Upload
the-crosspoint-universe
View
220
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
1/23
created
by
__________________________________________________________________________________
Episode One
Written by Thom Boulton
Copyright of Thom Boulton 2012
__________________________________________________________________________________
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
2/23
Scene OneThe University
Amongst the Trent University campus, Ben Prince walks in an aimless hope to find a man from aphotograph. He is asking countless students if they recognise the man pictured with his dead father.
Some students ignore him whilst others make excuses to continue on their own aimless course.
Eventually one of the students points Ben in the direction of a university block where he will find the
white bearded man in the photo. With the new discovery, Ben musters some form or direction and
follows the students directions. He enters a large building where he walks down several corridors and
staircases. He ends up in the basement room of the archaeology department. Once there he knocks
on the door but nobody replies. He enters as the door is unlocked and he begins to look around. There
are countless cages and shelves filled with artefacts and books. Ben stumbles across a man sleeping
at a desk next to his computer. Ben slows down and knocks on a nearby bookshelf to try and wake
the man up. The man is startled and wakes suddenly. It is the man in the photo although he has aged
some years and is now wearing glasses. He looks atBen in a confused manner.
BEN
Professor Novason?
The Professorlooks atBen, his confusion grows.
BEN
I'm looking for a Professor Novason.
The Professorturns in his chair and takes off his glasses. He puts on a different pair of frames and
stands up, moving to Ben to inspect him. He seems intrigued.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Well, class has finished for the summer and I don't recognise
your face from my lecture theatre.
He begins to move aroundBen, carefully inspecting him.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
You're of African descent, England born though. You mother
was white, you also have signs that you have been in a very
dusty environment. You're holding a photograph which I can
only assume relates to this encounter and therefore I must
believe you are here on personal business. So Ben... why are
you here?
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
3/23
Ben seems shocked thatthe Professorknows his name. Before he can ask how, the Professorflicks
Ben's name badge from his work uniform which is still attached to his jacket.
BEN
Okay, I get the name thing but that was still prettyimpressive.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Well thank you. I strive for impressing young men who I
have no idea how they got into my basement.
Ben raises his eyebrow.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Yes well perhaps that came out wrong.
The Professormoves to his bookshelves and begins searching through them for books. As he finds
ones he is after he removes them and places them in a perfect pile.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
You see son, I am a historian. I have walked the Giza strip
and dug in mud baths. Searched for dinosaur bones andpieced together entire civilisations from a few fragments of
bone and pottery. It is my job to be a detective and analyse
each source. I used what I could see and smell to work you
out. The only thing I can't figure out is your reason for being
here or why you what to meet me so badly. You're not from
the museum are you? Because if you are, I found the
dremlock sphere...
Ben holds his hands up to coolthe professordown.
BEN
Not at all. No. I'm here because I believe you knew my
father. Ruban Prince.
The old man is startled and has to retire to a couch that is carefully concealed behind the
bookshelves. Ben walks over to this location and takes his position next to a bookshelf.
BEN
Did you know him? Are you the man in this picture?
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
4/23
Ben shows the picture which contains the image of a bald black man stood next to Novason. They
have their arms around each other andthe Professoris pointing at a strange looking necklace on the
other man's neck.
PROFESSOR NOVASONThat's me alright and that, is definitely Ruban Prince. How is
Ruban?
BEN
Dead.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
I figured as much. Your father had an extra sense for danger.
Could sniff it out like you wouldn't believe. Always knewthough something would be odourless at some point.
BEN
It was a bullet. He didn't see a bullet coming. His killer was
never caught but the police believed that it was
premeditated. My father was a saint. I have no idea who
would want to kill him but still somebody decided he had
done something wrong.
PROFESSOR NOVASONI don't know what you've been told Ben but your father was
never short of enemies. Especially considering what he did...
Ben is baffled bythe Professor's statements.
BEN
I'm not here for a list of suspects. I'm here because I found
this amongst his possessions. It was pinned to the
photograph and on the back of the image it say's... 'find him,find me'. What is this?
