INT. NORTHERN AIR TEMPLE HALLS - THE PAST
Forneus leads Makami through the high temple halls. In the background is an Air Nomad swinging a pendulum of purifying incense at the same pace as the children outdoors. She gawks at it all, losing ground to Forneus as she spins.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
This looks like old-school Northern Air Temple design - hold on, buddy.
She rushes to catch up.
MAKAMI
Where are you heading in such a rush?
It speeds forward again, this time into a beautiful, sunlit rotunda. The light highlights a group of meditating air benders - and Avatar Korra in the center. She is the only one that isn't sepia tone with her torso wrapped in sewn-together blue leather. Her short hair barely graces her shoulders.
Makami comes close with Forneus swirling higher into the air.
MAKAMI
It's her. She's different than the others...I wonder if that means...?
She reaches out slowly towards her shoulder. Before she can touch her, one of Korra's eyes open, showing agitation in her dark blue iris.
KORRA
(in a husky woman's voice)
And you are?
Makami jumps back, but Korra appears behind her, now standing, with her large arms crossed.
KORRA
Well, spit it out - you another tourist that stumbled away from the group for an autograph?
MAKAMI
No, no, I'd never stumble away. I'm a reader, not a stumbler.
KORRA
(inquisitively)
Hm, wait a minute, you're in a spirit form.
She looks up to Forneus, who lands on Makami's head.
KORRA
And you've got a spirit friend.
Korra's eyes light up and her hands clasp together next to her face.
KORRA
(lighter voice)
That must make you the next one!
Korra claps with a sudden giddiness that brings Makami a wide grin.
KORRA
Frickin' FINALLY! Where you been, girl?
MAKAMI
(laughing)
Hah, uh, I'm a little behind on the whole Avat-
Korra's hand covers Makami's mouth, much to her surprise.
KORRA
(whispering)
We don't use the title here.
Her hand comes off and slaps around her shoulder.
KORRA
(happily)
Still, this is fantastic! C'mon, I'll show you the neighborhood.
The both of them lift off from the ground. Makami can feel the wind at last as they move up into the sunbeam.
EXT THE APOTH - CONTINUOUS
Now pushing through blue, pink, orange, and red clouds, we see the pinnacle of a massive statue dedicated to Korra. It is the same as the one in the Southern Air Temple, surrounded by clouds. Higher and higher, the clouds fade into more Avatar statues in the background, eventually giving way to panes of clouded glass in the sky that encircle a massive, colorful nebula.
Korra and Makami hover, the former beaming with pride while the latter scans like a machine about to overheat.
KORRA
Welcome to the Apoth. This is where people like us come to spend eternity.
MAKAMI
(softly)
It's beautiful.
KORRA
Yeah, I'll say. I'll show you around!
Their flight takes them by the large stone statue of Avatar Aang, showing his stoic face. The beauteous clouds are in the background with majestic flying spirits.
KORRA
(loudly)
We each live in our statues with the spirits of our loved ones, our memories, all the things and people you don't want to be without, ya know?
MAKAMI
(loudly)
These statues are-
KORRA
(loudly)
Yep, the ones from the Southern Air Temple. We're a nostalgic bunch.
They pass by Avatar Roku now.
MAKAMI
(loudly)
So this actually is Spirit World?
KORRA
(loudly)
Oh yeah! Deep Spirit World. Let's go down there.
Angling down, there are several Avatars standing around on a four-pronged, red star. In the middle are Avatars YANG-CHEN and KURUK sitting atop separate spinning balls of air with hurtful ease. They are smiling to one another in their crossed-leg positions while the other Avatars watch quietly.
Makami and Korra land close by but don't intrude.
KURUK
(a voice that runs up your spine)
You must be tired after nearly a century facing me, Yangchen.
YANGCHEN
(a small but piercing tone of confidence)
Has it been so long? I've hardly tired at all, Kuruk.
Korra raises her hands.
KORRA
(shouting)
Guys! I have terrific news!
She nudges Makami forward as the others gather. Kuruk and Yangchen watch from their continuing competition.
MAKAMI
(barely a squeak)
Hello all, my name is Makami.
AVATAR WAN (O.S.)
Can't hear you in the back!
Korra slaps her on the back enough to nearly knock her off her feet.
