"Blast from the Pastmaster"
LOGLINE: Freed from his volcanic prison, the Pastmaster embarks on a quest of terrible vengeance in which he plans to undo the present by changing the past, and as usual only the SWAT Kats can stop him!
© 2024 Kooshmeister
Written by:
Bill Hiers
1/10/24
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ACT ONE
EXT. MEDIEVAL CEMETERY - NIGHT
The old cemetery with its Stonehenge-like sculptures, but looking much newer than it did in "The Pastmaster Always Rings Twice." We're back in the Dark Ages! A crowd of torch-wielding medieval kat VILLAGERS stands, murmuring. With them is QUEEN CALLISTA, her bethrothed, the prince consort LORD MANXIMUS and their GUARDS (led of course by the stern TABOR). Manximus resembles a younger, thinner version of Mayor Manx, and is in fact the ancestor of Megakat City's "beloved" Mayor, though nothing at all like him in temperment and behavior. He dresses in a manner befitting a Lord of the Dark Age world, though slightly foppish even for the time. MADKAT, their court jester, is also with them, grinning broadly. The only one grinning, in fact.
They watch as a group of robed Megalith City ELDERS (this is in fact the COUNCIL OF ELDERS) confront none other than THE PASTMASTER, although not the Pastmaster we're familiar with. He is visibly young, more alive, with both eyes intact and definitely an undead skeleton just yet. His fur is a dark reddish brown, his hair short and white with a deep widow's peak. His facial features are actually relatively handsome, though slightly exaggerated, particularly his strong, broad jawline. If not for his short stature and ugly attitude, he'd be considered quite good-looking. He's dressed in the same purple hooded robes that are his signature outfit.
The Pastmaster stands with his arms shackled behind his back. He's flanked by two of the nervous elders who are holding the chains being used to shackle him. Two spear-wielding guards stand to either side, ready if the short wizard tries anything. A third guard is holding his magic pocketwatch, which audibly ticks away. If the Pastmaster is afraid of the force arrayed before him... he's not showing it.
Behind them, some villagers are digging what looks like an unmarked grave. A familiar-looking ornate chest covered in runes sits nearby, open, with two guards flanking it.
PASTMASTER
(sneering)
Do you really believe that this pitiful force will contain me, my beloved?
Callista doesn't respond. She simply glares at the short sorcerer.
ELDER
(stern)
Silence, clockmaker! The Queen doesn't concern you. Not matter what disgusting lust you harbor for her.
Shuddering, Callista clings to Lord Manximus. The Pastmaster continues to focus on her, ignoring the lead elder who is speaking to him.
ELDER
The Council has found you guilty of dark most profane, clockmaker. Your obsession with time has led you to misuse your power for evil.
Emboldened by this blunt accusation, the crowd of medieval villagers is no longer murmuring, they're shouting and yelling. Madkat giggles, a sound which devolves into full-blown cackling. A few people glance at him uneasily, but the elders from the Council tune him - and everyone else - out, focusing their steely gaze on the chained wizard.
ELDER
She has, in her perhaps misguided compassion, begged for mercy for you. After all, Megalith City has not put anyone to death in many years.
(disgusted)
Much as I would like nothing more than to rectify that just this once, we elders respect the royal family's wishes and have chosen to honor the Queen's request.
He glances back at Callista.
ELDER
Misguided though it may be.
CALLISTA
(irritated)
Enough! Carry out the sentence!
PASTMASTER
Such a tender-hearted sorceress, my beloved Callista is.
MANXIMUS
(enraged)
You dare speak her name--?!
He is held back by Callista's surprisingly gentle touch on his arm. Madkat continues laughing. Someone in the crowd whispers harshly for him to shut up.
ELDER #1
(looking back at the Pastmaster)
The Council has therefore decreed that you be buried alive with your profane creation, that obscenity you dare to call a watch. The special runes we elders have carved on this chest, this... Casket of the Ages, will ensure you remain trapped for eternity - or as long as it takes your wretched body to decompose - unless someone breaks the seal.
(smirks)
And I guarantee no one present will ever want to do that.
He gestures. Assisted by the guards, the two elders holding the chains binding the wizard bear him backwards into the waiting chest. He kicks and struggles to no avail.
PASTMASTER
Nothing lasts forever! Eventually someone will dig me up! I can wait! I have nothing but time on my side, you short-sighted fools!
Glancing back at the yawning abyss of the chest's interior, the Pastmaster shows some fear for the first time.
PASTMASTER
(calling out)
Callista, will you do nothing to help me...?!
CALLISTA
After all the evil you've wrought, you dare ask me for more mercy?
PASTMASTER
(sneering)
Mercy? Bah! How merciful of you to entomb me alive!
ELDER
(continuing from before)
Your true name shall also be struck from all public records. And the grave in which your undying form will be sealed forever will be unmarked. No one will ever know who you ever were!
PASTMASTER
I need no name! Other than... the Pastmaster!
ELDER
Call yourself what you wish, evildoer. Such a self-important title will surely be your only comfort in the years to come.
PASTMASTER
You fools! I cannot die! As long as my watch ticks, I will live! And it cannot be destroyed!
The lead elder smirks, as if he is counting on exactly that. Without any further ceremony, the struggling Pastmaster is hurled into the box by the two elders restraining him, and the first of the three guards accompanying them tosses the pocketwatch in after him, as his companions, the other two guards, slam the lid shut.
MADKAT
(giggles)
Hope you're not too claustrophobic, "Pastmaster!"
The runes glow mysteriously and then the box sits silently.
MANXIMUS
It is done!
CALLISTA
Not yet.
ELDER
Quite right you are, Your Highness.
(to the guards and grave-digging villagers)
Bury him.
The guards hoist the box into the hole, and the villagers, with wooden shovels, start dumping big spadefuls of dirt in on top of the box. As they're finishing up, everyone begins leaving, alone or in small groups. Soon only Callista, Manximus, their guards, Madkat and the elders remain. And the two villagers burying the chest, though they soon finish and start trudging off along with everyone else.
With Manximus on her arm, Callista approaches the leader of the Council. Tabor and the other guards follow at a respectful distance. Madkat remains where he is, sitting on the ground and drawing lines in the dirt with his finger.
The elder bows his head respectfully as the Queen and her consort approach.
MADKAT
Looks as though Megalith City is going to need a new clockmaker.
Everyone ignores him. The elder seems to suspect the Queen has something to say.
CALLISTA
In the event that he escapes--
ELDER
(reassuringly)
Impossible.
CALLISTA
Like he said... nothing lasts forever. If he escapes, even if it's many years after all of us are dead and turned to dust, he can still return using the very same time-altering abilities he misused to cause such chaos and havoc.
ELDER
What do you recommend then, Your Highness...? Is not the legend of the Dragon Sword enough to protect us?
CALLISTA
Only if the right hero comes from out of the sky and draws it forth. You yourself have said so. I do not wish to rely entirely on what could be merely legend.
