BLACK CANARY: EMERGENCE OF THE CANARY
Written by KowloonDusk
EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN - NIGHT
The endless sea stretches across the empty horizon,
reflecting the full moon from above. It is still and silent.
It's like a painting.
A faint hum becomes audible. It sounds like it's getting
nearer. Movement in the water. A SHADOW.
It's the reflection of an AH-64 Apache attack chopper. In an
instant, it is gone.
INT. CHOPPER - MOVING - NIGHT
FOUR YOUNG MERCENARIES sit around the chopper. They are TEAM
7. COLE, a real wild cat in his early twenties, breathes on a
pair of handguns. He polishes them meticulously until they
shine. KURT, a level-headed bloke in his mid-twenties, looks
at him while loading a Mossberg shotgun. Their banter is
filled with sarcasm.
KURT
I think you missed a spot, Cole.
COLE
You must be mistaken. I don't miss.
How you doing on that shotgun, Kurt?
Kurt loads another round.
KURT
Still working on the important part.
DINAH DRAKE, a gorgeous blonde in her early twenties, looks
over slyly. She's the only woman here.
DINAH
(amused)
Guns. Is that all you boys ever think
about?
KURT
In Cole's case, yes.
COLE
We're about to go head to head with a
bunch of bad guys, what are you
thinking about, Dinah?
DINAH
The five hundred grand we're gonna get
paid when this job's over.
KURT
Yeah. As long as we make it out alive.
COLE
Don't be such a pessimist, Kurt.
KURT
I'm not a pessimist. He is.
Everyone looks over to SLADE, a tough guy in his mid-
twenties. He sits in the corner, quiet, CRACKING his
knuckles. They stare at him blankly.
DINAH
Got a cramp, Slade?
SLADE
Just getting ready to wield.
They see a huge BROADSWORD next to him. He just continues
cracking his knuckles.
DINAH
Right, Slade... you just holler if you
need anything.
Slade cracks another knuckle.
COLE
Earth to Slade, there aren't any
ninjas on this mission. Why don't you
trade Excalibur for something a little
more modern?
SLADE
Got trigger finger.
KURT
I wonder why.
SLADE
Wouldn't want my gun to suddenly go
off and scare you, Cole.
He makes a sudden shooting motion at Cole with his hand.
COLE
Ain't scared of that, Slade. But the
thought of a guy like you worrying
about my feelings is terrifying.
Dinah chuckles.
DINAH
Would you guys give it a rest? Like it
or not, we have to work together.
COLE
Why don't you tell "Deathstroke" over
there to lay off the knuckle workout
too. Before he hurts himself.
SLADE
Cole, I'm gonna try out my sword. I'd
like you to tell me how sharp the
blade is.
COLE
Sure. As long as you let me practice
my aim. Don't move.
JOHN LYNCH, a gruff man of authority in his thirties, steps
in from the cockpit. DEKE, another mercenary in his twenties,
flies the chopper.
LYNCH
Alright, hotheads... and ladies,
listen up. We reach the shores of
Gamorra in two minutes. Here's how
it's gonna go down. The object we've
been asked to retrieve - Pandora's
Box - is currently being held in an
old prison overtaken by Kaizen troops.
We're to get in, get the box, and get
out.
SLADE
And cut down anyone in our way.
COLE
Thanks for that vitally important
detail, Slade.
LYNCH
Enough, Cole. Anyone else got
something to say?
DINAH
What's our formation?
LYNCH
You and Kurt will scout ahead. Cole
and Slade will cover you. I'll hold
the exit. Deke stays by the chopper -
just in case.
KURT
Sounds like a plan.
LYNCH
From here on out, we use our
codenames. Got it?
DINAH
Got it, "Topkick."
EXT. GAMORRA ISLAND - NIGHT
The chopper touches down in an empty field of a remote
island. The door opens, and the team jumps out with their
weapons. Lynch and Dinah hold Norinco assault rifles. Dinah
waves to Deke in the cockpit.
DINAH
Can we trust you with all this heavy
artillery, "Wingman"?
DEKE
(smiles)
I'll try to control myself, "Black
Canary."
Dinah smiles and heads off. The team proceeds through the
field.
EXT. GRASSY HILL - NIGHT
Team 7 treks up a steep hill. Dinah and Kurt walk together.
KURT
You must have really impressed Topkick
with your combat skills for him to
bring you aboard Team 7.
Dinah hesitates. She closes up.
DINAH
Mmm. Guess I did. It's something I
have to live with.
KURT
Sorry, didn't mean to pry.
DINAH
No, I'm sorry, Kurt.
(catches herself)
I mean, "Mustang." I know Topkick told
you guys I won the state judo
championship. What he didn't tell you
is that a local mobster was betting
against me. Big time. The guy lost a
fortune, and he sent two pros to
attack me. I killed them in self-
defense. Topkick witnessed the whole
thing.
KURT
That must have been traumatizing for
you. We all have something in our past
that we're trying to escape. After
all, that's why we're here.
DINAH
Yeah. Thanks for listening, Mustang.
KURT
So, what do you plan to do with your
paycheck when this is job is through,
Black Canary?
DINAH
Gonna open a dojo. Follow the path of
my Sensei. That - and spend some much
needed vacation time on the beach. And
I don't mean Gamorra Beach.
KURT
(chuckles)
I practice quite often. Wonder if
we'll run into each other again.
DINAH
What do you mean, at the dojo? Or the
beach?
KURT
Maybe both.
They smile at each other. Meanwhile, Cole and Slade are just
the opposite.
COLE
Hey, Deathstroke, I've got a comic
book I think you might like. It's
funny. It'll bring out your brighter
side.
SLADE
I ain't got a brighter side.
COLE
I know. But with a little therapy...
LYNCH
Knock it off, "Dead Eye."
EXT. OLD PRISON - NIGHT
The prison is a dilapidated, two-story outpost that hasn't
been used since WWII. It's empty, although faint lights are
on inside. Barbed wire is everywhere. A searchlight shines
from the tower, but no one is there. Team 7 reaches the outer
gate. Kurt looks through a pair of hi-tech binoculars.
KURT
Where the hell are Kaizen's troops?
Those terrorists wouldn't let anyone a
mile near their fortress.
DINAH
I don't like this. It could be a trap.
LYNCH
Thermo check shows ten of 'em. All
inside. Let's go.
They climb the gate and head for the prison. Kurt and Dinah
lead the way.
INT. OLD PRISON - NIGHT
The front doors BUST open. Kurt and Dinah storm in, guns
ready.
It's empty. The rest of the team looks around. They glance up
at the second floor balcony. Nothing.
COLE
So what floor's the party?
Dinah picks up a bullet casing off the floor.
DINAH
Someone beat us to it.
LYNCH
Alright, let's split up. Mustang and
Black Canary, take this floor.
Deathstroke and Dead Eye, check
upstairs. Maintain radio contact at
all times.
INT. OLD PRISON - CELLS - NIGHT
Dinah and Kurt move down opposite ends of a corridor,
checking the empty cells one by one. Dinah hears something.
TAPPING. CLAWING. She turns -
- to find a rat.
INT. OLD PRISON - SECOND FLOOR - NIGHT
Cole walks through, holding his handguns at his side. Around
a corner, a SHADOW moves.
COLE
(whispering)
Someone's here.
He moves forward -
- and a CRAZED KAIZEN MERCENARY comes out, SHOOTING a
machine gun! The bad guy screams and fires all around.
Cole FIRES, shooting him down.
LYNCH (V.O.)
Dead Eye, status?
COLE
One certified psycho down. Something
had him spooked.
Cole walks ahead.
INT. OLD PRISON - MAINTENANCE AREA - NIGHT
Slade moves through an area full of piping that runs along
the walls. Ahead, GUNFIRE.
Slade gets back behind a thick pipe and sees -
- two more KAIZEN MERCENARIES. They SCREAM, shooting at the
air.
KAIZEN MERC ONE
They're everywhere!
Slade watches.
SLADE
(whispers)
Two more... They're insane.
The Kaizen mercs charge through, screaming. Slade jumps out
and brings his sword down on one of them. The other sees him,
SCREAMS, and raises his gun -
- but Slade just spins around and SLICES him down.
INT. OLD PRISON - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dinah walks through the decaying cooking area.
SLADE (V.O.)
They were shooting at thin air.
KURT (V.O.)
Ghosts?
DINAH
With our luck, they'll be real.
INT. OLD PRISON - CELLS - NIGHT
Kurt sees something shiny. He steps into a cell to see a
small case. Inside are two broken glass canisters.
KURT
Got something here, but it doesn't
look like Pandora's box.
Behind him, a WHISPER. Kurt SPINS AROUND and FIRES his
shotgun. But there's nothing there.
KURT (CONT'D)
What the hell?
LYNCH (V.O.)
What it is, Mustang?
KURT
Uh, some broken canisters. Smells
funny.
COLE (V.O.)
I got them too.
INT. OLD PRISON - SECOND FLOOR - NIGHT
Cole sees two more broken canisters on the floor. Suddenly, a
door swings open, and ANOTHER KAIZEN MERC comes out,
screaming in pain. Cole dives to the floor and SHOOTS him
down.
COLE
Another down. He didn't look too well.
Cole gets up and goes over to the canisters. He picks one up.
He hears a WHISPER and raises a pistol. Nothing there.
INT. OLD PRISON - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dinah hears an eerie WHISPER too.
VOICE
Here.
Dinah ducks. She rolls across the floor and FIRES her assault
rifle.
The room is empty.
She sees a case of broken canisters on a table.
DINAH
Guys, something's going on here.
SLADE (V.O.)
I've got canisters over here too.
Empty, but smells like chemicals.
LYNCH (V.O.)
We're not here for the canisters,
people. Leave 'em.
Dinah looks at the canisters. Printed on the broken glass are
the words GEN-FACTOR.
INT. OLD PRISON - SECOND FLOOR - NIGHT
Cole DROPS the broken canister. He looks at his hand. His
skin TIGHTENS. He SCREAMS. His face begins to CONTORT.
COLE
My skin! Help!
DINAH (V.O.)
Dead Eye?
Cole just SCREAMS. WHISPERS are everywhere. He begins FIRING
his guns madly at the air.
LYNCH (V.O.)
Dead Eye, come in!
Over the radio, Slade screams next.
INT. OLD PRISON - MAINTENANCE AREA - NIGHT
Slade goes nuts, SWINGING his sword in all directions. His
face begins to MELT. Blindly, he steps on the broken glass of
the GEN-FACTOR canisters.
He SWINGS his sword and SEVERS a pipe on the wall. GAS PUMPS
INTO THE ROOM.
INT. OLD PRISON - NIGHT
Lynch RUNS ahead.
LYNCH
Deathstroke, do you read me?
He catches sight of a crate filled with more canisters
against the wall. These are unbroken, yet they appear empty.
Lynch sees the words: GEN-FACTOR, MUTAGEN AGENT.
Next, Kurt SCREAMS over the radio.
KURT (V.O.)
They're everywhere!
DINAH (V.O.)
Mustang? Mustang!
Lynch darts ahead.
LYNCH
Abort mission! Don't touch the
canisters or breathe it in! It's some
sort of mutagen!
DINAH (V.O.)
Mustang!
LYNCH
Black Canary, don't breathe it in!
INT. OLD PRISON - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dinah holds her breath - but it's too late. She feels some
of the mutagen in her mouth. She grabs her throat and falls
down. She SCREAMS a powerful, echoing SCREAM.
More strange WHISPERS. On the floor, Dinah FIRES her rifle in
all directions until she's out of ammo. She pulls out a
BERETTA 92FS and continues SHOOTING, blasting apart the room.
Lynch runs in and grabs her.
LYNCH
Black Canary! Come on!
He pulls her up and leads her out.
INT. OLD PRISON - NIGHT
Lynch helps Dinah through the main corridor.
LYNCH
Everyone, abort mission! Get the hell
out!
DINAH
No! We have to get Kurt... we have
to...
Dinah can barely stand. Lynch picks her up and carries her.
LYNCH
Hold your breath.
Lynch holds his breath - but stops. He smells the gas
filling the air from the second floor.
LYNCH (CONT'D)
The gas line!
(to radio)
Everyone out! The place is gonna blow!
He rushes to the exit.
EXT. OLD PRISON - NIGHT
Lynch runs out with Dinah.
KA-BOOM! The entire prison EXPLODES. Lynch and Dinah tumble
to the ground. Shrapnel flies everywhere.
Lynch gets back up. He sees Dinah's eyes slowly closing.
LYNCH
Black Canary! Can you hear me? Drake!
Dinah tries to speak, but she can't. Lynch picks her up and
carries her away.
LYNCH (CONT'D)
Wingman! We're coming to you!
EXT. FIELD - CHOPPER - NIGHT
The rotor blades are already spinning. Lynch makes his way
over the hill with Dinah and carries her to the chopper.
INT. CHOPPER - NIGHT
Lynch brings Dinah in and shuts the door. He lays Dinah down
on a seat.
DEKE
What the hell happened? I saw the
explosion from here!
LYNCH
The mission went to hell! Get us outta
here, Deke!
DEKE
Yes, Sir!
Deke lifts off. Lynch turns to Dinah. She's fading in and out
of consciousness.
DINAH'S POV
LYNCH
Drake! Can you hear me? Stay with me!
You're gonna be OK! Drake!
FADE TO BLACK:
At first, there is nothing.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. An EKG machine is steady.
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Dinah slowly opens her eyes. It's bright. She looks around.
She's in a hospital bed. Warm sunlight streams through the
windows. She sits up and looks at the EKG. Then she begins
taking the electrodes off her body.
A NURSE comes in.
NURSE
Hello, Miss. Take it easy. How are you
feeling?
DINAH
I feel fine. Did you find anything
wrong?
