Mass Effect: Surviving Earth Part II
*Warning: Full Length Script. Very long read*
ASARI SOLDIER
Engaging!
They take cover and take them out as well (include battle jargon). They go a little further and more indoctrinated show up.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I guess this will just keep happening until we reach them!
KROGAN SOLDIER
There’s so many of them, I love it! (Begins firing)
The groups engage.
ASARI SOLDIER
Keep an eye on your ammo!
KROGAN SOLDIER
There’s plenty around! Soldiers lying on the ground everywhere! (Thinks) Sorry, human!
TURIAN SOLDIER
Are we going to learn each other’s names!?
LEONARD MITCHELL
No names! You know how this goes! All the information you need should be on your tags or omni-tool!
TURIAN SOLDIER
(Takes out a soldier)
You know! It doesn’t hurt to get to know people!
Leonard looks at him, and then goes back to shooting. They take out another wave. They come together.
LEONARD MITCHELL
There will be more coming. Be aware at all times. (Regretfully) Look. I’m Leonard Mitchell. If you want to know names, tell them to each other... I don’t do that anymore. I don’t do names. (Starts walking) I’ve lost enough names for a lifetime...
They push forward.
EXT. MALL - NIGHT
They push forward through indoctrinated and reach the SOS site.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Shooting stragglers)
Keep pushing! We're close to the signal!
They come up on a shopping section of the city with markets a around a destroyed mall. They find the London Police are cornered by indoctrinated as they try to protect those inside of the mall.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Flank them!
KROGAN SOLDIER
I’m on it!
Leonard’s unit clears a path to the mall. They maintain that line of escape until the police are able to push back.
One particular soldier is pushing through solo. She overextends herself and encounters a brute in the middle ground. She fires many bullets into the brute but it charges her, breaks her shield, and launches her several feet. While the shield is down, the brute grabs her helmet with its claw. She detaches the helmet and backs away firing. Leonard sees that “she” is Desiree.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Shocked)
Dez? Dez!
She looks at him.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Desperate)
Take that brute out now!!
The brute continues to pursue her. She keeps firing on it. The brute keeps coming up. It reaches for her again, but her shield has regenerated. It grabs her forearm with its giant claw. It breaks the shield. She screams in pain. The krogan charges into the brute. Leonard and the Krogan kill the brute. She falls to the ground. Desiree and Leonard look at each other as the soldiers and policemen push the indoctrinated back.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Disbelieving)
Bab-.
Desiree shoots a marauder aiming at them. Leonard turns and aims, but the indoctrinated are pulling back. He turns back to her.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You've gotten sloppy.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Chuckles)
That's what you say? All this time, and that's what you say?
He helps her up.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I missed you, too. (Kisses him) But we've got a lot of civilians to get out of here. Those things are falling back. A Reaper is going to be on us at any moment. Where are the rescue trucks and shuttles?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Right. Is everyone good to go?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
We have a few injured, but everyone is prepped for evac.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Alright. I'll have the men lead you to the LZ. We’re going to have to call in the rescue unit. We don’t deploy unless we’re sure there are people to save nowadays.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Frustrated)
It’s that bad now?
LEONARD MITCHELL
It’s that bad.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
We’ve been barely holding it together ourselves. But anyway, you'll have to coordinate with the Chief...(watches him gaze) He’s inside?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Refocuses)
Oh! Alright.
Leonard goes to walk away. He stops and looks at Desiree. She reaches out to him. He holds her hand and caresses it. Then, she gestures for him to go.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Everyone prepare to leave. The LZ is eight klicks to the west. Take only what you can carry, without slowing us all down. A Reaper could be on us at any minute. Secure the path to the west. Quickly!
ALL
Yes, sir.
The police move to inform the others.
INT. MALL - NIGHT
Leonard walks into the mall. There are policemen all inside the building, almost making it look like an official department building. Inside one of the stores lies several civilians, both injured and not injured. Leonard walks up to them and looks. There are dozens of them, almost a hundred in total.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Unnerved)
This is a lot.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER comes up behind Leonard.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
That’s because we don’t give up on our people.
Leonard turns around and looks at Lassiter. Lassiter extends his hand to Leonard.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
Deputy Commissioner Lassiter, acting Commander of the LPD you are?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Lieutenant Mitchell, armed forces. Standing in for so many higher-ranked officers.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
I take it, you have a way out of this mess?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I do, but we’ve got to get away from this area. The indoctrinated have pulled back, but that means a Reaper is about to come instead. We can’t stay here.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
Indoctrinated? Reaper? That’s what we’re calling those things?
LEONARD MITCHELL
That’s what Admiral Anderson and Commander Shepard are calling them.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
Anderson and Shepard? You’re with some powerful names there.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Just doing what I can.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
Same here...(Looks at all the injured amongst them). Well, tell us where to go and we’ll follow you.
LEONARD MITCHELL
It’s a position marked eight kilometers from here to the west.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
That may be too far for some of these people.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Either we get there, or we die. That’s it.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
Hmm. I see. Not much room to budge.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Rather shoot it to you straight, than give you false hope.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
We’re really getting our butts whooped, aren’t we?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yes, but like I said, we don’t have a lot of time. Take what you will and let’s move. Once we reach the LZ, we’ll radio in a rescue unit and get as many of you out as possible. More than likely, we’ll have to take many people in groups. Going all at once will almost guarantee us getting shot out of the sky.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LASSITER
You’ll have no argument from me. (To the people) Alright everyone. We’ve got a ticket out of this mess. Come on. Let’s go. The longer we stay, the surer our deaths will be. Take what you can carry, and no more. Leave the rest of it behind. Be quick about it. Let’s go. (To the police) Get them up. We have to go now.
The police begin gathering the people and helping others up.
The people leave the mall under the protection of the soldiers and police. Leonard’s unit spreads out through the group of people and marches them through the streets back to the LZ.
In the back drop, a Reaper ship lands near the mall and begins firing down on it. Leonard and Desiree watch from the rear. They push the people along as the red beams light up the night sky. Leonard reaches out and holds Desiree’s hand, tense. She pats his hand.
INT. STREET - NIGHT (OPTIONAL)
Leonard’s unit arrives with the last batch of policemen, including Desiree. The shuttles land in between small buildings, unload, and then leave. Soldiers come to them and provide them food and water. Leonard refuses help. He walks over to Desiree to check on her. She takes some water but refuses to take the food. Medics check on her.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Uncomfortable)
I’m fine. Really. That’s enough.
The medics back away.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Go check on the others.
The medics leave. She looks up and sees Leonard coming towards her. He stops near her and awes over her. She approaches him and kisses him.
ALL
Ooooooooo!
Desiree and Leonard laugh. She steps back and rubs his face.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Relieved)
I thought you were dead. I looked everywhere for you.
Leonard embraces her.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I'm just so glad you're alive. I'm so happy.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Where’d you go?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Releases her)
I was dragged in with Admiral Anderson. I couldn’t get to you after the building fell on you. Not with the Reaper firing down on us. How did you survive?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Nothing short of a miracle.
FLASHBACK TO:
EXT. STREET -- DAY
flashback in the flashback
Desiree watches Leonard trying to cover her as she helps a civilian get to his feet (SCENE 8).
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL (V.O.)
I remember trying to help that man get to his feet. A large block of cement crushed his leg, but I didn’t want him to die that way, so I helped him. That’s when I looked and saw what you were looking at. The building was coming down.
She looks up and sees the skyscraper falling. The civilian reaches over her and shields her from the building.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL (V.O.)
I shot through the windows of the building as it fell. I figured the less things hitting my shield, the better.
Desiree shoots through the windows, where she thinks the building will land, from just under the man covering her. The civilian she was carrying pushes her out of the way. She falls as the building collapses on her.
CUT TO:
Desiree wakes to find herself underneath the rubble of the fallen skyscraper.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL (V.O.)
