Godzilla 2012
By Jon Paulo
EXT. INT LAB —
We meet Dr. Hammond an older man with silver hair , beard and glasses in a white lab coat he is seen behind a table with beakers and lab equipment. He's holding a test tube and lightly shaking it while peering inside.
DR. HAMMOND
There. That should do it.
He walks over to a machine and carefully clamps the test tube in place. He hurriedly leaves the room pulling over a hazard suit mask as he closes the door. on the door we see a radioactive sign and other warning signs.
There is a glass booth above him. we look in and see a man working controls.
DR. HAMMOND (CONT'D)
Ok Leonard. Its in place. I'm all clear, please begin the process.
LEONARD
Okay Doc. Process starting now.
Inside the lab we see the 2 ends of the machine have an eerie green glow. The test tube is in the middle of the light and we can see as the liquid inside starts to move. As the machine goes dark Dr. Hammond yanks off his mask and renters the room. He removes the test tube and inspects it closely.
DR. HAMMOND
(smiling)
Success, Leonard! I think we have another viable embryo.
He peers into the test tube. We see a grey gelatinous mass with a dark spot in the middle that resembles an eye.
DR. HAMMOND (CONT'D)
Well, my little friend, not sure what you will grow up to be yet, but let's get you to the incubator with your siblings.
He carries the test tube over to a corner of the lab, there is a table with UV lamps and an incubator machine. inside are 3 clear egg shaped modules with what appear to be small lizard shapes. Dr. Hammond picks up an empty egg case and adds some materials and fluid then carefully empties the contents of the test tube. He seals the container and places it next to the other three.
DR. HAMMOND
That should do it.
Hammond exits the room and sees Leonard still in the control room.
DR. HAMMOND (CONT'D)
Leonard, would you care to join me for lunch?
LEONARD
Sure thing, Doc. I'm just waiting for the reactor to finish powering down. I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes.
DR. HAMMOND
Very good.
Hammond exits the room to a long hallway. There are many people in lab coats walking back and forth along the hall. Dr. Hammond looks at his watch then glances down the hall waiting for the control room door to open. There is suddenly a loud explosion. The hall shakes violently and the lights start to flicker. smoke can be seen at the far end of the hall billowing towards the Dr. People panic and start running down the hall. The control room door swings open and Leonard stumbles out coughing, smoke follows him out.
LEONARD
Dr. Hammond ?!
DR. HAMMOND
I'm here Leonard. What is happening?
LEONARD
Not sure. There was an explosion and the control room started filling with smoke.
Another explosion is heard. Light and ceiling panels fall on top of the two men, they as well as others in the hall are knocked to the ground, flames are seen coming up the hall as the power goes out. Leonard reaches over to the Dr.
LEONARD (CONT'D)
Doc ! Doc! Are you alright?
He reaches for Dr. Hammond pulling him up from the floor. His glasses have fallen off and blood is trickling from a gash in his forehead.
LEONARD (CONT'D)
C'mon Doc. We have to go now.
DR. HAMMOND
Wait. The embryos. We cant leave them behind.
Dr. Hammond attempts to pull away in the direction of the lab. more explosions are heard and Leonard pulls him in the other direction.
LEONARD
Forget them. we have to get out of here!
We see them coming down the hall towards a lobby, people are scrambling to get out the doors. Dr. Hammond trips and falls to the floor. Another explosion is heard and a door behind Leonard blows off its hinges smashing him into the wall followed by a ball of flame engulfing the hall.
OUTSIDE THE LAB
We see dark clouds of smoke billowing from the top of the building. Flames shooting in the air and more smaller explosions blowing off parts of the roof. People are running as fast as they can from the disaster out into the desert. Flames and smoke have engulfed the building. people can be heard screaming.
INT. EMBRYO LAB
We see the incubator has been knocked to the floor, flames are shooting up through the ceiling and it gives way, collapsing inside the lab. the weight causes part of the floor to give and we see one of the clear eggs rolls and falls through the hole.
INT. BASEMENT
There are drums of chemicals strewn all about. Some are open and oozing green liquid on the floor. We can see a label on one of the drums marked "DANGER" RADIOACTIVE WASTE" we then see the egg drop into one of the puddles. Through the gaping hole that was the ceiling we see the entire lab engulfed in flames. A radioactive sign on the wall melts and falls to the floor. We see just a wall of flames and through the flames the title "GODZILLA" appears.
10 YEARS LATER —
EXT. NORTH VEGAS ANIMAL CLINIC
A stunning japanese woman exits the building with another young man beside her. she is holding keys in her hand and walking towards one of the few cars left in the lot. she turns to the other man who is locking the door.
MIKI
Goodnight Stephen. I'll see you in the morning
STEPHEN
Good night Miki
O.S.
Dr. Ogata! Dr. Ogata!
Miki turns to see two young boys running towards her. one is carrying a large cardboard box and appears to be struggling with it. They reach her and are panting trying to catch their breath.
MIKI
Easy boys. what have you brought me now?
BOY WITH BOX
This is the best one yet.
OTHER BOY
Yeah wait till you see this one. Show her Jose.
The boy Jose puts down the box and starts to open the top. Miki leans over to peer inside. inside she sees a brown smooth caterpillar with blue eyes, it is about 2 feet long. It squirms in the box and raises its head slightly, what appears to be the mouth opens and a white web like substance starts to spray. Startled, Miki jumps back a bit.Jose closes the top of the box.
MIKI
This is incredible! Where did you boys find this?
OTHER BOY
we were fishing down by the lake and saw it moving through the leaves. We thought it was a lizard at first.
JOSE
It wasn't moving very fast so I ran and got a box from the bait shop.
a shrill noise emits from the box. Stephen moves over towards Miki and the boys.
JOSE (CONT'D)
I dont think he likes it in there.
STEPHEN
What have you got there boys?
OTHER BOY
a huge caterpillar
MIKI
You have to see this Stephen. This could be our most unique specimen yet. Open the box and let Dr. Martin have a look.
Jose opens the box and Stephen peers inside, the white silk from the caterpillar shoots out catching Stephen on the side of his face. He steps back brushing it off wildly.Jose quickly closes the box again, the faint cry still emits from inside
STEPHEN
Yuk. What is that?
MIKI
It appears to be a defense mechanism of some sort. Lets get it inside and get a closer look.
Carl goes to reach for the box.
OTHER BOY
Hey! dont we get a reward for this one too?
MIKI
(smiling)
Of course boys.
(looks at Stephen)
Stephen. Pay the boys.
STEPHEN
Why do I always get stuck picking up the tab with you?
Stephen reaches for his wallet and hands the boys each a $10 bill. He starts to reach for the box from Jose.
OTHER BOY
Thats it?? we got fifty for the turtle.This ones much better than that.
STEPHEN
You kids are tough negotiators.
(looks at Miki)
Can you believe these little extortionists?
MIKI
(smiling)
They're right though.
Stephen reaches in his wallet and pulls out a $100 bill handing it to the boy.
STEPHEN
Is this better?
OTHER BOY
Yeah! Thats much better. Give him the box Jose.
Jose hands the box to Stephen.
JOSE
Gracias Senor Martin
The boys start to run away
STEPHEN
Hey ! What about the other twenty I gave you?
OTHER BOY
(looking over his shoulder)
Delivery fee.
STEPHEN
(turns towards Miki)
Can you believe them.
MIKI
(laughing)
they're going to be great businessmen some day.
STEPHEN
Yeah. On my dime though.
MIKI
I think it will be worth it. Lets get our new pet inside.
STEPHEN
Easy for you to say. It's not coming out of your pocket.
Miki unlocks the front door and they enter the building.
INT. CLINIC
we are inside the clinic, around us we see tables with test equipment. Along the far wall are rows of cages and aquarium tanks. Miki and Stephen enter the room. She walks over to a large tank that is empty.
MIKI
I think this one should be big enough.
Stephen carries the box to the tank. Miki opens the caged lid. Stephen starts to open the box and tilts it, the caterpillar wiggles out and drops into the tank. Miki quickly closes the lid and they both peer into the tank. The caterpillar moves around and tries to climb up the sides to no avail.
MIKI (CONT'D)
This is simply amazing.
STEPHEN
I've never seen such a big caterpillar before.
MIKI
we've never seen anything like half our collection before. It's like an all new species. I'll run some tests on this one and see if it classifies as another mutation.
Next to the tank they are peering in, we see through another tank. Inside we see a large turtle on a rock. Its almost as big as the rock, with large double sized feet and long claws, the most unique feature are two long tusk like teeth protruding from its bottom jaw.
Miki walks over to a table and picks up a small Geiger counter. She sweeps the probe above the tank containing the caterpillar, the needle moves slightly.
MIKI (CONT'D)
There is a small trace of radioactivity coming from this one too.
She looks at Stephen with a puzzled look on her face.
MIKI (CONT'D)
What were they doing in that lab?
STEPHEN
Beats me. After the accident the government came in and sealed that area off tighter than Fort Knox. All we know is that they were doing some sort of genetic testing out there and one day the place just blew up. Dont know why they had radioactive waste out there either, but that site's been sealed off for the past ten years.
MIKI
Well whatever they were doing, it's definitely having an effect on the surrounding wildlife.
Miki places the geiger counter on the table and slips on her lab coat that was hanging nearby.
MIKI (CONT'D)
I'm so glad you called me here Stephen. Of all my years studying biology this has got to be the greatest discovery I've ever seen. These creatures , even though they are mutations, could turn the scientific world upside down.
STEPHEN
Well. You were the best lab partner I ever had in college. When Mikey and Jose first brought that toad to me, I knew it was more than I wanted to be involved with. You were the first person that came to mind.
MIKI
(smiling)
I appreciate that. But you could have studied these yourself and gotten all the credit.
STEPHEN
Not my specialty. I'm just a simple vet living in the desert and taking care of horses and cattle.
(chuckles)
I'll leave the deep scientific stuff for the experts.
MIKI
I wouldn't say I'm an expert.
STEPHEN
You're brilliant. Graduated at the top of our class. And this..
(points to the caterpillar in the tank, that is still trying to climb the glass walls)
Is your big break and what will make you famous. Soon the whole world will know who Doctor Miki Ogata is.
Miki blushes and smiles
MIKI
Thank you Stephen. You have been a great friend. And dont think I'm taking all the glory for this. Your name will be right next to mine.
STEPHEN
I prefer to stay low key and off the radar. But I will give you all the support you need.
(pauses)
Just not tonight. I have to meet Faith for dinner and now I'm running late.
MIKI
Well go on then. Dont keep the fiance waiting. I'll close up when i'm through here.
Stephen starts to exit the room, looks back at Miki
STEPHEN
Dont stay up too late. I dont want to find you still here in the morning again.
MIKI (WAVING HIM OFF)
Go on. I'm a big girl.
STEPHEN
Yes you are. Goodnight.
The door closes and Miki picks up a large magnifying glass and starts inspecting her new specimen.
EXT. DESERT ROAD AT NIGHT —
We see a lone car traveling down the road. Music blaring from inside.
EXT. INT CAR —
Inside is a young man singing to the music on the radio.
YOUNG MAN (SINGING)
Its the end of the world as we know it. Its the end of the world as we know it. And I feel fine.
EXT. EXT —
We see a tree branch fall into the road in front of the car. The car swerves narrowly missing it.
EXT. INT CAR LOOKING OUT WINDSHIELD —
YOUNG MAN
What the duece?
There is a loud banging noise and the car starts to shake. the driver grips the wheel tighter and ahead in the road we see a gigantic clawed foot stomp down in the middle of it. The driver slams on the brakes and cuts the wheel, the car narrowly misses the foot which has now raised up and set down a bit further away, stopping at the side of the road.
YOUNG MAN (CONT'D)
What the hell is that?
At that moment we see through the side window what looks like a gigantic tail with large spikes protruding from it. It smashes into the car and tosses it like a rag doll through the air and into the side of a tree. The car slides down the trunk crashing on its side.
CUT TO
Stephen Martin is driving down the road towards the Weaver ranch. His phone rings, he answers.
STEPHEN
Hello gorgeous. I'm on my way. I should be there in about 20 minutes. Got held up at the clinic. The boys brought us another pet.
Through the windshield we see the tree branch in the road and off to the side we see the wrecked car.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Oh my god. Honey. I have to go. Theres a bad wreck on the side of the road, I'm gonna check it out and make sure nobodys hurt. I'll call you back in a minute.
Stephen pulls his car to the side of the road and turns his high beams on. He gets out of the car and goes toward the demolished car.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Hello. Are you ok?
He gets in closer and peers into the car, inside we see the young man bloodied and with the steering wheel pressed to his chest.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Hey buddy. Can you hear me? are you ok?
We hear the man groaning, he tries to turn his head towards Stephen. Stephen starts dialing his cell phone.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Dont worry buddy. I'm calling for help. Just relax, we'll get you out of there soon
O.S.
911. Whats your emergency?
STEPHEN
Theres a bad car wreck out here on 93. We need an ambulance right away.
O.S.
Ok. Just relax sir. Are you hurt?
STEPHEN
No. I'm fine. I was driving along the road and saw this car smashed into a tree. The driver looks pretty bad.
O.S.
Okay sir. Just stay on the line. Were sending a rescue crew out right now.
We hear groaning from the car. Stephen peers through the broken windshield. the young man speaks faintly.
YOUNG MAN
giant.....tail
STEPHEN
What? what are you trying to say?
We hear rumbles in the distance and then what sounds like a roar. Stephen looks towards the direction of the road
O.S.
Sir. Are you still there?
STEPHEN
Yes. yes I'm still here. He's not doing well. They need to hurry.
O.S.
They're almost there sir. please...
The phone makes a crackling noise
STEPHEN
Hello. Hello.
(mutters to himself)
Damn! lost the signal.
(looks back in crashed car)
You still with me buddy?
There is no answer. in the distance we can hear the faint wail of sirens. Stephen walks towards the road looking at his phone.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
C'mon, I had a good signal. what happened.
As he's walking in the road staring at his phone, he stumbles over a rock and looks down at the pavement. We see its broken up and theres a giant pothole. The sirens are getting louder. Suddenly his phone rings.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Hello. Oh my god Faith. Its bad, I think the guy might be dead. I'm waiting for the emergency crew to get here.
CUT TO
EXT. INT WEAVER RANCH KITCHEN —
Faith. A beautiful young blonde woman is pacing in the kitchen talking on her phone.
FAITH
I was worried about you. What happened.
INTERCUT AS NEEDED
STEPHEN
I was driving up 93 and saw this car off to the side of the road all smashed up. looks like he might have been speeding and hit this huge pothole i just saw in the road. must have made the car airborn and it smashed into a tree. It's not pretty.
The sirens grow louder still. Stephen can see the faint red and blue flashes in the distance heading towards him.
FAITH
I'm sorry you had to see that. But please get here when you can. Moms just putting the finishing touches on dinner. I dont want it to be cold when you get here.
Outside the weaver residence we can hear horses whinnying and other animals are making a commotion.
O.S.
Damn coyotes. Faith. Will you bring me my shotgun?
FAITH
Yes daddy. Just a minute.
STEPHEN
Whats going on there?
FAITH
The horses are getting spooked. Daddy thinks it might be coyotes again. I'll let you go. See you when you get here. love you.
STEPHEN
Love you too. See you soon. Tell mom I'm almost there.
As Stephen hangs up the phone we see the first of the emergency vehicles arrive on scene. Stephen flags them down. 2 state troopers are first on the scene, the ambulance pulls up behind them. The first trooper exits his vehicle and walks towards Stephen. The paramedics exit the ambulance and proceed to gather thier gear while a fire engine pulls in next to them. The second trooper lays flares in the road and prepares to direct vehicles out of the way.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Evening officer.
TROOPER
Good evening. Did you witness the accident sir?
STEPHEN
No sir. I was coming up the road on my way to my fiances when I almost hit that tree branch.
(pointing back)
I saw the wreck off to the side. The man seems to be alive and moving but I didnt dare touch him. I called 911 right away. The man spoke a little before you arrived. said something about a gale??
TROOPER
(puzzled look on his face)
Gale?
STEPHEN
I'm not sure. it was very faint. But there is a huge pothole in the middle of 93. I'm thinking he ran into that and lost control.
the trooper proceeds to the area of the pothole. sees all the broken pavement, then looks towards the other trooper.
TROOPER
(shouts)
Jerry. We got a huge hole in the road up here.
Jerry walks towards him, gets alongside and sweeps his flashlight over the pothole
JERRY
Wow!
TROOPER
I know. I'm guessing this guy hit that thing hard and lost control. We need to block it off and get DOT on the horn. They need a crew out here to fix it or we'll be cleaning up messes like this all night.
He points back at the wreck site. The paramedics are removing the man from the windshield area of the car. One of them shouts to the troopers.
PARAMEDIC
Better call the ME as well. This guy didnt make it.
We see them laying the body on the stretcher and cover it with the sheet. Stephen lets out a deep sigh.
STEPHEN
Would it be all right if I'm on my way. My fiance and her family are expecting me for dinner and I'm running very late.
TROOPER
We really could use a statement from you.
STEPHEN
Is it possible for me to come by the barracks tommorow to do that.
He reaches for his wallet and removes a business card, handing it to the trooper.
TROOPER
Oh. Dr. Martin. I think that will be alright.
STEPHEN
If there are any issues with that please call me. my cell number is on the card.
TROOPER
Of course Dr. Martin. Have a pleasant night. And thank you for alerting us. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
STEPHEN
(pointing towards the body)
Just wish I could have done more to help him
TROOPER
You did all you could Dr. have a better night. We'll see you tommorow.
Stephen walks over to his car, gets in and drives away slowly. His headlights are now shining on the pothole, we can see more of the size and shape, it looks like a large footprint. He inches around it while trooper Jerry waves him through. He then accelerates down 93 towards the Weaver ranch. His phone rings. he answers on speaker phone.
STEPHEN
Hi honey. On my way, should be there ...
FAITH
(voice through speaker)
Stephen, Stephen! Oh my god.
MR. WEAVER
(fainter in background)
Go on Faith ! Get out of the house!
STEPHEN
Faith!
(louder)
Faith !
Through the speaker we hear a shotgun blast. Then another. Mr Weaver is shouting but its inaudible. There is a loud roar that comes bellowing through the speaker. Stephen frantically picks up the phone.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
FAITH !
There is the sound of splintering wood with a loud creaking and a thundering crash. The phone goes dead. Stephen stomps on the accelerator and the speedometer rises quickly, we then see the outside as the car is speeding down the highway.
EXT. EXT COUNTRY DIRT ROAD —
We see headlights approaching rapidly. Stephens car comes into view bouncing wildly on the dirt road.
EXT. INT STEPHENS CAR —
Stephen swerves around an uprooted tree. Ahead we can see the demolished fence and gate to the ranch driveway. Stephen proceeds through slower and in his lights we see a long rut in the road. it leads up to the ranch house that is totally collapsed. Stephen stops the car and exits. He looks around and sees an overturned tractor and more trees uprooted. The carport roof is on top of the pickup truck that has one side almost flattened. There is a horse head and part torso laying on the ground in front of him.
STEPHEN
(yelling)
Faith !
(beat)
Faith !
He runs towards the remains of the house. starts climbing over debris.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Mr. Weaver ! Charlie!
There is a groaning noise and another part of the house collapses in on itself.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
Faith !
FADE OUT
EXT RANCH DAYTIME —
Miki's car pulls up. There are emergency and military vehicles everywhere. CSI personnel and soldiers are digging through the wreckage and taking pictures. TV news vans are around and reporters are trying to get closer shots of the scene as the police hold them back. She can see the rubble of the Weaver Ranch house in the background. She exits the car and looks around till she spots Stephen Martin talking with a soldier.
MIKI (WAVING)
Stephen ! Stephen!
She starts to run towards him and she is grabbed by the shoulder by a soldier.
SOLDIER
Excuse me miss. Where do you think your going?
MIKI
I Uhh..
A man in his mid thirties has walked up to them and interjects
MAN
Its OK. She's here with me.
SOLDIER
Sorry Dr. Hammond Just doing my job.
MAN
Thank you.
Miki looks at the man in startled amazement.
MIKI
Jack! Jack Hammond?
JACK (SMILING)
How ya been gorgeous? Haven't seen you in years.
He reaches over and gives Miki a big hug
MIKI
Wow. What are you doing here? And my god what happened? It looks like a tornado came through here.
JACK
The question is what are you doing here?
MIKI
My friend Stephen Martin called me early this morning and asked me to come out here as soon as ...
JACK
Martin? Stevie ?
Stephen is walking towards them.
STEPHEN
You two know each other?
JACK
Um.. yeah we dated for a while back in college.
STEPHEN
Really ?? Small world.
Stephen looks over at Miki, smiling.
MIKI
Senior year. After you had left.
JACK
So you two??
STEPHEN
No. no, we were just biology lab partners and good friends,
(grins)
she was too wrapped in her studies for a boyfriend. But enough of the past. Miki, I really need you to see this.
Stephen grabs Miki's hand and leads her through the wreckage. Jack follows. Miki looks around in bewilderment, observing the chaos around her.
MIKI
Stephen? What happened? There weren't any storms reported last night. Wheres Faith?
STEPHEN
I dont know. We haven't found any trace of her or her family. Theres a storm cellar but the entrance is buried under the roof and debris. They haven't heard anything yet.
MIKI
This is so unbelievable. What did this?
STEPHEN
I was hoping you could tell me.
