Mass Effect: Surviving Earth Part 1

*Warning: Full Length Script. Very long read*

INT. CONDOMINIUM - DAY

White: Present

Blue: Flashback

Yellow: Minor edits

Red: Possible total reevaluation

Purple: Optional

Gray: Flashback within a flashback

LEONARD MITCHELL wakes to an alarm in an empty bedroom inside of a high rise. Room has basic furniture and burn marks on the walls. Window in the backdrop reveals construction on a damaged skyscraper nearby, active sky full of shuffling Kodiaks.

MONTAGE

Leonard gets dressed: brushes teeth, showers, brushes hair, and gets into Alliance uniform (Five second pause of him looking at himself in the mirror). He sighs.

END MONTAGE

He walks over to the bedroom window. (Camera shows picture of him and his wife, DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL, on a nightstand as he walks by the bed). He looks out of the window and sees the entire future city of London destroyed, with several cranes repairing skyscrapers all around, and many Kodiaks shuffling through the air space. There are also Alliance fleet ships passing above. He sighs again.

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

Leonard walks down a hallway, with minimal traffic, into a quiet office. There is a desk with a tablet on it. There is an empty seat on the near side, and EVELYN TURNER on the other side sitting directly across. Evelyn, a therapist, has a stylus in hand and a hovering camera just above her head slightly to the right. She stands up. The camera retreats further behind her.

EVELYN TURNER

(Focused)

Good morning, Lieutenant Commander Mitchell.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Uneasy)

Good morning.

Evelyn walks up to Leonard and shakes his hands. She gestures for him to sit in the vacant seat.

EVELYN TURNER

Please have a seat.

She closes the door.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Nervous)

Uh-... Okay.

Leonard sits down.

EVELYN TURNER

How are you doing today?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Okay, I guess.

EVELYN TURNER

You sleep okay? Nothing stressful happened, I guess?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Slept just fine. Nothing special.

EVELYN TURNER

Alright. Well let’s get down to it...

She sits down. Hovering camera returns to original position.

EVELYN TURNER

Do you know why you’re here?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Part of the Recovery Act. Mandatory therapy for all Alliance soldiers to make sure we’re fit for return to duty.

EVELYN TURNER

Good. You know. Shall we get down to business?

LEONARD MITCHELL

That's fine.

EVELYN TURNER

Okay. (Slides tablet towards herself.) So, as you know, all soldiers involved in the Reaper War have mandatory therapy to analyze whether or not they are fit to return to duty. There have been, as expected, many cases of severe PTSD, some being so severe that they have been hospitalized or given anti-depressants and other medication to help with recovery, hints the Recovery Act. So the Alliance has decided to enforce these sessions so that the military is not compromised going forward. We don’t want the defense of our species in the hands of individuals no longer capable of performing their assigned duties, you understand?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Yes, ma’am.

EVELYN TURNER

What I am going to do here is turn this camera (points to camera floating above her shoulder) on. When you see the red light, it is actively recording. Then, I will ask you to recount your experience of the Reaper Invasion so as to get a better understanding of what you went through. Do you understand?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Yes, ma'am.

EVELYN TURNER

Good.

She uses her omni-tool to start the recording process. She returns to her tablet.

EVELYN TURNER

Okay. Look into the camera for me.

Leonard looks tensely.

EVELYN TURNER

State your name and rank.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Leonard Mitchell. Lieutenant Commander. Alliance.

EVELYN TURNER

Date of birth?

LEONARD MITCHELL

February 21st, 2165.

EVELYN TURNER

Place of birth?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Blackgang, Isle of Wight, England.

EVELYN TURNER

Marital status.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Married... for now, I guess...

EVELYN TURNER

Oh! Well, alright (Looks over tablet)... Thank you. (Looks at him) As we have discussed prior to this interview, you will be recorded and your responses analyzed so that we can determine that you are fit to return to duty. Please know that there is no right or wrong answer. The Alliance merely requires you to answer honestly. What you say will not in any way help your return to service. This is not a test. This is a report. You understand?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Yes, ma’am.

EVELYN TURNER

What is today's date?

LEONARD MITCHELL

May 15th, 2189.

EVELYN TURNER

Good. Good. Now tell me... Where were you when the Reapers invaded?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Ah (Pause)... I was in my apartment with my wife (thinks) the day after we got back from our honeymoon.

EVELYN TURNER

Newly married... I'm sorry... Is she okay? Let's start from there.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Uh... well...

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. CONDOMINIUM - DAY

In the early morning, Leonard and DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL wake up, having sex, under the covers in a clean bed. The high-rise condo is new, there are no burn marks on the walls, and the furniture is somewhat new. In the background is a clean window revealing the previous high rise across the street (under construction in Scene 1) is perfectly fine and new. The skies are clear. Desiree shrieks and giggles.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Elated)

Stop! You got me already!

She hits him on the head.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Happy)

Really?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Yes, really. You’ve done enough for one morning. You’ve done enough for several mornings.

They both giggle. Leonard crawls back up to her from underneath the covers and lies next to her. He kisses her on the shoulder and looks at her.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

I think I can't get used to getting woken up like that.

LEONARD MITCHELL

That's good to know, because I intend to do this, and more for, quite some time.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Turns to him)

I think that's a great idea.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Me too. (Kisses her)

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Want to know another great idea?

LEONARD MITCHELL

What's that?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Brushing your teeth...

LEONARD MITCHELL

...You know where I just was, right?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Hits him)

Yeah, and we have to get cleaned up before we do anything else. Last night and this morning was fun, but we can't be smelling like sex when we talk to each other. There has to be boundaries.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Boundaries?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Giggles)

Yeah.

LEONARD MITCHELL

We get back to London and now you want to talk boundaries!?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Vacation was different!

LEONARD MITCHELL

How!? (Laughs).

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Side-eye)

It just was.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I thought I was getting that Dez for the rest of my life.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Some things are going to be a little different.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I think some things should stay exactly as they were on vacation. Mostly all the freaky stuff (giggles).

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Anyway! Go brush your teeth. Your breath smells like you’ve been living down there. Sleeping inside and everything.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Flirtatiously)

I think my breath smells how it should smell. (Approaches for another kiss) And if I could live down there without suffocating-.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Stop! (Shoves him away; Giggles) Go get cleaned up.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I’m just saying. Possibilities.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Boy, stop.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Pauses; gazes seductively)

Aight.

Desiree rolls over, reaches from under the sheets, and grabs her watch off of the nightstand by the bed. Leonard cuddles her from behind and kisses her on the back of her neck. Her smile leaves as she looks at the time.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Anxiously)

We have to go! We're going to be late!

LEONARD MITCHELL

We just got back from our honeymoon. They'll understand.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

You know just as well as I do that the LPD and the Alliance don't care about our wedding, honeymoon, or marriage even.

Desiree gets out of bed. Leonard joyfully watches her put her clothes on. Desiree, in her underwear and bra, turns back to Leonard.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Stop staring at me and get dressed before you get in trouble.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Annoyed)

Ugh, fine.

Desiree puts on her uniform. Leonard hops out of bed and puts some boxers on (NO NUDITY ON SCREEN!). Leonard walks over and taps Desiree on the butt. She hits him on the butt in return. They start play-fighting but then finish getting dressed.

As they both put on their uniforms, their omni-tools begin to flash and display messages above them. The two go to their separate omni-tools and read their messages. Leonard turns to Desiree.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Troubled)

All hands to combat...

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

I got the same message...

LEONARD MITCHELL

Did they specify?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

No, but I’m sure more information will be coming in soon.

A city-wide alarm begins to sound in the background. Reaper horn begins to sound, causing them both to fall to one knee and cover their ears. Red beam dashes across the skyscraper across the street. The building explodes and the top portion of it falls into the street between them. Leonard goes to the window.