NURSE
No, not at all. You're perfectly
healthy.
DINAH
What hospital is this? How'd I get
here?
NURSE
You're in New Jersey. Edgewater
Hospital. You were passed out, and a
man dropped you off. He left you some
stuff, but we never got his name... or
yours...
Dinah looks over to a table where she sees a knapsack.
NURSE (CONT'D)
Miss? Your name?
DINAH
Uh, Dinah. Dinah Drake.
NURSE
Well, Miss Drake, do you remember what
happened?
Dinah pauses. A sudden FLASHBACK of Team 7.
INT. OLD PRISON - FLASHBACK - NIGHT
On the floor, Dinah SHOUTS and FIRES her assault rifle in all
directions.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Dinah looks at the Nurse.
DINAH
Yeah, I just... had too much to drink.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - LATER
The Nurse is gone. Dinah stands by the table, rummaging
through the knapsack. Inside are a pair of sneakers, jeans,
blouse, some cash, a watch, and her dog tags. The dog tags
simply say BLACK CANARY.
Dinah clutches them for a moment.
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Dinah, now dressed in the casual clothes, exits the hospital
and starts toward the street. She can see the city across the
river.
INT. PHONE BOOTH - DAY
Dinah speaks on the phone.
DINAH
I'd like to check recent transactions
on my account.
(beat)
Five hundred thousand? When was the
deposit made?
(beat)
Last night, huh? Thank you.
She hangs up. Pauses. She lifts the receiver again and
inserts a quarter. She dials and waits. Finally -
DINAH (CONT'D)
Lynch. It's Dinah. I hope you get this
message. I don't know what happened in
Gamorra, but I'm fine now. I just
wanna say thanks for bringing me to
the hospital. I got the money. I'm
heading back to Gotham. If you hear
anything about Kurt or the others...
if by some chance they survived, give
me a call. You know how to reach me.
She hangs up.
EXT. BUS STOP - DAY
Dinah waits with some TRAVELERS at a bus stop. The bus pulls
up, and they get on. The sign on the front of the bus reads,
"NEXT STOP: GOTHAM CITY."
EXT. GOTHAM CITY - DAY
The city that never rests. An endless mass of PEOPLE and CARS
everywhere. The bus moves through narrow streets lined with
towering skyscrapers. Posters advertise the "MAYOR'S CHARITY
BALL AT CITY HALL."
EXT. DOJO - DAY
Dinah walks down Avenue A, past a row of storefronts. She
comes to a dojo and enters. A Honda CB750 motorcycle is
parked out front.
INT. DOJO - DAY
It looks like we've stepped into a traditional Japanese house
with sliding shoji doors and byobu folding screens with
vivid, decorative designs. There are training mats in the
back. Dinah looks around. No one is here.
DINAH
Sensei! Sensei!
Emerging from a backroom, SENSEI OTOMO, a Japanese man in his
seventies, comes over with a cane. He smiles.
OTOMO
Is that my Dangerous Diva? You're
back! How are you?
Dinah hurries over. She sees his cane.
DINAH
Sensei, are you all right? Why are you
using a cane?
OTOMO
Oh, never mind this, Dinah. I'm just
getting clumsy in my old age.
(coughs)
I am so happy you've returned. Those
two months you were away seemed like
forever.
She hugs him.
OTOMO (CONT'D)
Want to get settled first? I left your
room exactly the way it was.
DINAH
Oh, it's fine!
OTOMO
Then sit down. I'll make some tea. How
did the job go?
Otomo goes to the cupboard and gets two teacups and a serving
tray. Dinah sits at a table.
DINAH
Well, I'm alive.
OTOMO
I can see that. I hope they delivered
on the promised payment.
He takes the tray to the hot water machine.
DINAH
They did. I'm just glad it's over,
Sensei. So, how are you?
OTOMO
I'm getting by.
He comes over with the tea and sits down. He hands her a cup.
DINAH
Thank you.
After a moment, he speaks.
OTOMO
I've decided to stop teaching.
DINAH
What? Why?
OTOMO
I'm getting older. The number of
students is dropping. Maybe it's time.
DINAH
Those punks from the collection racket
don't have anything to do with this,
do they?
OTOMO
No, no. I've made the decision to
retire. But now that you're back,
well, maybe the dojo still has a
future.
Dinah smiles.
DINAH
Of course it does. It's home.
OTOMO
I've got something for you. A present.
I know your birthday was three days
ago. If there was some way I could've
sent it to you overseas, believe me, I
would've.
DINAH
What is it?
OTOMO
It's sitting outside.
EXT. DOJO - DAY
Dinah and Otomo go to the door. Dinah sees the Honda CB750 on
the street.
DINAH
Oh my God! You got it?
She runs out and admires the bike.
OTOMO
That's the one you're always talking
about, right? I went to the dealer,
and all the motorcycles looked the
same! What an ordeal...
Excited, Dinah jumps on the bike.
DINAH
Yes! It's the 750 superbike! 67
horsepower, 5-speed air-cooled
straight four engine!
OTOMO
(clueless)
Right. You'll need these, D.D.
Otomo tosses her the keys. Dinah starts up the bike and revs
the engine.
DINAH
Wow!
OTOMO
(to himself)
My goodness, that's loud...
DINAH
Thank you, Sensei!
OTOMO
Happy Birthday! I thought I might
treat you to dinner tonight. At a
restaurant.
Dinah looks at him and smiles warmly.
EXT. JAPANESE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
PEDESTRIANS walk past a classy Japanese restaurant in the
East Village.
INT. JAPANESE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Dinah and Otomo sit across from each other, eating. Dinah
stops, a bit saddened.
DINAH
I shouldn't have taken that job,
Sensei.
OTOMO
But... what about all the money that
man Mr. Lynch promised you?
DINAH
I know. He paid me. But the mission
was a disaster. All my teammates died.
Lynch and me were the only ones who
made it out alive. It was horrible.
OTOMO
I'm sorry. It did sound dangerous, and
I was so worried.
DINAH
I should've listened to you.
OTOMO
Dinah, ever since I took you in and
raised you, I never forced you to make
a decision. I've always taught you to
trust your judgment. I knew you
wouldn't have taken that job if you
didn't think it was the right thing
for you.
DINAH
I know, but... looking back at
everything, I was better off working
in that flower shop, and teaching judo
with you.
OTOMO
What's done is done. It's in the past
now. You're back safe and sound.
That's all that matters.
She looks at him.
DINAH
Thank you, Sensei. For everything.
OTOMO
You're welcome, Dinah. Now stop,
you're gonna make me blush.
Dinah chuckles. Otomo coughs. Badly.
DINAH
Are you OK?
OTOMO
Yes, yes. Come on, eat.
Dinah smiles and eats.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Dinah and Otomo walk down a sidewalk. Otomo uses his cane.
Dinah helps him.
DINAH
Are you sure you're OK, Sensei? You
were fine when I left. I come back
after two months, and now you've got a
cane.
OTOMO
Yes, yes, don't worry.
DINAH
Stay here. Let me hail a cab.
She goes to the curb.
OTOMO
Dinah, no! You know what cab fares are
like these days?
He coughs again.
DINAH
Sensei, don't worry about the fare.
It's your health that you should think
about.
Otomo coughs uncontrollably. He falls down in pain. Dinah
turns around and runs over. She kneels next to him.
DINAH (CONT'D)
Oh my God! Sensei! What's wrong?
Otomo struggles. Tears fill Dinah's eyes.
DINAH (CONT'D)
Sensei! Somebody, help!
PEDESTRIANS look over curiously. A POLICE OFFICER rushes
over.
INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Dinah stands at the far end of the corridor, talking to a
DOCTOR. We can't hear them, but we can see that Dinah is
deeply troubled.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Otomo lies in the hospital bed, hooked up to all sorts of
equipment. Saddened, Dinah enters slowly and sits next to the
bed. Otomo looks at her.
DINAH
Sensei... how are you feeling?
OTOMO
I'm not through yet.
DINAH
Why didn't you tell me you have
cancer?
OTOMO
Dinah... I didn't want to spoil your
birthday dinner.
Dinah sniffles. She wipes the tears from her eyes.
OTOMO (CONT'D)
It's imminent, isn't it?
DINAH
Don't say that. Please.
OTOMO
Dinah, I've lived a good, long life.
And you've been the daughter I never
had. I am so proud of you. I've taught
you everything I know. Now, it's time
for you to go and pass on that
knowledge. Here.
Otomo takes a silver pendant off from around his neck. It has
the word PEACE written in Japanese calligraphy. He puts the
pendant around Dinah's neck.
OTOMO (CONT'D)
My mother gave this to me when she
died. Keep it to remember me.
DINAH
I will, Sensei.
He smiles at her.
OTOMO
Look sharp, Dangerous Diva.
Otomo's eyes slowly close. His life fades.
Dinah sobs. She sits there for a while. A NURSE comes in.
EXT. STREET - LATER
It is much later. Dinah walks through the city streets,
distraught.
INT. DOJO - NIGHT
Dinah enters. Turns on the lights. The silence is unbearable.
She weeps.
INT. DOJO - LOFT - NIGHT
Dinah climbs the stairs and enters the loft. It is her
bedroom. A tight, yet comfy space with a futon bed. Lots of
albums and posters of rock stars hang around the room. A
large collection of judo trophies are also here.
Dinah goes to the nightstand, which is full of framed photos
of her winning various martial arts championships.
She pulls out one photo of her and Otomo smiling. She stares
at it.
KNOCK, KNOCK. Someone bangs on the door downstairs. Dinah
wipes her eyes and puts the picture down.
INT. DOJO - NIGHT
Dinah comes down the steps. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! She answers
the door.
DINAH
We're closed.
She looks to see two men - KELMER, thirties, dressed
sharply, and CLUTCH, thirties, wearing gym clothes that show
off his intimidating physique. They are thugs, no question
about it.
KELMER
What have we here? Say, Missy, is the
old man around?
DINAH
No, beat it.
She closes the door, but Clutch grabs the door and stops it.
Dinah looks at him. Clutch just grins evilly.
CLUTCH
It doesn't quite work that way. Allow
us to explain.
He forces the door open, and they enter. Dinah folds her
arms.
KELMER
The old man's behind on his payments.
He goes over to a weapons rack where a bunch of fighting
equipment is stored. He looks it over.
KELMER (CONT'D)
Wouldn't want any unnecessary trouble
to come your way now.
DINAH
Listen, I'm really not in the mood for
this.
Kelmer smiles and walks over to her. Dinah remains stern.
KELMER
Well, that's really too bad, but
you're on our property, Missy. And
that means you gotta pay. If you wanna
stay.
DINAH
Cute. You just make that up? Or do you
rap in your free time?
KELMER
Hear that, Clutch? We've got a natural
comedian here. But I think I'm gonna
have the last laugh tonight.
CLUTCH
The old timer owes us twelve hundred
for running this dump. If he's not
paying, then you are. And I think your
attitude is gonna cost a little extra.
DINAH
Well, when you calculate the total,
just send me a bill.
KELMER
Oh, this broad is priceless. I think
we ought to remind her who's in
charge. What do you think, Clutch?
Clutch stretches his arms and shows off his muscles.
CLUTCH
Good idea, Kelmer. You're up first.
Kelmer smiles and pulls a butterfly knife. He TWIRLS it in
Dinah's face. She doesn't even blink.
KELMER
Got the money now, Missy?
DINAH
You take credit card?
KELMER
You're gonna give me what I want, or
else I'm going to take it. I see
you've got other assets that I'm
interested in.
He holds the knife up to her chest, about to cut a button off
of her blouse. Dinah smiles, amused.
DINAH
I'd like to see you try.
Kelmer goes to cut -
- but Dinah grabs his wrist and TWISTS. CRACK! He SCREAMS,
drops the knife, and Dinah catches it. Then she SLAMS his
hand upwards into his own face. Dinah then kicks out his
feet, and he falls down.
Next, Dinah spins and THROWS the knife. It sails right into
the wall, centimeters away from Clutch's head. Clutch CHARGES
forward and SWINGS his fist. Dinah just slides to the floor,
twirls, and TRIPS him. He CRASHES into the floor.
KELMER
Missy, you just made the biggest
mistake of your life!
Kelmer scrambles back up and rushes to the weapons stand. He
reaches for a pair of nun chucks.
Dinah just pulls the butterfly knife out of the wall and
TOSSES it again. It IMPALES Kelmer in the back of the leg,
and he falls down, knocking the weapon stand over. A bo staff
rolls over to Dinah, and she picks it up. She TWIRLS it.
Clutch stands and attempts to tackle Dinah, but she
effortlessly SWINGS the staff, HITS Clutch in the face, and
knocks him back down.
Kelmer watches in fury. He RIPS the knife out of his leg and
SHOUTS.
DINAH
I think you boys made the mistake. Now
beat it. Before I get upset.
Kelmer stands in pain and pulls Clutch up too.
KELMER
You're dead, lady!
Kelmer and Clutch limp out. Dinah watches them go. She drops
her bo staff.
Silence.
EXT. STREET - SEDAN - MOVING - NIGHT
A sedan SCREECHES down the street. Clutch drives. Kelmer is
in the passenger seat. They speed toward the dojo.
INT. DOJO - NIGHT
Dinah picks up the weapons and puts them back on the stand.
She hears the car screeching and looks out the window.
EXT. SEDAN - MOVING - NIGHT
As Clutch drives, Kelmer thrusts an MP5A3 submachine gun out
the window and OPENS FIRE. A BARRAGE OF BULLETS litter the
front of the dojo. The windows SHATTER.
INT. DOJO - NIGHT
Dinah dives to the floor as the machine gun fire sprays into
the dojo. The folding screens are ripped to shreds by
bullets. A large glass mirror on the wall BLASTS to pieces.