He holds out his hand and the necklace drops down. It looks like a double-helix with a rare diamond
in the middle piece. Novason smirks as Ben shows him.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Ben is beginning to seem impatient.
BEN
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
5/23
Why don't you try me?
The Professorstands up and takes the necklace from Ben he holds it up to the light and as the light
shines through the gem it casts a rainbow across the room.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Your father was called Rubanza. He was Prince of the
Emoteh and first in line to be King.
BEN
My father was a Prince? Emoteh?
PROFESSOR NOVASONDo you want to listen to what I know or do you want to ask
questions?
Ben nods forNovason to continue.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Now... where was I.
The rainbow colours cast a blinding light which fills everyone's vision. The light clears and the story
Novason is telling is shown through an animation using African colours and themes.
PROFESSOR NOVASON [v/o]
Your father once told me of an old Emoteh legend that had
been told to him by his father, and his father before him and
so on. Some time, long ago, a demon creature known as The
Destroyer, terrorised man in its bid to become ruler of pan-
mortalis. One of the near-immortal beings, a dragon, took it
upon himself to protect humanity by defeating TheDestroyer. Hwedo, the African dragon king fought the
creature over both day and night but despite his best efforts
he became wounded. A local tribe of young humans hid the
King and kept him safe. He healed and regained his strength.
His battle continued and he killed The Destroyer. The
Dragons pulled the creature apart and smelted his remains
with gold. Hwedo blessed the tribe and honoured them by
giving them the eternal duty of guarding The Destroyer's
remains. In order for them to do this he bestowed upon
them a divine relic, a drop of dragon blood. With it they
would possess the transformation power of the dragon kind
and be able to keep The Destroyer imprisoned forever.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
6/23
The animation ends and returns to the basement with both Professor Novason andBen Prince.
PROFESSOR NOVASONWell... that's what they say anyway. That's what your father
told me. This necklace you see is the dragon blood from that
myth. It's supposed to be able to transform its user. I would
consider that necklace a family heirloom.
BEN
Can you tell me more about my father? About his people
and where my ancestry stems?
PROFESSOR NOVASON
I can. I'm not going to. Not today. You'll be back tomorrow.
We'll discuss more then.
BEN
No I have work tomorrow. Maybe next week? I'm free all
week.
Novason nods andBen leaves the room. The Professormutters under his breath.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
See you tomorrow.
END OF SCENE ONE
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
7/23
Scene TwoBen's Mothers House
In the attic stands Ben Prince and his white mother,Julia. She is a middle aged woman who emits theaura of a blonde bombshell. Ben is sifting through some old chests and boxes which are covered in
dust.Julia walks over to an old footstool and perches on the edge. She watches on whilstBen lifts
various items out of different boxes. At first he pulls out a sabre claw although he has no idea that it
is from a Sabre-tooth tiger. He continues to rummage and stumbles across a large cloak made out of
black material and lined with large black feathers. His final sift results in him finding a skull of a
creature which is unidentifiable. He puts them together in the middle of the attic and then casually
rests on the floor. He looks at his motherwho appears to be hiding something but won't reveal what.
Ben leans over and picks up a bottle of coca-cola which he begins to swig from.
BENSee at first when I found these items I figured they were 70's
trash or something. From you and Dad and the disco era.
Then I find this amazing necklace which almost captivates
me when I stare at it.
JULIA
We picked up so much rubbish when we toured the cities
Ben...
BEN
Yeah well, then I found this picture where a guy is pointing
at this necklace. Something, somewhere deep inside me told
me to find this man. Turns out that Professor Novason knew
dad. He said that this necklace was a family heirloom.
JULIA
Well if I remember right you're father said it was very old.
Maybe you should donate it to a museum or something. You
don't want an ancient piece lying around like that.
Ben stops and pulls out the item again. He holds it up and stares into the diamond centred within the
double helix. The light from the skylight shines through and illuminates the crystal once again.
