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TWO AGAINST A WORLD

Introduction: This story was written over a three day period in November 2018.  I was inspired to write a short film with the intent of it becoming a fan film.  It is a "small" film in terms of cast and location but with some "big" action moments.

The full script can be found below:

Two Against A World
A STAR WARS Story
The Last Conquest of the Empire

Blue text is displayed on a black background.  One paragraph appearing after the next.


TEXT
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

The mighty GALACTIC EMPIRE continues to dominate the galaxy.

Hitherto unexplored worlds are being surveyed for resources to feed the Imperial machine.

In an area of space known as the UNEXPLORED REGIONS, the latest frontier is a planet known only as Y018/291...



EXT. SPACE

The camera descends on a background of stars.  The camera continues to descend and an IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER comes into view.  It is soon revealed that the Star Destroyer is in orbit of a blue/green planet.  The camera stops its descent and holds onto the image for a few moments.


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - MIDDAY

The forest is quiet and serene.  Aside from the occasional insect, there is no noise.  No sounds of birds, amphibians or mammals of any kind.

Two IMPERIAL STORMTROOPERS rush through the foliage.  They appear to be in a panic; as if running for their lives.  However, they are not running AWAY from a threat or predator.  Rather, they are running to avoid being left behind.

One of the Stormtroopers, with the designation KR-211, slips and falls.  He lands on his knee and rises quickly but not before offering a sharp curse.


KR-211
Blast it!


They eventually reach a clearing and see the cargo shuttle they arrived on rise up from the tree line more than a mile away from them.  The ship heads straight up into the air.  KR-211 realizes their predicament. 


KR-211
Oh no.  HEY!


KR-211 points his blaster in the air and starts shooting.  He is not aiming at the shuttle but simply trying to attract its attention.


KR-211
(cont'd)
Hey!  We're here!  Over here!


His companion, DT-5891, has a more pragmatic approach.  Putting a finger to the earpiece on his helmet, he tries to contact the shuttle.


DT-5891
Shuttle QQ-3, this is survey team 5 approximately one

mark from your position requesting extraction.


KR-211 is still attempting in vein to get the shuttle's attention.


KR-211
Hey!


DT-5891 shoves him.


DT-5891
Shut up.


DT-5891 again puts his hand to his ear as he picks up a garbled transmission from the shuttle.


SHUTTLE COMMUNICATION
(V.O. actual)
Survey Team 5, maintain current position.  We

are on mandatory immediate recall by Imperial Command. 

This is an Alpha One priority.  Again Alpha One. 

Survival pods will be sent to your location.  A recovery

ship will be sent in the coming days.

DT-5891
I can't hear them.  Say again Shuttle QQ-3. 

We are receiving heavy interference. 

Transmission not understood.  Say again!


There is a squealing in his earpiece which causes him to groan in pain.


KR-211
They're leaving us behind.


KR-211 reaches into his belt.  He pulls out a monocular and raises it up to the eyepiece on his helmet.  Looking through it he can see the shuttle in the upper atmosphere of the planet as it approaches the wedge-shaped Star Destroyer in orbit.

KR-211 spies a flash from the Star Destroyer.


KR-211
They're launching survival pods!

DT-5891
How many?

KR-211
Just one.  No wait... two!


KR-211 lowers the monocular slowly as if he has bad news.


KR-211
They launched a third pod... then jumped into hyperspace.


Dejected, KR-211 leans up against a nearby tree.


KR-211
(cont'd)
They abandoned us.

DT-5891
They didn't abandon us.


KR-211 perks up and defends his logic.


KR-211
One survival pod, they'll be back in a week.  Two survival pods, a month.  Three means they're never coming back!

DT-5891
I know the regulations!  But this is a frontier

world.  Unexplored.  Protocol is to drop three

pods regardless.

KR-211
You sure about that?

DT-5891
Sure as anything.
(or)
He says nothing.


They hear a loud boom, like thunder.


KR-211
The first pod just hit down.

DT-5891
Where?


KR-211 looks at a small handheld scanning device.  He groans.


KR-211
'Bout ten marks from our current position.


DT-5891's posture is agitation as he mutters:


DT-5891
Ten marks!?  Can't anyone in this army aim? 

Where'd the other two land?


KR-211 looks at his scanner and shakes his head.


KR-211
Even farther away.

DT-5891
Wonderful.  Just wonderful...


DT-5891 begins walking back the way they came.


KR-211
Where are you going?

DT-5891
Back to the bike.

KR-211
Back to the bike!?  What for?

DT-5891
See if I can get it running again. 


KR-211 follows after DT-5891 and argues against this course of action.


KR-211
You won't be able to get it running again. 

Not without a tool kit and spare parts.  If we

head for the nearest pod now, we'll get there

before nightfall.

DT-5891
But if I can get the bike running-

KR-211
(interrupting)
If you DON'T get the bike running, it'll be

tomorrow before we're able to get to the pod.


DT-5891 stops in his tracks.  KR-211 is still a bit behind him.


KR-211
(cont'd)
Think it through.  We go to the pod, we get

supplies.  Maybe we'll find a tool kit.  If

so, we come back and fix the bike tomorrow.


DT-5891 seems unsure.  KR-211 knows he's right and begins to head in the opposite direction and towards the pod.


KR-211
(cont'd)
We've already wasted enough time arguing

about it.


KR-211 walks off, leaving DT-5891 alone.  DT-5891 looks around and considers his options.  Finally, he sighs begrudgingly and follows KR-211.


DT-5891
(under his breath)
Fine.  We'll do it your way.

 


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - LATE AFTERNOON

The two Stormtroopers plod along through the forest.  KR-211 is on point with DT-5891 a number of steps behind.


DT-5891
Does this place seem strange to you?


KR-211 takes a few steps before replying.


KR-211
How do you mean?

DT-5891
Listen.  You hear anything?

KR-211
Just your complaining.
(or)
Just complaining.  It seems to be localized to your

general vicinity.  

DT-5891
That's what I mean.  No birds, no creature noises

of any kind.  Just insects.  Maybe some small,

burrowing creatures.


They come to a clearing.  KR-211 looks up at a small green moon visible even during the daytime.


KR-211
Well, the way I figure things, not much can

live here.  On account of that radioactive moon.


DT-5891 comes into the clearing and looks up at the moon.