They stop walking. And Stephen points down. We pan out revealing a very large footprint. Miki scans the view, her eyes widening.
MIKI
Oh my god.
She kneels down to get a closer look and is ready to climb down into it, when Jack reaches out for her and pulls her back.
JACK
Easy. Your going to need some protective gear before you go walking around in that dirt.
He reaches to a nearby trunk and pulls out a hazmat suit.
JACK (CONT'D)
We need to suit up and then we get a closer look. I'm not going to be responsible for anybody's hair falling out.
MIKI
Are you saying that footprint is radioactive?
JACK (GRINS)
That's what I'm doing here.
Jack removes 2 more suits and the three slide into them. They proceed into the footprint, Jack is using a Geiger counter.
JACK
Seems like the radiation level has gone down significantly since a few hours ago. Still toxic though. I wouldn't take that suit off yet.
Miki takes a measuring tape and is stretching it from top to bottom of the footprint. She walks over to Stephen and hands him the end.
MIKI
Stephen could you please hold this on that edge.
She points to the backside of the footprint and she walks towards the center of the three points.
MIKI (CONT'D)
Okay. Now to the side over there.
She walks in the opposite direction. She looks down at the measurement then starts to calculate in her head.
MIKI (CONT'D)
Impossible. This creature would be about sixty to seventy five meters tall.
STEPHEN
Jesus. That's bigger than any dinosaur ever recorded. A Brachiosaur was only about twenty meters.
Jack joins them at the center of the footprint.
JACK
I think the radiation may be the key to this things mutated growth. I have a tissue sample that I was going to bring to my father. Not only was he a paleontologist, but at the end of his career he was doing genetics and DNA studies. I was hoping he might give me some insight.
MIKI (EXCITED)
You have a tissue sample? Where? Where did you find it?
STEPHEN
Yeah. Where did you find that? I didnt know anything about that.
JACK
Due to the radioactive properties we put it in a lead box for safety.
(stares at Miki)
I know you would love to see it. Come on, lets get out of this hole.
the three exit the footprint and remove their suits.They proceed towards one of the many makeshift tents set up around the site. Inside are soldiers and scientists busy analyzing their findings. one soldier steps towards them.
SOLDIER
Dr. Hammond.
JACK
Major Adams.
(points to Miki and Jack)
These are my associates. Dr. Miki Ogata and Dr. Steven Martin.
MAJOR ADAMS
Pleased to meet you both. Do we have any updates?
JACK
What we do know so far is that whatever came through here was very big.
MAJOR ADAMS
I think we've already established that. Just how big.
MIKI
According to my calculations, this creature must be at least 60 meters tall.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good lord. Any idea what it might be?
JACK
Were working on it. Have your scout crews found anything? Kind of hard to miss a 60 meter tall reptile, dont you think?
MIKI (QUIZICLY)
What makes you so sure its a reptile?
Jack goes over to a table and picks up the lead box.
JACK
This.
Jack opens the box and reaches in with a pair of tongs, pulling out a dark brown leathery looking piece of skin.
STEPHEN
Where did you find that?
JACK
One of the investigators found it in the debris. They brought it to me and when i checked it out I found it to be radioactive and I knew it was the tissue of a living creature. I haven't had time to get it back to the lab yet, but it definitely appears to be reptilian, wouldn't you agree Miki?
MIKI
I would say the texture is definitely of reptilian nature. I have equipment at Stephens clinic we could take it back there for analysis.
JACK
Why do you have equipment at the clinic?
MIKI
Stephen called me a few weeks ago. Some local boys had brought him an odd specimen and he contacted me to see if I was interested in seeing it. Turns out we've had a few more specimens brought in, and I have determined that they are some sort of mutations, and I did detect traces of radiation.
JACK
What kind of specimens?
MIKI
First they brought us an odd mutated turtle. I had never seen anything like it before. At first I thought it was a new species until I discovered the traces of radioactivity, I then realized it was a mutation. They've since brought a few other odd specimens, a frog, a few insects , and yesterday they brought me a 30 inch caterpillar.
JACK
Wow. I would love to see them. Can we go back to your lab? I'll bring the skin sample.
MIKI
I dont see why not. Will you join us Stephen?
STEPHEN
I think I'll stay here. I need to know what happened to Faith and her family.
MIKI
I understand. Please keep us posted if you find anything.
(she reaches out to hug him)
. I'm so sorry. I pray she is okay.
STEPHEN
Thank you Miki.
(reaches his hand out to Jack)
Good to see you Jack. Take care of her.
JACK
She'll be fine.
(looks back at Miki)
You ready?
Miki nods and Jack picks up the box. They start to walk back towards the gathering crowd.
MIKI
We'll take my car. Its right over here.
MAJOR ADAMS (OS)
Dr. Hammond!
They turn to see Major Adams walking quickly towards them.
JACK
Yes Major.
MAJOR ADAMS
where are you going?
JACK
My colleuge here has a lab that can possibly help me analyze the tissue sample we recovered. Might give us a little more insight into what were up against here. Dr. Martin there will know how to contact us if there are any new developments.
MAJOR ADAMS
Very good. I'll have my men continue the recon patrols, you'll be first to know if we see anything.
JACK
Very good. Also have your men watch those rads. If the level goes to high have them suit up before going any further.
MAJOR ADAMS
Will do Doc. Thanks.
The Major turns and heads back to his command tent as Jack and Miki get in her car to leave. As the Major is walking back we hear his radio
OVER RADIO
We found someone. Repeat we have a possible survivor.
Major adams picks up his radio.
MAJOR ADAMS
Roger that.
(he looks over towards Dr. Martin and calls out to him.)
Dr. Martin! We found someone, come with me.
Stephen runs over to the Major who is walking quickly towards the call.
STEPHEN
Who is it? Male ? Female?
MAJOR ADAMS
Don't know yet. Just got the call.
Ahead we see a group of men holding up a section of wall and framing. We catch a glimpse of blonde hair underneath a pile of rubble. Two men are slowly removing her from the debris. Stephen runs up to them.
STEPHEN
Faith. Oh my god Faith. Are you alright? can you hear me?
MAN 1 (LOOKS UP AT STEPH
She's unconscious right now but shes breathing. Her left leg looks to be crushed but I cant tell if there are any internal injuries.
(shouts out)
Medic! Lets get a stretcher over here.
Two medics come over with a wheeled stretcher. They all carefully pick up Faith and lay her on the stretcher. The ambulance has backed up to them and they proceed to load her in. Stephen climbs in with her.
MEDIC
Sir. You cant be in there.
STEPHEN
This is my fiance. I'm going to the hospital with you.
He kneels beside the stretcher holding Faiths hand.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
It's okay honey. I'm here.
Faiths eyes barely squint open. She tries to speak.
FAITH
Stephen?
STEPHEN
Its me. Honey. Your gonna be alright.
Her eyes close again and her head turns a little.
STEPHEN (TO MEDIC)
Is she ok?
The medic look her over and checks the vital stats.
MEDIC
Shes fine. Looks like shes in shock. What did she see out there?
STEPHEN
I wish I knew.
FADE OUT
INT CLINIC LAB —
Miki enters the lab and turns on the lights. Jack follows her in. In the background we can hear the sounds of the many different animals at the clinic. She reaches for her lab coat hanging by the door and slips it on. Then proceeds to a locker as Jack sets the box down on a table and looks around the lab taking in his surroundings. His attention is drawn to the first aquarium that contains the large caterpillar.
JACK
That is incredible.
MIKI (HANDS JACK A COAT
It's amazing. I've never seen such a big insect.
JACK
At least nothing like this. Where did you say you found this?
MIKI
There are two boys that brought Stephen the first sample. They seem to find these things when they're out fishing by the lake.
JACK
Out by the old genetic lab?
MIKI
I'm not really sure. I'm still learning my way around town. I still haven't been to the Vegas strip and I've been here almost 2 months.
(she chuckles)
Maybe we could get a chance before I leave.
JACK
Ms. Ogata. Are you asking me out?
MIKI
umm... no. But I would like to see Las Vegas. But right now we have work to do, so lets get busy.
Jack removes the sample from the lead box. He places it on the table and reaches for a scalpel, he begins cutting at the piece.
JACK
Wow. This thing is as tough as steel.
MIKI
Whats that?
JACK
Nothing. Just commenting on how tough this sample was to cut. I managed to get a small piece off for you.
(he places it in a small dish and hands it to her.)
For you my dear.
MIKI
Thank you.
She carries the dish to her own table and puts the sample in a slide under a microscope then peers into it.
MIKI (CONT'D)
Now lets see what your made of.
CUT TO
EXT. INT STRATOSPHERE TOWER RIDE WAITING AREA —
A group of people are waiting to board the X-scream ride. A young man named Shane is fidgeting.
SHANE
I don't know about this Megan. I mean seriously, who thought it would be a good idea to shoot out of a tower.
MEGAN
Your not going to chicken out on me now, are you?
SHANE
Can I?
MEGAN
only if you want me to make you look bad.
SHANE
Not really.
MEGAN
Good. Because were on the next ride.
SHANE (SOFTLY TO HIMSELF
great. Can't wait
There is a thundering sound heard inside the tower and it shakes a bit. In the distance sirens can be heard amid the clamor inside the tower. The ride unloads and the next group including Shane and Megan board the car. They are in the front seat and she reaches over to grab his hand.
MEGAN
Are you ready baby? This is going to be great.
SHANE
Ready as i can be. I really have a bad feeling about this.
MEGAN (SMILES)
You'll be fine.
There is more thundering noises outside. Sirens are getting louder and the tower begins to shake.
SHANE
What is that?
MEGAN
The ride powering up. Hang on.
With a woosh the ride launches through the tube and outside over the tower.
EXT. EXT STRATOSPHERE TOWER —
The ride group is screaming with excitement then terror As Shane is the first to see a gigantic dinosaur head looking straight at them. The creature opens its mouth and lets out an ear piercing roar as the train reaches the end of the track in front of it. The windows on the tower shatter.
EXT. INT STRATOSPHERE TOWER —
Just as fast as it exited the station, the train is back inside. Megan is screaming at the operator
MEGAN
Stop the ride! Stop the ride.
Instantly the car shoots back out the track.
EXT. EXT STRATOSPHERE TOWER —
Godzilla reaches out and bats the track as the train shoots out, knocking it off the tower. People are trapped on the drop tower ride screaming in terror as they witness the giant creatures destruction.
EXT. INT STRATOSPHERE TOWER —
Tips of claws rake through observation deck as the creature is batting away the ride train. People are screaming and running for cover. Scrambling for the elevators and stairs. Through the broken glass we can clearly see the monsters head peering inside. The tower shakes and sways violently.
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS STRIP —
People are running in every direction. Police cars and SWAT teams are racing towards the Stratosphere. Behind the creature we see crushed cars and rubble from broken buildings. Fire fighters are trying to douse the flames from a nearby building that's burning. The creature turns its attention from the tower and steps along the strip.
EXT. INT POLICE CAR —
The siren is wailing and through the windshield we catch a full glimpse of the monster for the first time. Its as tall as the Stratosphere, Standing on two legs it looks like a cross between a T-rex and a stegosaur with a row of bony plates running down its back.
COP 1
Jesus. Look at that thing.
COP 2
Unreal.
they are staring at the creature when a massive crowd is flooding the streets running towards them.
COP 2 (CONT'D)
Look Out!
The car screeches to a halt. Barely missing a group of people that has moved around the car and continue running. The two officers exit the car.
EXT. EXT VEGAS STRIP —
The creature starts moving slowly towards them. Its pounding footsteps making cars on the road bounce off the ground. Car alarms are going off everywhere. People are falling down from the ground shaking yet get right up and continue running. The officer on the passenger side reaches in the car and pulls out his shotgun.
COP 1
What the hell do you think thats gonna do against him?
COP 2
Probably nothing but I'm not just gonna stand here and watch.
A SWAT van pulls up beside them. The rear doors fly open and a dozen men in riot gear jump out. Some also carrying rifles. One man is directing the officers.
SWAT LEADER
C'mon! Lets move! Get these people moving off the main strip. You two
(directed at the first 2 cops)
grab a gun and on my mark we start shooting.
one of the SWAT members tosses a rifle to the first cop. They kneel behind the doors of the cruiser and aim up. The creature is just a few yards from them. All we can see is the massive foot and leg coming towards them.
SWAT LEADER (CONT'D)
Ready. Let him have it. Fire!
All guns blaze. The creature seems completely unfazed by the onslaught.
COP 2
Bullets are just bouncing off him. Were not even tickling it.
COP 1
You got a better plan?
As the creature takes another step a car comes tumbling down the strip and smashes into their cruiser
COP 2
Yeah. We run too.
The officer tosses his gun to the side and starts running to join the fleeing crowd. Some of his fellow officers realizing they are fighting a losing battle, join him.
SWAT LEADER (SPEAKING IN
We need bigger guns! get the military out here asap!
His team scatters as a shadow darkens the street. The SWAT leader looks up to see a massive foot as it crashes down on top of him.
EXT. EXT CONSTRUCTION SITE —
As the creature lumbers past, There is a large crane with a steel girder hanging from its hook. Inside we see a man staring up at the creature. frozen in fear. Another man has opened the cabin door and is trying to pull him free.
CONSTRUCTION WORKER
C'mon Charlie! We got to get out of here!
He hits a lever by accident and the crane lurches backward. The creatures head turns towards them as it catches the movement. It lets out a bellowing roar.
CONSTRUCTION WORKER (CONT'D)
Oh shit!
He leaps off the crane and starts to run. The creature steps forward and Charlie seeing his friend in danger starts working the levers. He swings the crane boom and smashes the girder into one of the creatures legs. It stumbles backward and starts to fall.
EXT. INT CIRCUS CIRCUS DOME —
People are still trying to escape the building. through the dome we see the monster falling, then crashes through the glass dome sending glass and debris flying everywhere.
EXT. EXT CONSTRUCTION SITE —
The creature rises up from the rubble of the dome and swings its massive tail towards the crane that had just knocked him over. The tail impacts the crane, lifting it into the air, across the strip crashing into the Riviera casino.
Godzilla restarts his journey down the Las Vegas strip. On the street some people are moving towards the wreckage of the Riviera where slot machines are scattered on the ground, chips and money are scattered about as well as bodies. As one thug is picking up the loose treasure, Godzilla's tail is dragging , missing the man by mere inches. He is reaching down for more money when he falls to the ground and starts holding his face. His hair starts falling out in clumps and his clothes are smoldering and melting off. He lets out a scream and slumps to the ground.
Godzilla roars as he lumbers forward. His tail lifting and dropping as he moves forward.
We then see the thugs hand, money blowing away in the wind as the skin is melting from the hand
EXT. INT NORTH VEGAS ANIMAL CLINIC —
Miki is peering into her microscope. She looks up and jots a few notes. Jack looks over from his own work.
JACK
Have you isolated the gene thats causing that regeneration?
MIKI
Near as I can tell its using the same basis as some amphibians. How they can regenerate a lost tail. But I cant understand why its at such an accelerated rate.
JACK
Well we know the radiation is a key factor. Somehow this creatures cells have absorbed it and is energized by it.
MIKI
Do you think that this small piece will regenerate into another creature?
JACK
Lets hope not. But I don't think so. I think it still needs a certain percentage of cells to grow a new body, most notably would likely be brain or spinal tissue. We have a lot of tests to....
Miki's phone starts ringing. She looks at it, the flips it open to answer.
MIKI
Stephen! Is everything ok? Hows Faith?
we hear Stephens frantic voice through the phone.
STEPHEN (FILTERED)
Have you been watching this?
MIKI
No. We've been in the lab working. Its amazing what we've found. I can't wait to see the creature this sample belongs to.
STEPHEN (FILTERED)
Then turn on the TV.
JACK
Whats going on?
MIKI
What channel?
JACK
Oh my god.
He gets up and inches closer to the TV. Staring in disbelief at what he sees.
The phone drops from Mikis hand as she stands frozen staring at the images in front of her on the screen.
FOCUS ON TV SCREEN
We see a local newscast logo, the words "Live" on the screen. Images of the Wynn hotel in the background with Godzilla moving towards it. The camera pans back to the newscaster, a beautiful woman with long curly red hair is standing in front of the Stratosphere lobby. Firefighters and rescue crews are helping people out and over the rubble.
NEWSCASTER
This is Barbara Banner reporting live from the Stratosphere. Police are asking all citizens to evacuate the Las Vegas strip as quickly as possible. All hotels and casinos must cease operations and aid guests in evacuation procedures. The creature is destroying anything in its path and authorities are unsure of which direction it will take.
the camera pans out and we see a suburb in ruins. It looks like a tornado has gone through with trees toppled, cars flipped over, and houses lying in ruins, a schoolbus is seen crashed through the roof of a house. Flames and smoke are everywhere.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
The creature first appeared about two hours ago just outside of Sunrise Manor. It was first sighted by golfers at the Desert Rose golf facility. what originally was thought to be a hoax became a nightmare of reality when the creature made its way to Boulder Station.
The picture cuts to a view of Boulder Station in flames. Firefighters working frantically to contain the blaze.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Military personal are coming in from Nellis and Twenty Nine Palms to aid in the evacuation procedures. Local police and SWAT units have been unable to stop the creature and it is yet unknown what plans the military has to halt the creatures rampage.
Miki is still staring at the images with a shocked look on her face. The camera once again pans to the image of The creature as he is passing the Wynn.
MIKI (SOFTLY)
Gojira.
JACK (LOOKS BACK AT HER)
Godzilla? What's Godzilla?
MIKI
When we were kids my grandfather would tell us stories of a great monster. A force of nature that would be created by mans ignorance and would seek its revenge by destroying man and his cities. The human race would be powerless to stop this creature. He called it God
(pause)
zilla.
She peers past Jack. Focusing again on the image of Godzilla on the screen.
JACK
Fitting name.
He reaches out and grabs her hand.
JACK (CONT'D)
Come on.
MIKI
Where are we going?
JACK
You wanted to see the Vegas strip.
He pulls her along to the door of the lab.
EXT VEGAS STRIP —
Godzilla smashes through the pedestrian walkway that leads from the fashion show mall.
We see people running from the Venetian and Treasure Island. Actors dressed as pirates on the boat, scrambling to get off. most leap in the water and try to get to a ledge to climb out. The ground is trembling beneath godzilla's footsteps. Cars are abandoned in the streets and thousands of people are running down the strip.
Godzilla passes the Venetian. The gondolas float empty in the canals. Cars that are not crushed by the creatures footsteps are flung to the side. Some swept into the man made canal outside. His tail swings side to side toppling the small bridges and tossing the statues into the walls of the hotel.
Godzilla looks suddenly to his right. He leans down seeing the lagoon around Treasure Island. He drops down to all fours and leans his head into the cool water and drinks. A crowd of terrified people rushes out the lobby door,they stop and watch in awe as the pirate ship has drifted towards him. Some people are taking pictures when the ship bumps into the side of his massive head. He quickly rises, water runs like a waterfall down his bottom jaw. People scream and run back into the lobby as reaches out for the ship with his front claws. He grabs the bow of the ship and smashes into it.
The front of the ship now a splintered wreck it rolls to its side and starts to sink nose first till it contacts the bottom. Godzilla rises and roars. He turns again towards the strip, his tail tearing thru Harrahs casino, breaking windows and tossing slot machines and gaming tables to the street.
Godzilla continues on as the front of Harrahs collapses on itself where his tail had just passed through, weakening the structure.
EXT. INT WHITE HOUSE MEETING ROOM —
There are a group of men around a table. There is ongoing talk amongst them, they are debating on a new military project. There is a knock on the door and a colonel enters with his aide.
COLONEL
Excuse me gentleman ,Mr. President.
(he looks at the man at the end of the table)
We have a situation that needs your immediate attention.
PRESIDENT
What is it colonel? We are in a very important meeting here.
COLONEL
Very important sir.
He reaches to a control panel and punches a few buttons, a panel opens on the wall revealing a TV screen. The screen shows a CNN report live from Las Vegas. The President and his cabinet are staring at the screen seeing the footage of Godzilla as he is breaking through another pedestrian bridge in front of Caesars Palace.
PRESIDENT
Dear god. What the hell is that?
COLONEL
We're not sure sir. It appeared in vegas a little over an hour ago.
GENERAL (SITTING NEAR TH
Is it a biological weapon of some sort?
COLONEL
I'm sorry sir. I do not have any more information on its origin or why it suddenly showed up in Las Vegas. What we do know is that many of the hotels have sustained major damage, We have been trying to evacuate the city but it has been very difficult.
(he looks back at the screen then back to the group)
. There are reports that people are still in some of the major hotels and may be unaware of whats actually happening outside. We do not have any solid numbers but the casualties so far are estimated to be in the thousands.
PRESIDENT
So what are we doing about this thing? What actions have we started?
COLONEL
Nothing yet sir. Thats why I'm here. Forces from Nellis have scrambled and we have a squadron of Apaches ready to engage, but with all the civilians still present, well sir, nobody has made the next call.
The President rises from his chair. He folds his hands across his back and paces back and forth. He looks over at the screen, he can see people running in the streets. Pieces of buildings and other rubble raining down around them.
PRESIDENT
Gentleman. this is a decision I was not prepared to make. There is a risk of great collateral damage if we engage this creature.
GENERAL
Sir. From what I'm looking at, if this thing keeps on this path, there is going to be a lot more damage than we can inflict. I say we engage this thing and stop it now.