KORRA
C'mon, kid, choke up your name.
MAKAMI
(shakily)
I'm Makami.
KORRA
(through her amplified hands)
EVERYONE LINE UP TO WELCOME MAKAMI!
The Avatars start to gently come forward with their faces soft and their warm hands shaking hers. Makami is overwhelmed, yet looks comforted. Korra's helpful, strong arm keeps her upright as the generations begin to flash before her.
Suddenly, faint voices fill her head and her eyes flutter.
MAKAMI
(faintly)
Szeto...
MYSTERIOUS MALE VOICE
(warbled)
...to feed our people is to fill them with an enflamed will...
Another hand touches hers, and her knees begin to weaken.
MAKAMI
(faintly)
Roku...
MYSTERIOUS FEMALE VOICE
(warbled)
Get to the boats, now!
She falls backwards, being caught by Korra. Makami pushes away her help, letting herself fall instead. Her deep breaths concern only those Avatars left in front including Korra.
KORRA
(calming)
Hey, it's okay. We're all friends here.
MAKAMI
(confused)
I can - your memories - how many robes does one-
AVATAR AANG (O.S.)
(laughing in an almost childish tone)
A little overwhelming, isn't it?
A male air bender's hand is down to help her up with a small furry friend reaching its paws out. The creature is named MOMO. Makami stands with the creature's help.
AVATAR AANG (O.S.)
(soothing)
We all mean well, I swear. I hope you're not hurt.
The view moves to the side with Makami looking up to the Avatar that helped her up - AVATAR AANG. He has the traditional Air Nomad dress with one of the friendliest smiles in the bunch illuminating the area. Makami gazes up to him in a silent shock.
AVATAR AANG
I'm Aang. Welcome to the afterlife, Makami.
Makami's face suddenly sinks back.
MAKAMI
(voice rising)
WHHHHAAAAATTTT!?
CUT TO:
INT. SOUTHERN WATER METROPOLIS HOUSING - DAY
Nabendu and Kota inspect Makami with puzzled eyes. Shii is asleep in the background with Toyo also asleep on the ground.
Turned around, we see Makami's eyes wide open with impassable white light emitting from them. She sits upright with no effort, yet her back is rigidly straight. Kota's hand waves in front of her face to no change.
Nabendu now snaps his fingers, also to no change.
KOTA (O.S.)
(sternly)
Yo, Ami, wake up! There's grub to be had!
From the side, we see Kota waiting a moment before grabbing Makami's shoulders and shaking.
KOTA
(through shaking motion)
You're. Freaking. Me. Out-!
SHII (O.S.)
Stop that.
The two of them look back towards Shii, who is standing out of bed, showing his very pale, very hairy legs. Kota turns away.
KOTA
(groaning)
C'mon man.
SHII
She has left her body for the Spirit World. We must protect her until she returns.
It's Nabendu's turn to look up and away with a pinched nose.
NABENDU
(through pinched nose)
You sure stink for someone that's gone through the healing water so much.
SHII
Fine. I'll bathe, you protect her body for now.
Shii waddles away and gathers his clothing, bending down to nearly show off his butt. Kota and Nabendu are looking elsewhere completely.
As Shii waddles out, a massive screeching tone rings out from Toyo's bed. Nabendu and Kota cover their ears against the harsh noise. Toyo slowly rolls up.
KOTA
(loudly)
WHAT IS THAT DEATH SIREN!?
TOYO
(loudly)
It's not that loud.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE APOTH
Makami and the other Avatars all cover their ears from the head-splitting noise. Most of them are on the ground screaming in unison except for Yangchen, who is still on her air ball.
IN UNISON
AHHHHHH!
YANGCHEN
(screaming)
I win!
CUT TO:
INT. SOUTHERN WATER METROPOLIS HOUSING
Toyo's hand clicks the red button on the massive, black pager, silencing it at last.
TOYO
(groggily)
Bathroom.
He stands with his robes and spare clothes over his shoulder and walks out. Kota and Nabendu recover with Makami's body showing no ill-effect.
NABENDU
Well, great, we're on guard duty with miss bright eyes here.
KOTA
Shut up. We'll just...take her with us.
NABENDU
(disbelievingly)
How are we doing that? And where?