Rainbow light pours across the room and beams ontoJulia's face. She closes her eyes. Suddenly the
light fills the room and a flashback scene begins. It is of a young Julia and the man from the
photograph, Ben's father. Ruban is wearing the black feathered cape, the skull as a helmet and the
sabre-claw as a glove. He also has a sword attached to his back. He is holdingJulia closely. The
flashback ends and returns to the attic.Julia opens her eyes and looks over at her son. She seems
upset and fearful but despite this talks to him.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
8/23
JULIA
Get rid of it Ben. I want you to get rid of it.
Ben snaps out of his staring competition with the gemstone and instead looks towards his mother.
His face reveals feelings of a child, captured by his mothers words yet hesitant to hear them.
BEN
What are you saying?
Julia stands up and heads over to one of the cupboards. As she approaches she removes a key from a
necklace around a chain around her neck. She unlocks one of the draws and slides it out. From the
draw she removes a dust covered journal wrapped in a red leather strap. She walks to Ben and hands
it to him. A tear runs down her cheek.
JULIA
Read this. Learn about him, learn about your father and that
damn heirloom. I just pray that what you find in there is a
desire to get rid of it and move as far away from your
father's path as possible.
Ben takes the book from his mother.
BEN
If you're so worried and determined for me not to keep it
then why give me the book? What's in it?
Julia pauses and turns away from herson. She closes her eyes and tries to hold in the raw emotion
and utter sadness that she feels.
JULIA
I cannot keep it from you Ben. It is your birthright and Imade a promise to your father. All I can do is hope that you
won't listen, won't read. It already cost me my husband, I
don't want to outlive my son as well.
Julia leans in and kisses Ben on the forehead. She composes herself and then walks down the wooden
stairs of the attic, leaving Ben alone. He holds the book up brushes the dust off the cover. It takes
several sweeps but eventually he reveals that etched on the front is a symbol. Two crossing lines
through a black sphere. He opens it and begins to read. Time passes, he reads more and more as he
paces through the attic. He sits and reads. He lies down and reads. Eventually as it is late and night,
he stops reading and closes the book. It is clear that he has read at least the first third of the book.
He rushes to the items on the floor and picks them up, studying them carefully.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
9/23
BEN [v/o]
When my father died I believed he had been murdered
because that's what happens. Some people kill, some
people rape. That's one end of the spectrum. On the other
end, some people are killed, some people are raped. This
world seems to need victims and I thought my fatherhappened to be one of those. After reading this book, a
book that if my mother hadn't seemed so reluctant to hand
me then I would have merely discarded it as bad fiction...
told a different story. My father wasn't a victim, he was a
hero, apparently. According to the book he had worn the
helix necklace, adorned the cape and claw and skull, and
transformed into a mystical creature. To be honest, I
thought it wreaked of shit. Maybe my dad was mentally ill.
Ben opens the book up again and turns to a double page which reveals a set of instructions for thetitled TRANSMUTATION. He carefully studies the passages.
BEN [v/o]
Still if my mother felt so strongly, I knew that I owed it to my
father to test whether he was insane or not. Were these just
ramblings of a mad man or were the legends that Novason
told me true? Dragons and blood and Destroyers. There was
only one way to find out.
Benpicks up the various items and puts them on himself. He sits the skull on his head and it carefully
locks into place. Next he wraps himself in the black feathered cape and finally he attaches his arm to
the sabre-claw. He puts the Helix around his neck and then continues to study the book carefully.
After a few moments he closes his eyes and begins to hum, he is thinking and in a deep
concentration.
BEN [v/o]
Blood runs deep, the heart beats, many paths merge into
one. The Dragon's command for this Imoogi to be awoken.
Ben's eyes shoot open and it is clear he has changed. His eyes are orange with feline black kite's as
pupils. His skin has become lightly scaled and turned to a beige pigment. As he steps back his whole
body can be seen. A 7ft tall, khaki/beige skinned reptilian with large feathered wings, sharp big cat
claws and a powerful tail. Ben's black hair can be seen on the beast as it flows down like long locks.
The creature roars and slashes it's claws about. The creature struggles to stand up and keep's
tripping over its feet. The wings begin to flap and eventually the creaturejumps and launches itself
out of the roof of the attic. It flies off poorly and after awhile crashes into another house roof.