PRESIDENT
For chrisakes Jim. There are civilians down there. We cant just start raining missiles on the Las Vegas strip.
GENERAL
Sir. With all due respect. From what I'm seeing, there isn't going to be a Las Vegas strip unless we act now.
CABINET MEMBER
Jim has a point Mr. President.
PRESIDENT
Can we try to lure the creature away from the strip first? maybe get him in a less populated zone and then attack.
COLONEL
Its chaos on those streets sir. We have people running in every direction to get out of this things way. We wouldn't know where to begin and we don't have a lot of time.
The president stares back at the screen. Taking in the images and ponders.
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS STRIP —
Godzilla moves forward. He eyes the big pool at the Bellagio. He looks around warily and sees no imminent danger. People are running from the fountain as Godzilla gets closer. He is about to step into the pool when the water erupts around him. The fountains shoot high in the sky causing Godzilla to step back quickly. As he does, his dorsal plates get caught in the structure of the Eiffel tower at Paris. He lets out an ear piercing roar and struggles to pull his body away from the structure. The fountains continue their majestic show blasting plumes of water.
Godzilla pulls away, the tower caught on his dorsal plates. He leans over and shakes his body, trying to dislodge the metal tower. It breaks free and flies across the street smashing into the front of the Bellagio. People below are dodging chunks of brick and steel as it rains down on them.
Godzilla turns and continues down the boulevard. His tail swinging by already mangled Paris lobby. It knocks down more supports and the face of the building collapses.
EXT. INT WHITE HOUSE MEETING ROOM —
The group watches in shock as they see whats left of the Paris hotel. Godzilla has regained his footing and is staring at the fountains.
CABINET MEMBER
All those people.
GENERAL
Mr. President! We have to act now.
The president looks back at his cabinet. A solemn look on his face.
PRESIDENT (SPEAKING SOFT
I have no other choice. Give the order to engage the monster. God have mercy on those poor people.
EXT. INT APACHE HELICOPTER —
PILOT
Orders in. We are go. I repeat. We are go. Engage the monster. All units follow me.
EXT. EXT VEGAS SKY —
Three apache helicopters turn and hold formation as they head towards Godzilla.
EXT. INT APACHE HELICOPTER —
OVER RADIO
Holy shit! Look at that thing.
PILOT
Cut the chatter McCluskey. Ok team lets wait till he gets centered on Harmon. Break away and lets come from behind. That should keep all fire away from the Monte Carlo and the heaviest crowd. I'll come straight in and aim for the head. McCluskey you take the right flank and aim for the legs. Takarada you take the left. Lets strafe him with the chain guns first. Save the missiles for if we really need them. Move in.
EXT. EXT VEGAS STRIP —
Mikis car works its way through rubble and debris till it reaches what's left of the Stratosphere. Military vehicles are blocking the way. Jack in the drivers seat, stops the car. He and Miki exit.
Jack sees Major Adams with a group of soldiers. They are loading shells into trucks with large Howitzer guns.
JACK
Nick! Nick!
Major Adams sees them and waves for them to come over.
MAJOR ADAMS
Hammond. You crazy bastard. What the hell are you doing here?
JACK
Came to see Godzilla in person.
MAJOR ADAMS
God what?
MIKI
Godzilla. I named the creature.
MAJOR ADAMS
Well isnt that sweet. Maybe you can get a leash on your little pet.
Miki turns her gaze from him and down the street. We see smoke billowing all around and a path of destruction.
JACK
Hey! Go easy on her. She's here trying to help us figure out what your up against here.
MAJOR ADAMS
Were up against a big friggin lizard that just wasted half the Las Vegas strip. And if you look that way
(points to the three apaches approaching Godzilla)
you'll see that were about to lay down some payback.
EXT. ON GODZILLA —
Godzilla stands still ands watches curiously as the three strange flying things approach closer.
EXT. INT APACHE —
PILOT
On my mark we open fire. Ready. Fire!
EXT. EXT GODZILLA —
The three choppers guns start blazing. Godzilla hunches over as the bullets tear into his body. He lets out a roar of pain as the choppers fly past him.
MCCLUSKEY
He's still standing
PILOT
Then lets hit him again
They turn in formation and come back for another pass. Once again the guns blaze. Bullets rip into Godzillas body. He roars again and this time reaches out to the approaching choppers.
EXT. INT APACHE —
The pilot sees the monster reach for him. He slams the flight stick and the chopper dives right. Godzillas claws missing him by mere inches.
EXT. ON GODZILLA —
He turns to see the apache fly off and join the second. The third one has fired another barrage into his left leg and as it trys to pull away, Godzilla swipes his mighty tail, it connects with the chopper and sends it careening to the street below where it explodes on impact.
EXT. INT APACHE 2 —
MCCLUSKEY
Oh shit. He just took out Takarada.
PILOT (OVER RADIO)
I see that. the guns aren't fazing him. Switch to the Hellfires and lets make another pass. Don't get too close.
MCCLUSKEY
Roger that.
Godzilla watches as the flying machines turn around again. His eyes narrow as they approach him.
MCCLUSKEY (CONT'D)
I've got a lock. Fox Two.
The missile launches from the Apache. It heads straight for Godzilla hitting him directly in the chest.It explodes on impact and he falls back crashing into a building. The first chopper also lets loose a missile. It slams into the fallen monster with a big explosion.
There is smoke billowing. No one can see the monster.
MCCLUSKEY (CONT'D)
I think we got him Captain.
PILOT
Great job McCluskey. Cant see anything through the smoke. Lets make another pass and verify the creatures down.
MCCLUSKEY
Roger that.
As the copters turn to make another pass, Godzilla rises from the rubble. He lets out a defiant roar.
MCCLUSKEY (CONT'D)
He's up! Repeat. The monster is still up.
From behind we see Godzilla's dorsal fins light up. He stares at McCluskey's approaching chopper and opens his jaws wide. A green mist shoots from his mouth.
MCCLUSKEY (CONT'D)
What the hell
McCluskeys chopper is touched by the mist and instantly explodes. the pieces of the chopper fall to the ground.
PILOT
Fox two!
The first pilot manages to launch another Hellfire but this time Godzilla sidesteps and the missile rockets past him and impacts the Planet Hollywood hotel.
The chopper turns to evade Godzilla, but his dorsals glow again and another blast of mist shoots from his mouth. It envelopes the first chopper and it too explodes in a great fireball.
Major Adams and his platoon watch in shock as the second chopper is incinerated. He looks to Miki and Jack.
MAJOR ADAMS
How did he do that! What was that stuff?
MIKI
I don't know.
JACK
It was like a radioactive spray. A nuclear weapon of sorts.
A soldier approaches the Major. He's holding a radio in his hand.
SOLDIER
Sir. I have the Colonel on line for you.
MAJOR ADAMS
(takes the radio)
Adams.
COLONEL (OS)
Adams. We have an offensive forming at McCarran. We need your team moving forward to Flamingo and hold a defensive line there. We have air support covering perimeter.
MAJOR ADAMS
Roger that.
COLONEL (OS)
We have a team that is out retrieving special intel. Be expecting a Dr. Hammond. he may be able to give some guidance on a weakness in the beast.
MAJOR ADAMS
Dr.Hammond? Jack Hammond? I have him here sir.
COLONEL (OS)
No. William Hammond. He is being sent by the president himself.
Jack gets a shocked look on his face and leans in closer to the radio.
MIKI
Who's William Hammond?
JACK
He's my father.
Major Adams looks at Jack with a shocked look. Then makes a shushing motion towards them.
MAJOR ADAMS
Did not copy that. Please repeat.
COLONEL (OS)
Under presidents orders follow this mans advice. You will coordinate with Major Fetty. He's in command of the forces from Twenty Nine Palms. Tank battalion should be on site at 1700 hours. Updates will follow.
MAJOR ADAMS
Roger. Copy that.
(looks back to Jack)
What do you mean "Your Father"?
JACK
I'm as shocked as you. He's been living by Lake Mead in seclusion for years. Even I haven't seen or heard from him in years.
MAJOR ADAMS
I don't understand. Who is he? What does he know?
JACK
My father's first love was paleontology. He later studied and excelled in genetics. He used to always say that someday they would find a way to retrieve dinosaur DNA and maybe even clone one.
MIKI
Wow. I've heard of many people and companies trying to accomplish that. Nobody has had any solid breakthroughs yet.
MAJOR ADAMS
Well it looks like somebody has.
(pointing towards Godzilla)
There's your proof.
They look over and watch as Godzilla has stopped and leaned down.
CUT TO
Godzilla is holding his hand over his chest. We see a large wound where the missile had struck. Godzilla almost squats down, his head tilts towards the wound. Gently his tongue flicks out and he licks his wound.
MIKI
(shouts)
Look.
(pointing towards Godzilla)
He's not moving. I think they really injured him.
The group looks over and sees Godzilla licking his wounds.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good. We did hurt him. This might be the time to finish him off before he can do anymore damage. Lieutenant!
( he motions for the soldier to come over)
Get me the colonel on the line.
LIEUTENANT
(salutes the Major)
Yes Sir!
The lieutenant goes to the communications console and dials in for the colonel.
Godzilla has risen. He walks forward slowly towards the towering MGM grand.
The lieutenant has handed the major his radio.
MAJOR ADAMS
Colonel. Godzilla seems to be seriously wounded. Request permission to strike with 50 calibers while he's weak.
COLONEL (OS)
Godzilla?
MAJOR ADAMS
Yes sir. The doctors here have given it a name.
COLONEL (OS)
Fine. We will refer to target as Godzilla. Negative on engagement. We are going to lure him to McCarran. To many civilians still in the Tropicana block.
VOICE (O.S.)
Godzilla. Thats a very interesting name.
The major turns and sees Dr. William Hammond standing there with two MP's. Jack and Miki also turn from watching Godzilla to see the voice.
JACK
Dad?
DR. HAMMOND
Hello son.
(he nods at Jack, then turns to Miki)
And who is this beautiful woman.
He turns towards Miki and as he does we see the side of his face is badly burned and scarred. Miki seems surprised at first but offers her hand.
MIKI
I am Miki Ogata. I am very pleased to meet you Dr. Hammond.
Dr. Hammond takes her hand and gently kisses it.
DR. HAMMOND
The Pleasure is all mine miss Ogata.
JACK
Thats Dr. Ogata.
DR. HAMMOND
Oh. My mistake.
(bows his head to her)
Dr. Ogata.
JACK
Miki is a leading biologist from Japan. We went to school together and then she went home after graduating.
DR. HAMMOND
So what brings you here doctor?
MIKI
My good friend Stephen Martin runs an animal clinic in town. Some local children had brought him a strange looking species and he contacted me to see if I was interested. Since then there have been others and I have stayed here studying them.
Dr. Hammond gets a puzzled look on his face.
DR. HAMMOND
What kind of species?
JACK
Odd mutated creatures that just happen to have traces of radioactivity. But you wouldn't know anything about that,
(he smirks at the Dr.)
now would you dad?
MIKI
You were part of that lab team that had the explosion years ago?
DR. HAMMOND
Ah yes. Thats how I came to look like this. They said I was lucky. I wish I could say the same for my assistant Leonard. He was a good man. And so young. He would have admired this,
(beat)
Godzilla.
MAJOR ADAMS
I don't think anybody could admire what this thing has done.
DR. HAMMOND
No. Of course not. But the creature itself is remarkable to see. We did not forsee this though.
MIKI (QUIZZICALLY)
Are you saying that you created Godzilla?
DR. HAMMOND
Not directly. I was working on a cloning project. We were..
JACK (INTERRUPTING)
Trying to make dinosaurs!
DR. HAMMOND
Well yes. But.
JACK (INTERRUPTING)
But you created this instead.
( he waves his hand around, pointing out the destruction)
Someday.. Man will learn to leave nature alone.
DR. HAMMOND (GRUFFLY)
You should talk. Playing with radiation and nuclear science.
Major Adams steps between the two men.
MAJOR ADAMS
Gentleman. We do not have time for arguing. We need to move forward to our next position. Doc.
(looks to Hammond Sr.)
I need you to fill me in on what you know about our dinosaur friend here as we do that. OK.
He turns to his lieutenant.
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
Lieutenant. Lets get this platoon moving to checkpoint Flamingo.
LIEUTENANT
Yes Sir.
(salutes, then turns to the troops)
Ok men. You heard the Major. Lets move out.
The jeeps with the 50 calibers in tow move first. The Humvees follow, and the Major and his group follow the troops forward. They are watching Godzilla who has stopped at the MGM Grand.
EXT. INT. ROOM AT THE MGM GRAND —
The sound of fire alarms echo in the room. There is commotion outside the door. A woman groggily lifts her head off a pillow on the bed and looks over at a man next her. He is sleeping, an empty bottle of Crown Royale still in his hand. She leans over and shakes him to wake up.
WOMAN
Mike. Mike.
(she shakes him a little more)
Mike.
He stirs a little, groans and his eyes start to open.
MIKE
Ohhh. my head.
(he sits up and clutches his forehead)
What time is it?
WOMAN
I don't know. But I think there's a fire in the hotel.
There is a loud thundering noise. A glass on the nightstand clinks as it shakes on the table. There is another loud noise.
MIKE
What is going on out there?
Mike gets off the bed and goes to the window. He slides open the blinds and the late afternoon sun instantly brightens the room. He shields his eyes from the sudden brightness. His eyes focus and through the window he sees Godzilla's massive head looking at him.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Jesus Christ! Cammi you've got to see this.
EXT. EXT MGM GRAND —
Godzilla has stopped and stares at his reflection in the glass walls of the hotel. He takes a small step forward then tilts his head back, letting out a challenging roar.
Godzilla eyes his reflection roaring back at him. His dorsals glow and he lets loose his radioactive breath. It strikes the glass wall and the reflection. Glass shatters and falls to the ground. Flames and smoke pour out of the gaping hole that was a moment ago Mike and Cammi's room.
INT HOSPITAL ROOM —
We see Faith lying in a hospital bed. Her eyes are closed. Stephen is sitting on a stool beside her, holding her hand. His eyes are fixated on the TV.
On screen we see "live" news footage. Traffic is backed up. People are honking their horns. Military vehicles are stopping to pickup civilians that are running on foot.
The scene changes to McCarran airport.Planes are being moved while some takeoff. Tanks are seen moving in down the runways. Helicopters are dropping off supplies.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
It is chaos on the streets as locals and thousands of tourists are trying to escape the creature now known as Godzilla, who has been tearing up Las Vegas Boulevard. The National Guard and Marines have been trying to get people away from here safely. They are urging all citizens to evacuate to the north east, a shelter and refugee camp are being set up at Nellis Airforce base.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.) (CONT'D)
With the last few full to capacity flights off the ground, the marines have begun setting up their offensive for Godzilla at the McCarran International airport. They have set up a perimeter and are urging all citizens to not come near the airport. There is a plan to lure Godzilla..
Faith stirs in the bed. Her eyes open slowly yet only half way. She looks over to see Stephen holding her hand. She smiles a little.
FAITH
Stephen?
STEPHEN
Oh honey. I was so worried about you.
He leans over and plants a kiss on her forehead.
FAITH
Ohh.. I feel terrible. Wheres my mom?
STEPHEN
i dont......
FAITH
My dad. Oh no Daddy!
She starts to sit up but Stephen stops her and tries to lay her back down.
STEPHEN
Easy. Easy.
She struggles to sit up. Her eyes focus on the TV. Onscreen we see the scene of Godzilla as he pulls away from the Paris hotel. Faiths eyes fully open wide.
FAITH
Oh my.
Stephen grabs the remote and kills the power to the TV.
STEPHEN
I am so sorry honey. I didn't want you to have to see that again.
FAITH
(looks at him with a confused look)
Again? Stephen. That's not the monster that attacked our house.
CUT TO
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD —
Major Adams platoon is just passing the Wynn hotel. The lieutenant looks to him.
LIEUTENANT
Major. Colonels on the line.
The Major takes the radio.
MAJOR ADAMS
Yes Colonel.
COLONEL (OS)
Major. I need your unit to set up a defensive around the Wynn. You and the doctors will run a command center from the roof. It should be our best vantage point. Guard will be running evacuations to the north east. You also have a camera crew enroute. Let them setup in your command center. We have lost visuals here. No live reports since the failed Apache run. Keep us posted.
MAJOR ADAMS
Yes sir.
(looks back to the lieutenant)
You heard the colonel. Lets get these men back to the Wynn and set up camp. You there.
(points at a young soldier by a jeep)
I need that jeep.
(turns to the 3 scientists)
Okay doctors. All aboard. We're setting up a new camp.
(back to the lieutenant)
Lieutenant. You coordinate the forces down here. I want those Howitzers pointing in that direction. If that lizard gets anywhere near this building you have my permission to open fire and blast it into kingdom come. I also need you to send a squad up to the roof with supplies. Communications, tent, water, and it wouldn't hurt to send a little firepower up too. Just in case.
LIEUTENANT
(salutes)
Yes sir!
The Major and the doctors get into the jeep and drive off towards the entrance of the great hotel.
A voice is heard over the radio.
VOICE (O.S.)
Sargent Sheppard of National Guard. Can anybody here me?
Jack is sitting up front with the Major who's driving.
MAJOR ADAMS
Get that. Would you?
JACK
Sure.
he reaches for the radio. Holds in the button.
JACK (CONT'D)
Your with Major Adams here. Go ahead.
SARGENT SHEPPARD (O.S.)
Running evacuation. From Chinatown.Came out from the north....
(static)
Can't hold it down...
(static)
heading your way.
There is a loud crashing noise and the radio goes all static.
JACK
Sargent Sheppard. Come in. Sargent. Sargent!?
(looks at the Major)
. I think we lost him. Says he's heading this way though.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good. can use all the man power we can get.
(they pull up the driveway to the main lobby.)
Were here. Lets hope they still have power.
(Cranes his neck and peers up to the roof of the building)
I'm not about to take those stairs up.
CUT TO
EXT. INT HOSPITAL ROOM —
STEPHEN
What do you mean thats not the creature? They have been following that thing all day. It appeared on the Vegas strip a few hours ago.
FAITH
I'm telling you Stephen. That's not it.
STEPHEN
Look. Faith. You've been through a lot. Your still groggy from all of this.
She reaches over and grabs the remote, turns the TV on. There is an image of a reporter talking and giving evacuation instructions. She flips the channel, more talk, again, again, finally an image of Godzilla when he was at Treasure Island. Faith stares at the image.
FAITH
Oh Stephen. What is happening?
STEPHEN
I don't know honey. But this thing is destroying Las Vegas.
FAITH
You'll see. Its not the only one.
She starts flipping through the channels again.
CUT TO
EXT. EXT. MGM GRAND —
Godzilla turns from the burning hole in the face of the building. He looks to the north and sniffs the air. His eyes squint. He throws his head back and lets out a loud roar.
EXT. EXT HIGHWAY —
Cars are packed bumper to bumper on the highway overpass. We focus in on a car. A man is in the drivers seat, his wife next to him, their young daughter is strapped in a booster seat behind him. The man is blowing his horn. The wife looks at him.
WIFE
I don't think that's going to help. Nobody's moving Jason.
JASON
This is ridiculous.
(slams his hand on the steering wheel)
How do we evacuate if the highway is all jammed up.
There is a thundering noise heard, it gets louder and closer. In the backseat, the little girl lets out an ear piercing scream. People start opening their doors and scrambling out of their cars Jason looks to his left.
We see the cause of the commotion. Heading towards them is a gigantic creature. It is moving rapidly towards them on all fours. It is shaped like a stegosaur, it has bony plates behind its neck running halfway up its back in a parallel line. In the center and down to the tail are what looks like rows of giant spikes. It's head is small but protrudes into a long snout that is filled with sharp jagged teeth.
Jason throws open his door and exits the vehicle. he swings open the rear door and starts to unbuckle his daughter. His wife is just sitting in the passenger seat staring at the approaching monster.
JASON (CONT'D)
C'mon Debbie! Get out of the car!
Small buildings crumble beneath the approaching monster. The highway rocks with every step it takes. Explosions are going off everywhere it steps as cars explode.
Jason runs around to the passenger side. He clutches his daughter in one arm and opens the passenger door with the other. He reaches for his wife, pulling her out of the car.
JASON (CONT'D)
Lets go! Come on!
He holds her hand. They start running with the rest of the panicked crowd.
The creature reaches the overpass. Looks at whats blocking his path. It then rears up on its hind legs. Its front legs come crashing down on the mass of cars, crushing them like tin cans. As the creature tries to climb onto the overpass, its massive weight causes the overpass to collapse.
Jason and Debbie are running as the road beneath them starts to give way. Jason stumbles almost dropping his daughter. He is being pulled backwards. He looks back and sees the overpass is gone and he is barely standing on the edge, his wife is gripping his hand tightly, hanging on for life as her body is swinging in the air over the edge. Jason puts his daughter down.
JASON (CONT'D)
Stay right here baby.
(he looks down to his wife)
I've got you honey.
WIFE
Jason! Help me!
JASON
I'm trying.
He reaches his other hand down to grab her free hand that is flailing.
JASON (CONT'D)
Come on. Reach for my other hand.
She latches on. Below and behind her a car explodes. Jason leans back and pulls with all his might. She makes it to the top. She scrambles up, Jason picks up his daughter and they start running again.