DT-5891
I'd sure like to take this helmet off if not for

that thing.

KR-211
Not unless you want to die of radiation poisoning. 

Speaking of which...


KR-211 looks at his utility belt.  He opens a case on the belt and examines the colorful swatch inside.  He is not surprised by the results.


KR-211
(cont'd)
Yeah, just what I thought.  Still in the dangerous

range.  Looks like we need to keep our armor on. 

Maybe it'll be safe once the moon sets...?


DT-5891 is looking off in the distance and not paying attention to him.  KR-211 is a bit peeved about being ignored and calls out to his companion.


KR-211
(cont'd)
Hey!  You listening?


DT-5891 is fixated on something just inside the tree line and talks, more or less, to himself:


DT-5891
What is that?


He takes a few cautious steps towards the tree line.  KR-211 follows.


KR-211
What?  What is it?


Both troopers raise their weapons as they approach the tree line.  Just inside the shadows is a foreign object leaning against a tree.  The two troopers stand next to each other, about 25 feet from their target.


KR-211
What do you think it is?


DT-5891 shoots it.  The object does nothing.  The two troopers approach, their training and instincts telling them to be cautious.  Their demeanor becomes less cautious as they get closer.   The object appears like the desiccated shell of a giant insect.  

KR-211 stops in his tracks but continues aiming at the object as DT-5891 steps closer and reaches out with one hand out to touch it.


KR-211
Some kind of dead giant bug?


DT-5891 very cautiously touches it.


DT-5891
(in the Huttese language)
Poodo yhasa da.  It's a DROID!

KR-211
A droid!?  You kidding me?


KR-211 lowers his weapon and walks up to it.  Both Stormtroopers examine it.


KR-211
(cont'd)
What's a droid doing in this place?

DT-5891
I've never seen a design like this before. 

Shell corrosion.  Looks like it's been here

a while too. 


KR-211 seemingly loses interest in the droid and surveys the land around them.


KR-211
Maybe someone else surveyed this world and

left him behind.


DT-5891 takes a closer look.  Components of the droid appear to be missing, as if they were removed after it stopped functioning.


DT-5891
Yeah...  Maybe.  Mark this spot on the map. 

Deal with it later.  Let's get to that pod.


The lifeless husk of a droid looks on as the two Stormtroopers walk away.


EXT. Y018/291 - SURVIVAL POD CRASH SITE - EARLY EVENING

The survival pod launched from the Star Destroyer sits half embedded in the ground - a damaged tree branch draped over it.  Steam and vapor slowly rises from it.

KR-211 spies it with his monocular from some distance away.  He surveys the area, checking to make sure the crash site hasn't attracted the attention of any other life forms.


KR-211
The pod's in tact.  No sign of anything else down

there.


He lowers the monocular and takes a seat next to DT-5891.

 

KR-211
(cont'd)
I don't like it.  Convenient spot for an ambush.

DT-5891
What are you talking about?

KR-211
This old gunnery sergeant of mine used to tell

stories.  When he was on Mimban, the locals would

stake out survival pods, wait for someone to come

along and then ambush 'em.

DT-5891
You sure that sergeant wasn't just making up

stories?

KR-211
He was missing an arm and a leg to prove it.

DT-5891
We haven't seen any evidence of advanced life forms

on this planet.  You really think this could be a

trap?

KR-211
No.


He stands, groaning slightly.


KR-211
(cont'd)
But there's only one way to find out.  Keep me

covered.


KR-211 steps out from their hiding place and heads down the hill and through the valley towards the pod.  DT-5891 points his weapon out at nothing in an attempt to cover KR-211.  Unsatisfied with his position, DT-5891 moves to a better location.  From his new vantage point, he can see that KR-211 has almost reached the pod.

KR-211 approaches the pod with extreme caution, sweeping his weapon from side to side.  He knows the likelihood of an ambush is very small.  However, his imagination has convinced him otherwise.

He reaches the pod and finds one of the four release panels which open it.  He presses a number of buttons and pulls on a small handle.  The pod opens with a hiss.  KR-211 turns his back to the pod, checking yet again that there is no danger nearby.

He turns to view the contents of the pod and seems satisfied.  He grabs a couple of containers out of it and reseals the hatch on the pod.  Using the utility straps on the containers, he slings them over his shoulders and heads back to DT-5891, using less caution.

KR-211 returns to find DT-5891 in the same cover position as when he left. 


DT-5891
Well, we made that a little more dramatic

than it needed to be.


KR-211 reaches into one of the containers and flips a handheld canister to DT-5891, who snags it out of mid air.


KR-211
Here.  Water.


DT-5891 pulls an extendable tube from the canister and couples it to the intake nozzle on his helmet.  He squeezes the canister, forcing water into his mask.  KR-211 does the same.  After a few gulps, DT-5891 leans back.


DT-5891
Oh, that hits the spot.


KR-211 continues drinking as DT-5891 reaches for one of the containers that KR-211 brought back.


DT-5891
Let's see what we have here.


KR-211 finishes his drink with a sigh.
 

KR-211
The pod is pretty well-stocked.


DT-5891 rummages through the container.


DT-5891
Liquid rations.  Fire starter.  Field manual-

KR-211
Ooh, that'll come in handy.

DT-5891
Survival blade.  Nice!  Personal grooming

kit...?

KR-211
I say we camp out on that ridge over there

tonight.  

DT-5891
Why not stay down by the pod?


KR-211 gets up and begins walking to where he wants to camp.


KR-211
Because it might attract unwelcome visitors

tonight.

DT-5891
Unwelcome visitors?  C'mon.  We haven't seen any

other life forms all day.


KR-211 continues on his trek.


KR-211
Yeah, well.  Maybe they all come out at night. 

Not a risk I want to take.  You?


DT-5891 watches KR-211 go.  After a few moments, he stands up and shakes his head.


DT-5891
I don't believe this.


He begins to follow after KR-211.


EXT. Y018/291 - RIDGE CAMP - MIDNIGHT

The glow of the moon casts casts an eerie pale green light over everything.  All is quiet and still, save for the occasional buzzing of a cicada-like bug and the momentary spark of fireflies.  Bioluminescent leaf galls on many of the trees add a soft white/blue light to the scene.

