Justice League Counter Effect
Written by Terence Jordan
CHAPTER ONE
EXT-METROPOLIS DOWNTWON
We're in first person view of an reporter in a helicopter looking down at a parade dedicated to Superman. There's a huge crowd and ten different floats of Superman.
Reporter
This is News Six and we're live from the dedication Parade for Metropolis's greatest hero. Superman…Speaking of there's the man of steel now.
Pan to Superman flying past the helicopter and waving.
Reporter
I tell you this, I don't know what we'll do without Metropolis's golden son.
Superman lands on the first float and is standing near the Mayor of Metropolis. They shake hands. Both the Mayor and Superman are smiling. The camera starts to zoom out.
INT-LEXCORP
We see Superman up close on T.V. Still smiling. Pan to a bald man(Lex Luthor)sitting in his chair watching the television with a disappointing look.
Lex Luthor
Yes indeed, what would the city be like without its beloved hero.
He gets up and walks to his window. We see a view of the beautiful city of Metropolis through the glass. The sun is beaming through the window.
Lex Luthor
Perhaps the city will look to a new protector. The rightful one who should be protecting humanity, a human.
Voice
Should that human be you, Lex?
Lex Luthor
(turns around quickly) Who's there! Show yourself!
Voice
Humans are so hostile.
Pan to a Robotic Cyborg(Braniac) walking out the shadows.
Lex Luthor
Braniac? What the hell are you doing here?
Braniac
I'm here to offer you a proposition.
Lex Luthor
You?(laughs)Offer me a proposition?
Braniac
We both a similar enemy that gets in the way of our goals.
Lex Luthor
How stupid do you think I am? I know their's always a price dealing with you.
Braniac
Imagine the worst thing to happen to humanity and in the aftermath they turn to one man and that one man can be you Lex.
Lex Luthor(intrigued)
Okay. I'm listening. What are you offering?
Braniac smirks.
[FADE OUT][OPENING CREDITS]
EXT-METROPOLIS
We see Superman still with the Mayor on the float. Pan through the crowd applauding and chanting behind the barricades.
Mayor
This is really great for the city, Superman.
Superman
It was an honor Mayor, I'm happy to do it.
CUT TO:
EXT-SKY
We see the view of the clouds. A plane zips through the clouds, appears to be going through turbulence.
CUT TO:
INT-PLANE
Inside the plane we see passengers gripping their seats terrified.
Passenger Female(terrified)
We're going to die!
Pilot(com)
Please, we like all passengers to remain calm. Do not panic.
CUT TO:COCK PIT
We see the two pilots trying to stable the plane.
Pilot(struggling)
What happened?
Pilot 2
I don't know! The engine just shut down.
Pilot 1
We have to get the engines back up or we're not going to make it.
Few seconds later the system completely shuts down.
Pilot 1
Oh sh!t!
Pilot 2
This is bad.
The plane starts to descend rapidly.
EXT-SKY
We see the plane falling at top speed.
CUT TO:
EXT-METROPOLIS DOWNTOWN
Superman and the Mayor are still waving to the crowd. Tilt up to the sky as we see the plane falling. The audience gasp. Superman looks up with a stern look and takes off into the air. Leaving a red and blue streak. The force blows the Mayor's hair up. Pan to a child in the crowd.
Child
You can do it Superman.
EXT-SKY
Superman grips the head of the plane, putting pressure on the plane. The plane begins to slow down. Pan to a business building, Superman turns to see the plane is heading right for it. He tries to steer it away by lifting upward.
CUT TO:
INT-PLANE
We see a young child gripping his mothers hand and two lovers holding each other.
CUT TO:
EXT-METROPOLIS DOWNTOWN
Superman manages to avoid the building and looks for a clear path. He sees a vacated road due to the parade. He guides the plane to the section. Pan to the crowd following. Superman slides his knees into the ground creating a line of a crater. The plane finally halts. The crowd applauds including the Mayor. Superman enters the plane and looks to the passengers.