The teacups on the table SHATTER.
Eventually, the gunfire stops. Dinah pokes her head up.
EXT. SEDAN - MOVING - NIGHT
The sedan reaches the corner and turns around. It comes back
for a second round.
Again, Kelmer FIRES at the dojo, this time over the roof of
the sedan. Clutch pulls something out - a GRENADE - and
lobs it at the dojo. It flies right through the broken
window.
INT. DOJO - NIGHT
Dinah hears the grenade bounce on the floor. She looks up and
sees it roll into the corner of the room.
DINAH
Oh shit...
She gets up and darts to the exit.
EXT. DOJO - NIGHT
Dinah runs out as the front of the dojo EXPLODES. The blast
knocks her down. Flames burst into the sky.
In the street, Dinah looks back at the burning dojo in
horror. The sedan reaches the next block.
INT. SEDAN - MOVING - NIGHT
Kelmer glances in the rear-view mirror. He spins around in
disbelief.
KELMER
She got out! Turn around!
Clutch turns the car around. Kelmer pulls out a fresh mag and
reloads his gun.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
SCREECH!
Dinah sees the sedan coming back. It's heading right for her.
Her heart is racing. She just stands up and SHOUTS.
She lets out a piercing, high-pitched scream. It's her CANARY
CRY. She creates supersonic waves so powerful, it distorts
the air in front of her.
The windshield of the sedan SHATTERS! The headlights burst
too.
INT. SEDAN - MOVING - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch grab their ears in pain.
KELMER
What the hell is that?!
CLUTCH
My ears!
KELMER
Get us outta here!
Clutch swerves the wheel.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Dinah DIVES out of the car's path. She lands on the sidewalk
and freezes. She feels her throat, baffled at what has just
happened.
She tries to scream again. It is a normal scream. She can't
figure it out.
She sees the car escaping. It turns right at the next
intersection and speeds away.
Quickly, Dinah gets up and jumps onto her motorcycle. She
starts the bike and follows.
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
The sedan speeds south through the city, toward the
Williamsburg bridge. Dinah follows, keeping her distance.
Then, just before the bridge ramp, the sedan makes a sharp
right turn and heads for a gated lot that's part of a
construction site. Inside the gate, the ground slopes down
into an unfinished subway tunnel.
At the lot entrance, a SECURITY GUARD in a booth raises the
boom barrier and lets the sedan in. He clearly knows them.
Then he lowers the barrier.
Across the street, Dinah stops her bike and watches
suspiciously. No way in. Discreetly, she brings her bike
around the side of the lot.
EXT. LOT - NIGHT
The sedan parks in the back.
On the other side of the gate, Dinah turns off the engine and
gets off her bike. She stays low and peers through the gate -
- as Kelmer and Clutch exit the sedan, still shaken. Kelmer
holds a large COLLECTION BAG that's full of money.
CLUTCH
Can you hear me?
KELMER
Yeah, I can hear you. But it hurts
like hell! Goddamn it!
He holds his ears in pain.
CLUTCH
Vertigo's gonna kill us when he finds
out what that girl did to us.
KELMER
Vertigo doesn't have to know about
her. We'll come back for her and kill
her. In the meantime, everyone else's
fee is going up twenty per cent to get
us back on track.
CLUTCH
If Vertigo finds out, we're screwed.
KELMER
You're not listening to me, Clutch.
Vertigo doesn't have to know! Now, you
count what we collected. I'll drive.
He tosses the collection bag to Clutch. They make their way
to a parked delivery truck and climb in. Kelmer starts the
engine and pulls out a walkie-talkie.
KELMER (CONT'D)
(to walkie-talkie)
This is Kelmer. We're coming down.
Don't shoot.
He drives down into the unfinished subway tunnel. Dinah
watches them go.
DINAH
Damn it.
She catches the logo on the side of the truck. It says
VERTIGO CONSTRUCTION.
She looks around and sees a corporate advertisement hanging
on the gate: "BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE. VERTIGO CONSTRUCTION,
FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT 555-7891, 268 BROADWAY."
EXT. DOJO - NIGHT
Firetrucks and cop cars line the street. FIREFIGHTERS have
extinguished the fire. POLICEMEN direct traffic to the next
block. The street is closed.
Dinah rides her motorcycle toward the street and stops. She
watches the commotion grimly. Then she drives away.
EXT. VERTIGO TOWER - DAY
Dinah stands on a crowded sidewalk, looking up at an enormous
Art Deco style skyscraper that stretches into the sky. A sign
that reads VERTIGO CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE hangs above the
entrance.
Dinah enters.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - DAY
Dinah enters a crowded lobby. Many VERTIGO CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS pass through. There is a directory on the wall with
offices and floor numbers. She sees:
COUNT WERNER VERTIGO - FLOOR 70
Dinah goes to an elevator. She sees ARMED GUARDS on patrol.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - DAY
A magnificent view of the city can be seen through the
windows. There is a map of the city hanging on the wall with
a dozen red circles all around - all Vertigo construction
projects. Models of various skyscrapers are enclosed in glass
cases around the room.
COUNT VERTIGO, a charismatic man in his forties, sits at a
large table in an expensive office. He wears an eyepatch.
Sitting across from him is MAYOR WALLACE, a man in his late
fifties.
VERTIGO
The Metro expansion project is coming
along smoothly, and my company already
has great working relations with the
city planners. Mr. Mayor, I can assure
you that if you choose Vertigo
Construction to take on the State
House renovations, we will deliver on
time and on budget.
MAYOR
Yes, I've seen your highrises on the
Upper West Side. They're phenomenal -
real achievements of modern
architecture. But the State House is
different. It would be the first
historical landmark that you've ever
worked on, correct?
VERTIGO
Yes, it would be the company's first.
But my crews have over twenty-five
years of experience. Did you know that
the workers on my crews are the same
professionals who renovated the
Midtown Concert Hall? And built the
extension on the Gotham Plaza Hotel?
MAYOR
(impressed)
No, Werner, I did not know that.
VERTIGO
(grins)
They're just under new management.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - RECEPTION AREA - DAY
A SECRETARY sits at a desk outside Vertigo's door. Dinah
comes in and sees her typing at the computer. No one else is
around.
Quietly, Dinah sneaks past her and goes to Vertigo's door. At
the last second, the Secretary looks up.
SECRETARY
Excuse me, Miss. You can't go in
there!
Dinah opens the door and enters.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - DAY
VERTIGO
My crews will treat the State House
with the utmost care, Mr. Mayor.
Dinah enters. Vertigo and the Mayor look up. The Mayor
glances at his watch. Dinah freezes when she sees the Mayor.
DINAH
(to herself)
Mayor Wallace?
MAYOR
Ah, look at the time. We've been
talking so long that your next
appointment is here. I should be
getting back, myself.
VERTIGO
I didn't know I had a next
appointment.
Vertigo and the Mayor stand. The Secretary comes in.
SECRETARY
I'm sorry, Count Vertigo. She just -
VERTIGO
It's all right, Judy.
(to Mayor)
Mr. Mayor, thank you again. I'll put
together a contract this week and send
it to you for review.
MAYOR
Thank you. We'll be in touch, Werner.
Oh, and don't forget - you promised
me I'd be first in line to use that
Mega-Telescope of yours.
VERTIGO
I will invite you to the opening
ceremony. That's a promise. Judy will
show you out.
MAYOR
Good day.
They shake hands. The Mayor goes to the door and passes
Dinah.
MAYOR (CONT'D)
Miss.
DINAH
Mr. Mayor.
The Secretary leads the Mayor out. Vertigo turns his
attention to Dinah.
VERTIGO
Good morning. What can I do for you,
Miss...?
DINAH
Dinah Drake.
VERTIGO
Count Werner Vertigo. Well, you've
found your way in. Why don't you have
a seat?
DINAH
I'll stand. I won't take much of your
time.
Vertigo sits down.
VERTIGO
Alright then, Miss Drake. What can I
do for you?
DINAH
You own some land.
VERTIGO
(proudly)
I own a quarter of the city.
DINAH
Well, I'm talking about in the East
Village - a line of storefronts.
There was an explosion there last
night. Did you hear about that?
VERTIGO
Yes, I heard on the news. Most
unfortunate. They said it may have
been gang violence?
DINAH
Oh, there was violence alright. But it
was all started by two individuals who
were harassing shopkeepers in an
extortion scheme.
VERTIGO
Is that a fact, Miss Drake?
DINAH
It's a fact. I know because I was
there. Do you know anything about
that?
VERTIGO
No, unfortunately, I do not. I'm not
sure I understand. What exactly does
this have to do with you barging into
my office?
DINAH
I was just curious if you have two
employees on your payroll by the name
of Kelmer and Clutch?
VERTIGO
I do not, Miss Drake.
DINAH
Really? That's odd. Because I saw them
driving one of your trucks.
VERTIGO
Miss Drake, forgive me, but this is
ridiculous. I am a businessman. I run
the biggest construction and real
estate company in the city. I just
secured a two hundred million dollar
deal with the Mayor. I assume you have
some proof to back up your
accusations?
Dinah smiles.
DINAH
I just had to look into your eyes for
all the proof I needed. Good day,
Count Vertigo.
She leaves. Vertigo sits there. His smile fades.
EXT. VERTIGO TOWER - DAY
Dinah steps out onto the sidewalk. She looks across the
street and sees an apartment highrise. There is a sign on the
front of the building that reads: FURNISHED APARTMENTS FOR
RENT.
INT. APARTMENT ROOM - DAY
The door opens. Dinah walks in to see a spacious, nicely
furnished luxury apartment. The LANDLORD waits in the
doorway. Dinah goes to the balcony doors and moves the
curtains. It is a direct view of Vertigo Tower.
DINAH
I'll take it.
INT. DOJO - DAY
Dinah sneaks under the KEEP OUT tape in the doorway. The
inside of the dojo has extensive fire damage. Dinah goes
through the rubble and grabs the bo staff. She finds her
knapsack and begins packing what she can salvage.
EXT. STOREFRONTS - DAY
Dinah exits an electronics shop, holding a brand new walkie-
talkie. She stuffs it into her knapsack and goes to her
motorcycle.
She looks into a window of a store called DESIRES. She sees
mannequins dressed in leather. One wears a BLACK DOMINO MASK.
Dinah raises a curious eyebrow.
INT. APARTMENT COMPLEX ELEVATOR - DAY
Dinah stands in an elevator, now clutching two department
store bags. She wears her bo staff on her back. An OLD LADY
looks at Dinah and the bo staff suspiciously. Dinah smiles.
DINAH
It's for exercising.
The old lady looks away.
The elevator doors open, and Dinah exits.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - DAY
Kelmer and Clutch stand in front of Vertigo's desk. A
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN sits at the table with her feet up. She is
TIGRESS, blonde, late twenties. She has a mini-crossbow
holstered on her belt. She watches Vertigo berate the two
men.
VERTIGO
I told you never to mention my name
when you're on the streets!
KELMER
We didn't, Boss! What are you talking
about?
VERTIGO
A young woman named Dinah Drake payed
me a visit this morning. She mentioned
you two by name.
CLUTCH
The girl! Oops.
VERTIGO
What girl?
KELMER
Uh, Boss... you know that explosion
last night? It was us.
VERTIGO
You fools.
KELMER
We had no choice! She attacked us!
CLUTCH
She's some kind of freak. She screamed
and broke the windows on my car.
KELMER
Yeah, my ears are still ringing.
Vertigo gets up and walks over to him.
VERTIGO
Oh, that's horrible. Have you seen a
doctor?
KELMER
No, it's not that bad.
Vertigo SHOVES Kelmer into the wall.
VERTIGO
Well, you'll need one when I'm through
with you!
KELMER
Sorry, Boss!
Tigress laughs.
TIGRESS
Let me handle it.
(she pulls out her
crossbow)
I'll have some fun with her.
VERTIGO
No, I need you for our next job.
TIGRESS
That chick's no match for on me.
VERTIGO
Tigress, you're too valuable. I looked
Drake up, and she's a judo champion.
She's obviously skilled enough to
overpower two grown men, escape an
explosion, and track me down.
He goes to his desk and hands them an old newspaper clipping
with a photo of Dinah winning the judo championship. Tigress
takes it.
CLUTCH
And she's got a weird scream.
Kelmer elbows Clutch.
KELMER
Shut up.
VERTIGO
There must be no connection between
her and us. I'm going to contract out
a professional - someone from the
League. And I need you people ready
for the Atlas job.
TIGRESS
I've got it all planned out. Atlas
Construction leaves their sonic drill
at the site overnight. It's secured by
titanium bolts. All we need are some
demo charges to get through the bolts,
and tomorrow, the drill will be ours.
Vertigo smiles.
VERTIGO
Good. Very good. I trust you will help
yourself to our company's demo
charges.
TIGRESS
Already have.
Vertigo turns to Kelmer and Clutch.
VERTIGO
And you two better not screw it up
again. Otherwise, you'll have to deal
with me - and her.
Kelmer and Clutch look at Tigress. She just forms a wicked
smile and rubs her hand along her crossbow.
INT. DINAH'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY
Dinah's stuff is now spread around the room. Dinah stands on
her bed, hanging a large poster of a rock chick in concert.
She jumps off and looks at it. The poster is really crooked.
She climbs back up and fixes it.
EXT. LOT - DAY
Dinah sits on her motorcycle, across from the lot. She
fiddles with her walkie-talkie. There are many CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS building the subway tunnel. The Security Guard sits
in the booth, talking on a walkie-talkie. Dinah watches his
lips move.
Dinah picks up a lot of radio chatter and interference. She
continues tuning the channel. Eventually -
MONEY THUG (V.O.)
Money's all accounted for. Should I
deposit it?
