The Asteroid

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE - OUTER EDGES OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM - PERPETUAL

NIGHT

An ASTEROID silently floats through the nothingness of

space. Suddenly, its crater eyes flicker to life with an

orange light, radiating from within. The ASTEROID looks

around in wonder at the Universe surrounding it.

Suddenly the sound of STATIC crackles around the Asteroid.

The STATIC begins to decode itself as radio and television

signals. The Asteroid turns its attention toward the source,

and with its huge eyes, spots Earth far in the distance.

INT. NASA DATA LAB - DAY

There is a BUZZ as EVERYONE is going about the room working

on some new data involving an asteroid.

MR. MELNYK enters, carrying a cup of coffee. He turns to his

assistant AMANDA, who crosses over to him carrying a

clipboard.

MR. MELNYK

What's the latest on the asteroid?

Amanda hands him the clipboard.

AMANDA

It seems that our estimates were

correct. We still have time, but if

we don't act soon, it's certainly

going to strike.

MR. MELNYK

Well then, let's start working on a

way to redirect it. I'll send out

word to the other branches so we can

start work on a solution.

MR. MELNYK makes his way to a radio transmitter, and starts

sending out the message.

EXT. SPACE - OUTER EDGES OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM - PERPETUAL

NIGHT

The Asteroid is still floating peacefully through space when

suddenly, more STATIC crackles from Earth. The Asteroid

concentrates, and the static decodes itself into sound.

MR. MELNYK

(via static)

Alert! Alert! We have an asteroid

headed for Earth.

RECEIVER

(static)

Copy that. Fax me the status?

Suddenly, the sound of a FAX MACHINE. The Asteroid sees more

waves of STATIC approaching. The Asteroid narrows its eyes

in concentration, and the static transforms itself into the

words from a document, free floating in the Universe ahead

of it. The Asteroid glances over the document, and we PUSH

IN on the words: POTENTIAL GLOBAL EXTINCTION.

MR. MELNYK

(via signal)

We have to act fast, or everybody on

Earth is going to die.

The Asteroid gives a shocked cry of STATIC, and tries to

throw itself off course with its own weight. Unfortunately,

this does nothing, and it stays rooted to its path.

INTER-CUT WITH INT. NASA DATA LAB - MORNING

Mr. Melnyk is sitting quietly at the receiver. The receiver

is turned off.

Amanda - who's at another work station - turns to Mr.

Melnyk.

AMANDA

Sir. We've just received a

transmission from the Asteroid.

The Asteroid hears this and looks up, an expression of

thoughtfulness on the its face. It opens its mouth again,

releasing more STATIC into space.

AMANDA (cont'd)

There it is again. It seems to be

transmitting at the same frequencies

we are, using the same coding format.

MR. MELNYK

What are you saying? That something

on the asteroid is actually trying to

communicate with us?

2.

AMANDA

It appears that way. If we turn on

the radio, we should be able to be

receive these signals as sound.

Mr. Melnyk reaches for the receiver.

MR. MELNYK

Well then, let's see what it's trying

to say.

Mr. Melnyk turns on the receiver, and static bursts through.

Mr. Melnyk tunes it and it starts to translate itself into

actual words.

ASTEROID

(Via transmitter)

Hello, hello, is this mother Earth?

MR. MELNYK

Hello? Who is this? How did you get

onto the asteroid?

ASTEROID

Oh thank goodness, Mother Earth.

Yeah, hi, I'm the asteroid you've

been signaling about, and I got onto

the Asteroid because... I'm the

Asteroid.

Mr. Melnyk and Amanda exchange glances.

MR. MELNYK

You say you're the asteroid?

ASTEROID

Yes. And who is this? Mother Earth?

MR. MELNYK

Uh, no, celestial bodies don't

typically show signs of... sentience.

(Beat)

What do you want?

ASTEROID

First of all, big fan. Second, I'd

like to ask for the hotline for

asteroids who don't want to hit

Earth, because I don't want to hit

Earth, and... is a way we could not

do that? Because you guys got a neat

thing going on down there, and I

really don't want to mess it up.

3.

MR. MELNYK

Uh... Uh Asteroid, we actually have

it under control.

Mr. Melnyk releases the transmitter and looks at Amanda.