Neither Stormtrooper can sleep.  They sit near each other but face in opposite directions, watching for any sign of danger.  KR-211 looks up at the moon and becomes lost in thought.


DT-5891
You got anyone waiting for you back home?


KR-211 snaps back to reality.


KR-211
What?

DT-5891
You got anyone waiting for you back home?  You

know...  Family?  A girl?


KR-211 takes a moment before replying.


KR-211
I'd rather not think about that right now.


DT-5891 shrugs and drops the topic.  Both troopers go back to their watch.  Eventually, KR-211 looks back up at the moon.


EXT. Y018/291 - RIDGE CAMP - NIGHT; LATER

A couple of hours have passed.  Both Stormtroopers are still awake and keeping watch.  DT-5891 suddenly shudders.


KR-211
You cold?

DT-5891
Power unit on my thermal regulator is acting

up. 


DT-5891 reaches for a cylindrical pack attached to his armor in the small of the back.  It's an awkward place for him to reach so KR-211 helps out.


KR-211
Hold on, I got it.


KR-211 removes a charge about the side of C-cell battery from DT-5891's armor.  KR-211 holds it in one hand and smacks it with his other hand.  He then re-installs it into DT-5891's armor.


KR-211
That better?


DT-5891 wriggles a bit and waits before answering.  His suit begins to warm him up.


DT-5891
Ah!  That's better.  Thanks.

KR-211
Don't mention it.


The two continue with their watch, saying nothing to each other.


EXT. Y018/291 - SURVIVAL POD CRASH SITE - EARLY MORNING

The camera perspective is inside of the survival pod as it is once again opened.  The two Stormtroopers have returned to the pod and are assessing its contents in the early light of day.  KR-211 kneels down and fishes inside the pod, pulling out various contents.


KR-211
More water and ration packs.  Rope.  That's good.

DT-5891
Any sign of a tool kit?

KR-211
You still on about repairing that speeder

bike?  

DT-5891
Let me answer your question with a question:

How sore are YOUR legs?


KR-211 shakes his head at the comment and keeps digging in the pod.


KR-211
No luck.  No tool kit.  No spare parts.

DT-5891
Maybe they're in one of the other pods.


KR-211 rises to his feet.


KR-211
Only one way to find out.


He looks at the provisions laid out on the ground around them.


KR-211
Between the two of us, I'd say we have enough

here to last us a week.  Maybe a few days

longer.

DT-5891
What do we do when the food runs out?  The hunting

around here is a little scarce if you haven't

noticed.

KR-211
We got a bigger problem.  We'll run out of water

before we run out of food.  We'll die of thirst

before we starve to death.

DT-5891
Wonderful.

KR-211
There's a river about two marks from here.  Hand

me that analyzer, will you?

DT-5891
Hold on.  We got everything we need right here. 

I say we camp down here today, rest up.  Then head

out tomorrow.

KR-211
(protesting)
The river's not that far.  I'll be back by mid-day.

DT-5891
And what happens if something happens to you? 

Think it though.  The smart thing to do is stay here

and get some rest.  The river's not going anywhere. 

Neither is the speeder bike.


DT-5891 squats down and opens one of the larger containers.


DT-5891
Help me get the shelter up, will ya?


KR-211 is a bit reluctant but eventually realizes that DT-5891 is right.  The two Stormtroopers begin work on the survival shelter.


EXT. Y018/291 - SURVIVAL POD CRASH SITE - LATER

DT-5891 is sitting on a log looking up at the radioactive moon.  KR-211 is a sort distance away, lighting a camp fire.


KR-211
The way I figure it, the moon will set sometime

tomorrow.  With any luck, that means the radiation

will go down and we'll be able to get out of the armor.

DT-5891
My stomach hopes your right.


DT-5891 opens the flap on the radiation badge on his belt.  The levels are still high.


KR-211
There's some liquid meals in the kit if you're

hungry.

DT-5891
Already had one.  Those things are disgusting. 

I wanna sink my teeth into something.


DT-5891 takes notice of the fire KR-211 is building.


DT-5891
A fire, really?  We're wearing thermal insulated

suits and we have nothing to cook.

KR-211
I know.  But a fire is something you do when you

camp, right?  Besides, now we know that a fire will

burn in this planet's atmosphere.

DT-5891
Just like the analyzer said.
(or)
Funny, that's exactly what the analyzer said.

KR-211
Exactly.  Now we know the analyzer isn't

malfunctioning.
(or)
Yep.  And now we know it isn't broken.

DT-5891
Let me learn you something... we're not camping. 

This isn't some fun, recreational activity all

right?  We're on our own.


With the fire now built and burning strong, KR-211 walks over to DT-5891.


KR-211
You got the map?


DT-5891 removes a small, disc shaped object from a pouch on the back of his belt.  He hands it to KR-211 who activates it.  A rudimentary, holographic map of the area appears.


KR-211
I say we head for the second pod tomorrow morning. 

There's a bend in the river here...


KR-211 points to a particular point on the map.


KR-211
(cont'd)
We'll take a little diversion to see if the water

is drinkable then head to the pod.  Sound like a

plan?


DT-5891 looks at the map.  He then reaches up and pats KR-211 on the helmet.  At first, it's as if DT-5891 is endorsing the plan without using words.  But DT-5891 then points at the campfire.  KR-211 turns and watches as the fire begins to go out on its own and turns to a smoldering pile.


KR-211
Well... so much for the analyzer.



EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - NEXT DAY

The Stormtrooper walk through the forest.  DT-5891 is on point with KR-211 following a short distance behind.  They carry backpacks with necessary survival gear.  The rest of their equipment has been safely resealed back into the first survival pod as they head for the second pod.

KR-211 looks to his left and sees something.  He calls out to DT-5891.


KR-211
Hold up!


DT-5891 looks back at his companion.  KR-211 points with his gun and begins moving on the object.  DT-5891 raises his weapon and follows along.

Appearing among the trees is another droid.  It is simply standing there on its own; powered down and lifeless.  It is an identical model to the one they found earlier but in much better physical condition.


DT-5891
Another droid!?

KR-211
Just like the one we found the other day. 

But in much better condition.  It's not that

old.

DT-5891
What is going on around here?


DT-5891 reaches up with one hand.  He grabs the droid by the "jaw" and examines its head.  KR-211 examines the body a little closer.