As they are running away, the creature moves forward. It moves its head side to side, lowering it into the crowd and inhaling people. It's spiked tail gently swinging back and forth contacts the broken overpass where Debbie was just hanging. Pieces of asphalt and concrete where the two just stood, crash to the ground. They continue running narrowly escaping death again.
The creature continues on and lets out a high pitched shrieking noise as it does.
EXT. EXT WYNN ROOFTOP —
Miki and Jack are watching Godzilla through binoculars. He is facing their direction. He appears agitated. His tail is swinging back and forth wildly smashing into various shops and tossing cars into buildings.
MIKI
Whats he doing?
JACK
I don't know. Maybe the missile strike really hurt him.
Miki adjusts her focus to the spot where the missile struck Godzilla. There is still a trace of a wound but it has shrunken.
MIKI
I don't think so. Look Jack. It's healing.
MAJOR ADAMS
I don't believe this!
They look over. The major is looking to the north west. They see plumes of smoke rising, then hear the high pitched shriek.
DR. HAMMOND
Fascinating. I think that's some sort of stegosaurus.
JACK
Are you kidding me!? There's another one. Jesus dad, how many of these things did you people create out there?
DR. HAMMOND
There were a few embryos. But that was as far as we got. Nothing more than embryos. I don't understand where they are coming from.
Mikis phone starts ringing. She fumbles for it in her pocket.
MIKI
Hello. Stephen is everything alright?
INTERCUT AS NEEDED
STEPHEN
No. Faith is okay. She woke up and I was watching the news reports. She saw Godzilla and swears that he wasn't the one she saw last night. I'm worried there might be something else out there.
He hears the shriek of the other monster in the background.
STEPHEN (CONT'D)
What was that?
MIKI
That was the other monster.
STEPHEN
Other monster?
MIKI
Yes. There is another creature, it appears to be heading for Godzilla.
STEPHEN
You need to get out of there. Where are you. I'll come get you if I have to.
MIKI
Don't worry Stephen. I'm okay. I'm with Jack and his father. Were at the military command center. We'll be fine.
The creature has gotten to the boulevard. Less than a few hundred yards from them. Miki stares down at the creature below.
MIKI (CONT'D)
Stephen I have to go. I'll call you back in a little while.
She folds her phone and slips it back into her pocket.
EXT. EXT STREET BELOW —
Below the soldiers see the creature as it steps into the boulevard. They start to swing around the Howitzer cannons, pointing them at the creature. The lieutenant frantically picks up his radio,
LIEUTENANT
Major! We've got another bogie just appeared. Shall we fire on it?
MAJOR ADAMS (OS)
Roger. All guns fire.
LIEUTENANT
(shouts to the troops)
All guns fire on target, repeat, fire on target now!
The Howitzers begin firing at the massive creature. It shrieks in pain as the shells explode against it's tough hide.
EXT. EXT WYNN ROOFTOP —
DR. HAMMOND
What an amazing creature. Now that I see it up close, it more resembles a kentrosaur. But the head is all wrong, the head is like a pterosaur or a crocodile.
MIKI
A mutation.
DR. HAMMOND
Yes my dear. Just like Godzilla is a non identifiable species, it appears Kentragon is also a mutation.
JACK
Kentragon?
DR. HAMMOND
Yes. Yes. I just made that up. Why not. We named Godzilla.
EXT. EXT STREET BELOW. —
The guns blast into Kentragon. It shrieks in pain, its tail swinging wildly, it bats store fronts and bus stops. With another cry the creature falls to its side.
LIEUTENANT
We got him.
(picks up the radio)
Major. Its down. The monster is down. Sending a squad over to verify.
EXT. EXT WYNN ROOFTOP —
JACK
No! Don't let them go near it. It probably has the same radioactive properties as Godzilla. Those men would die of radiation sickness.
MAJOR ADAMS (TAKES THE R
Negative. Do not go near the monster. It may be very dangerous still.
MIKI (SHOUTS)
Look! Godzilla is coming this way!
MAJOR ADAMS
Godzilla is approaching. Reload those Howitzers and wait for my command to fire.
LIEUTENANT (O.S.O
Roger that.
The group watches as Godzilla makes his way back down the strip cautiously He is passing Caesars Palace. Below, Kentragons tail starts to move.
EXT. EXT STREET BELOW —
The soldiers feel the ground shake with Godzillas approaching footsteps. They are watching and barely see the top of his head over the giant hotels as he closes in.
They do not see as Kentragons legs twitch. Suddenly it rolls over and starts to rise.
LIEUTENANT
Oh shit. Its still alive. Fire again!
Kentragon has gotten up and rears back onto its hind legs. The Howitzers fire again.
Kentragon flexes his shoulder muscles and from the four main spikes on its back it shoots a spore like blob. One of the orbs strikes a Howitzer. Pushes it back and bursts open. A liquid spreads over the gun and the soldier operating it. The gun starts to melt as does the soldier, he screams and falls to the ground.
EXT. EXT WYNN ROOFTOP —
One of the spores reaches the edge of the roof and impacts it hard. Pieces of glass and concrete rain down below.The impact causes fluid to spray up and over the rooftop. The spray lands on a nearby soldier. He lets out a yell, then flails along the rooftop. The group watches in horror as the soldiers uniform is eaten away. Another soldier runs to his fallen comrade. He is stepping in the puddle of the strange liquid and his boots start melting.
SOLDIER
Ahhh! What the hell is this stuff?
He backs off, sits on the roof and starts pulling his boots off frantically.
MIKI (TO JACK)
What is that?
JACK
I don't know. It looks like some sort of acid.
Below we can hear the Howitzers firing again. Screams carry up to the roof.
EXT. EXT STREET BELOW. —
Soldiers are shooting at the monster. the Howitzers blaze again. Kentragon shrieks then charges at them. Still on his hind legs, he swings his tail taking out a row of guns, jeeps and soldiers. He lowers himself back to all fours.
Soldiers redirect the guns on the creature, but not quick enough. Kentragons massive head lowers into the group. It grabs a Howitzer in its jaws, tosses it to the side. Soldiers are being swallowed alive. They start running, abandoning the guns. Kentragon swipes his front claws at the remaining guns, batting them away like toys.
We hear Godzillas distinct roar, and Kentragon turns sharply. Standing a block or two away, he sees Godzilla standing there. He lets out a shriek, rises to his hind legs and charges for Godzilla.
MIKI
Is Kentragon going to attack Godzilla?
DR. HAMMOND
It certainly looks like it. It might be a good idea to get off this rooftop rather quickly.
MAJOR ADAMS
I have to agree with you Doc. I don't want to be stuck up here if they come crashing in.
(turns to his troops)
Alright men ! Lets evac this roof before the fight begins.
JACK
To late.
They turn to look. As Kentragon leaps towards Godzilla. The creature slams into Godzilla with full force. Catching him by surprise Godzilla crashes to the ground in front of the Venetian, Kentragon on top of him, lunging at his throat. The two monsters roll and crash into the front of the hotel. Chunks of concrete as well as beds and furniture rain down around them.
EXT. EXT WYNN ROOFTOP —
The last of the soldiers exits the roof. The three scientists and the major stop and look back at the two downed monsters in the rubble.
DR. HAMMOND
Godzilla is down.
MAJOR ADAMS
Not for long doc. we've got to go.
EXT. EXT VENETIAN HOTEL —
As Godzilla rises to regain his footing, Kentragon lashes out and his jaws lock on Godzilla's arm.
Godzilla lets out a roar. He uses his free hand to strike Kentragon in the head. Kentragon shrieks and the blow causes him to let go.
Godzilla swings his tail, connecting full force to the side of Kentragons body. Kentragon loses his balance and falls to the side. Smashing through the remains of the hotel. Concrete and debris partially burying the monster.
Godzilla starts to walk backward slowly. His eyes focus on the pile of rubble covering Kentragon. He snarls as the pile shifts and moves.He continues backward.
The debris starts rising and falling off the his body as Kentragon rises. He shakes off his body like a dog leaving the water. Staying on all fours he advances towards Godzilla. His head down low, he arches his back and we see the shoulder muscles flex. From the four front spikes on his back emit the pods. They travel in the air towards Godzilla.
Godzilla tilts his head back, eyes watching as the pods fall towards him. The first pod lands near his shoulder with a thud. Startled, Godzilla backpedals a little, two of the other pods miss him completely while the last thuds on his foot.
He looks at his shoulder which is sizzling and smoking as the acid tries to eat through his tough hide. He lets out a roar of pain, he looks down at his foot which is also smoldering. He steps back again, this time into the Treasure Island lagoon. The water soothing his burning foot.
Kentragon is still advancing. He hisses and a forked tongue flips in and out from his mouth. He flexes again.
Four more pods shoot from his back spikes.
This time Godzilla is ready. He ducks and while leaning forward he moves quickly out of the way and further down the boulevard. He then turns sharply and lets out a blast of his radioactive breath.
The green mist strikes a few cars that have been overturned or crushed. With a mighty explosion they burst into flames just a few feet from Kentragons face.
Kentragon shrieks and steps back from the wall of flames.
Godzilla stops. Stares at the flames. Suddenly Kentragon comes rushing through on all fours.
Godzilla steps to the side as Kentragon rushes him. As the horned monster speeds past him, it whips its spiked tail. One spike penetrates Godzilla's thigh. He lets out a roar as he is knocked off his feet by the force of the tail whip. He falls crashing into Harrahs casino.
Kentragon turns and charges the downed monster. He leaps to pounce on Godzilla, but Godzilla pulls in his hind legs, as Kentragon is about to land on him, Godzilla kicks out with both legs. They connect with Kentragons belly, tossing him across the street and crashing into the courtyard of the Mirage.
EXT. EXT WYNN HOTEL GROUND FLOOR. —
The gathered group exits the hotel. Outside they see the carnage up close. Burning jeeps rolled over, crushed Howitzers and dead soldiers.
Miki exits the building and gasps as she looks around.
MIKI,
Oh. This is horrible. Those poor men.
Jack grabs her shoulders and holds her close, trying to comfort her.
DR. HAMMOND
Excuse me. Major? Is it possible to get a new vantage point, so we may observe the monsters.
Jack looks back at his father with a glare.
JACK
Are you serious?! Your insane dad. Take a look around. Look! See what your experiments have done.
Dr Hammond hangs his head down.
DR. HAMMOND
This was not what we were trying to create. We were looking into cloning, we just wanted to see if we could bring extinct species back to life. The scientific data would be invaluable to insuring our species would live on.
JACK
At what price though. Thousands of people have died. Las Vegas will probably be a radioactive wasteland that will take years to rebuild. Was it worth it?
Major Adams steps between the two men.
MAJOR ADAMS
Listen. We can continue this argument later. Right now we need to find some viable transportation and make our way to McCarran.
A soldier is opening a podium outside the lobby. Inside are sets of keys hanging on hooks. He looks over to them.
SOLDIER
Major! We have keys in the valet box.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good job soldier.
(He reaches in the box and grabs a handful of keys.He turns to Jack, tossing him a handful.)
See if you can find a set that fits a van. Theres got to be a running one here somewhere.
Jack, Major Adams and a few soldiers take handfuls of keys and start trying them in the doors of nearby vans.
A soldier approaches a hotel shuttle van. He looks inside and reaches for the door. It is unlocked, he opens the door,peers inside and sees the key in the ignition. He shouts back to the group.
SOLDIER
I've got one.
MAJOR ADAMS
Alright everybody. Lets get aboard and get out of here.
He waves for everyone to come over. They all climb inside. Jack and the Major are last up.
JACK
I'll drive.
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD —
Godzilla stands and limps slightly, the hole in his leg oozes blood.
Kentragon rises up. Sees Godzilla and lets out a screech. He charges at Godzilla and leaps at him.
Godzilla crouches down to all fours. Kentragon passes over him as he ducks down. Godzilla's sharp dorsals cut into his belly, as Kentragon crashes head first into the Flamingo hotel.
Godzilla rises and turns sharply. A quick blast of radioactive breath blasts Kentragon from behind.
Kentragon screeches and digs deeper into the Flamingo to escape the flames. He bursts through a side wall. Pieces of building collapsing behind him.
Godzilla steps back, Kentragon charges him again. The two monsters grapple with each other. Godzilla bites down into Kentragons neck.
Kentagon lets out a screech. Godzilla shakes his head back and forth trying to snap his neck. Kentragon claws at Godzilla and breaks free. He drops to all fours and swings his spiked tail. It connects and knocks Godzilla to the ground.
As Godzilla crashes down, Kentragon breaks into a run down the boulevard.
Godzilla rises. He looks around searching for Kentragon. He lets out a challenging roar. He then trods down the boulevard, his head looking side to side for his foe that has disappeared.
INT WHITE HOUSE MEETING ROOM —
The president is seated at a table surrounded by his top military advisors. Around them are multiple TV screens showing different footage of Godzilla and Kentragon battling in Las Vegas. On the wall is a large map of Las Vegas. The colonel is standing by the map with a pointer in hand.
COLONEL
Once the other monster appeared we lost communication with Major Adams and his troops here
(points to the Wynn hotel on the map)
We have another squad moving in to set up a defensive perimeter at the north. Our primary offensive is in position at McCarran though we are sending tank divisions to the east and west. Our goal is to surround the monsters and keep them confined to the strip area. If they can be lured to McCarran we should be able to safely engage them without further damage to the civilian sector.
PRESIDENT
And what of the civilians? How is the evacuation progressing?
COLONEL
I believe General Cross should have the updates from Nellis.
The airforce general looks up from his reports and addresses the president.
GENERAL CROSS
Mr. President.
(nods)
Gentleman. Evacuations are in full operation. We do not have any counts as of this time, but the base is filled to capacity. We have begun taking evacuees to Las Vegas speedway. Medical tents and teams have been set up there as well to treat the injured. Teams from Creech, Davis and Cannon have been arriving and aiding in the evac and rescue. We have over a hundred transport choppers in constant rotation clearing people out of the hot zone.
PRESIDENTIAL AIDE
General. Isn't it dangerous to have that many helicopters airborn at once? We saw what Godzilla did to those Apaches.
GENERAL CROSS
We are very concerned. No chopper is allowed within a mile of Godzilla's current position. We do not believe that his oral ray has that range and both our pilots and the civilians should be safe. Ground troops will have a much harder task of getting clear should the monsters change direction.
PRESIDENT
General Hawthorne. What plan does the National Guard have for those ground evacuees?
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Well Mr. president. To be perfectly honest. We run.
All in the room let out a laugh at the Generals comment.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE (CONT'D)
The streets are clogged with abandoned vehicles and it is hindering passage. We have set up evac zones but it is chaos down there. Literally thousands of people are jamming into the pick up zones and our troops are overwhelmed. I am very concerned for their safety. We have the support of local law enforcement to aid in crowd control but there are thousands of terrified people down there.
PRESIDENT
What is the status of the ground offensive?
COLONEL
The area around McCarran has been almost completely evacuated of all civilians. We do not want to send manned flights to lure the creatures for the safety of our men. It has been suggested that once the sun sets we could use a large scale fireworks display to possibly lure the monsters to us.
PRESIDENTIAL AIDE
Fireworks? Are you serious? This isn't a freaking fourth of July celebration.
COLONEL
We understand that sir. We have as yet to come up with another strategy that will keep our troops safe. We assume Godzilla was attracted by the all the noise and bright lights in the first place. Since we do not know what it is that he or the other monster are looking for, we can not make a guess as to any other method to get them where we want them.
PRESIDENT
It sounds reasonable to me.
The group at the table nods in acknowledgment.
PRESIDENTIAL AIDE
Instead of trying to lure the monsters, I say we launch a full airstrike and knock these monsters down once and for all right were they are.
PRESIDENT
(looks over and glares at his aide)
Thats enough Tom. I will not have our military aid in the destruction of Las Vegas. We still have thousands of civilians in the strike zone,as well as our soldiers. We will continue with current operations.
(to the Colonel)
And what of our specialist in the field? Do we have any reports from Dr. Hammond?
COLONEL
No sir. Not at this time. We believe he may have been a victim when the other monster attacked.
PRESIDENT
Lets hope not. Let me know immediately if we hear from him.
COLONEL
Yes sir. We have a search and rescue team headed for their last known location.
PRESIDENT
Good. Now gentleman, we need to work out our cleanup plan. This is going to be the biggest relief effort since Hurricane Katrina. This time we get it right. These people need us.
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS STREET —
The Wynn hotel shuttle bus is driving on the sidewalk avoiding the empty cars blocking the roadway. It makes its way to a roadblock. There are soldiers there behind barricades. One waves to the van to stop.
Jack lowers the window as the soldier approaches
SOLDIER
Where do you think you are going? this is a restricted area.
Major Adams steps forward in the van, he looks past Jack at the soldier.
MAJOR ADAMS
Major Adams soldier. My group and I are trying to get to McCarran. Our post was compromised by the monsters. I need to coordinate with Major Fetty. Direct orders from Colonel Rhodes and the white house.
SOLDIER
Yes sir.
(salutes)
I will get you an escort.
MAJOR ADAMS
(gives a quick salute back)
Thank you.
(turns to the group on the bus)
Okay team we will be moving forward shortly. Any sign of Godzilla or Kentragon?
Miki and Dr. Hammond both stare out their windows. They have been watching for the monsters.
DR. HAMMOND
I'm afraid not Major. The buildings are to tall and I have not seen a sign of either monster for the last twenty minutes.
MIKI
Me either.
MAJOR ADAMS
Well hopefully they stay on that side and we can get to the command center without any incidents. If were really lucky they killed each other.
JACK
I wouldn't count on that.
The soldier walks back to the van.
SOLDIER
Your all clear sir. Those men
(points to a nearby jeep.)
will escort you.
JACK
Thank you.
Jack starts the van and follows the jeep in front of him. There is a small machine gun mounted to a crossbar on top. A soldier is riding in the back manning the gun.
Jack chuckles at the sight of it.
JACK (GRINS)
Yeah. That should protect us.
MAJOR ADAMS
Excuse me?
JACK
(shakes his head)
Nothing. Just thinking out loud.
The van drives off, following the jeep.
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD —
Godzilla has stopped near the Monte Carlo. He has been licking his wounds when a shadow passes on a building in front of him. He suddenly stands alert. He cocks his head to one side as if listening for something. He snarls and moves forward cautiously.
Ahead we see the New York skyline. Pan down to the bright orange rollercoaster track around the buildings. It is the New York New York hotel. We again see a shadow on the building.
Godzilla eyes the shadow and growls
There is a strange buzzing noise heard. Suddenly a small flock of birds flies off from their hiding place under the coaster tracks.
Godzilla's head follows the birds for a moment, he looks back to the space between the buildings.
The buzzing gets louder. There is a thundering sound, then dust rising between the buildings. Bushes,benches, and other debris come from between the hotels. Suddenly two motorcycles burst out onto the street.
Godzilla looks down at them as they swerve and turn sharply.
Kentragon bursts forward. Jaws snapping at the small moving objects.
Godzilla lets out a roar and swings his tail catching the other monster off guard. The tail strikes Kentragon and sends him toppling into the side of the faux Chrysler building.
The coaster tracks act as a guardrail, lessening the impact. Though Kentragons bony back plates smash windows and cause concrete to rain down. He quickly regains his footing and charges Godzilla.
Godzilla leaps into the air over the charging monsters head.He lands on his feet but on top of the helpless motorcycle riders. His tail whips downward and connects Kentragons head, it forces it into the street. Chunks of asphalt and concrete shower in the air as Kentragon falls.
Kentragon rises and whips around quickly. He swings his tail at Godzilla.
Godzilla steps back and raises his arms to block the blow. But its enough to knock him of balance and he falls into the loop of the rollercoaster.
Godzilla rises quickly. A piece of the steel track loop hangs from his dorsal plates, he grabs at it with his hand, pulling it off.
Kentragon screeches and charges again. Jaws wide open.
Godzilla uses the piece of steel track in his hand and swings it like a baseball bat. It connects to the side of Kentragons head. He stumbles, very shaken. Still holding the piece of track, Godzilla stabs it into Kentragons back.
Kentragon lets out a high pitched screech. His muscles start flexing and a dozen acid pods shoot from his spikes.
Three of the pods strike Godzilla, they burst on impact and the liquid starts sizzling his flesh.
Kentragon swings his tail again, but Godzilla side steps. The tail misses him by inches.
Godzilla finds himself standing next to a tall replica of the statue of liberty. He reaches out and pulls the statue from its base. He throws it at Kentragon, striking the monsters back. The statue crumbles and falls to the ground in pieces. Kentragon falls to the side. His body smashing through one of the pedestrian walkways. It crumbles.
EXT. INT LUXOR HOTEL. —
In an empty corridor leading to Excalibur. Two young men are running. One of them is carrying a video camera. They enter a main hall of a casino. All the lights are on but the room is deserted. One of the men stops. He starts filming the empty room.From behind, someone shouts to him.
VOICE (O.S.)
Come on Frank. We don't have time for taking lame pictures.
FRANK
Kiss my ass Joey. This is amazing. The casino is totally empty.
(he walks over to a nearby slot machine)
Look. This one still has credits.
VOICE
What good are they if you aren't alive to spend them.
They turn to see a stocky man, dressed nicely, but pointing a gun at them.
FRANK
Who are you?
MAN
Actually i'm part of hotel security. What are you doing here?
FRANK
We're staying at the Luxor. I went back to the room to get my wallet and camera.