MR. MELNYK (cont'd)

Well, we can't very well blow it up

if this is life we're dealing with.

Mr. Melnyk sighs and turns back on the transmitter.

MR. MELNYK (cont'd)

Hey, uh, Asteroid, we've decided that

if we take advantage of the way light

affects certain colors, and paint

half of, uh, you a different color,

we should be able to redirect your

path.

ASTEROID

You mean it? You mean I'm not a

threat?

MR. MELNYK

Not if we act fast.

ASTEROID

Oh thank you, Mr. Melnyk, you're

awesome.

The transmitter goes silent, and Mr. Melnyk scratches his

head. Amanda looks at him.

AMANDA

Are you sure about this? The way

wavelengths are absorbed and

reflected by different colors - it

might deflect the asteroid a little -

but will it be enough?

MR. MELNYK

It's going to have to be. In the

vastness of space, even the slightest

alteration can make all the

difference.

Finally, Mr. Melnyk stands up to address his CREW.

MR. MELNYK (cont'd)

Okay everybody, get word to the

public about this.

(MORE)

4.

Start gathering as much paint as you

MR. MELNYK (cont'd)

can. We have an Asteroid to deflect.

INT. RECORDING ROOM - DAY

Mr. Melnyk stand in front of a camera, speaking passionately

for Live-News. The AUDIO is silent.

INT. HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Shows a FAMILY finish painting a bedroom, they look at the

remaining cans of paint.

INT. POST OFFICE - DAY

A GRANDMA stands at the register with a BIG BOX.

GRANDMA

I'd like to send this to NASA please.

INT. HOME DEPOT - DAY

Mr. Melnyk stands at the check-out lane with cans of paint

lined up, and stacked high.

CASHIER

Big painting project this weekend?

Mr. Melnyk looks at the Cashier and gives a silent chuckle.

EXT. NASA ROCKET LAUNCH PAD - DAY

PEOPLE and VEHICLES are carting cans of paint toward a large

line of rockets on the Launch Pad.

INT. NASA LAUNCH ROOM - DAY

Mr. Melnyk stands looking at the monitors before him. The

rockets have now been loaded.

MR. MELNYK

Begin the countdown.

5.

EXT. JUST OUTSIDE OF EARTH - PERPETUAL NIGHT

Shows the rockets blasting through the Earth's atmosphere,

heading in the direction of the Asteroid.

EXT. SPACE - MID SOLAR SYSTEM - PERPETUAL NIGHT

The Asteroid looks at Earth in the distance, and smiles.

ASTEROID

You did it! The paint is coming! I'm

not going to hit Earth!

MR. MELNYK

Not if things go according to plan.

ASTEROID

Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!

You are the greatest person ever!

From this day forward, I'm always

going to remember my best friend as

Mr. Melnyk.

INT. NASA DATA LAB - DAY

Mr. Melnyk looks from the silent transmitter, then to

Amanda. Finally, he stands up.

MR. MELNYK

Well, everyone, during the course of

the next few weeks, we're going to

have to keep an eye on the rockets,

but at the moment, the mission

appears to be going according to

plan.

Sitting back down, Amanda looks at him.

AMANDA

So...? How's it feel to be best chums

with an Asteroid.

Mr. Melnyk feigns annoyance.

MR. MELNYK

Get back to work.

But as Amanda returns to her duties, a slight smile appears

across his stressed features.

6.

INTER-CUT WITH EXT. SPACE - MID-INTERIOR SOLAR SYSTEM -

PERPETUAL NIGHT

The Asteroid is floating through space when the ROCKETS

contain paint become visible in the distance.

ASTEROID

Is that my paint?! Is it here?!

MR. MELNYK

(Via Signal)

Affirmative. Prepare to be painted.

As he's working, Amanda approaches Mr. Melnyk and taps him

on the shoulder.

AMANDA

Excuse me sir. I'm aware this may be

a bad time, but my son is working on

a project for his Cub Scouts. He

needs to visit one of his parents

workplaces...

Mr. Melnyk turns off the speaker and looks at Amanda.

MR. MELNYK

I'm a bit busy right now, but sure,

go ahead. As long as he doesn't

interfere with our work here, I'm all

good with it.