KOTA
To where the food is, preferably desserts. Maybe that'll snap her out of this.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE APOTH
All the Avatars stand with wary eyes towards Makami. Aang and Korra are rising in the immediate foreground with Momo on his shoulder.
AANG
(slowly)
I suppose she's not dead after all.
KORRA
Just a terrible siren witch...
MAKAMI
(apologetic)
I have no idea what that was.
AVATAR KYOSHI pushes her way through, towering over most of the other Avatars. She remains the picture of fearful idolism, caked in her white and red war paint and fully adorned in brass atop her green robe.
KYOSHI
(a voice like a landslide)
It was a noise from your world. She is not simply a bridge between worlds. She is a portal.
Korra creeps closer to Makami, who is frozen in place.
KORRA
(inquisitively)
Really? So if I was to put my hand through her...
Korra's muscular hand is near Makami's terrified face.
CUT TO:
INT. SOUTHERN WATER METROPOLIS HOUSING
As Kota and Nabendu file through off-screen clothes in the foreground, Korra's hand reaches out of Makami's back, touching along the back wall with a white glow.
KOTA
Do you all even do laundry here, or just toss your clothes into the bay when they're dirty?
NABENDU
Hey, you, with the rudeness problem, just find something useful in this pile of rags, alright?
The two toss pants and clothes around as Korra's hand feels for some snow on the window sill. Nabendu's head stays up and he looks back just in time to miss her hand.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE APOTH
Makami sits peacefully with eyes closed as Korra presents her handful of snow to the others.
KORRA
(laughing)
It feels like wet sand. Who misses snow?
The Avatars gather close, bending the snow. Makami smiles with her eyes opening.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
Asami.
Korra turns back to her as Momo steals the snow pile from her hand.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
You and Asami touring the Spirit World together - that was the memory I saw. It's nice.
Kyoshi's fans are out, sounding like swords as they expand.
KYOSHI (O.S.)
(sternly)
She cannot be here.
Kyoshi steps forward, pushing past the others. Korra's broad shoulder checks Kyoshi, keeping space between the old warrior and Makami.
KYOSHI
(sternly)
This place is a secret from the Spirit and the Living Worlds. She could bring our enemies right to us.
MAKAMI
Wait - I have so many questions of you all. The world's on the verge of war, and I need to know how to-
KYOSHI
(loudly)
The world's always at war!
Kyoshi's lanky arm holds the fan within inches of Makami's face beyond Korra.
KYOSHI
Leave. Now!
MAKAMI
(fearful)
I-I-I don't know how!
ROKU (O.S.)
Perhaps I can help with that.
Kyoshi shakes off Korra's grip as AVATAR ROKU calmly walks forward with his hands inside his sleeves and a kindly smile on his lips. His honorable top-knot is bound within his ornamental holder while his lengthy, grey hair slides down to his waist.
ROKU
Makami, is it? Let's get you home.
CUT TO:
EXT. BA-SING-SE MARKET - DAY
Voso rushes through the marketplace without any protection to his identity. The streets are packed with shoppers and stone-built, short buildings. The view is suffocated with people and products.
He finally finds his way to an alley opening where he can catch his breath. There's a silhouette in the foreground leaned against a stone wall as he brings out a folded piece of paper. He's looking up and around as the silhouette pops off the wall.
The opening to the alley slams shut for the first eight feet, turning Voso around.
ALRUND
(angrily)
Do you think I'm a fool? Do you think this is a game?
VOSO
(pointedly)
Why do you want the Avatar?
ALRUND
(angrily)
Your place is not to question me. You give me information, and then heel at my boots like a good little boy!
He pushes her by the shoulders.
VOSO
(angrily)
You will NOT have the Avatar!
Rocks spit from the wall to conform to his body, holding him in place at the sides of his torso. His legs flail back and forth as Alrund walks closer.
ALRUND
(growling)
The Avatar wasn't even my idea. My sister thinks we're owed something, so why not the most powerful person on the planet, hm?
She grabs his chin to hold him facing her.
ALRUND
And why, exactly, are you so interested in the Avatar?
His friends flop down from above, attacking Alrund around her head and neck. She's having her hair pulled by several of them and her eyelids pulled open by others. Her hands are up in torturous pain.
ALRUND
(screaming)
Get them off me!
