ACT FOUR - PART 1
SCENE 13: EXT DARK SIDE MOON SURFACE MINE ENTRANCE
They park their all terrain vehicles near the mouth of the cave-like mine entrance. Suddenly, they hear a strange and eerie cry coming from inside the mine. Riddicks hairs stand on end as his senses register the familiar sound. The men shine their lights into the opening and for only a split second, they all see an object's tails move rapidly out of the light. Unexpectedly, another small object scrambles out the mine and narrowly misses them as it flies out and away from their disturbing lights. They were briefly able to make out it's form, a small bi-pedal creature with two horn-like protrusions curved around it's head and a very long semi-serrated tail.
SKRUL
Hey man, what the hell was that! What the hell
was that!
MARTY
Balion, you were saying something about a this?
Riddick shakes his head and walks up to Marty leaving Candice alone by the vehicle. The lights are focused on the entrance and not the vehicles parked behind them.
RIDDICK
Oh, so now you want to listen.
FARGO
Can these things be killed?
Riddick looks back almost forgetting that he's supposed to keep an eye on Candice. But for a mere second, he cannot see her. He blinks twice and then suddenly, there she is, exactly where he left her.
RIDDICK
The light hurts them. As long as we have these, we'll be fine.
Skrul steps nervously back not realising that he is right next to Riddick. He jumps when Riddick looks his way and gives him the evil eye. Skrul is quick to retrace his steps.
SKRUL
C'can they be killed, man?
As usual, Skrul is ignored. Riddick makes his way back to the vehicle where Candice remains unmoved. He equips him self with a medium sized gun and a large blade. Candice's eyes catch a glare from the steal knife as he slides it under his belt.
RIDDICK
Feel free to wonder off.
As he heads back to the others, Candice obediently follows with a smirk grin on her face. Riddick hands Marty the loaded gun and stares into the opening.
RIDDICK
If you're fast enough and a good aim, they can be killed.
But your best bet is to stay in the light.
CANDICE
And you would know, wouldn't you, Riddick?
Riddick is not surprised that someone found out who he really is. It was just a matter of time. Usually, this is where he makes a grand but bloody exit, however, it just didn't seem appropriate at that moment.
MARTY
Who's Riddick?
CANDICE
Why dear brother, I thought you did your homework.
She circles Riddick like a hawk sensing it's prey. Riddick makes no sudden moves showing her that he's not concerned nor afraid.
CANDICE (continued)
Meet a legend, a myth if you will. Richard B. Riddick. One of three survivors
in last years crash number 1027, reported as dead and has not been seen or heard
of since. Why this is an honour.
SKRUL
I knew there was something off about him.
Finally when the tension is at an all time high, Riddick decides to speak, as if he get's off on the fear and confusion of others.
RIDDICK
You hired me to do a job and that's what I'm here for. We're all on the opposite
end of the law here so there's no reason why we can't just get along.
Marty begins to pace up and down while deep in thought. The others stand around, eyes all fixed on Riddick, waiting to hear what their leader has to say. Mat fingers the trigger on his gun and cannot help but allow the little trickles of sweat to run down his forehead.
MARTY
Okay, this is what's going to happen…
As Marty begins to speak, we hear another distant cry from one of the small creatures. They all pause for a moment lost in their own thoughts and imagination. Marty sees this as a sign of urgency. Nothing is going to keep him from this pay day.
MARTY (continue)
…we're just going to have to trust each other.
We go in, get the goods and get out. Bal…(sigh), Riddick takes point and navigates
the tunnels like we planned. We take as many lights as we can carry, I have
a feeling the deeper we go the more chance we'll have to run into these things.
Keep together and keep sharp.
Candice reaches for a gun which is lying on the ground near some drilling equipment but Marty steps in and holds his weapon to her stomach.
MARTY
Ah-ah-ah! You don't get to play with these toys.
FARGO
Maybe we should let her have something Marty, after all, the more people equipped
the better. Besides, if she kills us all, who will pilot her out of here before
the Sector Police arrive. Or did she learn to fly in cryo-sleep.
MARTY
Ha! I almost forgot about your little problem. You could
have been a great pilot just like your parents. But I'm warning you little sister,
just flinch wrong and I'll have you dragging behind like bait on the end of
a hook. Fargo, make sure she only has one bullet in that thing.
Candice waits for Fargo to check the gun and hand it to her. She gives him a sarcastic grin while slinging its strap over her shoulder. The group grab their gear and make themselves as lit up as possible. As they are about to embark on this dangerous operation, another creature let's off a soft scream. This distraction is just enough for Candice to slip a blade under her cloths and for no body to notice. No body except for Riddick that is. He lets her know that he saw her by giving her a stern glance. Unconcerned, she stares back as if she has done nothing wrong.
Riddick can only find this amusing. He can't wait to see how this turns out.
SCENE 14: INT DARK SIDE MINE UPPER LEVEL
Finally in the main entrance tunnel, Mat makes his way next to Candice. The group mostly sticks together but there are still some issues of trust among them so they keep their distance within reasonable parameters.