(she sighs)
I plan to use my own powers to create an amulet capable of defending us from the evil clockmaker's magic should he ever return.
The elder bows his head.
ELDER
As is your right, my Queen.
CALLISTA
And furthermore, I plan to start tonight.
The elder nods, rising.
ELDER
As you wish, my Queen.
He bows his head again.
FADE TO:
EXT. PLATEAU - DAY
The top of the plateau in the Megakat Mountains where the lost pyramid sank (see "The Deadly Pyramid"). There is a whining noise that quickly rises to a grinding roar. We pull back and see several hardhatted WORKERS operating a big drill machine of the sort used for digging up core samples from deep within the earth. It's an archaeological expedition of some sort, obviously trying to get down to where the pyramid fell. DR. ABBY SINIAN is in charge, flanked by her assistant HENSON and several other ASSISTANTS, ARCHAEOLOGISTS and WORKERS.
HENSON
Is this wise, Dr. Sinian?
SINIAN
I don't know, Henson. The SWAT Kats have assured me that the Pastmaster is finally gone for good, dropped into molten lava. I'm inclined to believe them.
HENSON
(pressing)
And yet...?
SINIAN
I refuse to give up the Katchu Picchu excavation entirely. We've spent too much time and too much of the museum's money to just throw it all away.
(grim)
Besides. I want to see that ugly little gnome's body for myself.
(lightening up a bit)
If we actually find him. You're probably right and his body was completely destroyed in the lava. But it's better to ere on the side of caution and confirm his body.
Henson nods, not really fully convinced. Over by the drill, the machine begins vibrating in a wobbly manner. Sinian, Henson and the others walk over.
SINIAN
What is it?
The lead drill operator shouts down from atop the big digging machine.
WORKER #1
We've dug down about three hundred feet. I think we've just hit a particularly tough layer of sediment. Maybe even the top of the pyramid. We're preparing to extract the drill.
SINIAN
Go ahead.
She squints at the sun, which is already low over the peaks in the distance.
SINIAN
We're losing the light.
Nodding, the lead worker shouts some orders to his men. The drill is stopped, then fired up in reverse and lifts out of the bore hole, then shuts down again. It slowly stops rotating. Three-hundred feet of different rock layers can be seen in each section of the drill. Something glinting and golden catches Dr. Sinian's eye in a layer of cooled volcanic rock.
Holding a pickaxe with a spade attachment, she walks over. Gently, she clears away the mud and muck to reveal... the Pastmaster's gold pocketwatch, perfectly intact and unmarred from falling into the lava. It isn't ticking, though. Sinian gasps.
SINIAN
No, it's not possible...!
She hacks with the spade end of the pickaxe at the sediment layer in the core sample, and gradually reveals the twisted, skeletal body of the Pastmaster himself. With a cry, she leaps back, raising the pickaxe as though to bury it in the evil little skeleton's head... but he doesn't move. Closer inspection reveals he is naked, all of his robes having been burned off.
SINIAN
Amazing! The lava burned away all of the Pastmaster's clothes but not his bones. Or his watch.
Grabbing the pocketwatch, she jerks it free and inspects it. It's the first time she's ever actually held the thing and had a chance to study it.
SINIAN
Such fine craftsmanship. The Pastmaster was ahead of his time, if you'll pardon the phrase, when it came to clockmaking.
HENSON
(nervously)
Is he dead...?
SINIAN
I don't know. Possibly. I'm not entirely sure he actually can die. It could be he's simply in a comatose state.
She turns to the other archaeologists and workers.
SINIAN
Get him free from that core sample. But be careful! In the meantime, I must study this watch.
She turns and walks towards her tent. Henson follows eagerly.
HENSON
I can help. My dad was a watchmaker. He taught me a lot.
Sinian smiles.
SINIAN
Thank you.
EXT. MEGAKAT CITY - NIGHT
An establishing shot of the city skyline. The Turbokat roars into frame, flying over Megakat Bay in the foreground, towards the city off in the background. T-BONE and RAZOR are in the cockpit.
RAZOR
(a little haggard)
Man, oh, man do I hate the late shift...
He passes a hand over his tired-looking face. Sitting in front, T-Bone is a little cheerier, more upbeat, and certainly more awake.
T-BONE
Come on, buddy, I know you'd rather at be at home asleep in your jammies, but where's your sense of adventure?
(reciting)
The burgeoning metropolis of Megakat City! Like any other burned out burg in this fair nation of ours, it has its problems with the criminal element!
Razor sighs and lowers his head, shaking it. Suddenly, a light begins beeping on his console. Becoming instantly more alert, he jerks upright and presses a button on his console as an oblivious T-Bone continues talking, getting more fired up.
T-BONE
But Megakat City also has something most other cites don't! The SWAT Kats! Daring, deadly... devilishly handsome--
RAZOR
(interrupting)
Someone's been watching too much Speedway Squad.
T-BONE
(defensive)
It's a great show!
RAZOR
Sure, if you like mindless action. Besides, we get enough of that kinda stuff in real life. Like right now, I just picked up an alarm!
T-Bone turns to glance a little to the left, at the swiftly approaching city.
T-BONE
Where at?
RAZOR
First Bank of Megakat City!
T-BONE
I'm on it!
Jerking the throttle forward, he guns it across the bay towards the city!
RAZOR
...and I do NOT wear jammies!
EXT. BANK - NIGHT
For a moment, the bank sits quietly, and nothing seems amiss, despite the loudly ringing alarm. Suddenly the entire block is rocked by a huge explosion from inside the bank. The alarm is abruptly cut off mid-wail. Two ROBBERS rush out, each carrying a large sack slung over their shoulders, and hurry across the street to a parked red pickup truck.
ROBBER #1
Come on, hurry up! Let's beat it before the Enforcers get here!
The sound of approaching sirens heralds the arrival of a group of Enforcer cruisers, which whip around the corner at the other end of the street. At the same time, a SECURITY GUARD, looking groggy, staggers out of the smoking bank, holding his head.
ROBBER #2
Too late! Come on!
GUARD
Stop! Help! They robbed the bank!
The criminals get into their truck as the guard from the bank fires at them. The engine fires to life and they speed off, laser blasts perforating the tailgate, the Enforcers in hot pursuit.
FELINA FERAL drives the lead car, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
FELINA
(into ger radio)
This is Lieutenant Feral at the scene of the bank robbery! We're in pursuit of the suspects, driving a red pickup truck.
DISPATCHER
(through the radio)
Roger, Lieutenant. Air squadron is advised and chopper backup is en route.
Ahead, the pickup swerves wildly around a corner and picks up speed, putting distance between themselves and the pursuing Enforcers. They speed through a red light at an intersection, just as two lanes of traffic are passing through, causing a massive pileup. Fortunately, nobody is hurt, although there are a lot of dented fenders. Slamming on her brakes, Felina pounds her steering wheel in frustration.