END OF SCENE TWO
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
10/23
Scene ThreeDiego and Rice Bank, Trent City
Outside of Diego and Rice's Trent City branch several thieves are stood outside. The alarms aresounding as the men run towards an unmarked navy van. One of them is carrying a heavy silver case
that is handcuffed to a severed hand. They load the van up when suddenly from above, the creature
comes crashing down. It lands on the van and smashes the roof of the vehicle. When it stands up it
jumps onto the front of the van and breaks the engine, crushing it under its mighty three toed feet.
All the men freeze and gaze at the magnificentbeastas it comes to and realises where it is. The
creature tilts it's head and then roars viciously at the thieves. It launches itself off of the vehicle and
lands on-top of them. Two men who had previously been loading the vehicle rush to aid their
accomplices. They reveal sawn-off shotguns and aim high atthe creature. The beastswings it's
forearm claw and knocks the two men flying backwards. They both hit a building and die upon
impact, blood stains as their bodies slide down. The creature turns back to face the other men who
have managed somehow to crawl out from underneath it and re-group.
THUG 1
What the fuck is that thing? Is that a demon? Are we dead?
Are we in hell?
One of the thieves, the leader, knocks the outspoken man with his gun in a hint to shut up.
THUG 2That thing just killed two of our men and destroyed out
getaway vehicle. I suggest rather than pissing it off we get
the fuck out of here and report back to Van der Vort.
As the men run away and disappear, a young teenager can be spotted in the background recording
the incident on his mobile phone. He watches on as the creature jumps off the ground and flaps
vigorously as it flies off. The teenager's mouth has completely dropped.
TEENAGERAwesome.
The beastflies around in the night sky, looking like it has not flown for some time if ever at all.
Several police cars pull up at the entrance of the bank. One of the detectives that exits is a short
cloudy grey haired man with a moustache clung to his face. He is smoking a cigar and after a few
puffs disposes of the thing in the gutter. He heads over to the two bodies propped up against the
wall. Crime scene have arrived and are going snap happy as the detectives look around.
DETECTIVE BURNSWell, those two look fucked.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
11/23
The detective walks away and heads to the van. He inspects the crushed exterior. Looking inside he
sees that the money is still in there. The case is not in the van as it was being held by one of the men
who fled.
DETECTIVE BURNSWell, I'm confused. Who killed those two, scared off the
others, dented the van like a tank and at the same time left
the money inside? I want to thank whatever it was.
POLICE OFFICER
According to a witness and his video capture, it was... a
thing.
The Detective turns his head and stares at the officer.
DETECTIVE BURNS
A thing huh? What do you mean a thing? I have a thing. Was
it my thing? Was it the thing from the fantastic fucking four?
Be specific.
The police officer fumbles and stutters. He shows the detective the mobile phone and the video plays.
Burns watches in amazement as the incident is replayed.
DETECTIVE BURNS
You're kidding me. This is real? Get it to the station have
some whizz kid test it or something. I want to know what
the hell I'm dealing with.
A second officer run's over to the detective.
POLICE OFFICER 2Sir, I think you need to take this. We're getting reports over
the radio of sightings of a dragon-man. It's been sighted due
west from here.
DETECTIVE BURNS
Well? What's it doing?
The officer seems edged out by the presence ofthe detective.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
12/23
POLICE OFFICER 2
Um, flying. It's also attacked a man in an alleyway. Although
the man was believed to be trying to sexually assault the
unharmed female also found in the alleyway.
Burns rests his head into his hands. After a few seconds of composing himself he turns to the first
officer and give his orders.
DETECTIVE BURNS
Okay. Let's pretend this 'thing' is real. I want you to get on
the radio to every patrol car in Trent and have them watch
the skies and alleyways. Let's find this fucking 'thing'. Come
on. Go go go. For fuck's sake stupid...
Burns begins to ramble as he heads back to the patrol car. The two officers share a look of confusion
and shrug at each other. They dash off and join the others. The police car's speed off whilst one or
two remain to finish studying the scene.