MAN
Don't you know that we're on mandatory evacuation. Didn't you see the giant monsters that have been tearing up the strip?
JOEY
Thats why we came back. Were trying to be reporters. We figured if we got our camera we could get some exclusive footage. Maybe help us get our foot in the door.
MAN
Your gonna get yourselves killed. Hear that commotion out there?
They all listen for a moment. we can hear thunderous crashing and screeches though it is faint inside.
MAN (CONT'D)
Thats the monsters. Last I heard they were right next door at New York.
FRANK
Sweet. Come on Joey. We need to get to the entrance. We'll get some great footage from the bridge
JOEY
I don't know Frank. I think we should go out the back way and get out of here.
MAN
You should listen to your friend.
FRANK
You pussy. This is the chance of a lifetime.
(he starts walking away)
I'll be out there
(points outside)
getting the scoop, I'll be sure to come visit you in the mail room.
JOEY
Frank.
(beat)
Frank!
Joey watches his friend walking out. Looks back at the security guy. Shrugs his shoulders and starts to follow his friend.
JOEY (CONT'D)
(softly to himself)
I'm gonna regret this.
(speeds up a little)
Frank. Wait up.
MAN
Stupid bastards.
He walks over to the slot machine that Frank was at, and sits on the stool in front of it.
MAN (CONT'D)
Hmmmm.. Cash out? Nah. Lets play.
He pulls the handle and the reels starts spinning.
EXT. EXT EXCALIBUR ENTRANCE -DUSK —
The two men exit out the main entrance a big wooden door onto a bridge. They look over and see Kentragon rising up from the demolished foot bridge.
JOEY
Holy shit.
Frank has his camera pointing at the monster.
FRANK
This is awesome.
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS BLVD. —
Kentragon rises up on his hind legs. He turns his back to Godzilla and flexes. Acid pods shoot from his spikes. Godzilla ducks and some of the pods fly past him.
EXT. EXT EXCALIBUR ENTRANCE —
Frank is still filming as one of the pods strikes the wall above him. He swings his camera towards it. A drop of the acid liquid falls on the lens.
FRANK
What the hell.
Another big blob of the acid drips from the wall and strikes Frank in the head. He lets out a scream as the liquid starts eating into his skin.
JOEY
Oh shit. Oh shit.
Just then, Kentragon crashes through the other bridge in front of him. He is backing up as Godzilla advances.
Joey turns and runs into the castle. We hear Godzilla's roar.
EXT. EXT EXCALIBUR ENTRANCE —
Godzilla opens his jaws and blasts a burst of radioactive breath at Kentragon.
Kentragon tries to dodge it but it connects in his chest. The flesh sears and Kentragon screeches wildly.
EXT. INT EXCALIBUR CASINO —
Joey runs inside the empty casino. There he sees the man from before, sitting at a slot machine. The jackpot lights are flashing and he is yelling for joy.
The man turns suddenly to Joey, gun in his hand.
MAN
Damn kid. what are you doing back here?
JOEY
The monsters. Their right outside. We have to get out of here.
We hear Kentragons cries from outside.
EXT. EXT EXCALIBUR ENTRANCE —
Kentragon charges Godzilla before he can let lose another blast. The impact sends both monsters crashing into the castle. The big red spire falls on top of the struggling monsters.
EXT. INT EXCALIBUR CASINO —
There is a thundering crash. The two men look up as the wall and ceiling crash down in front of them. Godzilla's head comes through and hits the floor. Slot machines and game tables bounce off the floor and topple over. The two men fall to the ground.
Joey looks up and as the dust settles, he sees Godzilla writhing beneath Kentragon. Kentragon is trying to bite Godzilla's throat. He is but a few yards away from them.
The man sits up and stares at the monsters in front of him. He points his gun at them and begins firing.
MAN
Die you bastards!
Kentragon looks at the man standing there. He does not feel the bullets, yet he sees food. His tongue lashes out and sticks to the man. He tries to scream but is sucked into Kentragons mouth in seconds.
Joey, just a few feet away, screams, he darts up and starts running. Kentragon flicks his tongue again, but it misses by a few feet. Joey keeps running and screaming.
Godzilla takes advantage of Kentragons momentary distraction, his hands grab Kentragons neck and he pushes it back, his jaws open and he lets loose his breath into Kentragons face.
There is a bright flash, Joey turns back as hes running. we see the casino erupt into a fireball, the flames racing towards him. He pushes open a heavy door and jumps inside. The flames racing past as he slams it shut.
Kentragon screams. Godzilla pushes the monster off him. He rises and starts kicking at the fallen monster. He steps backward and crashes into another of the castles towers. The blue spire wobbles and crashes down on Kentragon.
Godzilla lets out a roar. He stands over the body of Kentragon in the demolished casino. Kentragon does not move. Godzilla kicks at the body. Still no movement. He leans down and sniffs. Rises up to full height, turns and exits the shattered and smoldering castle.
EXT MCCARRAN AIRPORT NIGHT —
The military escort pulls into the airport grounds with the van following. They go down a service road and behind the now empty terminals. As they round a corner, we now see the air fields and runways. There are no commercial planes just military choppers and a line of tanks and large guns along the main runway. The darkness settles in and big lights illuminate the air field. Soldiers are unloading trucks of supplies, others are loading missiles onto fighter jets further down a runway.
The convoy pulls up to the airport tower. Outside there is a group of men waiting for them. As they exit the van a soldier greets them.
SOLDIER
Major Adams.
(he salutes)
Major Fetty has been waiting for you. Please follow me.
MAJOR ADAMS
Thank you
They enter the tower and take the elevator to the control room.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
The group enters the control room. They are greeted by Major Fetty.
MAJOR FETTY
Nick.
(he puts out his hand and shakes Major Adams hand)
Good to see you my friend. Just wish it was under better circumstances.
MAJOR ADAMS
I agree. Nice operation you got here.
MAJOR FETTY
It will do. Who's your guests?
MAJOR ADAMS
(points to Dr. Hammond)
This is Dr. Hammond. He was sent by the White House to be our advisor.
Dr.Hammond nods.
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
This is his son. Dr. Jack Hammond, nuclear specialist.
MAJOR FETTY
Nuclear?
JACK
(shakes Major Fetty's hand)
Yeah. It seems our big lizard has a serious radioactive problem.
MAJOR FETTY
I think we've witnessed some of that in the broadcasts.
JACK
We've seen it first hand. Make sure your people keep their distance from him. We're not entirely sure just how toxic he may be.
MAJOR FETTY
Well I hope you can give us some insights doctor.
(he looks to Miki)
And who is this lovely lady?
JACK
My colleague Doctor Miki Ogata. She's a biologist from Japan. She has been here studying the mutations that have been showing up since that accident at my fathers lab.
Miki looks at the Major and bows towards him.
MIKI
Nice to meet you
MAJOR FETTY
Pleasure is all mine. Well if you will all follow me to the command center, Major Adams and I need to brief the colonel and the White House.
They start to walk towards the center of the control room.
We see the makeshift center with monitors all around, showing different angles of the Las Vegas strip. One camera stays focused on Godzilla. He is beating the downed Kentragon with his tail in the rubble of the Excalibur casino.
A few soldiers are watching the scene with amusement. Some making comments.
SOLDIER 1
Ow! Thats gotta hurt.
SOLDIER 2
Put my money on Godzilla. He's wasting that other lizard.
SOLDIER 3
Yeah. He's a tough one.
SOLDIER 2
At least that's one less we have to deal with. Should make this job a little easier.
As the group is moving past them, Jack leans into their conversation.
JACK
But you still have to deal with Godzilla. From what I've seen.
(beat)
that wont be so easy.
The three soldiers look back at him. He smiles and continues walking to catch up with his group. Miki turns to him.
MIKI
That wasn't very nice.
JACK
But it is true. These guys need a dose of reality. We've seen in person what that monster is capable of. I just hope this operation can stop him.
MAJOR ADAMS
(looks back at Jack)
Keep the faith Jack. We have enough fire power out there to level half of Las Vegas. I think Godzilla has met his match with the U.S. military.
JACK
I wouldn't be so cocky just yet Nick.
MAJOR FETTY
Not cocky doctor, just confident. We have a great plan in place.
JACK
Which is?
MAJOR ADAMS
Yeah. I'd like to know what the operation entails.
MAJOR FETTY
In approximately fifteen minutes we will shut down the major power grid. Once we black out the area, we plan to lure Godzilla this way with our own fireworks display. Once he comes close enough, that entire tank battalion will open fire.
(points out the window to the line of tanks below)
I think that should suffice to end the monsters rampage.
Dr. Hammond steps forward, shaking his head.
DR. HAMMOND
No. No. I don't think that will do anything but anger him. His hide is very strong and resilient.
JACK
(piping in)
And he has very strong healing capabilities.
MAJOR FETTY
Doctors. I can assure you that the payloads those tanks deliver can take down concrete bunkers. I don't think they will have any problem going through wonder lizard. We also will have Apaches to run backup in case the monster somehow manages to survive the first attack wave.
DR. HAMMOND
I'm not so sure Major. I would like to do some studies. Is it possible to get some supplies and equipment brought up here?
MAJOR FETTY
Sure thing doctor.
(points to a soldier beside him)
This is Sargent Griffin, he can assist you in whatever you need.
SARGENT GRIFFIN
Yes sir. Please come with me doctor.
The two men walk away.
MAJOR FETTY
Nick. Come with me. The Colonel would like a report.
Jack and Miki walk over to a window. They look down at the row of tanks.
MIKI
Jack. I'm scared. Do you really think they can stop Godzilla.
JACK
I certainly hope so.
EXT. EXT EXCALIBUR CASINO NIGHT —
Godzilla stops his tail beating of Kentragon. He leans down to inspect the other monster, buried in rubble. He sniffs. There is no movement.
As Godzilla turns to walk away, the rubble shifts. Suddenly the tower is pushed away and with a horrific screech Kentragon rises from the smoldering debris.
The noise gets Godzilla's attention. He looks back as Kentragon leaps at him. His charred head still smoldering, one eye blackened from Godzilla's flaming breath.
The creature is weak. Godzilla swings his mighty tail at Kentragon in mid leap. Kentragon is flung back into the already demolished casino. More of the castle crumbles around him.
Kentragon tries to get up, but Godzilla makes the next move. He leaps onto Kentragon. His clawed feet digging into Kentragons flesh.
Kentragon screeches in pain. He tries to struggle and knock his attacker off. Godzilla raises his foot and stomps as hard as he can on Kentragons neck. There is a loud cracking sound and Kentragons head falls limp.
Godzilla steps off the beaten body. Lets out a roar.
Kentragons body twitches, his tail tries to swing but falls limply. Blood and foam ooze from his open mouth.
Godzilla stares down at the monster. His dorsals light up. He lets out an enormous blast from his mouth. The radioactive mist is more concentrated, almost like a giant laser beam. The area around Kentragon bursts into flames.
We hear muffled screeches through the wall of flame. Kentragons tail rises up again, flails a few times in the air and falls back into the inferno.
Godzilla tilts his head back and roars in triumph. He then looks around. Most of the strip though in shambles has thousands of bright lights shining. Godzilla looks at the burning city for a moment then slowly walks away from the carnage.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
Majors Adams and Fetty are seated near a console. They are in video conference with the Colonel.
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
We have video feed here. The president gives the order to proceed with the operation. Remember gentleman. Minimal damage to anymore real estate. We think Godzilla has done more than enough damage.
MAJOR FETTY
Roger that sir. We will lure him to the checkpoint before opening fire. This should prevent any outside damage.
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
Where is Godzilla now?
MAJOR ADAMS
He's near the Excalibur. The city lights appear to be disorienting him. We will start the blackout as soon as confirmation that the tank battalion is armed and ready.
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
Good job gentleman.
(he looks to the side, someone whispers to him)
What of the other monster ? Kentragon? Do we have confirmation that Godzilla has destroyed it.
MAJOR ADAMS
Negative sir. Godzilla has moved away and there is no sign of movement that the cameras are detecting. Once the area is clear we will send in a team to confirm.
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
Very good. Keep us posted.
The two men salute the screen. The colonel salutes back, then the screen blacks out.
A soldier looks over from another console.
SOLDIER
Major. I have a report from tank command. They report all are locked and loaded.
MAJOR FETTY
Excellent. Contact lieutenant Scott and have his team begin blackout proceedings. And put me on comm please.
SOLDIER
Yes sir.
The Major picks up the microphone.
MAJOR FETTY
All stations at ready. Operation Godzilla will commence at 2100 hours. Tank command, you will only fire at Godzilla at point zero. Blackout will occur in ten minutes. Ready the lures.
He hands the mike back and joins Jack, Miki, and Major Adams, they are standing at the observation window. A soldier behind them suddenly barks out.
SOLDIER
Godzilla is just passing the Luxor.
MAJOR FETTY
Thank you.
(turns to the group)
He's on his way.
JACK
Wheres my father?
MAJOR FETTY
We are setting up a lab for him in the main concourse. He requested equipment and wants to do some studies. We are going to need to know how to handle the monster once he's down.
MIKI (SOFTLY)
If Godzilla goes down.
EXT. EXT LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD NIGHT —
As Godzilla moves past the Luxor, he sees reflections in the shiny black pyramid. He realizes it is nothing and continues to move forward. Suddenly The top glows, and a giant beam of bright light bursts from the top.
Godzilla is startled. He steps back. His bulk crashing into nearby shops, which crumble beneath him. He stares up at the bright light, mesmerized.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER. —
The spotlight from the Luxor can be seen though the window. The group watches it.
MIKI
That is so beautiful.
A soldier looks up from his console.
SOLDIER
Godzilla is just standing there staring at the light. I think he's going to smash the pyramid.
MAJOR FETTY
Lets hope not. Alright team. lets get him away from there. Cut the power and get that light off!
EXT. EXT LUXOR HOTEL —
Godzilla stares at the light then moves slowly towards it. Suddenly it goes out. He growls, looks side to side and sees all the lights going out, leaving him in the dark.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
MAJOR FETTY
(into the microphone)
Launch the lures.
(looks to his team)
Now your going to see some fireworks.
EXT. EXT LUXOR HOTEL —
There is a boom behind Godzilla. He turns to see a rocket shooting up in the sky. It explodes into a bright red flower in the sky. He watches intently as the trails fall to the ground. Another boom. Another rocket shoots up and fills the sky with brilliant color.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
MAJOR FETTY
Come on you gruesome son of a bitch.
MIKI
Maybe its scaring him.
JACK
Somehow I dont think Godzilla is scared.
Another mortar shoots up from the runway. The control room lights up with the flash as it explodes.
MAJOR ADAMS
I don't think he's interested.
MAJOR FETTY
He'll come. Continue launches.
EXT. EXT LUXOR HOTEL —
Another rocket shoots up. It explodes in a bright green light, a few offshoots also explode. Godzilla becomes entranced and starts trudging towards the lights. He makes his way crashing through store fronts and any other small building in his path.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
SOLDIER
He's coming this way.
MAJOR FETTY
I knew he'd take the bait. Keep launching till he gets closer. Switch to spotlights when he gets on airport ground.
Another firework blasts up. Again illuminating the control room. Jack is looking through night vision binoculars. He makes out the shape of Godzilla approaching.
JACK
I can see him. Hope your ready Major.
MAJOR FETTY
Were ready.
(turns to a soldier)
Get me tank command.
SOLDIER
On the line sir.
MAJOR FETTY
Commander. He's on his way.
EXT. EXT. RUNWAY —
We see the tank commander his head outside the hatch of the center M1A2 tank. He is watching Godzilla's approach through his night vision googles.
COMMANDER
Roger that. Lets get those triggers ready. He's almost here. Watch the laser line. Once his feet reach that line, I want 1st line to aim at 25 degrees. Take out the legs. 5 second delay. Line two aim at 40 degrees, aim for the chest.
They watch as the shadow of Godzilla gets closer. Another firework blasts up. As it lights up the sky we see Godzilla in the light.
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Get the firework crew out after 1 more launch. Prepare spotlights.
The last rocket shoots up. Explodes. The soldiers stare in awe as the figure of Godzilla illuminates in the glow.
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Spotlights!
Behind the tanks. Two bright spotlights shoot their beams into the sky. They slowly move back and forth, the beams crossing. Godzilla lumbers forward.
The ground beneath them shakes as his footsteps pound into the ground. The tank commander watches through his goggles. He sees the laser line invisible to the naked eye. All he can see now is Godzillas legs as he gets closer to the line.
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
All banks ready. Fire on my mark.
Godzilla watches the searchlights waving in front of him. He can see the shadows of the tanks at the end of the runway. He stops.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
MAJOR ADAMS
He stopped. Do you think he senses the trap?
JACK
I hope not.
MAJOR FETTY
Damn it! He's less than 20 yards from the strike zone. How do we get him closer?
Inside the windows rattle as Godzilla lets out a roar. Miki gets closer to Jack, she wraps her arms around him like a security blanket.
JACK
Hey. Are you okay?
MIKI
He's so close. I'm sorry. I'm just a little frightened.
JACK
Me too. But trying not to show it.
EXT. EXT RUNWAY —
Godzilla starts moving again toward the lights.
COMMANDER
Hes moving again. Ready..
The commander watches through his goggles. Godzilla is almost at the line.
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Almost there. Come on. Just a few more steps.
Godzilla's leg crosses the line.
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Fire!
The tanks guns erupt. The shells exploding on Godzilla's body. Pieces of his flesh blowing off in the explosions. He roars.
The next barrage shoots. Shells striking Godzilla in the chest. He falls backwards to the ground.
Machine guns start firing at his body when he hits the ground.
The tank commander watches through the smoke. He tries to focus on Godzilla's body. He sees movement.
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
He's still moving. Aim low. 10 degrees. Fire!
Another barrage erupts from the tanks. Through the smoke we hear Godzilla's roar.
Suddenly he rises. He looks at his attackers. The dorsal fins glow.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
MIKI
Oh my god. He's going to blast them with his nuclear breath.
Through the window we see the glowing mist fly past towards the tanks.
EXT. EXT RUNWAY —
The mist envelopes the four middle tanks. The commander is instantly incinerated. One tank tries to fire, the shell never leaves the barrel as the radiation heats it up and it explodes in the barrel. The tank erupts with a huge explosion.
Godzilla fires another blast. Three remaining tanks start melting from the intense heat.From inside we hear men screaming as they are being burned alive.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
The group in the tower watches in horror as Godzilla has taken out most of the tank division. Major Fetty grabs the microphone.
MAJOR FETTY
Missile launchers move in. Get those Apaches in the air. I want that monster surrounded. Take him down!
Major Fetty looks around the control room. Calls out to a sargent nearby.
MAJOR FETTY (CONT'D)
Sargent. Line up bazooka team. Take out that main window, once the second wave begins I want you to concentrate fire on Godzilla's head.
SARGENT
Yes sir! Booth, Knock that window out. Weiss, Stanley, arm and ready.
The one soldier goes over to the windows. He sets small charges on the windows. Three soldiers come over wielding bazookas.
BOOTH
Stand clear. All personel take cover.
The people inside duck down behind consoles and tables. The soldier pushes a button on a hand held transmitter. There is a small blast and the glass shatters, falling to the ground. Four soldiers armed with bazookas kneel at the window aiming their sites on Godzilla.
The blast catches Godzilla's attention. He looks towards the tower and growls.
Jack looks at Miki, grabs her hand and starts pulling her towards the elevator.
JACK
Come on. Were getting out of here.
MAJOR ADAMS
Jack. Where are you going?
JACK
Away from here. In case you haven't looked that way
(points out towards Godzilla)
Godzilla is coming for us. I don't plan on being front row center for that.
Out side there are booming noises. A missile flies by, hits Godzilla in the chest. He lets out a deafening roar.
EXT. EXT RUNWAY —
Two tanks continue to fire on Godzilla but miss. Ahead we see the shadows of the Apaches as they lift off. Godzilla's eyes narrow as they approach.
Missile batteries fire again. Godzilla is hit again. His dorsals light up. Radioactive spray shoots from his mouth at the missile launchers.
The spray ignites one of the missile launchers. It explodes in a great fireball. Above one of the Apaches falters from the blast wave. It quickly corrects itself and flies towards Godzilla with machine guns blazing.
Godzilla blasts again. This time he takes out two Apaches before they can lift off. He moves forward towards the remaining tanks.
One manages to get off another shot just before Godzilla swipes his tail at his attacker. The tail slams into the tank, lifting it up slightly and crashing into the other tank.
The Apaches buzz Godzilla, peppering him with machine gun fire. One manages to launch a sidewinder at Godzilla. He quickly turns to avoid the impact. The missile flies off and explodes in a building in the far distance.
Godzilla ducks down and swings his tail up. It connects with an Apache, knocking it to the ground where it explodes.
Godzilla blasts back again. He incinerates another Apache as it turns to fire on him.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER. —
Soldiers take cover as shrapnel from one of the downed Apaches comes flying through the window. Smoke starts filling the control room from outside. The communications officer calls out.
COMM.SOLDIER
Colonel says to abort. Repeat. Abort mission.
MAJOR FETTY
Alright. Call them off. get those soldiers out of there.
COMM.SOLDIER
(into his mike)
All units pull out. Abort. Abort.
Inside, one of the bazooka soldiers calls out.
SOLDIER
I've got a shot.
He squeezes the trigger and the rocket launches towards Godzilla. It strikes him in the arm. He roars and turns towards the tower.
