on fire and jumps from the craft. Lois screams at him and debates the same thing.

EXT. HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

The Chopper Pilot removes his jacket to catch a dangling tower antenna. It shreds upon impact. He then tumbles down the tower girders until bouncing to a rooftop. He’s battered but okay.

Superman is unable to react in time to the explosion and falls through the roof downward into the rubble. The Eco-Terrorist is protected by his suit. He tumbles to the ground but ends up on his feet as the rain stops.

There is a moment of silence. The Eco-Terrorist catches his breath as Superman bursts from the building rubble into the air.

INT. DAILY PLANET CHOPPER

Lois can’t wait any longer. The fire is ready to completely consume the helicopter. The swirling view of sky and Earth disorients Lois. She sees a blur of red and blue. She closes her eyes and jumps for her life.

EXT. SKY

Superman catches Lois. The Chopper explodes and Superman turns using his body to protect her from the blast.

Superman looks down and views with his telescopic vision all the Kryptonite shards and uses his heat vision to destroy them all with a focused spread.

With the Kryptonite neutralized, Superman flies over to the Eco-Terrorist. He sets Lois down then stands toe to toe with him.

The Eco-Terrorist wastes no time throwing the first punch.

ECO-TERRORIST
For the Earth! For the planet! Death to the establishment!
His metal fist strikes Superman in the gut. The fist shatters revealing the flesh underneath.

SUPERMAN
Do you have any questions for this man, Mrs. Lane?

Lois smiles. Superman effortlessly grabs the guy by the back collar and flies off with him in tow.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME KITCHEN - NIGHT

Jason is making dinner. He is a tall and strapping pre-teen. He is chopping vegetables for a salad, alone. Jason is very much isolated from cynicism and typical teenage rebellion. The phone rings.

JASON
Dad?

RICHARD (V.O.)
Hey, guy. What are you doing?

JASON
Just fixing dinner. Mom’s not home yet.

Jason places Richard on speaker phone.

RICHARD (V.O.)
No? She must be running late.

JASON
Yeah, I know.

RICHARD (V.O.)
I can’t stay on long.

JASON
I understand. There’s not many cell phone towers in the desert I bet.

RICHARD (V.O.)
Not many. I’m sorry I’m not there. I miss you.

JASON
Yeah, me too.

RICHARD
You know this is only temporary, right? You’re Mom needed take it easy to get rid of her ulcer.

JASON
I know. I still wish you were here.

RICHARD
Me too, son.

JASON
Hey Dad, since I’ve got you, let me ask you something. What do you think about me trying out for football?

RICHARD (V.O.)
I think that would be a great. You’ll learn camaraderie, how to be part of a team.

JASON
What do you think Mom will say about it?

There is a long beat as...

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME ENTRYWAY

..Lois enters and places her things down. She is just about to head around the corner to greet Jason as she hears Richard’s voice.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME KITCHEN

RICHARD (V.O.)
Let me talk to your Mother about it first, okay?

JASON
She’ll say no. Maybe we shouldn’t even bother.

Lois enters.

LOIS
Hi Honey, how was your day?

RICHARD (V.O.)
Lois? Did you just get in?

LOIS
Just now.

JASON
Hi Mom. Dinner’s almost ready.

LOIS
Thanks, Hon. Richard, I think Perry’s going to put me back on real assignments.

RICHARD (V.O.)
That’s great. I knew this hiatus was only temporary. That is great, right?

LOIS
Of course. But then watch out, I’ll be in the field and you’ll be making dinner.

RICHARD (V.O.)
I can’t wait. I’m not much of a field guy.

JASON
But then you’ll be gone again.

LOIS
Sometimes. But I won’t miss important days.

RICHARD (V.O.)
Hey guys, I hate to cut this short but they’re about to cut me off.

LOIS
Richard, before you go, tell me what you’re preparing me for before Jason springs his surprise.

RICHARD (V.O.)
Oh, uhhh, well, it seems, well-- I’m sorry, hon. That’s it. I love you both very much.

The line goes dead.

LOIS
Damn. Sorry. What was you’re Dad prepping me for?

JASON
Nothing, Mom.

LOIS
Come on. Give me the benefit of the doubt. You can tell me anything. You know that.

JASON
Okay, I guess I can’t take it back now.

LOIS
And you know I’ll bug you mercilessly until you talk.

JASON
I......was wondering...if it would be all right if you would let me at least try out for... football.

LOIS
(smiling)
No.

JASON
That’s it? No discussion?

LOIS
I don’t think it’s a good idea.

JASON
Mom, I’m only on 2 medications now.

LOIS
And how many medications will you be on if you get hurt? Then what?

Jason is quiet.

LOIS
I’m sorry. Let me mull on it for a few days, okay?

JASON
Okay.
(long beat)
Well, if I can’t play football then can I go on the field trip?
Lois is instinctively about to veto the proposal as she thinks otherwise.

LOIS
Um, let me think for a few days on that too.

JASON
Come on, Mom. I told you about this last week. The field trip is tomorrow. I’ve been waiting on you. I’ve never gone on a field trip at school before.

LOIS
You’re right. You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just being a protective Mother. I can’t help myself.

JASON
Then I can go?

LOIS
Ummm, Y-You can go.

Jason is gleefully happy.

LOIS
Okay, enough serious talk. Let’s eat.

EXT. MIDDLE EAST DESERT TOWN - DAY

In the middle-east, AMERICAN SOLDIERS walk through a small town as a windstorm kicks in.

Sand kicks up into the faces of several of The Soldiers. RICHARD WHITE, a foreign correspondent, hangs in protective toe behind them.

SOLDIER TEAM LEADER
Keep in mind Mr. White, I can only allow you here for a short time before having you escorted back.

RICHARD
I thought this area has been secure for several days.

SOLDIER TEAM LEADER
Hot zone or not, it’s not safe.

RICHARD
Where is safe around here?

Suddenly bullets rain down as The American Troops find cover and return fire. Richard dives for a tiny stone barrier as...

...Whizzing by are bashed in, half held together Hummers barrelling in for the rescue. They crash through homes in the process. The homes and town are in such disarray it's hard to imagine anyone still living here.

EXT. HUMMER

ONE TROOPER preps a bazooka gun from the sunroof. He fires straight ahead into a cloud of kicked up sand. The shell is deflected off a large shiny object.

EXT. MIDDLE EAST DESERT TOWN

The barrage of bullets cease. Everyone freezes. The storm dies down and the deflective surface is more apparent now.

Revealed is a large black shard of a metal substance standing over 20 feet tall. Richard looks up and can’t hardly believe it. American and IRAQI SOLDIERS both stand in the open gaping at the unusual site.

After a moment, Troops from both sides fire weapons on the giant shard. When they cease fire, not a mark resides. Cautiously they approach this strange object.

WE PULL BACK FROM THE SCENE TO---

EXT. EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE

A satellite camera adjusts it’s focus.

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM - DAY

The newsroom is bustling with it’s typical noisy employee rabble. Lois and Clark sit at their desks watching Perry through the window to his office. Perry is finishing a heated conversation over the phone.

Perry slams the phone down and walks to his door.

PERRY
Lois! Clark! I need you in here now.

INT. PERRY’S OFFICE

PERRY
Something has come up. I’m not sure exactly what but I need you two to follow it up.

LOIS
“Golden Boy” can’t keep up the pace?

Clark shoots Lois a concerned and slightly confused expression.

PERRY
Not now, Lois.

LOIS
Sorry. What is it, Perry?

PERRY
I received a text from Richard about some find in the Iraqi desert. Army troops there came across it.

CLARK
Any idea what was found?

PERRY
None. That’s why I need both of my big leaguers on this.

LOIS
Have you gotten anything else from Richard? Is he okay?

PERRY
No. I can’t reach him by his cell, which is iffy at best out there, or military communication. It’s too quiet. All reports from Iraq have ceased and no one is talking. I want to know why. I need you two to do a walk through at Carter Military Base. I don’t expect them to tell you anything but I know you two. I have arranged limited passes for you both.

LOIS
How did you pull that off?

PERRY
PR, smooth talking, charm and I promised you two would do damage control to minimize the conspiracy stories for the FDR Base.

CLARK
S-Should we do anything about Richard?

PERRY
I’m not prepared to think the worst yet. I know my Nephew. He’ll be fine. Let’s see what you two can dig up first before we worry. And Lois, be nice to General Pierce.

LOIS
I’ll be as sweet as Martha Kent’s Huckleberry pie.

Clark shoots her an odd smile. Where did that come from?

PERRY
You do that and you can tell the General; I’ll owe him a case of his favorite brandy. Get something. Anything. I’ll figure out what we’ll do with that information when you get back.

LOIS AND CLARK
Right Chief.

Lois and Clark awkwardly rise. They just have never figured out how to be around one another. Clark exits but Lois rubberbands right back in.

LOIS
Oh Perry, I haven’t found anything special on “The Great Ghobi Story of Our Time.”

Perry grimaces as Lois smiles and turns to leave.

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

There is tension in the newsroom afterwards. The two just can’t seem to talk and yet they can’t avoid one another either. Clark is unsure how to handle the tensions as Jimmy walks towards them. Both Clark and Lois grab at him.

LOIS
Jimmy, it’s good to see you.

JIMMY
Oh good, cause The Chief needs you guys to quickly check out a building fire that just sprang up before heading out to Carter.

CLARK
You need to come, Jimmy. We need you.

JIMMY
Whatever is going on count me in.

INT. LOIS’ CAR (MOVING) - DAY

Jimmy is sitting in the back seat like a little boy splitting the tension between Mommy and Daddy.

LOIS
Sooooo, am I supposed to be the co-reporter on this?

CLARK
I’m sorry?

LOIS
Come on. Are you and Perry throwing me a pity story?

CLARK
Huh? Oh please, Lois.

LOIS
Don’t give me that. You’ve been stealing my status. Not to mention my reputation.

CLARK
Not at all. I would never--

LOIS
--You would never what?

JIMMY
Hey guys?

CLARK
What’s wrong, Lois? You’ve been giving me the cold shoulder since, well, since...well..for quite a while. And I---

JUST THEN they pass a line of fire trucks. Lois doesn’t respond as they come upon a condominium building fire.

EXT. CONDO HIGH-RISE - DAY

Lois slams the brakes in view of a 20 story inferno. The threesome rush out of the car and race beside the EMERGENCY AND FIREMEN CREW standing by doing nothing.
The penthouse floor is burning like wildfire. What's keeping the fire crews from doing their work is A JUMPER. SPECTATORS on the ground have their necks craned upward.

LOIS
What’s going on?

FIREMAN SERGEANT
Everyone is evacuated except for this guy. Our jumper wants to commit suicide after he watches the place burn. If we try to put the fire out he’ll jump.

JIMMY
This looks like a job for Superman.

A beat as Clark evaluates the situation.

CLARK
I can do it.

LOIS
What?

JIMMY
Mr. K, what are you talking about?

CLARK
I think I can talk him down, Jimmy.

Clark heads in with everyone stunned as to his actions.

INT. CONDO STAIRS

Once out of sight Clark heads up the stairs at super speed.

EXT. CONDO BALCONY

The Jumper stands on the outer side of the balcony as Clark enters from behind.

CLARK
Hi.

JUMPER
Hey, how’d you get up here?

CLARK
They let me up. I thought maybe we could talk for a moment.

JUMPER
You don’t need to bother with me. I’m no one special.

CLARK
You know what? Neither am I.

The Jumper begins to cry.

JUMPER
I have problems, complicated ones.

CLARK
We all do.

JUMPER
Right.
(beat)
Look, I don’t want to talk. I don’t want attention. I just want to be left alone.

CLARK
Do you have any family?

JUMPER
Any family I had are long gone.

CLARK
Mom? Dad?

JUMPER
Gone. Burned to death in a fire.

CLARK
My parents died in a great fire as well when I was a baby. I know how tough it can be.

JUMPER
Yeah, well now I have a son that I can’t see. The Mother thinks I shirk my responsibilities and won’t allow me visitation. But I work two jobs to support them. No matter what I do, no court will listen to me. It’s all up to her. I have no control over any aspect of my life any more. And why? What did I do that was so wrong? All I wanted to do was raise my son and now I can’t even do that.

CLARK
I’m going through something similar right now. My son doesn’t even know me. His Mom thought it was for the best. Now, it eats away at me. There’s a good man at the house. But it’s not me. I think the only thing that’s kept me from losing my mind are the memories of my Father. And what he taught me.

JUMPER
But you’re holding on. I can’t anymore.

The Jumper let’s go of the rail. Clark ducks into the window.

EXT. CONDO HIGH-RISE

The Jumper falls several stories before Superman bursts through a window and catches him. They float to the street where Emergency Crews are standing by.

Superman drops the man off, smiles and quickly flies away. A moment later Clark comes out of the building gagging and coughing.

A FEMALE PARAMEDIC throws a blanket over Clark. She is SARAH MERKELLE, a pretty short-haired brass tacks woman. She is feminine but hard-edged at the same time.

LOIS
Clark, are you nuts? Are you trying to get yourself killed?

CLARK
I’m sorry, Lois.

LOIS
What were you trying to prove?

CLARK
I don’t know. I guess I was trying to...help.

Jimmy comes running.

JIMMY
Mr. K, are you all right?

CLARK
I’m fine Jimmy.

Lois huffs and walks away. Jimmy follows. Clark appears like a man without a friend.

SARAH
You sounded sincere.

CLARK
Excuse me?

SARAH
About saving that guy. It was brave. Not everyone would have tried to help that man. But you did. And that says something about you.

CLARK
Maybe.

SARAH
I’m Sarah. Sarah Merkelle. Are you going to be okay?

CLARK
Oh yeah yeah. I’ll be fine.

SARAH
Are you sure? You look like you could use a friend. I get off work at 6 this evening. Would you care to join me for dinner?

CLARK
(stunned)
Wow, you’re forward.

SARAH
I think a hero deserves a reward, The least you could do is accept. So, what do you think?

Lois calls out from her car.

LOIS
Clark, we have another engagement, if you don’t mind.

CLARK
Okay. Tonight. Um.

SARAH
Don’t worry. I’ll call The Planet when I get off work.

CLARK
Oh?

SARAH
Jimmy said he was Assistant Editor when he tried asking me out.

CLARK
Oh. Uh. Great. Bye.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

Richard is dragged into a dirty room with cement walls. He is blindfolded. THE INTERROGATOR remains OFF SCREEN and uses a bad Middle-Eastern accent.

INTERROGATOR (O.S.)
Tell us what you know.

RICHARD
About what? What do you want to know?

INTERROGATOR (O.S.)
We want to know what you saw in the town of Tikrit.

RICHARD
I don’t know what I saw. It was hard to see.