SECURITY GUARD (V.O.)
Why don't you wait until tomorrow.
Kelmer and Clutch are collecting from
Stanton Street tonight. They'll be
bringing back a small fortune.
His lips match the voice on the walkie-talkie. Dinah smiles.
MONEY THUG (V.O.)
Roger that.
Dinah sticks her walkie-talkie in her jacket. She starts her
bike and drives away.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - NIGHT
It's night. The lights are on. Vertigo sits behind his desk.
Tigress comes over. They are alone.
VERTIGO
Finally, some peace and quiet. How
about a drink, Tigress?
TIGRESS
Now you're talking, Werner.
Vertigo pulls out two glasses and a bottle of brandy. He
pours.
VERTIGO
You know, once you steal that
prototype sonic drill, I will have the
most advanced blasting tool ever
created. Demo charges will be a thing
of the past. I'll be able to reverse
engineer the technology and finish my
Mega-Drill. It will be strong enough
to take down buildings without leaving
any trace, and then I will rebuild
them. My way.
He hands her a drink. She sits down on his desk, facing him.
TIGRESS
And thus making Vertigo Construction
the most powerful construction company
in the world.
VERTIGO
And the richest. Don't forget the two
hundred million dollar deal I struck
with the Mayor to renovate the State
House. People will be begging me for
work after I'm through with that.
Tigress smiles.
TIGRESS
Let them beg.
She leans over, wraps her arms around Vertigo, and kisses
him.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch exit the elevator and walk through the
lobby.
CLUTCH
How much backup are we getting
tonight?
KELMER
One team is going to shadow us.
Another is on standby. Both heavily
armed.
CLUTCH
About time.
Kelmer pulls out his walkie-talkie and speaks into it.
KELMER
Guys, come in. This is Kelmer. We're
leaving the tower now. You ready?
THUG (V.O.)
Ready when you are.
INT. DINAH'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Dinah has a punching bag set up in her living room. Dressed
in gym clothes, she practices kickboxing.
She stops when she hears her walkie-talkie on the windowsill
come to life. She listens.
KELMER (V.O.)
Good. We're gonna hit Stanton Street.
You guys are to follow us. Make sure
you're locked and loaded.
THUG (V.O.)
All set.
Dinah grabs a pair of binoculars and goes to the balcony
doors.
EXT. DINAH'S APARTMENT - BALCONY - NIGHT
Dinah steps out onto the balcony, directly across from
Vertigo Tower. She notices ENGINEERS building a MEGA-
TELESCOPE on the roof of the tower.
She looks down at the street with the binoculars.
DINAH'S POV
Kelmer and Clutch exit Vertigo Tower. They get into a parked
car on the street. Kelmer drives off.
Dinah lowers her binoculars.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Kelmer's car is now parked on Stanton Street in front of some
storefronts. Another car pulls up behind it and parks. THUGS
wait inside.
INT. MARKET - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch enter a small food store. The SHOPKEEPER, a
middle-aged man, stands behind the counter at the only cash
register. His eyes widen when he sees the men.
KELMER
Johnny boy! Haven't you learned to
greet your customers with a smile?
SHOPKEEPER
(stutters)
Mr. Kelmer... it's not the end of the
month yet!
CLUTCH
There's been a schedule change. And
you're next on the list.
Clutch grabs a beer bottle off the shelf, pops it open, and
drinks.
KELMER
Now, I believe fourteen hundred will
do.
SHOPKEEPER
Wait a minute. That's over two hundred
more than last month!
KELMER
These are competitive times, Johnny
boy.
SHOPKEEPER
Please, Mr. Kelmer! I'd have to raise
my prices. I'd lose all my customers.
Kelmer grabs a beer off the shelf and starts drinking it too.
KELMER
You'll always have me as a customer,
Johnny boy. As long as you follow the
rules.
SHOPKEEPER
OK...
The Shopkeeper presses a button on the cash register. Nothing
happens. He tries again.
SHOPKEEPER (CONT'D)
It's stuck!
Kelmer goes over and grabs the Shopkeeper by the collar.
KELMER
Hey, I'm not fooling around here!
The Shopkeeper cowers.
DINAH (O.S.)
You boys are on quite the losing
streak, aren't you?
Everyone spins around to see a SHADOW in the doorway. Dinah
emerges dressed in a black leather bodysuit, gloves,
fishnets, boots, and a domino mask. She clutches her bo staff
in her hand. She is BLACK CANARY.
KELMER
Who the hell are you?
BLACK CANARY
Just the gal who's gonna beat the
house tonight.
She holds up their collection bag.
CLUTCH
Our money!
BLACK CANARY
You really shouldn't leave this in
your car.
KELMER
Kill her!
The men draw HANDGUNS. In an instant, Black Canary throws the
bag. It SMACKS Kelmer in the face, and bundles of cash spill
everywhere.
Then Black Canary SPRINGS FORWARD and, using her bo staff,
WHACKS the gun out of Clutch's hand. She spins around, HITS
him in the chest with the bo, and KNOCKS him down.
Kelmer OPENS FIRE, and Black Canary dives down an aisle.
Bullets sail into a row of freezers, SHATTERING the glass.
Kelmer rushes forward and continues SHOOTING. Cans and jars
of food go airborne as bullets fly everywhere.
Black Canary jumps up the shelves and rolls over the top into
the next aisle. She runs up behind Kelmer and SMACKS him in
the back with the bo staff. He falls and crashes into a
shelf. His gun goes flying.
Clutch gets back up and GRABS Black Canary from behind. He
gets her into an arm lock. They struggle.
On the floor, Kelmer pulls out his walkie-talkie.
KELMER (CONT'D)
Guys, come in! Where the the hell are
you?
Black Canary ELBOWS Clutch in the gut. He loosens his grip.
Then Black Canary leaps off the shelves and delivers a
spinning kick. WHACK! She hits Clutch right in the face.
Kelmer reaches for his gun, but Black Canary THROWS her bo
staff. It hits the gun and knocks it away. Kelmer turns to
see Black Canary charging in his direction, about to kick
him! Kelmer screams and jumps away just in time.
Clutch, dazed, tries to stand up. Black Canary sees Clutch's
gun on the floor. She picks it up and ejects the mag.
BLACK CANARY
This one's yours right?
She WHIPS the gun at him. It hits Clutch in the face, and he
stumbles backwards. He CRASHES through the door and tumbles
onto the sidewalk. Glass goes everywhere.
Kelmer runs to the door, screaming into his walkie-talkie.
KELMER
(to walkie-talkie)
Guys! Backup! There's a crazy blonde
girl with a mask!
BLACK CANARY
Hey, boys...
Kelmer looks back at her, infuriated.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
The name's Black Canary.
Kelmer grabs Clutch, and they run off.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch run to their car. They look at the car
behind them to see -
- all four thugs lying on the street, unconscious.
KELMER
Shit!
INT. MARKET - NIGHT
Black Canary stands in the wrecked store. The Shopkeeper
looks at her, speechless. Black Canary grabs the money off
the floor and puts it on the counter.
BLACK CANARY
Sorry about the mess.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Black Canary runs out of the store, now clutching her bo
staff. She sees Kelmer start the car and SPEED away. She runs
toward her motorcycle parked up ahead.
Just then, a jeep SWERVES onto the street and heads her way.
It's MORE THUGS. Three of them lean out the windows, aim
MP5A3's, and FIRE.
Black Canary DUCKS behind a parked car as MACHINE GUN FIRE
sprays her way. Black Canary grits her teeth as a dozen
bullets litter the side of the car, break the windows, and
blow out the tires.
BLACK CANARY
I really need a long range weapon.
Black Canary watches as the jeep passes and swerves around.
It comes back. She ROLLS OVER the hood of the parked car and
runs into the street.
She's breathing hard. She feels the adrenaline. She knows
she's ready.
She lets out her CANARY CRY. The piercing sound SHATTERS the
windows of the oncoming jeep. The thugs SCREAM and lose
control of the vehicle. The jeep SWERVES violently and FLIPS
onto its side. The thugs tumble out onto the pavement. They
are out for the count. Black Canary is rather surprised.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Maybe I spoke too soon.
Black Canary turns around and runs to her motorcycle. She
sticks her bo staff into the sheath on her back. Then she
jumps on the bike, revs the engine, and takes off.
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
Black Canary speeds through the city. Horns BLARE as she cuts
in and out of traffic. She runs a red light.
Ahead, she sees Kelmer's car heading down a familiar path,
toward the bridge. It turns right before the bridge ramp and
enters the subway construction lot.
Black Canary accelerates and travels up the ramp to the
bridge.
EXT. LOT - NIGHT
In the booth, the Security Guard lets Kelmer's car in. He
closes the boom barrier. Then he hears a motorcycle
approaching. He looks up to see -
- Black Canary SPEEDING off the side of the bridge ramp. She
sails through the air and JUMPS the boom barrier with her
motorcycle.
She lands in the lot and continues on. The guard runs out of
the booth, shouting into his walkie-talkie.
SECURITY GUARD
We've got an intruder! A girl on a
bike!
INT. UNFINISHED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT
It's a maze of interconnecting subway tubes. All sorts of
construction equipment lies around. Kelmer speeds through,
and ARMED THUGS wave him in. He drives toward a side door
marked MAINTENANCE.
INT. SUBWAY MAINTENANCE ROOM - NIGHT
A GROUP OF THUGS are inside, loading their MP5A3's. Bags of
protection money are on the floor. Stacks of cash are on the
tables and in automated money counting machines. It's an
organized extortion operation.
The thugs see Kelmer's car on a security monitor - and Black
Canary following right behind. One shouts into a phone on the
wall.
MONEY THUG
Tigress, intruder in the tunnel! Send
the assassin!
INT. UNFINISHED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT
Black Canary speeds after Kelmer. Ahead, she sees FOUR THUGS
come running out. They FIRE their submachine guns.
Black Canary SWERVES the bike sideways and goes down to the
ground. SKIDDING across the ground, her bike PLOWS right into
the first thug and sends him flying. Then Black Canary LEAPS
off the bike and takes cover behind some construction
barrels.
The thugs FIRE their guns mercilessly, shooting up the
barrels. Black Canary KICKS one of the barrels. It SMACKS
right into them. Then she JUMPS out, twirls around, and
KNOCKS them to the ground with her bo staff.
Kelmer's car stops. Kelmer and Clutch get out and rush into
the maintenance room.
INT. SUBWAY MAINTENANCE ROOM - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch enter. Kelmer goes right for a Mossberg
shotgun leaning against the wall.
CLUTCH
We better get the money out of here!
KELMER
Do you expect to carry it out?
He pumps the shotgun.
The door swings open, and Black Canary peeks in. Kelmer just
SCREAMS and FIRES the shotgun. Black Canary dives out of the
way, and the blast blows a hole through the door.
INT. UNFINISHED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT
Black Canary gets against the wall. She sees MORE THUGS
coming her way through the tunnel. They FIRE their guns.
Black Canary looks around. Sees a demo charge on the ground
marked VERTIGO CONSTRUCTION.
She grabs it, TOSSES it at the bad guys, and ducks. The demo
charge sails through the air -
- and the stray gunfire hits it. KA-BOOM! It EXPLODES in mid-
air. The thugs shout and fly back. They retreat. Black Canary
looks up, amused. The FIRE spreads.
She goes back to the maintenance door again and opens it
slightly -
- BOOM! Another shotgun blast comes through the door. Black
Canary dodges.
BLACK CANARY
(sighs)
Boys and their guns.
Black Canary rushes to the fire and grabs a flaming brick.
She runs back, opens the door, and tosses the brick in.
INT. SUBWAY MAINTENANCE ROOM - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch scream as the flaming brick flies in. It
lands on the money bags and IGNITES them. Soon, all the money
catches fire.
KELMER
Run!
They go up a stairwell.
INT. UNFINISHED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT
Black Canary opens the maintenance door to see the men
escaping.
BLACK CANARY
Leaving without a good-bye?
Suddenly, a SHURIKEN flies into the door! Black Canary dives
to the ground and looks back.
At the far end of the tunnel, a FIGURE emerges from the fire.
It is a young Asian woman in her early-twenties with long
hair, wearing a black bodysuit and leather overcoat. She is
the assassin, LADY SHIVA. She stands there in silence. An
emotionless, no-nonsense look on her face.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Please tell me you're after them too.
Lady Shiva just THROWS another shuriken! Black Canary rolls
out of the way as the shuriken hits the wall, narrowly
missing her head.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
I take that as a no.
Black Canary takes cover behind Kelmer's car. Lady Shiva
comes out and takes a running leap -
- onto the hood of the car. Black Canary climbs onto the
roof with her bo staff. They FIGHT.
Black Canary SWINGS her bo staff, but Lady Shiva DUCKS
effortlessly. Then Black Canary SWINGS the bo staff low, but
Lady Shiva JUMPS over it and KICKS Black Canary.
Their STRIKES are quick and precise - that of two warriors
who have trained their entire lives.
Lady Shiva gets Black Canary into an ARM LOCK. The bo staff
tumbles to the ground.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Aren't you at least gonna tell me your
name?
LADY SHIVA
The name's Lady Shiva. And you will
die by my hands.
BLACK CANARY
Well, Lady Shiva, you leave quite the
first impression.
Black Canary uses all her strength and FLIPS Lady Shiva off
the car. She hits the ground hard and looks up in shock.
Black Canary just smirks.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Let's see if you live up to it.
Lady Shiva jumps onto the car again and delivers a flurry of
strikes and kicks. Black Canary dodges all of them. Then Lady
Shiva tries to punch her opponent, but Black Canary COUNTERS
and GRABS HER. Lady Shiva tries to break loose. Both of them
tumble off the roof of the car.