He looks up and sees several Reaper ships coming down from the sky. Many vehicles are getting shot out of the air as they descend. There are fireballs falling from space.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Panicked)

Get the armor vests. Now.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

What was it!? (Goes to the window) Shoot! What are those!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

I don’t know, but they are not friendly.

She goes into a closet and grabs armor vests from the top shelf. He goes to another closet in another room.

LEONARD MITCHELL (O.S.)

You recognize those ships at all?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Not at all.

LEONARD MITCHELL

THey’re not Batarian, Vorcha, Hanar maybe?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

I’ve never seen that kind of ship before in my life. And I’ve definitely ever seen that kind of firepower.

He returns with two pistols and an assault rifle. She looks at him nervous. He hands her a pistol.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Can you get in touch with the department?

She tries to connect through her omni-tool but can't.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

There's interference. I don't-.

A Reaper horn sounds off again. They both cringe but remain standing. Leonard goes to the window again. He turns to her.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Tall buildings are a target. We need to get out of here.

Desiree looks out of the window next to him. She watches as Harvesters attack Kodiaks. She then gazes down the street to see a Reaper ship walking in-between the buildings. The Reaper ship goes to fire a red beam in their direction.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Pulling Leonard down)

Get down!

The beam slice through their building above them. Then, there are explosions coming from everywhere in the building. Dust falls on their bodies. A loud crash can be heard. Both look up.

Parts of the ceiling have fallen down and the wall by the window frame is on fire. The windows are shattered, and gunfire and bombs can be heard in the city in the distance.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

We need to get out of here!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Let's go!

Desiree gets up and then helps Leonard get up. Reaper horn sounds again. Desiree makes sure her gun is loaded and ready to fire. She grabs a few boxes of ammo from the closet. Leonard checks his guns. They leave the apartment.

INT. CONDOMINIUM HALLWAY-DAY

Leonard and Desiree leave their apartment and enter a hallway full of dust. Leonard pokes his head out and sees a few people under collapsed ceilings being helped by a few neighbors. Others are running and crying, terrified. There is mild traffic.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Go left.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

We should help them.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Those things can level this building at any moment. It's best we get out of here.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

A bit cold-hearted, don't you think?

LEONARD MITCHELL

I think we're at war...

The people finally get out from underneath the rubble.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(To the people)

Everyone! Take the stairs! We'll lead the way! (Turns to Leonard) Let’s go!

The people nod and help each other to follow after them. Desiree and Leonard, with guns aimed, make their way down to a stairwell at the end of the hall.

EXT. STREET-DAY

Desiree and Leonard, with others, exit the lobby into the street, which is buried in the rubble of the destroyed top portion of the skyscraper. Soon as they step outside, a MAKO truck zooms past them, firing bullets into approaching enemies. Leonard and Desiree look right and see husks running towards them.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Aim right!

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Got it! Take em out!

Desiree and Leonard enter a gunfight with husks and cannibals. The people go back inside.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

What are these things!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Who knows!? Just take em out!

While they are helping clear the streets of Reapers, soldiers come over from the MAKO and help.

SOLDIER 1

We got you!

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

You get the left, we’ll get the right! None of them can get inside!

SOLDIER 1

Let’s move!

Three soldiers aid them in taking out the Reaper soldiers. (Light communication: enemy location, “reloading” announcements, suppressive fire request, magazine requests) After the street is cleared, Leonard approaches the soldiers.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Hey! Is there a clear path the base? I need to get my armor and she needs to get in touch with her department.

SOLDIER 1

The streets are flooded with these things. I can't help you.

LEONARD MITCHELL

You know what those things are?

SOLDIER 1

Lot of rumors going around, but the main one is Reapers. I don’t know if you know about Commander Shepard, but-.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I read up on him a little. You gotta be kidding me.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

What did he find? Last time I heard, he was a Spectre.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Too much to get into here. We need to move. How should we go about this?

SOLDIER 1

We're trying to evacuate the city. You should be doing the same. There are several soldiers gathering near the docks to protect the Chain of Command. That's all I can tell you. We're scrambling now, trying to make sure people are protected. The radios are scrambled and it's getting harder and harder to avoid those ships with their red beams. I got a spare armor in the MAKO, if you don't mind pulling it off of a corpse. A bit small for you though. Maybe she can fit it.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Thanks.

Desiree goes into the MAKO. She looks inside and sees a woman lied out on the floor. She shakes her head and pulls the armor off.

SOLDIER 1

(Approaching the lobby)

Alright, people! We’re going to ask you all to head to the docks! We’ve established evacuation zones near there! It’s dangerous on the streets! Use the buildings for cover! We’ll fortify this position, but there is a mandatory evacuation set for the entire city! You cannot stay here!

MAN 1

(Distressed)

There’s people inside!

SOLDIER 1

Trust me when I say you want to get out of the city as fast as you can! Look above you!

Everyone looks up. The skies are filled with Reaper ships and combat with no signs of an end to the Reaper numbers.

SOLDIER 1

We’re at war! Those things are attacking all major cities across the entire planet! What you see here is literally going in the rest of the galaxy. Now either you get out of the city and give yourself a chance, or stay here and get you and the people inside killed!

(Comes close to Leonard) They’ve wiped out several of our bases on the way over here. The reports coming in are dire. It’s not looking good for any of us. I suggest you get out here. By the time you reach the base, it may be overrun anyway. You’ve gotta find your own way.

LEONARD MITCHELL

If that’s the case, why are you staying here?

SOLDIER 1

Orders are orders. We’re going to do our best for as long as we can, but we’ll be right behind you. (To the people) Let’s get a move on! To the docks! If you hurry, you may make it out alive!

LEONARD MITCHELL

You have any ammo you can spare? This is a personal weapon.

The soldier hands him a cartridge.

SOLDIER 1

Don't waste it.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I got you. Thanks.

Desiree exits the MAKO. There is a visible bloody hole in the armor, but it fits.

LEONARD MITCHELL

The shield still work?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Yeah. I’m good to go.

SOLDIER 1

Don't overexpose yourself. You'll end up like her.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Understood.

SOLDIER 1

We're going to hold this area for as long as we can, but if that ship turns back down this street, we're out. We are in charge of facilitating an evacuation, but these things are mowing over us. I'd suggest going back two blocks and then heading south. That'll give you the clearest route, but remember, what's clear and what's not changes by the second. Good luck, brother. (Salutes)

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Salutes)

Good luck to you.

The soldiers salute one another and then shake hands. Leonard turns to leave, but the soldier stops hims.

SOLDIER 1

Keep your numbers low. The bigger the group, the bigger the enemy you’ll face. Trust me. We started off with several tanks. Drew the attention of a ship and it nearly wiped us out. Since we’ve been on our own, no ships have come for us.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Nods)

Thanks for the tip.

SOLDIER 1

Take it to em.

LEONARD MITCHEL;

Right.

Leonard and Desiree head down a few blocks towards the docks. Some civilians follow them.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I'll take point. Cover my six.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

I’m here.

Soon as they go a block, a reaper ship beam destroys the MAKO. Glass shatters everywhere. There is a small pause as they look back. The MAKO is cut in half and ablaze.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Aw, man...

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Keep moving. Now.

They continue moving.

END FLASHBACK.

INT. OFFICE -- DAY

Evelyn interrupts Leonard’s report.

EVELYN TURNER

So you were in the heart of it early on then?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Woke up in the mess. Took a lot of effort to get out.

Evelyn writes on her tablet.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I’m guessing you’re going to be doing this the whole time, aren’t you?

EVELYN TURNER

It’s a part of the report process. I have to record my views on everything, but don’t worry, most of it is for memory purposes. I have to write reminders as to what this part is about or why I wrote what I wrote. I’ve listened to dozens of stories about the invasion. It gets a little hard to differentiate, especially when most of the recount involves tons and tons of death. It helps me clear out my headspace.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Makes sense. I guess I should’ve expected that.