INTERROGATOR (O.S.)
We know what you witnessed, Mr. White. So, tell us everything or the next edition of your newspaper will be printing your obituary.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE ENTRANCE - DAY

Lois’ car pulls up to the front gate as A GUARD greets them.

LOIS
Lois Lane and Clark Kent to see General Pierce.

GUARD
Yes, Ma’am. You and Mr. Kent have clearance but not your little friend in the back.

LOIS
Just give The General the heads up.

GUARD
One moment ma’am.

The Guard uses his gate phone and quickly returns.

GUARD
You can discuss pass access and all changes at the office. Go ahead on through and
The General will meet you.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

Lois drives into a small lot. She, Clark and Jimmy pile out of the vehicle then walk to the front office.

INT. CARTER MILITARY BASE FRONT OFFICE

The trio enter as they are met by General Pierce. Clark immediately recognizes him but doesn’t let on.

LOIS
Where’s my Husband?

GENERAL PIERCE
Well, sincere greetings to you, young lady. Who is your husband? Is he a soldier?

LOIS
My husband is Richard White of the Daily Planet. You approved his military pass to
Iraq. Where is he?

GENERAL PIERCE
Oh, that Richard White. He’s being debriefed as we speak.

LOIS
Where is he then?

GENERAL PIERCE
Sorry, that’s classified. The safety of this country comes first.

LOIS
What are you saying? He can’t even call me to say he’s alive and okay?

GENERAL PIERCE
I’m afraid national security wouldn’t allow a cellphone call during any reconnaissance or debriefing with their Washington communique.

LOIS
Bullsh---!

CLARK
--Lois!

LOIS
Sounds like a lot of double-talk. Why do we only have limited access to this base?

GENERAL PIERCE
Because The FDR base will allow you none. Anything else?

There is a beat as Lois collects herself.

GENERAL PIERCE
Don’t push the bull, Mrs. Lane. Because the bull won’t settle for pushing back. All right then. Let’s get this over with.

EXT. ANTARCTICA - DAY

A bead of energy appears high in the air as an out of place storm kicks up.

INT. CARTER MILITARY BASE CORRIDOR - DAY

Lois, Clark, Jimmy and The General enter a long corridor.

GENERAL PIERCE
We are releasing certain information to the press about the find in the middle east. As a matter of professional courtesy to The Planet for being a military friendly paper you are getting the story first.

The General leads his guests into...

INT. WAITING ROOM

GENERAL PIERCE
I still need to retrieve our official statement for you. If you would wait in here for a moment and I’ll be right with you.

The General leaves.

LOIS
Do you believe that guy?

CLARK
Sure, why?

LOIS
I didn’t mean; do you “believe” that guy. I meant; do you believe that guy?

CLARK
Uh, Lois, I’m not---

LOIS
---He thinks he can just feed us any feeble excuse for a story they can concoct and we’ll just blindly print it?

CLARK
Oh, please. You don’t---

LOIS
---Why wouldn’t he think that? When Lois Lane and Clark Kent write a story, it garners attention. And why is he acting so mysterious about Richard’s whereabouts?

CLARK
We’ll get to the bottom of this. We’ll take General Pierce’s story and we’ll run with it and---

LOIS
--Clark, if we print what he wants he’s expecting all other media to follow suit. There is no journalistic integrity anymore. When a hot story is released, everyone cuts and pastes it onto their rag.

Clark is about to speak as...

LOIS
Then it’s all over the internet, magazines pick up the story. Radio. TV.

CLARK
Lois, you’re paranoid.

LOIS
I don’t think I am. Richard would have found a way to contact me. But to receive absolutely no word whatsoever?

CLARK
Take it easy, Lois. Sometimes things can get out of control. Why don’t you just wait before jumping to any conclusions?

LOIS
You know, I don’t like that.

CLARK
What?

LOIS
Every time I have an idea about something you try to dissuade me. If it’s not this then it’s the story. You want this story? Take it!

Jimmy discreetly slips out that back door with camera in hand.

CLARK
No, it’s not that.

LOIS
What does The Daily Planet need Lois Lane for when Clark Kent is ready, willing and able to take over?

Clark stands a little straighter and more confident.

CLARK
Lois, I know what you’re doing. And I understand. Of course not. It should be you over there. You miss your old life. You want it back and you’re starting to think that you’re never going to get that life back again. It can’t be easy. Taking care of Jason, instead of being out there in the world reporting.

LOIS
It’s what I was born to do.

CLARK
Do you regret---?

LOIS
No. No. That’s ridiculous.

CLARK
Is it? What you have works yet you still feel you’re losing out on a whole other life you should have had.

LOIS
And when I reach out to you, you can’t even so much as come over for dinner. Why? Am I so---?

SUDDENLY, the door swings open and A BALD MAN IN A JUMPSUIT walks between them mesmerized by a small gadget in his hand. He takes a few steps before halting in his tracks.

Lois and Clark are stunned as THE BALD MAN turns to face them. It is LEX LUTHOR with a week’s worth of stubble on his face.

LEX
Lois Lane? Aaaaand Clark Kent? Whoaw, fancy meeting you two here.

CLARK
What are you doing here?

LEX
I live here.

LOIS
The greatest criminal mind of our time and you’re living in a military installation?

LEX
Aw, that’s nice of you to say.

CLARK
Whatever is going on you’re not going to get away with it, Luther.

LEX
Now Lois, I know. We go way back. But you, Mr. Kent, are speaking to me as though we are acquainted when it is clearly only our reputations that precedes us. In any event, it’s Superman’s fault I’m even here.

LOIS
Do tell.

LEX
Well, let’s see. I was stranded. They found me. And I became their monkey. Prisoners get paroled. Monkeys are slaves for life, you see.

LOIS
What? You’re not making any sense.

LEX
Well, keep a sharp ear Mrs. Lane because I won’t repeat this song and dance. You thought I had plans, you have no idea what goes on here. Remember that boost in cellular phone technology? That was me. Sure maybe I didn’t invent cell phones but I took it to the next level. That’s what I’m good at; making improvements. You know, if you place 100 monkeys in a room eventually one of them will figure out how to control people. Turn the tables.

CLARK
Why are you telling us all this?

LEX
Who else am I going to tell?

Lex exits but not before shouting out---

LEX
Power to the monkeys!

A moment passes before General Pierce returns handing Lois some papers stapled together unknowing of the previous altercation.

GENERAL PIERCE
The official statement covers more or less everything we’ve discussed.

LOIS
What kind of sweat shop are you running here, General?

GENERAL PIERCE
Where’s your the camera kid?

CLARK
Uh oh, I didn’t even notice he was gone.

General Pierce rushes out the back door. Lois and Clark follow.

INT. CORRIDOR

General Pierce is running like a madman shouting on his radio.

GENERAL PIERCE
We have a code 12 breach on level 2. I need an immediate sweep for any unauthorized personnel and I want them detained.

Lois and Clark try to follow but halfway are SUDDENLY BLOCKED BY SOLDIERS.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

Clark and Lois are being ushered to Lois’ car. Clark looks back at the facility, Soldiers are blocking his path. He uses his x-ray vision to see below the complex.

INT. LOWER LEVEL (X-RAY VISION VIEW)

Jimmy is in trouble. Soldiers have merged onto his location.
General Pierce removes a personal side arm from his coat and points it at Jimmy’s head. Jimmy freezes.

BACK TO SCENE

Lois is sitting in the driver’s seat of her car.

LOIS
You coming?

CLARK
Oh, yeah.

Clark clumsily opens the car door and hops in.

INT. LOIS’ CAR (MOVING)

Lois drives towards the entrance.

LOIS
What are we going to do about Jimmy?

Clark then abruptly points to something off to the side of Lois blocking her view with his arm.

CLARK
Lois, watch out for that!

LOIS
Clark! What the hell are you doing?!

EXT. LOIS’ CAR (MOVING)

Lois swerves and crashes into a parked tank and is knocked out. Clark hops out as Soldiers race to them.

CLARK
Help! Come quick!

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

Clark disappears in the melee. He runs between two tanks parked nearby.

ONE SOLDIER catches a glimpse of this and pursues him.

We see Clark as he enters the blind spot then runs like a blur at super speed. The Soldier enters the same blind spot and Clark is gone.

The Soldier is bewildered at his disappearance as he completely misses Superman flying overhead and in through the...

INT. FACILITY ENTRY

Superman slams through the entry doors. The doors fly off their hinges.

INT. CARTER MILITARY BASE SUB-LEVEL

General Pierce pulls the trigger of his gun. The bullet explodes from the pistol. Superman flies past The Soldiers and catches the bullet meant for Jimmy's head.

GENERAL PIERCE
What the--! Superman! This is a national security issue. You have no right to interfere with government or military matters.

Superman stands with a stern glare aimed at General Pierce.

GENERAL PIERCE
That boy can no longer leave this facility. He is a security risk.

JIMMY
I didn’t see anything, I swear.

Superman is caught in a pickle and it’s written all over his face.

JIMMY
Superman I swear, the rooms are too dark to see a thing.

GENERAL PIERCE
Superman, I can’t allow him leave.

SUPERMAN
I can’t allow him to remain here, General.

All eyes focus on Superman. Reluctantly, Superman reaches for Jimmy’s camera. Jimmy pulls away but then locks eyes with Superman. Jimmy relents.

Superman then hands The General Jimmy's camera.

GENERAL PIERCE
That was a nice gesture, Superman. But it doesn’t change a thing. He can’t leave.

SUPERMAN
General, I’m asking you for an alternative.

JIMMY
Yeah, or else this is going to get ugly.

SUPERMAN
Jimmy!

General Pierce thinks about the situation.

GENERAL PIERCE
I will agree to release him into your custody, Superman on one condition. For his silence, you must make restitution for this action.

Superman nods in agreement. He and Jimmy walk past the Soldiers and out the door.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

Superman and Jimmy walk out the facility doorway as Lois meets them.

LOIS
Superman! What happened?

SUPERMAN
Everything’s okay. I’m sure Jimmy will fill you in.

Superman flies up and off. Lois and Jimmy peer upward following him until he gets to be a small speck then disappears. Together, the two level out their gaze and spot Clark outside the gate hopping up and down and clamoring to get back in.

CLARK
Lois! Lois! Jimmy!

INT. GENERAL’S OFFICE
General Pierce walks to a land line phone.

GENERAL PIERCE
This is General Pierce. There is no connection to Skycap at the present moment. Release Richard White. Send him home. Get me base FDR.

INT. LEX’S LAB

Lex Luthor sits legs crossed indian-style on top of a stool. He is still tinkering with his hand held gadget as General Pierce enters.

GENERAL PIERCE
God dammit, Luthor! I’m told you were wandering around while the reporters were here. You were given explicit instructions to stay confined until their departure. We let you roam level 2 while you’re working here on Project Skycap.

LEX
I recovered most of the suit.

GENERAL PIERCE
Good. Fix it. Up the power on the plasma output.

LEX
I told you it wouldn’t stop him. What you need is a high density filament to control the efflux of energy.

GENERAL PIERCE
Shut up. You’re privileges are revoked until further notice. What if that kid had seen you? What if any of them had seen you or this?

Lex tries to use his handheld device on The General as though he were a television he wants to turn off with obviously no results.

LEX
This? You don’t even know what this is.

GENERAL PIERCE
I know this thing has shorted out most of our electronic devices. Most of level 1 and 2’s cameras are out. I need to know what the hell we have here, Luthor. And I need to know A.S.A.P.

LEX
General, you’re problem is that you military types can’t think outside of the box. But I understand, most people aren’t creative which is why we have so many Bob’s and Mary’s running around.

The General storms out in a huff as Luthor peers over his latest obsession.
CAMERA REVEALS on the table in front of Lex; fragments of black metal, large mechanical tentacles sliced open, a green human hand with only two fingers and a mixture of what appears to be Alien Technology but organic and cybernetic.

It's a bizarre Frankenstein puzzle of pieces. It is grotesque but the madness in Luthor's eyes sees only beauty in complexity.

EXT. COUNTRY FARM - DAY

Establishing shot of a large farm just outside the city of Metropolis which can be seen in the background.

EXT. COUNTRY FARM BARN

Jason and his JR. HIGH CLASS are on their field trip. To these city kids this is like a whole other world. Their faces light up, inspired by the various animals in their midst.

Their GUIDE shows them around the cows and chickens and pigs.

GUIDE
Farming benefits our planet in more than the obvious ways. Sure, we have the crops which feed the people and cows that provide milk but does anyone know how else farming effects our lives?

Jason seems right at home. Most of The Class are listening to their Guide as some are petting pot-belly pigs.

Jason breathes deep the fresh air. He spies off to the side THREE BULLIES ganging up on a SMALL KID. They are pushing him into the cornfield nearby out of view.
Jason rises curiously before walking over to the altercation.

THE TEACHER, MRS. MARK, SPIES JASON in the corner of her eyes and peers over curiously.

INT. CORNFIELD

Jason pushes into the corn-stocks walking into a small clearing. Inside The Bullies are roughing up The Small Kid.

It appears as though the rough housing is becoming serious hitting as One Bully throws a punch.

Jason doesn't think, he acts. He pushes Bully #1 to the ground and pushes back another. The Leader Bully stands off with Jason.

The two struggle. The Leader Bully is a bit taller and heavier than Jason. He doesn’t bother throwing a punch at Jason. Instead, he grabs Jason’s arm in the struggle and tries to twist it violently.

Jason hits The Bully’s leg with his free hand. The Bully relents as Jason grabs The Bully’s forearm now.

Mrs. Mark enters the small clearing and witnesses Jason squeezing The Leader Bully’s forearm until there is a loud bone crushing---

--SNAP!

The Bully screams and falls to his knees. Jason steps back stunned. The Teacher is horrified as she takes hold of The Leader Bully. She cradles the Hurt Boy in her arms. Jason stands nearby guiltily.

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

Clark, Jimmy and Lois are huddled around Lois’ desk.

LOIS
We have to expose this General and the fact that Lex Luther is working for the government.

CLARK
Lois, I just don’t think that’s such a good idea. We have no proof of anything and exposing Luther now wouldn’t mean as much as it would if we could uncover the reason he’s there.

LOIS
You’re right. It’s too bad Superman couldn’t have done us a favor and slipped Jimmy’s camera under his cape.

CLARK
Lois, you don’t mean that.

LOIS
I don’t?

JIMMY
Guys.

CLARK
You can’t expect Superman to go against military authority.

LOIS
Unless their doing something illegal.

JIMMY
Guys?

LOIS
Or unethical.

JIMMY
Guys?

LOIS
Or unconscionable.

JIMMY
GUYS!

Clark and Lois look to Jimmy. Jimmy reaches down, lifts his pant leg and pulls a tiny digital camera out of his sock.