They hit the ground, and the battle continues. Lady Shiva
jumps on top of Black Canary and pulls a KUNAI BLADE out of
her belt. Black Canary GRABS her hand, stopping the blade.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Hey, why don't we skip the manicure!
Black Canary KNOCKS the blade away. Then she THROWS Lady
Shiva off of her. Lady Shiva lands by the fire. She grabs a
flaming piece of shrapnel and HURLS it. Black Canary just
grabs her bo staff and uses it like a bat to WHACK the
shrapnel back at her.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Fly ball!
Lady Shiva ducks, and the shrapnel soars over her. She stands
up in disbelief.
Black Canary just twirls the bo staff, ready for more.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
You're not bad, girl.
The tunnel RUMBLES. Debris falls from the ceiling. It's a
CAVE IN.
LADY SHIVA
This isn't over.
Lady Shiva runs back through the tunnel.
BLACK CANARY
Wait!
She disappears. The ceiling CAVES IN, and THICK DUST goes
everywhere.
Black Canary hurries back to her motorcycle. She gets on and
glances back. Then she speeds away.
EXT. VERTIGO TOWER - ROOFTOP - DAWN
The morning sun beats down on the tower. A PRIVATE HELICOPTER
flies to the roof. It lands, and Vertigo gets out. He sees
the engineers constructing the mysterious Mega-Telescope. It
looks like a giant cannon.
VERTIGO
Progress, Gentlemen?
ROOF ENGINEER
Ninety per cent complete, Count
Vertigo! The software is the last
piece. We need the algorithm.
VERTIGO
You'll have it soon enough.
Vertigo goes inside.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - DAY
Vertigo has the phone to his ear. Lady Shiva's voice can be
heard on the other line. Tigress, Kelmer, and Clutch sit at
the table.
LADY SHIVA (V.O.)
She won't escape again, Count Vertigo.
VERTIGO
I hope not. I'd hate for your master
to learn about your slip up last
night. I'm sure you know Ra's al Ghul
does not treat failure lightly.
LADY SHIVA (V.O.)
I swear on my life that I will track
her down and kill her.
VERTIGO
Then do it.
He hangs up. Looks at Kelmer and Clutch.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
And you two. Our money's gone. The
subway project has been compromised.
Give me one good reason why I
shouldn't just kill you right now.
KELMER
Boss, it wasn't our fault! Not even
your assassin could stop Black
Canary -
Vertigo stands up. Kelmer and Clutch flinch. Vertigo paces
the room.
VERTIGO
We are up against someone with
significant training. It's going to
take some serious firepower to
eliminate this Black Canary.
TIGRESS
One blast from the sonic drill, and
the police won't even be able to
identify her remains.
VERTIGO
It may very well come to that.
TIGRESS
Then leave it to me. We're all set for
tonight's job.
VERTIGO
But how do we find the girl? She could
be anywhere.
TIGRESS
We'll make her come to us. We'll lure
her to the construction site, steal
the drill, and then... bang.
She makes a shooting motion with her hand and smiles
wickedly.
INT. DINAH'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY
Dinah lies in bed. She awakens and groans. She rolls over and
pulls the covers over her head. Her body is all sore.
The walkie-talkie on her windowsill comes to life.
TIGRESS (V.O.)
Guys, this is the last time you screw
it up!
Dinah grumbles under the sheets.
DINAH
Not this early!
TIGRESS (V.O.)
You two are a complete laughing stock
after what happened last night.
Dinah continues to grumble.
DINAH
Shut up, shut up, shut up.
KELMER (V.O.)
Tigress, please give us one more
chance!
Dinah stops. Recognizes Kelmer's voice. She pokes her head up
from the sheets. She listens.
TIGRESS (V.O.)
I'm in charge of the Atlas job
tonight. Don't you fools even think
about going near St. Marks tonight!
DINAH
Atlas job? St. Marks?
KELMER (V.O.)
Yes, Tigress.
CLUTCH (V.O.)
We'll stay out of your way.
The transmission ends. Dinah remains where she is, dismayed.
DINAH
Those are all the clues I get?
She falls back onto the bed.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - DAY
Tigress, Kelmer, and Clutch stand in Vertigo's office.
Tigress switches off the walkie-talkie. They smile.
KELMER
Sounded convincing to me.
CLUTCH
Think she'll fall for it?
TIGRESS
I know she will. Get your guns ready.
Tonight, we shoot this little canary
down.
She laughs evilly.
EXT. ST. MARKS CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
Dinah stands on the corner of St. Marks Place. Across the
street, a CONSTRUCTION CREW builds a ten story building. The
main structure is there, but there are no walls yet.
Dinah sees the construction trucks have the logo: ATLAS
CONSTRUCTION.
Dinah notices a WORKER remove a large tool from a metal case.
The tool looks like a bazooka. The words on the case read:
SONIC DRILL PROTOTYPE 28B.
The worker heaves the drill over his shoulder and aims at the
ground. He fastens his goggles and earplugs. The rest of the
crew stands back.
CONSTRUCTION WORKER
All clear!
He FIRES it. It emits a high-frequency howl that causes
Dinah's ears to perk up. Only she can hear it. Using pure
sound waves, the sonic drill BLASTS a ten foot hole in the
ground. BOOM!
CONSTRUCTION WORKER TWO
Good! Keep it steady, Al.
Dinah watches, studying the scene.
We see the unfinished tower as day -
EXT. ST. MARKS CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT
- changes to night. All the workers are gone. Up above, a
FIGURE perches on the tenth floor.
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
In the darkness, Black Canary kneels on a high beam, keeping
watch.
BLACK CANARY'S POV
She has a clear view of the grounds. The sonic drill is
locked up in the metal case on the ground.
All is quiet. Black Canary waits.
A car SCREECHES. Black Canary turns her head -
- but it's just a taxi on the streets below. Black Canary
sighs.
Then she FREEZES. She FLIPS backwards as -
- a SHURIKEN flies at her throat. Black Canary goes down,
and the shuriken soars over her and IMPALES a metal beam.
Lady Shiva DROPS DOWN from the unfinished roof beams.
BLACK CANARY
Look who's back for a rematch.
Black Canary springs up and whips out her bo staff. They
CHARGE at each other and FIGHT on the beams.
Lady Shiva tries to kick her opponent, but Black Canary
DEFLECTS the attacks with her bo staff. Lady Shiva attempts a
jump kick - Black Canary moves back and nearly loses her
balance.
LADY SHIVA
You're not walking out of here alive
this time.
BLACK CANARY
Maybe I'll just have to fly.
She THROWS her bo staff. Lady Shiva ducks - and in that
instance, Black Canary LEAPS and delivers a SPINNING HEEL
KICK to Lady Shiva's chest. Black Canary lands on top of her
and pins her down. Lady Shiva looks up, more annoyed than
anything. Black Canary smirks.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
You wanna count to three or should I?
EXT. STREET - TRUCK - MOVING - NIGHT
An unmarked delivery truck approaches the construction site.
Tigress drives. Kelmer and Clutch sit next to her.
Tigress drives onto the construction site property and stops.
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
Lady Shiva THROWS Black Canary off of her. Black Canary
falls -
- and GRABS onto the beam. She DANGLES. Lady Shiva goes to
stomp on her hand, but Black Canary reaches up with her free
hand and TRIPS her. Now Lady Shiva falls and grabs the beam!
Black Canary gets up and rolls onto some floorboards. Lady
Shiva does the same. She KICKS Black Canary in the back.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT
Tigress, Kelmer, and Clutch exit the truck. Tigress sees the
case with the sonic drill, and she smiles.
TIGRESS
Get the charges. Be on the lookout for
the girl.
Kelmer goes to the back of the truck and opens it to reveal
four demo charges inside.
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
Lady Shiva corners Black Canary against a vertical beam. She
KICKS her again. Black Canary SLIPS. She holds onto the beam
for dear life!
Lady Shiva raises her fist, about to strike her in the face!
She SWINGS her fist forward -
- but STOPS! Black Canary looks at her in shock. She sees
that Lady Shiva is looking at her pendant with the word PEACE
on it.
LADY SHIVA
Sensei Otomo!
Black Canary climbs back onto the beam. They stare at each
other, not sure who's going to strike first. Black Canary
can't even speak.
BLACK CANARY
(out of breath)
That's right... my Sensei.
LADY SHIVA
Impossible!
BLACK CANARY
He raised me. How do you know him?
Lady Shiva's eyes widen.
LADY SHIVA
He was my Sensei too.
A beat.
BLACK CANARY
How can you call yourself a student of
Sensei Otomo if you don't respect his
philosophy? Never kill your opponent.
Lady Shiva looks at Black Canary sternly. Then she lowers her
fist. She looks away. She can't bring herself to attack.
LADY SHIVA
Who are you?
BLACK CANARY
Call me Black Canary.
LADY SHIVA
No, your real name.
Black Canary doesn't answer.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch plant the demo charges around the base of
the sonic drill case. They unwind the wire fuses.
Tigress happens to look up at the building. She sees Lady
Shiva talking to Black Canary on the tenth floor. Her jaw
drops.
TIGRESS
That traitor!
(to Kelmer)
Blow the case now!
KELMER
We gotta set the fuses first!
CLUTCH
I'm on it.
Clutch opens his lighter and lights the four fuses. They
begin to BURN.
Tigress pulls out her mini crossbow. She closes one eye, aims
up at the building, and FIRES.
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
Black Canary freezes. She hears the crossbow.
BLACK CANARY
Watch out!
She grabs Lady Shiva and pulls her away as the arrow SHOOTS
by. It impales a steel beam right where Lady Shiva was
standing. The girls spot Tigress below.
BLACK CANARY'S POV
The four fuses burn. They are SECONDS away from detonating.
Tigress, Kelmer, and Clutch back away from the drill case.
Black Canary reacts.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Shit. They're here.
She sees a nearby wheelbarrow filled with liquid cement. She
runs over and FLIPS it.
The cement gushes down the side of the building -
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT
- and LANDS on the demo charges. Only one fuse is
extinguished.
KA-BOOM! Three demo charges EXPLODE. The fourth - encased by
the liquid cement.
Tigress rushes over and rips the battered metal top off of
the case. She pulls out the sonic drill and holds it up. She
aims up at the building.
TIGRESS
This is how you get the job done.
Kelmer and Clutch can only watch as Tigress FIRES!
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
Black Canary hears the high-frequency howl from the sonic
drill.
BLACK CANARY
Get down!
She and Lady Shiva dive down as the waves BLAST through the
structure. BOOM! Beams SNAP, the building SWAYS.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT
Tigress looks up in amazement. She just aims again and PULLS
THE TRIGGER.
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
BOOM! Another BLAST tears through the structure. Half the
building caves in.
Black Canary holds onto a beam with all her might. Lady Shiva
tries to run, but a large beam comes CRASHING down from
above. It HITS her, and she falls onto some floorboards.
BLACK CANARY
Lady Shiva!
Black Canary looks down. The building won't take much more.
Tigress FIRES again. BOOM! The steel beams CREAK and TEAR
like tissue paper. The entire building tilts. The floor that
Lady Shiva is on COLLAPSES. She FALLS two stories down.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT
SIRENS approach.
CLUTCH
Cops!
KELMER
Tigress, we have to go!
Tigress lowers the sonic drill, annoyed.
TIGRESS
Just get in the truck.
They do as she orders. Tigress marches out into the street
with the sonic drill.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
A police car speeds toward the construction site, sirens
blaring. Tigress just walks out, aims the sonic drill, and
FIRES.
BOOM! The blast hits the car and BLOWS IT AWAY.
The COPS scream as the entire car FLIPS OVER and SMASHES on
the side of the street.
Tigress laughs at the carnage.
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
Black Canary looks at the street, helpless. She drops down to
the beams below and makes her way to Lady Shiva.
Black Canary lands on the floorboards and moves the debris
off Lady Shiva. She is unconscious.
BLACK CANARY
Lady Shiva! Wake up!
The building continues to RUMBLE.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - TRUCK - NIGHT
More SIRENS approach. Kelmer leans out from inside the truck.
KELMER
Tigress! Come on!
Tigress marches back with a smile.
TIGRESS
Relax. Just testing the equipment.
She places the sonic drill in the back of the truck and shuts
the door. Then she climbs into the driver seat.
EXT. UNFINISHED BUILDING - NIGHT
Black Canary hears TIRES screeching. She sees the truck
escaping. The sirens grow nearer.
BLACK CANARY
Damn.
The building continues to CREAK and FALL APART. Black Canary
reaches down and picks up Lady Shiva. Quickly, she rushes
down a stairwell to the ground level.
INT. POLICE CAR - MOVING - NIGHT
COPS drive toward the construction site. The entire building
is coming down.
COP
(to radio)
We've got a disaster here!
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT
Black Canary darts out of the building with Lady Shiva in her
arms. She dodges as beams fall from the sky and SMASH to the
ground. She grabs her bo staff off the ground and sticks it
on her back.
Next, Black Canary passes the empty sonic drill case. She
sees the last demo charge covered with cement. It says
VERTIGO CONSTRUCTION. The wire fuse is still attached. She
pauses.
She reaches down and YANKS the fuse off. She shoves it in her
pocket then continues running.
Finally, Black Canary reaches her motorcycle. She gets on and
pulls Lady Shiva onto the back. Black Canary wraps Shiva's
arms around her, starts the bike, and SPEEDS away.
The approaching cop cars come to a halt as what's left of the
building comes crashing to the ground. It is completely
leveled - nothing but a pile of crumpled wood and beams.
The COPS get out of their cars in disbelief.
The sound of Black Canary's motorcycle disappears into the
night. She's gone.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Vertigo watches the TV. On the screen, a news report of the
construction site.
ANCHORMAN (V.O.)
This just in. A building under
construction on the corner of St.