EVELYN TURNER

But don’t mind me. Continue, please.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Okay. So where were we? After leaving my apartment...

Leonard continues his story.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. STREET-DAY

Traveling in a small group of armed citizens (10 in total), Desiree and Leonard make it further up a street towards the river where the base is. Many of the buildings have been attacked, and there is gunfire and bombs going off all around. The people are becoming increasingly anxious, but they all remain quiet. They stick to close to the buildings and move in segments, surveying each block before exposing themselves.

In the distance, a Kodiak rounds a building onto their street. They watch as the Kodiak flies above them, in their direction, running from a harvester. The harvester pushes Kodiak into a building. The Kodiak crashes in the middle of the street three blocks ahead. Many of the people gasp or scream. The harvester lands near it.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

No!

Desiree rushes over to engage the harvester.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Slow up! What are you doing!?

CIVILIAN MAN 1

Is she out of her mind!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Come on! Let’s back her!

CIVILIAN MAN 1

You’ve got to be kidding me!

CIVILIAN MAN 2

(Taps Civilian Man 1)

Come on!

Leonard and the eight follow behind Desiree to fight the harvester. The soldiers in the Kodiak are quickly surrounded by Reaper forces, including the harvester. Desiree engages them, and the others come up from behind.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Everyone take cover! That big one has strong fire power!

They all take cover behind buildings, elevated gardens, cars, and rubble. A small battle ensues (less battle jargon - mostly from Dez and Leonard).

CIVILIAN MAN 1

There’s too many!

CIVILIAN MAN 2

We don’t have enough ammo for this!

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Then make every shot count!

CIVILIAN WOMAN 1

I can’t do this! I’m not a soldier!

CIVILIAN WOMAN 2

They’re everywhere!

LEONARD MITCHELL

(To the women)

Aim your guns and shoot or you die! Just make sure none of them get an open shot at us!

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Don’t just let those soldier die!

CIVILIAN MAN 1

What the heck! (Fires at the enemy)

CIVILIAN MAN 3

Moving up! Cover me!

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

I got your back!

Husks and cannibals defend the harvester while a joint force, the group and the soldiers in the Kodiak, overpowers them. The soldiers, however, are killed (grunts of pain throughout the fight). The last soldier closes the Kodiak to save those injured inside. As the last soldier gets shot, the harvester falls.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Sees the Harvester exploding)

Take cover!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Get down!

The harvester explodes, causing an explosion to light the entire block. Everyone takes cover as the explosion wipes out some of the Reaper forces nearby.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Looking ahead)

Alright! Everyone good!?

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

(Counting)

They’re all here.

CIVILIAN MAN 3

Insane! That was insane!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Almost done, guys! Clear a path!

CIVILIAN MAN 1

This better be worth it!

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

They’re human beings! It should always be worth it!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Let’s just get this over with!

There are groans throughout, but they clear a path to the shuttle.

CIVILIAN MAN 1

We can't stay here. It's dangerous.

CIVILIAN WOMAN 1

Every second here we lose the chance to evacuate.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Irritated; stopping them)

I got it, okay! Help us open it.

They manage to open the Kodiak. The pilot is dead, and an unconscious soldier in the back is heavily injured. Desiree checks for a pulse.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

He's alive.

CIVILIAN WOMAN 1

(Pointing)

Look!

The woman points to husks and cannibals approaching from a few blocks away. They haven't noticed them. The untrained begin to panic.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Observing the cockpit)

We won't be able to get this thing off of the ground. Take what you can carry and let's go.

CIVILIAN MAN 1

What about the soldier?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Intently to the civilian)

Take what you can carry, and let's go. We don’t have enough ammo to take on another wave of those things.

They all look at the Reaper soldiers ahead.

CIVILIAN MAN 1

(Regretfully)

Shoot... (Looks at the soldier) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Don't focus on it. Let's move. Come on, everyone. (Begins pushing everyone away) Let’s get to the evacuation zones.

CIVILIAN MAN 4

Wait!

They all turn to him.

CIVILIAN MAN 4

Shouldn’t we-? I don’t know... Make sure he doesn’t get captured?

LEONARD MITCHELL

I’m sure his injuries will kill him soon enough.

CIVILIAN MAN 1

(Appalled)

Oh, come on, man!

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Ticked)

What!? (Looks at them all) This is war! Save who you can, shoot who you can, and don’t waste bullets on mercy kills! Especially when you don’t have enough bullets as it is! I’m the soldier here. I say let’s go. We’ll shut the door, if that makes you feel better.

They split the resources, shut the door, and walk away soured.

EXT. STREET - DAY

The group continues up a street. The base is in view.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Look. We might be able to make it to the base after all.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Should we go for it? It doesn’t look like it’s under attack.

CIVILIAN MAN 1

I think we should head for the docks where the evacuation zones are.

CIVILIAN WOMAN 1

I think that’ll be safer than trying to make it there. There’s a reason you haven’t been able to check in this entire time. Both of you.

LEONARD MITCHELL

True, but who knows unless we go.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Come on, let's go.

CIVILIAN WOMAN 1

This is a bad idea.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Noted.

They hurry up to the end of the block. A reaper ship walks onto their street and notices them. They all look up and freeze.

DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL

Run!

The Reaper ship turns towards them and fires a beam. Some are caught in it. Leonard and Desiree barely dodge. The beam cuts through several buildings. Most of the survivors hurry back to the opposite end of the block, ready to turn down another street. Leonard looks to provide cover fire for Desiree but sees she has stopped to help a person who has a missing leg. Leonard covers her as husks and cannibals come to attack them. Desiree helps the injured person up. Leonard looks above them and sees the top of a building coming down.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Looking up and down)

Dez! Run!

Desiree looks up, following his eyes. The one she was helping leans over top of her. The building falls on them between Leonard and the Reaper ship.

LEONARD MITCHELL

No! (Reaches out and falls to his knees).

A man with him grabs him by the arm.

CIVILIAN MAN 1

We have to go! (Drags him) We have to go! That thing is coming!

After a few tugs, Leonard manages to stand to his feet and run away. The group takes their time running, making sure to turn back and fire at the husks and cannibals immediately pursuing them.

END FLASHBACK.

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Back at the office, Evelyn breaks up Leonard’s recounting to ask him questions.

EVELYN TURNER

I didn't know that happened to Mrs. Mitchell. I'm sorry.

LEONARD MITCHELL

It's not a big deal. In grand scheme of things... it all worked out in the end.

EVELYN TURNER

How did it feel watching that? Surely, you must've been devastated?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Yeah... In the moment... but- luckily- the soldier's mind, and some clueless civilians, got me to the next step, and the step after.

EVELYN TURNER

Hmm. Care to elaborate further?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Well... death is no stranger to soldiers. Whether in exploration or defense. You learn very early on that losses are going to happen, no matter how much you don’t want them to. So instead of getting emotionally invested in every person you lose, you just adjust. And I couldn’t just have a meltdown with civilians in my care. I can’t really explain it. It just wasn’t real in the moment. None of it was. Felt like a nightmare you couldn’t wake up from. But you had to keep the dreaming moving. Somehow death, even in that moment, felt worse than what I was watching take place.

EVELYN TURNER

Hmm. I see.

LEONARD MITCHELL

It was a thought-process I picked up in my earlier days when I used to work out on the colonies. You hear about places like Freedom’s Progress, Fehl Prime, Horizon, New Canton, and other colonies hit by the Collectors, or Omega, where humans get caught up in trafficking and gangs. I can’t tell you how many incidents I’ve had with gangs. They disgust me, but that’s besides the point. Point is, I’ve lost a few good soldiers in some of those raids and squabbles. Instead of crying about it, you process it, accept it, grieve, and move on. If you’re in the middle of a fight, you have no time for those things, so you only focus on where to point your gun next.