When I opened my eyes, I found the pillars had missed me by only a few feet, and I was buried, but I was alive. I couldn’t say the same for the man, though.
She looks around and sees the hand of the man who pushed her out of that way sticking out from a pile of rubble, crushed under the weight of a steel pillar.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL (V.O.)
It took me a while, but I found a way out. Then, I went looking for you.
Desiree climbs out from underneath the rubble. She looks around, sees no one, but then decides to keep moving.
RETURN TO:
EXT. STREET -- NIGHT (OPTIONAL)
Leonard stands in front of Desiree as the rest of the soldiers, civilians, and policemen get checked up on.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Eventually, I was found by some of the guys in my department. I’ve been with them ever since.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I’m so sorry. I didn’t think you had survived.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
There was no way to tell in that chaos. I’m not mad. I’m just glad you’re alive. I’ve lost too many friends and family. I’d be surprised if anyone else was alive. I’m just glad you’re okay.
LEONARD MITCHELL
It’s going to take a lot more than that to kill me.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Talk to me when an entire building falls on you.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Chuckles)
Yeah, I’m not going to push my luck. I’ll deal with the Reapers only, thank you.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Nodding; dazed)
It’s almost like a dream, you standing here.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Feels her face)
Tell me about it.
Leonard embraces her. Finally, he weeps. She does the same. Soldiers gather around them and comfort them.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. OFFICE-DAY
Evelyn continues her interview with Leonard.
EVELYN TURNER
I'm surprised Mrs. Mitchell was able to survive all of that, being in the heart of the chaos like that.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Apparently, when the building fell on her, a pole landed just right to where the building didn't collapse on her. She spent the whole time trying to find me, and somehow figured I would eventually be in London.
EVELYN TURNER
Was she there the whole time?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Serving with the police, yes ma'am. Even with the overwhelming numbers of the Reapers, they were still able to do some damage and save some lives.
Evelyn writes on her tablet. She looks at him sternly.
EVELYN TURNER
Now comes the part we must get through. You rescued your wife. Things seemed to be on the upturn, and then the Citadel showed up near Earth, didn't it?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Well, technically the other traumatic experience, well, the last traumatic experience before the catastrophic experience happened soon after Dez and I were reunited.
EVELYN TURNER
Oh. You want to start there then?
LEONARD MITCHELL
It’s up to you.
EVELYN TURNER
Let’s go with that. Take me through your other traumatic experience.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Right... so not long after we gathered information from the police, we received word from the Normandy...
Leonard explains the infiltration of a Cerberus base.
FLASHBACK TO:
INT. OFFICE MEETING ROOM -- DAY
Leonard is waved in by Admiral Anderson. Anderson closes a virtual call and turns to Leonard.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
I know you just got your wife back, and I’m happy for you... but we’ve just received word of an illegal Cerberus facility operating here on Earth.
LEONARD MITCHELL
...Well that’s comforting.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
I know. Shepard just took out their headquarters, Cronos Station, but the Illusive Man escaped. We think he may be headed to earth, so we checked some information Shepard sent, and we found a Cerberus base.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Considering his name, it’s no surprise he got away.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
Exactly. I’ll forward you the coordinates we received. They’ll most likely be on high alert.
Anderson punches buttons on his omni-tool. Leonard looks at his omni-tool.
LEONARD MITCHELL
France?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
France.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Alright then.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
I expect that the Illusive Man will be coming there. Take only soldiers with you. The reports I keep getting from Shepard are not pleasant. We’ve got to end them here and now.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Forgive me, Admiral, but should we really be worried about them in all this mess?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
The Reapers are still the main threat, but with Cerberus trying to stop us every step of the way, we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to them. They’ve tried to stop the Crucible and they’ve tried to keep the Reapers preserved. They’re not trying to end this war. They’re trying to control the Reapers.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Shocked)
Is that even possible?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
Does it really matter? They’ve attacked the Citadel, several Alliance colonies and bases, attacked Shepard on more than one occasion. (Refocuses) I think it’s best for all of us if they’re out of the picture entirely. Better them than us.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Noted.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
I need you to end this war with them for us. The facility isn’t large, so it shouldn’t take you long. Make sure you go prepared. They’ve been a thorn in our side long enough. It’s high-time we rip them out.
LEONARD MITCHELL
How many are coming with me?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
A small group. No more than ten.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yes, sir.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
Get it done.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Only thing I know how to do.
Leonard nods and leaves.
INT. ROOFTOP -- DAY
Leonard walks out of a doorway from a set of stairs over to Pilot 2.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Set up, we’re headed out.
PILOT 2
Location?
LEONARD MITCHELL
France. Incoming.
Leonard taps buttons on his omni-tool. The pilots receives the instructions. He takes some tarp off of the shuttle and opens it to go inside and start the engines. Leonard walks around and calls several soldiers over to him. Desiree comes up to the roof and notices the commotion. She approaches Leonard.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Going somewhere?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yeah. Have an enemy to take care of. I won’t be gone long.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Where’s the mission?
Desiree begins checking her equipment.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Soldiers only. I can’t have a police officer on this.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Glares)
This is me ignoring that slighted comment. I’m going to ask where the mission is, and this time answer me... Where’s the mission?
Leonard sighs; the soldiers giggle. He pulls her to the side.
LEONARD MITCHELL
This is an order from the Admiral. I can’t ignore that. You can’t ignore that.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I lost you once. I’m not doing it again, orders or not. I’m coming with you. If you’re going to be under fire, the least I can do is be there by your side.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Annoyed)
This isn’t the time for this.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Then stop wasting my time, because I’m ignoring your orders anyway. I’ll jump on your back and force you to carry me with you if I have to. I’m not leaving you. End of discussion. Now send me the mission info.
Leonard sighs but then laughs.
LEONARD MITCHELL
We’re going to France.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Oh. Honeymoon all over again.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Chuckles) It’s not Paris.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Who’s the target?
Leonard taps the buttons on his omni-tool. She looks over the material. He watches her.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Confused)
We’re going after Cerberus?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Admiral Anderson thinks they’ll try to get in the way. They’ve been giving the Normandy crew a ton of trouble. They took out their headquarters and found a file with their other bases on it. We’ll sleep better at night knowing that Cerberus is out of the way. That’s if the Reapers give us any moment to sleep.
Leonard and Desiree walk back over to the shuttle. The soldiers he called wait for them by the door.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Alright, men. You have your orders. We’re only taking one shuttle, so it’s going to be cramped. We can’t afford to take two. We don’t have the supplies for it and we don’t want to draw too much attention. This’ll be a short trip across the sea anyway. Let’s get it done.
The soldiers (mixed races; 2 turians - male and female; 1 male krogan; 1 asari; 1 salarian; 4 humans- 3 men, 1 woman).
ALL
“Yes, sir,”
They get in. Once they are all cramed inside, the door shuts and the shuttle takes off from the rooftop. The Reapers can be seen in the distance still fighting resistance. One Reaper AA gun repeatedly fires a Hades Cannon into outer space.
EXT. FIELD -- DAY (OPTIONAL)
The shuttle lands in a field in France. The outskirts of Paris can be seen in the distance along with Reaper ships still marching around and through it. Another city burned to ash is nearby as well, with no Reaper ships near it.
The door to the shuttle opens and the soldiers fumble out like clowns in a clown car. They all stretch and moan as they get out. Leonard and Desiree get out last. The shuttle takes off.
Leonard looks at his omni-tool. He looks in the distance and tries to see any sign of a base, but can’t.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Alright, men. Let’s move. Keep your eyes open.
The soldiers gather together and move towards the Cerberus base. They continue towards a hill. They look over the hill and notice two men standing guard over a door placed into another hill. They don’t wear uniforms but they have rifles visible. Leonard signals to all of them to get low. They crawl up to the top of the hill. Leonard reaches for the asari soldier’s sniper rifle. He glances through the scope.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You don’t suppose they are guarding against Reapers, do you?