Voso is able to pop off a water bottle top at his side and slice himself free with watery blades. He turns as Alrund continues to scream and runs towards the wall, using some of his spirit friends to step up and over the wall.
CUT TO:
INT. KIN'S OFFICE.
The office boss sits behind her desk with a stack of papers completely covering her face and torso. All we can see are her two hands. One is out to the left with a stress ball from the pile. The other brings various correspondence to read one page at a time.
Outside the office, a short man in a handsome, tight suit walks by with a stack of papers in hand.
KIN (O.S.)
Are those from Makami?
The man is shocked and stops in front of Kin's open door with confusion taking over his expression.
OFFICE WORKER
(slowly)
Uh, yeah. Yes. Completed on time. I was about to proof them.
KIN (O.S.)
Bring them here.
He walks closer and hands them to her as we see her stand, gesturing to her desk.
KIN
You can do all these before tomorrow.
He visibly gulps and loosens his neckline. She calmly sits back down.
OFFICE WORKER
(defeated)
May I take one of the stress toys, ma'am?
KIN
You may as long as the papers go with you.
He bends down to rummage while she begins to read the papers. He leans back up and out of the shot, grunting the stack from her desk. She leans forward on her elbow, picking up her red pen and pulling off the cap.
The view switches to the office worker's side, showing his teeth grinding on a stress ball from behind the stack of papers.
KIN (O.S.)
Close the door on your way out.
Now from behind her, the worker uses his tiptoe to pull the door shut behind, hopping on his other foot to keep his balance.
It doesn't work - he falls, splashing the papers everywhere, but her door does manage to click quietly closed.
She quietly reads with her frown, only stopping a few times to circle and note in red.
KIN
(mumbling)
Missing punctuation.
A drawn arrow.
KIN
(mumbling)
Inappropriate conjunction.
Now the word "predicament" is being circled.
KIN
(mumbling)
Misspelled word...
Her eyes dance up above the page in thought.
KIN
Oh, it's firing time now.
CUT TO:
INT. AYAME RESIDENCE, MAKAMI'S ROOM
Zura's footie friends are typing away with amazing dexterity on the typewriter while wearing tiny press hats. Zura is in repose as they do, reading the page aloud with a long crazy straw sticking out the side of her mouth.
ZURA
(through straw)
"And you should desist in using the word 'fishing' at your fishing business immediately."
She slurps loudly as the toes type away until the satisfying ding.
Her feet eyes come close to her face.
ZURA
All good?
The feet nod.
ZURA
No mistakes?
They shake their googly eyes emphatically.
ZURA
Good. Now get me more liquid mud to drink.
She slithers out of her chair before the feet pop up into the air. One grasps her glass like a gorilla's paw.
ZURA
(high pitched voice)
That Zura is a real toe-breaker, right honey?
Her foot with the glass nods.
The doorbell rings as soon as she's off-screen.
CUT TO:
EXT. AYAME HOME
Kin bangs on the door angrily.
KIN
(loudly)
Open this door, now! I know all about this little fraud you've been perpetrating!
BAKI (O.S.)
(angrily)
Excuse me!
Kin spins on a dime to Baki coming home with an armful of groceries and a sturdy brow.
BAKI
(sternly)
Take your fist off my door.
KIN
(like the worst teacher you've ever had)
Madame Ayame, I must speak with you about a transgression most severe!
From the second floor, Zura peers through an open window with a sense of doom permeating.
ZURA
(quietly)
Uh-oh...
CUT TO:
EXT. EDGE OF THE APOTH
Roku and Makami walk along a colorful waterfall that splashes down complete icicles through a rainbow of pastel colors. She is only interested in the tall former Avatar though.
ROKU
You looked at this photograph and it brought you to Korra's domain?
MAKAMI
Yes, and I can pass through walls and bodies. Is this something that happens with...um, us?
ROKU
More often than you might think. As we've learned more about the extent of our connection with the spirit Raava, the first expedition into Spirit World has become more and more unpredictable.
MAKAMI
Yeah, one minute, I'm trying to learn how to be a diplomat, the next, I'm running through the memories of an Avatar.
ROKU
(loudly)
No!
He holds his arm out, looking harshly towards a group of flying diving spirits.
ROKU
(loudly)
Stay back.
MAKAMI
(desperately)
I can help!