The Rockets draw closer to the Asteroid, and the Asteroid

begins to quiver with excitement.

ASTEROID

My package! I can't wait! I'm not

going to kill Earth!

MR. MELNYK

I know. Now calm down, I'm starting

to pick up internal instability

within you.

ASTEROID

It's just excitement. I can't believe

we're really going to save Earth.

Where going to save-

Mr. Melnyk looks at a monitor. The readings are rising.

MR. MELNYK

Uh, Asteroid...?

7.

ASTEROID (CONT.)

Earth!

Upon the release of the word, a burst of energy erupts from

the Asteroid's mouth. The current ripples through space, and

collides with the oncoming space-craft. The rockets' lights

flicker off, and they go dark.

AMANDA

Mr. Melnyk, our rockets have just hit

a strong energy field.

MR. MELNYK

What? What do you mean?

AMANDA

The rockets, they've been disabled

sir. We can't open the paint doors

without a signal.

The Asteroid hears these words, and its face drops.

NASA WORKER

It was that Asteroid. It wants to hit

Earth. It was just pretending to want

to help us to boost its reputation.

MR. MELNYK

No. I'll talk with the Asteroid.

(Pause) Asteroid, do you hear me?

ASTEROID

Yes. (Beat) Is it true? Do I really

want to kill the people of Earth

MR. MELNYK

No. I think... I think you're...

Listen, we only have a little bit of

time left, but we can still do this,

you got it?

ASTEROID

I... I guess.

MR. MELNYK

(Addressing room)

We're going to try this again. Let

the public know, we need more paint.

The Asteroid tones out the rest, and stares blankly at the

Earth in the distance.

8.

EXT. SIDEWALK - DAY

A MAN is standing with a MICROPHONE held up to his mouth.

MAN

Do I think there's really an Asteroid

headed for Earth? No, it's all just a

conspiracy. The Government wants to

take away our paints because they

don't like the color I painted my

room last fall.

EXT. OUTSIDE STORE - DAY

A riot is going on outside of a store as PEOPLE try to break

in.

RIOTER

If we're all going to die, I say I

deserve some High Definition

Television first.

They throw a rock through the window, and start scrambling

in, and carrying stuff out.

INT. SECRET CAL BASE - DAY

A counsel sits around a table with SUPREME DICTATOR at the

head.

SUPREME DICTATOR

No Asteroid is going to destroy Earth

before we do it first.

INT. NEWS STATION - DAY

NEWS REPORTER ANGRY stands in front of footage depicting a

large explosion.

NEWS REPORTER ANGRY

Rioting on the streets, raiding more

common then ever, and now, the

mysterious organization CAL has

declared war on the world. It remains

to be seen whether NASA can prevent

this Asteroid from striking in time,

or if our planet is doomed to fall to

crime and extinction.

9.

INT. NASA DATA LAB - DAY

Amanda stands looking at the monitors.

AMANDA

We're going to have to send out the

nukes. If we wait any longer, it's

going to be too late.

Mr. Melnyk looks at the control panel conflicted, tightening

his fist. Finally--

MR. MELNYK

We can't do that.

Amanda takes a deep breath.

AMANDA

Listen, I understand about the

asteroid, I really do, but I have a

son to protect, I can't let it go

down like this.

Mr. Melnyk looks at the control panel, the cover to the

emergency button open, waiting to be pressed. He hesitates.

Then--

MR. MELNYK

We can do this.

With that, he drops the lid back down and turns to exit the

room. As he goes, Amanda watches after him.

EXT. SPACE - INTERIOR SOLAR SYSTEM - PERPETUAL NIGHT

The Asteroid floats through space, the news footage playing

before it. After a moment, it blinks out revealing the Earth

behind it, slowly growing closer in the distance.

ASTEROID

How can...? But I thought people were

good.

Suddenly there is the sound of STATIC, and Mr. Melnyk

CRACKLES on the line.

MR. MELNYK

Okay, after our little setback, we've

managed to recollected the paint we

need. If we act fast-

10.

ASTEROID

No!

MR. MELNYK

No what?

ASTEROID

I saw you guys. On TV. I thought you

humans were good, but now... Maybe

this has been my purpose was all

along, and I've just been denying it.