KR-211
It looks like...  Like it's been stripped for parts.

DT-5891
Yeah.  So was the other one we found.  There's

something else here.  On the planet.


Both Stormtroopers point their weapons out into the world around them; making sure they are not being watched.


DT-5891
(cont'd)
We're not alone.


After a few moments of aiming blindly at nothing, KR-211 takes notice of the ground around them.


KR-211
Hey.  Look around.


DT-5891 looks down and begins to notice what KR-211 points out.


KR-211

(continued)
Does it look like something passed through here

to you too?

DT-5891
Yeah...  Like a herd or a pack or something.


Neither Stormtrooper is an expert tracker but the evidence is enough that KR-211 can make a reasonable hypothesis.


KR-211
Looks like they came from that way, cut through

here and then went off in that direction.


He points his gun in one specific direction.


DT-5891
The tracks aren't fresh.

KR-211
No.  Maybe days.  Maybe weeks.  Hard to tell.

DT-5891
I'll mark it on the map.

KR-211
They went that way and we need to go this way. 


KR-211 assesses the situation and declares:


KR-211
(cont'd)
Screw the river, let's get to that second pod.


Both troopers head off, weapons raised and on high alert.


DT-5891
This place officially gives me the creeps. 



EXT. Y018/291 - SURVIVAL POD TWO CRASH SITE - LATE AFTERNOON

Both Stormtroopers stand on the edge of a small lake.  The lake is covered in a carpet of green algae.  From above, the lake looks like a meadow and that's exactly how it's represented on the map.


KR-211
According to the map, the pod is right over there. 

In the middle of this bog.

DT-5891
Right in the drink.


KR-211 pulls out the analyzer and kneels down at the water's edge.  He places the analyzer in the water and takes a reading.  He looks at the results.


KR-211
This water's drinkable.  Nothing toxic.  Microbe

content is high.


He seems disappointed.


KR-211
(cont'd)
We need to boil it before we can drink it.

DT-5891
Think we can sustain a fire long enough?


In disbelief, KR-211 walks away from the edge of the water.  He stops after a few steps, hands at his side, and contemplates what they should do next.  Then, an idea come to him.


KR-211
Let's give this a try.


KR-211 has very little faith in the idea but walks back over to the water's edge anyway.  He holds out one of his hands as if reaching out for the sunken survival pod.  DT-5891 groans.


DT-5891
What do you think you're doing?

KR-211
Isn't this what the Jedi used to do?  Who knows,

maybe it'll work for me too.

DT-5891
It's all a lie.  There is no Force.  Didn't you see

the vids?  The Jedi had micronized repulser lift tech

implanted in their hands, is all.


KR-211 gives up and lowers his hand.  He walks away from the shore and passes DT-5891, muttering indistinctly to himself.


DT-5891
(cont'd)
Lucky for you.  If you were a Jedi, I'd shoot you

right here and now.


KR-211 is agitated and doesn't know what to do.


KR-211
I'm outta ideas.  What do we do now?
(or)
I got nothing for you.  No ideas.  What do we do now?

DT-5891
How far away are we from the third pod?


DT-5891 reaches into his belt for the map but KR-211 already knows the answer.


KR-211
It's only three marks from here.  But...


He points his weapon in the direction of the lake and shakes it.


KR-211
(cont'd)
It's on the far side of the lake.  We'll need

to go around.


DT-5891 activates the map and assesses the situation for himself.


DT-5891
It'll take us as long to get to the third pod as

it would to go back to the first.


KR-211 drops to the ground.  He sits with his knees up and puts his hands on his head.


KR-211
I don't want to do this anymore.

DT-5891
Hey!  Snap out of it!


He reaches into his pack and pulls out a water container.  He hands it to KR-211.


DT-5891
(cont'd)
Drink something, it'll make you feel better.

                       
KR-211 takes the canister and attaches it to the intake on his helmet.  DT-5891 sits next to him. 


DT-5891
[Let's] Rest a bit.  Collect our thoughts.  And

then think of a way out of this mess.


DT-5891 again examines his radiation patch.


DT-5891
Well, whadd'ya know.  Radiation levels ARE going

down.


KR-211 finishes his drink and sighs.


KR-211
Down with the moon.

DT-5891
Yeah.


DT-5891 waits a few moments before revealing his plan.


DT-5891
The way I see it, we're going to need to the

contents of that pod...


DT-5891 points at the lake and the second pod contained within it.


DT-5891
(cont'd)
...eventually, right?  I say we head on to the

third pod.  Hope that by some miracle it contains

a tool kit for the speeder bike.  We then repair

the bike, come back here and use the winch on the

bike to lift this pod out.  Otherwise, we'll probably

drown trying to get at this thing.


KR-211 nods his head in agreement with the plan but sees one potentially fatal flaw.


KR-211
We won't get to the third pod before nightfall. 


DT-5891 throws his hands into the air.


DT-5891
We can travel through hyperspace but we can't walk

through a forest at night?  C'mon.  We can make it.


DT-5891 stands and begins walking away.  After a few steps he turns and looks at KR-211.


DT-5891
Unless you have a better plan...?


KR-211, with some reluctance, stands.  DT-5891 nods as if to say "that's what I thought" and continues on.  KR-211 looks around for a moment and then follows behind.

EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - AFTER NIGHTFALL

All is dark on the moonless night.  The two Stormtroopers continue though the forest.  The darkness slows them down slightly but their night vision helps them go onward.  A chime begins to ding on KR-211's belt.  It startles DT-5891 who turns suddenly to face him.


KR-211
Hold on! 


KR-211 checks his analyzer.


KR-211
Radiation levels are safe.  We don't need to keep

the armor on.


DT-5891 is a little skeptical and opens the radiation indicator on his belt.  He shines a light on it and confirms that things are safe.


DT-5891
Well, how 'bout that.


Beat.


DT-5891
(cont'd)
I'm gonna use the bushes.

KR-211
Yeah, me too.


The two Stormtroopers walk a short distance away from each other
with the intent of relieving their bladders and bowels.  KR-211 puts his rifle and pack down and begins to lift off his helmet when.

FLASH!

A purple/white laser bolt whizzes past him and strikes a nearby tree.  KR-211 drops to the ground; all bodily functions have been placed on hold.  He reaches for his weapon.