EVELYN TURNER

I do understand where you are coming from, but this was your wife. It couldn’t have been easy.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I just kept thinking this couldn’t be really happening. There’s no way a fleet this powerful existed. There’s no way it could cut a building in half with a laser. There’s no way a building just fell on the love of my life. I did freeze. If not for that man- now that I think about it, I don’t even know what happened to him... But if not for that man tugging at me, telling me to move, I might’ve died that day.

EVELYN TURNER

Interesting. You didn’t know any of those people with you?

LEONARD MITCHELL

After witnessing the power of the Reapers, we knew. There was no real reason to get to know anyone. Odds were, they might be dead in the next moment. I mean literally, not even ten minutes before that a shuttle full of soldiers were getting shot out of the sky, and then not even ten minutes before THAT, another group of soldiers were getting cut in half by a Reaper beam... We all knew the likelihood of survival. No one wanted to get to know each other. We wanted to survive.

EVELYN TURNER

Of course.

Evelyn writes on her tablet. Leonard stares at her hands moving while in a daze.

EVELYN TURNER

Please continue, Lieutenant Colonel. Judging from where you are today, I know there's more to the story. What happened after your wife was-... well...

LEONARD MITCHELL

Oh... uh-...(Thinking). We ended up getting away, and making it to the docks where the Normandy was taking off. You know, the ship that Commander Shepard was on? We kept out of sight and made it to the harbor. The civilians I was with ended up getting evacuated. I stayed with the soldiers to assist. I didn’t have orders, but everywhere you looked the Alliance was dead set on evacuating the people. I ended up on a Kodiak with some other soldiers looking for assistance in evacuating Admiral Anderson out of London. This was just my first trip back into the city. Like, we had just gotten the first people with me out and were headed back in...

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. KODIAK - DAY

A group of six armored soldiers, under the leadership of SERGEANT THOMAS, stand inside of a Kodiak flying into the main evacuation zone. Leonard (fully armored) stands next to JASON RIVERA as they receive their orders.

SERGEANT THOMAS

We're coming up on the evacuation zone. (Pointing at Leonard and Jason) You two, head to the docks. You will need to locate, secure, and escort Admiral Anderson out of the area. We'll take some civilians out of the area first and come back to you. You'll have to hold your position for five minutes tops until another set of shuttles come. The Admiral has requested that civilians take priority over him, but we can’t let anything happen to him. If there is any heightened activity in that area, we will turn back to come and get you immediately. Just make sure he doesn’t die.

PILOT 1

Coming up on the LZ, sir.

SERGEANT THOMAS

Alright! (To Jason and Leonard) Don’t forget! The other shuttles will be landing three blocks from here. Get the Admiral to the LZ. That’s top priority. Understand?

Sgt. Thomas opens the doors to the Kodiak. Leonard and Jason see ADMIRAL DAVID ANDERSON below, talking with COMMANDER SHEPARD and his crew aboard the ramp of the Normandy (scene in the game just before the Normandy takes off).

PILOT 1

LZ is hot. I repeat, LZ is hot.

SERGEANT THOMAS

I don’t care! Land!

The shuttle lands.

SERGEANT THOMAS

Get to the Admiral now! Move!

Jason and Leonard jump from the shuttle.

SERGEANT THOMAS

(To the others)

Fill up the shuttle, we’ve got enemies in the area!

ALL

Yes, sir!

Leonard and Jason head towards Admiral Anderson, shooting at Reaper soldiers as they go. Civilians swarm the shuttle just behind them as they go.

Leonard sees the Normandy. He watches as Anderson hurries down from the ramp into the docks.

JASON RIVERA

Let’s go! Come on! Push through!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Right with you!

A Reaper horn sounds behind him. A giant Reaper ship comes from behind a building.

JASON RIVERA

Ah, heck no!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Get to cover, now!

The Reaper ship starts firing on all the shuttles in the area. Leonard finds space underneath some rubble. He grabs Jason from behind and falls into the rubble.

JASON RIVERA

What are you doing!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Covers Jason’s mouth)

Shhh! Saving your life!

Soldiers try to fend off the Reaper ship, but with each fire of the red beam, waves of them are destroyed. There are screams in the background. The Normandy takes off, drawing the gaze of the Reaper ship.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Whispers)

Can you see the Admiral?

JASON RIVERA

(Looking)

I don’t see anything.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Give it a second. The Reaper ship should be passing through shortly.

Both of them watch as Reaper ships take off to pursue the Normandy. They both sigh with relief. They rise up from the rubble and look back at the buildings. There are fires everywhere, but no immediate sign of a Reaper ship or people.

JASON RIVERA

I hope they don’t catch it.

LEONARD MITCHELL

They won’t. It took off too late. The Normandy will be warping pretty soon. You see the Admiral now?

JASON RIVERA

Over there!

Leonard sees Anderson coming towards them from the docks.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

(Waving)

Get down!

The three men take cover back into the rubble. Some soldiers are fighting the Reaper forces reemerging after the Reaper ships’ departure.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Status report?

JASON RIVERA

Chaos on top of chaos on top of chaos on top of chaos with more chaos on the side. Those ships are everywhere and we are getting slaughtered.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Yeah, I figured. We need to coordinate, establish a base of operations.

There is a pause. The Reaper forces in the background heads back into the city away from the harbor.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Is there a bunker or underground base we can go to?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

No. None that are close by.

JASON RIVERA

Maybe we can gather in one of the buildings near here.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

It's too hot here. We have to get out of the city. Anyone familiar with neighbors around the city?

Both men look at each other and then shake their heads.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I'm an inner-city boy, Admiral.

JASON RIVERA

My cousin stayed out in a neighborhood to the west. We can try there, but that's a long way away from here.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

There's enough shuttles to get us out of here. We'll go there.

LEONARD MITCHELL

There were shuttles meant to come and get us, but with those ships nearby, I think their arrival will be delayed.

JASON RIVERA

It would be nice to take the highway as normal, but I don't think that's possible.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Just get me to the area and I'll handle the rest.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

There's a radio we used to call the Normandy out here. We lost signal on it. Are either of you able to repair it?

JASON RIVERA

I can try.

The three of them sneak back into the harbor.

EXT. LONDON HARBOR - DAY

There are Reaper forces still in the area, but the ships sound far enough for them to not be worried. Anderson and Leonard cover Jason as he tries to fix the radio.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

(To Leonard)

I’m sorry, but I didn't catch your name, soldier.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Lieutenant Leonard Mitchell, sir.

Anderson shakes his hand.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Wife or kids, Lieutenant?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Wife, uh-... passed... Lost her on the way here...

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

(Lays hand on Leonard’s shoulder)

I'm sorry to hear. But believe me, we're gonna take it to em when we regroup.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Where’d the Normandy take off to?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Commander Shepard is going to take his crew and do what the rest of us can’t. There’s no way we can take the Reapers all on our own. They’re all across the galaxy. He’s going to gather the troops, so to speak. Get as many races here to join the fight as possible.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Will that be possible if these things are all over the galaxy?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

We won’t know if we won’t try. Trust me. I’ve worked with Shepard for a long time. If anyone can make it happen, he’s the one. The Reapers won’t win this war.

LEONARD MITCHELL

So they’re really called Reapers. Ominous. Those are the things he was trying to warn us about. Kept hearing about them every now and then. I didn’t think they were real.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Look around. They’re very real, and very powerful... But that’s not gonna stop us from bringing the hammer down.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I look forward to it.

JASON RIVERA

Got a signal!

Anderson goes over to Jason. Leonard keeps watch. Anderson fiddles with the frequencies.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

This is Admiral Anderson, does anybody read me?

SOLDIER 2 (V.O.)

We read you loud and clear, Admiral. Where are you?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

I'm down at the harbor with two men at my side. I need a shuttle to evacuate. Have the rest of the men head west. We'll set up a post in one of the neighborhoods out there. Tell everyone to evacuate as many civilians as they can, but head west.

SOLDIER 2

Copy that. We're on our way.