FELINA
Kats alive! They're escaping!
In the red pickup, Robber #1 looks at the pileup already growing distant in his sideview mirror and grins.
ROBBER #1
So much for those loser Enforcers!
ROBBER #2
Yeah! We're gome free!
There's a supersonic roar and a shadow passes over the stopped Enforcer cruisers. Felina looks up and gasps. It's the Turbokat!
T-BONE
Mega-pileup! Hope nobody's hurt!
Glancing ahead, he spots the escaping red truck.
T-BONE
That must be the red pickup truck we heard about over the radio!
(growls)
Those punks picked the wrong town to rob!
RAZOR
Yep. One Can Opener Missile comin' right up! Let's show these guys that the SWAT Kats can still pack a punch, or in this case... a slice!
He presses several buttons on his console in rapid succession.
RAZOR
One Can Opener Missile comin' right up!
He fires a missile that unfolds into a pinching can opener type mechanism. It flies towards the robbers' truck and shears the top off. Their hats blow off in the wind caused by the fact they're suddenly driving a convertible.
ROBBER #2
Wha--?!
ROBBER #1
Oh, no! It's the SWAT Kats!
ROBBER #2
Get us outta here!
Zooming overhead, the Turbokat deploys not one but two Sky Claws which grab the back of the robbers' seats. With a jerk, the seats are torn right out of the speeding truck, which continues on without its occupants. Both robbers are wearing their seatbelts and they dangle helplessly. The driverless truck swerves and smashes into a lamp post. Bam! The money bags are flung out of the open cab and thud into a nearby brick wall, sliding down to the ground.
T-Bone puts the Turbokat into VTOL mode, then flies over to meet the arriving fleet of Enforcer cruisers. The dual Sky Claws drop the two seated, dangling crooks in front of Felina and several ENFORCER COMMANDOS as they get out of their cars. Lowering down a bit, T-Bone pops the canopy.
T-BONE
Thank you for flying SWAT Kat Airlines!
Commandos rush forward and cuff the dazed criminals while they're still belted in and sitting.
FELINA
Good work SWAT Kats!
As the Enforcers begin retrieving the stolen money, the unique blue and white cruiser of the Enforcer commander speeds up and halts, COMMANDER FERAL himself getting out.
FELINA
Although I doubt my uncle would agree. I think it's best if you two scram before he gets over here.
RAZOR
Yeah, he might arrest us for denting that streetlight. Poor guy looks cranky.
T-BONE
(grumbling)
When doesn't he?
(sighs, then grins and waves)
Catch ya later, Lieutenant.
The canopy slams shut and the jet lifts up, converting into get mode and flying away.
EXT. CITY HALL - NIGHT
The Turbokat zooms past the building. CALLIE BRIGGS leans out her office window, talking into her communicator.
CALLIE
(into the comm)
Good stop stopping that bank robbery, guys!
T-BONE
(over the comm)
All in a night's work, Ms. Briggs!
EXT. MEGAKAT CITY - NIGHT
The Turbokat zooms towards the salvage yard and home.
RAZOR
Yeah, now we just have to get home.
T-Bone grins.
RAZOR
And you can watch whatever you want, as long as you don't turn the volume up too high.
T-BONE
Roger that, buddy. Speedway Squad, here I come!
Whoosh! The jet zooms on.
INT. TENT - NIGHT
Most of the expedition's staff have gone home. A few of the workers sit around a campfire outside the tent, talking and laughing. In the tent, Dr. Sinian and Henson are sitting around a worktable (actually a repurposed old picnic table) examining the watch. Sinian has her jacket off. She seems hesitant to really mess with the thing, although Henson is very interested.
SINIAN
It's funny. The watch surviving while everything else that belonged to the Pastmaster, even his clothes, burned away, leaving just his bones.
She glances at a nearby table - a piece of plywood supported on two metal barrels - on which the skeleton lies, covered with a sheet. She shudders.
SINIAN
(turning her attention back to the watch)
I seem to remember something in the old legends about how the Pastmaster and his watch are connected somehow, but I haven't found anything in the books and manuscripts we brought with us.
She rises.
SINIAN
I'll have to drive back to the museum and see what I can find there. You're in charge until I get back.
HENSON
Me? Oh, wow, thanks, Dr. Sinian! I promise I won't let you down!
Smiling, Sinian exits the tent.
EXT. PLATEAU - NIGHT
Sinian walks to a waiting Jeep, gets in and drives off.
INT. TENT - NIGHT
Henson is hunkered over the watch. Using a magnifying glass on a tilting stand and some tiny tools, he is trying to pry the back casing off.
HENSON
(to himself)
Won't Dr. Sinian be impressed when she gets back and finds that I've gotten the Pastmaster's pocketwatch running again!
Working carefully with a tiny screwdriver, he manages to pry the casing off, exposing the watch's complicated-looking inner workins. Frowning in concentration, he fiddles with it until there is a click. Henson grins. Replacing the cover, he turns the watch around so the face is towards him. Glancing at his own wristwatch, he winds the Pastmaster's and sets it to the correct time. It begins audibly ticking.
Suddenly, the sheeted form on the plywood board sits up. The sheet falls away, revealing the naked, skeletal form of the Pastmaster... and he doesn't look happy. Gasping, Henson jumps up from his seat at the bench, leaving the watch lying on the table. He backs away. Behind him, through the tent's front opening, the workers around the campfire continue talking, unaware that trouble is brewing.
PASTMASTER
Ahhh, my watch!
He hurls the sheet away and hops down.
PASTMASTER
I cannot begin to express my gratitude, mortal.
As Henson continues edging towards the opening, the Pastmaster swipes the watch off the table, and, giving it a cursory inspection, turns and aims it at the terrified research assistant.
EXT. PLATEAU - NIGHT
The workers' cheerful conversation is cut short by a cry from offscreen.
HENSON
(O.S.)
Nooooooo!
There's a big blast of magical energy. Bright light floods out from inside the tent. The workers all jump up, startled, as Henson comes flying out, propelled by a powerful blast of the watch's concussive energy, his hat flying off. He overshoots the campfire and lands sprawled on his back. A few of the workers go to help him up as the Pastmaster, still without clothes and not caring who sees him in such a state (not that there's much to see, since he's just a skeleton), emerges from the tent himself.
PASTMASTER
Foolish mortals! I've had enough of this wretched place you call the modern era! It's time I did away with it... for good!
Laughing, he holds the watch up. Lightning begins to crackle and arc through the sky as the clouds begin rotating, swirling in circles. Forming a time vortex.
EXT. MEGAKAT CITY - NIGHT
The SWAT Kats notice the time vortex in the distance.
RAZOR
T-Bone, look!
He points.
RAZOR
Over there! In the mountains!
T-BONE
I see it! B-But how is it possible...?