KR-211
INCOMING!


The forest lights up as they are being shot at by a mob of unidentified attackers which march towards them.  Both Stormtroopers fire back.  Their red blaster bolts a strong contrast to the purple/white of their attackers.


DT-5891
We can't stay here!  We gotta move!

KR-211
Let's go!


The two Stormtroopers get to their feet and begin running from their attackers.  At various intervals, one of the Stormtroopers takes cover behind a tree and fires back on the attacking force, giving his companion cover.  The two leapfrog this maneuver several times. 


KR-211
What are these things?

DT-5891
Don't think, just run!


The two continue running and shooting back at the advancing force.  Eventually, they begin climbing a hill.


KR-211
The pod is on the other side of this ridge.


They crest the ridge which provides them cover.  The pod is a short ways away but they reach it quickly.  DT-5891 covers KR-211
as the latter keys the pod opening controls.


DT-5891
I sure hope there's some heavy munitions in

there.


The pod opens with a hiss.  KR-211 looks inside and is shocked at what he sees.


KR-211
It's empty.


A laser shot rings out as the enemy appears on the top of the ridge.  KR-211 is able to get a look at their attackers, if only for a brief moment.  They are droids of the exact same model as the ones they found earlier.  Both Stormtroopers find cover behind the pod.


DT-5891
Empty?  What do you mean empty?

KR-211
There's nothing inside of it!

DT-5891
Why the hell would they send us an empty pod?


The laser fire from the droids becomes more and more intense.  DT-5891 returns fire.  KR-211 looks at him and understands they are in a "last stand" moment.

Suddenly, lowering down from the trees behind the Stormtroopers appears an Imperial 11-3R VIPER DROID.  Heavily armed with lasers and rockets, the Viper fires on the native droids, slowing their advance to a halt.  Both troopers look at the Viper in disbelief.  DT-5891 reaches out and shoves KR-211 slightly.


DT-5891
The pod wasn't empty after all.  We just might

get through this.


The two Stormtroopers fire back on the droids who have begun to fall back.  KR-211 ducks behind their cover and reloads his weapon.  As he does so, he notices a panel on the the side of the pod.  He presses a couple of buttons and the panel opens.  He looks inside.


KR-211
I got an idea.

DT-5891
What?


KR-211 reaches into his bag and pulls out an explosive charge.  He attaches it to the pod.


KR-211
One of the pod's fuel cells is still loaded.


DT-5891 understands the plan.


DT-5891
Just tell me when to run.


KR-211 finishes his work and flips a switch on the charge.


KR-211
Now!


Both Stormtroopers run away from the pod, keeping it between them and the droids.  The Viper follows after the Stormtroopers.  The droids continue their advance.  The timer on the charge reaches zero and detonates.  The fuel cell of the pod ruptures and explodes, throwing a massive fireball into the sky.

The Stormtroopers keep running, oblivious to the carnage behind them.  While the explosion was impressive, it wasn't enough to stop all of the droids.  The chase continues.

The Viper swings in close to KR-211 and makes a chattering noise, requesting orders.  KR-211 looks at it.


KR-211
Swing around and try to flank them.


The Viper chatters in acknowledgement and flies off.  The Stormtroopers continue on but are near their breaking point.  DT-5891 turns and fires back at the droids.


DT-5891
I'm running low on ammo.

KR-211
Me too.


They've reached an area of the forest where a number of rock formations break up the otherwise pristine forest floor.  KR-211 jumps down into a shallow area and spies a thin opening to a cave.  DT-5892 jumps down, following KR-211.  KR-211 grabs DT-5892 and pulls him into the cave.


KR-211
Get low.  Keep quiet.


The droids are soon on their position.  However, the droids jump over the shallow area - over the cave entrance - and continue on their course after nothing.  The intensity of the pursuit becomes evident as wave after wave of droids crash over them.  Finally the last member of the herd passes overhead.  This droid was damaged by the explosion and is just barely able to keep up with its companions.

The Stormtroopers watch as the straggler slows down and eventually comes to a stop.  Four if its compatriots return to it; but not to aid it.  Rather, they strip their damaged companion of vital components and then continue after the rest of the herd.

The Stormtroopers, breathing heavily, wait several minutes to make sure the threat has passed.


DT-5891
How many?  Fifty?  Sixty?

KR-211
More like eighty.  Maybe a hundred.

DT-5891
Why didn't they see us?  Why didn't they find us

here?


KR-211 pulls out the analyzer and takes a reading.


KR-211
Don't know.  These rocks.  They're giving off the

same rF band as the radiation.

DT-5891
So they're radioactive too.  Big deal.

KR-211
No, that's not it.  I think the rF signal messes

with their scanners.


DT-5891 slinks back into the cave.  Exhaustion has caught up with him.

The Viper droid has no problem tracking the Stormtroopers.  It keeps vigil over the cave, hiding up in the tree line.


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - NEXT MORNING


DT-5891
Run that by me again.


The two Stormtrooper has emerged from the cave and are investigating the disabled droid which was cannibalized for parts.


KR-211
The moon gives off radiation in a certain rF

band.  It is absorbed by these rocks which then

give off the same rF band-

DT-5891
But they're not radioactive?

KR-211
They're not radioactive.  It like when you put

a rock next to a fire, the rock gets hot.  Put

the fire out and the rock stays hot for a while.

DT-5891
So as soon as these rocks "cool down"...?

KR-211
(finishing for him)
Those droids will be able to find us on their

scanners again.


DT-5891 indicates to the disabled droid before them.


DT-5891
You think you can use anything from this guy? 

Maybe rip out some component we can use to mask

ourselves?

KR-211
I wouldn't even know where to start.  We'd have

an easier time building a TIE fighter out of

some of these trees.


The Viper droid floats near them.  It chatters indistinctly, giving them an update.


KR-211
The Viper's can't track those droids accurately

with all the atmospheric interference.  Its scanner

range is just under a mark.


The Viper chatters some more and then turns its head.  It activates a hologram of an Imperial Officer, the LT. COMMANDER of their Star Destroyer (third highest ranking officer on the ship).  Conditioned to be obedient, both Stormtrooper come to attention at the sight of the hologram as the Viper plays the recording.