LOIS
Oh Jimmy, tell me you’ve got what I think you’ve got.

JIMMY
I’m not 100% sure Mrs. Lane but I think I’ve got exactly that.

LOIS
I want those pictures, Jimmy.

JIMMY
I just need to get to my computer.

CLARK
Lois, facts first. Let’s not be too hasty.

LOIS
Hasty Clark? About what, General Pierce’s crucifixion? Or are you afraid of not being top dog around here?

CLARK
No, that’s not it at all. It’s just-

LOIS
--Jimmy go!

Jimmy rushes off as Lois’ cellphone rings.

LOIS
Hello? When? Is he all right? Was anyone hurt? I’ll be right there.

Clark perks up overhearing the call.

LOIS
I’ve got to go. Jason’s school just called. There has been an accident.

CLARK
I’ll come with you.

LOIS
No! No Clark, you need to view Jimmy’s pictures. Find out what we’ve got. We’ll brief Perry on everything then. I’ll try and be back tonight.

Lois rushes to the elevator.

Clark grabs the knot in his tie with obvious intentions on his mind. He takes a determined step forward as Cat stops him.

CAT
Hey Clark, I overheard your little spat there.

CLARK
Uh Cat, this is not a good time.

CAT
Oh yeah, I know you have a dinner date tonight.

CLARK
How did you know that?

CAT
I head the gossip department literally and figuratively. That and she called.

Cat hands Clark his message.

CAT
You know, you should have told me you were available.

Cat sexily saunters off as an embarrassed Clark tries not to watch.

INT. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE - DAY

Lois enters. Jason is sitting off to one side.

JASON
Mom?

LOIS
Jason. Are you okay, honey?

Jason nods.

LOIS
Let’s go home.

Jason’s Teacher walks through.

MRS. MARK
Can I speak with you for a moment Mrs. Lane?

LOIS
Of course.

Lois and Mrs. Mark leave Jason and talk down a corridor.

INT. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE CORRIDOR

MRS. MARK
I wasn’t going to say anything but now with you here and after everything that went on today, well, with people talking, it would be more awkward for me not to say anything.

LOIS
I spoke with the Principal. I’ll have a talk with Jason. Maybe we can all sit down and discuss this in a day or so.

MRS. MARK
I don’t think you understand. This wasn’t a fight.

LOIS
What do you mean this wasn’t a fight?

MRS. MARK
I saw what happened. He just squeezed and the other boy’s arm was crushed. How could he do that?

LOIS
I’m sure it was just--

MRS. MARK
--Violence must be controlled. If he cannot restrain himself then he cannot return back to his classes. If I may Mrs. Lane, I don’t know what’s going on at home. But, I have to say, he is the most violent boy I have ever seen and I am going to recommend he be expelled. This school is no place for a boy like him.

LOIS
You’re overreacting, Mrs. Mark, please.

Mrs. Mark walks off. Lois’ cellphone rings. It is a text from Clark reading, “Is everything ok?” Lois ignores the text and puts the phone away.

EXT. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

Lois leaves with Jason. The two are sullen and quiet.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME JASON’S ROOM - NIGHT

Lois is tucking Jason into bed. Jason is asleep.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME KITCHEN

A pensive Lois pours herself a glass of wine and thinks as Richard walks in. He drops his bags and the two embrace.

INT. LEX’S LAB - NIGHT

Lex is on the verge of bringing his monstrosity to life. A MISSHAPEN HUMAN FORM covers a large metal table. It is a hodge-podged bits and pieces of alien technology and exposed organs. There are limbs partially covered with flesh.

As grotesque as it appears there is a fluidity to the way the pieces have been put together and a certain beauty to The Body. Three octagonal discs lay on the chest of the human shape of circuits and wires.

Behind him half stands the junked DTS military armored suit. The General enters from behind Lex.

GENERAL PIERCE
Status report, Luther.

Lex shuts his eyes in disgust for having to deal with this clod.

LEX
Of course, the “status report.”

Lex presses a button on a large, portable electrical box hanging from the ceiling. A harness lifts The Body.

LEX
Without having much to work with, I have single-handedly recreated my version of this alien life-form. I can’t know what his original design was exactly so I have substituted what isn’t known with what is known.

GENERAL PIERCE
Meaning what?

LEX
Meaning, I put together a human being using the parts already available to me and adding cadaver organs and limbs and partial limbs from human beings.

GENERAL PIERCE
How can you do this?

LEX
It’s what you asked me to do.
(getting his meaning)
Oh, well the ability to do this type of surgery has been lying around for ages. It just took someone like me to do what needed to be done.

GENERAL PIERCE
I never expected this.

LEX
It’s Genius, I know.
(beat)
Also, the medical textbooks helped. Years of experimentation. Access to the internet. And again me.

GENERAL PIERCE
Is this what you’ve been doing for the military all these years?

LEX
Not exactly. It has merely been a precursor to this.

GENERAL PIERCE
Amazing.

The General watches as The Body is craned then lowered into a transparent container.

GENERAL PIERCE
What’s in the vat? Water?

LEX
No General, to put it in terms even you can understand, what you are looking at are electrical currents moving at such velocity it merely appears as liquid.

GENERAL PIERCE
Electricity.

LEX
Bio-electricity actually.

The Body is lowered into the vat.

Electricity crackles and fuses to The Body. Sparks disperse then in mid air are attracted to the glass container. Each kernel bursts then flows into and around the vat and body. Blue electricity shoots through the glass.

It's a big show like the crystal fragment and the train set in Superman Returns. The Body lights up and the glass container morphs around it like a protective shell.
Luther did not see that coming. A voice box on the table begins to speak. It's voice is human but cold and calculating. Lex and The General lean closer to The Body.

MECHANIZED CORPSE
Red sun explosion....perfunctory tracking system online...probes ...fragments of life...to begin knowledge abalienation...thousands of worlds...species collected... culture extraneous in most cases... ship’s course...Earth...Must directionalize energies...

The General’s eyes widen.

GENERAL PIERCE
SHUT IT OFF NOW GODDAMMIT!! OFF!! OFF!! OFF!! LUTHER NOW!!!

LEX
General, there is so much more we can--

GENERAL PIERCE
(in Lex’s face)
--NOW LUTHER!! NOW, SHUT IT OFF!!

Luther pulls out his handheld gadget and presses a button. The next instant the voice box and body are dead.

There is an unsettled calm that fills the room.

GENERAL PIERCE
This project is terminated. Dismantle that think and have every piece incinerated.

LEX
Yes, of course General.

The panicked General wipes his perspired brow and huffs in exhaustion out the door. Luther views his achievement aching over having to destroy it and considering its words carefully.

EXT. THE LOUVRE - DAY

A green star emerges from nowhere above the structure. The weather turns as the winds kick up, multiple tornadoes, darkness creeps over the sunny sky and it begins to rain. The star can be seen from several miles away.

EXT. ALYN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING

Establishing shot of the campus. STUDENTS in droves are casually walking through the main entrance.

INT. JASON’S CLASS

Jason is sitting at his desk amidst a full classroom. He is having a bit of trouble breathing as THE STUDENT behind him needlessly kicks the back of his seat.

JASON
Can you please stop?

STUDENT
Stop what?

Jason festers as the annoyance continues.

Jason tries to ignore the kicking and begins to focus as he hears his heart beating slower and more calm. His breathing becomes steady as he concentrates.

However, Jason snaps out of his momentary self induced trance and finally can't take it anymore. Jason tries to elbow The Student but instead hits The Student's wooden desk and smashes it into kindling.

Jason’s TEACHER looks up from her desk.

TEACHER
What’s going on back there?

JASON
He was kicking my chair.

Both boys sit in silence as The Teacher appraises the situation. The school bell rings.

TEACHER
You two can go to the principal’s office.

Jason storms out and off on his own.

TEACHER
Jason!

EXT. ALYN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ALLEY

Jason finds a quick place to be alone. A million thoughts are racing through his head at once.

Jason punches a metal dumpster and hurts his hand. But then he takes a moment and relaxes his breathing. He focuses his frustration with his pain and he punches the metal dumpster again but this time dents it.

Jason walks away in a daze when a garbage truck blindly barrels into the alley.
Frightened, Jason runs away faster than the truck. He ducks down a walkway.

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

Jason moves so fast he doesn't realize before it's too late that he has run straight into oncoming traffic.

Jason dodges a bus at a super speed. He races from the streets to...

EXT. METROPOLIS CENTRAL PARK

Jason is a blur to the average passerby. Jason runs and tries to jump.
He launches himself several hundred yards into the air in the midst of birds also taking off.

EXT. SKY

A contented smile crosses Jason’s face.

EXT. SKYSCRAPER ROOFTOP

Jason is about to land at the top of a distant building and halts in mid air just before impact. There is a moment of astonishment before he loses concentration and falls to the building roof.

He then begins coughing uncontrollably.

INT. A FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT

That night Clark and his new friend Sarah are at dinner. Clark hasn’t touched his food and Sarah observes this.

SARAH
Something on your mind?

CLARK
What? Oh, no. It’s just a friend. Her boy is having some troubles at school is all.

SARAH
You must be close.

CLARK
You could say that.

SARAH
Is it your boy?

CLARK
Huh? Well, no. I mean, no. It’s not...

SARAH
I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. It’s just I thought I saw a connection of some kind between you and your friend. I guess I jumped to conclusions.

CLARK
Oh no. It’s okay. We’re just friends.

SARAH
And that’s the way you want it?

CLARK
S-Sure. Why?

SARAH
Well, I’d like to know your available.

A faint bright light streaks across the sky. It goes unnoticed by most of THE GUESTS. Clark looks upward attentively.

CLARK
Sarah, I would like to see you again but I have to go.

Sarah grabs his arm.

SARAH
No. We hero types have to stick together.

CLARK
What’s that?

SARAH
I just found you. I don’t want you to go.

CLARK
Please Sarah, I’ll call you next week and we’ll do something.

Clark gives her a peck on the cheek and rushes off.

EXT. SKY - NIGHT

Superman hovers above Metropolis. He uses his telescopic vision to find the trail of the falling star. He spies a path and flies off following it.

EXT. SMALLVILLE WHEAT FIELD - NIGHT

Superman flies over then lands.

The scene is oddly familiar. But he does recognize this place. This is the same spot his rocket landed years before. There is no trace of anyone or anything from out of the ordinary.

EXT. SKY - NIGHT

Superman flies upward again until he spots the Kent farm. He races there.

EXT. KENT FARM BARN - NIGHT

Superman spies the barn doors open.

INT. THE BARN

He enters and notices an open hole where his baby ship was kept and it’s missing.

EXT. KENT FARM

Superman scans the field.

INT. KENT HOUSE - NIGHT

Clark sits in his Superman outfit with Martha.

MARTHA
I don’t know what to say, Clark. There has been no noise or disturbances. Not even the dog growling.

SUPERMAN
Both ships are missing. The trail ends here. I have no idea who took them or any way to track them down. Mom, what do I do?

Martha hugs him.

MARTHA
It’ll be okay, son. You have to be, you’re all I have.

Clark has never told Martha about his son and nervously Clark responds.

SUPERMAN
I know, Mom.

MARTHA
Zelma-Margaret has been after her son to get married so she can have a grandson.

Superman doesn’t respond.

MARTHA
Sometimes I wonder what your future holds, that’s all. I just want you to be happy and know I’m here for you when you need me.

SUPERMAN
I always need you, Mom.

INT. CLARK’S APARTMENT

Clark checks his messages when a buzzing enters his super hearing.
Without a thought Clark super-speeds to his balcony and flies off into the sky as Superman.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME BACKYARD - NIGHT

Superman lands in the backyard meeting Lois. As Lois spies him she tunes her watch off.

SUPERMAN
What’s wrong?

LOIS
I can’t find Jason. He has disappeared.

SUPERMAN
What? When?

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME KITCHEN

Richard sees them talking through the window and heads over.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME BACKYARD

RICHARD
Superman, how did you get here?

Superman is surprised to see Richard but tries not to show it.

RICHARD
I mean, I’m glad your here. I just didn’t know you were so accessible.

SUPERMAN
I’m always around, if you need me.

LOIS
We need you.

RICHARD
Yes, we do.

SUPERMAN
Any idea where Jason might be?

LOIS
No, we called all his friends. The strange thing is he was seen at school but he never made it on the bus home.

SUPERMAN
I’ll find him.

RICHARD
What can I do?

SUPERMAN
I’ll find him.

Superman takes a step away as Lois reaches out and places her hand on his arm. Richard takes notice of this delicate exchange.

SUPERMAN
(to Richard)
Get your plane ready.

Superman flies off.

EXT. SKYSCRAPER ROOFTOP - NIGHT

Jason watches over the lighted city. His coughing and wheezing has subsided as he breathes in the city air.

A DARK FIGURES LOOMS in the background and steps out of the light. He is DEV-EM, a tall, square-jawed well-built man with greying hair. He wears all black with hundreds of odd silver logos and markings on his uniform.

DEV-EM
Deen koj hadab kezax godan.

Jason turns scared out of his mind that he’s not alone.

JASON
What? I don’t understand.

DEV-EM
Deen koj......I don’t.

JASON
What do you want?

Dev-Em takes a moment before speaking again.

DEV-EM
You are in danger. You need to leave this place. You are sick. I can help you.

JASON
Who are you? Leave where?

DEV-EM
My name is Dev-Em. You are from Krypton. From what house were you birthed?

JASON
I don’t know what you want but I need to get home. My parents are worried about me.

DEV-EM
There is no time. You must come with me. It is imperative.

Dev-Em reaches for Jason to take him away by force as suddenly Superman’s hand grabs Dev-Em’s arm.

SUPERMAN
The boy stays.

Superman tosses Dev-Em into the air. Dev-Em somersaults backward several yards before ending in a standing position in the air facing Superman. He can fly too.

Dev-Em flies his fists extended and barrels into Superman’s chest. Superman flies back several yards before stopping himself. Jason is in awe taking this all in.

Superman flies at Dev-Em and the two lock a grip on each other’s forearms. Each is trying to toss the other to no avail until Superman wins out throwing Dev-Em into a
rooftop birdcage. The birds scatter and Dev-Em rises.

Dev-Em flies to Superman and shoots his heat vision. Superman returns fire. Dev-Em’s beams however begin to overpower Superman.

SUPERMAN
Stop!

In unison the beams are ceased. Superman puts his hands up surrendering to the situation more so than this Stranger.

SUPERMAN
Who are you? What do you want?

DEV-EM
I am Dev-Em of Kandor. You are the other.

SUPERMAN
Kandor? What do you mean, the other?

DEV-EM
I tracked two ships here.

SUPERMAN
You took the ships.

DEV-EM
I absorbed them. All things Kryptonian must be preserved before it’s too late.
(beat)
The boy’s life is in danger. Your life is in danger.