ASARI 1
It is highly unlikely. And I’m sure if it was important, there’d be more guards. Two guards means they’re hiding something.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Hands her back her sniper rifle) My sentiments exactly. Let’s move.
The Asari soldier looks through her scope at the guards. They move in quickly.
INT. CERBERUS BASE -- DAY
Leonard’s unit sneaks into the base carrying two guards inside. The set the two outside guards against a wall and disarm them. Those guarding the inside seem to be out of sorts. There is chaos all over the base. Most are too busy packing things up to pay attention to them as they enter.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Whispering)
Everyone stay low. Be quiet. Don’t draw attention to us if you can manage. Don’t shoot until I say. I’ll take point. (Points to two soldiers) You two cover our six. Spread out.
The eleven of them walk through the facility. The facility is bigger than the layout, as it goes deep into the ground. There are several labs along the way with experiments going on in them. The soldiers merely look in the room for Cerberus troops and then keep moving.
One room in particular draws the eyes of Leonard. He walks over to a door. Behind the door is a large lab with pods holding several carcasses in them. The corpses are of each race. A few are Reapers.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Disgusted)
What the heck is this?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I don’t know.
Leonard opens the door. They all walk in. The soldiers go up to each casing and see some of the victims. The bodies are ripped and deformed.
SOLDIER 13
(Stunned)
Sir.
Leonard walks over to them. He overlooks the body inside an encasing. It looks like a husk not fully developed.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Is it still alive?
SOLDIER 13
No idea.
The human/husk slams into the encasing. It bangs against the glass, trying to break out. The two men point their guns at it, but it doesn’t seem able to break free.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I’ve found a log. Come look.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(To two by the door)
Keep a lookout.
They nod. Leonard walks over to Desiree by a computer screen.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Can we access it?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
It looks like it. No one expected to be found here, obviously, and I don’t think anyone is trying to destroy evidence. They’re running, not moving.
LEONARD MITCHELL
We can’t assume what they’re doing at all. (Looks at the logs) Play the last one.
Desiree accesses the computer and plays a log. It displays a scientist on the screen who is looking at the recorder and then over to the pods. He looks back at the recorder.
SCIENTIST
(Frantic)
We’re running out of time. That Shepard and his crew took out Horizon and Cronos Station, and just when I had only started experimenting. The data Larson gathered was impeccable. The Reaper nanites, they spread through the body by adrenaline. We’ve only just begun indoctrinating soldiers to the Cerberus cause. I could’ve perfected this, but they know the Alliance will be on us soon. No telling how many bases have been compromised. We will gather the data and leave. I will continue this research. It’s just a shame all of these will go to waste. Of all the-.
SOLDIER 14
Hey...
The others look at him. He stands by a pod on the other side of the room in the corner. The log cuts off.
SOLDIER 14
They were experimenting on... kids...
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Angered)
What?
The others come over to the pod in the corner.
SOLDIER 14
(Disheartened)
Man...
They walk over and all of them gasp or cringe. Leonard looks with Desiree. They turn their heads away.
LEONARD MITCHELL
That is sick.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Why would someone do this?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Anderson wasn’t lying when he said that Cerberus was worse than the Reapers... Reapers don’t do this to their own... Well technically the cannibals do swallow the weaker husks from time to time, but they don’t experiment on themselves.
TURIAN SOLDIER 2
It’s still bad that they experiment on the rest of the species in the galaxy-.
LEONARD MITCHELL
No, right, right. Yeah, that’s bad. But I don’t know. It’s easier to process when your enemy looks different than you. But when it’s a kid, you... that’s when things get depressing.
KROGAN SOLDIER 2
You humans are very interesting. Krogan wouldn’t do this to their young. This is distasteful.
TURIAN SOLDIER 2
I don’t think turians would do this to their own either.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Cerberus would go to any length to secure human dominance in the galaxy. You telling me there’s no one like that at all in your race?
KROGAN SOLDIER 2
I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s highly unlikely.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Defensive)
This (Pointing to the pod) is highly unlikely. Things done in secret. I’m sure the rest of humanity would hate this.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I can’t look at this anymore. Let’s go. Maybe there’s a way to burn this place.
ASARI 1
Maybe they’re already going to do this and we’re walking into a building that has charges set all over that are just waiting for the right codes to be entered.
All of the soldiers stare at her.
ASARI 1
What? I thought we were checking possibilities.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yeah, no. Let’s go. We should move quickly.
Leonard draws his gun. As he moves, the others follow.
INT. CERBERUS HANGAR -- DAY
The Cerberus soldiers are gathering near a hangar. Many of them are fumbling things and bumping into each other in a panic. Leonard’s unit comes into the hangar and hides behind supply crates to listen.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Whispering; gesturing)
Lie low. Lie low.
All acknowledge command.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 1
Cronos Station is destroyed! The Illusive Man is gone and Kai Leng is dead. We can’t wait for what’s obviously going to happen.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 2
But what are we going to do?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 3
We should attack one of the fleets, go out in a blaze.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 4
We should lie low, and wait until the invasion is settled, then take some Reapers and continue the research.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 1
We could all come up with ideas, but who do we listen to?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 3
Having a leader is overrated.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 4
Are you an idiot, or are you paid to be this stupid?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 3
I’m not getting paid either way. Cerberus is done. The Illusive Man is missing, and there’s no way we can ignore the Reapers.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 2
We could join the Alliance.
ALL
No!
Leonard signals to the others to get ready to strike. He begins to count down. Mid-count, the hangar doors open, startling everyone there.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 1
Who the heck is that!?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 4
Everyone get on guard!
A ship flies in and lands.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 2
Isn’t that the Illusive Man’s ship?
The hangar doors close. Leonard signals to the others to wait.
A team of cerberus soldiers come out of the ship. They look collectively bigger than the ones that were in the hangar.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 1
(Confused)
What the heck happened? And what’s with you?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 5
Don’t worry about that. Just come with us.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 2
(Worried)
Why does your voice sound so strange, and why are you so big?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 5
Reaper tech. Now get those supplies onto the ship and let’s go. The Illusive Man needs us to get ready to do one last mission.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 3
(Excited)
We’re going out in a blaze of glory!?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 5
(Perturbed)
What? No, you idiot. We’re making a push into London. The Alliance is gathering there. We’re going to intercept them. Come on, The Illusive Man is on board. We’re moving out, now.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 1
Why would we fly into the heart of battle? Cronos Station is gone. We should rebuild. We’ve already sent a team with some scientists ahead of us. They have the Reaper nanites and are waiting until the war is decided.
Cerberus Soldier 5 pulls out his gun and points it at them. They point their guns back.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 5
(Plainly)
Either come, or die. I don’t care which one at this point.
The ILLUSIVE MAN comes up behind Cerberus Soldier 5.
ILLUSIVE MAN
Calm down. There’s no need for force.
More indoctrinated soldiers walk up behind him.
ILLUSIVE MAN
(To the soldiers with him)
Gather what you can. It won’t be long until the Alliance and Shepard use that Crucible to destroy the Reapers. We have to get ahead of them so I can confirm the data we’ve gathered.
The indoctrinated soldiers (3 or 4) gather the supplies.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 2
Are these men the results of the research?
ILLUSIVE MAN
They are.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 2
We should study them further. The technology can push us further as a people.
ILLUSIVE MAN
We don’t have time for this. We have to act now. Come with us so we can stop the Alliance from ruining everything.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 3
Alright! Going out in a blaze of glory!
CERBERUS SOLDIER 2
But... the research. There’s much more to study. The scientists-.
ILLUSIVE MAN
Whatever scientists you’re talking about, they’re gone. Now I gave you an order. Get over here now. We have to show them the better solution. Come with us or die.