Marks and 2nd Avenue has just
collapsed. Police are now on the scene
and have confirmed that no one has
been injured, but the cause of the
disaster remains a mystery. We will
bring you more on this breaking story
as it develops. In other news, Mayor
Wallace is planning a charity ball to
be held at City Hall tomorrow night...
The phone rings. Vertigo answers.
VERTIGO
This is Vertigo.
TIGRESS (V.O.)
I've got a present for you.
VERTIGO
(grins)
On my way.
Vertigo shuts the TV. A dark smirk on his face. He stands up.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Vertigo stands in the elevator. The readout flashes BASEMENT.
The elevator CHIMES, the doors open, and Vertigo steps out
into -
INT. VERTIGO COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
- a modern control room with hi-tech computer consoles and
large video screens. ENGINEERS operate the computers. The
main screen shows a view of the work-in-progress Mega-
Telescope on the roof.
Tigress, Kelmer, and Clutch stand in the corner. Tigress
holds up the sonic drill.
TIGRESS
It's all yours, Werner.
Vertigo takes it and looks it over.
VERTIGO
Magnificent. I hear that you had some
fun with it.
TIGRESS
Just wiping Atlas Construction off the
map for good.
VERTIGO
And Black Canary?
TIGRESS
Buried in the rubble. The assassin
too. She just couldn't bring herself
to get her hands dirty.
VERTIGO
Tigress, I must hand it to you. Your
wickedness is your most appealing
quality.
Tigress grins.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
Now, once I reverse engineer this
drill, there will be nothing left to
stand in our way... quite literally.
Vertigo turns to the engineers. He holds up the drill.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
Gentlemen, your latest assignment has
arrived. Do be careful with it. And
keep it locked up when it's not in
use - for your own safety.
He walks over to a lever on the wall and flips it. A gated
door slides open to reveal a small storage room. He sticks
the drill inside, steps out, and flips the lever again. The
gate slides shut.
INT. DINAH'S APARTMENT - DAY
Sunlight streams in through the windows. Lady Shiva opens her
eyes. She's lying on the couch.
She sits up and sees Dinah working in the kitchen. Dinah
glances back.
DINAH
Well, I see you haven't tried to kill
me yet. Are you OK?
Lady Shiva doesn't answer. She looks around and sees the bo
staff leaning against the wall. She realizes who Dinah is.
Dinah comes over holding a tray with two teacups on it. She
sets it down on the coffee table.
DINAH (CONT'D)
(sincere)
Drink.
Slowly, Lady Shiva reaches over. Takes a cup. Dinah takes the
other.
DINAH (CONT'D)
There's no going back now, is there?
After your employers saw you last
night?
(beat)
I'm Dinah Drake, by the way.
Lady Shiva looks at Dinah. Finally, she speaks.
LADY SHIVA
No, there's no going back.
DINAH
And that means Vertigo is gonna come
after both me and you now.
LADY SHIVA
If you're suggesting that we work
together, the answer is no.
DINAH
You're a good fighter. The best I've
ever encountered.
Lady Shiva sips her tea.
LADY SHIVA
Sensei Otomo... how is he?
DINAH
(beat)
He passed away.
Lady Shiva closes her eyes in sadness.
LADY SHIVA
He trained me. Ten years ago in Japan.
DINAH
So that's how you knew him. He would
visit Tokyo every year.
LADY SHIVA
And you?
DINAH
He took me in. Got me off the streets.
He taught me everything I know. He was
my only family.
LADY SHIVA
And Black Canary?
DINAH
What can I say? I just can't stand by
and watch Vertigo take over the city.
He's got that weapon now. I have no
choice.
Lady Shiva looks down. She is conflicted.
LADY SHIVA
I've worked as an assassin for a long
time. I've killed many people.
DINAH
Maybe this is your chance to turn
things around.
They look at each other. A long beat.
DINAH (CONT'D)
(with a grin)
Well, you just gotta work on your high
kicks a little.
She turns around and goes back to the kitchen.
DINAH (CONT'D)
Just don't get yourself in any trouble
out there. Or I'm gonna have to come
rescue you again.
She glances back. Lady Shiva is gone. Dinah smiles.
INT. NEWSROOM - DAY
An ANCHORMAN speaks to the camera.
ANCHORMAN
This just in. We have received an
update in last night's construction
site building collapse. Authorities
have confirmed that a demo charge from
Vertigo Construction was found at the
scene. Now, this is very peculiar as
the site was, in fact, an Atlas
Construction job. No word yet from
Vertigo Construction as to how the
demo charge got there. As many know,
the company is currently constructing
the largest telescope in the world on
the roof of Vertigo Tower. The
investigation continues.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - DAY
A DETECTIVE sits across from Vertigo, jotting down notes.
VERTIGO
This ordeal has been most troubling.
We found out this morning that one of
our warehouses was broken into, and
four of our demo charges were missing.
The entire company is tightening up
security measures as we speak.
DETECTIVE
I see. And do you have any idea who
may have been interested in those demo
charges? Besides your top competitor,
Atlas Construction, of course.
VERTIGO
I'm afraid I do not. As the leading
construction company in the city,
there is always a constant threat from
others trying to damage my business.
But I do not know any group in
particular who may have been
responsible.
DETECTIVE
My last question - a prototype sonic
drill was stolen from the construction
site last night. It was one of a kind,
developed internally by Atlas. Have
you ever seen that drill by any
chance?
VERTIGO
Only from pictures in the papers.
DETECTIVE
It's a very advanced tool. One that
would certainly give a competitive
edge to the company that possesses it.
VERTIGO
I'm sure it would. But the thought of
owning something so... destructive has
never crossed my mind.
INT. BANK - DAY
Dinah sits across from a BANK REPRESENTATIVE at a desk. He
hands her a series of forms.
BANK REPRESENTATIVE
You are listed as the sole beneficiary
of Mr. Otomo's accounts. If you will
just sign these forms, Miss Drake, we
can transfer the funds.
DINAH
Yes, thank you.
BANK REPRESENTATIVE
You are also on file as the owner of
Mr. Otomo's commercial property on
Avenue A.
DINAH
Yes, the dojo.
BANK REPRESENTATIVE
That's right. Sign here. I also
understand there was some fire damage
to the property. Our bank does have a
partnership with Vertigo Construction
if you are interested in financing for
renovations.
Dinah almost chuckles at the thought.
DINAH
Uh, no thanks. I think I'll go through
the trouble of finding my own
construction company.
EXT. DOJO - DAY
An old van is parked in front of the dojo. The side of the
van reads: JOE'S CONSTRUCTION.
Dinah and JOE walk out of the dojo.
JOE
No problem, ma'am. We can start today.
I'd say we'll have this place in tip-
top shape in a week and a half.
DINAH
Sounds good. Thanks, Joe. Call me if
anything comes up.
JOE
You got it, ma'am!
Joe goes to his truck. Dinah goes to her bike - but stops.
She turns around and looks at the roof of the dojo as if
someone is watching.
No one is there.
Dinah gets on her bike and drives away.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - RECEPTION AREA - DAY
The door opens. Vertigo and the Detective step out.
DETECTIVE
I really do hope we find the person
responsible. Here's my card. Please
call me if anything else comes to
mind.
VERTIGO
I will. Thank you.
The Detective leaves. Vertigo's fake smile drops. The phone
rings, and the Secretary answers.
SECRETARY
Count Vertigo's office. Please hold.
(to Vertigo)
Count Vertigo, the Mayor is on line
one.
Vertigo hurries back inside.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - DAY
Vertigo picks up the phone.
VERTIGO
Vertigo speaking.
MAYOR (V.O.)
Werner, this is Wallace.
VERTIGO
Mr. Mayor! How are you?
MAYOR (V.O.)
What's this on the news about one of
your demo charges at the scene of that
Atlas building collapse?
VERTIGO
It's a complete misunderstanding. You
see, those demo charges were stolen
from us. Whoever did this tried to
make it look like I was behind it.
MAYOR (V.O.)
Well, that's unfortunate. Even if you
weren't involved, we can't have
notoriety like this connected with the
State House renovations. I'm sorry,
Werner, the deal is off.
VERTIGO
But Mr. Mayor, wait a minute. Why
don't we talk this through? Are you
free for lunch today?
MAYOR (V.O.)
I'm truly sorry, Werner. I wish there
was another way. Goodbye.
VERTIGO
Mr. Mayor!
The line goes dead. Vertigo stands there, speechless. Then,
he grows furious. He SLAMS the phone down.
SECRETARY (O.S.)
Count Vertigo.
VERTIGO
What?!
In the doorway, the Secretary becomes frightened. She holds
up some envelopes nervously.
SECRETARY
Your mail is here.
Vertigo goes over and takes the envelopes from her. He flips
through them and comes to a big brown envelope. The words
"URGENT: TO THE COUNT!" are scrawled across the front.
Curiously, he rips the envelope open and dumps the contents
on the table. It's the wire fuse from the demo charge.
Vertigo stares in shock. There is also a handwritten note
inside. It reads:
NEED A LIGHT?
- BLACK CANARY
Vertigo goes to his desk, grabs the phone, and dials.
VERTIGO
Tigress. Black Canary is alive.
TIGRESS (V.O.)
What? But how -
VERTIGO
Don't talk. Just track her down. I'll
kill her myself!
EXT. CITY STREETS - TRUCK - DAY
Tigress prowls the streets in the unmarked delivery truck.
She stops at a red light and notices a poster on the side of
a bus:
NEW HEROINE IN TOWN?
There is a candid photo of Black Canary on the poster.
Tigress stares at it.
EXT. STREET - NEWSPAPER MACHINE - DAY
Tigress pulls out a newspaper and looks at the front page.
There is a blurry photo of Black Canary in front of the
market. The headlines read:
"MYSTERIOUS BLACK CANARY DRIVES AWAY EXTORTION GANG"
Tigress studies the photo.
INT. TRUCK - DAY
Tigress, sitting in the parked truck, reaches into her pocket
and pulls out the folded newspaper clipping of Dinah winning
the judo championship.
She compares the photos in the two newspapers. She grabs a
marker out of the glove box and begins drawing a domino mask
over Dinah's eyes. Slowly, it becomes clear.
Tigress' jaw drops as she realizes Dinah is Black Canary. She
smiles.
TIGRESS
You're mine now.
EXT. DOJO - DAY
Tigress parks across from the dojo. She sees Joe and his CREW
fixing the front of the building. Tigress gets out of the
truck and walks over.
TIGRESS
Hey, I've got a delivery for Dinah
Drake. Equipment for the dojo. I need
a signature.
JOE
She's not here right now.
TIGRESS
Oh darn. I can't just leave the
equipment. Do you happen to have her
phone number?
JOE
Yes, I do. Hang on.
INT. VERTIGO COMMAND CENTER - DAY
The sonic drill is now in the center of the room. Engineers
carefully study it. Graphs and analysis models are visible on
the video screens.
At one computer console, an Engineer speaks with Tigress on
the phone.
TIGRESS (V.O.)
I need a location fix on 555-3465.
The Engineer punches a series of commands into the computer.
He waits. Finally -
ENGINEER
Got it. The number's registered to an
apartment complex at 277 Broadway.
Wait a minute... that's right across
the street!
EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY
Tigress parks the truck in front of Dinah's apartment
complex. PEOPLE go in and out of the apartment complex. Time
passes. She waits.
EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - LATER
The doors of the apartment complex open. Dinah steps out and
heads north on foot. Tigress exits the truck and follows.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Dinah walks down Reade Street. It's quiet. There's a SHADOW
behind her. Dinah quickens her pace and turns at the next
intersection. The shadow follows.
Dinah knows something's up. She slows down and gets into a
doorway. The shadow slows down too. Dinah watches. She waits
for it.
The shadow approaches -
- and Dinah JUMPS OUT, ready to attack! She freezes at who
she sees.
It's Deke. He smiles.
DEKE
You never let your guard down, do you?
Dinah can't even talk.
INT. CAFE - DAY
Dinah and Deke sit across from each other at a table.
DEKE
Lynch kept a list of everyone on Team
7 and where they could be found. I was
making my way down the list, trying to
see if anyone was still alive, but no
luck. Then I got to the dojo. I
watched it for a bit, and by chance,
saw you this morning.
DINAH
So that was you at the dojo, Deke? I
knew someone was watching.
DEKE
The good 'ol eye in the sky.
DINAH
When was the last time you saw Lynch?
DEKE
After we flew back from Gamorra, we
landed in an abandoned airfield in New
Jersey. Lynch took you to the hospital
in his jeep. That was the last time I
saw him. He never came back.
DINAH
And the rest of the team? Kurt?
DEKE
Nothing. There's something else:
during the flight back, Lynch never
told me what happened - he just kept
saying it was a setup. What did you
see?
Dinah exhales.
DINAH
There was some mutagen agent there -
Gen-factor. Some sort of airborne
chemical. Do you know anything about
that?
DEKE
Never heard of it. Are you OK?
DINAH
I am, thankfully. What about you?
DEKE
I'm all right. Out of a job, but all
right.
DINAH
Did Lynch pay you?
DEKE
He did.
DINAH
He's still out there. Somewhere. I
know he is.
DEKE
We've been through a lot. Maybe it's
time to just accept the money and move
on. Perhaps it's John's way of telling
us.
DINAH
(after a beat)
Yeah. I suppose you're right.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - DAY
The phone rings. Vertigo answers.
VERTIGO
Vertigo.
ENGINEER (V.O.)
Count Vertigo, we just cracked the
algorithm on the sonic accelerator
that powers the drill!
VERTIGO
Excellent. How soon can you have a
working prototype?
ENGINEER (V.O.)
The engine is ready. We can process
the algorithm in a few hours.