END FLASHBACK.

INT. OFFICE -- DAY

Leonard and Evelyn continue therapy.

EVELYN TURNER

So you were with the Admiral from the very beginning. Did you know him very well?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Not before that moment. I wasn’t involved in a lot of the work he did. Ranks and all that.

EVELYN TURNER

Enough to give information on his story, though, surely?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Admiral Anderson was more focused on surviving the invasion until Shepard came back. We really didn't talk much. Soldiers stopped trying to get to know each other because soon as you got to know someone, they died, and the grief would nearly get yourself killed. It was all business. From the first Base of Operations to the next.

EVELYN TURNER

And yet, he introduced himself to you, and bothered to get your name...

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Shrugs)

I mean, I can’t speak for him. I don’t know why he bothered, now that you mention it... Perhaps it was easier to take orders from a man you felt like you knew.

Evelyn moves her tablet from the table to her lap beneath the table. She finishes writing. She looks up at him.

EVELYN TURNER

Well before we jump into what happened at the base, can you give me anymore on the escape?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Nothing to tell, really. Lieutenant Rivera radioed everyone the coordinates to the base of operations once we arrived. Who all could make it gathered there and we fortified it as best we could until there was enough of us to do reconnaissance and rescue.

EVELYN TURNER

Any particular event during these recon and rescue operations that you feel was- ... Particularly traumatizing?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Chuckles)

All of it was traumatic.

EVELYN TURNER

Which was the most traumatic or the most significant? Which one really took the most out of you or one that you felt mattered the most?

Slight pause as Leonard thinks.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Outside of a building falling on my wife. (Thinks). It was probably two missions. It was the mission we were sent on to rescue the Lieutenant Colonel Ares, and then down the road, when we had to infiltrate the Cerberus base and find the Illusive Man.

EVELYN TURNER

So you weren’t a Lieutenant Colonel then?

LEONARD MITCHELL

No, ma’am. At that time, I was simply a Lieutenant. I didn’t get promoted until later on in the war. It was kind of a spur of the moment thing by the Admiral. I don’t know if it had that much value. Then again, I don’t know how many officers survived either. I might have just been the next man up.

EVELYN TURNER

The Admiral took out time to elevate your rank in the middle of a war? I’d say that’s exemplary. You must have been a very good soldier.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I guess. I wouldn’t necessarily call it that. I’d just say it was a vacancy that needed to be filled. It’s not like there were tons of officers left late in the war.

EVELYN TURNER

I see... Well, which one of your significant, traumatic experiences happened first?

LEONARD MITCHELL

The rescue mission for Lieutenant Colonel Ares. It was still early in the war when that happened.

EVELYN TURNER

Let’s go over that point. Tell me about all that was going on at that time.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Well... it was just after we had established yet another base of operations in London... At that point, it might’ve still be under five. I don’t know. I stopped counting.

Leonard continues explaining the events.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. BASEMENT - DAY

Many Alliance soldiers hustle back and forth inside of a closed off neighborhood. There are MAKO trucks at every entrance into the neighborhood and Kodiak shuttles ready to fly.

Inside of a basement of a house in that neighborhood, Anderson talks with other soldiers at a monitor while Leonard stands off to the side.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

You sure it was him?

SOLDIER 3

It was. He confirmed with his code.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

And how many are with him?

SOLDIER 3

Unconfirmed at that moment.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

I can’t deal with this right now. We’re already spread too thin. How on earth did he get stuck there?

SOLDIER 3

I don’t know, sir, but he has requested help.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Alright. Thank you.

Anderson walks over to Leonard.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Alright Lieutenant, I need you to mount a rescue mission at the ODC- Office of Defense Cooperation.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Who am I rescuing?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

(Pushes buttons on his Omni-tool)

Lieutenant Colonel Ares, and a small group of soldiers.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Receives notes on Omni-tool)

What’s the status around the ODC?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

A mess, if you can imagine it, like most places.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Overlooking the data)

How many am I taking with me?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

I've leaving that up to you. There are plenty of men itching to get out of this place. Sitting still, waiting for Reapers to attack has them on edge. And those who aren't on edge are being weighed down by the number of losses.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Understood.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Take enough to win a fire fight, but not so much as to draw attention.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Salutes)

Yes, sir.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

I hate to have you do this, but the Lieutenant Colonel is afraid to move out on his own. Says Reaper ships are patrolling the area. He’s afraid his men will get sighted. Obviously, shuttles aren’t going to do the trick. You’ll need to take trucks there, but don’t park too close or those will be spotted too. You’ll have to do most of this mission on foot. I hope you’re ready to go.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I’ll be fine. I need to stretch my legs anyway.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Thank you, Lieutenant.

LEONARD MITCHELL

No problem, sir. I’ll get it done.

Anderson nods and grabs his soldier. Leonard nods. Anderson leaves their conversation for another. In the background, Anderson opens a channel of communication and sees Shepard

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Shepard. If you aren't a sight for sore eyes...

Conversation fades off as Leonard walks up a stairwell to the first floor of a house.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD -- DAY

Leonard steps outside to see the small neighborhood surrounded by MAKOs and soldiers of all kinds. Leonard uses his omni-tool to brush up on his current mission. He walks up to a MAKO unit and opens the door. He leans inside.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Is this ready to go?

DRIVER 1

(Turning to him)

Yes, sir.

Leonard nods. Lieutenant Rivera walks up behind Leonard as Leonard gets back out of the MAKO.

JASON RIVERA

I'm going with you, right?

LEONARD MITCHELL

You're interested?

JASON RIVERA

Yeah. I need to get out of here. I'm losing myself in my thoughts.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Then, gather some men. It's a rescue mission so we'll need two MAKOs with enough men to fill only one.

JASON RIVERA

Wouldn't a Kodiak be much faster?

LEONARD MITCHELL

It's also a more noticeable target. Where we're headed, you don't want to be in the skies. You'll get shot down before we even reach the destination. We need to sneak in on the ground. Unfortunately, the mission is too far to walk it, so we'll take the MAKOs in, get who we came for, and clear out.

Leonard opens his omni-tool and taps a few buttons. Jason opes his omni-tool and overlooks the mission. He looks up.

JASON RIVERA

Copy that.

Leonard hits the MAKO. He goes over to another MAKO sitting next to it and signals to both drivers.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Pointing up and moving hand in circle)

Prepare to set out!

Both drivers give him the thumbs-up. Leonard goes off to gather soldiers to help. Jason helps him.

INT. MAKO - DAY

Two MAKOs travel through destroyed London suburbs. Many buildings have been reduced to rubble and those standing are in shambles. Reaper ships are everywhere in the distance. Gunfights can be heard all throughout the city.

Inside the MAKO, Leonard is searching through the windshield for the ODC, hoping it hasn’t been reduced to rubble. The ride is bumpy and quiet. Leonard, leaned over the driver's shoulder, points to the building.

LEONARD MITCHELL

That's it, right?

DRIVER 1

I believe so. Coordinates say it is.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Goodness. You can't even tell. (Studies the layout of the buildings nearby) We're out of range for communications, so pick a place and park it.

DRIVER 1

Yes, sir.

The MAKOs park in the lobby of a destroyed skyscraper close to the ODC. There is a gaping hole where it looks like something blasted through.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET - DAY

Twelve soldiers exit the two MAKOs. Many stretch from the cramped space. They gather around Leonard and wait for orders.

LEONARD MITCHELL

The ODC is three klicks away. We're going to sneak in, rescue the men, and sneak out. Lieutenant Colonel Ares is the priority. Everyone else is expendable, including yourselves. Chain of Command doesn't allow for flexibility on this, but don't be reckless. I'm not trying to lose another soldier, you understand? Ready your gear. Check your shields.