RAZOR
Who knows...? All that matters is it looks like that little creep the Pastmaster is back. Which means big trouble.
T-BONE
(sighs)
And big trouble means Speedway Squad is gonna have to wait.
The Turbokat turns and zooms towards the mountains.
EXT. PLATEAU - NIGHT
Laughing insanely, the little skeleton is sucked up into the air and disappears into the vortex. The vortex then vanishes in a burst of light and several bolts of reddish lightning. The wind dies down, leaving Henson and the others looking stunned but relieved.
EXT. MEGALITH CITY - EVENING
The sun is setting over the majestic medieval city perched on the cliff overlooking a canyon.
INT. CASTLE - THRONE ROOM
A large and opulent throne room. Queen Callista is sitting on her big, plush-looking throne which is rimmed in gold and jewels and made comfortable by velvety-looking seat cushions. An equally impressive but smaller throne is beside it. Its owner is not sitting in it. Lord Manximus (King Manximus now) is instead currently down on one knee, Callista's hand in his own.
A JESTER (not Madkat, long since locked away in the dungeon) cavorts around. The assembled guards and COURTIERS seem to be amused by him. But the Queen and her consort are in their own little world.
MANXIMUS
(all schmooze)
Come now, my beloved Callista. Don't you think it's about time we did away with this dreary place and went on that honeymoon we've been planning? It seems like only yesterday that you and I were discussing visiting far away lands.
The Queen sighs, glancing at the jester who has her court so rapt with amusement.
CALLISTA
(without looking at Manximus)
Soon. I just need--
MANXIMUS
(sadly)
More time?
(sighs)
I see I am still forced to compete with this "Sir Razor" who saved your kingdom.
He rises and sits in his own throne.
CALLISTA
It's not that at all, Manximus.
MANXIMUS
Then pray tell me what it is, Callista.
CALLISTA
I need to re-forge my amulet. One of that infernal Pastmaster's creatures destroyed it.
Manximus shrugs.
MANXIMUS
Yes. And not long afterwards, he was slain by your brave hero's companion, this "Sir T-Bone." Using the Dragon Sword as per the legend, I might add.
Callista looks at him. She can tell he is jealous of the SWAT Kats and feels as though he is being made to compete with them. Smiling, she rubs his hand reassuringly.
CALLISTA
True. But the legend spoke of only one hero. Not two. If it was wrong about that, what else was is wrong about? The Pastmaster could return.
Manximus rolls his eyes. Outside, they hear the muffled sound of booming thunder.
EXT. MEGALITY CITY - EVENING
A time vortex appears in the sky, swirling wildly above the city.
EXT. MEGALITY CITY - BATTLEMENTS
On the great wall defending the city, Tabor and his men look up in surprise at the appearance of the swirling vortex. Tabor's hand reflexively goes to his sheathed sword, though he doesn't draw it. He glares up at the vortex.
TABOR
No! It can't be!
He runs off, taking a set of stairs built into the side of the wall.
INT. CASTLE - THRONE ROOM
Tabor rushes in. Callista and Manximus look up and over at him. Skidding to a halt beside their thrones, he bows curtly at the waist.
TABOR
(addressing Callista)
Your Highness! A great portal is opening in the sky!
Callista's eyes widen. Her hand reflexively goes to where her magical amulet once hung around her neck, only to find it not there. She summons the court jester over. Despite his silly garb, he is all seriousness.
CALLISTA
Get to the Council as fast as you can! I need the Elders here!
The jester hesitates.
JESTER
Me? Why me?
CALLISTA
Because every guard in Megalith City will soon be needed.
(when the jester still doesn't go)
Don't argue with me any more! Go! Hurry!
Nodding, the jester, taking off his cap with its jingling bells, hurries off. Callista turns and strokes King Manximus' cheek.
CALLISTA
Remain here.
MANXIMUS
(protesting)
But...
But nothing. Callista is already heading for the door, Tabor and the guards at her heels. Manximus sighs.
EXT. MEGALITH CITY - BATTLEMENTS
Callista, Tabor and the guards accompanying them reach the top of the wall, where they join the other Dark Age warrior kats already there. Needlessly, Tabor points up.
TABOR
See? It's one of that infernal Pastmaster's time holes!
(aghast)
The legendary warriors from the future have failed us!
Callista looks as though she is about to turn on Tabor and lay in to him for his doubts, when suddenly a mad cackling catches her attention. She and the guards glance up. Descending in a bolt of reddish lightning (see "The Deadly Pyramid"), the Pastmaster, still just a "naked" skeleton, lands in front of the group... currently riding on the back of an enormous CYCLOPS.
The cyclops is similar to the ones seen before in "Bride of the Pastmaster," but not exactly the same. Instead of yellow or red, his single eye is dead white, without a pupil, as though he's blind, and glowing. In fact, it shines down upon those standing on the city battlements like a bright spotlight. Callista and the others shield their eyes.
PASTMASTER
(laughing)
I've told you time and time again, Callista! You'll never be rid of me! Never!
CALLISTA
(defiant)
And I've told you, Pastmaster, I'll never marry you! Besides...
She holds up one hand, showing the wedding ring there.
CALLISTA
...I've already married Lord Manximus! King Manximus now!
The Pastmaster looks briefly annoyed, but it passes. His one remaining good eye glares down at the Queen coldly. Meanwhile, although Tabor and his men are prepared for action, the cyclops isn't doing anything. Yet.
PASTMASTER
Which means what to a time traveler? Were I so inclined, I could simply travel back and disrupt your wedding to your precious Manximus.
(ice cold)
But that is no longer my inclination, Callista. You see, I've come not to marry you, but to punish you and everyone else in Megalith City! For daring to refuse my many ganerous offers! For daring to stand against me!
He points accusingly down at the group with one bony finger.
PASTMASTER
(screaming now)
For locking me away in that wretched chest for eight-hundred years!
(gives a mocking laugh)
And without your amulet, you're helpess against me!
Some of the guards fling spears. Most of them bounce harmlessly off of the cyclops' chest as though he's armored, so big and powerful is he. The rest sail over his shoulders. One whizzes by the Pastmaster's head, but he takes no notice.
EXT. MEGALITY CITY - EVENING
We see the jester sneak out of the city through a side door, wearing a hooded cloak as a disguise. Whimpering, he scurries away.
EXT. MEGALITH CITY - BATTLEMENTS
Behind the Pastmaster and his cyclops, the time vortex is still open, and we can see more CREATURES coming down from it.
PASTMASTER
And just in case you think your precious SWAT Kats will arrive to save you and your city, think again! Because what I'm about to do will not only punish you for your stubborn nature and your impudence... it will ensure that the SWAT Kats and everyone and everything else from their so-called "modern times" will never have existed!
(to the cyclops)
Now! Do it!
The cyclops roars and his eye glows brighter. Blindingly brighter. The light fills the entire screen. We hear Callista and the others screaming in horror.