Jason begins wheezing again. He overheard everything. This time a panic is washing over him which worsens by the moment.

Superman rushes to Jason.

DEV-EM
Let me take him.

SUPERMAN
NO!

DEV-EM
He is beyond this planet’s science.

Superman lifts Jason into his arms.

SUPERMAN
Follow me.

Superman flies into the sky. Dev-Em follows.

EXT. FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - NIGHT

Establishing shot of the brilliant crystal structure.

INT. FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Superman places Jason in a crystal chamber lying him down. Jason is unconscious. Superman seals the chamber door.

DEV-EM
It is customary for Kryptonians to identify one another. Are the customs on this planet any different? How do you expect to teach your son our customs if you do not know them yourself?

SUPERMAN
Hm. Maybe we should start again. You said you were from Kandor. How is that possible?

DEV-EM
What do you know of Kandor?

Superman flies to his central counsel of crystals and removes one.
The next moment an image of Jor-El talks within one of the shiny pillars. In the center of the open space a 3-D image of a green and blue planet is shown.

JOR-EL (V.O.)
A many millennia ago, as it is measured on Earth, a group of revolutionary thinkers.....

INT. EXPOSE MAGAZINE - NIGHT

HERBERT DEITCH, a sleazy paparazzi, sits back at his well organized desk. Herbert is a tall lanky man, formidable in his own right, in his late 40’s. He is eating chips on the phone as though the call has no importance to him.

HERBERT
Yeah. Yeah. So? No, I ain’t heard nothing about no Jr High field trip accident. So, what does that have to do with me? The kid did what? Strong as Superman, huh? That’s what you think? Huh. That’s pretty good. All right I’ll look into it. Yeah, I gotta source. Who’s your friend? Yeah, the teacher. Mrs. Mark, huh? I’ll get back to you.
Herb hangs up and speed dials his source.

HERBERT
Hey there Kitty Cat. Yeah, I got something that’ll blow your mind if it’s true. And maybe even if it’s not. Where can you meet me? Yeah, freakin’ right now, I’m not talkin’ balloon animals here.

CUT TO:

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSOOM - NIGHT

Cat sits at her desk finishing the call.

CAT
Okay then. You fill me in on what you know and I’ll help you put the pieces together. Uh-huh. Okay, I’ll head over there. Meet me at The Florence Cafe tomorrow at two.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - NIGHT

JOR-EL (V.O.)
Nothing of significance is known since the planet Kandor’s destruction. They are but an afterthought to the council but I felt it important you know this.

Superman stops the playback and looks to Dev-Em.

DEV-EM
We had very little contact with Krypton since we left. Less and less over the centuries. The death of Krypton was due to an imbalance in the red sun. Our fate was much different.

INT. DAILY PLANET ARCHIVE ROOM - NIGHT

Cat scans through articles on a microfiche projector. She stops to read parts of articles while jotting down notes.

CLOSE UP ON NOTES

Cat writes down several names. First Lois Lane and Richard White. Then Jason White. Then Superman. She draws a line from Lois’ name to Superman. Then she draws a line from Richard’s name to Lois. She draws and “X” between Richard and Jason then a question mark between Superman and Jason.

Cat sits back tapping her pen on her chin. Could there be a connection?

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - LATER

Superman is dressed in traditional Kryptonian garb, A black gown with a silver “S” logo crested across his chest. Dev-Em places a new crystal into the fortress panel and displays his planet.

Superman sits as Dev-Em makes a presentation for him. A 3-D image presents itself. We witness Brainiac’s ship entering Kandor’s atmosphere and it hovering over the capital. We witness the probes surrounding the area. We see escape pods racing from the exploding planet.

DEV-EM
When the Alien arrived on Kandor, he released five probes from his ship. These probes assisted him with totally annihilating our civilization and our planet.

Superman leans over and places his fist on his chin. He is deep in thought over this.

INT. KANDOR VAST HALL - THE PAST

The Alien is in the far distance walking away. Dev-Em is one of the Councilmen. He picks himself up as he spies through the windows the probes dropping their bombs.

He tries to save as many of his people as possible. But one by one they fall prey to panic and falling rubble.

EXT. HANGAR DECK - THE PAST

Dev-Em is the only one to make it out alive. He enters a small shuttle.

DEV-EM (V.O.)
I built a craft meant for space. I hoped one day to travel to Krypton. Our homeworld. But not in this way.

INT. SPACE - THE PAST

The Kandor escape ship jets into deep space.

DEV-EM (V.O.)
It was unfathomable and yet it was happening to us. The most advanced race in the galaxy.

INT. THE KANDOR ESCAPE SHIP - THE PAST

A slightly less grey haired Dev-Em struggles with failing controls. He eventually spies the debris of Krypton.

DEV-EM (V.O.)
I suffered a power failure and arrived at Krypton too late. The Alien had been there. However, his trail was present. I then followed that trail here and found you.

BACK TO SCENE

SUPERMAN
What else do you know about this Alien?

DEV-EM
In my travels, I have found that this Alien collects data of every sort. He will consume whatever he deems of interest; Cultures, people, whole cities.

Superman is awestruck. He is about to attend to Jason when...

DEV-EM
I believe he was once a human much like ourselves. But pursuit of science corrupted him. He sought us to endeavor to better himself. After he has gotten what he seeks, he will annihilate everything else. If you two are what’s left of your true home, then your obligation is to protect your heritage and the house of El.

SUPERMAN
I was surveying the scene at Krypton over 7 years ago. You followed his ship. That means he followed me here.

DEV-EM
Earth’s fate was only delayed by Krypton’s destruction. His coming was inevitable.

Superman shows a stunned expression. He’s responsible for The Alien coming here.

SUPERMAN
That must have been the ship that crashed. But no threat to the planet has presented itself.

DEV-EM
His entire purpose still eludes me. But if he’s here. It is only a matter of time. And the coming will be swift and merciless.
(beat)
Come with me. There is no hope left for this planet.

Superman looks longingly at Jason.

DEV-EM
These crests on my uniform represent every house of Kandor no longer in existence. We are facing extinction. You must come with me.

SUPERMAN
Where can we run from such a thing as this?

DEV-EM
What about the boy?

SUPERMAN
It’s difficult to explain.

DEV-EM
Is it? He knows nothing about his culture or his history.

SUPERMAN
There’s something else about Jason though. What?

DEV-EM
I can help him. He can’t survive here in this atmosphere. But with my knowledge and advanced science he can live a long healthy life. Let me take him. We will found a new colony under a red sun.

SUPERMAN
I can’t make that decision.

DEV-EM
He doesn’t have much time. His physiology is breaking down as we speak.
Superman thinks for a moment.

SUPERMAN
Watch over him. I’ll be back soon.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME - LATE NIGHT

Superman meets Lois and Richard. Both look ready to travel.

RICHARD
We’re ready. Where should we start?

SUPERMAN
I found him.

LOIS
You found him? Where is he?

SUPERMAN
He’s safe.

LOIS
What does that mean?

SUPERMAN
Something has happened.

RICHARD
What? What’s happened?

SUPERMAN
His sickness has returned and he’s worse.

LOIS
Take me to him. He needs me.

SUPERMAN
I’m sorry Lois. I can’t do that.

RICHARD
You’re talking about my son and we need to see him now.

SUPERMAN
I’m sorry. I can’t. Please understand.

LOIS
Understand? How do you expect us to understand?

RICHARD
What gives you the right to hold Jason?

SUPERMAN
It’s best. There’s more going on than you realize. Please.

RICHARD
No, I don’t understand. I want him. Lois wants him. We want him back right now!

LOIS
No Richard. It’s okay. We’ll wait. We’ll wait for you, Superman. We’ll wait for you to tell us what we should do.

RICHARD
What?! Why?! What’s going on?!

LOIS
What do you want us to do?

SUPERMAN
Be the investigative reporter you once were. Look to the skies. It might have a connection to all of this.

Lois nods. Superman flies off while an incredulous Richard stands by.

RICHARD
Lois? What’s going on?

Lois puts her hand up dismissing him. She’s not going to answer.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING

Richard lies awake waiting for his alarm to go off. When it hits 5:59, he hits the alarm switch. Lois is sleeping soundly. He’s been up all night. Richard dresses and heads out without showering or grooming himself.

EXT. ALYN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Cat Grant saunters up to the front steps of the school. STUDENTS and TEACHERS alike noticing her.

INT. TEACHER’S LOUNGE

Cat approaches Jason’s Teacher, Mrs. Mark who is sitting by herself staring at a book she’s not reading.

CAT
Mrs. Mark? May I speak with you?

Mrs. Mark doesn’t respond and Cat sits anyway.

CAT
My name is Cat Grant from The Daily Planet.

INT. PERRY’S OFFICE - DAY

Richard enters as Perry finishes a conference call.

PERRY
...Circulation has not been the issue Bryant. It has been and will always be content. The internet is not our competition. The news is.

Perry disconnects the line and looks up.

PERRY
Richard. It’s good to have you back and in one piece.

RICHARD
It’s good to be back in one piece.

PERRY
When will you have a report for me?

RICHARD
Maybe tomorrow.

PERRY
Fine. Fine. Can you tell Lois I need to see her?

RICHARD
Uncle Perry, Lois isn’t in.

PERRY
She didn’t come in with you?

RICHARD
No.

PERRY
Not the ulcer again.

RICHARD
No, everything is fine. Fine enough. Can I talk to you?

The phone rings and Perry hits the button for the speakerphone.

RECEPTIONIST (V.O.)
Mr. White, Roberts is on line 2 for you.

PERRY
Thank you.
(to Richard)
About what?

RICHARD
Oh, uh. Nothing major. Um, it can wait.

PERRY
Good, maybe we can have lunch sometime. I have to take this.

RICHARD
No problem, Uncle Perry.

INT. THE DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM

Richard exits Perry’s office. He walks through the bustling Newsroom and sees Clark inadvertently coming his way.

RICHARD
Clark! Clark, can I have a moment?

CLARK
R-Richard. Anytime. Sure. What’s on your mind?

RICHARD
Let’s get some coffee.

Clark looks at his watch. He has things to do.

CLARK
O-Okay.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Inside The Daily Planet building there is a snack shop and a few tables in a large entry-way for a cafe. Clark sits bringing him and Richard hot coffee. He hands
Richard one cup and holds onto his drink.

RICHARD
Clark, you’ve known Lois for a long time. I’ve lived with her for years and I still don’t think I’ve figured her out.

CLARK
Right.

RICHARD
So, you know what I’m talking about?

CLARK
Sure.

RICHARD
You understand then?
(sips coffee)
Ooo, too hot.

CLARK
You and Lois work well together.

RICHARD
What?

CLARK
Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were wanting to talk about your relationship with Lois.

RICHARD
No, that’s not it. Well, I do but I don’t. I don’t know. Maybe it’s Jason.

Clark perks up.

CLARK
Is everything okay?

RICHARD
Yeah sure. At least I think it is.
(beat)
I just love him so much. And I can’t be there for him. You know he’s a lot like me. Not having any say or control is probably the worst thing I’ve ever felt.

CLARK
I’m not sure I follow.

RICHARD
Superman is taking control of a situation that should involve Lois and I. And I hate that my words seem to not count for anything. Does that make sense?

CLARK
Yeah, I do. You know, I’ve never known Superman to do something without good reason. Counting on something depends on people or their reactions or their emotions. There are a lot of things in this life that you can’t count on. But we can always count on
Superman.

Richard gives a weak smile. He tries to sip his coffee but it’s still too hot. Clark checks his watch.

CLARK
I’m sorry Richard, I have to go.

RICHARD
Hey no, I understand. Go do your thing.

Clark goes to set down his drink but decides at the last minute to drink it. Clark guzzles down the steaming hot drink as Richard stares.

CLARK
Gotta go.

RICHARD
Yeah. See you.

INT. THE DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Clark walks off the elevator and is ambushed by Cat.

CAT
Clark, can I ask you a few questions?

CLARK
S-Sure. What’s up?

CAT
I’ve been researching old archival Planet articles. I found an angle on a story and I’d like your advice on what my next step should be.

CLARK
Oh, okay.

CAT
I’m onto something that may be the biggest story of the decade. I want to write the story. But I don’t know if I should.

CLARK
What you need to ask yourself is; is this story tabloid journalism or is it news? Then, you’ll have your answer and you’ll know what to do.

CAT
Wow, that’s fantastic advice. Thank you.

CLARK
What’s your story about?

CAT
Sorry sport, you’ll have to buy a copy like everyone else.

Cat gives Clark a peck on the cheek. Clark smiles as she heads off.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME ENTRYWAY - LATE MORNING

Richard opens the front door to pick up the Daily Planet Newspaper. The front page has photos of Superman saving a Mother and child from a Tsunami reading:
“TSUNAMI LEAVES NONE DEAD THANKS TO SUPERMAN!”

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME BEDROOM

Lois wakes up and walks to....

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME BATHROOM

Lois turns on the light and finds Richard sitting on the edge of the tub.

LOIS
Richard? Are you okay?

RICHARD
Do you remember when we met? How we met?
(beat)
I worked at The Planet for a week before we crossed paths. Jason wasn’t even a year old yet. You were hording office supplies. You still do. I was having a bad day. The supply closet was short everything I needed. I approached you incensed. You were on that Bridge Bomb Scare story and at that time you were toting Jason nearly everywhere like a rag doll including the newsroom. The phone rang and before I could say anything you handed him to me. I’ve never been attracted to forceful women but you were different. Interesting. Beautiful. And I fell in love with you.
(beat)
As long as we’ve been together you have always been a tight lipped woman. You’re so quick to talk up a storm for an interview but getting you to talk about your personal feelings with me has always been a chore.

LOIS
Richard, I---

RICHARD
Lois, are you going to tell me what’s really going on? Because there’s something more than what’s on the surface.

Lois is silent.

RICHARD
And I am an outsider. That’s all I’ve ever been to you.

LOIS
That’s not true. Richard, I love you.

RICHARD
I love you too, Lois. But why tell me that if what I say doesn’t matter?

Richard stands and walks past her.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME BEDROOM

Lois follows Richard in. Richard was about to get something but forgets himself in the moment.

LOIS
Richard, don’t shut me out.

RICHARD
You know Lois, that’s funny coming from you.

Lois stands there in tears as Richard leaves. She hears the front door close.
Out the window, Lois sees Richard drive away. Lois cries uncontrollably.

EXT. TIANAMEN SQUARE - DAY

Another green star emerges. This time above Tiananmen Square. The strange weather kicks up.

INT. LEX’S LAB - DAY

Lex is hunched over in his chair depressed.