Men check their gear. Everyone is ready. Leonard walks up to the drivers standing in the doorways.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Be ready to go at a moment's notice.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(To Driver 1) Don’t forget. When we bring them back, you’ll be bringing up the rear with us. (To Driver 2) Lieutenant Colonel Ares and his men will be with the other truck, and they’re the priority. Should we come back with anything following us, that is.

DRIVER 1

Yeah. Let’s not bring anything back.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I’ll do my best.

DRIVER 1

Roger that.

Leonard nods. He turns and looks at the men around him.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Everyone on me. Let's move.

The twelve men head out.

INT. OFFICE OF DEFENSE CORPORATION-DAY

(The twelve men move quickly through a few blocks. Husks, cannibals, ravagers, and brutes are seen here and there between the journey, but they engage none of them. They sneak around them using signals rather than talking. They make it to the tattered ODC. It looks like it went through a battle, but not a bad one.)

They move into the building and come through the main hallway. There are bodies lying all over the place. There are human and Reaper soldiers alike amongst the carcasses. Each of the men react to it on their own ways. Most are unmoved.

LEONARD MITCHELL

There was a skirmish here. Let’s move. We don’t have a lot of time. Keep a lookout. There could be more.

ALL

Hoo-ah.

They continue into the building.

INT. ODC HALLWAY SPLIT - DAY

They come to two paths going in two opposite directions.

JASON RIVERA

A split. That’s fun.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Annoyed)

I know.

JASON RIVERA

How do you want to handle it?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Ah (sigh). We don’t have enough time to pick and choose. (Points left) You take that end, (points right) we'll take this end.

JASON RIVERA

Copy that. (Points to the five nearest men) You five, on me.

LEONARD MITCHELL

The rest on me.

JASON RIVERA

(To Leonard)

Still on the same frequency?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Opens omni-tool)

9645?

JASON RIVERA

(Opens omni-tool)

Copy. (To everyone) If you’re not on that line, get on it now.

They split the into two units. Leonard’s group heads to the right while Jason’s unit heads to the left. Leonard views marks all over the wall from blood and gunfire. He shakes his head and keeps leading the way.

INT. ODC RIGHT WING - DAY

Down the hallway, Leonard and his men see husks and cannibals. They aren’t noticed, so the men take cover behind benches and walls in preparation to engage. Leonard counts down with his fingers, and then they shoot. They defeat them. Leonard walks over to a dead cannibal.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Looks batarian. This is so strange.

SOLDIER 4

(Covers mouth)

And ugly. These others look human.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Observes husks)

Yeah... The gunfire will probably alert others of our position. Let's go. Check your corners.

Leonard begins to quicken the pace. They go further into the facility.

CUT TO:

INT. ODC LEFT WING - DAY

Jason leads his men down the other hallway. The men check every corner but see no one. They come up to a pathway that splits into another three directions.

JASON RIVERA

Shoot. Keep straight. The other places probably lead to lunch rooms or smaller offices. Keep moving.

The soldiers nod and continue up a stairwell leading to the back of the facility. Soon as the soldier opens the door, they see a group of Reaper soldiers huddled together. They turn to Jason’s unit.

JASON RIVERA

(Alarmed)

Shoot! Fire!

Jason’s unit begins firing at the enemy. The Reaper soldiers begin pushing them back, leaving little to no room for them to suppress fire. They take out a few, but find themselves stuck.

JASON RIVERA

Fall back! Close the door!

The men do as ordered. As they step back into the corridor where the splitting hallways are, they find that more Reaper soldiers have come down the other two hallways, cutting off their exit.

JASON RIVERA

Take cover!

Their fire fight continues.

CUT TO:

INT. ODC RIGHT WING - DAY

Leonard continues to lead his men down the right wing.

JASON RIVERA (V.O.)

Mitchell, you hear me? Mitchell!

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Whispering)

What is it?

JASON RIVERA (V.O.)

We're surrounded! We walked straight into an ambush! We need backup!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Dang it. (To Jason) You can't hold on?

JASON RIVERA (V.O.)

No! We're caught on all sides. I can't see a way out!

SOLDIER 5

(Worried)

We should go to them.

SOLDIER 4

It's an ambush. They might not be alive by the time we get there.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Dang it! (Sighs) Mission takes priority.

SOLDIER 5

Are you serious!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

We are here for Lieutenant Colonel Ares, no one else. I know what that sounds like, but we knew the risks. Let's push. Come on. We'll circle back to the others. (Turns down the radio). Rivera, get yourself together. We are too close to the Lieutenant Colonel. We'll circle back. Hold on.

JASON RIVERA (V.O.)

(Panting)

Ah! We'll try!

Leonard waves the men forward and hurries off in front of them. Most aren’t satisfied with his decision. All are upset.

SOLDIER 5

Dangit!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Don’t think about it. Just keep pushing.

JASON RIVERA (V.O.)

(Panting)

We're trying to break through to where we came from. More keep showing up.

Some of the men slow down.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Don’t slow down. Keep moving. Come on!

SOLDIER 5

You hear that, right!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Stops and turns)

I gave an order! I told you what it was at the start! Now move!

He groans and keeps moving.

JASON RIVERA (V.O.)

Shoot! Mitchell, I lost two. They're closing in. I can't get through. Mitchell? Mitchell!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Crap!

Leonard focuses on the path in front of him, gritting his teeth. The group follows him, but they have grown quiet.

JASON RIVERA (V.O.)

(Panting)

Mitchell... Dangit... Don't come back for us... Stick to the mission. Take it to em. I'll take as many I can with me.

SOLDIER 5

(Furious)

Dangit!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Focus! (He stops). We can't fail this rescue.

The men sigh, grunt, or remain silent and shake their heads. They continue forward to a large room ahead.

INT. OFFICE OF DEFENSE CORP -- DAY

Leonard and his men enter the room, where Lieutenant Colonel Ares radioed from, through a door. They see the radio on a chair, but the room is full of men on husk spikes.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Disappointed)

No...

They look up at the humans stuck on the spikes. They are the members they are supposed to rescue.

SOLDIER 6

I’ve seen these. Geth devices, or so we thought. I think they convert human bodies into those husks.

SOLDIER 4

(Upset)

We should've went to Rivera.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I didn't ask you.

SOLDIER 5

Guys!?

Two banshee screech and come out from another entrance in the back of the room.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Oh what the heck! Open fire!

SOLDIER 4

(Getting to cover)

What the heck are these!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Crouching behind a spike)

Who cares! Take em out!

The banshees attack. Leonard and his men fight them off.

SOLDIER 6

These cursed things won't die!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Keep firing!

SOLDIER 7

(Panicky)

Stay back! Stay back!

Soldier 7 is firing as many bullets as he can towards the banshee. He is then picked up with the claw of the banshee and killed by its biotic powers.

SOLDIER 8

(Watching Soldier 7 die)

Holy S-!

A banshee’s scream interrupts him and she fires her biotic powers at a distracted Soldier 8, killing him. The remaining four continue to move around the husk spikes while firing at the biotic shields of the banshees. The banshees shift through the room and take out two more soldiers and injure one more.

Leonard picks up another rifle and fires both of them at the banshees. He screams as he continues to fire into the banshees. The bullets finally break the biotic shields. The two banshee fall to the ground, slain, one at the feet of the injured Soldier 5.

SOLDIER 5

(Disturbed)

What- the- heck, man.

Soldier 5 lies back. Leonard comes over to him.

LEONARD MITCHELL

How bad are you?

SOLDIER 5

(Strained)

I can still move.

LEONARD MITCHELL

We gotta move. More of those things will come.

SOLDIER 5

(Panting)

Alright, alright. Help me up.

Leonard goes to help him up. He screams in pain.

SOLDIER 5

(Wincing)

My side, my side, crap, that hurts.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Struggling)

Come on. We gotta move.

SOLDIER 5

(Panting)

Okay... Here I go.

Leonard helps him up. He grunts. Leonard gets underneath his arm and they hurry out of the room.