The four soldiers look to the last shuttle for the base. The Illusive Man follows their eyes. Then, the Illusive Man looks at an indoctrinated soldier and nods. The indoctrinated soldier drops his supply crate and throws several grenades under the shuttle. The shuttle explodes.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 4
(Panicked)
Shoot!
The four cerberus soldiers begin to step back from them.
ILLUSIVE MAN
(To his indoctrinated men)
Are you done?
CERBERUS SOLDIER 5
Yes, sir.
ILLUSIVE MAN
(Walking into the ship)
Good. I don’t have time for cowards. Kill them and let’s go.
CERBERUS SOLDIER 5
Yes, sir.
The indoctrinated shoot at the others soldiers. As the soldiers back up, they notice Leonard’s unit and get shot in their confusion. Leonard then leads the others out of cover and shoots back at the indoctrinated.
ILLUSIVE MAN
(Seeing them emerge)
Alliance! Take them out!
Leonard’s unit takes out the indoctrinated soldiers in the storage bay. The Illusive Man closes the doors to his ship and the hangar doors open. The bullets bounce off the ship as it takes off and leaves.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Annoyed)
Hold fire! Save your ammo!
They stop and watch as the hangar doors close. Desiree walks over to the indoctrinated soldiers.
KROGAN SOLDIER 2
I was close to throwing a grenade inside. I guess it’s best that I didn’t.
LEONARD MITCHELL
We’ll have to warn Admiral Anderson.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Intrigued)
Guys, look at this.
Desiree takes the helmet off of the indoctrinated Cerberus soldier. They all come over and look.
SOLDIER 13
(Disgusted; shields eyes)
Oh God, what is that?
SOLDIER 14
(Sickened; covers mouth)
That’s disgusting.
KROGAN SOLDIER 2
That’s not something you see every day.
The others react in their own way.
ASARI 1
Is this what they mean when they say indoctrinated?
LEONARD MITCHELL
They look like husks, but not full husks.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
They look like monsters.
SOLDIER 14
This is sick.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Record its face. We’ll add it to the report. Let’s check the rest of this place. See if anyone else is here, and make sure there isn’t a way to get in or out until we look this place over.
ASARI 1
And make sure charges aren’t set all over the place.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I’m sure if that was the case, they would’ve went off by now. For now, let’s just wrap this up. We have to get back to Admiral Anderson to let him know what’s happened down here.
Leonard’s unit looks over the hangar, and then continues their investigation of the base.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. OFFICE -- DAY
Evelyn continues their interview.
EVELYN TURNER
(Disturbed)
Cerberus was experimenting on kids?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Disturbed)
Yeah. Would’ve rather not have seen that. It kind of made you question why humanity was worth saving. Why should anyone save a species capable of doing that to themselves? But Cerberus was always willing to do anything and everything to make humanity the greatest. They crossed the line all the time. That was just my first personal dosage of it. It wasn’t a report. It was there, in my face.
EVELYN TURNER
Well I can definitely understand why that was a traumatic experience. Do you need a moment before we continue?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Unsure; unsettled)
No... I can keep going.
EVELYN TURNER
Well... now we’re coming up on the end, aren’t we? By the time Cronos Station was destroyed, the Crucible was on its way to Earth to meet with the Citadel, and all of the Council races were gathering with us to fight the Reapers.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yes, ma'am, right in our front yard. I overheard the Admirals talking about a Crucible, a Catalyst, and something with the Citadel. Admiral Anderson kept that mostly between him, Admiral Hackett, and Commander Shepard. He didn't share much information with us. Just told us the Crucible would beat the Reapers and that we needed to hold out until it was done. Commander Shepard was the beacon of hope, and the longer he stayed alive, the more determined we were to stay alive, and the more he did, the more we wanted to do.
EVELYN TURNER
You met Commander Shepard, didn't you?
LEONARD MITCHELL
A polite handshake and a few words, that's all. By then, we were fully engaged in London again. The city looked completely different, even from the rescue mission a few months prior. Everything destroyed and covered in Reapers. Admiral Anderson called us in for the final rally. He kept calling us the resistance. I was standing right next to him when he gave us our final orders...
FLASHBACK TO:
INT. COMMAND ROOM - NIGHT
Room full of battalion leaders, Commander Shepard (in a helmet), MAJOR COATS, MAJOR JOHNSON, TALI'ZORAH VAS NORMANDY, GARRUS VAKARIAN, JAMES VEGA, EDI, (Optional: URDNOT WREX, KAIDEN AIKO, ASHLEY WILLIAMS, JAVIK, GRUNT), Anderson, and the rest of the living crew of the Normandy. They all gather together for the last briefing .
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
We fought to get here. But the toughest part of our mission begins. We've got to drive right through the heart of reaper-controlled territory, break past their defenses, and get to that beam.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
What kind of defenses?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
The entire area is crawling with reaper forces, but our biggest concern is the destroyer protecting the beam itself.
MAJOR COATS
Can we bring in air support to deal with it?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
Negative. Some kind of interference. We'll have to take it out from the ground. (Swipes hologram) Now they've cut a swath, a no-man's land, through the city. We'll have to cross that first. There'll be some limited shelter on the other side, but expect heavy ground resistance. (Points at the hologram on the table) We need to get our tanks to here. If we get close enough, we've got a shot at taking that thing out.
MAJOR COATS
How much of a shot?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
They know we're coming. This will be a one-way trip for many of us. But there can be no retreat. No stepping back.
Leonard eyes Desiree, who's at the door.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
We move forward, at all costs. Understood?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Hooyah. Yes, sir.
Shepard salutes, and everyone else follows suit.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
Johnson, Coats. You two will coordinate the artillery units.
Coates and Johnson leave. Anderson walks over to Shepard.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
Shepard. I'm sending you right up the gut where the resistance is heaviest. Support the tanks the best you can, but stay alive. I need you for the final push to the beam. I'll give you a minute with your squad. Pick your team well.
Anderson walks over to Leonard. Shepard goes to talk with his team.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
I know you just got your wife back, but I need one of my best with Shepard. I need you to make sure he gets through the no man’s land and to the beacon. Understand?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Smug)
I guess it's good you have two of your best.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
(Smiles; rests hand on Leonard’s shoulder)
Don't die out there. Shepard's not the only one we're relying on. Remember that. Everyone's got to make it through.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I thought this was a one-way trip?
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
(Smiles again)
Someone's going to have to stay alive to repopulate the earth. Mind as well be the ones that are already married, wouldn’t you think?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Smirks)
I have no arguments.
Anderson taps his shoulder.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
You make it through this, I have a gift waiting for you on the other side. You’ve done more than enough to earn it, and I think you’ll come to accept it when it’s all said and done.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Wish you would’ve given it to me before all this.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON
I didn’t want you to get the big head, thinking you’re doing better than the rest. Do this last thing, and you’ll know you’ve earned it.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yes, sir.
Anderson walks off. Leonard walks over to Desiree just outside of the command room. He reaches out to her with both hands.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Confused)
What? A prayer? Now, really?
LEONARD MITCHELL
It's never a bad time to say a prayer.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I think God has pretty much abandoned all of the universe by now.
LEONARD MITCHELL
All is not lost, Dez...
She stares him in the eyes. She sighs but gives in. Leonard smiles. They hold each other’s hands, bows their heads, and close their eyes.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Dear Lord, Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things seen and unseen. I come to you today in the dire moments of a whole galaxy. Still, to this day, we do not know why You’ve allowed us to reach this far. We don’t know why the Reapers are here, or who even created them. We don’t know why we’ve been put in this position, but what I do know, Lord, is that all things are in Your matchless hands. So much about this creation of Yours is unknown. So much about You is unknown. Many don’t believe in You these days. Even my wife struggles with the concept of You, but still I give thanks. Thanks because I have a wife who will at least be in prayer with me, and love me despite my ideologies. Thanks because we have the catalyst, the Citadel, and the Crucible. We have a chance at surviving. Humanity itself has been pushed to the forefront of this war. We stand on the shoulders of civilizations long gone looking to clean up the mistakes of the deceased. We don’t know exactly why Earth and humanity was added to this cosmos, but we are grateful to be trusted with this moment to save all of those who live in it today. May Your presence be with us on this battlefield. May our hearts be at peace and our strength strengthened by You. Let Your angels run with us and guide us through this war. Let us not be afraid, but rather bold, because of Whose we are. We are Yours, oh God. Let it be known when the dust settles. Let the horn of victory sound this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Amen.