END OF SCENE THREE
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
13/23
Scene FourThe University
In amongst the hedges that line the university campus quad is a black feathered cloak. Ben's foot canbe seen stuck out at an angle as well as his arm which is up in the air like a flagpole. He awakens
from his sleep and pulls himself rather awkwardly out of the foliage and flower beds. He rolls on the
grass and lies flat on his back. Some of the students around walk past him and laugh as they look on.
After a few moments of lying down and gathering his wits, Ben stands and staggers off towards the
history department. He passes through the corridors and arrives atProfessor Novason's basement.
He bursts through the door and storms over to the professorwho is sat in his chair drinking a cup of
tea. Novason is smiling as Ben enters even though Ben'sface is one of anger.
BEN
You knew. I don't know how, but you knew and why didn'tyou tell me? How am I here? I don't...
Ben looks like he is getting a headache. Novason opens a draw and throws him a bottle of tablets.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Take one of those. Very strong Codeine. Will help with the
pains until you get used to it.
Ben opens the tablets up and takes one, swallowing it whole.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
I couldn't tell you. You would never have believed me. You
had to see it for yourself, had to become the creature. Tell
me, how did it feel? Your father always used to describe it
as growing pains followed by a hangover.
Ben puts the tablets on the table and begins removing the various items of the transmutation.
BEN
It feels like someone took a shit in my head.
Novason laughs.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Well that's your body adjusting to the change. As far as I amaware the process of transmutation involves a cellular
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
14/23
mutation and metamorphosis which reverts back to normal
after a while. Can't imagine what that does to the fragile
human design but it seems to be something you can get
used to. At least your father did...
Ben loses his temper.
BEN
Stop! Just stop! This isn't some sort of genealogy learn
where you come from program! Last night I wore several old
tribal dust magnets and somehow turned into... that
creature. I was watching as this thing was terrorising people.
I think it killed someone... it was like a waking nightmare. So
don't give me this crap about my dad or scientific
explanation.
Novason holds his hands out to try and calm Ben down.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Ben. The story I told you was true. The necklace you possess
contains dragon blood, or that's the name for it anyway. It
has been passed down of the span of human history from
father to son and so on. Your father kept you shielded from
it because he knew what would happen, what alwayshappens. It scares you the first time but eventually you
develop a taste for the power and glory of being a hero
amongst men. As the Imoogi you possess significant gifts
that allow you to save mankind, protect humanity from
itself and from others that want to bring it harm.
Ben stares as if he is drunk.
BENImfoogi? What's an i-boogie?
PROFESSOR NOVASON
It's the true name of the beast. You see, the helix, the gift
from the guardians, allows you to change using anything.
I'm not sure how or when exactly but the three items your
father possessed and that you now possess... make the
Imoogi. The guardians blessed the union of the three items
and the creature itself was promised its own sentience one
day. If you ask me it already does have its own sentience.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
15/23
BEN
It must have, I wasn't in control.
Novason shakes his hand at Ben.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Well that's not entirely true is it. You ended up here. You
brought the creature here. See although the Imoogi is its
own being, it is controlled by the host. You can guide it,
influence it... like a pilot.
BEN
I can control it? How?
Novason shrugs.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Well that's not in my skill set I'm afraid. I've never been
bestowed with a power from the guardians. Your best bet is
to find one of them. Speak to one of them and let them
explain to you the mysteries of the Imoogi. Probably find
something in your father's journal, he was always keeping
journals of stuff.
BEN
I have one. My mother gave it to me.
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Uh, see. Check inside. Somewhere it will have a way to
contact the Guardians. Just remember, that necklace is
extremely powerful. Guard it with your life and don't misuse
it.
Novason points sarcastically like he is telling off a child. Ben picks up his items and leaves the
basement. The Professorpicks up his morning paper and looks at the headline. There is a picture of
the Imoogi on the front with the title DRAGON-MAN!
PROFESSOR NOVASON
Hmph. Who came up with that original gemstone?