Gradually his face grows longer with sadness. He gazes over his masterpiece.
Lex grabs a hammer and lifts it over his head. Just then The Mechanized Corpse comes to life. A rattling of loose objects catches Lex’s attention. The Mechanized Corpse’s eye lights up with a blinding green glare.

Lex stands. He’s astonished. “It” is alive.

BRAINIAC
You have done a fine job. Not many could have accomplished such a feat.

LEX
Who are you?

BRAINIAC
I am Brainiac.

LEX
What are you?

BRAINIAC
Your interference has allowed me to reconstruct my consciousness.

LEX
Consciousness. Did I bring you back to life?

BRAINIAC
Hardly. I was merely on the verge of an evolutionary change when my body was decimated.

LEX
How did you discover this planet?

EXT. SPACE - THE PAST

Brainiac recounts his journey as we witness it unfolding.

CAMERA spies a sleek ship resting close to a large red sun. It is pointed towards a white planet in the distance.

Then, the sun explodes. Brainiac’s ship is ripped to shreds by the explosion.

BRAINIAC (V.O.)
I was observing the planet Krypton. It’s sun became unstable.

INT. BRAINIAC’S SHIP - THE PAST

A human green-skinned Brainiac is injured. His ship is being torn apart. Brainiac struggles with controls on separate panels as sparks fly.

A final explosion blows away the interior of the ship seemingly killing Brainiac.

BRAINIAC (V.O.)
It’s explosion occurred sooner than I anticipated.

INT. SPACE - THE PAST

Fragments of Krypton float all around. Brainiac’s ship looks to be on it’s last leg.

BRAINIAC (V.O.)
For years I lay in stasis. An emergency protocol. My body in need of medical attention. Decades passed. A ship scanned the planet remains. My ship followed automatically. I came out of stasis injured and near death.

BACK TO SCENE

LEX
You followed a ship here?

BRAINIAC
I require information.

Lex walks over to a large monitor and clicks on the internet. A cable emerges from Brainiac’s knee joint and plugs into the hard drive.

EXT. METROPOLIS CENTRAL PARK - DAY

Richard White sits alone on a bench in the Metropolis version of New York’s Central Park. He spies the other couples. Young. Old. Normal. With problems unlike his.

FADE TO:

INT. PERRY’S HOME - THE PAST

Perry is sitting sipping some tea as Richard enters.

RICHARD
Uncle Perry, we’re going out.

PERRY
What? With who?

RICHARD
Lois.

Perry is stunned. He pauses for a moment then can’t help but laugh.

PERRY
You have a date with Lois Lane?

RICHARD
Yeah, we’re going to dinner tomorrow night. Why?

PERRY
No, it’s fine.

RICHARD
But...?

PERRY
But nothing. I’m sorry.

RICHARD
What is it about Lois you’re not telling me?

PERRY
I love Lois, Richard. She’s a great reporter. Without exaggeration, great. But relationships, well, have never been her specialty.

RICHARD
Maybe this will be different.

PERRY
Maybe. But I know you. Are you doing this because you think she needs you?
Richard is at a loss for words.

PERRY
Just be careful. Make sure this is what you want before it gets serious. Lois is a sweet. But she’s a pill.

Richard wants to respond but doesn’t.

BACK TO SCENE

Richard continues to watch the people as he spies a regular looking family pass in front of him.

INT. FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - DAY

Dev-Em watches over Jason as Superman flies in.

SUPERMAN
Any change?

DEV-EM
He’s stable. But this stasis field isn’t going to solve the problem.

SUPERMAN
How long can we keep him here?

DEV-EM
A few days. The sooner he leaves this planet the better.

SUPERMAN
Give me some time.

DEV-EM
Kal-El, the time is not for me to give.

Superman flies up and away.

EXT. THE DAILY PLANET ROOFTOP - DAY

Superman swoops down to meet Lois who is smoking a cigarette.

LOIS
Well, I’m watching the Earth for you. How’s that for role reversal? There is a glowing star of some kind hovering over Tianamen square. It’s being ruled a religious occurrence. I don’t know what it is but storms are kicking up seemingly as a result. Same thing at The Louvre. Where’s my son?

SUPERMAN
I just checked on Jason. He’s fine.

LOIS
What is fine? What does that mean exactly?

SUPERMAN
He’s sick, Lois.

LOIS
How sick? Is he having a reaction?

SUPERMAN
Lois, calm down.

LOIS
Calm Down?!

SUPERMAN
He’s stable now but he may not be able to survive in Earth’s atmosphere anymore.
Lois’ knees buckle. Superman kneels and hugs her.

SUPERMAN
I’m sorry, Lois. I’m so sorry.

LOIS
You save him. You save him, Superman. I don’t care how you do it but you save him.

SUPERMAN
I will.

LOIS
You promise me.

SUPERMAN
I promise. Lois, I’m going to do everything I can. I need you to be strong for Jason. For us both.

Superman stands Lois up and hugs her.

Superman walks her to the elevator. He kisses her on the forehead and steps away from her. The elevator door closes on Lois’ eyes as Superman speeds into the sky.

EXT. THE FLORENTINE CAFE - DAY

Cat is sitting with her drink as Herb approaches and sits.

CAT
You’re late. If you don’t take this seriously I won’t share my by-line with you.

HERBERT
All right, Cat O‘ Nine, all right. I had to make a few calls.

CAT
Don’t screw me Herb, like you did on that Miss America fix.

HERBERT
No way. That was an accident. Creeps rummaging my desk for stories.

CAT
Okay.
(long beat)
I haven’t found anything conclusive yet.

HERBERT
Even I can connect the dots, Catta Montana. And when you get conclusive on me you always have something.

CAT
A hunch. A notion. That’s it.

HERBERT
That’s good enough for me.

CAT
Well, not for me.

HERBERT
Look at you Miss Hoytie Toyie now. You disappoint me, Cat. We always worked so well together. Now, I don’t know what’s going on in that head.

Cat ponders long and hard over her next step.

CAT
Okay. I break the story. So, no paparazzi on Lois Lane. No leaks. No following her and shaking her down. This is between us. We reap the benefits.

HERBERT
No problem.

CAT
I mean it, Herb. Don’t bully your way through this story. You respect the story and the story will respond in kind. Okay then? I have a big event to cover. We’ll talk tonight.

Cat gets up and leaves. Herbert sits with a perverted smile.

HERBERT
I can’t wait. Here kitty kitty.

INT. THE DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM - DAY

Lois walks to her desk and is nearly there before discovering Richard sitting in her spot.

LOIS
Richard?

RICHARD
It occurred to me that you know where Jason is.

Lois is quiet.

RICHARD
Whatever is going on between us can wait. Where is Jason?

LOIS
Richard, I think we--

RICHARD
--Just give it to me. You know where he is. Tell me where he is.

LOIS
Please listen, it’s more complicated than you realize.

RICHARD
The first priority we have is that boy. I didn’t invest myself into us, into our son, just to stand around. Superman or no Superman I need to see him. I need to know he’s safe.

LOIS
He’s safe.

RICHARD
Where is he?!

The newsroom freezes. Lois relents scribbling frantically onto a piece of paper and hands it to Richard. Richard roughly takes the paper and exits.
Lois sits crushed and abhorred at this whole situation as a nearby television monitor announces:

REPORTER (V.O.)
A bright green star has appeared from nowhere above Corral Castle here in Homestead Florida. Locals are miffed and several are packing up and leaving town. Upon the emergence of the strange object, the weather mysteriously has gone from clear and warm to suspiciously cold and stormy with winds hitting 50 mph. More news as it develops. This is Tracey Tedesco for Miami Coast News.

Lois rifles through the messy papers on her desk before spying something that catches her attention; a photo. She stands in amazement.

CLOSE UP ON THE PHOTO

Of a satellite meteorological snapshot. There are white swirls over the mapped area and a green colored dot at its center. The bottom of the photo reads, “Ghobi Desert.”

Lois grabs her purse and heads out.

EXT. THE DAILY PLANET BUILDING

Lois exits through the front as Herbert pursues her. She is totally thrown off by this and looks bewildered by the attention.

HERBERT
Lois Lane? Herbert Deitch Expose Magazine. Are you or aren’t you Superman’s girlfriend?

LOIS
What?

HERBERT
And you being a married woman.

LOIS
Get away from me you creep.

HERBERT
I’m not the one sleeping around behind my husband’s back. But if you’re going to do it aim high, right?

LOIS
I don’t know what you’re talking about.

HERBERT
I know what’s going on, Mrs. Lane. Who is the real Father of your son?

This stops Lois. She turns and kicks Herbert in the groin folding him over. Lois rushes off BYSTANDERS wondering what just happened.

EXT. METROPOLIS BAY - DAY

Richard is in his plane flying off the water into the sky.

INT. LEX’S LAB - DAY

Lex fiddles with a metal plated arm with wires attached to the ceiling. Brainiac is behind him absorbing data from the computer. More cables with lives of their own spread out from Brainiac and attach themselves to console panels spread out through the room.

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

Jimmy comes rushing into a half emptied newsroom with several 8X10 photos in hand.

JIMMY
I got them! I got them!

He searches around for Clark and Lois both they are absent. Jimmy then runs into--

INT. PERRY’S OFFICE

JIMMY
I got them, Chief! I got them!

PERRY
The photos from Carter Military base?

JIMMY
Yeah Chief! I got them!

PERRY
Well, hand them over, son.

Perry anxiously peers through the set.

PERRY
What took you so long? I thought you used a digital camera.

JIMMY
(rapidly, no beats)
I did. I uploaded all the photos but I couldn’t access any of them. I thought I was screwed. I ran a virus scanner on my system but I couldn’t find anything. I was going to use my laptop but then the photos showed as being erased but I didn’t erase them. I thought, what the heck is going on? So, I knew I had to work with my computer and I didn’t want to reformat the hard drive because then I would have lost everything. So, I manually went through the system deleting odd entries and reoccurring programs that I didn’t install and eventually I found a way to print up these babies before my whole system crashed.

PERRY
Jimmy, never answer me again when I ask a question.

JIMMY
Sorry, Chief.

Perry flips through the dark and blurry pictures and tosses many aside. Jimmy recognizes those photos but can’t explain in time before Perry discards others.

PERRY
No good. No good. Unusable. No good. No good.

Perry separates the best shots.

PERRY
But I have to say, these are not bad.

Perry focuses on some extraordinary shots.

CLOSE UP ON: Plans and diagrams. Cellphone circuitry. But the memorandum of using cellphones to home in on human brainwaves to control their actions garner the most attention.

PERRY
There have been recent rumors about a government program to tap into cellphone voicemails and even turn them on when they are off and listen to messages. This looks like they have just taken it to the next level. But how?

INT. LOIS’ CAR (MOVING) - DAY

Lois is driving. She’s half paying attention to the road while her mind wanders.

SUDDENLY, a flash hits Lois in the face. She clears her sight and views Herbert in an black SUV.

Lois hits the accelerator. She pulls out her cell but can’t get a signal. Angered, Lois throws the cell out the window.

INT. LEX’S LAB - DAY

Lex activates his handheld gadget testing it out on THE GUARD near his cell. The Guard first falls to the ground. Then after Lex pushes a few buttons The Guard walks over and opens his door.

EXT. METROPOLIS CITY STREETS - DAY

Lois’ car speeds away from the SUV. The SUV pursues her. Lois swerves through traffic speeding past cars. The SUV catches up with Lois and again the camera bulb flashes go crazy.

Lois is pinned as the SUV gets boxed in by another car. The SUV nearly loses control but this act allows Lois to focus on an opening in traffic. She pulls ahead and allows traffic to wall off the SUV as she speeds away.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME - DAY

Lois drives slowly past her house as she spies HUNDREDS OF PAPARAZZI are in front. She’s cut off.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - DAY

Lois parks curbside a few houses down. She watches in her rearview mirror as she spots Clark driving up to the swarm of people.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME - DAY

Clark hops out of his vehicle and tries to weave through the crowd. He gets halfway before he is forced back.

INT. LEX’S LAB - DAY

At this point the Brainiac’s spider web strands of cables are inserted through the room. Lex looks up from monitoring satellites to see this and nearly panics.

LEX
What’s going on?

Lex’s handheld gadget lights up signaling it’s owner. Lex looks at the inside-out-cell phone of his and then back to Brainiac. It’s trying to control Lex.

LEX
That was supposed to be mine! It was my idea to use radio waves to control the human mind! How dare you!

Lex drops his device.

He calms himself as he views one of his computer panels. On the monitor the FBI databank is being decoded. On another monitor Interpol. Another shows Japanese symbols for an official government site. All being accessed simultaneously free from obstacles.

Lex is losing control over Brainiac. Lex tries to yank one of the cables free as a..

..BURST OF GREEN LIGHT throws him aside like he was nothing.

Brainiac’s eyes glow green and continues his actions uninterrupted.

JUST THEN, The General and SEVERAL TROOPS burst in and open fire on Brainiac.

Brainiac takes the hits. They have no affect and does not detour him.

Luthor rises and The General signals for the shooting to stop.

LEX
General Pierce. May I have a word with you?

Lex grabs his handheld device and types in a code. Ringtones echo through the room. The General then walks over to a corner with Lex.

The General straightens his stance, his eyes now glazed over.

LEX
(to Brainiac)
You’re using your body to amplify the signal.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME - MEANWHILE

Clark peers over the crowd and eventually spies Lois in her vehicle. He tries moving through the crowd towards her as every cellphone around him rings.

It is one loud blaring tone that seems to affect everyone but Clark. Clark hesitates for a moment then tries to safely rush to Lois. The crowd is in unison throwing their attention towards him. They grab Clark.

Clark is thrown violently to the ground. He looks up to witness Lois screeching off. Clark pushes a few people out of his way as they claw at him when--

LOIS CAR BACKS INTO A HUDDLED GROUP OF PEOPLE.

Lois’ passenger car door opens and Clark crawls to barely a walk and stumbles to the door. Several Paparazzi hold onto Clark, Lois accelerates as people pile onto her car. Clark is still hanging out the door, his legs dragging.

LOIS
CLARK! HOLD ON!

CLARK
I can’t! Just keep going, Lois! Keep going!

Clark lets go of the door and falls into the crowd. They dog-pile on top of him.

INT. LOIS’ CAR

Lois sees this in her review mirror getting smaller as she drives away.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME

Clark slowly stands as Zombie Paparazzi continue to scratch his indestructible frame.
Soon, his business suit is torn away revealing the super suit. Superman floats above

The Crowd one by one they let go.

Everyone holds their hands in the air in Superman’s direction as the control fades. People begin looking at one another trying to figure out what just happened to them.

INT. DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Superman flies in from above the working Planet Employees.
He lands and walks to Perry’s office.

INT. PERRY’S OFFICE

Perry and Jimmy are still gruelling over the meaning of the photos as Superman enters.