Superman
Is everyone okay?
He looks around to see everyone nodding. Cut off on Superman smiling.
INT-LEXCORP LABS
We 360 panel Lexcorp's lab. Pan to Braniac working on something. We can't quite get a view. Lex is standing there watching.
Lex Luthor
What exactly are you doing?
Braniac
I'm creating a virus.
Lex Luthor
Virus? That's your big plane! I must say Braniac, I'm little disappointed.
Braniac
I forget how bold you were for a human. This isn't your ordinary virus. When exposed, they will die in twenty four hours.
Lex Luthor
What exactly does this virus do?
Braniac
Its simple, once infected it starts mild fever, than each of bodily functions begin to shut down. The infected will go through tremendous torture before finally meeting their end.
Lex Luthor
Is there a cure?
Braniac
Perhaps.
Lex Luthor
Well are you going to be cryptic or are you going to enlighten me?
Braniac
In do time.(he turns to face Lex)Phase 1 of the plan shall begin.
CUT TO:
INT-GOTHAM BANK
We see three bank robbers pacing around the bank. Another robber is trying to break in the safe. Hostages are tied up and one of the bank robbers is coughing badly.
Bank Robber
This cold is killer. I think I might have the flu.
Bank Robber 2
Did you get a shot?
Bank Robber 1
Yeah yesterday, its like I've gotten worse.
Robber 3 approaches 4 who is trying to crack the safe.
Bank Robber 3
How's it coming? You almost got it?
Bank Robber 4
Just give me a minute, this is very delicate.
Bank Robber 3
Well hurry up before the cops get here.
Bank Robber 2
Too late for that, cops are outside now. We have to move quickly.
Bank Robber
(sneezes) Yeah. I can't get locked up man.
Bank Robber 3
Would you shut up, no one's going to jail.(to four)Hurry up with that safe.
CUT TO:
EXT-GOTHAM BANK
We see police and swat having the bank surrounded. Zoom in on Batman with Commissioner Gordon.
Commissioner Gordon
Another night in Gotham.
Batman
Same crime, different night Jim.
Commissioner Gordon
We have a hostage situation, we have to be careful with this.
Pan to see Batman gone. Gordon shakes his head.
INT-GOTHAM BANK
The Robbers are standing by the safe.
Bank Robber 1(not feeling well)
Can we hurry this up, I'm really not feeling well.
Bank Robber 3
You're really starting to sound like a baby.
Robber 1 is sweating and panting badly. Pan to a hostage trying to untie the rope with his teeth. Robber 3 notices and power walks towards him.
Bank Robber 3
Hey what are you doing?
He points his gun in the hostage's face.
Hostage
Nothing, I was loosening it up a little.
Bank Robber 3
Right, I really hate liars.
He starts to fire but a batarang knocks his gun out his hand. Batman jumps from the ceiling kicking robber 3 in the chest. Robber 3 falls the ground. Pan to the other robbers scared.
Robber 2
Its Batman!
Batman shoots a grapple hooking to the ceiling rail. The robbers start shooting missing while Batman swings over to them. He throws down three gas pellets. Smoke rises and surrounds them all.
Robber 2
(coughs)That son of a b!tch! Where is he?
Batman punches robber 2 out cold. Robber 4 is trying to find a way out the smoke. Batman grabs his gun and chops him in the throat. He then round house kicks him in the face causing him to fall on the floor. Robber 1 starts to cough badly that blood comes out his mouth. He starts to feel dizzy and passes out. Batman walks over to him skeptically. Zoom in on Robber's 1 face as his eyes is clear white.
CUT TO:
EXT-METROPOLIS DAILY PLANET
We get a view of the Daily Plane globe spinning.
INT-DAILY PLANET ELEVATOR
We see Lois and Clark on the elevator. She is wearing red silk shirt and black skirt. Clark is wearing a blue business suit with a red tie. Lois is eying Clark suspected. Clark shifts nervously.
Lois Lane
Nice save today Smallville.
Clark Kent
Thanks.