They open their eyes. He kisses her on the forehead.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Let's show Commander Shepard how it's done.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Walking up)
Show me how it's done?
Shepard and Garrus walk up behind Leonard.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Surprised; salutes)
Yeah? ...
GARRUS VAKARIAN
I like this one. He's got spunk. He'll have to out-work a lot of people to come even close to you, Shepard.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I'll do it.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
You're running with us?
LEONARD MITCHELL
We'll be in the area.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Alright. Take it to em.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Salutes)
Yes, sir.
Shepard reaches to shake his hand. They shake hands. Shepard and his team take their leave. Desire watches them as they take off.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Does anyone know what he looks like?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Shocked)
I don’t know, now that I think about it.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I don’t know if he’s Black, Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, nothing.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Me either. I’ve never gotten a clear look at his face. Every time I’ve seen him, he has his helmet and armor on.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You’d think someone would know. Otherwise, people will start making him different races like Jesus. He might even be a woman for all we know.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Chuckles)
That’s a deep voice for a woman.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Technology these days. He could be a transgender.
LEONARD MITCHELL
He’d be like one of those unknown genders like in the video games and anime.
Desiree laughs.
LEONARD MITCHELL
People make a game about him and they’ll have the option for male or female, black or white. (Laughs).
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Tickled)
Probably make it to where he-she can make love to his-her crew.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Just like the Captain on that show- Star Cruiser, or something. (Laughs).
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Oh right! He like slept with all kinds of aliens. (Laughs)
LEONARD MITCHELL
Oh goodness, why are we talking about this? I can’t stop laughing.
They both laugh.
LEONARD MITCHELL
But seriously though, I’m sure Admiral Anderson knows, and if anyone, the crew knows. There won’t be any mix-ups there.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Still would be funny, though.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Ah. I needed that laugh. Now I’m loose and ready to go.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Good. Me too.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Well then, milady.
He reaches his hand to her. She takes his hand. He pulls her close.
LEONARD MITCHELL
First thing I’m doing when this is all over is getting you naked and boning you for an entire night.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Flustered)
You continue to amaze me with how fast you switch from praying to God to talking about sex.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Shrugs; smirks)
I’m versatile. And besides, I need something to look forward to.
He smacks her on the butt.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Well I’m looking forward to taking a nice, long, uninterrupted, hot bath...
There’s a pause.
LEONARD MITCHELL
That’s it?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Smirks)
Perhaps you can be in there with me.
She winks and smacks him on the butt. Leonard smiles. She walks away seductively. He follows her. They go with everyone to the battlefield.
EXT. STREET. -- NIGHT
Desiree and Leonard come up to a squad of men. Desiree falls in line with the dozen of soldiers. Their total is 14.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Alright, men. You’ve all been assigned to me. That means we’ll be supporting the tanks to take out the destroyer standing in our way to the beacon.
He opens his omni-tool and hits a few buttons.
LEONARD MITCHELL
This is it. All of the galaxy’s future rests in our hands. We were made for this moment, hoo-ah?
ALL
Hoo-ah!
LEONARD MITCHELL
I’m not asking for any of you to die, but this is a moment when you cannot have regard for you own life. (Begins to pace) Look at the soldier standing next to you. Now think of their kids. Think of their wives and husbands. Think of the future. When the sun shines tomorrow, this war will be over, or humanity will be over. Which one do you want? Think about it! Because in order for us to survive the night, you cannot be selfish. You must look out for the soldiers standing next to you. No questions! I will give my life for you! I will sacrifice my life, and my wife for your future! Will you do the same for me?
ALL
Hoo-ah!
LEONARD MITCHELL
This is bigger than us! This is about humanity’s future! This is about the galaxy’s future! These things have plagued our galaxy for thousands of years. They are relentless. They are heartless. They are determined. That is why you must show greater resolve, you must pour out your heart, and you must be unstoppable. They think we are roaches to be stomped out! We are far greater than they are, hoo-ah!?
ALL
(Shouting)
Hoo-ah!
LEONARD MITCHELL
Then when you step out onto that battlefield, you show it! Every step, every bullet, every kill! You show them we are here to fight, we are here to win, and we are here to stay!
ALL
(Fanatically)
Hooooooo-aaaaaaaah!
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Pauses)
Know that I love you. I love each and every last one of you. If, and that’s a big if, I lose my life today. I consider it an honor to have my last moments with you. But I won’t talk like this is the end. I will see you through it. (Raises fist) God is with us! As He gave the enemies of the Israelites into their hands, so will He deliver the Reapers into our hands! Soldiers of the Milky Way, listen to me! Today when you go into battle, don’t be afraid of the enemy, and when you see them, don’t panic! The Lord your God will fight alongside you and help you win the battle! Now, on me!
ALL
Hoo-ah!
They follow Leonard towards the tanks.
The tanks move out. The soldiers spread out into the “no man’s land” and are instantly engaged by Reapers through all of the rubble. The soldiers continue to push their way to the destroyer.
EXT. STREET. NO MAN’S LAND -- NIGHT
Leonard’s unit catches up to Shepard’s team and eliminates some of the Reaper forces near them. Shepard’s team works with extreme precision and efficiency. There are hardly any missed shots and they work in harmony as they go, covering for each other, using their “powers” at the right moments, and moving as one.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Stay close to them! Come on!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Right!
Desiree runs past Leonard and takes out a pair of Reapers. The Krogan mow down some other Reapers, Turians throw grenades and wipes out more. The entire front pushes through the Reaper forces almost simultaneously.
As the army passes through onto highways, crossing streets, and buildings, some of the tanks begin to get taken out. Shepard’s team takes a quieter route through the destroyed buildings while Leonard’s unit stays close by, taking out Reaper forces on the streets.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Keep moving!
They take out brutes, husks, marauders, and cannibals. Then, a banshee screeches, halting Leonard.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Frightened; tense)
Not those things again.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
What are they?
Leonard points up to the banshee. The banshee warps through the street over to them. Desiree takes out a pistol and fires many rounds into it. Leonard covers her, but the banshee gets to her and picks her up.
LEONARD MITCHELL
No!
Desiree fires more bullets into its head but its armor coating protects it. Then, a sniper bullet pierces its skull. Leonard looks over and sees Garrus aiming at the banshee. Desiree takes a grenade, fires more bullets into the exposed wound and shows the grenade into the banshee’s shoulder.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Struggling)
Get. (Lifts her legs; kicks) Off of me!
She gets free from the banshee. The grenade goes off and shatters the banshee. Leonard comes over to Desiree. A bullet whizzes by his head.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You’re getting sloppy.
He helps her up.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Panting)
Says the man who almost got his head blown off.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Shields. Heard of them?
Leonard turns to fire at the Reaper shooting at him. Desiree reloads her pistol and helps. They nod to each other and push forward.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(To his unit)
Let’s move! Clear a path for the tanks!
Leonard leads his unit further up the street.
EXT. STREET. NO MAN’S LAND -- NIGHT
Leonard’s unit comes up to buildings that are much taller, but with holes in them here and there. The streets are starting to look like the inner parts of London.
SOLDIER 15
Take cover! Ravagers!
Two of Leonard’s men get taken out by ravagers. The rest of the unit hides behind rubble as ravagers fire down on them. They try to get a shot but none of them are able. They hold out in cover and then realize less and less shots are being fired. Leonard looks up to where the ravagers were and sees Shepard waving. Leonard waves back.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Come on! Let’s go!