EXT. PLATEAU - NIGHT
As the stunned expedition members get to their feet, helping Henson stand, the Turbokat flies over and lands. T-Bone and Razor hop out.
T-BONE
Awrighty, where is he? Where's that little troll? He's makin' me miss my new favorite show!
HENSON
(trembling)
He's gone. You just missed him. He--
(suddenly doubles over)
Aaaghhhh!
Concerned, T-Bone steps forward and lays a hand on Henson's shoulder.
T-BONE
Hey, buddy, you okay...?
EXT. ROAD DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
Dr. Sinian's Jeep has reached the bottom of the mountain, near a snowplow station that's closed for the season. Suddenly she, too, is seized by violent and painful convulsions. She loses control of the Jeep, which veers off the road and crashes through the snowplow station's sign ("Snowplow Station No. 10"), bring the vehicle to an abrupt halt. Although she hits her head on the windshield, cracking the glass, Sinian seems more or less okay, although something is still clearly very, very wrong.
EXT. PLATEAU - NIGHT
Henson is not the only one being afflicted here. The other members of the expedition are also suddenly doubling up, some collapsing, some sinking to their knees. Razor goes from worker to worker, concerned.
RAZOR
It's gotta be some kinda mass food poisoning!
HENSON
(gasping)
Camp... radio...
RAZOR
Forget that, I'll use the radio in the Turbokat! Don't worry, fellas, we'll have some ambulances up here lickety split!
He runs for the jet. T-Bone continues trying to comfort Henson... but then his hand sinks through the pained assistant's shoulder, as though Henson is no longer physically tangible. Jerking back with a cry, T-Bone watches as Henson begins to turn transparent, like foggy glass, and begins fading from view before his very eyes.
T-BONE
Razor...!
Razor stops and turns back, gasping. He glances at the other workers. They're also disappearing.
T-BONE
What the heck is goin' on?!
RAZOR
Whatever it is, it's not food poisoning... look!
He points. The entire plateau around them is changing.
EXT. ROAD DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
The slumped form of Dr. Sinian behind the wheel of the crashed Jeep slowly vanishes from sight. As does the vehicle she was sitting in, and the fragments of the sign it smashed through, , revealing the snowplot station and winding mountain road behind it. The noise of the Jeep's idly engine fades away a few moments after it does. Then the station itself begins to fade, as does the road, as the land returns to the contours of hundreds upon hundreds of years ago, before modern kats shaped it and built the road going up the side of the mountain.
EXT. PLATEAU
As the startled SWAT Kats watch, the ancient, destroyed buildings are reverting to the shape they were in before the events of "The Deadly Pyramid." The tents, equipment, vehicles, etc., are all vanishing along with the expedition members. The last thing to go is the group's campfire.
Well, not entirely.
As the fire dies down and fades away, the SWAT Kats have a last glimpse of the disappearing archaeologists' eyes reflecting the dimming firelight.
Soon there is only the sound of the gently blowing wind to keep the two vigilantes company. For a moment, the two are frozen with shock and indecision.
T-BONE
What the heck just happened? Where'd everybody go?
RAZOR
I--I dunno buddy, but it's not just that everyone disappeared. Everything seems to have... reset or something somehow.
T-Bone gasps, eyes widening.
T-BONE
(concerned)
Callie! The city!
He runs to the edge of the cliff, the height of the plateau allowing for a good view. Razor goes to the jet, turning on the radio. He gets nothing but static, hissing ominously. At the cliff edge, T-Bone, panting, looks out over the vast expanse of land where Megakat City should be... but sees only vast forests and coastal swampland. Climbing down from the Turbokat after flicking the radio off, Razor walks over to join T-Bone, looking serious and grim.
T-BONE
(aside)
Anything...?
RAZOR
Naw. I tried multiple different channels. The radio's workin' fine... it's just that there's nothing for it to connect to. It's like all the reception towers, radio stations and... heck, all the other radios in Megakat City just ceased to exist...
He glances back at where the expedition members and their camp used to be. Beside him, T-Bone presses a button on the side of his helmet and a one-way visor slides down over his place.
RAZOR
...just like those people.
EXT. FOREST AND SWAMP - NIGHT (T-BONE'S P.O.V.)
We get a somewhat closer look at the untamed wilderness stretching out beyond the foothills of the mountains as T-Bone uses his targeting visor's magnification feature. There's nothing and no one.
T-BONE
(O.S.)
Well, from where we're standin', buddy, it looks like Megakat City itself is gone!
EXT. PLATEAU - NIGHT
T-Bone's mouth is set in a grim line as he continues scanning around.
T-BONE
Look out there and tell me I'm wrong!
Stepping up a little closer, Razor flips down his own targeting visor to take a look.
EXT. FOREST AND SWAMP - NIGHT (RAZOR'S P.O.V.)
More of the same. Nothing but trees as far as the eye can see, right down to the shore of the sea.
RAZOR
(O.S.)
You're right. Nothin' between us and the sea but a whole lotta nothin'.
EXT. PLATEAU - NIGHT
Both SWAT Kats press the buttons on their helmets again, retracting their visors.
RAZOR
Everyone's just... gone. Like time shifted around us or something.
T-BONE
But how can they just be gone? Come on, Razor! People don't just disappear! They don't vanish into thin air!
(before Razor can protest and point out what they just witnessed)
Not without a reason!
RAZOR
I know, I know! Just... let me think!
He walks back and forth, thinking, really wracking his brain.
RAZOR
(after a moment)
I... don't know!
T-Bone throws his hands up in exasperation. Razor frowns.
RAZOR
I don't know everything there is to know in the world, T-Bone! I know you think I'm some kinda super genius wiz kid, but the simple fact is I don't know anything about physics, quantum mechanics or time travel... I'm not even sure any of that has anything to do with what's happening!
T-BONE
(sighs)
You're right. I'm sorry. I just... I guess I was hoping for a quick and easy answer.
RAZOR
Well, I don't have one for you. Not right now, anyway.
T-BONE
Well, we're not gettin' any answers sittin' around up here. Come on.
He turns towards the jet. Razor stops him.
RAZOR
Hold up, partner. I seem to recall someone once reminding me about gas stations being a million years away.
T-Bone frowns.
RAZOR
Well, we may or may not be a million years in the past, but it doesn't matter. No Megakat City means no fuel. And no fuel means what's in the Turbokat's tanks is it for this trip, unless and until we set things right.
T-Bone realizes his friend is suggesting they leave the jet where it is for now and his frown deepens.
RAZOR
We'll fly the jet down from here at least, but after that, we'll have to stash it somewhere and only use it for emergencies. Got it?
With a sigh, T-Bone nods, conceding.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
The Turbokat swoops down from the direction of the mountains and flies low over the forest. In back, Razor is very closely monitoring the fuel gauge. Fortunately, they're barely using up any fuel for this short little trip.