INT. ODC HALLWAY SPLIT - DAY

Leonard helps the injured soldier back towards the entrance. They are met by two other soldiers from Jason’s unit. The two soldiers hurry over to Leonard.

SOLDER 9

(Seeing Soldier 5; troubled)

What happened!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

More of those things. It was just two of them, but they looked like asari.

SOLDIER 10

(Frustrated)

What is going on!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

I don't know, but don't get captured by them. We saw that they put Lieutenant Colonel Ares and his men on spikes. I think those things change them into those monsters. How did you guys make it out?

SOLDIER 9

(Disheartened)

Lieutenant Rivera gave up his life.

SOLDIER 10

(Disheartened)

Cleared a path by setting off all the grenades on his body.

SOLDIER 9

We had to take the long way back here. We couldn't find a way to you.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Frustrated)

Dangit... I'm sorry. I should've doubled back.

SOLDIER 9

No point. By the time you would've reached us, you would've only gotten yourselves ambushed. And besides, stick to the mission.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Considering what we just witnessed, I don't think I would've wanted to see more people dying.

SOLDIER 10

That bad?

LEONARD MITCHELL

I unloaded three mags into those things. It didn't do anything. It was like their skin was a shield on its own. (Looks at Soldier 5) Let's get out of here. We'll really be in trouble if they catch up to us. I'm low on ammo as it is.

SOLDIER 9

Lead the way. We’ll cover you.

The four men leave the ODC with Leonard carrying Soldier 5 and the other two covering them.

EXT. STREET - DAY (OPTIONAL)

(Optional) The four soldiers return to the MAKOs. Driver 1 opens the door to the MAKO and helps them get in.

DRIVER 1

(Shocked)

What happened!?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Ambush. Mission was a failure from the start.

DRIVER 1

(Disappointed)

That’s unfortunate, because whatever you started, it has drastically increased Reaper activity in the area.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Troubled)

How so?

DRIVER 1

Go outside and look for yourself. We could see it from here. I wondered if you guys were going to make it out. If not for the radar picking up on your omni-tools, I would’ve left in a little while.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Really?

Leonard leaves the vehicle with Soldier 9 and Soldier 10. They go back out to the outside of the building and look towards the ODC.

Several Reaper forces converge on the ODC. They look like tiny ants converging on a hill. They stand and watch as wave after wave of Reaper forces hurry towards the ODC. Then, a Reaper ship flies overhead and lands next to the ODC. It begins firing red beams into the building and destroys it.

Leonard looks at the other two soldiers, and they look at him. Then, they all go back to watching the building be decimated.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Let’s get out of here before they finish.

The three of them head back into the MAKOs and the two trucks take off back to the base of operations.

EXT. STREET - DAY

As Leonard and crew are returning to the base of operations in the neighborhood (SCENE 12), Leonard sees a Reaper ship hovering over the neighborhood where it should be. The Reaper ship is firing down on the neighborhood.

DRIVER 1

(Nervous)

Ah. Lieutenant?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Looking at the ship)

Slow up.

The drivers slow down as they watch the Reaper ship take out the neighborhood. They see harvesters landing in the area and scouting up above it.

DRIVER 1

Where do we go? If we stay here, those things will spot us eventually.

Leonard searches. A light flickers on and off to the right. He looks at the light and sees soldiers calling him over.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Pointing to his right)

Over there. You see them?

DRIVER 1

I see them.

The trucks head over to a destroyed house. Leonard exits the MAKO and comes out to them.

LEONARD MITCHELL

What happened?

SOLDIER 11

Reapers discovered us. The base of operations is changing again. Admiral Anderson is on a ship headed to Vancouver. I've been asked to escort you outta here.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Vancouver?

SOLDIER 11

I don’t have time to explain. We gotta go now. Is it only you six?

LEONARD MITCHELL

That's it.

SOLDIER 11

(Disappointed)

Ah... Glad you made it back, then. (To Drivers) Make sure you mark where these two are in case we come back or need to get them. We got tarp inside to cover them up. Let's go.

Leonard and crew abandon the MAKOs and take Kodiaks to the ship where Anderson is.

END FLASHBACK.

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Evelyn Turner continues her interview of Leonard Mitchell.

EVELYN TURNER

How did it feel seeing those spikes sticking out of the people you came to rescue.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Honestly? I didn't get much of a chance to process it. It was just kind of there, you know? The more Reapers that showed up, the more we understood that getting captured whether dead or alive would lead to indoctrination, that's what they called it, right?

EVELYN TURNER

Yes. Indoctrination.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Yeah. Like I said, we just learned to have a next step, next play mindset. You know, like sports. It wasn't- what happened in the past. It wasn't about the future. It was about what can we do in the moment. Step by step. Don’t get ahead of yourself and don’t look back. Thinking too far into the future felt too hopeful and thinking on the past was just too painful. Deal with what’s in front of you. That’s enough for anyone.

EVELYN TURNER

Seeing your base being destroyed upon return couldn't have been easy.

LEONARD MITCHELL

None of it was easy. We had just become accustomed to it. Base of operations changed, at the most, every hour on the hour. I had already stopped counting by that time. At least when we fled, there were no reported casualties. Usually, there were casualties to go along with the escape. This time, we saw it coming, so we got out in time. You’d think we’d always see it coming, but that wasn’t the case. Despite their size, those Reaper ships were impressively fast.

EVELYN TURNER

They were massive.

LEONARD MITCHELL

How did you manage to make it through?

Evelyn turns the camera off.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Are you having to go to therapy as well? Everyone was affected by the war. You couldn’t have been exempted from that.

EVELYN TURNER

Well... I spent most of the time in an office. I didn’t get much of a look at the war. I merely fed information to the soldiers when they needed it.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Still. It had to have bothered you to have seen so many soldiers not return.

EVELYN TURNER

Yes... well... It was hard, but I was able to process. That’s the benefit of my education. I was able to console and counsel myself. Granted, as most practitioners, I did need therapy. Just not as much as the men on the field...

There is a pause between them. Evelyn turns the camera back on.

EVELYN TURNER

But anyway. This report is on you. So let’s pick up were we left off. You were headed to Vancouver. Switching bases every hour on the hour?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Vancouver is where we started that trend of moving every hour on the hour. Reapers landed long before we got there, and when we tried to help manage our losses, it got even more complicated. We just started abandoning cities as they stopped checking in. We didn't have the numbers or strategy to deal with Reaper forces. Sure, Shepard brought in some help from Turians and had Krogans on the way, but... (Pause). What's the difference between a dead human and a dead Turian, or a dead Krogan, or a dead Salarian, or a dead Quarian, or a dead Asari? (Pause). At the end of the day, the first losses were just forgotten. Everything after that stuck with you.

Leonard looks away and wipes his eyes, frustrated. Evelyn writes on her tablet. Leonard hurries to fix his face.

EVELYN TURNER

Perhaps we should take a break?

LEONARD MITCHELL

No, I’m fine. (Wipes face again). I just- the emotions come back up sometimes. I don’t think those ever go away, fully.

EVELYN TURNER

True.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I’m fine though.

EVELYN TURNER

We’re not worried about your ability to keep it together here, Mitchell- Leonard. We’re here to make sure you’ve processed it. From what I can tell, you’re doing far better than most of the soldiers who come through here.

Leonard nods and sniffs.

EVELYN TURNER

Maybe we should speak of something positive? When did things become brighter for you?

Leonard thinks.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Uh... It honestly didn't really turn around for me until we got an S.O.S. from the Police in London. We all thought it was strange that the police were still alive, but still in London? In the heart of things? Scary.

EVELYN TURNER

What made it positive?

LEONARD MITCHELL

Well...(Chuckles; smirks).

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. COMMUNICATION ROOM -- NIGHT

Leonard follows Anderson into a communications room. Lights come on as he walks in. Anderson stops Leonard at the door.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Wait here.