END OF SCENE FOUR
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
16/23
Scene FiveThe Trent Times HQ
A busy journalism pit submerged in a den of offices. The Trent Times reporters are bustling aroundpassing papers and flash drives as they search for the next big story. Amongst them is a young
woman and young man. They reflect the image of Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen from the Superman
series. She seems frantic and hectic as she meanders through the journalists all busting to grab the
new leads coming in over the phones. The photographer is fiddling with his camera when they are
both suddenly called into an office by a large fat old man. They head to the conference room and
grab a chair each to sit around the table with other Journalists. The large old man throws the paper
with the 'Dragon-Man!' headline. He slams his fists onto the table in anger.
EDITOR
Does somebody want to tell me which ink monkey came upwith the idea of calling this thing Dragon-Man? Please
enlighten me as I would like to throw that bastard out of the
window and replace them with an actual monkey. I'm sure
in amongst the shit hurling it would muster some sort of
imagination to come up with a better fucking headline.
The editorseems to be very agitated. He quickly opens a pot of pills and takes one to calm himself
down. He then continues as he chews the chalk tablet.
EDITOR
Someone pitch something better or you can all clear out
your offices by midday.
The woman puts her hand in the air although she seems to instantly regret the motion.
EDITOR
Yes, Amber. Give me something.
Amber hesitates.
AMBER
Well what about naming it after something mythological?
We had great success with the Dracula Gang when the
supposed Vampires were found.
The Editorpauses as he considers her suggestion. He starts nodding like a nodding dog. Everyoneseems panicked but eventually he nods and shouts at the same time.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
17/23
EDITOR
So... what do we call it!?
A nervous guy put's his hands up.
EDITOR
Nervous Guy. Go for it!
The nervous man begins to beat around the bush.
NERVOUS GUY
What about, maybe if we could perhaps call it... something
like, The Sphinx? Sphinx is a good name.
The Editorpicks his chair up and slams it into a cabinet making everyone jump.
EDITOR
Sphinx is a shit name. Everyone will call it the Sphincter. I
don't want to piss the beast off. IF it can understand English,
half our readers can't so it wouldn't surprise me if this
'thing' couldn't.
AMBER
What about the 'thing'?
EDITOR
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! What we need is a
name that speaks intelligence but something people can
pronounce. Wait wait... I got it. No... lost it. Fuck!
One of the men has been sat on his computer. He has flicked on line for various ideas and come
across one.
LAPTOP GUY
What about this one boss?
The Editorlooks over at the laptop and begins to smile.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
18/23
EDITOR
Yes, yeah... I like it. It speaks to me. Right, find out who else
saw this thing and get more articles out there.
A woman enters the conference room with a copy of a paper. She hands it to the Editor.
WOMAN
The City Independent beat us to it. Called the thing The
Manticore after the ancient legend. Every news station is
eating up and everyone is referring to this creature by that
name.
The Editorlooks up at all of the journalists who now look scared.
EDITOR
You're all fired! Fuck!
END OF SCENE FIVE
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
19/23
Scene SixVan der Vort's Penthouse
At the top of the Van der VortEnterprise Tower in the luxury penthouse suite sitsAbraham Van der Dortwith two of the thieves from the bank robbery. The case has
been passed toAbraham and the severed hand is no longer attached.Abraham opens
the case and peers inside to see a golden light shine back out at him. His evil grin spreads
across his face and he begins to drool slightly. Subtly he wipes the spit from his mouth and closes the
case. It is placed safely on his table which seems to be acting as his desk with various papers and
computers lining it. He leans down and pulls out a cigarette from a case contained within his jacket
pocket. He lights it and then falls back so he is spread out on his black leather chair. He is opposite
the thugs and shaking his foot as he stares at them. He takes a puff and then breathes out loudly, his
casual manner has put the thieves on edge.
THUG 1
I take it that you are satisfied with the merchandise.
Abraham looks into the air with a psychotic day dreaming expression.
ABRAHAM
This is not merchandise. This is no product and you are
definitely not sellers. See, sellers, sell you things and that
would indicate that I (the customer) have an intention ofpaying you. I don't pay people to fuck up and you guys
royally fucked up. I specifically told you to steal the money
as well. People don't suspect the prize pig is missing if all the
pigs are stolen. Now, I gots to bring in my clean-up crew and
that means paying them overtime. If I pay them then I can't
pay you.