Maybe that's the reason I

"accidentally" stalled those rockets,

because maybe deep down inside, I

knew. If my purpose is to destroy

Earth, I'm done fighting it.

MR. MELNYK

Hey, listen to yourself. We can talk

through this, okay?

ASTEROID

No, you only care about yourself.

That's what all you humans are like.

Why should I listen to you fighting

for you?

Mr. Melnyk looks hurt by these words.

MR. MELNYK

We don't have time for this.

(Sigh)

Say what you like, I'm sending up the

rockets.

Mr. Melnyk prepares his hand over the controls--

ASTEROID

No!

With the cry, the Asteroid sends a huge electric pulse. The

pulse hurtles toward Earth, crashing into Florida and the

surrounding areas causing an enormous blackout.

INT. NASA DATA LAB - DAY

Mr. Melnyk sits in the dark room, staring blankly at the

dead controls. He messes with the radio. Nothing. Mr. Melnyk

turns to his CREW, leaving the radio turned to "ON".

MR. MELNYK

Go to backup generators.

11.

NASA WORKER

We can't, the power surge killed our

backup generators too.

MR. MELNYK

I want number one priority to be on

turning the power back on. We have to

stop that asteroid--

(hesitates)

No matter the cost.

EXT. SPACE - INTERIOR SOLAR SYSTEM - PERPETUAL NIGHT

The Asteroid looks at the planet Earth, guilt upon its face.

ASTEROID

Mr. Melnyk? Mr. Melnyk (Pause) What

have I done?

EXT. EARTH - DAY

Shows PEOPLE looking up to see a bright star visible in the

sky. Over the next few days, the star grows bigger and

bigger.

INT. NASA HALLWAY - DAY

The crews are BUZZING about trying to restore electricity. A

BOY carrying a CAT who clings to him tighter and tighter at

the NOISE of the station is making his way through the

crowd. He looks at an EMPLOYEE in passing.

BOY

Have you seen my mother?

The Employee continues without even looking his way. The boy

turns to another.

BOY (cont'd)

Have you seen my mother?

No response. The boy looks down the dark crowded hallway.

The cat suddenly digs its claws into him, and the boy gives

a YELP. He looks at the wide-eyed cat and holds it closer.

BOY (cont'd)

Don't worry, we'll be okay.

12.

INT. NASA - DAY

The BUZZING continues, when finally an ELECTRICIAN hits a

switch, and the lights flicker on. Mr. Melnyk rushes into

the data lab.

INT. NASA DATA LAB - DAY

MR. MELNYK

Amanda, check the progress on the

Asteroid.

AMANDA

(Typing)

It's not good. According to our

readings, the Asteroid is less than a

few hours away.

Mr. Melnyk stand there silently. Then...

MR. MELNYK

Send word to the public. They have

the right to know.

The Boy enters the room, still carrying the cat.

BOY

Mom! Look what I--

MR. MELNYK (CONT.)

(Not noticing boy)

The Earth is going to be destroyed.

Suddenly, the Boy goes dead silent. The emergency lights

flicker back on with the backup generators, just as he

collapses to his knees in the doorway. Amanda looks up at

him.

AMANDA

Baby?

MR. MELNYK

Oh Amanda, why did you have to bring

your child today?

Amanda rushes to her child and kneels beside him. As she

does this, the camera turns to the radio, still set to "ON".

13.

INTER-CUT WITH EXT. SPACE - EARTH'S ORBIT - PERPETUAL NIGHT

The Asteroid is quickly approaching Earth, guilt still

written on its face, when STATIC arrives decoding into the

words being exchanged at NASA.

BOY

(Tears in Eyes)

Is it true? Is the Earth going to be

destroyed?

Amanda looks at her son in silence. Then...

AMANDA

Yes. Now put the cat down so I can

hold you.

BOY

(Looking up)

If we're all going to die, then this

lost kitty deserves to spend its last

few minutes in my arms.

As the Asteroid hears the boy say this, a crack EXPLODES

onto its surface.

ASTEROID

No!

The word bursts through Mr. Melnyk's radio, and he looks at

it. He rushes to it, speaking into it.

MR. MELNYK

What?

ASTEROID

I am not going to hit Earth.