MAT
I don't know why they let you have this weapon. We all know
that if you try to use it, that little collar of yours will fry your brain.
A concerned Henry pulls Mat back with him. He doesn't want his younger brother mixing with the likes of Candice and feels obligated to keep him out of trouble which is ironic seeing as they live in dangerous times.
HENRY
Careful Mat. That 'little collar' of hers is sure to expire before we reach
the core, you don't want to piss her off.
Skrul wonders near the front and scans the ground for traces of the ore.
MARTY
Scanner picked up anything yet?
SKRUL
No. Nothing yet boss.
FARGO
We're only on the first level, give it time.
MARTY
We don't have that much time.
Skrul slightly wonders off in order to scan the wall on the side. Unknown to the others, Candice's collar has shorted out, most probably still from the leaking cryo-fluid. She pretends to scratch her throat and makes sure that the devices does not fall of, she wants to keep up the illusion.
Without realising how far ahead he's wondered, Skrul continues to scan the wall surface near a small tunnel that splits off from the main corridor. Candice has made her way to the front as well so that the others can keep a better eye on her. Riddick is now guarding the rear while relying on Skrul's scanner to get them further.
Candice stops not far behind him a sensation triggers her senses. Almost at the same time, Riddick stops and realises something is about to go down. Skrul's readings suddenly spike slightly as he approaches the split on the left. Caught by the excitement, he doesn't realise that he's in danger.
SKRUL
Down here guys, I've …
Suddenly Candice runs to Skrul and slides under him knocking him down on her. Within seconds she rolls him to the side, slides the gun from behind her and fires her only ammo at a creature, who leaps less than a meter over her. Mat and Henry react and begin to fire rapidly at the creature which has just emerged from the small tunnel. The injured creature slams into the facing wall and slides down, dead. Marty shouts to Mat and Henry who are still shooting at the dead beast.
MARTY
Stop firing! Stop! It's dead.
They finally stop but Henry lets out one last shot just to be sure. This most deficiently got their adrenalin pumping. Riddick arrives as Fargo helps Candice to her feet.
MAT
Where were you!? We could have used your help.
RIDDICK
You seemed to do just fine though next time, try using
less ammo, you're going to need it later.
SKRUL
Hey man, what do you mean?
CANDICE
These things live in colonies, like ants, there could be thousands if not more.
It depends on the depth and complexity of this cave system.
FARGO
Judging by all these smaller tunnels, I'd say it's pretty
complex.
Riddick investigates the tunnel where the creature came from and crouches to look inside making a point not to get too close. Suddenly, we now see through Riddick's eyes, as his enhance vision let's us see into the dark tunnel. Just a short distance from the opening are a swarm of these smaller creatures. They don't seem very active but a few of them are in a playful mood.
RIDDICK
We won't be going this way. Firstly it's a dead end
and secondly it's currently inhabited.
Marty strangely realises something different about Candice. Without letting her know what he's thinking, he approaches her and suddenly grabs her by the throat and shoves her against the nearest wall.
MARTY
What did you do to your collar! Firing that weapon should have killed you.
Candice does not struggle or fight back, even though she is more than capable. She puts on an innocent child's face blows a hair from her face.
CANDICE
Oh, would you look at that, it broke.
Marty grabs her weapon from her and hesitantly lets her go. He steps back within a reasonable distance and slings the gun over his other shoulder.
MARTY
I think it's safer if I hold onto this for you.
MAT
How long has it been broken?
CANDICE
Um, not long, I think.
He looks curiously at Marty while making some calculations in his head. Candice remains still least she wants to give them a reason to open fire on her. Riddick keeps his distance and tries not to get involved. This little mining gig has already gotten more complicated than it should have been.
MARTY
What is it Mat?
MAT
Well, if I'm correct, we have about a day to get out of
here. When her collar stopped transmitting prior to it's programmed release,
it must have triggered the alarm which will alert them to her last known position.
But with all the interference from this sun, they shouldn't be able to pinpoint
her exact location, we might have more time.
MARTY
Still, this moves the schedule up.
CANDICE (sarcastically)
Would you like me to stay behind?
MARTY
Oh no, you're going to stay with us, where we can keep
an eye on you. Let's move people!
Candice removes the collar and tosses it at the dead creature. Marty indicated for her to walk in the middle so that they all can watch her. Riddick once again takes point as Skrul's poor nerves have yet to ease up.
SCENE 15: INT DARK SIDE MINE MIDDLE LEVEL CHAMBER OF TUNNELS
Their fast pace practically comes to a stop when they reach a type of 'cull de sac' chamber that splits into at least two dozen smaller tunnels in all directions. The corridors have been smoothed out and rounded by the mine's new inhabitants. It no longer resembles the mine but a hive like structure. The ground is beginning to slope downward so footing is becoming tricky.
RIDDICK
Watch where you step.
FARGO
It's been so long since anyone mined here. To pick up
their original route would be impossible. These things have totally re-structured
the interior. It's not as it's supposed to be.