LT. COMMANDER
(hologram)
Troopers KR-211 and DT-5891.  Central Imperial

Command is ordering us to proceed immediately to

the Endor system where a massive and decisive battle

against the Rebel Fleet is underway.  This droid has

been programmed to protect you at all costs.  It also

contains the location and manifest of the other two

survival pods we have sent to you.  Your mission is to

stay alive until you are retrieved.  Serve the Empire.


Both DT-5891 and KR-211 obediently repeat the last sentence as the hologram fades out.  

KR-211 examines the Viper droid.


KR-211
So what do they call you?


The droid chatters in reply. 


KR-211
Well, I'm just going to call you "Three" then.


DT-5891 indicates to the Viper droid [henceforth known as THREE].


DT-5891
Do you think it can reach that submerged pod?


Three chatters again.


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - MID MORNING

The two Stormtroopers walk near each other.  Three is close to them and carries a rather large rock in its limbs with the hope that it will mask them from the droids.


DT-5891
So where do you suppose those droids came from?

KR-211
Dunno.  It's possible this planet was inhabited

at some point.  They build the droids, the droids

turned against them.  Killed every living thing on

the planet.

DT-5891
Yeah.  Or maybe there was some other faction tried

to conquer the planet.  They dispatched the droids

who kill everything and then they sweep in and take

the planet's resources.

KR-211
Rather effective way of conquering a planet.  Either

way, it's our problem now.


Both Stormtroopers are partially right.  Long before the formation of the Old Republic and the Jedi Order, two space faring civilizations were are war in this isolated corner of the galaxy.  One faction manufactured the droids to repel any foreign invader to their planet.  In response, the other faction maneuvered a highly radioactive fragment of a supernova star in orbit of the planet which killed every living thing except for plants, insects and the droids; droids who are still programmed to defend the planet from foreign invaders.


EXT. Y018/291 - SURVIVAL POD TWO CRASH SITE - NOON

Three emerges from the middle of the lake.  It carries a container in each of its four limbs and floats back towards shore where DT-5891 is waiting.  Three drops the containers near DT-5891 and immediately turns back and over the lake to retrieve more gear from the pod.

KR-211 sits a short distance away.  He has removed his gloves and is monkeying with one of their scanners.  DT-5891 carries one of the equipment containers over to him.


DT-5891
This is working out better than I expected. 

Here, ammo.


KR-211 is oblivious to him but DT-5891 is undeterred.


KR-211
(frustrated)
Trying to reprogram this scanner.  Get it to give

off the same rF band...  Mask us from those droids. 

So far, no luck.


KR-211 stops work with a frustrated groan and puts the device down.


KR-211
Gaaah.  This is beyond me.  There any heavy weapons

in that pod?

DT-5891
Just more ammo for the E-11's.  Some explosives. 

Not a lot.  Most of this stuff is to keep us alive not

fight battles.


KR-211 stands up as Three emerges from the lake again.


KR-211
Couple more encounters with those droids and we'll be

out of ammo.  Have to resort to sticks and stones.

DT-5891
We left a BF-4 back on the speeder.


A short distance behind him, Three drops the heavy container it was carrying.  The container lands with an audible thud.


DT-5891
(cont'd)
And that's our repair kit.


Three again turns and heads back out over the lake.


KR-211
Yeah.  All right.  Then we can press the attack. 

Have the tactical advantage.


BANG!  A laser blast from the far side of the lake rings out.  Three is hit; the shot grazing the droid.  Both Stormtroopers get to their feet and raise their weapons as Three returns to them as fast as it can, listing to one side and smoking from its wound.


DT-5891
They found us!


DT-5891 raises his weapon to return fire but KR-211 stops him.


KR-211
They're out of range.  You'll just be wasting ammo.


KR-211 looks though his monocular again and sees the droids running along the far shore of the lake.


KR-211
(cont'd)
They're circling the lake.

DT-5891
How much time does that give us?


It doesn't take KR-211 very long to do the math in his head.


KR-211
Not enough to get to the speeder bike.


They grab whatever essential gear they need and run away from the lake.  The damaged Three follows behind.  The heavy tool and repair kit remains on the shore of the lake where it was dropped.


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - MOMENTS LATER

The Stormtroopers are again running for their lives.


KR-211
Three, damage assessment.


Three chatters back to KR-211 as they continue to run.  KR-211 suddenly stops.


KR-211
Let me look.


Three floats over near KR-211 who examines the damage.  DT-5891 stands a short distance away.


DT-5891
How bad is it?

KR-211
Dammit, they blew out one of his [heat] regulators. 

It's only a matter of time before his drive core melts

down.

DT-5891
Can you say that in a language I understand?

KR-211
Three's bleeding to death and I can't do anything to

stop it.


KR-211 opens a compartment on Three and begins removing munitions.


DT-5891
What are you doing?

KR-211
He's not going to need these anymore.


KR-211 hands some of the munitions to DT-5891 and then removes one Three's launch tubes.  As he does so, KR-211 gives orders to the wounded Three.


KR-211
Hold them off as long as you can.  Final command:

Self destruct.  Full charge.


Without any further sentiment, the Stormtroopers run off.  Three is left to face the oncoming droid mob on its own.  The Viper droid rights itself as best it can and then rises up into the trees.


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - CONTINUING

The Stormtroopers are again running.  Their only hope is that the head start they've been given and whatever protection Three can provide will give them time to reach the damaged speeder bike they were forced to abandon prior to the events of the story.


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - CONTINUING

The killer droids have circled the lake and are in fast pursuit of the Stormtroopers.  Three emerges on their right flank and begins firing on them.  The droids return fire as Three moves in a sweeping arc to place itself between the droids and the path they are taking to the Stormtroopers.  

Three fires its laser cannons and all of its remaining rockets at the droids, doing a considerable amount of damage to the herd.  But, for all the romance and presumed heroics of a last stand, the inevitable happens and Three is struck by enemy fire.  The shot causes the hovering guardian to drop but Three is able to regain gyroscopic control and continues to shoot at its attackers.

Two more shots strike Three.  This time, the Viper droid is knocked backwards and drops to the ground.  The droid herd stampedes towards it and Three activates its self-destruct.
 


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - CONTINUING

KR-211 and DT-5891 stop as they hear a loud explosion reverb off of the trees.  They know that Three has self-destructed.  They are truly on their own and have no guardian to protect them.