PERRY
Superman.

SUPERMAN
Mr. White, I understand you have photos taken at Carter Military Base.

PERRY
Yes, they’re right here.

Perry hands the photos to Superman.

SUPERMAN
This device is some kind of brainwave control. It can be activate through cellphones.

PERRY
Are you sure?

SUPERMAN
I saw it. It didn’t affect me. I may have to go to the base and reach the signal source. Mr. White, do you have a cellphone?

PERRY
It’s off.

SUPERMAN
Jimmy?

JIMMY
I forgot mine at home.

SUPERMAN
In any event, it may not have effected very many people. But be on the lookout for any warning sign.

It is at that moment when a bright green glare infiltrates the room. Even Superman squints at the shine. The glare is coming from a restaurant on top of a space needle halfway across the city.

JIMMY
It’s coming from the Crow’s Nest.

SUPERMAN
What’s going on there?

PERRY
A celebrity award show. Cat is covering it.

JIMMY
An awards dinner gone wrong.

SUPERMAN
I’ll check on it.

Superman flies off.

INT. THE CROW’S NEST RESTAURANT - DAY

CELEBRITIES, USHERS AND GUESTS are squatted down behind and under tables. The room is in shambles with some windows shattered letting in a hard wispy breeze.

Above them, in the room is a bright green light. It appears almost as a jewel hovering in the air. Electrical strobes shoot out randomly from the phenomenon. The charge sears the oxygen in the air. People begin to panic as a form slowly takes shape within the light.

The light forms a human shape. The image is still fuzzy as Superman flies in. Superman places his hands out in a non threatening manner. He walks on air as he approaches the light.

SUPERMAN
Stop! You’re harming innocent people! Why have you come here?!

THE FORM reaches an arm out and swats Superman. Superman is flung upward through the ceiling and out of sight. The People become terrified.

Eyes from the strange Form of light view the panicked crowd. Storms kick up outside like never before. Everyone is in utter shock and awe.

The Form reaches out to the crowd. In terror, they pull away and try to run. The Form raises his hand and catches ONE WOMAN into his invisible reach. It is Cat.

CLOSE UP on Cat’s face as beams of light are sucked from every exposed pour in her body. Cat screams in pain. The agony lasts for several seconds until...
POV CAT: ...everything goes black.

PULL BACK from Cat to reveal that she is wrapped in Superman’s cape. Superman is pulling her out of harms way. He sets her down across the room then flies back to The Form.

Capeless, Superman reaches towards the being and finds nothing tangible. Its arm grabs Superman and flings him into space.

EXT. EARTH

Superman’s velocity is out of control as he soars further and further from the planet. When he regains control, he speeds back to...

INT. THE CROW’S NEST RESTAURANT

Superman flies in through the window. The Form reacts angrily and is about to swat Superman again when instinctively Superman shoots his heat vision at him.

The Form dissipates into nothingness and there is a moment of disbelief on Superman’s face as well as everyone else in the room.

SUPERMAN
It’s all right everyone! The threat is gone!

Superman floats over to Cat.

SUPERMAN
I’ll need this back.

Cat tries flirting with The Man of Steel.

CAT
You don’t think we could....?

SUPERMAN
Please.

Cat shutters as she looks deep into Superman’s eyes. Sadly, she then relinquishes the cape knowing full well she’d have to do so. Superman smiles and flies off.

EXT. THE NORTH POLE - DAY

Richard flies over the icy terrain. Eventually, a structure comes into view. It is The Fortress of Solitude.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - DAY

Richard enters. He is in awe of the structure and its interior for just a moment before finding Jason asleep in a crystal chamber.
Richard gets halfway to Jason. All is dead quiet when Dev-Em’s voice echoes out to him.

DEV-EM (O.S.)
Stop intruder!

Richard looks up as Dev-Em reveals himself.

RICHARD
Who are you?

DEV-EM
I am Dev-Em of Kandor. Explain this intrusion.

RICHARD
Why is my son here?

DEV-EM
Identify yourself.

RICHARD
I am Richard White. Please. He is my son.

DEV-EM
He is here because of his Father.

Richard seems perplexed. What was that supposed to mean?

DEV-EM
I will not obstruct the familial hierarchy of this planet. But know this, if you remove the boy; he will die.

RICHARD
I’m taking him. And if you try and stop me, so help me, I’ll knock you on your ass.

Dev-Em doesn’t respond as Richard takes that as a cue and enters the crystal chamber.

RICHARD
Jason. Wake up. Jason.

JASON
Dad?

RICHARD
Come on, Jason. We’re going home.

JASON
Okay.

Richard picks up Jason and carries him passed Dev-Em.

DEV-EM
He will die out there. He can’t survive here.

Richard doesn’t respond. He just keeps carrying Jason out.

DEV-EM
Do you not understand?! You are jeopardizing his safety!

EXT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
Richard places Jason into the Plane. He gets into the driver’s seat and starts the plane. The plane takes off and soars into the sky.

EXT. A SUPER MARKET PARKING LOT - LATE AFTERNOON

Cat and Herbert are meeting in their own covert style. Cat is driving a red porsche while Herbert styles a Black Chevy Tahoe. The two are sitting in there cars as though passing but they are parked and engaged in a discussion.

CAT
What’s going on, Herb? I said no leaks. That crap with Lois...? Why are you sabotaging this story?

HERBERT
You’re putting me off, that’s why. I could tell on our first meeting. Maybe you should be tell me what’s going on.

CAT
This story is too important to splash any headline.

HERBERT
Since when did Lois Lane ever need someone like you to help her out?
Why are you protecting her? She has always been a rival. Maybe you’re the one sabotaging this whole fandango, Catadict Arnold.

Cat wants to respond but thinks better of it.

HERBERT
Like I said, the story’s going to be printed with or without you. The question is do you want to sail away with me on this cruise or are you happy with being gossip diva for Planet readers?

EXT. RANGELEY LAKE - EVENING

Richard’s plane flies over the water landing in a small port of a small town.

INT. RICHARD’S CABIN

Jason is seated at a small dining room table. He is in a daze and staring back at him is a glass of water. Richard is nearby on the sofa agitated. What is he going to do now?

JASON
What’s going on, Dad?

RICHARD
It’s a long story. Frankly son, I don’t understand it all and it’s not all sorted out yet.

JASON
And Mom?

RICHARD
I’ll call her from town.

JASON
Sure.

Jason rises witnessing Richard’s disturbance and walks over and hugs him.

RICHARD
Jason, what happened to you?

JASON
Superman saved me from being sick.

RICHARD
Oh. And how are you now?

JASON
Fine, I guess.

RICHARD
We should all talk. You, me and your Mom.

JASON
Okay.

RICHARD
I’m going to go to the store and get us something to eat. Will you be okay until I get back?

Jason nods. Richard gives him a half smile and heads out.

INT. GENERAL STORE - EVENING

Richard enters as TWO OLDER WOMEN are talking. Richard shops during the conversation.

OLDER WOMAN #1
I know he works a lot. I know he puts food on the table but when we’re together I want it to be just us time. He’s always on his damn cellphone even when we are out to dinner or driving to dinner or in the middle of a conversation. It’s getting to the point where I don’t even want to talk to him anymore.

OLDER WOMAN #2
Do you love him?

OLDER WOMAN #1
Yes, I do. I’m just not “in love” with him. Not that I couldn’t be again. I’m just not now.

OLDER WOMAN #2
Do you want to leave him?

OLDER WOMAN #1
That would not be my first choice. I think we can work it out I just don’t know what to do to fix the problem. Everything I say just goes in one ear and just keeps on going. But still, he is a good man.

OLDER WOMAN #2
You know Harriet, you don't love someone because they are perfect. You love someone despite their imperfections.

Richard looks to be taking the words to heart. He pays for the groceries and leaves.

INT. RICHARD’S CABIN - LATE AFTERNOON

Richard enters, grocery bags in hand.

RICHARD
Hey Jason, I was thinking we could pull the old boat out.....

Richard looks around but there is no sign of Jason.

RICHARD
Jason? Jason, where are you?!

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE - MEANWHILE

Superman closes in on the base noticing The Soldiers are all standing in formation. Tanks hold beside them at the ready. At the front stands General Pierce. Superman lands to meet them.

SUPERMAN
General, what is all this?

There is no quick response as Superman notices that The General is being controlled. A view over the others reveals the same of them as well.

One of the tanks fires without warning at Superman. There is a momentary pause before all The Troops prepare their arms and fire upon him. Bullets are bouncing off him deflecting in every possible direction.

Stray bullets are everywhere. Some of The Soldiers are even getting caught in the deflective crossfire.

Superman claps his hands together creating a thundering shockwave that throws the bullets off trajectory rendering them inert. The Soldiers and General fall to the ground.

Superman spies below the surface of the base with his x-ray vision.

INT. LEX’S LAB (X-RAY VISION)

He sees Brainiac. He is wired into the central computer database underneath the surface.

BACK TO SCENE

The Earth rumbles. Superman looks about to see several silos opening in the ground.
Superman desperately considers his options. After seeing there is no way to advance without hurting The Soldiers not to mention the rest of the world, Superman withdraws.

EXT. EARTH

A satellite adjusts its camera focus on the Military Base.

INT. LEX’S LAB

Lex is watching a monitor of Superman flying away. It is an above view shot taken from the satellite.

LEX
AAAhhhh, Superman don’t go.

Lex hits some buttons on his handheld as he slips sleek metallic armor plates onto his arms.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

The General then leads his Army as they march off the base in unison.

INT. THE DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM - NIGHT

Lois is sleeping at her desk. The phone rings.

LOIS
Lois Lane.

RICHARD (V.O.)
Lois, it’s me.

LOIS
Richard, do you have Jason?

RICHARD (V.O.)
I did have him. I brought him to my parent’s cabin up here in Maine.

LOIS
You’re parent’s cabin?

RICHARD (V.O.)
Yeah, but Jason ran out on me. He’s no where around here.

LOIS
Come home, Richard. We’ll find him together.

RICHARD
He may be heading home.

There is a long beat as Lois waits to figure out what Richard knows.

RICHARD
Lois, I know everything.

Lois takes a hard swallow then hangs up, grabs her purse and hustles for the elevator.

INT. EXPOSE MAGAZINE - NIGHT

Cat enters the empty office. She is carefully watching out for anyone that might give her away as she finds and rummages through Herbert’s desk.

There is a photo on the desk of her and Herb on a Hawaiian getaway. She half smiles at the picture. She obviously had a good time.

Cat gazes up at Herbert hunched over his computer monitor gawking down at her.

HERBERT
Looking for something, Catwoman?

CAT
Journalistic integrity.

HERBERT
That’s funny coming from a gossip hound. Or is little Miss Simba trying to play in a bigger litter box?

CAT
Simba was a boy you moron.

HERBERT
Whatever, Queen of my jungle. Where did we go wrong, Cat?

CAT
(sighing)
This story is a perfect metaphor for our relationship.

HERBERT
I don’t do metaphors. But I do print scandal when I find it.

CAT
Okay. All right. I think by this time it’s obvious even to you that we are at an impass. Something’s gotta give.

HERBERT
Kitty Cat, I was just thinking the same th---

CAT
---You can’t print this story. Superman means too much to us. To this planet.

HERBERT
He ain’t available for dates, Cat.

CAT
I mean it, Herb. It ends here.

HERBERT
And if I refuse?

CAT
You won’t.

Cat gets up and begins walking away.

HERBERT
Since when did you start thinking you were better than me? You’re not better. You’re the same. You’re a degenerate too. I know you. I know where you come from. I know your past. You’ll never be Lois Lane!

Cat exits around a corner as Herbert watches the now empty space. Cat then comes back around and towards him.

CAT
What the hell.

Cat decks Herbert which knocks him a step back only. She turns to his desk and rips his computer from its cubby space.

HERBERT
But Catatouille.

CAT
I know you too, Herb. All your data is in here. Your story, your photos, the articles I dug up. My recorded interview, everything. You lose this and there is no way even your editor will print your story.

HERBERT
Aw come on, you wouldn’t da--

He doesn’t even get the words out before Cat tosses the hard drive out the window. Herb’s expression is that of utter shock.

EXT. EXPOSE MAGAZINE

Herb’s computer falls several stories and smashes into a million pieces on the ground of the empty sidewalk.

INT. EXPOSE MAGAZINE

Herb is still stunned. Cat spies the photo of them together and chucks that out the open window as well.

HERBERT
Miss Kitty ain’t so pretty...

CAT
Don’t call me that again, Herb. In fact, don’t call me ever.
Cat walks off victorious.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME - DAWN

Jason is sitting in a dark living room. He sees it now through a completely different set of eyes. He views the pictures on the wall of his family. Yet, now he knows he’s not one of them.

There is a sound of a footstep. Jason stands.

JASON
Who is that?

Lex reveals himself from the shadows.

LEX
It’s just me, son. Nothing to get uppity about.

JASON
W-What do you want?

LEX
So, you do remember me? That’s good. That’s good.
(beat)
You’re the cause of all of this, you know? You and your Dad. I could have ruled over this petty planet. I could have protected mankind from alien intruders. Oh, if given the opportunity, I could have done so much. But then he came. But that wasn’t enough. I recreated his ancestor’s home. I did that for him. And what is the thanks I get in return?

An explosion is heard from across the city. Jason looks out the window to see fire reaching over the buildings. One of the buildings crashes down.
Just then, Richard’s plane comes into view passing before the window. Jason smiles.

EXT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME

Jason walks outside onto the patio. Richard lands allowing Jason to get in the plane.

INT. RICHARD’S PLANE

JASON
Hey Dad.

Richard takes Jason’s words to heart.

RICHARD
Hey son.
(beat)
Have you seen your Mother?

JASON
No, but the explosion in the city---

RICHARD
--I saw it. Let’s go.

INT. THE WHITE/LANE HOME

Richard and Jason take off and head towards the city as Lex watches.

EXT. STREETS OF METROPOLIS - DAY

Military Troops march over the city. Block by block they spread throughout the streets. Tanks fire upon buildings causing debris to fly everywhere.

CITIZENS are panicking and running for their lives. Cellphones blare taking a sizable chunk of the people and placing them under Lex’s control. The Controlled march with the Troops as the rest flee.

INT. LEX’S LAB - MEANWHILE

Brainiac is still in the military facility. More circuitry has been added. He's becoming physically larger and larger as metal plates from the walls and flooring are flying free and attaching themselves to Brainiac.

INT. THE PENTAGON

At the Pentagon computer wires come to life and reattach themselves for Brainiac to assimilate data faster.

INT. INTERPOL HQ

In England, their spy computers are accessed in the same way. SUITED AGENTS are helpless as they stand by watching their system computers crash.