Lois Lane
So are we still on tonight or should I cancel reservations? (coughs)
Clark Kent
Lois? Sounds like you're getting a cold.
Lois Lane
Lois Lane doesn't have time to get sick. (sneezes)
INT-DAILY PLANET MAIN OFFICE
Lois and Clark get off the elevator. The room is full of reporters dashing their designated areas.
Lois Lane
Too many stories out there to write in little time, besides I got my flu shot.
Clark Kent
Doesn't mean you can't get sick.
Lois Lane
I know that Dr. Kent but all I have is a minor cold, it'll blow over.
Clark Kent
Whatever you say Lois.
Lois Lane
Such a worry sport, Smallville.
Clark Kent
Can't help it, you keep me worried Lois you're my wife.
Lois rolls her eyes. She begins to sweat. Clark notices.
Clark Kent(concerned)
Lois? Are you okay? You're sweating pretty bad.
He places a hand on her forehead and Lois feels uncomfortable.
Lois Lane(pushing his hand off)
Geez Smallville, I told you I'm fine.
Clark makes an annoyed expression.
Clark Kent
Lois I really think you should see a doctor. You don't look too good.
Lois Lane
Way too charm, Smallville.
Lois walks to the coffee area and pours herself a cup. She starts to cough up blood and drops the coffee cup. Clark gets more worried.
Clark Kent(worried)
Lois?
Lois starts to become dizzy.
Lois Lane
I told you I was fin-
Lois falls onto the floor unconscious.
Clark Kent
Lois!
Clark runs to her side. He tries to wake her up by shaking her.
Clark Kent
Lois! Lois!
Pan to other people looking on concerned and oblivious.
Clark Kent
Jimmy! Call 911 now!
Jimmy nods and runs to the phone. Clark turns to Lois over on her back and notices her eyes clear white.
Clark Kent
Lois?
CUT TO:
EXT-PARADISE ISLAND
We see Diana in a white robe skirt. She is sitting on a horse. Next to her is Artemis, the wind is blowing her beautiful orange hair and Diana's black. They both are staring out the sunset.
Diana Prince
Sometimes I forget how beautiful the sunrises here.
Artemis
Maybe if you stay closer to home, you wouldn't miss it so much.
Diana Prince(mockingly)
Didn't think you miss me that much, Artemis.
Artemis
Don't flatter yourself princess. Say, are you up for a race? Or has man world made you weak?
Diana Prince
Don't count on it, sister.
CUT TO:
Diana and Artemis are in racing formation. Artemis gets off her horse and draws a line with her sword in front of the horses. She gets back on her horse. She looks to Diana and smiles wickedly.
Artemis
First one around the island wins.
Diana Prince
You're on.
Artemis sneezes. Diana looks to her concerned.
Artemis
That's weird. (coughs)
Diana Prince
Are you okay, Artemis?
Artemis
I'll be fine when you're eating my dust.
Diana Prince
Keep thinking that, how many time have you lost to me before?
Artemis
(smirks) Go! Yah!
Artemis goes ahead, Diana follows pursuit.
Artemis(turns to her)
Is this what the precious Wonder Woman have to offer?
Diana frowns and ties up to Artemis.
Diana Prince
I'm that and more.
She pulls ahead of Artemis.
Artemis
Don't get ahead of yourself princess.
Diana and Artemis almost made it half around the island. Zoom in Artemis is starting to sweat. She coughs up blood.
Diana Prince
You're really starting to eat my dust, Artemis.
Artemis starts to feel dizzy and falls off her horse. She tumbles down a hill and lands into the pond. Diana looks back to see Artemis not behind her. She notices the horse standing close to the hill.
Diana Prince(worried)
Artemis!
CUT TO:
We still see Artemis floating in the pond. Diana swoops down and grabs her. She sets her on the grass next to the pond.
Diana Prince
Artemis!(Artemis doesn't say anything) Come on sister.
She notices Artemis's eyes are clear white.
Cut off.
END OF CHAPTER ONE