KR-211
Maybe Three killed them all.


DT-5891 turns and keeps running.


DT-5891
Not likely.


KR-211 starts running again.


EXT. Y018/291 - RIVER BED - CONTINUING

The Stormtroopers run along a river with embankments on either side.  The river itself is fairly shallow and their steps produce splashes as the water barely reaches their knees.

DT-5891 suddenly stops.  KR-211 carries on for a few steps more and then looks back at DT-5891.


DT-5891
We're never going to make it back to the speeder.


KR-211 looks at the terrain around them.  He points back in the direction where they came.


KR-211
Then we draw them in here.

DT-5891
Bunch them up in between the river beds.


KR-211 points to a downed tree at the crest of one of the banks.


KR-211
We set up shop over there.  This becomes the meat

grinder.  The killing zone.


DT-5891 loves the plan.


DT-5891
Lets go for it.

(or)

Bring 'em on!



EXT. Y018/291 - RIVER BED - LATER

All is quiet along the river bed, save for the constant trickling of water and buzzing of insects.  It's not long before the sound of the droid mob can be heard in the distance, growing to a thunderous crescendo as they round a bend and come into view.

The Stormtroopers lie in wait, covered by the edge of the bank and the fallen tree.  However, the cover does not protect them from the biological scanners employed by the droids.  The droids leading the pack raise their arm mounted weapons at the Stormtrooper's position.


DT-5891
Light 'em up!
(or)
So much for cover!


DT-5891 and KR-211 emerge from their hiding place and open fire on the droids.  KR-211 uses the rocket launcher cannibalized from Three.  He fires one round, which sends attacking droids flying.  KR-211 ducks under cover to reload as DT-5891 provides cover fire with his blaster.  With the droids bottled up in the river bed, DT-5891 is able to pick off one droid after another.

However, the wave of droids keeps pressing forward and they are able to concentrate fire on the Stormtrooper's position.  KR-211 again pops out and fires a rocket into the mob, further reducing the number of droids.


KR-211
Last round!


KR-211 reloads with his last rocket.  DT-5891 keeps him covered.


DT-5891
Now!


KR-211 again emerges from cover, aims and pulls the trigger.  Click.  Nothing happens.  KR-211 doesn't dwell on the equipment failure and simply announces:


KR-211
Fail!  Fail!


KR-211 then throws the loaded launcher tube at the droids.  It lands harmlessly in the water.  KR-211 immediately takes up his blaster and starts shooting.


KR-211
Reload!  Reload!


DT-5891 ducks under the cover.  He pulls the clip from his weapon which is steaming with heat.  He clicks on the heat vent and waits for the gun to cool down.  He then reloads.

DT-5891 emerges from cover and fires off a few rounds.


DT-5891
This is no good!  We need to move.


DT-5891 reaches down and picks up his ammo pack as he begins to back away from their cover.  KR-211 also begins his retreat.  Before he does, he shoots at the base of a tree at the far bank.  One of their rocket shells was left against the tree.

KR-211 shoots the shell, causing it to explode.  The tree falls, blocking the path of the droids and giving the Stormtroopers some time to escape.


EXT. Y018/291 - FOREST - CONTINUING

The Stormtroopers are running for their life.  DT-5891 is ahead of KR-211 but is laboring.  KR-211 passes DT-5891.  DT-5891 slows down and comes to a stumbling stop, catching himself on a downed tree.  KR-211 looks back at his companion and notices the smoldering hole in DT-5891's armor; just above the crown of DT-5891's hip.

DT-5891 drops to the ground, groaning and panting.  KR-211 runs to him and kneels down.  DT-5891 drops his gun and reaches for his helmet.


DT-5891
(struggling)
Can't breathe in this.


He begins to remove his helmet.  KR-211 restrains him and they struggle.


KR-211
What are you doing?

DT-5891
I gotta... Gotta get this mask off.

KR-211
If you take it off, you'll die.


They struggle some more and DT-5891 is able to push KR-211 off of him long enough to take his helmet off.  DT-5891 sighs in relief and begins to look at the world around him, blinking constantly and panting hard.


DT-5891
What a beautiful place.
(or)
It's so quiet.


KR-211 kneels next to him.  DT-5891 looks at KR-211 and can see his reflection in the eyes of KR-211's mask.


DT-5891
Is that what we look like?
(or)
We look like this?


DT-5891 winces in pain and his eyes roll back in his head.  He stops breathing and loses consciousness.  KR-211 is in disbelief.


KR-211
No...


KR-211 shakes DT-5891 and becomes more and more frantic.


KR-211
(cont'd)
You don't... die and leave me... alone... here.


Suddenly, a laser blast from a droid strikes near KR-211.  KR-211 grabs DT-5891's ammo pack and abandons the body.  KR-211 shoots back at his attackers as he runs off into the forest.

Of the one hundred or so droids that originally attacked them, only five now remain.  The droids come across DT-5891's body but pay it no attention.  One droid walks over it in pursuit of KR-211.  The last droid in the mob looks down at DT-5891.  A protective mask covering the its eyes is pulled back.  Dirt has been kicked on the dead man's face and his lifeless eyes look up in to the lifeless eyes of the droid.

The droid has no reaction.  It continues on with its mission.


EXT. Y018/291 - GREAT TREE - CONTINUING

KR-211 has reached a very large and distinct tree in the middle of the forest.  It's as good a place as any to make his final stand.

The first droid comes into view.  KR-211 fires on it and it is soon destroyed.

KR-211 ducks behind the tree and reloads.  The four remaining droids fan out and begin to surround the tree.  KR-211 emerges from cover and shoots the droid on his far left.  One shot from the droid just barely misses him.  KR-211 ducks and rolls.  He spins on the ground and shoots at another droid.  Two attackers down, two to go.

One of the remaining droids shoots KR-211, striking him in the left arm.  KR-211 drops to his knees.  With his one good remaining arm, he aims at the droid and kills it.

However, the last remaining droid is directly behind KR-211.  The droid shoots him, striking the Stormtrooper dead center in the small of the back.  KR-211 falls face down in the dirt.

KR-211 struggles to roll over onto his back.  He yells in pain as he flops over.  The droid continues shooting him.  One shot strikes the ground near his head.  Another hits his now paralyzed leg.  KR-211, with some effort, raises his weapon and fires.  The shot hits the droid in the neck.  The droid, the last of its kind, falls to the ground; decapitated.  