RAZOR
Don't go too far, T-Bone.
In front, T-Bone is also studying his gauges, nodding.
T-BONE
Right. I see a spot up ahead.
(sighs)
Good thing you topped up the fuel tank before we left the hangar to go out on patrol.
Seeing a clearing, T-Bone lands. He and Razor then get out, slipping on their Glovatrixes, jumping down. They begin exploring the almost primordial forest. Occasionally, they call out. Nothing. No response. It's as though they're the only two people left in the entire world.
T-BONE
(yelling)
Hey! Come on out, you Dark Age dimwits!
RAZOR
(sighs)
Sure, T-Bone. Insult them. When they didn't exactly give us the warmest welcome last time.
T-BONE
Right now I'll settle for an attack out of anger from those guys.
RAZOR
Did we even travel back in time...?
T-Bone stops, glancing back at him.
T-BONE
What do you mean?
RAZOR
I mean every other time we've gone back and forth through time it's been through a time vortex. This time it wasn't. Everything changed around us.
Continuing on, T-Bone shrugs.
T-BONE
Who knows? Maybe it's a different kinda time travel. Or somethin' else. Somethin' bad. Real bad.
(grimacing)
You saw how those guys at the dig site just vanished. It was like they were... in pain. Like they were bein' ripped out of existence.
Razor strokes his chin. Suddenly, up ahead, they hear a commotion. As if many feet are running along through the underbrush.
RAZOR
Sounds like somethin' up ahead!
Overheard, there's a great flapping of wings, and a huge shape with batlike wings passes overhead. Reflexively, the SWAT Kats duck.
T-BONE
What was that...?!
RAZOR
I hope we don't have to find out! Come on!
He points. Ahead, we see three dark shapes moving along what appears to be road or path.
RAZOR
Let's go see who those guys are!
Nodding, T-Bone jumps up and runs ahead. Razor follows.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
A dirt road running along the edge of the forest. It isn't so much a road as a winding path worn by years of use of marching feet, horse hooves and wagon wheels. A trade route of sorts. We see three Megalith City guards hurrying along the road, looking scared out of their minds. The dark winged shape pursues them, whooshing noisily overheard. One of the guards screams, terrified.
As the three run offscreen to the right, the shadow following them, the SWAT Kats emerge from the forest. The fleeing guards immediately catch their attention.
RAZOR
Those are some of Queen Callista's guards!
T-Bone calls out to them.
T-BONE
Hey! Wait up!
The guy bringing up the rear stops, turning to glance back. Ahead of him, his two companions hurry around a cart that's stopped in the middle of the road. It's got what appears to be a gray HORSE pulling it, but the animal is weirdly still. There's nobody in the cart itself.
The guard's expression is one of terror. Bug-eyed mortal fear. The face of someone who's been living under unendurable frustration, fear and anxiety for quite some time. He's panting and sweat runs down his face.
Seeing his expression, the SWAT Kats stop. Behind them, we see a large covered wagon. It's two-wheeled and is the kind of cart that is pulled by the owner rather than by a beast of burden. The cloth cover on top has been mostly ripped away, although from this angle, we can't see who or what may be inside. A gray kat villager, a Dark Age PEASANT who was clearly the one pulling the wagon, stands weirdly still beside it. Razor glances back and does a double take. The peasant is standing completely stone still, because--
RAZOR
T-Bone!
Razor grabs his friend's arm. T-Bone turns to look. He gasps.
T-BONE
What the--?!
A scream makes them turn. They whip their heads 'round and see the shape of a huge red DRAGON (we'll call him DARKFYRE to distinguish him from the Pastmaster's previous dragon) fly down in an arc, descending upon the hapless guard. He screams as the taloned feet grab him and lift him. He is yanked up into the air, kicking and screaming. Riding atop the dragon is none other than the Pastmaster, back in his usual purple robes. He laughs maniacally, having not yet noticed the SWAT Kats.
END ACT I
ACT II
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
The dragon lifts the kicking and struggling guard up as though to fly away with him. The SWAT Kats ready their Glovatrixes. Instead of flying away with him, though, the creature simply hurls the poor guy through the air. Razor acts quickly, kneeling, taking aim, and launching a grappling cable, which wraps around the guard's waist, jerking him backwards, halting his downward momentum. He lands with a thud at the SWAT Kats' feet.
This does not go unnoticed by the Pastmaster. He whips his head around, blinking his one good eye, and gasps as he sees his old enemies. He glances at the two other fleeing guards, and, deciding he can deal with them later, digs his heels into Darkfyre's sides as one would a horse, directing the dragon to turn and fly over to where the SWAT Kats are.
PASTMASTER
The SWAT Kats? Here? It just isn't possible!
Still kneeling, Razor unties the guard he just saved.
RAZOR
(cold)
Glad to see you, too, Pastmaster.
Upon being freed, the terrified guard gets up and runs away. The dragon turns as if to breathe fire on him, but T-Bone launches a Turbo-Boomering from his Glovatrix. It unfolds in midair and hits Darkfyre in the face, knocking his head to the side. The jet of flame instead shoots harmlessly into the night sky.
Ahead on the road, the other two guards stop running and glance back. They see the SWAT Kats.
GUARD #1
Look! It's the SWAT Kats! The heroes of legend! The ones from the future!
GUARD #2
We should go and tell the elder! Come on!
They resume running.
Back over where the cart and wagon are, Darkfyre lands with a booming thud before the vigilantes. The Pastmaster yells down at them.
PASTMASTER
How in the world can you exist when your entire family lines were eradicated?! Nothing from modern Megakat City should exist anymore, let alone you two!
T-BONE
Yeah, well, search us, tiny. Even we don't know.
(getting angry)
Say! What did you do? What's goin' on?
RAZOR
Where's the Queen?
The Pastmaster laughs.
PASTMASTER
Where else would she be? In her precious Megalith City. Where she's been for the past...
(he trails off)
...well, the exact number of years isn't important.
T-BONE
Gettin' senile, Pastmaster...?
PASTMASTER
Mock me all you want, SWAT Kat! I should kill you both now, have Darkfyre burn you into cinders and ashes, but for the moment I think it'd be much more satisfying to let you explore this new version of Megalith City and its surrounding countryside, and see just what kind of wonderful world I've created.
(smirks)
Besides... figuring out how it's even possible for you to be here, let alone still exist, or even ever have existed at all, will be an interesting intellectual exercise for me.
(laughs)
Hahahahaha! Until we meet again, SWAT Kats!
He digs his heels into Darkfyre's sides again, and the dragon leaps up, spreading his huge wings, and takes off flying, towards the familiar spire of his master's ominous tower in the distance. The SWAT Kats watch him go. After a moment, Razor, coiling his grappling line back up, goes and investigates the cart being pulled by the horse, and discovers the animal has been completely turned to stone. Its posture indicates that it'd been taken by surprise.