SOLDIER (CONT'D)
Oh shit. He's coming this way.
MAJOR FETTY
Everybody out!
Jack and Miki are entering the first elevator door that opens. A few soldiers run in behind them as the door is closing. Major Adams leaps in and the doors close.
JACK
Nick. Glad you could join us.
MAJOR ADAMS
Couldn't let you leave without me.
The elevator starts to descend.
EXT. EXT RUNWAY —
The Apaches start making their escape. A pilot looks over and sees Godzilla moving towards the tower.
PILOT (OVER RADIO)
Godzilla is heading for the command center. Intercept.
Three Apaches turn back to the monster. They start strafing him with machine gun fire. As one passes above him, he leaps in the air and swipes the chopper down.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
Chaos is all around as soldiers scramble to get in the elevators. Major Fetty watches from the blown out window. Godzilla is closer. He can see his massive head moving closer. One of the bazooka soldiers is still there with him. He squeezes the trigger and the rocket launches. It misses Godzilla and flies off to explode in the distance.
EXT. EXT RUNWAY —
The two remaining Apaches fire at the monster, trying to divert his attention, but Godzilla keeps moving towards the tower.
PILOT (OVER RADIO)
He's too close. Cease fire.
Just then, an impact jolts the chopper. Godzilla has swiped at the chopper as it tries to escape. It careens to the tarmac below and explodes.
Godzilla tilts his head back in a roar.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
Major Fetty holds the rocket launcher, pointing it at Godzilla. he sees an opportunity when Godzilla roars and aims for the back of his throat.
MAJOR FETTY
Thats it. Smile you son of a bitch.
EXT. INT AIRPORT TOWER —
He squeezes the trigger. The rocket propels into Godzilla's open mouth. We see the flash of the explosion from inside Godzilla's throat.
Godzilla shakes his head. He roars again, the dorsals light up but nothing shoots out.
He charges the tower. We see Major Fetty standing at the window. He's trying to reload. Godzilla lowers his head and headbutts the top of the tower, smashing into Major Fetty before he gets off another shot.
The tower begins to crumble. Chunks of steel and concrete rain down.
EXT. INT ELEVATOR —
We see the numbers in the elevator. it is on the third floor. The elevator shakes from Godzilla's footsteps.
Miki grabs onto Jack.
MIKI
He's getting closer!
The elevator is on the second floor. There is a loud crashing noise. The group inside is thrown to the floor of the elevator as it breaks loose and free falls. Miki screams.
The elevator hits the ground hard. The occupants thrown around like rag dolls. The crumbling noises louder as chunks of concrete bounce off the elevator car. The car crumbles as the concrete from the collapsing tower crashes down around it. The metal pressed down just inches away from the people strewn on the floor.
INT AIRFORCE ONE —
The president is sitting with his personal advisor. They are watching a CNN broadcast of Godzilla's rampage. The advisor is handing the president reports that he looks over. Though he keeps watching the TV screen.
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR
As you can see sir. The economic impact of this is catastrophic. Besides the millions of dollars in damaged property, there are the costs of evacuations, shelters,medical aid, the list just goes on.
We focus on the screen. It shows a smoldering Las Vegas strip. Rescue crews frantically trying to put out the fires, carrying bodies from piles of rubble.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
Though the death toll is unknown at this time, it is estimated to be in the thousands. Rescue crews from all over the country are coming in to aid in the efforts.
PRESIDENT (FOCUSED ON TV
This is just unbelievable Tom. So much death and destruction. It's like a war zone.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
The president is on his way to Nellis Airforce base.
The scene cuts to the base. It is full of evacuees. Medical tents are set up and doctors are looking over people being brought in with injuries.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.) (CONT'D)
He will be giving a press conference at the top of the hour.
The president puts the reports on the table and looks to his advisor.
PRESIDENT
Are there any new reports on Godzilla? Where is he now?
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR
His last location has him just outside of Goodsprings. He seems to be traveling in a south west direction.
PRESIDENT
Thank God he's out of the city. What about evacuations? Do we know where he's going and can we get the public out of the way.
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR
Negative sir. We're not sure where he's going, but mandatory evacuations are in progress along the Interstate 15 corridor. The highway is closed eastbound and traffic is being directed west. All ramps are closed up to the California border. The governor is calling in support to aid in the rescue and cleanup.
PRESIDENT
Good. I want anyone in a fifty mile radius of that monsters path to evacuate in the opposite direction as soon as possible. I don't want anymore casualties to our citizens. Has there been any word on Dr. Hammond?
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR
No sir. There are crews at McCarran now. They say its a real mess there.
PRESIDENT
Keep me informed of the search results,we really need to consult with Dr. Hammond and get some insight on what we're up against. We need to know what our best strategy is. I do not want to jeopardize any more of our soldiers lives. What is our ETA?
PRESIDENTIAL AIDE
We should be landing in fifteen minutes sir.
PRESIDENT
Very good.
(he rises)
If you'll excuse me , I need to freshen up before we land.
The president rises and exits.
EXT. INT ELEVATOR —
A dim light shines into the smoke filled elevator car.We hear Miki's phone ringing. Jack slowly comes to. He lets out a groan. He fumbles around the crushed car trying to see in the dark, he finds Miki laying there, he reaches out and grabs her shoulders.
JACK
Miki? Miki are you okay?
MIKI
(faintly)
Jack?
JACK
Yeah beautiful. It's me.
MAJOR ADAMS (FACE ENTER
Glad to see you two are okay. Everybody else alright?
He looks to his side and sees the roof of the elevator car crushed in. Another soldier replies from behind.
SOLDIER
I think my legs broken. I'm okay though.
Outside they can hear machinery noises, and faint sounds of people talking. Miki's phone starts ringing again.
MAJOR ADAMS
I can't believe shes getting signal. Answer it, somebody's looking for you.Let them know were trapped in here.
Miki fumbles for the phone, she reaches it and flips it open. We hear Stephens voice over the speaker.
STEPHEN (FILTERED)
Mikki? Mikki?
Miki struggles to get the phone up, Jack takes it from her.
JACK
Steve? That you?
STEPHEN (FILTERED)
Jack?! Are you guys okay? Wheres Miki?
JACK
Shes okay. We're stuck in the tower elevator. Don't know what happened. Car crashed down, everythings dark.
STEPHEN (FILTERED)
You should see it from up here. Godzilla did a number on that tower. Sit tight buddy. We think the dogs sniffed you out We should be right above you but we got a lot of digging to do.
EXT. EXT AIRPORT TOWER RUBBLE DAY —
Stephen is standing on what was the roof of the service building with Dr. Hammond and a lieutenant. They are watching the crews working the site.
The control tower is a wreck. One side still stands, sticking up like a broken stick. The center has been knocked down into a terminal building. The center is crushed in. The other tower side is broken off just above the service building, a few jagged pieces jutting out. A large crane is removing heavy pieces of steel girder from the wreckage while military crews use backhoes to remove chunks of concrete. Men are using jackhammers, picks, and shovels trying to dig a tunnel into the buried building below.
STEPHEN (INTO PHONE)
Who's with you?
JACK (FILTERED)
I've got Miki, and Major Adams. At least one other soldier alive.
STEPHEN (INTO PHONE)
Do you need anything? Hows your air supply?
JACK (FILTERED)
The door is cracked open. Can see some light. Cant stand up though to get leverage on the door to open it. Car is crushed pretty good.
STEPHEN (INTO PHONE)
Then hang tight. Were coming to get you.
The lieutenant whispers to Stephen.
STEPHEN (INTO PHONE) (CONT'D)
Is Major Fetty with you?
JACK (FILTERED)
No. Last we saw him he was still in the tower.Hey Stevie ,theres not much battery left. Call you back when we hear them getting closer.
STEPHEN (INTO PHONE)
Okay. See you soon.
He hangs up and places the phone in his pocket. Turns to the lieutenant.
STEPHEN
He says Fetty was still in there.
He points down to the control room wreckage.
DR. HAMMOND
What about Jack? Is my son okay?
STEPHEN
He's fine Doc. Thats who I was talking to.
DR. HAMMOND
Good. good.
EXT. EXT NEVADA DESERT DAY —
Laying in the desert, looking like a small mountain, Godzilla stirs. He slowly rises. He looks side to side to get his bearings, sniffs the air. In the distance we see shadows of multiple helicopters rising up from a city in the distance. Godzilla proceeds in that direction.
EXT. NELLIS AIRFORCE BASE INT —
We see the president surrounded by people. His close advisor Tom by his side giving instructions as they are being led out.
TOM (HANDING HIM PAPERS)
Just refer to this briefing sir. It should have all the important key points. Though I really wish you would use the prepared speech.
PRESIDENT
I'll be fine Tom. The people just need to hear from me right now and it needs to be sincere, not some prepared speech. I will follow the basic outline though.
They stop at a big curtain. There are TV screens on either side broadcasting a live news report. Barbara Banner is seen on screen in front of a podium outside the base. There are thousands of people gathered around. to the sides are large screens focused on the empty podium. The cameras pan around the crowd then back to Barbara in the front.
BARBARA
The president is set to give his address to the nation at any moment.
A woman comes from behind the curtain.
WOMAN
We're ready Mr. President.
The president smoothes himself out and adjusts his tie. He takes a deep breath.
PRESIDENT
Wish me luck Tom.
TOM
You'll do fine sir.
Through the curtain we hear a voice announce
VOICE (O.S.)
Ladies and gentleman. The President of the United States.
The crowd cheers and claps. The president takes another deep breath and steps through the curtain. Walking to the podium he waves to the immense crowd, then takes his place behind the podium. Cameras flash all over as reporters take pictures. The president raises his hand and the crowd quiets down.
PRESIDENT
My fellow Americans. It is with great sadness that I stand before you today. A horrible tragedy took place last night that effected not only the City of Las Vegas, but our great country as a whole. As you all now know, we were attacked by two gigantic creatures. Godzilla and Kentragon. We do not know at this time where these creatures came from or why they suddenly appeared. But we do know that the destruction that they caused is a horrible tragedy, and all resources are being put into place to put a stop to the destruction. Though Kentragon has been destroyed, the other monster, Godzilla, remains at large. A military deployment to stop the creature failed, and we lost hundreds of brave men and women in the fight. My heart goes out to their families, but rest assured we are working diligently on finding a way to stop this monster so that no more innocent lives will be tragically lost. At this time I ask that all citizens of Nevada and California stay tuned to their local news reports and follow all official instructions. Please stay clear of all evacuation zones and do not hinder our rescue teams. They will do all they can to get you to safety. And to all the curious and thrill seekers, please, please stay clear of this monster. Treat it like you would an approaching tornado. It is unpredictable and we do not know when it will suddenly change directions. The creature itself is also highly radioactive. Getting too close to it can cause you to become very sick or possibly die from the exposure. I can not stress enough, how dangerous this monster is. Do not attempt to engage it, or get close to it. The best thing that can be done if Godzilla is in your path is to get as far away as possible. Remember, the more you follow the evacuation notices, the easier it will be for our rescue personnel and military to do their jobs. Rescue crews are being brought in from all parts of the country. The Red Cross is seeking volunteers, they will need all the help they can get. If you cant volunteer then please give blood, they will desperately need it. We are establishing hotlines that will be made available to give some direction on who to call. There will be departments set up to locate missing family members, a victims hotline for counseling services, as well as aid centers to help those most impacted by this tragedy. This is a very tragic time for our country. We have faced many devestating challenges. Two World wars and many other conflicts, major natural disasters,and even a terrorist attack on our country. And though those events were all horrendous we must once again stand strong. We are being tested again and as in the past, the United States will band together, we will defeat our menace and then together we can rebuild. My prayers go out to all the families that have lost loved ones today. Lets not lose anymore lives. I am dedicated to finding the solution to stop Godzilla and help rebuild our nation. Stay safe America.
The president waves to the crowd. Reporters start yelling out questions from the front rows. The press secretary has stepped to the podium as the president is escorted behind stage.
PRESS SECRETARY
That is all folks. The president will not be taking any questions at this time. He will be engaged in strategy meetings for the rest of the afternoon, and we will keep the press updated as we get the news.
The crowd continues shouting questions as the press secretary also leaves the stage. The TV screens switch to Barbara Banner reporting again.
BARBARA
The presidents message was short yet clear. His biggest concern has been public safety, yet response time for aid has been immediate. Stay tuned for comment on the presidents address.
The president walks back into the corridor behind the makeshift stage. His aides and advisors are waiting.
TOM
Nicely done sir. Short yet to the point.
PRESIDENT
I couldn't see wasting time with a long winded speech. The people are going to demand action and we're going to give it to them. Is the cabinet assembled?
TOM
yes sir.
PRESIDENT
Any word about Dr. Hammond?
TOM
He's still at McCarran. They are in the process of retrieving his son from the tower wreckage.
PRESIDENT
Alive?
TOM
Yes sir. Reports have him and his colleagues trapped in an elevator shaft, but they are alive. Major Adams is with them as well.
PRESIDENT
Good news. I really need Dr. Hammond focused right now. Have him brought here to meet with me as soon as possible. Also check the status on his associate thats being flown in from Japan. I believe his name is Serizawa.
TOM
Yes sir. I'll join you in the meeting room shortly.
PRESIDENT
Thank you Tom.
The president shakes his hand and then heads for the meeting room.
EXT. INT ELEVATOR —
Miki is huddled with Jack, Major Adams and the other soldier joining them by the wall. Two large crowbars are prying the elevator doors open. They bend and shift enough to make an exit. A soldier sticks his head in the door.
SOLDIER
Major Adams?
The four people move from the wall towards the exit.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good to see you soldier.
SOLDIER
You too sir. Are you or anyone else injured?
MAJOR ADAMS
I'm fine. There may be a few hurt in there. No light,couldn't see.
The soldier shines his light into the car. We see the one corner is crushed. a body entangled inside. Another soldier is lying with his leg twisted in the opposite direction and his neck tilted like it was broken. The beam flashes on another soldier, he is sitting in the back corner holding his broken leg still.
Jack helps Miki out. She is barely hanging on to him and she is limping. She has a cut on her forehead with a trickle of dried blood. Jack sees this when they get into the lights.
JACK
Miki. You dont look so good.
MIKI
Thanks. I dont really feel so good either.
JACK
Well lets get you out of this hole and get you checked out.
They start to exit the building through the tunnel dug in the rubble. In the distance we see parts of the building collapsed, parts of bodies sticking out from the rubble. Jack tries to shield Miki's view, yet she peers into the darkness anyway and catches glimpses of the horrific images.
They exit the tunnel into the daylight. They shield their eyes from the glare of the sunlight. Stephen and Dr. Hammond are waiting by the entrance for them. Stephen looks worried when he spots Miki.
STEPHEN
Oh my god. Miki.
(looks to Jack)
is she okay?
MIKI
I'm fine.
She sways a little and her head goes limp on Jack's shoulder. He catches her so she doesn't collapse.
JACK
She took a good knock to the head when that elevator crashed. Thank god we were only at the second floor when it fell. Shes gonna need somebody to look at her though, I think she dislocated her shoulder too.
Stephen motions and two medics come over with a rolling stretcher. They help Miki on it and start to roll her away.
Dr. Hammond comes over to them as Miki is being rolled away.
DR. HAMMOND
Son. Are you okay.
JACK
Fine dad. A little banged up and bruised, nothing broken. How did you get out?
DR. HAMMOND
Oh. Me and Mr.Johnson here ,
(points at the soldier with him)
went to the hanger for some supplies. We came out and saw Godzilla smashing into the control tower with fury. I was so worried. I thought I had lost you.
JACK (SMILING)
You know me dad. I wasn't gonna let your pet be the one to finish me off.
DR. HAMMOND
Hes not my..
Jack holds up his hand.
JACK
I have to check on Miki. I'll talk to you later.
He turns and hurries off, catching up to the men with the stretcher.
Dr. Hammond turns to Stephen. A sorrowful look on his face.
DR. HAMMOND
This isn't my fault. Please tell me this isn't my fault.
STEPHEN
I certainly hope not.
Stephen, starts to walk away as well.
DR. HAMMOND
Its not.
(shakes his head)
It's not.
He follows them slowly.
EXT PRIMM NEVADA DAY —
Convoys of buses and Humvees enter a large lot behind Buffalo Bills Resort. Lines of people are waiting at makeshift stations with bags and some carrying their pets in their arms , military personnel guiding them into the buses.
The highway is backed up for at least a mile. All lanes are heading westbound though very slowly. People are trying to get off the exits to take a break from the traffic. Authorities are trying to keep them moving.
EXT. EXT FASHION OUTLET —
Lines of people carrying small bags are waiting to fill a dozen or so transport helicopters. Rescue personnel load hospital patients into other awaiting choppers.
EXT. EXT BUFFALO BILLS —
Mobil Patriot missile launchers roll past the crowd of evacuees. They take up position at the back of the lot. From the east, C130 transports are swooping in and dropping off M1A2 tanks. The tanks roll in the direction of the patriot battery's.
EXT. INT MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS TENT —
Two soldiers are watching a giant screen. On the screen we see Godzilla walking through the desert near the Interstate.
SOLDIER 1
Lets get a little closer. I want to see that things mug up close.
He starts moving a joystick and the image of Godzilla gets closer.
SOLDIER 2
I don't think thats such a good idea. Were just supposed to track him from a distance.
SOLDIER 1
Just a little closer.
He moves the stick some more and we get closer to Godzilla's face.
SOLDIER 1 (CONT'D)
Look at this thing.
EXT. EXT NEVADA DESERT —
Godzilla is trudging along. We see a small military drone buzzing around his face like a fly. it zooms in then pulls back. Annoyed Godzilla swipes his hand at the drone. It strikes it and the drone crashes to the ground.
EXT. INT MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS TENT —
On the screen we see Godzilla's face, then a blur movement, the screen statics for a brief second and goes black.
SOLDIER 2
Shit! I told ya to back off Jimmy. You pissed him off and he smashed the drone.
SOLDIER
Chill man. I got this.
(he looks behind him and calls out)
Hey Sarge! Big G just knocked out drone three.
The Sargent behind him is watching another panel He's leaning over a soldier in a headset. He's sitting by a microphone and giving directions. The Sargent looks back to the soldier.
SARGENT
Then you two screw ups better get another bird airborne. We need all angles covered. These things are our eye in the sky.
SOLDIERS
Yes sir!
The second soldier smacks his partner in the back of the head.
SOLDIER 2
See. I told you. If I get in any trouble for this I'm gonna kick your ass.
SOLDIER 1
You wish.
( he rises from his chair)
Come on. Lets go get another one up and away.
The two men walk away from their station.
INT PRESIDENTS MAKESHIFT OFFICE
The president is seated with two generals on either side of him. Tom is standing behind the president watching their presentation to him. Around the table are various cabinet members.The Colonel and an MP wait by the door.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
He's currently 5 miles outside of Primm. We have 4 Patriot batteries armed and ready. If we set target we should be able to launch a safe offensive. The goal is to take the monster down. Now is our chance. He is free and clear of any possible collateral damage. Open desert is the perfect place to strike.
PRESIDENT
What if the missiles don't stop it.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Then at least we buy our men some time.
GENERAL CROSS
Mr. President. We still have a few hundred civilians in the evac zones. Were working as fast as we can to get the people out of there, but at the rate Godzilla is moving... he'll be at the first evac site in less than 10 minutes. He's almost caught up to the traffic on Interstate 15. General Hawthorne is correct sir. A Patriot launch is our best option right now.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Exactly. Why use them for defense when we have the perfect opportunity for a good offense. And maybe we can stop this thing once and for all.
The president hangs his head. He is clearly tired.
PRESIDENT
If you can show me that there are no civilians in his vicinity.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Here sir.
(he points to the images on a small monitor in front of the president)
This is Godzilla's current position. here is The Interstate in the background. No cars, houses or even animals.
PRESIDENT
Then you may proceed with the operation General.
Looks to General Cross
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
General. You get those ground troops working double on getting those people out of there.
GENERAL CROSS
Yes sir.
General Cross rises and joins the Colonel. They exit the room.
EXT PATRIOT MISSILE LAUNCHERS
Soldiers are standing by the control area, Some are sitting and entering coordinates into their keyboards. The screens fill with targeting points. Monitors show Godzilla approaching through the drone cameras. The missile batteries rise and adjust angles.
SOLDIER (AT CONTROL PANE
Target is acquired and locked in.
COMMAND SOLDIER
Prepare to fire on my mark. 3,2,1 Fire!
With a wooshing sound the missiles fire up and launch from their tubes. They rocket down low towards Godzilla.
EXT NEVADA DESERT
Godzilla looks up and sees four fast moving rockets approaching in. His eyes squint and he lets out a grumble. The first missile grazes his arm and explodes. Godzilla lets out a loud roar of pain. The second missile strikes the ground at his feet in mid roar kicking up sand.
He ducks and the third missile flies over but the fourth is knicked by his rear dorsal fin. It explodes and the force throws Godzilla to the ground.
Four more missiles approach rapidly. Godzilla rolls to the right and two more explode into the ground at the spot he just was.
He rises quickly and swings his tail at the third missile. It explodes on his tail. Godzilla roars loudly in pain.
His head turns sharply and he lets out a blast of his radioactive breath as the fourth missile is just yards away from his face. It explodes the minute the mist touches it.
EXT PATRIOT CONTROL
One of the monitors statics and goes black as the drone is caught in the explosion. Another monitor is fuzzy and the picture keeps fading out.