EXT. SKY

Richard's plane flies over The Troops. Lex appears out of no where wearing a super powered suit. Lex grabs the plane and halts it in the air. He crushes the nose and tosses it away. Without pause he turns and is surprised by an attack from Superman.

The two plummet to the city streets.

INT. RICHARD’S PLANE

Richard and Jason are both trying to stabilize themselves while spiraling out of control.

EXT. STREETS OF METROPOLIS

Superman and Lex crash into the street tossing debris in every direction. Superman floats upward. He turns his head left as...

CLOSE UP of Superman’s head as a metal fist punches it.

Superman barely reacts to the blow. His eyes tilt up to reveal Lex. He sees more clearly Lex’s suit is a redesigned version of the Eco-Terrorist suit. Only this one is designed with Superman in mind.

LEX
Now we can play pretty boy.

Superman punches Lex in his helmet. Enraged, Lex quickly bounces back from the blow and strikes Superman again.

LEX
Damn aliens have no sense of genius. You think you’re so special that you have powers greater than man? That’s not special. This is special.

Luther decks Superman again and again with little reaction. Superman does punch back and for all intents and purposes Luthor's suit does stand toe to toe with Superman.

LEX
This is my planet to conquer Superman! You intruding alien bastard!

EXT. STREETS OF METROPOLIS

Lois Lane is across town. She looks to the sky and sees Richard’s plane out of control, smoke marking its trail. Lois does a U-turn and drives off in the same direction.

EXT. METROPOLIS CITY STREETS

Lex strikes but Superman swats him down. He lowers a fist onto Lex’s helmet and cracks it. Lex lands flat on his back making a dent in the asphalt.

Lex hyperventilates as Superman approaches seemingly for the killing blow. There is a moment where Lex knows he’s going to die as Superman stops hearing Richard’s plane in distress.

Lex takes the advantage and fires a plasma blast at him. The explosion is immense. The dirt clears and Superman’s eyes glow red. Gashes lain along his face and through his suit.

SUPERMAN
This isn’t over, Luthor.

Superman shoots off into the air like a bullet. Lex removes his handheld devise which is now damaged.

From not far down the block, The General and his Troops snap out of their trance.

GENERAL PIERCE
All right, Luthor. Enough games.

INT. RICHARD’S PLANE

Richard and Jason are still trying to regain their bearings as the sky and the Earth twirl in front of them.

EXT. SKY

The plane is descending closer to the Earth. Before the plane can hit ground, at the last possible moment, Superman grabs the plane by the tail holding it in mid-air.

Superman looks inside to see Richard holding Jason. Jason is having trouble breathing. A look of worry passes Superman’s face.

EXT. DESERT ROAD

Superman places the plane down just outside the city limits and rips open the cockpit door. Richard pulls Jason from the plane and lies Jason on the ground. He does his best to calm Jason as Superman watches helplessly.

JUST THEN...

THERE IS A DEEP RUMBLING IN THE EARTH AS...

A near transparent wall rises from the ground nearby sectioning them off from Metropolis.

The two men have their attention on Jason as Lois pulls up. However, she is on the other side of the barrier which bubbles over the city.

Superman approaches the barrier. He touches the soft surface which appears as liquid. Superman punches the barrier but he can’t pierce it. He sees only a small splash of energy kick up.

Superman gets more forceful but nothing happens. He uses his heat vision which has no effect.

Richard sees this and asks Superman to watch Jason as he rushes to Lois. Richard and Lois are separated by a foot of barrier.

RICHARD
What’s going on?? What is this?!

LOIS
Dammit! Richard, I want you to know I couldn’t say anything.

RICHARD
Lois Please. I don’t want to hear that. I trusted you. I--

LOIS
--I’m so sorry Richard. For everything. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I’m sorry. But...we don’t have time for this now. Something beyond us is occurring.

RICHARD
Okay Lois, okay. I know.
(beat)
I....love you. We’ll figure this out. We’ll get through this. Don’t worry.

LOIS
Are you and Jason okay?

RICHARD
Jason’s breathing is bad.

Lois sees Jason struggling and is grief stricken she can’t be at her baby’s side.

Lois is about to speak when Richard cuts her off.

RICHARD
We’ll get him to a hospital right away. Stay somewhere safe.

Richard leaves Lois for Jason.

RICHARD
We need to take him to a hospital.

SUPERMAN
No. I know where he needs to go.

There is a moment as the two men weigh out a bigger confrontation.

SUPERMAN
He loves you.

RICHARD
I know.
(beat)
Take him. Keep him safe.

Superman nods then scoops up Jason and flies off with him in his arms. Richard watches this; his heart sinking. Lois is also watching this tears streaming down her face.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Superman places Jason into the crystal chamber again. Once inside Jason’s breathing stabilizes. Now, Jason is conscious and imprisoned in the sealed chamber.

SUPERMAN
How are you?

JASON
I feel better.

SUPERMAN
Good.

JASON
Will I have to stay here forever?

SUPERMAN
Hopefully not. This is only temporary.

JASON
And my Mom?

SUPERMAN
I’m going to get her. I am going to check up on her and your Father.

JASON
But, aren’t you my Father?

SUPERMAN
Jason...maybe when you’re...

JASON
Please. You are my Father.

SUPERMAN
I am Kal-El, son of Jor-El of the planet Krypton. And you are my son.

JASON
Oh.
(beat)
I flew.

SUPERMAN
What? You flew?

A big proud smile accidently spreads across Superman’s face.

JASON
I’m strong too. But only when I concentrate.

SUPERMAN
How about your hearing?

JASON
I don’t know. It’s okay, I guess.

SUPERMAN
Oh. My hearing didn’t kick in until I was 16.

There is a quiet moment of awkwardness as the two search for something to say. Jason begins to fall asleep.

DEV-EM
His drowsiness is a result of his biological make up trying to compensate for this environment.

SUPERMAN
There is a barrier of some sort around Metropolis. Can you help me get through it?

DEV-EM
I have experienced this phenomenon before on other worlds. I may have counters to the alien’s technology.

SUPERMAN
Then I need you to come with me now. Jason will be safe here.

EXT. DESERT STREET

Superman and Dev-Em face Richard. Lois is still inside the barrier watching them.

LOIS
How is Jason?

SUPERMAN
He’s fine Lois.

LOIS
Who is this?

SUPERMAN
A friend.

LOIS
Everyone’s a friend all of a sudden.

JUST THEN

THE BARRIER begins to close in on the city. Condensing in on itself.

RICHARD
Lois, get out of here! Get in your car and go!

SUPERMAN
He’s right, Lois. Go now!

Lois rushes back to her car.

LOIS
I’ll go but I hope you guys can do something here!

Lois peels out and heads downtown. Richard and Superman have an awkward moment as neither knows what to say to the other.

RICHARD
Save her. Save the city.

Superman nods and flies upward. Dev-Em follows.

EXT. METROPOLIS BARRIER DOME

Dev-Em and Superman fly overhead inspecting the site.

DEV-EM
I have heard of whole cities being ripped from their foundations but I never dreamed the alien could do this.

The barrier is still shrinking now taking houses and buildings apart.
Dev-Em places both hands on the barrier. The light from the barrier surges and shoots beams of energy into Dev-Em. A hole opens even as he strains to continue.

DEV-EM
Enter!

Superman enters and the barrier condenses in size even more rapidly now. Dev-Em is anchored to the field as it drags him downward.

INT. LOIS’ CAR (MOVING)

The barrier is closing in on her. A look of terror crossing her face.

EXT. LOIS’ CAR (MOVING)

Superman swoops overhead and blows a hard breath giving her car a “push.” Sending her rocketing forward.

EXT. CITY STREETS

Superman again tries to fight the barrier which is still shrinking. He tries to hold his ground and hold the field but ends up kicking up street in the process.

He pushes harder.

EXT. METROPOLIS BARRIER DOME

Dev-Em yells drawing on all his internal energies until

THE FIELD COLLAPSES!

He floats for a moment, weakened before falling to the ground.

EXT. CITY STREETS

Superman sees Dev-Em and flies to him. He catches Dev-Em and gently lands near Lois who has crashed into a store front filled with stuffed animals.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Jason slowly wakes as a familiar voice rings out.

LOIS
JASON!

Jason looks to see Richard and Lois. Behind them stands Superman and Dev-Em. Lois runs to Jason but is separated yet again from a loved one by the chamber surrounding him.

LOIS
Jason, are you okay?

JASON
I’m fine Mom. Superman got me here just in time.

LOIS
Yeah, he has a way of doing that.

DEV-EM
Have you told her about the arrangements?

SUPERMAN
Um, no. I haven’t.

LOIS
What does he mean?

SUPERMAN
It would be premature to discuss something that may not be certain.

DEV-EM
A decision must be made. By yourself and The Mother.

Dev-Em looks to Richard.

DEV-EM
And maybe him.

LOIS
Superman, what is he talking about?

SUPERMAN
Stay here. We will find a way to help Jason. I promise. Dev-Em, come with me.

DEV-EM
I have never confronted this alien directly. I’m a scientist.

SUPERMAN
Still, I need you.

RICHARD
I’m coming too.

LOIS
Richard, no.

RICHARD
Drop me off at an airfield. That way we’re not stranded here. I can bring food back and what not.

Reluctantly, Superman concedes.

RICHARD
I’ll be right back.

Richard gives Lois a quick kiss with all eyes on him.

The three men exit through the side.

EXT. PRIVATE AIRPORT

Superman flies Richard to a remote airfield.

RICHARD
I’ll be fine here.

Superman nods and flies off.

INT. PRIVATE AIRPORT OFFICE

Richard enters. He approaches the counter where a YOUNG OFFICE CLERK attends.

OFFICE CLERK
Can I help you?

RICHARD
I need to rent a plane.

EXT. EARTH

Dev-Em flies into an area of orbit over the Earth. Below him, he spies the green stars on the planet surface.

EXT. METROPOLIS STREETS

Lex fights off a fleet of tanks barrelling down on him. The tanks fire repeatedly which has little affect on him. Lex fires back at them and The Troops.

LEX
Come on, you worthless brainless heathens!

Superman lands standing in the middle of the fire-fight. The firing quickly ceases.

LEX
I spoke to soon.

GENERAL PIERCE
Out of the way! You’re not saving this one.

SUPERMAN
Save him? Save Lex Luthor?

GENERAL PIERCE
I’m serious, Superman.

LEX
Save me? Save me from what? Him?

SUPERMAN
Is the alien still at the base?

LEX
What? The alien? You’re the alien.

SUPERMAN
Luthor.

GENERAL PIERCE
I ordered that monstrosity destroyed.

Superman gives Luthor a stern glare.

LEX
He’s right where I left him.

SUPERMAN
The Military Base.

LEX
Sharp as a crystal.

SUPERMAN
Help me stop him.

LEX
You’re a lotta laughs for a guy with no sense of humor.

SUPERMAN
Then, he’s all your General and consider us even.

Lex throws a punch. Superman takes it full force and is knocked back several yards.

The General motions for his men to get back to a safe distance.

Superman races back and punches Lex. Lex’s suit continues to stand up against Superman. Lex then places a choke hold onto Superman. Superman scans the suit with him x-ray vision.

CLOSE UP ON LEX’S ARMORED HAND. It is laced with black fibers from Brainiac's craft.

SUPERMAN
That substance.

LEX
You haven’t told me what you thought of my suit. Yours is okay but basic black is always in.

The battle continues. It is more a battle of wills than brute strength. Lex throws a hard punch at Superman's chest which looks to have an affect on him. Superman is winded.

Lex pounds furiously away and Superman backs off. The alloy of this suit is tougher than he's ever seen. Lex leaps towards him and overpowers Superman.

Lex stands over Superman ready to throw more blows.

LEX
You thought this was bad. I'll unleash a plasma blast that will devastate everything within a thousand miles.

SUPERMAN
I need you to stop Brainiac.

LEX
I’ll stop him myself! You’re not going to steal my thunder this time! I think not!

Lex triggers his suit. A sharp hum fills the air. From a distance Superman spies Richard White's plane swooping down onto them. Superman smiles and Lex decks him.

SUPERMAN
Is that the best your diseased brain can come up with, Luthor?!

Lex pushes Superman on his back and stands over him.

LEX
Oh, that’s original. You’re finished, boy scout.

Lex leans over him as Superman grabs his armor. Superman pushes Lex into the air and Richard catches Lex on the nose of the small jet craft. Richard flies off, Lex now hanging on for dear life.

Superman picks himself up a bit shaken for the first time in a long time.
He then sees the hordes of People and Troops in Metropolis. Many still coming out of
Lex's control. Superman uses his telescopic vision to find Richard's plane. And then...

AN EXPLOSION!

Superman’s jaw drops. Superman flies off hoping Richard may still be alive.

EXT. THE OCEAN

Superman flies over the water scanning for Richard’s plane. Only pieces of it float in the water. He looks down and heads into the water.

EXT. UNDERWATER

Superman dives in and plummets several hundred feet down until he catches up to a sinking Lex Luthor encumbered by his special suit. Superman grabs Lex and shakes him awake. Lex speaks through a muffled speaker, his cracked helmet leaking water.

LEX
So, for once you’re too late to save the day. Drop me. See what I care.

Superman speaks muffled words through the water.

LEX
So, just can’t leave well enough alone. When is enough going to be enough with you?
Superman stares.

LEX
What can I say? I didn’t mean a thing by all that stuff up there. I was testing you. Who else is up to the task of testing The Man of Steel if not Lex Luthor?

Superman shakes him. He implies that he’ll drop Lex to the bottom of the ocean.

LEX
Oh, you need me don’t you? How do you stop a machine that is wired to everything on the planet? Hmm. That’s quite a pickle. But what you don’t know is that’s not the half of it. You go to Carter Base and you stop Brainiac. But you’ll realize what I have. That creature taking over the planet isn’t Brainiac. That’s just a Lex creation out of control. Brainiac is those lights in the sky. Try and stop him Superman. Because I guarantee you whatever you do it won’t be enough.

Superman is not sure of Lex’s meaning but carries him upward.

EXT. SKY

Superman emerges from the water with Lex in tow. Systematically, he rips the suit apart and drops it into the ocean.

EXT. SMALL ISLAND

Superman drops Lex off on a tiny island.

LEX
Hey! Hey!! NOOO!!!! DAMMIT!!!!

Superman flies off to the military base.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

Superman flies over the deserted base. It is completely baron, not even a tumbleweed in sight. Only skeletal remains of the military structures remain.

Superman scans the terrain with his x-ray vision seeing...

INT. LEX’S LAB (X-RAY VIEW)

The lab is empty save a few dangling cables

BACK TO SCENE

Brainiac rises from the ground a fully formed and functional lifeform. He is the size of a small city using pieces of steel and cement from the entire base for his body.