He counts his soldiers to make sure no one else was lost. He is now down to ten. They move forward towards a tank. The tank tries to maneuver around some busted cars, but is unable. As the tank backs up, more reapers come out to fight. Leonard’s unit provides cover fire as they go.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Don’t let that tank get cornered!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
We should get off the streets!
LEONARD MITCHELL
What!?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
We need to get off the streets! It’s too crowded!
The tank gets destroyed.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Disheartened)
Dangit! Alright! Let’s head into one of these buildings here! The streets are a death trap!
ALL
Sir!
They move into a nearby building.
INT. OFFICE BUILDING -- NIGHT
Leonard leads his unit into an office. All are out of breath. The fight from outside is still heard in the room.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Panting)
Everyone take a minute to catch your breath.
They disperse through the room.
LEONARD MITCHELL
We don’t have much time. The tanks should be in position any second. But sending you out there gasping for air does no one good.
There is a loud crash heard up the hall. A brute sounds like it’s attacking soldiers, but soon, the brute is silenced. Leonard goes to the door and listens.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Whispering)
Shepard’s team, must be.
Desiree walks over to Leonard.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Whispering)
Are you okay?
LEONARD MITCHELL
What- me? Yeah, I’m fine. Can’t speak for all of us, though.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
We’re doing better than we should be, I guess.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Two men died to get us this far...
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
That’s less than half the units, I’m sure.
There’s a pause.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I guess you’re right.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Turns his face to her)
I am right. You’ve come too far to start doubting yourself now.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I just should’ve saw them faster. The Reapers are everywhere an-.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Hits his chest)
Stop... (Grabs his shoulder) You want to see this body naked in a warm bath, don’t you?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Confused)
What- oh- yeah. (Giggles).
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Then think ahead, not behind. Nothing is going to change the past. Search the layouts faster, react faster, shoot faster, command faster. Be at the top of your game. You trained for this. Act like it.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Amused)
Aren’t I the leader? (Chuckles).
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You are. Don’t forget that. They match you, you don’t match them.
LEONARD MITCHELL
...Right... Thanks. I knew I married the right one. (To the men) Alright, men. Time to move.
The soldiers get up and they move out.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
The tanks reach their position but interference is jamming their targeting systems. The units are all firing on the Reaper ship, trying to slow it down or damage it to give them time. The Reaper fires its red beam on all their positions. Most of the units retreat or are wiped out.
Shepard’s team comes in shortly after to provide help. Most of the street is clear. Leonard’s team comes up to them from another direction. They take out the remnant of Reapers in the area. Shepard’s team goes to the tank to calibrate it. When they are done, Admiral Anderson radios in.
ADMIRAL ANDERSON (V.O.)
Hammer. This is Admiral Anderson. The Reaper ground forces are making a push. Hold your ground. Protect those tanks until we can get a shot.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
You heard him, people. Get ready.
LEONARD MITCHELL
On it.
In the distance, fireballs rain from the sky and Reapers emerge from the explosions.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(To his men)
Spread out, take cover, watch each other’s backs. That’s an order. (To Desiree) You, on me.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Right behind you.
The men get into position. Leonard and Desiree duck behind a car and wait. Reapers approach.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Here they come!
Leonard’s unit, Shepard’s team, and Hammer unit all engage the Reapers. (In the background, the destroyer is shooting at units further up and walking slowing towards them. The Reaper horn can be heard throughout, and the red beam fires above them between the buildings on some occasions.)
Two more of Leonard’s men fall to brutes. Leonard takes out the brutes and covers both his men and Shepard’s team. Desiree tugs at him to fallback, but Shepard’s team doesn’t move.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Stay here!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
We’ll be surrounded!
LEONARD MITCHELL
Hold the line! These are the only tanks we got! We have to give ourselves a chance!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Shocked)
Okay! But that bath water better be really hot! Not that mildly hot water you like!
She takes out some Reaper forces.
LEONARD MITCHELL
The bath water!? That’s what you’re worried about!?
He takes out some Reaper forces.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I really want to make it to that hot bath!
They both continue firing. The rest of the soldiers are taking a stand, but Leonard’s unit is slowly dwindling. He’s down to 5 soldiers. More Reaper forces enter from the left.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Left flank! Watch the left flank!
SOLDIER 17 (V.O.)
Commander. We tried to hold them off, but they destroyed our tanks. Overwhelmed our position. Your left flank is gone. They’re headed your way.
The men move over from their positions to fire at the Reapers. A banshee screeches.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Not again!
Shepard’s team takes out the banshees. The block is swarming with Reapers.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
We really should’ve invest into more biotic powers!
LEONARD MITCHELL
Complain about it later! Keep shooting!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Watch your tone!
Leonard screams as he shoots another wave of Reapers down.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Side-eyes Leonard)
I’m going to pretend you weren’t screaming at me!
Shepard’s team goes back over to the trucks and Shepard works the console. Leonard’s team covers him. The Reaper destroyer is coming up to their block. Its laser is shooting through the buildings around them. The missiles fire from the tank but miss. Leonard’s 5 remaining men outside of Desiree fall to the ground frustrated and depleted emotionally and physically. Leonard watches as Shepard’s team gears up again. He walks over to his soldiers.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Picking them all up)
Another wave! Stand up! It’s not over! (Looks into one of their eyes) This is the moment. (Looks to another) This is the moment. (Looks to another) This is the moment. (Looks to the last one) This is the moment.
He comes back to Desiree.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(To all; fist raised)
This is the moment!
ALL
Hoo-ah!
Shepard turns to them and gives the thumbs up. Leonard returns the favor.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
We’re bringing it closer! Another wave is coming! Stay strong!
LEONARD MITCHELL
We won’t fall behind!
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Here they come!
A wave of brutes surrounds them. They all fight together as they take down one brute at a time. A harvester lands soon after and they take it out as well. The Reaper destroyer comes up to their block and begins firing down the street. Two more of Leonard’s men are taken down. Four banshee surround them. They continue fighting, ducking, dodging, attacking.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
There’s too many!
Shepard and Leonard continue shooting. The red beam from the Reaper destroyer slices through two of the banshees. Bullets are flying everywhere. The beam is altering the balance of the fight for both sides.
Shepard dashes towards the tank. Leonard’s unit covers him as best they can. They take out many more Reapers as they cover him. Shepard inputs a code and smashes his hand down on the console. The tank fires its missiles and they hit the Reaper destroyer directly. Then, more missiles come in from different directions and destroy the destroyer.
They all watch as the Reaper destroyer falls to the ground unable to function. The men cheer and then go to finish off the startled Reaper forces. Once the block is cleared and the Reapers retreat, Leonard sits down with Desiree and sighs, exhausted. Shepard walks over to them.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Not bad, soldier.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Panting)
I told you, I’d show you how it’s done.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Chuckles)
You did. Get some rest. The rear flank is coming up soon.
Leonard nods. Desiree leans into him. They sit and wait as the trucks in the background come racing up to them.
INT. MAKO - NIGHT
After getting a little bit of rest as Shepard talked with Anderson, a MAKO truck pulls up to Leonard’s unit of four. The driver opens the door. There are only two drivers inside.
DRIVER 3
We’re headed towards the beam. All of the Reaper ships seem to be gathering there. Some are even coming from space. We’ll go on ahead to secure a route. You should come with us. Commander Shepard and Admiral Anderson won’t be far behind. Come on.
Leonard’s unit rises to their feet and enters the truck. Leonard turns and looks at Commander Shepard and Admiral Anderson one last time. He nods and closes the door. The truck takes off.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Aren’t we less likely to be attacked on foot?
DRIVER 3
There’s a swarm of Reapers between here and that beam. Trust me, with the turret still able to mow them down, this’ll be far better for you than on foot. This guy here has saved quite a bit of people on our way up here.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Alright. Sounds good.