MARTY
Skrul, take readings but don't get too close to the openings this time. We'll
rest here until he finds a trail, we should be deep enough now.
Fargo volunteers to go with Skrul as an extra set of eyes. The rest of them gather in a small corner clearing away from the openings. The men are relieved to finally put the heavy lamps and some gear on he floor. The light eliminates most of the enclosure which forces Riddick to shade his light sensitive eyes with his goggles. Suddenly, just as they think they can take it easy for a second, they hear Skrul scream.
SKRUL
Shiiiiiiit!
They all grab the nearest light source and rush to him expecting to open fire on anything other than human. But when they look around for Fargo, there is no trace of him anywhere, not even a drop of blood.
MAT
Where is Fargo, where they hell is he!
SKRUL
Aw man, he was just here then whoosh, something pulled
him down that hole, aw man, we're so dead.
Riddick pushes past them and removes his goggles to peers into the hole. Meanwhile, Skrul is so jumpy and skittish that he almost drops his gun as he backs away.
SKRUL
Man, what are you doing, they'll grab you and suck you
down just like poor old Fargo.
Riddick quickly stands up again and turns to tell them what he's seen but is accidentally greeted by a blinding light coming from Skrul, who is holding his lamp out towards the opening.
RIDDICK
Ah! Watch it you idiot.
SKRUL
Sorry man, I forgot.
MARTY
And?
Riddick quickly shields his eyes and puts his goggles back on. His fist tightens as he feels a deep urge to punch Skrul but decides that it's best not to, but the guy sure has it coming.
RIDDICK
The tunnel curves after about twenty meters. There is no sign of him or the
creatures. He's gone.
Marty sighs at Fargo's loss, we can tell that they were close. Henry knows that the mission cannot afford to loose any time and urges the group on.
HENRY
Let's get our things and keep moving.
As they walk back to their gear, they are extra cautious by shining light down every opening they pass. Candice remains by the hole that Fargo disappeared into, staring into the darkness with only a small insufficient lamp to guide her. Riddick silently approaches.
RIDDICK
Why did you save that idiot earlier?
CANDICE
Because unlike you, I have a conscience.
Without even looking his way, she begins to head back to the others. Riddick shakes his head smiles to himself before following suit. In the corner, the guys stand ready although not as enthusiastic. Marty takes the scanner from Skrul's hand and gives it to Henry.
MARTY
Make sure this thing's working.
Henry checks the settings and looks at the log script to confirm it's punctuality. After being satisfied that it's in top order, he hands the device back to Skrul.
HENRY
It's working.
MAT
But the readings say it's all around us, we're going to be rich!
RIDDICK
No, that just means that these things are being mistaken as the mineral.
CANDICE
And that would only be possible if their breading area was where the so-called
ore is.
MARTY (under his breath)
Predators always think alike …
MARTY (continued)
So, we can't rely on the sensors, we'll just have to guess. Riddick, pick a
tunnel.
Riddick steps forwards and studies the area with his enhanced night vision. He stops his focus near where Fargo went missing and takes an educated guess.
RIDDICK
Over there, it's bigger than the rest so it must lead
to a main chamber. It also looks more used, speaking of which, these other tunnels
are beginning to fill up, they're starting to get annoyed.
SKRUL
Oh boy. This isn't good.
They walk across the chamber sticking close together and making sure that they shine the lights in all directions. When they reach the opening, they inspect the tunnel to make sure that it's not filled with the nasty little beasties.
MARTY
Damnit! It's not clear.
RIDDICK
Well, did you think they were going to just let us in.
Henry shoves Candice back to that he can move closer up front. Rather annoyed at his rudeness, she doesn't even notice where she's stepped. Right behind her is a small tunnel that slants downwards. One more step back and she could fall in.
HENRY
We have enough light to keep them at bay we should just go for it.
Suddenly, while the men are all focused on the tunnel before them, Candice takes a step back. As if the ground below her gave way, she slips and falls into the opening. Riddick reacts with lightning speed but is just not fast enough to catch her.
CANDICE
Ahhhhhh!
The tunnel is narrow so Riddick removes his lamp and extra gear in an attempt to go after her. Marty grabs him on the shoulder as a means to prevent him from attempting the rescue.
MARTY
What do you think you're doing? She's probably dead. Leave
her.
RIDDICK
You know, this brother sister relationship you two have
going is very inspiring but we need her, so I'm going to get her.
Riddick's voice was stern and unchallenged. Marty knows that he cannot stop the man from going and removes his hand from Riddick's shoulder.
RIDDICK (continued)
If you have a problem with that, take it up with snoopy over there.
Riddick points to a creature's head peeping out a tunnel behind them. They all turn to see but when Marty looks back, Riddick has already slid down the tunnel after Candice with nothing but his knife.
MARTY
Shit! Almost got rid of her.
MAT
Maybe he won't find her alive.
MARTY
My luck, he will.
Continue to Act 4 Part 2...