COMMAND SOLDIER (BARKING
Get Comm on line. tell them we need more drones up. We got one down and ones blipping out on us.
SOLDIER
Yes sir!
COMMAND SOLDIER
All units. Ease four degrees and fire again.
From the launchers, four more missiles erupt and streak across the desert floor.
The soldiers watch in the distance and see the four explosions, large smoke clouds billow into the sky. The last drone camera goes black.
COMMAND SOLDIER (CONT'D)
Damn! We're blind. Can anybody get me a visual? Can someone confirm the monster is down?
COMM.SOLDIER
Negative sir. No signs of movement though. Control reports three more drones up and proceeding to target area.
COMMAND SOLDIER
Roger that.
He peers into the distance. All that can be seen is the smoke cloud. He raises binoculars hanging from his neck and peers in. Still nothing but smoke.
COMM.SOLDIER
Still no movement sir. Birds are 6 minutes out.
COMMAND SOLDIER
Men. I think we got him.
The men breathe a sigh of relief. Some clap lightly, others just watch the radar and monitors hoping for no sign of movement.
EXT INTERSTATE 15
Traffic is dense but moving very slowly. Some people staring through their vehicle windows,watching the missiles streak away across the desert. A cloud of dust and smoke rises in the distance where the missiles exploded.
INT SUV
Four young women are inside the SUV full of luggage, the driver is looking in the rearview mirror applying eye makeup.
DRIVER
Ughh. This traffic sucks. I cant believe its taken us all night to get this far.
PASSENGER
I know. I just want to get into town so we can get out of this car. I need to stretch.
PASSENGER IN BACK
I'm hungry. Hope we can get some breakfast at this next exit.
PASSENGER
If they let us off. This is ridiculous. They make the whole city evacuate into one road, then they dont let you get off.
SECOND GIRL IN BACK
I know. Right.
PASSENGER
Lose our vacation time sitting in traffic because of some psychotic dinosaur on the loose. What the hell is that all about anyway?
DRIVER
Damn bitches. Quit your whining.
(she looks up at a street sign, it states the exit is in a half mile)
Look. Were almost there.
PASSENGER
Thank god. I really have to pee.
SECOND GIRL IN BACK
Oh I know. Been holding it for two hours now. I think my kidneys are gonna burst.
PASSENGER IN BACK
This is so just unbelievable.
The passenger looks back at the girl in the rear, she is staring at her notebook computer screen.
PASSENGER
I can't believe your still watching all that. Any word on the dinosaur?
PASSENGER IN BACK
Ummm. Yeah. Those rockets we saw flying by a few minutes ago were headed for him.
PASSENGER
Really? Is it that close to us?
PASSENGER IN BACK
A few miles away in the desert. Latest report thinks those missiles got him.
SECOND GIRL IN BACK
I certainly hope so.
DRIVER
Yeah. Me too. This is just a little to close...
The SUV shakes, as the girl is moving her eyeliner pencil, the sudden jarring makes her miss and draws a line on her face.
DRIVER (CONT'D)
Son of a bitch!
She looks into the mirror to see the streak on her face, her eyes see Godzilla in the background and heading their way. She drops her eyeliner.
DRIVER (CONT'D)
Oh my god.
She looks out the back window and sees Godzilla looming in the distance. The SUV shakes again
PASSENGER
What?!
DRIVER
We have to get out of here now!
She starts blaring the horn
PASSENGER
What the hells going on?
A crowd of panicked people go running past the SUV. The girl in the back looks out the back window and sees Godzilla approaching.
PASSENGER IN BACK
Oh my god, oh my god!
PASSENGER
(looks back and sees the monster too)
Oh shit! Lets get out of here.
She opens her door and starts to get out of the vehicle, suddenly a car comes racing down the breakdown lane, horn blaring. The car smashes into the door and the girl is flung over the hood. The girls in the SUV start screaming. The car loses control and smashes into the vehicle in front of them.
DRIVER
(screams)
Tina!
The SUV bounces more as Godzilla's footsteps get closer. The girl in the back drops her notebook and jumps out of the vehicle into the growing crowd.
SECOND GIRL IN BACK
(sobbing wildly)
What do we do?
Godzilla roars, the vehicle vibrates from the sound
The driver opens her door and looks to the girl in the back.
DRIVER
We run. Come on!
SECOND GIRL IN BACK
No.
(shaking her head back and forth wildly)
No. We cant leave her.
The SUV shakes more. The footsteps grow louder. Car horns are blaring.
DRIVER
Theres nothing we can do. Come on. It's getting closer.
The girl is shaking with fear. Tears streaming down her face.
DRIVER (CONT'D)
Alexis! Come on!
SECOND GIRL IN BACK
No.
(shaking her head back and forth)
No.
A car explodes behind them. The Suv is bouncing with every step Godzilla takes.
DRIVER
Fine! Stay here! I'm out of here.
She slams the door closed and is swept into the crowd. She leaves her friend behind, still crying in the backseat.
EXT. EXT PATRIOT CONTROL —
There is a faint noise in the background of a car horn. It progressively gets louder and more drawn out. The soldiers realize it is dozens of car horns.
COMMAND SOLDIER
What the hell is going on?
He looks to his left, he can see the highway overpass and mobs of people running down the highway screaming. More horns blaring, car doors swinging open and people scrambling to get out. The command soldier looks down the road and sees it. Though still within a mile away, Godzilla is coming towards them. Radioactive mist spraying from his mouth onto the line of cars on the freeway. There are multiple explosions as the highway erupts in flames.
EXT BUFFALO BILLS CASINO
People have been watching where the missiles launched as the soldiers continue to load up the buses. One soldier with a megaphone in hand has been overseeing the operation. He looks up and spots Godzilla approaching from the distance.
MEGAPHONE SOLDIER
Oh my god.
(he quickly lifts the megaphone to his mouth)
Attention! All citizens please drop any belongings and board the closest transport as soon as possible. Repeat drop all belongings and get on board now! Godzilla is approaching.
People look over and see the silhouette of Godzilla approaching. Panic sets in. People start dropping bags and dashing for buses. Crowds cram the entrances as people scramble to get aboard. Soldiers try to ease the chaos and get people in.
The ground starts to shake as Godzilla's footsteps can be heard among the clamor of panicked people. Soldiers are trampled as people try to force themselves through the crowd and into buses.
Full buses start pulling away but cant move far. The streets in front of them are filled with crowds of panicked people, who are running down from the Interstate.
EXT PATRIOT CONTROL
The tanks in front of the missile batteries start crawling into position. Their turrets aiming towards Godzilla.
COMMAND SOLDIER
All units fire at will. Lay cover fire. Keep Godzilla away from the evacuees.
One by one the tanks erupt in gunfire. Godzilla is peppered with artillery shells. He lets out a cry and radioactive mist starts blasting from his mouth at the tanks.
Behind him the sound of jets approaching grows louder. Two F-18's draw close and unleash their missiles at the monster as they quickly fly over head. Godzilla turns his head quickly towards one of the escaping jets and lets out a blast. The jet disintegrates on contact. The other jet loops around and lets loose another barrage.
INT JET COCKPIT
The pilot watches as Godzilla dodges the missiles and leaps at his jet. He banks quickly and through his canopy we see the image of Godzilla's massive mouth, jaws clamping down inches from the plane.
PILOT
Whoa! That was close.
ON GODZILLA
The jet is still banking, the thrusters kick in, but too late. Godzilla emits a short blast that envelopes the plane and it explodes.
Below, the tanks continue their barrage. Godzilla sprays his mist again at the tanks. Turrets melt, screams are heard, some tanks explode.
The people start panicking and running in the other direction. Cars collide with the buses as the streets jam. Godzilla starts moving forward toward the casino.
INT PRESIDENTS MAKESHIFT OFFICE
All eyes are on the screens in the room. The drones broadcasting the horror of the melted tanks and Godzilla moving forward. The Patriot missile batteries next in his path. They move slowly aiming towards the approaching monster. A missile launches but before it strikes,Godzilla grabs it in mid flight and quickly tosses it to the side, it spirals out of control until it contacts the desert floor and explodes.
As the next one is leaving the launch tube, Godzilla blasts it with his breath. The batteries erupt in a massive fireball. One of the drone cameras blacks out.
GENERAL CROSS
We need to get more F-18's in the air!
PRESIDENT
Absolutely not!
The president slams his fist on the table.
General Cross stands to face him
GENERAL CROSS
Mr. President. Those people need cover. Godzilla is going to stomp right through that crowd if we dont distract him.
PRESIDENT
And how many more lives and planes do you want to lose General?! That monster took out 2 of them already in a matter of seconds. A whole tank division and 4 Patriot missile batteries gone in less than 10 minutes, and Godzilla??? Not even a scratch! I suggest we get these drones in the air and use them to distract Godzilla long enough to get those people a chance to get out of his way. Anybody disagree!?
The General sits back down. Not only is the President angry, he knows he's right. The rest of the cabinet hang there heads, no one says a word.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Good. Since we all agree. Lets get this moving.
(looks to the door)
Colonel.
COLONEL
Yes Mr. president.
PRESIDENT
Whats the status on Dr. Hammond or his colleagues?
COLONEL
They arrived on base at 0900 hours sir. They are in decontamination and having the medics check them out.
PRESIDENT
Very good. Please have him brought here when they are finished. Now if you gentleman will excuse me for a moment. I'm going to get a cup of coffee.
The president turns and exits the room, the colonel follows him out.
EXT BUFFALO BILLS CASINO.
As crowds of people continue to flee. Godzilla makes his way to the casino resort. In front of him is the monorail track. He plows through it and it crumbles to the ground.
Another steel rollercoaster is in front of him. He leans down and grabs the windy steel track and rips it out of the ground, he tosses it to the side and it crashes into the side of the hotel. Bricks rain down from the walls.
To his right is an artificial mountain that houses the rollercoaster. To the left and ahead is the hotel. Godzilla moves forward. He crashes through the wall and exits into the massive parking lot. Cars crush beneath his feet as he continues his trek forward.
A dozen drones start flying towards Godzilla. They break their formation and start buzzing the monster like flies. Some start flashing strobes. Godzilla turns his attention to them. He tries swatting them with his arms and tail. They stay just out of his range, as they back off, Godzilla follows them.
On the streets below, people are still running on foot in the opposite direction. Most have abandoned their vehicles and make their way towards the Fashion mall evacuation site.
Another helicopter lifts off. It catches Godzilla's attention, he sees the chopper rising, his eyes squint. He turns towards it and growls. His dorsals begin to glow and a lighter mist bursts from his jaws. The helicopter full of evacuees explodes once the mist contacts it. Debris rains down into the crowd. A large chunk of the burning fuselage crashes into another waiting chopper that is loading up. It too explodes. The crowd panics and starts running in every direction.
INT PRESIDENTS MAKESHIFT OFFICE
The president is carrying his coffee back to his office, he enters to see the remains of the evacuation helicopter raining down on the main screen.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
What the hell just happened?!
Tom fidgets in his seat and rises quickly to address him.
TOM
Mr. president. Umm... Godzilla attacked one of the rescue choppers.
PRESIDENT
How did that happen? I thought we were luring him away.
TOM
Not sure sir. He was following the drones, but when the helicopter lifted off, he blasted it.
PRESIDENT
Damn it!
(looks at the general)
Cross ! Make sure the rest of those birds stay on the ground until he's out of range.
He puts his coffee on the table, then stands with his hands pressed on the table, looking over his cabinet with a stern look.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
The rest of you need to come up with a way to get that thing away from those people. And where is Dr. Hammond?
INT MEDICAL FACILITIES
Jack is putting on a clean shirt and buttoning it up when Major Adams enters the room.
MAJOR ADAMS
Hey Jack. How you feeling.
JACK
A hell of a lot better now that I had that hot shower. Just need a good meal and a cold beer and this day will be a lot better.
MAJOR ADAMS
The radiations not making you queasy?
JACK
Naw. I'm fine. Had minimal exposure. How about you?
MAJOR ADAMS
Not so good. I must of gotten a heavier dosage. Been a little light headed. The docs say I'm okay though.
JACK
Yeah. You just need some food too. Been a long night. Lets go find Miki and grab a bite.
MAJOR ADAMS
I guess that should help. Come on. I'll take you to her. She should be in the next examination room.
The two men exit the room. They enter the next and see a medic is sweeping a geiger counter over Miki. They stand in the doorway watching.
MEDIC
All clear Dr. Ogata.
MIKI
Thank you Jill.
(she looks over to see Jack and Nick at the door)
Jack. Major Adams. Nice to see both of you.
JACK
You too sweetheart.
(he looks at Jill)
You all done probing her?
JILL
I think were done for now.
JACK
Good. Because were taking her.
MIKI (QUIZZICALLY)
What? Where are we going?
MAJOR ADAMS
To the mess hall and get something to eat.
JACK
Yeah. Gourmet dinner. Only the best for you.
Jack and the Major laugh
MIKI
Great. I'm starving.
The three exit the room and head down the main hall.
EXT. EXT DOWNTOWN PRIMM —
Godzilla looks over at the site where the helicopter was just destroyed. No more of them attempt to take off. His attention is once again turned to a drone that buzzes near his face. He turns toward it and proceeds to follow it out of the city limits and into the desert.
EXT. INT NELLIS AF BASE —
Dr. Hammond sees them coming. He smiles at them and waves.
DR. HAMMOND
Jack! Miki, Major Adams. I would like you to meet my good friend and colleague Dr. Akira Serizawa.
Miki stares at the man. Her face in a disbelief. She bows to him
MIKI
It as an honor to meet you doctor. I am Dr. Miki Ogata.
He bows back
DR. SERIZAWA
Dr. Ogata. I have read some of your papers, you are quite the brilliant biologist.
MIKI
You have? I am honored again. Thank you so much. That is a cherished compliment coming from one of the worlds most brilliant paleobiologists.
DR. SERIZAWA
And my colleague here tells me that you are currently studying some mutated species that have been recently discovered.
MIKI
I am. They are very fascinating. Perhaps you could join me afterwords.
DR. SERIZAWA
I would love to. Though I think right now we have a big enough specimen to study.
DR. HAMMOND
Yes. Yes. We must find a solution for the military to stop Godzilla.
JACK
And since the two of you created him...
They are interrupted by the Colonel who is approaching them in the hall.
COLONEL
Dr. Hammond! I'm sorry to interrupt sir. But the president has been asking for your presence.
DR. HAMMOND
Yes of course. May my colleague join me?
COLONEL
They can all join you. Follow me please.
The group follows the colonel down the hall.
JACK
(turns and whispers to Miki)
This can't be good. So anyway, whats the deal with Dr. pirate?
MIKI
(she giggles)
If you mean the eye patch , then I honestly don't know. I just know he is one of my idols. That man has made so many breakthroughs and proved so many theories. He's just...amazing.
JACK
An idol?
MIKI
You know what I mean. Don't you have any one that you looked up to for inspiration? Einstein, Rutherford?
JACK
(he looks ahead to his father)
Yeah. At one time. Now.. I don't know what to think.
MIKI
Your father?
JACK
Sure. He was as brilliant as cyclops there. Why do you think they get along so good. After the accident though, he just kind of went crazy. Shied away from people, stopped working and started collecting stamps.
MIKI
Stamps?
JACK
Yeah. I know. Brilliant mind wasted on sticky paper squares that nobody even uses anymore.
They both let out a little laugh. Everyone turns back to look at them, then continues back down the hall.
MIKI
Shhhhh.
(she holds her finger to her lips)
Your gonna get us in trouble.
JACK
I'm always in trouble.
(beat)
I think my dad's in big trouble now too.
MIKI
What do you mean?
JACK
I mean the whole Godzilla thing. Damn, he created that thing Miki. And seeing what it did to Las Vegas, not knowing where it will go next. How can he not take the blame. Hell, how does he live with it?
(takes a deep breath)
Whats worse is we're trying to figure out how to stop it and prevent thousands more people being killed, and all thats in his mind is studying it.
MIKI
Jack.
(she gently grasps his shoulder)
Godzilla is a magnificent creature. I'm sickly drawn to it too. Though what he can do is terrifying, it is a wonder to behold.
Jack gives her a bewildered look
MIKI (CONT'D)
Think of Godzilla as a force of nature, like a tornado. There are people who put themselves in the path of danger everyday because not only are they fascinated by the tornado, but also to study it, to learn what makes it tick, to learn how to stop it.
JACK
Thats just it Miki. I don't think my father wants to stop it. He looks at that thing like a six year old eyes the presents under the tree on Christmas.
MIKI
I'm sure he does Jack. Nobody wants to see people hurt in the name of science.
JACK
I wouldn't be so sure. I can think of a few scientists that crossed the line. Most in my field. Which has me wondering, what the hell am I doing here?
MIKI
Well Godzilla is radioactive. And ,that is your department of expertise. Your father is a paleobiology expert and we have a monster that has both attributes. Stands to reason that you and your father should find a way to work together. Find a way to neutralize Godzilla's radiation or some other weakness and end all of this. And don't blame him for all of this either. I'm sure it really was an accident, and we know he wasn't working alone.
JACK
Yeah.
(beat)
Wait. That's it. Miki your a genius
INT PRESIDENTS MAKESHIFT OFFICE
The president is seated at a large table surrounded by his cabinet. Their attention is drawn to General Hawthorne.
General Hawthorne is standing by a large satellite image on the wall. It looks like a football playbook with X's and lines drawn all over it. He uses a pointer to emphasize a location.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
If we can strike Godzilla at this point.
(the pointer slaps the wall)
. We should be able to....
A knock on the door. It opens slowly and the Colonel peers in. Excuse me. Mr. President. I have Dr. Hammond here.
PRESIDENT
Of course Colonel. Send him in.
Dr. Hammond walks in the office.
DR. HAMMOND
I'm so sorry. Did I interrupt your meeting?
PRESIDENT
No. Welcome doctor. We have been waiting for you actually.
Dr. Serizawa enters next, followed by Miki and Jack.
Doctor Hammond turns and introduces them.
DR. HAMMOND
Mr. President. This is my close colleague Doctor Serizawa.We have been discussing some of the unique behaviors Godzilla showed while I was observing the creature.
PRESIDENT
Well I hope you may have observed something that will offer us a solution doctor. Please join us. Have a seat.
The president motions to an empty seat at the table.
DR. HAMMOND
Oh. Thank you. Thank you so much.
Doctor Hammond moves toward the seat, then motions to Jack and Miki.
DR. HAMMOND (CONT'D)
Sorry. Where are my manners. This is my son Doctor Jack Hammond and his associate Dr. Ogata. I apologize for bringing an unannounced guest, but Jack is one of the leading radiation experts in the country.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Good. Then maybe I can get some support from him on our newest strategy.
JACK
Me?
Jack takes a seat by the far wall. Miki and Serizawa sit next to him.
PRESIDENT
By all means General. If you think Dr. Hammond will help your cause. I'm listening.
JACK
Why? Whats your plan?
PRESIDENT
Go ahead General. Tell us your strategy again. If Dr. Hammond agrees, You'll have my blessings.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Thank you Mr. President. Gentleman, as I was saying before. Godzilla is currently here by the Primm Valley Country Club. His current trajectory has him following the Interstate. Within the next 20 miles, he will be situated here.
(slams the pointer again)
This will be the perfect strike zone. There is nothing but desert and mountains for at least a twenty five mile radius. I believe that should be safe enough for the protection of our populated areas.
JACK
Safe enough for what?
PRESIDENT
The general wants me to give an executive order to drop a half ton nuclear bomb on Godzilla.
JACK
What!? Are you out of your mind?
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Listen son. Godzilla has been impervious to any of our conventional weapons. At this point the only viable solution is to nuke him, and to do it far enough away from the populated areas, so as not to affect civilian life.
JACK
As if Godzilla hasn't done enough radiological damage, you want to add more? You'll turn that area into a wasteland for the next twenty years.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Its the friggin desert. It's already a wasteland. What do you propose? Just let the big lizard keep going? He already destroyed Las Vegas. At this rate he'll be in Los Angeles in the next day or two. Sorry. I'm not waiting for that to happen.
Dr. Hammond, sitting at the table watching the banter between his son and the general, shakes his head side to side, then speaks.
DR. HAMMOND
No. No. Jack is right general. You can not use a nuclear weapon on Godzilla. He was created by radioactivity, his body produces it, There's no telling what the effects may be. There is still so much we dont know about him. We need more time to study him.
JACK
Yeah. Listen to my father. I know he's crazy and a little eccentric, but he's right. All we know right now is that Godzilla has an incredible metabolism that not only makes his flesh dense and hard as steel, but that he can regenerate damaged cells very quickly.
Dr. Serizawa leans to Miki and whispers
DR. SERIZAWA
He can regenerate?
MIKI
(nods)
Hai.
JACK
What if you blow him into a thousand pieces, and those pieces regenerate into a thousand Godzilla's. Then what?
The room fills with mumbles from the cabinet members around the table, commenting on that thought.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Then we retrieve those pieces, and destroy them. I really don't think that there will be much left of Godzilla if that bomb detonates anywhere close to him.
JACK
That may be possible. But also think about this.
Jack stands up and moves next to the president at the end of the table. He looks over the group seated there.
JACK (CONT'D)
What if, He absorbs that energy from the bomb. We have no idea what it could do. He's already a 150 feet tall and breathes nuclear fire. What if he gets bigger, or worse yet, what if his energies combine with that of the bomb and make an explosion tenfold what you were considering? Then what General? Until we know how it would effect him... I am totally against the use of a nuclear weapon.