T-BONE
(O.S.)
Razor...
Razor walks over to where T-Bone stands by the covered wagon. The peasant is also turned to stone. He is leaning back, mouth open mid-scream, hands raised as though warding something off. Or perhaps pleading. Gently, T-Bone knocks on his shoulder. Thunk! Solid stone!
T-BONE
Solid stone. And somethin' tells me it ain't 'cause he's a statue. 'Cause I can't think of what sicko would wanna make a statue...
He points into the back of the covered wagon, through one of the rents in the shredded cloth top.
T-BONE
...of this.
Inside we see the peasant's WIFE and two CHILDREN. They're turned to stone too, forever frozen in a position of her cradling the two terrified kids to herself, as the pair, a boy and girl, cling to their mother. Razor makes a choking sound in his throat at the realization of the scope of just what it is he's looking at.
Meanwhile, T-Bone, fearful that the father will fall over and smash, hefts him up and lays him in the back of the wagon with his family. Razor is too stunned to help.
RAZOR
(voice shaking)
They're not the only ones. The horse pulling the cart up ahead is also turned to stone. And I bet if we searched around, we'd find the guy who owned it in the same condition.
T-BONE
The Pastmaster's gonna pay for this, I swear...
RAZOR
Come on! We have to get to Megalith City! And pray this isn't as widespread as I think it is!
He hurries off.
T-BONE
What about them?
He jerks a thumb at the family in the wagon.
RAZOR
We can't help them right now! Not until we figure out just what--
There's a bright flash from off to the right, over a rise, followed by a scream which is cut off abruptly.
EXT. CLEARING - NIGHT
The SWAT Kats rush over and peek over the rise.
EXT. VALLEY - NIGHT
The cyclops from before, with the blindingly bright eye, stands over the guard who ran away after Razor saved him. Razor gasps. The guard has been turned to stone! The SWAT Kats duck down. Perhaps the cyclops isn't as blind as he appears, or he has devilishly sharp hearing, before he turns his searchlight eye towards them. The ground trembles as he approaches, the bright light shining over the crest of the hill. However, for no apparent reason, turns and heads off to the right and walks off.
EXT. CLEARING - NIGHT
As his thudding footfalls recede, the SWAT Kats peek over the top of the hill and watch him go. They're mad.
T-BONE
So much for savin' that guy...
RAZOR
Nothin' sayin' we still can't! Come on! We've got to get to Megalith City!
He jumps up and races off in the direction of the city.
T-BONE
Razor, I don't think you're gonna like what you find...
RAZOR
I don't care! I have to know!
EXT. MEGALITH CITY - NIGHT
The great city perched on the cliff beside the canyon stands silent and still against the mood. We see the tiny figures of the SWAT Kats hurry into shot. Razor is in the lead, panting desperately. Beside the entrance, two city guards stand with spears at the ready, totally turned to stone. Razor's eyes are bugging out of his head, he's so worried. T-Bone comes huffing and puffing behind him.
INT. CASTLE - THRONE ROOM
King Manximus sits casually on his throne, leaning over and speaking with a guard. They're both turned to stone. So are the rest of the court denizens. The SWAT Kats enter, T-Bone a little more cautiously, Glovatrix up, looking for any threats. Razor, though his Glovatrix is ready, is more twitchy and furtive in his movements. He's worried about Callista. The horse and the family on the road have gotten him scared. The guards at the city gate and various other people they encountered offscreen have done little to allay his fears. As Razor inspects the "frozen" people, looking around, T-Bone walks over to the thrones and has a look at Mayor Manx's more dignified, handsome ancestor.
T-BONE
Who's this joker on the throne beside Callista's?
RAZOR
(forlorn)
King Manximus I.
T-Bone frowns, squinting and turning his head this way and that. He both can and can't see the resemblance to Manx.
T-BONE
He looks kinda familiar...
RAZOR
(stepping up beside him)
Lord Manximus is... was... Mayor Manx's ancestor. He was an, um...
(chokes up a bit)
He was a member of Megalith nobility and married Queen Callista.
T-Bone looks at his friend, worried for him.
T-BONE
(trying to be conversational)
How come you know so much about history all of a sudden, Sureshot? I thought that was my thing.
He gives a weak chuckle.
RAZOR
You? Interested in history? Outside of Mega War II?
T-BONE
(frowns)
That's not fair...
Razor backs off, holding his hands up.
RAZOR
You're right, you're right. I'm sorry, T-Bone. I'm just so, so worried. About Callista. About us.
He glances around.
RAZOR
About everyone, I guess. Anyway, after our last trip to the Dark Ages, I read up on everything I could find about Megalith City and Queen Callista.
He sits at the foot of Callista's throne.
RAZOR
They say that a great cataclysm wracked the area. Some kind of earthquake. It dropped the entire city into the gorge. Fortunately, most of the people, including the King and Queen, were out in the fields attending some kind of festival. I can't quite remember. Callista and Manximus rallied the survivors to rebuild in the wake of the terrible tragedy and started work on what would eventually become the modern Megakat City closer to the coast.
T-Bone looks at the "statue" of Manximus.
T-BONE
Did they... do they... love each other?
RAZOR
Oh, you bet. So much for my shot at her. But then, it's not like anything could've happened between us, really. Her and me or her and you. Callista has to marry Manximus and the city has to fall into the gorge in order for our future to happen.
He blinks, an idea forming in his head. He seems like he's figuring things out.
T-BONE
(glancing around)
Say, where is Callista, anyway?
Razor jerks up, startled out of his thoughts. He leaps to his feet.
RAZOR
You're right! She's not here!
(grim)
But I bet I know where we'll find her...
EXT. MEGALITH CITY - BATTLEMENTS
The SWAT Kats walk along the city wall, gingerly picking their way through the cluster of turned to stone guards before they find Callista standing with Tabor. Like everyone else, they're both turned to stone. Quite suddenly, too, judging by their poses of expressions and surprise. Razor breaks down and falls to his knees before the Queen.
RAZOR
No, no, no...
He is close to weeping. T-Bone fights back his own sadness, struggling to turn it into righteous anger. Razor clutches the statue-fied Callista's cold stone hand tightly. T-Bone gently rubs his friend's shoulder.
T-BONE
(choking up a bit)
Easy, buddy. Easy. I know. I wanna bawl my eyes out too. But crying isn't gonna solve anything. Like you told me back on the road... with that family... there's nothing we can do for them.
(with steely resolve)
Not right now anyway.
RAZOR
(sniffling)
Y-You're right... B-But how did the Pastmaster do this?!
T-BONE
You saw what that cyclops did to that guy before. Everything his gaze lands on... ends up like these people here.
Rising, Razor turns, his eyes misty.
RAZOR
And I know what's happened as a result. By turning everyone to stone, the Pastmaster has ensured that they'll never have kids, and the already existing children will never grow up to have kids of their own. Entire family lines have been wiped out.