EXT. PARK - DAY

People look up into the sky at the oncoming Asteroid, slowly

growing bigger. Families huddle together in fear.

MR. MELNYK (V.O.)

It's too late. You're going to strike

today, and no amount of paint is

going to change your course fast

enough to prevent it.

14.

INTER-CUT EXT. SPACE - EARTH'S ORBIT - PERPETUAL NIGHT

The Asteroid throws itself around, but is unable to redirect

its course.

ASTEROID

No!

MR. MELNYK

It's like you said. Earth is evil.

It's your purpose to kill us off. Is

that not what you said?

ASTEROID

No!

MR. MELNYK

Just stop it, okay? You've already

tried that. You're not going to do

anything, it's too late. I'm sorry,

but the Earth is as good as gone.

ASTEROID

NO!

With such distress the Asteroid gives this cry, that it

suddenly bursts a volcano upon it's surface, on the side

that is closest to Earth. The Asteroid notices this and goes

quiet. Then...

ASTEROID (cont'd)

I will not destroy Earth.

The Asteroid tenses itself up as much as possible.

ASTEROID (cont'd)

I will not destroy Earth!

The tension causes another volcano explodes on the same side

of its surface as the first, followed quickly by another.

ASTEROID (cont'd)

I will NOT destroy Earth!

Many more volcanoes explode, and the force of them starts to

push the Asteroid out of it's course like rockets.

Amanda, who has returned to her station, still holding her

child's hand, looks up at Mr. Melnyk.

AMANDA

Mr. Melnyk, sir. The Asteroid.

It's...

15.

Mr. Melnyk rushes to her side to look at the monitors.

MR. MELNYK

What?

AMANDA

It's the force. Of its volcanoes

erupting. They're changing its

course.

The Asteroid continues to erupt it's volcanoes, growing more

exhausted with every effort, repeating the same line over

and over.

ASTEROID

I will not destroy Earth, I will not

destroy Earth.

MR. MELNYK

(Staring at monitors)

It's not going to make it.

Mr. Melnyk rushes back to the radio.

MR. MELNYK (cont'd)

It's no use. You're not going to make

it.

ASTEROID

Yes I am!

MR. MELNYK

You're draining out all of your

energy. Why would you do this? You

said so yourself, people are evil.

ASTEROID

Not all of them. Even if all humans

grow up to be evil, not all of them

have grown to make that choice.

With one last burst of effort, the Asteroid erupts a final

volcano, altering its path to miss Earth just ever so

slightly.

The light begins to fade from the Asteroid's eyes as it

starts to pass by the planet.

ASTEROID (cont'd)

Mr. Melnyk?

MR. MELNYK

Yes?

16.

ASTEROID

Can you please show me what Earth is

like?

MR. MELNYK

Oh, of course.

Mr. Melnyk rushes to a computer, and finds a YouTube video

about the beauties of nature, culture, and the love of

family. He hits a switch to transmit it to the Asteroid.

The Asteroid watches the footage, a smile of peace coming

upon its face.

ASTEROID

Thank you Mr. Melnyk.

With that, the last light fades from the Asteroid's eyes and

it grows cold.

INT. NASA DATA LAB - SUNSET

Amanda looks up at Mr. Melnyk.

AMANDA

Mr. Melnyk sir, the asteroid has

managed to avoid hitting Earth, but

it wasn't fully able to regain its

escape velocity in the process.

BOY

What do you mean Mom? Does that mean

we're still going to die?

MR. MELNYK

No. But it looks like from here on

out, Earth is going to have a second

moon.

BOY

(To the cat)

Oh wow?! What are the other cub

scouts going to say when they hear

about how I got my badge? Huh kitty?

Mr. Melnyk smiles at the boy. Then he turns to face his

CREW.

MR. MELNYK

Okay everybody, we've had a bit of

long day. Why don't we all go home

and get some good rest, okay.

17.

The Crew makes agreement sounds. Mr. Melnyk sighs, and heads

out the door.

EXT. OUTSIDE NASA COMPOUND �" SUNSET

Mr. Melnyk walks along the path, hands in his pockets, deep

in thought. We pull out to reveal above him, Earth's 2nd

Moon in the beautifully lit sky.