The thugs seem twitchy and nervous.
ABRAHAM
Of course I understand that you will feel anger towards this
decision but I can assure you that it will be over
momentarily.
A man stood behind the thugs removes a gun from his jacket and shoots them both in the head.
Abraham waves at the men and begins to laugh. He stands up, put's the cigarette out and walks over
to the shooter. It is revealed thatDetective Burns was the killer.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
20/23
ABRAHAM
How hard is it going to be to divert this one away from me?
Burns put's his gun away.
DETECTIVE BURNS
Not too difficult. This Manticore, or whatever they're calling
it, can be blamed for the incident. It took the case.
ABRAHAM
Hmmm, I'm not sure I'd buy that lie so maybe your fellow
officers won't either.
DETECTIVE BURNS
What if we blame it on those two?
Abraham inspects the dead men's hair line. Abnormal behaviour is a symptom of his psychotic
condition.
ABRAHAM
Perhaps that would work best.
Abraham moves to his desk but runs his fingers across the leather of the couch, tapping each finger
three times as he does it. Once at his desk he approaches the briefcase and opens it. The gold light
shines on him again.
ABRAHAM
This creature that attacked the men. Did anyone get an
image of it?
Burns moves closer to Van der Vort.
DETECTIVE BURNS
We have video footage. It was the strangest occurrence I've
ever witnessed. In one night this creature, that seemed to
appear from a Greek legend, tore through the thugs,
crashed in front and therefore stopped a runaway bus... it
was like this mishap beast fell into the criminals lining the
streets of Trent City.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
21/23
Abraham shuts the case again and then turns to the Detective as if he has an idea.
ABRAHAM
Bring me this footage. I want to see the creature for myself.
Burns nods and leaves the penthouse.Abraham moves towards the window and stares out to gaze
upon the bustling city below. A shadow is cast over half of his face as he begins to smile in a
villainous manner.
ABRAHAM
Could it be the Imoogi? I thought I'd taken care of that thing
already.
Burns enters the office again with a folder full of pictures. He throws it onto the desk and spreads out
the pictures, showing the creature.
DETECTIVE BURNS
These are stills that one of my officers printed from the
other night. It looks humanoid, apart from the wings and tail
and claws.
Abraham studies the images carefully.
ABRAHAM
It's different but so familiar. Do you know Detective, I put a
bullet in the brain of the force behind this creature. I
thought that would kill this demon that haunts me but it
seems that even a shiny shiny brain-oscopy has no affect.
The man that I killed...
The Detective recalls the name.
DETECTIVE BURNS
Ruban Prince?
ABRAHAM
Yes, he had a wife and child didn't he?
DETECTIVE BURNS
I'm not sure. I'd have to do some digging.
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
22/23
ABRAHAM
Then start digging. Dig a hole in the ground for this creature.
I want it buried.
Detective Burns nods and heads to the door.
DETECTIVE BURNS
I'll send Lewis and Matthews.
Abraham holds his hand up to stop Burns.
ABRAHAM
No, send One Touch. I want this handled by a realprofessional that I can trust. Someone with the magic
required to make this thing vanish.
Burns leavesAbraham alone in the penthouse. Van der Vortpicks up one of the photos and stares at
the Imoogi.
ABRAHAM
This time Imoogi... you will die.
END OF SCENE SIX
TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE TWO
7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01
23/23
Other titles in the Crosspoint Universe...
created by
As a mage, Brian Fosters holds a power that allows him tostand up against the most dangerous creatures on the Planet
Earth. Now his world has crumbled he has no other option
but to help the governments of Earth bring down an ancient
alliance that threatens not only mankind but every race on
the planet. With the help of other heroes, can Brian survive
what the brutal night life of Port Circe has to offer?
Thom Boulton 2012
Crosspoint Universe and The Manticore are both intellectual properties of Thom Boulton. The sale of
this item, copying or re-distribution without prior written consent from the creator and author isillegal and in violation of United Kingdom law.