T-Bone gawks at the magnitude of this.
T-BONE
B-But then how in the world are we--
Thud! The ground quakes. The SWAT Kats hop down from the wall onto the stairs built into the side of it. They press themselves flat against it as the cyclops from before appears, looming over the top of the wall, his searchlight gaze scanning through the empty, silent city. Sweating and holding their breath, the two vigilantes wait until the cyclops withdraws. They listen to his gradually receding footsteps and slowly relax, exhaling.
T-BONE
That guy could get to be a big problem. And we still don't know how in the world we didn't vanish along with everyone else in the future.
ELDER
(O.S.)
I can answer that, SWAT Kat.
They turn. Standing at the bottom of the steps are the lead elder and the jester from before. The latter is no longer in his jesting attire, having traded it for an outfit similar to the elder's, a hooded robe with a cape. The two guards from the road earlier are with them.
ELDER
(evenly)
You are the SWAT Kats, are you not? The heroes of legend?
T-BONE
The one and only.
ELDER
Please come with me.
(a little more urgently)
Quickly.
Without any further explanation, the elderly kat hurries off, robe and cape fluttering out behind him. The jester and the two guards follow. T-Bone and Razor exchange glances and then shrug, following, the latter pausing but a moment to glance up at the top of the wall where Callista remains, before turning and hurrying after the others.
EXT. PASTMASTER'S TOWER - NIGHT
Establishing shot of the Pastmaster's tall and fearsome-looking tower. Darkfyre the dragon lays on his side, splayed out, rumbling deeply. Snoring. He's asleep.
PASTMASTER
(O.S.)
Those meddling SWAT Kats...
INT. PASTMASTER'S TOWER - WORKSHOP
The Pastmaster's workshop at the top of the tower. There's some stairs leading down, but they're not important just yet. As before, the center of the room is dominated by an enormous bronze cauldron. Various tables with jars and other glass containers and ornate boxes and chests containing who-knows-what are crowded around. One table in particular is covered with carefully sculpted clay figures depicting the dragon, the cyclops and various other creatures, many corresponding to the ones we saw drop out of the portal earlier. The cyclopes with the stone-vision is the largest of all, bigger than even the figure representing Darkfyre.
At present, the Pastmaster is digging through various books and scrolls and such. His ticking pocketwatch sits on one of the worktables, and we also recognize the Tome of Time sitting on a lectern by the cauldron.
PASTMASTER
Every time I turn around those infernal meddlers are nipping at my heels like the inevitable frost of an oncoming winter. Bah!
He unfolds and examines one scroll, then discards it in annoyance. He pulls down a book from a shelf. Somehow he immediately knows that it won't be of any use to him and it is flung aside, out the window.
PASTMASTER
(angry)
Useless!
EXT. PASTMASTER'S TOWER - NIGHT
The book falls down and clonks the dragon on the head. He stirs, grumbling, then goes back to sleep.
INT. PASTMASTER'S TOWER - WORKSHOP
More and more books are pulled down, some opened and read before being discarded, some not. The floor is soon littered with parchments and tomes. The wizard is getting angry. He stamps his feet like a toddler throwing a tantrum. The usual sort of behavior one expects from him.
PASTMASTER
I must figure out how what I've done hasn't affected the SWAT Kats before it's too late! Although highly unlikely, they could disrupt my plans and ruin everything! Somehow the always do! And if I've learned anything in my long life... it's that anything is possible. But alas! Where is it?! Where is the answer!
(in a wild rage)
Where is my remedy...?!
EXT. PASTMASTER'S TOWER - NIGHT
The Pastmaster's scream of rage echoes out across the night. Darkfyre snores through it.
PASTMASTER
(yelling)
Grrraaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
A closeup of the SWAT Kats' bare footprints in the dirt road. A horned shadow falls across it. We hear grunting. A foot stomps into frame and we pan up to see its owner: a huge OGRE. Behind him are several others. A hunting party.
These ogres are bizarre-looking creatures, being hulking and brutish kats with one eye each, making them look like nothing so much as small (kat-sized) cyclopes. Many are bearded. They each have three horns, one sprouting from their foreheads and pointing forwards, and two more growing out from above and behind their ears and pointing backwards. They're armed with a variety of weaponry. Most of them have simple clubs, some with spikes. Others are armed with whatever weapons they've scavenged from here and there including a few swords.
The ogre in the lead stoops down and examines the footprints, sniffing, then rises. With a snarl, he gestures for the others with him to follow, and as one the group hurries off down the road in pursuit of their prey.
EXT. MEGALITH CITY - NIGHT
The group (SWAT Kats, elder, jester and guards) emerge from the side door and creep around the outskirts of the city wall, with the elder in the lead.
ELDER
We must be cautious. The Pastmaster's stone cyclops may be nearby. If his gaze falls upon you...
T-BONE
Yeah, we kinda figured that one out for ourselves.
(to the guards)
Sorry about your buddy.
GUARD #1
(grim)
As much as grieve the loss of our comrade, SWAT Kat, we must not waste time dwelling too much on him.
(a little sad)
Or on the countless others lost when the Pastmaster returned.
(determined)
Now is the time for action!
T-Bone nods.
T-BONE
My sentiments exactly, pal!
He makes a fist. The elder whirls around.
ELDER
Yes, but also for caution and forethought. You wouldn't have lost your comrade if you hadn't disobeyed my instructions not to try an attack against the Pastmaster's tower.
The first guard frowns and sighs, lowering his head. His friend comforts him. Razor creeps forward and joins the elder at the corner of the wall. Ahead, they see only a vast expanse of open grassland. To the right is the road that hugs the edge of the forest. To the left, the gorge.
RAZOR
I'm guessing you figure there's a way to undo all this. With our help, I mean.
ELDER
(nodding)
Yes. But we must return to the citadel. That is where the Council meets. Or... met. Once. No longer. These past eight-hundred years have seen our group of resistance fighters dwindle to what you see before you.
The SWAT Kats look surprised.
T-BONE
Eight-hundred years...?!
RAZOR
Then we're not in the past...?
ELDER
No, SWAT Kat. This is the present day. It isn't even the past to you like it was the last time you and your friend visited. The Pastmaster, as you've no doubt ascertained, has ensured that what are "modern times" to you never happened.
RAZOR
So how come you guys are still alive?
T-BONE
And why are we even still, y'know... existing?
ELDER
Not now! Look! A hunting party of ogres!
Ahead, he spots the ogres from before. The one in the lead, cycloptic eye blazing angrily, sees them. He gives a roaring cry to attack and the group rushes forwards. The SWAT Kats ready their Glovatrixes. The two guards draw their swords, one of them moving to protect the elder. The jester whimpers and cowers behind the other one.
ELDER
The Pastmaster seeks to prevent our helping you! We must defeat these foes!
T-BONE
Then it's action time after all! Let's kick some Dark Age tail!