KR-211 lies on the ground.  Knowing the threat is gone, he laughs to himself and then begins to cough.  He is panting and struggling to breathe.  He then announces to no one.


KR-211
I conquer this planet... In the name of the Empire.
(or)
I claim this planet... In the name of the Empire.


The camera position is above KR-211 as he continues to struggle to breathe.  After a half dozen breaths, he exhales for the last time.  Storm clouds darken the skies and rain begins to fall on KR-211's lifeless body.


EXT. Y018/291

A haunting green moon rises over the mountains of the planet known as Y018/291.  It is a lush, beautiful world.  A pristine planet; full of plant, insect and marine life.


THE END

​

​
 

Writer's Notes
On Thursday, November 1st, 2018 I began work on survival story that I had been thinking about.  The story was completed on Sunday, November 4th, 2018.

As is my tradition, my writer's notes are below.  They contain some insight to my thought process and factoids on the story.

What Are You?
This story was written with the intention of becoming a Star Wars fan film.  I had watched a few fan films before writing this.  What struck me is that most fan films are short (less than 20 minutes) and either have a decent script, production or acting.  Very rarely do they have all three.

This film was written to be about 45 minutes in length and with very few actors.  While there are some scenes which may be costly to film, much of this story was written to keep productions costs low yet still be entertaining.

I'm Inspired And Content
Inspiration for this story can be found in such films as Hell in the Pacific and Enemy Mine.  While I have watched a few different survival television shows, no particular show was used as inspiration (because...let's face it, they're all the same....even the clothing optional ones).  Spoiler alert... first you deal with any injuries, then look for fresh water, then shelter/fire, then food.

THE World or A World
The original title was Two Against The World but I soon changed it to Two Against A World.  It's a better use of the article.  Who agrees with me?

Arrive On Planet Y
The name of the planet is inspired by Planet Y from the Ayeron CD's.  The number 018/291 was developed by mashing the numbers 089 and 121 together; which (I think) are the ASCII decimal codes for capital and lower case Y.

Naming Nameless Troopers
• KR-211's digits are derived from 1138 (1+1 = 2 & 3 + 8 = 11)
• DT-5891's name is derived from my favorite band, Dream Theater.  They were founded in 1985, which I reversed to 5891.

At one point, I considered using given names, not their Stormtrooper designations.
• KR-211 was going to be Winden "Windy" (...with no last name developed...).  I was going to leave it ambiguous as to whether or not this is the same Windy who was Luke Skywalker's childhood friend.
• DT-5891 was going to be named Lando Mordon.  The idea was that the name Lando would be a semi-common first name.  His last name is inspired by the Mr. Mordon character from Babylon 5.

No Sympathy For Mr. Stormtrooper
One conscious decision I made was that while I would treat the Stormtroopers as human, I would not make them sympathetic characters.  I personally think it is a mistake whenever a writer "unmasks" a Stormtrooper in an attempt to make the audience feel sorry for them.  Think about it: they are Stormtroopers... you should NEVER feel sorry for them.

Pod People
The survival pods are intended to be similar to those used in the video game Battlefront II.

Speeder Bike
Prior to the start of the story, the two Stormtroopers were on patrol using a speeder bike with a sidecar.  The design of this bike is something that has never been seen before.  The bike broke down, forcing the two troopers to try and get back to their camp on foot.

Alfred Hitchcock coined the term "MacGuffin" for the object that advances the plot of the story.  This could be a golden fleece, a holy grail or a kidnapped child.  To some extent, the speeder bike could be considered as the MacGuffin in this story as it is what the Stormtroopers are trying to get back to... although they never accomplish this goal.

Garthim Droids
The Garthim creatures from The Dark Crystal are among my all time favorite creature designs.  While they are simply a man in a suit, they are so convincing that they appear like real, living creatures (21:15 to 21:35 in the film).  They were the main inspiration for the droids.  I have not worked out the actual design of the droids, but I do want them to have dark, armor-like segments.

On a side note, the planet Thra (the world where The Dark Crystal takes place) is an inspiration for Y018/291.

Raising the Pod
I knew the story would not involve a Jedi but wanted to make some kind of reference to them.  I decided to make KR-211 attempt to raise the second survival pod with the force.  From a filming standpoint, I imagine he will hold out his hand in a manner similar to Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back.

The "vid" that DT-5891 makes reference to comes from a short story I wrote called "Secrets of the Jedi."  The story is an in-universe propaganda film the Empire produced to discredit the legacy of the Jedi.  It reveals certain, falsified "truths" about the Jedi and that their powers were just "simple tricks and nonsense." 

11-3R VIPER DROID
The droid that they find in the third pod is a similar design to the droids that attacked Val in Solo. I named it "Three" because it is the third Imperial character.

Where For Art Thou Star Destroyer?
As explained in the script, the Star Destroyer was recalled to take part in the Battle of Endor.  I haven't worked out if the Star Destroyer was destroyed at Endor or if it was destroyed at Jakku. 

A Really Long Time Ago...
Also explained in the script is the history of the planet.  Two civilizations fought a bitter war against each other.  The two wiped each other out.  The droids, which have somehow survived for 20,000 years, are the only legacy from either civilization.  

Units Of Measure
• Mark - A unit of measure similar to one kilometer or mile.
• rF - A frequency band which measures radioactivity.

Famous (...or Not) Last Words
• DT-5891: "It's so quiet." Inspired by the lyrics to Planet Rain by Devin Townsend ("It's quiet now, quiet now - Cuz it's the end of the world!")

• DT-5891: "We look like this?"  As he is looking at his reflection in KR-211's mask, I leave it ambiguous as to whether or not he means the Stormtrooper helmet itself (...which is the last thing many people have seen before they died).  Or if he means his own reflection as if to suggest it's been so long since he's seen his own face that he does not recognize himself.

• KR-211: "I claim this planet... In the name of the Empire."  It may seem corny, but both Duck Dodgers and Marvin the Martian said something similar during their encounter on Planet X.  This line of dialogue is also behind the film's tag line/alternate title: "The last conquest of the Empire."  As these events are concurrent to Return of the Jedi, it would be factually correct to say this is the last planet the Empire conquered.  



 

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