DRIVER 4
You guys sound winded. Was it bad?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Worse.
DRIVER 4
Well I guess I should be glad you’re alive. The original crew with us didn’t make it. They went on foot to clear the road. We got ambushed, and they were killed.
LEONARD MITCHELL
That’s unfortunate.
DRIVER 3
It’s expected.
DRIVER 4
Yeah... We didn’t think we’d make it this far. We’re usually the main targets. You saw what they did to the tanks.
LEONARD MITCHELL
They nearly leveled the entire block we were on to take out the tanks.
DRIVER 4
Exactly. This guy managed to dodge a lot of close calls. I’m just taking out as many as I can before our luck runs out.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Well now that we’re here, hopefully it won’t run out for a good while.
DRIVER 3
Here’s to hoping.
The drivers take them closer to the beam.
EXT. HILL - NIGHT
The MAKO pulls up to the hill just above the beam.
MONTAGE
INT. MAKO -
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Pointing)
Look out!
EXT. - A beam from Harbinger skids just in front of the truck. The driver swerves out of the way and crashes into rubble.
INT. -
DRIVER 3
(Flustered)
Oh my goodness that was close!
DRIVER 4
(Lifts hands, relieved)
Hoooo, luck strikes again.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Tapping driver)
Back up before it recharges!
DRIVER 3
I’m on it!
The driver backs the truck up. The other driver controls the turret and begins firing on every Reaper he sees.
EXT. - Behind them, everyone charges towards the beam. Harbinger blasts everything in the area away with multiple beams.
INT. - Leonard watches other vehicles getting targeted. The driver pulls back up to the top of the hill. Leonard sees Shepard and Anderson making a push for the beam.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Tapping driver; pointing)
Let’s go!
DRIVER 3
Alright! Here we go!
EXT. - The driver pushes the truck down the hill. More and more vehicles are getting blown up all around them.
INT. -
LEONARD MITCHELL
Don’t drive in a straight line! Zig-zag!
DRIVER 3
I don’t want to hit anyone trying to make a run for it!
LEONARD MITCHELL
We’ll get shot if you don’t!
EXT. - Beams fire from all directions as Harbinger attacks.
INT. -
DRIVER 3
(Looking)
There’s Commander Shepard!
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Pointing ahead)
Look!
END OF MONTAGE
Red Reaper beam strikes the tires of the MAKO and flips it over just before the beam to portal to the Citadel. Harbinger continues to fire on all those approaching as the wheels on the truck come to stop.
EXT. HILL - NIGHT
Leonard wakes up to find everyone else unconscious or struggling to move. He shoots his way out of the MAKO. He crawls out and helps Desiree get out as well. She seems fine.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Babe, you alright?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Yeah. (Grunts) I’m fine. Just bruised.
Leonard looks up to the white beam heading up to the Citadel in space.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Come on. We’re almost there.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Alright.
They dart out in front of everyone only to find a beam shooting just above their heads. The explosion sends them flying in two separate directions.
EXT. CITADEL PORTAL -- NIGHT
Leonard wakes with his back propped up against some box, unsure of how he got there. He looks up and sees Shepard limping his way towards the beam. He tries to help but falls unconscious.
Desiree rises up in the distance and sees husks coming for Leonard and Shepard. She covers them as Shepard goes past Leonard. Shepard takes out a Marauder just before going into the beam. She sees Leonard passed out against the box. She rushes towards him without any concern for the Reapers. She covers him until help arrives. Reaper ships begin to head towards space.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Evelyn continues to write on her tablet. She then stops when she notices Leonard has stopped talking.
EVELYN TURNER
Do you remember what happened afterwards?
LEONARD MITCHELL
No. From what Dez told me, the Crucible was activated and the Reapers retreated. Some were destroyed, others... well... you see what they are now.
EVELYN TURNER
There are three beliefs. One is that all Reapers were destroyed. One is that the remaining Reapers fled into dark space. The last is that some Reapers have wired their coding into them with nanites and they hear the Reapers’ thoughts and know their minds.
LEONARD MITCHELL
That last one is psychotic.
EVELYN TURNER
I would normally agree. Except there is evidence of Reapers nanites being found in certain people. Also, the repairs of the Mass Effect Relays, which are Reaper technology, are going quite smooth.
LEONARD MITCHELL
They say Shepard helped some deceased scientist discover how the Citadel and Mass Effect Relays worked and that the scientist shared his research with everyone before he passed away.
EVELYN TURNER
Well speculations are simply that. Whether the repair on Reaper tech is due to the information given by the Reaper nanites or the effort of Commander Shepard and a deceased scientist is irrelevant. What is relevant is that the Mass Effect Relays are being repaired. Life, as we once knew it, is being returned to normal.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Snickering)
Whatever that means.
EVELYN TURNER
Point is, Lieutenant Colonel, there hasn't been an active Reaper sighting in over two years.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Standoff-ish)
Yeah, well, forgive me for not wanting to believe that.
EVELYN TURNER
That's exactly why you're here, Lieutenant Colonel. You have to let the war go. It's over.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Defensive)
It's over for those who want to dream. I don't. Cerberus is still out there. They could've found a way to activate one. You know the research they found in their base in France. I told you they were working with Reaper tech.
EVELYN TURNER
That's still speculation. Plus, there is evidence in the reports recovered from Admiral Hackett, Anderson, and Commander Shepard that says otherwise.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Do they? The Reapers were just speculation before. They have technologies we can’t even begin to understand. For all we know, everyone’s indoctrinated and the nanites are just slowly eating away at us until they can turn us into husks.
EVELYN TURNER
There is no sign of indoctrinations at all. Cerberus was destroyed just before the Reapers. The Geth were destroyed by the Quarians. There are no synthetics left. All of them were destroyed and their physical bodies lie dormant under constant surveillance at storage bases. Everything is fine now.
LEONARD MITCHELL
No, the leader of Cerberus was killed. They’re like any gang. It only takes on of them to regrow their whole faction, and you know full well we’ve already started reactivating some synthetics, some of them are Reapers too.
EVELYN TURNER
Lieutenant Colonel...
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Erratic)
What!? Is it so farfetched to believe that they'll come back!? We got caught with our pants down once, we can't let it happen again!
EVELYN TURNER
(Signals him to stop)
Okay, okay. I understand your reasoning... but Mrs. Mitchell wants her husband back, I'm sure.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Thinking)
Yeah.
EVELYN TURNER
This can't be healthy for you. What can you do about it even if you are right?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Thinking)
There's something. I know there is.
EVELYN TURNER
Take your mind off Reapers and Cerberus for a moment, and focus on the immediate issue. The krogan were rumored to have cured the genophage, one prothean is rumored to be alive and the possibility of more being alive could be discovered soon, and it’s only a matter of time before they become the next biggest threat in the galaxy. We need to be ready for when their populations increases.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I find it strange that we would consider them a threat when they came to our planet to help us save it. They didn’t just sit on the sideline, waiting to see what we’d do. At some point we have to trust that they have grown as a people.
EVELYN TURNER
It doesn’t take much for people to revert, but that’s- again, speculation. What we need to focus on is you. I think it would be a great idea to take some time to spend with your wife. Perhaps, take another honeymoon.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I disagree, but I’m guessing if I do, that means I won’t be returning to duty just yet.
EVELYN TURNER
We’ve had a lot of Alliance soldiers go rogue trying to find Reapers or traces of Cerberus. The amount of ships stolen and acts of insubordination are higher than we’ve ever seen, and right when we need to be rebuilding our defenses and reaching out to our colonies. You understand the Alliance’s caution?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yes, ma’am.
EVELYN TURNER
Then, you understand why I feel more inclined to appoint another session before we clear you fit for duty?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Sighs)
Yes, ma’am.