It is in combination with the black metal from his craft and he appears invincible and unstoppable.

BRAINIAC
Calculated schedule has been achieved.

Brainiac sends off a high frequency across the globe.

EXT. METROPOLIS CITY STREETS

Everyone, PEOPLE, The General, Troops, etc. all drop to their knees. A shadow rolls over them as the sun is blocked out.

EXT. EARTH

Brainiac has redesigned satellites to project interference against the suns rays.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

Superman moves to attack. He punches Brainiac's shell like a gnat against an elephant. He pounds away and is getting weaker by the punch.

He flies upwards towards the satellite but living metallic tentacles extend from Brainiac’s paw. They come after Superman clutching his legs and pulling him from the sky. Brainiac has him in his clutches not unlike King Kong with Fay Wray.

BRAINIAC
Such weak frames. If only the shadow of individuality hadn’t corrupted you. Maybe this civilization could have been saved.

It actually looks like Brainiac might have Superman when Superman bursts loose his heat vision wide spread and blasts Brainiac's head. This knocks Brainiac back.

Brainiac smashes Superman in his hands and Superman fights that too keeping any crushing blow from occurring. Superman frees himself and flies behind Brainiac and cuts a piece of black metal from his back with a concentrated beam of heat vision.

He uses his hands then to pry it free while Brainiac tries to swat him off. The piece is 5 times the size of Superman and he uses the shard to stab Brainiac in the neck. The mechanized body loses power. The shell crashes to the ground.

Superman tries to fly but is too weak. He falls back down to the ground and drops into an exposed lower level.

EXT. THE EARTH

The lights around the planet come alive shooting light into the stratosphere. The light circles the Earth until converging. Dev-Em is tossed to the side by it.

INT. LEX’S LAB

Superman crashes through the roof. He scans the scene looking for something. He sees a computer monitor that is tapping into all the world’s satellites. The first and last of the satellite photos are of The Fortress.

Superman is physically weakening. He notices a faint light. He walks towards it. The light leads to...

INT. ARBORETUM CHAMBER

Superman walks inside as solar panels light up the room. Superman’s hunch straightens. He stands upright recharged.

EXT. CARTER MILITARY BASE

Superman shoots out of the ground into the sky.

EXT. SPACE

Superman crashes through one of the satellites orbiting the planet. This allows more of the suns rays to come through piercing a whole in solar net.

Superman and Dev-Em are exposed to the sun except for a figure floating in space in their way. This is Brainiac in his fully evolved state. He is pure light and energy beyond anything we have seen before.

Brainiac extends his reach to the Kryptonite rock and absorbs all of its green radiation until it becomes a dead rock.

SUPERMAN
Why have you come here?

BRAINIAC
I can feel space expanding. I can feel myself expanding with it in every direction. The universe is vast. So, vast that an incalculable number of eons could have passed before finding such a rare gem as this planet. Where light and an abundance of energies exist.

SUPERMAN
That doesn’t explain a thing. Why does mankind need to suffer on your whim?

BRAINIAC
This is only the beginning. I am merely a spark into another phase of existence. Even you with all your power cannot imagine the depths of true evolution. But after thousands of years of research, I have found the key.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Jason is deeply focused as he stares off.

JASON
I can hear him.

LOIS
What’s that honey?

JASON
Superman. I can hear him.

Jason stands and the chamber door opens.

JASON
I have to go there. I can help.

LOIS
What? No, Jason honey, you’re sick. Superman even said so. You need to stay put.

JASON
I can’t Mom. I have to go.

Lois reaches out to him but Jason runs off at super-speed.

EXT. SPACE

SUPERMAN
This ends now.

BRAINIAC
It is science. For the greater expansion of knowledge. Knowledge that I alone possess. But as all things grow and change so must I. Collection is not enough. Sacrifices must be made for me to ascend this plateau.

SUPERMAN
But why here? Why these people?

BRAINIAC
Most races exist with a propensity to propagate their species. Most species live to survive only. Never changing. But humanity is different. Few life-forms are it’s equal. Humanity is in a constant state of evolution and every spark ignites tremendous growth. The problem is humanity doesn’t know how to utilize such power. They don’t know how to find the spark. They don’t know how to harness it and use it.

SUPERMAN
So, you’ll gladly take it from them?

BRAINIAC
The resources that avail them is precious yet they waste it. Their ignorance is my benefit. What they do not know of they cannot miss.

Brainiac begins to pull rays of light from both Dev-Em and Superman. They both fight it and scream from the anguish. They both respond with his heat vision bathing Brainiac in its fire.

When they cease, Brainiac is untouched with only a harsh mist evaporating in the vacuum of space.

Superman looks to Dev-Em who hangs lifeless. He reaches to Dev-Em.

DEV-EM
The ships were an untapped resource of power. I have that energy and I will pass it to you. It is another stage to your progression Kal-El. We discovered it and so shall you.

Dev-Em grips Superman bathing him in an odd yellow energy and then dies.

Superman seethes with anger and hate. He rises and flies towards Brainiac. He throws a punch in pure rage. His now charged body welling with power. The blow has no effect. Superman dismisses this and keeps punching.

Brainiac barely raises his hand and Superman is knocked back into space. Superman U-turns back and power dives into him being knocked back again. It appears to be a fruitless and hopeless battle with The Man of Steel on the losing end.

But anger and desperation is driving Superman. Superman punches at Brainiac again. It is a pounding fury which echoes for hundreds of miles. Each blow terrific and enormous. Superman brings his fists down on Brainiac's head to no avail.

He uses his freeze breath to stop him cold then heat vision to wear away Brainiac's intangible flesh but the effects are barely noticeable.

EXT. METROPOLIS CITY STREETS

Jason super speeds into the hot zone of Military Men. The General is not sure what to make of him.

GENERAL PIERCE
What is that?!

When Jason sees that The General is onto him, Jason tries to speed off but accidently rams a tank knocking it back. Jason is dazed.

GENERAL PIERCE
It’s a threat! All men fire now!

The Troops comply. Jason feels the sting of every bullet as he starts screaming in pain. The Troops keep firing.

EXT. EARTH

Brainiac raises a hand over the planet as Superman watches exhausted and helpless.

EXT. METROPOLIS

JUXTAPOSITION SEVERAL SHOTS

Cars lose their ability to move as energy is cut off.

Overhead trains are instantly shut down.

Sarah’s vehicle stops dead. She steps out and light is sucked away from her and she
drops lifeless to the ground.

A teenager in his apartment loses power to his computer.

A woman is drying her hair as the power goes out.

Jason has light pulled through his eyes.

Light escapes General Pierce and his Troops.

Then, light from every living being shoots into the sky. They all glow like some kind of halogen bulb. It is as though the Hand of God has swept over the human race and laid them to rest.

EXT. EARTH CITIES

This same event occurs in Chicago, Los Angeles, everywhere around the world.

EXT. METROPOLIS

Then, as abruptly as it started everything ceases and all of mankind fall to the ground lifeless. Jason passes out and General Pierce faints as does his Troops.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Lois is the only one safe somehow shielded by the crystals. She sits beginning to feel the cold.

EXT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Lois walks out into the blistering cold snow and stares into the sky.

LOIS
Come on. Give me a sign that everything is going to be all right.
Light blazes over the Earth but doesn’t burn the surface or Lois.

EXT. SPACE

The sun shines hard on Superman before being drawn into Brainiac. Winded, an idea crosses Superman’s brain.

EXT. SPACE

Jor-El’s voice is echoing in Superman’s head.

JOR-EL (V.O.)
You must fulfill the kryptonian prophecy. If not, all hope will be lost for your adopted planet. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all else I have sent them you. My only son.

Superman races into the heart of...

EXT. THE SUN

Superman enters the sun core. Long moments pass. Superman's eyes flare as does his entire body.

EXT. THE SUN

He shoots out of the sun trailing fire as the vacuum of space consumes it. He flies straight at Brainiac.

EXT. SPACE

Brainiac’s demeanor begins to change. First to annoyance then anger as The Son of Krypton flies towards him at super speed.

The impact is so immense that Earth shakes in its wake. Fire dissipates like withering fog and Brainiac still stands.

BRAINIAC
I am beyond your understanding. All light will be summoned to me and I will become one with all life. Your touch cannot stop this metamorphosis.

Superman puts his head down and concentrates. When his head rises, a hand comes up towards Brainiac’s head. Streaks of light pull away out of Brainiac into Superman.

Superman brightens like a star bathing his adopted planet in light.

Superman has become an autonomous solar flare producing light and not heat. Brainiac can’t fight back and dissipates into non existence.

EXT. METROPOLIS

JUXTAPOSITION SEVERAL SHOTS

Cars move again...Overhead trains activate instantly...A Teenager in his apartment reboots his computer...A Woman has her hair dryer working again.

Jason awakes to find General Pierce standing over him.

Sarah awakes and lifts herself off the ground.

EXT. EARTH CITIES

This same event occurs in Chicago, Los Angeles, everywhere around the world. Life has returned.

EXT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

A shooting star of light streaks to the surface and lands near Lois, warming her. It is Superman still glowing yellow. Lois embraces him.

SUPERMAN
I’m sorry Lois.

Lois’ mind is racing. He’s sorry? What is he sorry for?

SUPERMAN
Richard, he...

Lois’ knees buckle and she breaks down sobbing. Superman holds her up.

SUPERMAN
I’m so sorry, Lois.

Lois sobs hard as she hits her fists against his chest. Then...

LOIS
Jason left. He wanted to help you.

Superman closes his eyes and focuses on sounds. Every sound imaginable seems to pass by his super hearing. Until all at once he finds one sound in particular. Coughing wheezing and a faint call for...

JASON (V.O.)
Father.

Superman jets off.

EXT. FDR MILITARY BASE

Superman lands at the heavily guarded base. General Pierce rushes out to meet him.

SUPERMAN
General. Where is the boy?

GENERAL PIERCE
Now Superman, this is a national security issue. You are not authorized to be here.
Superman walks right past The General.

GENERAL PIERCE
STOP HIM!

Every soldier fires on Superman as two tanks move to block the entrance. Superman walks between them with a hand reaching out and gripping each of the tanks. He tosses them over.

Superman then rips open large metal doors and effortlessly enters the facility.

INT. FDR MILITARY BASE

Bullets rain down in every direction but Superman keeps walking slapping away the fire.

INT. FDR MILITARY BASE HALLWAY

Superman crashes through a wall and finds Jason in a cell lying in a fetal position. Jason is sick. He’s dying. Superman scoops him up and they fly off crashing though the ceiling.

EXT. FDR MILITARY BASE

Superman bursts into the air and yells to the General.

SUPERMAN
THIS IS NOT OVER! YOU WILL MAKE RESTITUTION!

General Pierce takes a hard swallow. For the first time in his life he’s afraid. He watches Superman speed off into the sky.

INT. THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Superman carries Jason as he enters. Jason is coughing and wheezing like he’s going to die. Lois tries to calm Jason taking him in her arms.

SUPERMAN
He won’t survive this way. Soon the attacks he’s feeling will kill him.

LOIS
I won’t give up on him! I won’t!

SUPERMAN
Lois, the crystal chamber has harnessed radiation from the red sun of Krypton’s solar system. I can make it so he can live a normal life. He won’t have any more powers and will deplete and sign of Kryptonian DNA. But he’ll survive. And he’ll be healthy.

LOIS
No, why can’t his Kryptonian side take over? Why can’t he be strong?

SUPERMAN
He is strong Lois. Thanks to you and Richard.

Lois slowly concedes as Jason begins coughing up blood.

Superman and Lois stand aside as the crystal chamber is ignited with red sun energy.
The rays die down and Jason walks out of the chamber feeling strong. He has no powers but he is a perfectly healthy kid now.

The trio smile to one another in relief.

Epilogue:

INT. THE DAILY PLANET NEWSROOM - DAY

Clark enters and sees Lois across the room packing up her desk. He is about to approach her as Cat “pounces” up to him. She hands Clark a copy of Expose Magazine.

The cover shows Lois in her car surprised by the camera with a bad photoshop of a child in the backseat. The child has a white spot over his face with a question mark inside. The cover reads; “Lois Lane has Superman’s baby! By Herbert Deitch”

CAT
Have you seen this yet?

CLARK
Yeah, what a shock.

CAT
The shocking thing is people will actually believe this nonsense.

CLARK
You mean you don’t?

CAT
Hell no. I’ve looked into the man’s baby blues. If he’s not falling for me he sure as my heart-shaped behind isn’t falling for her.

CLARK
Maybe. But then again, anything is possible.

CAT
Anything?

CLARK
(breaking for Lois)
Within reason.

CLARK
Lois? I heard. I’m sorry for all of this.

LOIS
What do you have to be sorry for? I’m the one who can’t...who can’t...I don’t know. I’m taking a leave of absence, Clark. I can’t write anymore. Not now anyway.

CLARK
Yeah, I heard Cat will be filling in for you for a while.

LOIS
Did she tell you that?

CLARK
Uh, yeah.

LOIS
Figures.
(beat)
Richard’s funeral is tomorrow. I hope you come.

CLARK
I will. Definitely.

LOIS
Good. I’m glad.

CLARK
Lois?

LOIS
Yeah.

CLARK
Don’t go.

LOIS
I have to do this.

CLARK
I don’t want you to go.

LOIS
Clark.

CLARK
Well, what I mean is I understand your need to get away. Take Jason someplace away from the city.

LOIS
Yeah, for a while. Where ever that may be.

CLARK
There is an open room for Jason and one for yourself at my home, in Smallville.

LOIS
What?

CLARK
My hometown.

LOIS
Hickville?

CLARK
It would be perfect, Lois. The open air. The space. Certainly, out of the way. And my Mother can help you with Jason.

LOIS
I don’t know.

CLARK
She could use the company. I can’t visit her as often as I would like and she would love it.

LOIS
Clark, she doesn’t even know me.

CLARK
Everything I am I owe to her and my Father. If you know me, you know her. And she knows you.

LOIS
Would I have to ride a tractor?

Clark smiles.

LOIS
Okay, then. Thank you.

Clark and Lois hug.

LOIS
You’re a good friend, Clark.

CLARK
And I’ll check up on you as often as you need.

Lois smiles.

INT. MARTHA’S HOME - NIGHT

Martha is doing dishes as she spies a figure walking onto the porch. She smiles and walks to the front door.

Martha open the door to view Clark in full Superhero garb.

SUPERMAN
Mom, I have some things to share with you.

MARTHA
What is it Clark?

SUPERMAN
I think you’ll want to sit down for this.

EXT. MARTHA’S HOME

LONG SHOT of Clark talking to Martha. She embraces him.

FADE TO BLACK

EXT. EARTH

Superman flies over the planet and smiles at us before flying off.

THE END