Roku's eyes glow white as his voice grows deep with the treble of millennia.
ROKU
(warbling)
Not yet you can't.
The swooping skeleton of a flying rhinoceros roars with a wide jaw. It is flanked by massive bird-men with faces as mosquitos. There are only five of them coming, their outlines dark purple and black.
Roku stands his ground and spins his arms with the practice of ages. Around the five of them swirls a slow, white stream that catches the smaller creatures first. They each dissipate into the same white cloud.
The flying rhino careens closer with its vacant eyes glowing red. The white begins to take the body away just as it reaches Roku, splashing him with the particles of dissipating energy.
Makami has her fist forward as she'd attempted to throw a fire blast.
MAKAMI
Wh-what were they? Why can't I bend?
Roku's eyes return to their shined yellow.
ROKU
Spirits, some of the many that are looking for us. That is why we dare not whisper our title aloud.
MAKAMI
Oh, well, sorry about that.
ROKU
It's alright. You learned.
MAKAMI
What spirit would come after the, uh, us-er you all?
ROKU
We have no need to inquire as long as we are careful. I believe I know what will bring you back to your body.
MAKAMI
(excitedly)
Really?
Roku angles them so her back is to the waterfall.
MAKAMI
Wait, give me three questions before I go.
ROKU
(grumbling)
Very well.
MAKAMI
How come you can bend and I can't?
ROKU
When an Avatar learns a new ability, it is echoed down their timeline to the past selves. We are all connected, but you are still alive and thus you must still learn.
MAKAMI
Okay, how do I become a better diplomat?
Roku takes a non-threatening, small step forward with his hands at his sides.
ROKU
An old friend of mine gave me wise words: In diplomacy and cultivation is it true that one must listen, wait, and never over-feed.
Another small step.
MAKAMI
Last one - what happened to the Avatar before me?
ROKU
(confused)
Avatar Korra?
MAKAMI
No. I was born in the Fire Nation, and I was a fire bender first. There is no record of the last Avatar at all, and there's no statue here.
Roku looks perplexed with one old hand rubbing at his chin.
ROKU
(darkly)
That is most disturbing indeed. I wish I had an answer to give to you, child. When you are in the Spirit World next...
He lays his hand upon her small shoulder like a father to a daughter.
ROKU
Seek out Raava. They must know something.
Makami nods studiously.
MAKAMI
I will-
Roku shoves her off the waterfall with the icicles weighing down her spiritual form.
ROKU
(shouting)
If this kills you, we'll see you again soon!
He chuckles to himself as Korra comes up from behind with Yangchen.
KORRA
(snidely)
Why do you have to prank her? Her spirit won't die here.
ROKU
(snickering)
Can't a dead Avatar have some fun? Besides, she came here feeling the need to be closer to you.
All three of them look over the falls. Her screams have faded, leaving them mystified if the plan worked.
ROKU
Now I'm hoping the fear of death will bring her closer to her body.
A moment of awkward silences and worried glances between Korra and Yangchen passes.
CUT TO:
INT. RUBBER WORLD FOOD COURT - DAY
Kota and Nabendu are destroying a large plate of nachos on opposite sides of the table while Makami - dressed in sunglasses and a large hat with a feather sticking out the top - is still meditating.
Nabendu points to a green dipping sauce.
NABENDU
You gonna eat all that?
Kota snatches the sauce and drags it back to herself.
Makami suddenly lets out a powerful gust of air that sprays the plate and sauce from the table. It splashes upon a family of four - one adult and three children.
CHILDREN
(in unison)
It's raining cheese, YAY!
Makami rips off the glasses and the hat, panting in a panic as her eyes have returned to normal. Kota is by her side quickly while Nabendu mourns towards the spoiled food and dancing children.
KOTA
(sympathetic)
Ami? Ami? Are you back?
MAKAMI
(panting)
Ye-ah, yeah. I was...very scared.
Nabendu looks back to the two of them with a sad face.
NABENDU
(groaning)
All that melted cheese...wasted.
MAKAMI
(calming down)
Cheese? What?
Toyo and Shii walk closer with the backpacks tied together into a mushing sled.
TOYO
Up and at them, all. We're going to the Earth Kingdom.