VERTIGO
Good. Bring it up to the gentlemen on
the roof. We're going to run a little
field test tonight.
EXT. CAFE - DUSK
Dinah and Deke exit the cafe.
DEKE
You take care of yourself, "Black
Canary."
DINAH
I'll see you around, "Wingman."
DEKE
Just check the skies.
They smile. They walk opposite ways. We follow Deke as he
walks to his car.
INT. DEKE'S CAR - DUSK
Deke climbs in. Fastens his seat belt. Hears a gun cocking.
He turns his head -
- to see Tigress in the backseat, aiming her crossbow. She
smiles.
INT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Dinah exits the elevator and goes to her apartment. She
unlocks the door and pushes it open.
INT. DINAH'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Dinah enters and flips on the lights. The message machine
blinks. She presses the button. It BEEPS.
ANSWERING MACHINE (V.O.)
You have one message.
TIGRESS (V.O.)
Is this the residence of Black Canary?
This is Tigress. Meet me on the roof
of the Gotham City Dock House at
eleven tonight. That is, if you want
to see your friend, Wingman one last
time. Don't be late.
The message ends. Dinah stands there in distress.
EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT
A series of old warehouses line the waterfront. It is dark.
The place is closed for the night.
EXT. DOCKS - ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
Black Canary perches on the roof of the main building, a
three-story office. She looks out at the water. It is calm.
For now. Black Canary checks her watch: 11:00 PM.
BLACK CANARY
Come on. What are you waiting for?
Vertigo's helicopter appears in the sky. It heads toward the
docks. Black Canary stands up and watches it approach. As she
does -
THE WAREHOUSE ROOFTOP
- Count Vertigo emerges from the shadows of an adjacent
rooftop. He aims his sonic drill at Black Canary. She faces
up at the helicopter, oblivious.
Vertigo grins. He squeezes the trigger!
THE DOCK HOUSE ROOFTOP
Black Canary hears the high-frequency howl from the drill.
She JUMPS back on instinct, and the blast BLOWS apart half
the roof.
She whips out her bo staff. Looks over and sees Vertigo.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Vertigo!
VERTIGO
You have to admire this piece of
craftsmanship. Its sole purpose to
cause complete annihilation. And it's
perfectly legal! There's nothing else
quite like it.
BLACK CANARY
Where's Deke?
Vertigo smiles and points up at the helicopter.
Black Canary looks up. She sees a GUARD piloting the
helicopter. The side door is open. There, Deke sits with his
arms and legs tied. Next to him, Tigress aims her crossbow at
his head.
DEKE
Don't worry about me!
Tigress hits him with the side of the crossbow.
BLACK CANARY
Stop! Let him go!
VERTIGO
Surrender yourself now.
BLACK CANARY
Never!
Vertigo aims the sonic drill.
VERTIGO
I don't think you have much of a
choice, dear.
Black Canary drops the bo staff. Slowly, she raises her
hands. Vertigo smiles.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
You're brave, but stupid. Doesn't
matter, though. I've already won.
BLACK CANARY
Won?! How far do you think you'll get
with that sonic drill?
VERTIGO
Far enough to wipe out the city's
leaders!
BLACK CANARY
What?!
VERTIGO
That's right. I've built a bigger,
better drill. One that can level an
entire building in one shot! It's on
the top of my tower, aiming right at
City Hall. I hear the Mayor's charity
ball is going to be a blast tonight!
BLACK CANARY
(realizing)
No... the telescope!
Vertigo laughs.
VERTIGO
Telescope. Try Mega-Drill! Time to
show the Mayor what happens when he
backs out of a deal with me. As for
you, I'd enjoy seeing the look on your
face when City Hall collapses with
everyone inside - but I just can't
take the risk.
He aims the sonic drill at her.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
Lights out, Black Canary.
BLACK CANARY
Speak for yourself, Vertigo.
Vertigo FIRES. Black Canary just stands where she is and lets
out her CANARY CRY!
A rush of supersonic waves CRASH in mid-air. This time, it's
Vertigo who gets BLOWN AWAY! He SCREAMS, drops the drill, and
SLAMS into the wall!
IN THE HELICOPTER
Tigress shouts. She aims her crossbow at Black Canary and
FIRES!
ON THE ROOFTOPS
Black Canary jumps aside! The arrow narrowly misses her. She
grabs her bo staff. As Tigress FIRES again -
- Black Canary DEFLECTS the arrow with her bo staff.
Meanwhile, Vertigo struggles to stand. He looks at Black
Canary and touches his eyepatch. It emits a MINI SUPERSONIC
WAVE.
The wave hits Black Canary. Everything becomes a BLUR. The
rooftop is SPINNING. Black Canary struggles to maintain her
balance. She falls down.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
What the hell?
Tigress FIRES another arrow - and Black Canary rolls out of
the way.
Vertigo stands.
VERTIGO
Feeling a little spell of vertigo, are
we?
He touches his eyepatch again, and another wave shoots at
Black Canary. She takes cover behind a wall. Vertigo just
laughs and picks up his sonic drill. He aims and -
- WHACK! He gets hit from behind. He spins around to see
Lady Shiva.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
You!
She KICKS him down.
Black Canary looks up in shock.
BLACK CANARY
Watch out!
On the ground, Vertigo touches his eyepatch again. Lady Shiva
gets hit with the wave. Her vision BLURS. She almost falls
off the edge of the roof! She grabs onto the ledge.
VERTIGO
Some assassin you are!
He goes to fire the drill, but Lady Shiva throws a shuriken.
It tears into Vertigo's hand, and he SCREAMS.
LADY SHIVA
You were saying?
IN THE HELICOPTER
Tigress continues to shoot her crossbow at Black Canary. All
of a sudden, Deke jumps up and KICKS Tigress hard.
DEKE
Enough!
BLACK CANARY
No, Deke! Don't!
Tigress just shouts and SHOVES Deke. He falls out of the
helicopter!
Black Canary SCREAMS as Deke plummets to the ground.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
No!
He hits the pier. Dead.
Black Canary looks over the edge of the roof, tormented.
The helicopter hovers over to Lady Shiva and TILTS DOWN,
about to slice her with the rotor blades! She RUNS.
Vertigo touches his eyepatch again. The sonic wave hits Lady
Shiva, distorting her depth perception. She falls down, and
Vertigo grabs her. The helicopter lands on the roof, and
Tigress jumps out. She handcuffs Lady Shiva.
VERTIGO
It'll be a joy to see how Ra's al Ghul
deals with you.
Tigress throws Lady Shiva inside the helicopter and climbs
in. Vertigo glances back to see Black Canary, helpless, on
the dock house rooftop. Vertigo just grins and FIRES the
sonic drill again.
Black Canary runs as the entire dock house roof CAVES IN. She
SCREAMS as she falls through.
LADY SHIVA
Black Canary!
Satisfied, Vertigo climbs into the helicopter. The helicopter
takes off and flies away.
INT. CITY HALL - NIGHT
Inside City Hall, crowds of CITIZENS, CITY LEADERS, and their
FAMILIES are present, sitting around dinner tables. The Mayor
makes a toast.
MAYOR
Tonight we celebrate the history and
achievements of our fine city. Thanks
to the hard work, dedication, and
perseverance of citizens like
yourselves, we have all gone above and
beyond in making Gotham a place we can
proudly call home. Together, we look
forward to continuing that
inspirational model and shaping a
bright and positive future. To Gotham!
Cheers!
The crowd cheers. They begin eating dinner, drinking, and
chatting. Others dance to light music.
EXT. VERTIGO TOWER - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Vertigo's helicopter lands. Tigress pulls Lady Shiva out and
forces her inside the tower. Vertigo climbs out with the
sonic drill. His hand is now bandaged. He goes to the two
engineers standing by the MEGA-DRILL. He looks down -
VERTIGO'S POV
The Mega-Drill cannon faces down, directly at City Hall.
VERTIGO
Are we all set for tonight's
demonstration, gentlemen?
ROOF ENGINEER
Sure are. They won't even know what
hit them. They'll think it was an
earthquake.
VERTIGO
Perfect. Set it for fifteen minutes.
ROOF ENGINEER
Yes, Sir.
INT. DOCK HOUSE - NIGHT
The roof is caved in, and debris is everywhere. A piece of
debris gets shoved aside. Black Canary struggles to pull
herself out of the mess. She coughs. She grabs her bo staff
and limps out of the building.
EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT
Black Canary goes to Deke's body. She kneels down and closes
his eyes. She pauses. Sad moment.
Then she gets up and goes to her motorcycle. She jumps on and
starts it up. She zooms away.
INT. VERTIGO COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
The elevator door opens, and Tigress comes out with Lady
Shiva. All the engineers operate the computer consoles.
Kelmer and Clutch are here too, watching. On the main video
screen - a clear view of City Hall. A countdown timer reads:
14:03.
Tigress throws Lady Shiva in the empty storage room. Then
Tigress flips the lever on the wall, and the gate slides
shut. Tigress peers through the gate.
TIGRESS
Looks like you've got a front row
seat.
LADY SHIVA
When I get out, I'm going to kill you.
TIGRESS
Now you're starting to sound like
Black Canary. Don't worry, you'll
share the same fate.
Tigress walks away. Lady Shiva looks for a way out of the
cell. It is futile.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Black Canary roars down the street on her motorcycle. She
stops at Vertigo Tower. Looking through the front doors, she
spots GUARDS, clutching Norinco assault rifles, standing
watch. No one's getting in tonight.
Then Black Canary sees a VERTIGO CONSTRUCTION CREW at work
down the street. A street sign reads: "SLOW DOWN - EMERGENCY
REPAIRS." One WORKER carries a blowtorch down an open
manhole.
Black Canary gets an idea and drives her bike down an alley.
INT. VERTIGO COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
The engineers control the Mega-Drill remotely via the
computer. They readjust its aim at City Hall with absolute
precision.
ENGINEER
Target locked in place.
Tigress watches them. Lady Shiva paces her cell. Discreetly,
she pulls out her kunai blade and uses it to pick the lock on
her handcuffs.
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Vertigo watches a view of the control room from the TV in his
office. He picks up a newspaper on his desk, which shows a
photo of the Mayor. The headlines:
"MAYOR DOUBLES DOWN ON CRIME ERADICATION IN GOTHAM"
VERTIGO
You lose this bet, Mayor.
Vertigo scoffs and flings the paper away.
EXT. STREET - CONSTRUCTION ZONE - NIGHT
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS direct traffic around the manhole. On
the sidewalk, Dinah sneaks behind the parked construction
truck.
When no one is looking, she slips by and climbs down the
manhole.
INT. SEWERS - NIGHT
Dinah climbs down the ladder. At the bottom, a CONSTRUCTION
WORKER welds a cracked a pipe. Dinah drops down and sneaks up
behind him.
DINAH
Forgive me. It's nothing personal.
She PUNCHES him, knocking him out. She takes his blowtorch,
hardhat, and safety vest.
Dinah walks ahead. The addresses of the buildings are marked
on maintenance hatches above. Dinah finds 268 BROADWAY, and
she begins using the blowtorch to MELT the bolts on the
access hatch.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - MAINTENANCE ROOM - NIGHT
The hatch in the floor opens. Dinah emerges, now wearing the
Vertigo Construction hardhat and safety vest.
She exits the room.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Dinah sneaks through the corridor. FEW CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
pass by. She blends in -
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - SECURITY ROOM - NIGHT
- or so she thinks. A SECURITY OFFICER sees her on a
surveillance monitor. He grabs his walkie-talkie.
SECURITY OFFICER
I need a team on the ground floor,
wing C. We've got an intruder dressed
as a construction worker. I'm remotely
locking all exits.
He presses a button on the computer.
INT. VERTIGO COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
Kelmer and Clutch hear the officer on their walkie-talkie.
KELMER
Now's our chance. Come on!
They pull out Beretta 92's and run up the stairs.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Dinah pushes the elevator call button. Nothing happens. She
goes over to the stairwell and tries to open the door. It is
locked.
DINAH
What? Really?!
She walks ahead and turns the corner -
- to find FIVE SECURITY GUARDS aiming assault rifles at her.
GUARD
Freeze!
Dinah stops. She glances back to see Kelmer and Clutch
approaching from behind with their handguns. Dinah is
trapped. She sighs.
KELMER
Welcome back, Missy.
DINAH
That obvious, huh?
INT. VERTIGO'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Kelmer, Clutch, and two guards force Dinah in at gunpoint.
She is handcuffed with her arms behind her back. Vertigo
looks up.
KELMER
Look who decided to show, Boss!
CLUTCH
She was disguised as one of our own.
Clutch throws the hardhat and safety vest on the floor.
VERTIGO
Miss Drake. The woman who wouldn't
die. You really have a habit for
getting on people's nerves.
DINAH
Not really. That's just your insanity
setting in.
VERTIGO
Sharp tongue. But insults will get you
nowhere. In ten minutes, my Mega-Drill
will obliterate City Hall. And you
will be laid to rest in an unmarked
grave.
DINAH
Don't write me off yet. I'm a
procrastinator. A lot can happen in
ten minutes.
VERTIGO
(to Kelmer and
Clutch)
You two want to redeem yourselves? Put
a bullet in her head.
KELMER
With pleasure, Boss.
Kelmer points his Beretta at Dinah's head.
VERTIGO
Not here! You'll get blood on the
carpet. Do it in the service room.
KELMER
You heard him. Let's go.
They force Dinah out of the office. Vertigo picks up the
phone and dials.
VERTIGO
They're neutralizing the girl now. I'm
on my way down.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Dinah walks. Kelmer, Clutch, and the guards are right behind
her.
DINAH
Tell me, what floor is the big show
on?
KELMER
What's it to you?
DINAH
Oh, just curious.
CLUTCH
Basement.
DINAH
Thanks.