EVELYN TURNER
This is standard. Hardly anyone has gone without two sessions. It won’t be so long before you’re back in uniform. As a Lieutenant Colonel, you’ll be needed back a lot sooner than most.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Okay.
EVELYN TURNER
Take what I said into consideration. I’ll schedule your final appointment for same time next week. Spend these next days with your wife. It’ll do you some good.
LEONARD MITCHELL
She’ll probably be busy restoring order to society.
EVELYN TURNER
Then join her. Volunteers are needed and seeing their current condition will perhaps focus you on the immediate issues.
Leonard glares.
EVELYN TURNER
It’s a good thing, to help those in need. Regardless of the presence or absence of Reapers, they are not on earth, we can not get to them, and there’s no way to track them. What you can do is help those that you see struggling. Your neighbors, your community, your wife. They need you, they can be reached, and they can be helped.
LEONARD MITCHELL
...True...
EVELYN TURNER
This isn’t a loss. This is standard. You’ll be back in service soon. Considering your position, you’ll probably be promoted as soon as you get back. All officers are top priority. We just need you to be here with us working on our defenses, recovering our colonies, and reestablishing the chain of command.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yes, ma’am.
EVELYN TURNER
So... take this time off. Be with your wife, settle your feet on the here and now, and before you know it, you’ll be back with Alliance serving in whatever rank they promote you to.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I certainly hope so. This break hasn’t been great.
Evelyn turns off the recorder.
EVELYN TURNER
How long has it been?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I haven’t been allowed to return yet. They keep saying I’ll be there, but they keep pushing back the date for whatever reason.
EVELYN TURNER
Patience is need. It’s not everyday you rebuild after a Reaper invasion. This is literally the first time that has happened, as far as we know.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I know... It’s just weird being here... The winds still sound like the subtle cries of the people long gone... including Admiral Anderson and Commander Shepard...
EVELYN TURNER
Take it from me, your break will shorter than most. You seem sound in mind, so I’m not worried. The second therapy session is mandatory, trust me.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Okay.
EVELYN TURNER
Some men I’ve had to remove from the Alliance altogether. You are nowhere near as bad as you could be. Hopefully you’ll see the hope in that.
The two smile. Evelyn stands and reaches out her hand. Leonard stands and shakes her hand.
EVELYN TURNER
Have a great week.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You too.
Leonard goes to leave.
EVELYN TURNER
Oh, Lieutenant Commander?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Turns to her)
Yes?
EVELYN TURNER
What was the gift Admiral Anderson left to you?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Oh... he left me his Rank as a promotion. He personally signed the paperwork and wrote out a report. Then, he left me credit at a baby store, which didn’t reopen as he had hoped...
EVELYN TURNER
Oh... I’m sorry to hear. That sounds sweet.
LEONARD MITCHELL
It was... That’s how I’ll always remember him. Even in the middle of a war, he found a way to prove to me how much he had grown to trust me. Trusted me to lead, and trusted my marriage to grow into a family. He had more faith in me than I deserved.
EVELYN TURNER
Faith, is a strange thing...
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yeah... strange indeed...
Leonard leaves.
INT. SHOPPING CENTER -- DAY (OPTIONAL)
Leonard walks through a small shopping center with light traffic. Unaware to him, Garrus and Tali watch him. He approaches a screen where a voice calls out to him. It is EDI, who sounds like the female Commander Shepard.
EDI (V.O.)
Good afternoon, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard Mitchell. This is EDI, from the Normandy.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Confused)
What- How did you find me?
EDI (V.O.)
We searched your background in the Alliance database. We noticed that Anderson left you, and only you, with a signed recommendation for promotion to Admiral.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yeah... but why do you care? Why are you looking at my files?
EDI (V.O.)
Trustworthy men are in short supply, Lieutenant Colonel. We are looking to build a team up and investigate the disappearance of Reapers.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You don’t know what happened? I thought Shepard destroyed them all.
EDI (V.O.)
I can’t provide you with anymore information. If you want to find out more, you’ll have to come with us.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Us?
Garrus walks up behind Leonard.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Reports say you don't believe the Reapers are gone?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I don't.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
What if I told you there's evidence that you're right?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I wouldn't be surprised. I’d say put me in the position to do something about it.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Good. Then you need to come with us, and see just how much we've dug up in the past months. Once the Mass Effect Relays are activated, the whole galaxy is going to be in an uproar. We want to get ahead of this.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Hmm... I see.
Garrus hands him a motorcycle helmet with black paint spread across the visor.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Put this on. We can't have you giving out the location of our hangar. The Commander wouldn’t want that.
LEONARD MITCHELL
He's alive?
GARRUS VAKARIAN
He's getting there. Come with us. Don't even say goodbye. EDI, cut transmission.
EDI (V.O.)
Affirmative.
EDI returns the screen back to the advertisement it was displaying. Tali walks up to them.
TALI VAS NORMANDY
Has he agreed?
GARRUS VAKARIAN
He’s agreed to see what we’re talking about. That’s it for now.
TALI VAS NORMANDY
That’s good enough for now, I guess.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Our ride is almost here. Put the helmet on.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Okay.
Leonard puts the helmet on.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
You’ll get used to it. Used to us. This is how we’re going to operate for now. Keep a low profile, only letting a select few in.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Understandable.
Garrus and Tali grab Leonard’s arms and escort him to the Normandy.
INT. NORMANDY - DAY (OPTIONAL)
Garrus pulls Leonard down from a shuttle and makes sure he stands firmly.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
You can take off that helmet now.
Leonard takes off his helmet. He sees the Normandy’s hangar.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Thanks.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Let’s go.
He opens the door and leads Leonard into the hangar and then they walk through the ship. There are patches in the walls where work needs to be done.
CUT TO:
They come to the main deck. It is empty. Very few people are working in it. They walk him to the right.
CUT TO:
They go to the conference room and there, Shepard turns to see him. He is wearing a helmet again. He is covered in armor. He looks Leonard up and down and nods.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
I'm waiting for my body to heal. This suit is supposed to help me with that.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You didn’t die with the Citadel?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Afraid not, though you can’t say I didn’t try.
LEONARD MITCHELL
So what happened? What do you know?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
I don’t know. It was so strange. I used the Crucible to eliminate all synthetics across the galaxy. I thought that would’ve ended the war...
There’s a pause.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
But then the Normandy crew found me- hospitalized. They wouldn’t have been able to do it without EDI. And now EDI is alive.
EDI (V.O.)
You sound disappointed, Shepard.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
No... just... confused. The Citadel and Crucible are heavily damaged. The Mass Effect Relays are still under repair. Everything the Reapers controlled is destroyed or dismantled, but still... synthetics are alive... What actually happened?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I wish I could tell you, but I don’t know. I haven’t been able to get back into the Alliance all this time. I’ve been given the run-around up til now. And I’m sure there’s still more dancing to come. What I can tell you is that there are rumors that all of the Reaper forces weren’t destroyed. Some believe they retreated, and others believe they fused with people. What happened on the Citadel is all rumors. And that scares me. There wasn’t a solid response.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
The Reapers aren't completely gone. Not by a long shot. If EDI is still functioning...
EDI (V.O.)
I, for one, am happy to be still alive.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Not now, EDI. (To Leonard) We’ve spent the past year listening to the communication lines of the Alliance Fleet. There’s a lot going on in the galaxy, and everyone is just about ready to reconnect the Mass Effect Relays. When that happens, we think what really happened on that ship will come to light. We need the right people with us just in case this all goes south.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
And it can go south in many ways.
LEONARD MITCHELL
No rest for the heroes, I guess.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Doesn’t seem like it. Which is why this is an offer, and not a order. If you don’t want to be a part of this, you can go. But you have to let us know now.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
No time to think it over.
TALI VAS NORMANDY
Many home worlds are at stake.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Say no more... where do I point my gun?
END
Would you have watched and enjoyed this movie? Let me know.
The Novelist Dario
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