CUT TO:
INT. AYAME RESIDENCE, MAKAMIS ROOM
Kin and Baki glower over Zura, who sits behind the wooden desk looking back and forth meekly.
KIN
(harshly)
Ms. Ayame, your daughter has defrauded and debased one of the most reputable companies in the world!
BAKI
(matching her tone)
I agree, I don't know what she was thinking.
KIN
(harshly)
She will be fired from Cabbage Corporation if she cannot explain herself. Now, when will she return from the doctor's?
Baki looks towards Zura, then back to the stout Kin.
BAKI
(confused)
I'm sorry, which of my daughters are you mad at?
KIN
(shrill)
Makami, of course! Your daughter that is on her last legs - pardon my pun.
BAKI
(even more confused)
Makami has been out of town for a few weeks now, I thought she...
She steps to Zura with a harsh stomp that makes the small girl jump.
BAKI
(a mother's anger)
Zura! Explain what's happening here AT ONCE!
Zura begins to talk with her fingers.
ZURA
(quickly)
Makami went out to be the weird Avatar, and the scariest boss lady I'd ever heard screamed until I found Makami - who wasn't even here!
BAKI
(sternly)
And so you posed as Makami and did her work for weeks?
ZURA
(sadly)
Yes...
KIN
(aghast)
She did?
BAKI
(sternly)
Why!?
ZURA
(sadly)
Well...ugh, Makami is out saving the stinking world and you're...you know, working, so I'm just, what, the cute one of the family? That's too much pressure!
Both Kin and Baki begin to melt as they listen.
ZURA
(meekly)
I just wanted to do my part.
BAKI
(empathetic)
Oh baby...
She comes around the desk and lays her hand on her daughter's head before hugging her.
BAKI
(softly)
Thank you for helping.
Kin looks genuinely touched.
KIN
(surprised)
I thought your sister was just passing off her work on you. I had no idea...
She's coming around the desk and kneeling down next to Zura, who turns towards the slightly smiling lady.
KIN
(kindly)
I'm inspired by your hard work, young lady. How'd you like to come into the office as an intern to get some good experience, hm?
Zura leans back to whisper to her mother.
ZURA
(whispering)
What's an intern?
BAKI
(happily)
She'd love to!
CUT TO:
EXT. BA-SING-SE BACKSTREETS - EVENING
Running through the shadows is Voso, dodging shurikens of rock that splash near his head. He has a cape of his spirit friends hanging off one another, protecting him. The ground rumbles and warps beneath his feet, sending him skyward.
ALRUND (O.S.)
(loudly)
Stop!
He sprays his water into a ramp that slides him over another short fence. As he lands, he quickly raises the water to block a rock. The earth shatters through the thin shield and sends him sliding along the ground.
As he stops sliding in pain, he sees a bucket of water next to him and a door behind.
ALRUND (O.S.)
(seething)
You've made a terrible mistake, boy.
His friends push open the door and wave him in. He twitches to snatch up the water to stand his ground, but all it does is make him an easy target. Rock crashes above his head, sending him diving into the door.
Alrund slams the ground and submerges quickly.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SECRET ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
Voso rushes down a stairwell with his friends all setting the dark stairs aglow. He slams into rock walls as he rounds sharp corners before crashing through another wooden door.
As he does, he flinches back from a rock column from the ground - then another, making him stumble.
The two columns have copious stone hands wrapping around his torso and limbs, bringing screams of pain. His friends pull against the rock to no avail until he is stood up in a rock maiden.
ALRUND
(forcefully)
You want to run, do you? You want to find a way out from under my boot heel? Let me show you what you CAN'T run from!
She stomps the ground, sucking them both through the floor.
INT. SUPER-SECRET PRESIDENTIAL SCIENCE LAB - CONTINUOUS
They blow through the ceiling with her hand full of his hair. Looking down, there is an eerie green glow that emanates from below. Voso looks down in confused horror while Alrund seethes next to his ear.
ALRUND
This is what will follow you for the rest of your life, and if you don't bring us the Avatar...
She jerks his head close to her face.
ALRUND
(coldly)
We will rain it down upon the Fire Nation.
The view is around and down to show green rods and scientists in hazmat suits. They are working around casings for metal missiles and bombs of various sizes. Some are even being fitted to a mobile metal suit of armor. Doomsday is nearly ready.