The general slaps his pointer against the wall.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Then thats a chance we take. Unless you have a better idea doctor!
JACK (GRINS)
Actually. I do.
DR. HAMMOND
You do?
JACK
Well. It was something Miki said to me earlier.
(beat)
What if we could neutralize Godzilla's radiation?
DR. HAMMOND
Of course. The radiation is more than likely the source of all his power.
JACK
Exactly. And if we can turn off his power source, we can probably stop him once and for all.
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR
And just how do we do that?
JACK
Cadmium. If we can expose him to enough cadmium, we should be able to neutralize his radiation levels.
DR. HAMMOND
Yes. yes. Son. You are brilliant.
JACK
Thank Miki. it was her idea.
PRESIDENT
So how do we get this cadmium stuff into Godzilla?
JACK
It doesn't necessarily have to get in him, just on him.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
How do you propose to accomplish that?
JACK (GRINS)
Thats your job General. I suggest you get your best explosives team together and start constructing some cadmium bombs.
PRESIDENT
If this works and we are able to neutralize Godzilla's radiation, then what?
From the back of the room, the Colonel pipes in
COLONEL
We bury him alive.
The room turns to look at him.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Colonel. Your out of line.
PRESIDENT
No. He isn't. Whats your plan Colonel?
The colonel walks over to the Generals map, he points at an opening in the mountain range.
COLONEL
Godzilla is following Interstate 15, so it stands to reason that he will follow the path of least resistance. That should put him into one of these mountain passes. If you can get his radiation down where he cant use his ray on our jets, we can fly into the canyons and bombard the walls. We cause a big enough avalanche and literally bury Godzilla alive under tons of rock.
The president folds his hands, he ponders the thought.
PRESIDENT
That sounds viable. Doctor?
JACK
It sounds reasonable to me.
PRESIDENT
General. We now have a new plan. I suggest you get your people started on this and make it happen.
The general hangs his head down.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Yes sir.
PRESIDENT
Now. Theres a lot of work to be done and a short time to do it. I want every man available, working on this around the clock. Is it feasible to have this operation ready to go in the next few hours, say by 06 hundred?
The table all nods in agreement.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Then its settled. We will meet here at six am and evaluate our status. I want updates on all progress and any challenges along the way. The doctors will remain with me for a while. i would like to ask them a few questions. Everyone else is dismissed.
Everyone rises from the table and exits the room. General Hawthorne gathers his belongings from the table. He looks up at the president.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
I think your making a big mistake Mr. President.
PRESIDENT
Actually your right General. I am. My mistake was leaving you in charge of this operation. Its time to fix that mistake.
(beat)
You are hereby suspended from your duties until further notice.
The president looks over to the door.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Colonel?
COLONEL
Yes Mr. President.
PRESIDENT
Colonel. You are in charge of this operation. I want you to keep me updated on the progress. Take the doctors with you. They may have some valuable insight.
The general turns red with anger.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
You cant be serious!?
PRESIDENT
I am serious general!
(he takes a deep breath)
Now you are dismissed. You can leave quietly or I can have you removed and placed under house arrest for insubordination.
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Yes sir. My apologies.
The general picks up his things and leaves the room.
The Colonel addresses the president.
COLONEL
Will there be anything else sir?
PRESIDENT
No Colonel. You may begin your operation plans. Please keep me updated.
The colonel salutes him.
COLONEL
Thank you sir.
He too exits the room, the doctors follow him out.
0600 HOURS
EXT AIRFIELD DAY
Tankers are fueling a bomber. A jeep pulls up to where soldiers are loading crates. Jack exits the jeep and approaches a group of soldiers. One of them is Major Adams, he sees Jack and motions for him.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good morning Jack.
JACK
Morning Nick. Do me a favor would ya? Next time you get me up this early, make sure you send them with a hot cup of coffee.
MAJOR ADAMS
(laughs)
Sorry buddy. Didn't expect you here so soon. Wheres Miki?
JACK
I let her sleep. She's exhausted. She had a rough few days.
MAJOR ADAMS
Yeah. Haven't we all.
JACK
Besides, I think she wants to work with the egghead from Japan today. She's obsessed with the guy.
MAJOR ADAMS
Do I detect a little jealousy?
JACK
What?
(beat)
No. Whats the old guy got to offer her besides his mind anyway?
MAJOR ADAMS
Some women. Hmm. Thats all they need, well that and money.
They both let out a little laugh. A soldier comes over to them. He's carrying two coffee mugs, he hands them to the Major.
SOLDIER
Here you are Major.
MAJOR ADAMS
Thank you private.
The soldier walks away and Nick hands a mug to Jack
JACK (GRINS)
Thanks. I need this.
MAJOR ADAMS
I figured. So anyway.
Nick moves over to one of the crates and opens the top. Jack looks inside and sees a row of bombs packed in the crate.
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
What do you think. Not bad for short notice.
JACK
How many do you have?
MAJOR ADAMS
So far they were only able to come up with enough cadmium to make eight of these in the short time they had.
JACK
How much cadmium is there?
MAJOR ADAMS
Not sure. I guess I could find out. How much do we need?
JACK
Honestly. I don't know. I know these bombs will have to be very close to him, if not a direct hit, for them to have any effect. Hope you got a good pilot flying this thing.
MAJOR ADAMS
One of the best.
(beat)
Me!
JACK
Are you kidding?
MAJOR ADAMS
Nope. Look Jack. I know how important this run will be. Didn't want to take a chance that it didn't get done right.
JACK
Great. I'm going with you.
MAJOR ADAMS
Like hell. Its too dangerous. If this doesn't work and we piss Godzilla off, whats to stop him from shooting that nuke spray at us and incenerating the plane.
JACK
Your gonna be a few thousand feet up. I dont think his breath is going to be a problem. Besides. I can monitor the equipment, we'll know if the bombs are working sooner, and then we can call in the cavalry.
MAJOR ADAMS
Crazy bastard. Fine. Get what you need. I'll meet you in the briefing room in an hour.
INT CONTROL ROOM.
The colonel is overseeing crews setting up equipment, testing monitors. They work feverishly getting everything prepped. The door opens and the president enters with Dr Hammond, Serizawa, and Miki.
PRESIDENT
Good morning everyone.
All the soldiers stop and stand at attention. The colonel walks over to the president. Salutes him
COLONEL
Good morning Mr. President.
(turns to the others)
and doctors. Hope everyone is well rested.
PRESIDENT
Didn't sleep a wink. How are we doing?
COLONEL
Well the bomber is being loaded now. Major Adams will be in charge of that part of the mission, I believe Dr. Hammond will be joining him.
DR. HAMMOND
Huh? I thought I was going to be here with you, monitoring and advising.
COLONEL
No. No. Sorry Doctor. I meant your son.
DR. HAMMOND
Jack? He's on the plane?
COLONEL
Yes doctor. He'll be fine. He will be monitoring the effects of the cadmium on Godzilla. He will let us know when it's safe to send our fighters in.
DR. HAMMOND
Oh dear.
MIKI
I'd like to join them if I may.
COLONEL
Sorry doctor Ogata. But they are already loaded up and on the runway. But here.
(he hands her a set of headphones with a microphone.)
You'll be able to communicate with Doctor Hammond through this.
DR. HAMMOND
May I have one of those too please?
COLONEL
Sure. I'll get you one in a moment.
O.S.
Drones online. We have visuals.
The colonel looks over to soldier standing by the large monitor. A hazy image of Godzilla appears on screen. He is moving towards a canyon.
COLONEL
Great job. Status report on big bird.
A soldier looks up from his console.
SOLDIER
The goods are loaded. Awaiting clearance for takeoff.
The president stands beside the colonel
PRESIDENT
Good job colonel. It looks like you have this operation under control.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
This is your show colonel. If your ready, then by all means, lets get this over with.
COLONEL
Thank you sir. Just awaiting your orders and we can begin the mission.
COLONEL (CONT'D)
Thank you sir.
He turns to the team in the room.
COLONEL (CONT'D)
Alright team. Operation Tombstone is a go. I repeat, we are a go.
A comm soldier speaks into his microphone.
COMM.SOLDIER
Big Bird. This is the nest. You are cleared for takeoff.
INT BOMBER
Major Adams sits in the pilot seat, another man beside him in the copilots seat. Jack is seated behind him, he is talking into his headset.
JACK
I'll see you when I get back
MIKI (OVER COMM)
You be careful Jack.
JACK
I'll be fine sweetheart. I'll take you out for a great ravioli dinner when this is all over.
EXT. EXT CANYON —
MIKI (OVER COMM)
Thats my favorite. I can't believe you remembered.
JACK
Your hard to forget. See you soon.
Major Adams looks to Jack.
MAJOR ADAMS
So you two are an item?
JACK
Not yet. We were a long time ago, but after seeing her recently. Well maybe its time to start it up again.
MAJOR ADAMS
Can't blame you pal. Shes gorgeous.
JACK
That she is. Plus a whole lot more. Enough of my love life though. Lets get going, we have a monster to catch.
MAJOR ADAMS
I'm with you.
He flips a few switches and the planes engines roar to life.
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
Big Bird to nest. We are ready. Heading for runway three niner.
OVER RADIO
Roger that Big Bird.
The plane slowly taxis forward and turns onto the runway. The bomber builds speed and lifts into the air.
EXT MOUNTAIN PASS
Godzilla reaches the opening of the canyon. He looks side to side, searching for a possibly easier passage. He does not see one so he enters the canyon. He is dwarfed by the massive rock walls. One of the drones buzzes by him to closely. He swats at it but just barely misses. The drone falters slightly but shoots ahead. Godzilla trods steadily on following it.
INT BOMBER
JACK
I think I've got him.
MAJOR ADAMS
Where at? I don't have any readings.
JACK
About a half mile into the canyon.
MAJOR ADAMS
Got him on radar.
(into mike)
Pilot to bombadier. Ready that payload. First drop on my mark.
OVER RADIO
Roger that
EXT CANYON
Godzilla stops. He hears a faint buzzing sound, he looks up to the sky but sees nothing. He turns and starts walking forward when a whistling noise catches his attention. Behind him a heavy object drops and impacts the ground with a loud thud. Before he can turn, the bomb explodes. Shrapnel peppers his body and a big cloud of dust surrounds him. He steps forward to run away but another bomb drops in front of him at his feet. The dust cloud overtakes him and Godzilla tilts his head back letting out a mighty roar that echoes through the canyon.
INT BOMBER
JACK
Good shot. I know he felt that one.
MAJOR ADAMS
Told you i would plant it on his door step. Lets make another pass. Is he moving?
JACK
Doesn't seem to be. I have a lock on him though.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good.
The plane banks and makes another pass.
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
On my mark.
(beat)
Drop em.
The bomb port opens under the plane. The bomb drops out and falls to the ground.
EXT. EXT CANYON —
The whistling noise comes again. Godzilla looks up towards the sky. His dorsal fins start to glow, he lets loose a blast from his mouth that streaks skyward.
The bomb strikes the upper part of the canyon. It explodes and loads of rock break free from the canyon wall. They rain down all around Godzilla. He backs up and presses himself against the canyon wall, trying to avoid the falling debris.
EXT. INT BOMBER —
MAJOR ADAMS
Damn it. That one missed the target.
COPILOT
Sir. We have a large heat source coming at us.
MAJOR ADAMS
Shit! Jack! I thought you said he couldn't shoot that stuff this high?
JACK
I didn't think it was possible.
MAJOR ADAMS
Evasives!
The plane banks sharply.
COPILOT
Heat source is fading.
MAJOR ADAMS
Thank god.
JACK
That was close.
MAJOR ADAMS
Yeah. Too close. Lets climb another thousand feet just to be safe. I'm coming in for another pass. Recalibrate drop rate, lets hit him with two more.
OVER RADIO
Roger that.
EXT. INT COMMAND CENTER —
The main screen gets snowy. The image of Godzilla is lost.
COLONEL
What happened? Wheres our visuals?
COMM.SOLDIER
We lost the lead drone in the last explosion. Recalibrating signal now.
The monitor again shows a picture. Godzilla is roaring in the canyon. Rocks are still raining down on him. He starts to move forward and there is a bright flash. The picture fills with smoke as the next bomb explodes.
EXT. EXT CANYON. —
The force of the blast throws Godzilla back and to the ground. He starts to rise and another bomb falls, it impacts a large boulder jutting from the side of the canyon. The explosion breaks the boulder loose and it crashes down on Godzilla's belly. He lets out a roar of pain. Another blast of radioactive mist shoots from his jaws and strikes the canyon wall. More rock and debris fall from the blast and rain down around him.
EXT. INT COMMAND CENTER —
A soldier looks up from his screen and starts shouting.
SOLDIER
He's down. I repeat. Godzilla is down.
A soldier standing by the colonel speaks
SOLDIER (CONT'D)
Colonel. Birds are in the air. Should we begin the attack run?
COLONEL
Negative. I need confirmation that the cadmium is working. Doctor Hammond. Please ask your son if were good to go.
DR. HAMMOND
(he puts the headphones on)
Jack. Jack?
JACK (OVER COM)
Yeah dad.
DR. HAMMOND
Son. Is it clear? They want to send the jets in. Are you getting any readings on his temperature?
JACK (OVER COM)
Too hard to tell. Lots of interference. Were gonna make one more pass. Standby.
DR. HAMMOND
Okay.
(looks at the colonel)
They want to make another pass.
COLONEL
I heard. Thank you doctor.
(addresses the room)
Heads up people! One more drop and were moving in!
EXT. INT BOMBER —
MAJOR ADAMS
Is he still down?
JACK
Cant tell through all the smoke, but it looks like it. Theres no movement on the heat radar.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good. Because I got a present for our little friend down there.
(into his comm)
Almost there.
(beat)
Bombs away!
The hatch opens and two more bombs fall from the belly of the plane.
EXT. EXT CANYON —
Godzilla lies still on the canyon floor eyes closed. His breathing is labored. Again we hear the whistling sound. His eyes open and he tries to get up. There is a blur and the bomb drops on his belly with a big explosion, the other bomb hits the ground a few yards away, it too explodes and a cadmium dust cloud envelopes his body.
EXT. INT BOMBER —
JACK
Direct hit. You got him good this time Nick.
MAJOR ADAMS
Told you I was good. Now lets finish this.
(into his comm)
Big Bird to nest. Target is down. repeat. Target is down. Begin cleanup.
OVER RADIO
Copy that Big bird. Eagle squadron commence run.
MAJOR ADAMS
You think this is gonna work Jack?
JACK
Yeah. I think so. He's not moving down there.
MAJOR ADAMS
Good. Because there they go.
Through the cockpit windows we see a squadron of F18's fly by in formation. They dive down towards the canyon.
EXT. EXT CANYON —
The jets come streaking down the canyon towards Godzilla.
EXT. INT LEAD JET COCKPIT —
LEAD PILOT
Okay boys stay sharp. Arm and lock missiles on the canyon walls. Once your bogeys away pull up and fan out
OVER RADIO
Roger that Eagle One.
LEAD PILOT
Prepare to fire on my mark.
Suddenly through the smoke ahead, the pilot sees Godzilla's face staring back at him.
LEAD PILOT (CONT'D)
Target is up. Pull out! Pull out!
The lead pilot throws his flight stick and his plane thrusts upward.
The remaining jets pull up and out of the canyon. Godzilla turns quickly and lets loose a blast of his breath. The last plane in formation is enveloped by the mist and explodes. Debris rains down harmlessly.
EXT. INT LEAD JET COCKPIT —
LEAD PILOT
Damn It! Eagle one to Big Bird. Come in Big Bird.
MAJOR ADAMS (OS)
Big Bird.
LEAD PILOT
Major. We have a problem. Godzilla is up and his death breath is still working.
MAJOR ADAMS (OS)
Roger that Eagle one.
LEAD PILOT
Can we drop another package?
MAJOR ADAMS (OS)
Negative. Supply depleted. We have one dud on board.
OVER RADIO
Abort mission. Abort mission. All birds pull out.
EXT. INT COMMAND CENTER —
Godzilla looks towards the advancing jets. He lets out a challenging roar. He arches his head back, opens his mouth and emits, nothing. His dorsals blink and again he tries, but to no avail. He charges towards the planes.
PRESIDENT
Colonel! Get them out of there!
COLONEL
Abort order given sir!
Watching the carnage on the big screen, Dr. Serizawa is leaned over to Dr. Hammond and whispering something to him. Hammond points at the screen.
DR. HAMMOND
Yes. Yes. I believe it is.
(he turns and faces the colonel)
Colonel. Wait a moment.
COLONEL
What is it doctor?
DR. HAMMOND
Look at Godzilla.
He points to the image on the screen. We see Godzilla's mouth open. In the back of his throat is a faint glow that subsides. his dorsal plates glow and then flicker like a dying light bulb.
DR. HAMMOND (CONT'D)
I do believe the cadmium is working. His ray is not working. It just sort of fizzled. This may be your last chance colonel.
COLONEL
Thats great news doctor. How much time do we have?
DR. HAMMOND
I really couldn't say. Maybe a few hours, maybe a few minutes. I really dont know.
COLONEL
Then we move now.
Turns to the comm officer
COLONEL (CONT'D)
Order the birds to strike now!
COMM.SOLDIER
Yes sir.
(into his microphone)
Eagles. This is nest. Orders are strike now. Repeat. Strike now.
OVER RADIO
Roger that nest.
EXT. INT BOMBER —
MAJOR ADAMS
Jack. They just ordered a strike. Is Godzilla down?
JACK
It appears so. He's trying to use his ray and nothings coming out. Miki says it fizzled.
MAJOR ADAMS
Thats great Jack. Look. There they go.
They look out the windows and see the F-18's streak around towards the canyon.
EXT. EXT CANYON —
The jets scream in formation towards Godzilla. This time though they skim the top of the canyon, out of his reach.
LEAD PILOT
Eagles. Set your marks and lock in. Fire on my mark.
OVER RADIO
Roger that. Locking targets.
LEAD PILOT
Fox two!
He pushes his fire trigger. Missiles rocket from the planes underbelly.
Godzilla leaps in the air and swats out to the planes but is caught in the chest by the first missile. The force of the explosion pushes him down crashing into the canyon floor. On his back, Godzilla looks up and sees the barrage of missiles as they impact the canyon walls. They explode in a massive fireball, and tons of rock and dirt rain down into the canyon. Burying Godzilla alive.
Another squadron of jets follows the path of the first ones. They too launch a barrage of missiles at the canyon walls. Another avalanche piles more tons of debris on the heaping mound.
EXT. INT BOMBER —
OVER RADIO
A little back up compliments of the colonel.
MAJOR ADAMS
Roger that.
Looks back at Jack.
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
I think they did it buddy. I think we got him.
JACK
It certainly looks that way. Cant be sure though. All kinds of interference and I'm not getting any good readings. Can you bring us down a bit?
MAJOR ADAMS
Sure. We'll get a better visual too.
The plane starts to decrease altitude. The two men look out the windows and see the newly formed mountain of rubble. From up there it looks like a great dam in the canyon.
JACK
Geiger readings are next to nothing. No hard radiation. I do believe we got him.
MAJOR ADAMS
Thats great Jack. Nice job.
JACK
Me? What I do?
MAJOR ADAMS
Your idea.
Mikis voice comes over the radio.
MIKI (ON COM)
Jack? Jack?! Are you alright?
JACK
Yes honey I'm fine.
MIKI(ON COM)
Dont call me that. What about Godzilla? Is he dead?
JACK
He has a few hundred tons of rock covering him right now, I honestly dont think anything could have survived that.
Jack looks back out the window and down one more time as the plane turns back and heads for home.
EXT. EXT CANYON DAY —
We pan in on the top of the canyon. There is a small outpost built by the edge of the canyon. We pan down the rubble to the canyon floor. There is a mobile lab parked by the edge of the rubble mountain. Walking down the pile is Dr. Hammond and Dr. Serizawa. The colonel is waiting for them at the bottom.
DR. HAMMOND
Good afternoon Colonel.
COLONEL
Good afternoon doctor. So do we have a conformation yet?
DR. HAMMOND
Well. Our probes have yet to get to the body. He's pretty far down there. But so far we have had no signs of life.
COLONEL
I guess thats all we can hope for. Thank you doctor. I know you have a lot of work to do, I wont bother you any longer. But if something does happen. Please let us know.
DR. HAMMOND
Of course Colonel.
The colonel turns and walks away. There is a rumble. The ground shakes slightly and rocks start tumbling down. He turns to look at the rubble pile. The shaking stops and one rock tumbles to the ground and towards the doctor. He bends over, picks up the rock and tosses it on the pile.
DR. HAMMOND (CONT'D)
Its okay colonel. Just the rubble settling. Happens a lot.
COLONEL
Had me worried for a second. Good bye doctor.
DR. HAMMOND
Goodbye.
He starts walking towards a group of scientists under a tent that are analyzing something. As he enters he looks up and sees vultures flying overhead. Shrugs it off and enters the tent.
ROLL CREDITS
One of the vultures lands on the debris pile. He is picking at a animal carcass that was caught in the avalanche. He leans down and as he takes a shred of meat, his wing starts to smolder. He tries to fly away, he spreads his wings and they ignite into flames. As the burning birds body collapses,we hear a muffled yet distinct roar.
FADE
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