Anderson walks over to the display board. He taps a few buttons and opens a line of communication with Shepard. Leonard watches. (Camera purposefully avoids Shepard's face)

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Shepard. I was hoping you'd check in again.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

You okay?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Been putting my old academy training to use, organizing the resistance. You know, you've got quite a fan club back here. Any news we hear about the Normandy gives hopes to the guys in the trenches.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

I'm glad we're making a difference.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

It's more than that. A lot of these people have never held a gun in their life. When they heard you managed to get the Turians and the Krogan to cooperate... That was a shot in the arm, Shepard. Of the one thing we're in short supply around here. Faith, that any of us will live to see another day.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

How bad it is?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

It could be worse, but not much.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

Can you still coordinate any kind of counterattack?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

We're hitting the Reapers every chance we get. Mostly guerilla-style hit-and-runs. But it's not enough. It's time we started focusing our efforts.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

Where?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

London. Something big is happening there. Our networks in the UK say the Reapers have arrived in huge numbers.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

I don't like the sound of that. Any more details?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

No, and that scares the hell out of me.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

Well, the Crucible will scare the hell out of the Reapers.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

We're counting on it... Oh, and Shepard-- I meant what I said earlier about Kai Leng. The Reapers may seem like our biggest threat, but take it from me, Leng is vicious. Don’t underestimate him.

COMMANDER SHEPARD

Noted.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Then I'll let you get back to it. We need whatever good news you can send our way. Anderson out.

Anderson closes the transmission and then turns to Leonard. He opens his omni-tool and forwards information to Leonard.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Sorry about that. We picked up an SOS from London. We're heading there now. I know I keep sending you out there, but you're one of the best I've got.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Opens omni-tool)

I understand. Reapers are kickin' our behinds. We'll rest when we're dead.

Anderson nods frustrated. He grabs Leonard’s arm to get his attention.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

I know how it looks out there. I know you're always having to lead armed civilians more than soldiers, but I'm glad that hasn't stopped you. I'm glad you haven't died. It may seem like everything relies on Shepard, but you guys out in the field, every mission, doing the work, saving who you can, and killing every Reaper... You guys keep this alive. (Places hand on the shoulder). So maybe a little less recklessness on this one.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Appreciatively nodding)

Yes, sir.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

(Intently)

We need you alive, Mitchell. You’ve been looking for a suicide mission for a long time. Don’t think I didn’t notice. Loosen up. Aim to live.

Leonard nods embarrassed. Anderson nods and releases him.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

So we've got a SOS from London Police, which is surprising they're still alive, but that's beside the point. They've been taking care of civilians and managing without us up til now. We've got to go in there and assess what they have and what they know.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Opening omni-tool)

What side of town?

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Southside. Take what you need and mount this rescue. We'll be settling down in another part of the city to establish another base of operations. We’ll see if this one sticks long enough.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Understood.

ADMIRAL ANDERSON

Remember what I said... Get it done, but get back. Don’t throw your life away. You’re important.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Yes, sir.

Leonard salutes. He walks away through a ship full of soldiers: some being turian, krogan, or asari. He walks through hallways past rooms. There is traffic throughout, but only some are moving about and even less are moving with purpose. Most seem to be waiting for the next mission or place to land and set up.

INT. HANGAR - NIGHT

Leonard walks into the hangar. He stops by a shuttle, bangs on the frame, and signals to the pilot to start the engines. The pilot inside waves and starts the engines. Leonard points to five soldiers nearby (2 guys, 1 male turian, 1 male krogan, and 1 asari. (Mixed races)).

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Pointing)

You five on me.

They come over to Leonard.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Opens omni-tool)

Everyone has their omni-tool?

ALL

(Open omni-tools)

Sir.

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Operating omni-tool)

Here's the mission. We're responding to this SOS that I've just shared on your omni-tools. London is becoming a hot zone. Make sure you stay in cover. Don't expose your shields too much. Grab some gear and be ready to move out in five. A lot of gear.

ALL

Yes, sir.

They gather their gear. Leonard checks out the location of the SOS. He sits on the floor of the shuttle. He bows his head and prays. The pilot looks back and watches him.

PILOT 2

A praying man? You still in things like religion?

Leonard finishes praying.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Jesus doesn't disappear because you decide not to believe.

PILOT 2

Ey. There's nothin' wrong with it to me. I just find it interesting.

LEONARD MITCHELL

As many times as I've avoided death so far, I can't afford to believe there's not a God.

PILOT 2

Christianity in your family?

LEONARD MITCHELL

No... I had to find Him for myself...

PILOT 2

Where do you think God is in all this mess? Why do you think He hasn’t shown up?

LEONARD MITCHELL

(Thinks)

He is here. He is in all of us. Why He hasn't shown up in the way you’d expect... maybe we don’t need Him to. Maybe we already have what it takes to end the war. Commander Shepard is doing far above our expectations. Maybe the Reapers aren’t as tough as we thought. Or maybe we’re not as weak as we thought. Either way... I’m going to cover myself in prayer. You never know.

PILOT 2

Well say a prayer for me too then. Just in case.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Trust me. There's not a guy in my company that I don't pray for, pilots, drivers, Commanders, Admirals, and civilians all included, even other races. I can't afford to not be covered in this.

PILOT 2

I respect that. Thanks, Lieutenant.

LEONARD MITCHELL

No doubt.

The others return. Leonard inspects their gear and pushes them each onto the shuttle. When they’re all in, he gets in behind them and closes the door.

PILOT 2

Command Deck, we are ready to commence mission. We should have the approvals already. Team lead is Lieutenant Mitchell.

The alarms in the hangar go off. Everyone not on the shuttle braces. The ship opens the hangar and the shuttle takes off.

EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

Leonard’s unit is dropped off in the outskirts of London (like YC London. Whiglift Center). All the streets around the nearby buildings are covered in shattered glass. The buildings have been sliced through or burned. The streets are filled with craters, as if bombs were set off in the area. It looks like the tarnished cities after a bombing. Their path goes to the south, where there are less tall skyscrapers, and more so four to five story warehouses, all of which have been blasted open.

The shuttle drops them off by one of those warehouses and leaves the area immediately. The group heads inside of a warehouse to take cover. They check the immediate area and wait by the entrance. Leonard opens his omni-tool and reads the position of the SOS. The others return and wait for his orders.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Okay. We're eight klicks west of the SOS. We're going to stick to places with a lot of cover. Keep your eyes shuffling. I'll take point. Stay on me, keep the chatter down, and take care of the guy next to you. Expect a lot of fire fights at the target destination. Remember, soldiers take priority over civilians. I know that's been very difficult to understand, but we need all the trained combatants we can get. These Reapers aren't slowing up, so those who can actually help us are the ones we save. That means the policemen are the ones we will be protecting first. Got it?

ALL

Yes, sir.

LEONARD MITCHELL

If you got a god, take this moment to pray. I already prayed to Jesus, so I'm good.

KROGAN SOLDIER

A bit strange, praying to a god right now, huh?

TURIAN SOLDIER

Strange to pray to a god at all.

LEONARD MITCHELL

I can’t really explain all of that to you right now. If you don’t want to pray or if you don’t believe in a god, cool. Let’s go. Last chance. Anyone need to pray?

The soldiers look at each other, but they are all okay.

LEONARD MITCHELL

Alright. On me.

Leonard leads the soldiers (2 guys, 1 female turian, 1 female krogan, and 1 asari (Mixed races)) towards the position of the SOS.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Leonard’s unit comes up on Reaper soldiers in the street between apartments and shopping centers. In the distance, they can hear gunfire. The indoctrinated are gathering together to join the fight. They take cover and Leonard signals to prepare to engage. Leonard counts down and then they fire on them. They defeat them with ease (include battle jargon).

They go further up the street and more indoctrinated come to stop them from advancing.

TURIAN SOLDIER

More incoming! Take cover!

LEONARD MITCHELL

Same as before! Mow them down!