KELMER
Clutch! Shut up!
CLUTCH
What's the difference? She's gonna be
dead in two minutes!
Dinah TRIPS Clutch and SHOVES Kelmer down. She runs.
KELMER
Shoot her!
The guards OPEN FIRE with their assault rifles. Dinah ducks
around a corner as bullets litter the wall.
Dinah slips her handcuffed arms in front of her. She runs
ahead -
- and a door opens. MORE GUARDS rush out, FIRING their
rifles. Bullets ricochet in her direction. Dinah darts like
mad into an office.
She grabs a FIRE EXTINGUISHER off the wall and HURLS it back.
An unlucky guard shoots -
- and the fire extinguisher BURSTS, sending shrapnel
everywhere. He screams.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Vertigo stands in the descending elevator. His walkie-talkie
goes off.
GUARD (V.O.)
She escaped! We need backup on the
double!
INT. VERTIGO TOWER - OFFICE - NIGHT
GUARDS move everywhere, searching.
GUARD
Take that side! You two, take that
office!
KELMER
We're on it!
Kelmer and Clutch move into the office, ready with their
handguns.
Dinah leans out from behind a wall.
CLUTCH
There!
The men SHOOT repeatedly. Dinah moves back. She's trapped. A
guard comes in with his rifle and adds to the gunfire.
Dinah peeks out - and sees Kelmer toss a GRENADE! She
watches it soar through the air and bounce off the wall.
Dinah slides down and KICKS it back at them.
The men see the grenade flying their way.
KELMER
Run!
Dinah takes cover as -
- KA-BOOM! The grenade goes off. No one is left standing.
Quickly, Dinah runs over to the debris. She pulls the keys
off the guard's belt and unlocks her handcuffs. She sees
another grenade on his belt and takes it.
INT. VERTIGO COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
Vertigo stands in the middle of the room with Tigress. The
timer on the screen reads: 06:45. Vertigo shouts into his
walkie-talkie.
VERTIGO
Kelmer! Clutch!
There's static on the walkie-talkie. Then -
DINAH (V.O.)
I think they got blood on the carpet.
Vertigo and Tigress glance at each other. Then the elevator
CHIMES.
VERTIGO
She's here! Get ready!
FOUR GUARDS rush to the elevator, guns ready. Vertigo raises
his sonic drill, and Tigress pulls out her crossbow. Lady
Shiva watches from the cell.
The doors slide open. It's EMPTY.
Everyone exchanges nervous glances. The guards creep forward.
Then the hatch in the elevator roof opens, and a grenade
rolls out.
GUARD
Take cover!
KA-BOOM! A huge fireball knocks everyone down. A guard gets
thrown through the air, computer consoles explode. Total
mayhem.
ENGINEER
Let's get out of here!
All the engineers evacuate up the stairwell.
TIGRESS
Cowards! Get back here and fight!
Tigress aims her crossbow and SHOOTS the lead Engineer in the
back. He tumbles down the steps, dead, with an arrow sticking
out of his chest.
Vertigo gets to his feet, dazed. He sees -
- Black Canary drop down from the hatch in the elevator. She
walks in. Sees City Hall on the video screen.
BLACK CANARY
Time to pull plug, Vertigo.
Tigress pops up and FIRES her crossbow. Black Canary ducks
behind a desk, and the arrow impales an unsuspecting guard.
Black Canary sees Lady Shiva in the cell.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
You're lucky I'm here.
LADY SHIVA
I was starting to wonder if you'd make
it.
BLACK CANARY
Oh, give me a break.
LADY SHIVA
Behind you!
Black Canary spins around and sees Vertigo approaching with
the sonic drill. She rips the arrow out of the guard and
THROWS it at him. It hits Vertigo in the shoulder, and he
reels back. He pulls the trigger.
Black Canary jumps out of the way as the sonic BLAST tears
apart the desk. As Vertigo rips the arrow out of his
shoulder, Black Canary TACKLES him.
Black Canary and Vertigo struggle. Tigress comes from behind
and gets the superheroine in an arm lock.
TIGRESS
Werner, run!
Vertigo runs up the stairs. Black Canary ELBOWS Tigress. The
screen: 04:02.
Tigress SCREAMS and throws Black Canary over a flaming desk.
Black Canary hits the wall.
Black Canary sees the lever, jumps up, and pulls it.
Instantly, the gate slides open, and Lady Shiva SPRINGS out.
She ditches her handcuffs, LUNGES at Tigress, and HIGH KICKS
her. Tigress FIGHTS back.
They continue to fight. Black Canary goes over to the
mainframe computer. It's on fire.
A struggling guard tries to stand. He raises his rifle. Black
Canary just STOMPS on him. CRUNCH!
Black Canary looks at the computer: TARGET LOCKED. 03:37. She
hits the keyboard. Flips some switches. Nothing happens.
TIGRESS (CONT'D)
You can't stop it now! It's impossible
to abort!
BLACK CANARY
No!
The fire spreads over the controls. The monitor goes blank.
The timer on the video screen on the wall continues counting
down: 03:08.
Lady Shiva continues to attack Tigress. The villainess blocks
her moves. Black Canary jumps in and ROUNDHOUSE KICKS
Tigress. Then Lady Shiva delivers another HIGH KICK.
Tigress gets KNOCKED BACK and lands -
- right on the ARROW TIP sticking out of the dead Engineer.
Tigress' eyes close.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
I think she got the point.
LADY SHIVA
Vertigo's gone.
BLACK CANARY
I know where he is. Let's go!
They rush into the elevator. The doors slide shut. The timer:
02:34.
INT. CITY HALL - NIGHT
The ball continues. There must be a hundred and fifty people
here at least. The CITIZENS OF GOTHAM mingle and dance.
FAMILIES enjoy themselves. The Mayor sits front and center at
a dinner table with his WIFE and CHILDREN.
INT. VERTIGO TOWER ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Black Canary and Lady Shiva stand in the elevator.
BLACK CANARY
Nice kicks. You gonna help me stop the
Mega-Drill?
LADY SHIVA
I'm here for Vertigo. The drill is
your problem.
BLACK CANARY
Gee, thanks. You still plan on killing
me?
Lady Shiva doesn't answer.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
Well, if you are, do it on the way
down.
EXT. VERTIGO TOWER - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
A small digital counter on the Mega-Drill reads: 01:59.
Vertigo and TWO ARMED GUARDS stand next to it on the roof.
The elevator chimes, the doors slide open -
VERTIGO
Kill them!
- and three shurikens FLY OUT! They impale Vertigo and the
guards in the arms. Then Black Canary and Lady Shiva jump
out.
The guards FIRE their assault rifles at Lady Shiva. She rolls
across the roof, dodging bullets.
Vertigo aims his sonic drill at Black Canary and pulls the
trigger. She ducks as the blast TEARS through the elevator
doors. Vertigo touches his eyepatch and launches another
sonic wave at her.
Black Canary lets out her deafening CANARY CRY. It overpowers
the wave and KNOCKS Vertigo against the ledge.
Lady Shiva fights the guards at close range. She springs up
and KICKS the first guy in the face. He falls back and
tumbles over the railing of the roof!
The second guy SHOOTS again, but Lady Shiva grabs his arms
and aims at the Mega-Drill. Bullets DEFLECT off its side.
It's BULLETPROOF.
Finally, Lady Shiva TWISTS the guard's arm and FLIPS him
over. CRACK!
Black Canary and Lady Shiva get behind the Mega-Drill. The
timer: 01:15. Vertigo points his sonic drill, but stops.
BLACK CANARY
Go ahead! What are you waiting for
for?
Vertigo smiles and drops the sonic drill.
VERTIGO
Fortunately, I always have the right
tool for the job.
He pulls out a Beretta and FIRES. BLAM! The girls stay low as
a bullet deflects off the side of the Mega-Drill. Then
another.
BLACK CANARY
Shit.
VERTIGO
It's no use. I've got it programmed so
that it can't be stopped. Why don't we
just wait it out and enjoy the show.
Black Canary looks for a way to stop the drill. There is
none.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
Tonight, City Hall! Tomorrow, the
Gotham National Bank! The day after
that, the Gotham City Hotel! The
pathetic citizens of this town will
have no one to turn to but me to
rebuild their city - well, the
pathetic citizens who survive, that
is!
BLAM! Another bullet narrowly misses them. The timer reaches
0:45. The Mega-Drill begins to emit a high-frequency
electronic hum.
VERTIGO (CONT'D)
(insane)
It's starting!
Black Canary tries to turn the barrel of the drill. It won't
budge. It's locked in place by giant screws.
The timer: 0:25. Vertigo just laughs maniacally.
Black Canary looks at Lady Shiva.
BLACK CANARY
Shuriken.
Lady Shiva hands her one. Black Canary uses the edge of the
shuriken to loosen the giant screw.
The timer: 0:10. The Mega-Drill heats up. It begins to GLOW.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
I've also got the right tool for the
job.
The screw comes out. Black Canary immediately SWINGS the Mega-
Drill around and aims it at Vertigo. His jaw drops.
The timer: 0:00. It BEEPS.
BOOOOOM! The Mega-Drill fires a MASSIVE SUPERSONIC BLAST.
Vertigo SCREAMS. He gets blown off the roof.
Black Canary and Lady Shiva shield their ears.
INT. CITY HALL - NIGHT
Everyone feels the RUMBLE. They stop what they're doing.
MAYOR
What in the world was that?
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
BYSTANDERS look up curiously at Vertigo Tower. Cars stop. The
Mayor and guests come out of City Hall and gather on the
sidewalk. They see THICK SMOKE coming from the Mega-Drill on
top of the tower.
MAYOR
What the hell was that noise? What
happened to the telescope?
PIZZA DELIVERY GUY
I don't think it's a telescope, dude.
EXT. VERTIGO TOWER - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Black Canary swings the barrel of the Mega-Drill over. She
blows the smoke away.
BLACK CANARY
Well... it works.
LADY SHIVA
(impressed)
Not bad.
BLACK CANARY
Is that a compliment I just heard?
LADY SHIVA
No, I was just -
Lady Shiva stops. She is tongue-tied. Black Canary just
grins.
BLACK CANARY
Don't worry. I won't tell anyone.
Lady Shiva scoffs. She gets all serious again.
LADY SHIVA
I really should be going.
BLACK CANARY
You can't exactly return to the League
of Assassins now, can you?
LADY SHIVA
No, I can't. Not after this. Guess I'm
on my own now.
BLACK CANARY
Well, don't go too far. In case
another madman with a grudge against
the city decides to show up.
LADY SHIVA
That tends to be a regular occurrence
in this place, doesn't it?
BLACK CANARY
Good old Gotham, huh?
Lady Shiva goes to the door.
BLACK CANARY (CONT'D)
See you around.
Lady Shiva glances over her shoulder.
LADY SHIVA
Watch your back.
Black Canary smirks. Lady Shiva goes through the door.
Black Canary looks down. SIRENS approach in the distance. She
moves away from the ledge.
EXT. DOJO - DAY
The front of the dojo has been rebuilt. It looks better than
ever. A sign that says NOW ACCEPTING STUDENTS is posted in
the window.
INT. DOJO - DAY
Dinah, now wearing a traditional martial-arts uniform and a
black belt, twirls her bo staff. She demonstrates in front of
a CLASS OF STUDENTS.
Dinah performs her flashy moves, spinning the bo over her
head and around her back. She finishes with a STRIKING POSE.
Everyone is completely awestruck.
STUDENT
Wow, just like Black Canary!
Dinah's eyes widen.
DINAH
(shocked)
Who said that?
A YOUNG STUDENT raises his hand. He smiles. Dinah can't help
but chuckle. Nervously.
DINAH (CONT'D)
Good eyes.
EXT. STOREFRONTS - NIGHT
It's now nighttime in front of a row of stores. TWO MASKED
THUGS stare at a liquor store across the street. One munches
on a Twinkie and holds a newspaper with the headlines:
"BLACK CANARY AVERTS CITY DISASTER"
MASKED THUG ONE
Put that away.
MASKED THUG TWO
You think this Black Canary chick is
the real deal?
MASKED THUG ONE
No, it's just some crap to scare guys
like us. Last week, some flying rodent
man, today some bird girl.
A CUSTOMER exits the liquor store. The coast is clear.
MASKED THUG ONE (CONT'D)
Let's go!
One pulls out a pistol. The other takes out a shotgun. They
rush over to the liquor store.
INT. LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
The thugs burst through the door, waving their guns.
MASKED THUG ONE
Turn around! Get against the wall!
MASKED THUG TWO
Do it now!
The OWNER jumps back. He does as they say.
OWNER
Go ahead, take the money!
The thugs go to the cash register.
MASKED THUG ONE
That's just what we're gonna do!
BLACK CANARY (O.S.)
And throw in a bottle of red for me.
MASKED THUG TWO
Who the hell -
They spin around to see Black Canary standing in the doorway
with her bo staff.
MASKED THUG TWO (CONT'D)
It's her!
MASKED THUG ONE
You're dead!
They aim their guns. Black Canary smirks and pulls a bottle
of wine off the shelf. She THROWS it at them.
The thugs duck as the bottle SMASHES into them. Black Canary
just takes a running JUMP and SLIDES across the counter,
KICKING them down.
MASKED THUG ONE (CONT'D)
Let's go!
They get up and run to the rear exit. They SLAM open the
door, which leads into an alley. They freeze as -
- a SHURIKEN sails into the door, just missing their heads.
A SHADOW approaches from the alley. The thugs panic.
MASKED THUG TWO
There's someone else!
MASKED THUG ONE
Run!
Black Canary just grins.
BLACK CANARY
Why run, boys? We've got all night.
She LEAPS forward and SWINGS her bo staff.
CUT TO BLACK.
THE END