scene 13 solutions

INT PRESIDENTS MAKESHIFT OFFICE
               
The president is seated at a large table surrounded by his cabinet. Their attention is drawn to General Hawthorne.
               
General Hawthorne is standing by a large satellite image on the wall. It looks like a football playbook with X's and lines drawn all over it. He uses a pointer to emphasize a location.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
If we can strike Godzilla at this point.
(the pointer slaps the wall)
 We should be able to....
               
A knock on the door. It opens slowly and the Colonel peers in. Excuse me. Mr. President. I have Dr. Hammond here.
               
PRESIDENT
Of course Colonel. Send him in.
               
Dr. Hammond walks in the office.
               
DR. HAMMOND
I'm so sorry. Did I interrupt your meeting?
               
PRESIDENT
No. Welcome doctor. We have been waiting for you actually.
               
Dr. Serizawa enters next, followed by Miki and Jack.
               
Doctor Hammond turns and introduces them.
               
DR. HAMMOND
Mr. President. This is my close colleague Doctor Serizawa.We have been discussing some of the unique behaviors Godzilla showed while I was observing the creature.
               
PRESIDENT
Well I hope you may have observed something that will offer us a solution doctor. Please join us. Have a seat.
               
The president motions to an empty seat at the table.
               
DR. HAMMOND
Oh. Thank you. Thank you so much.
               
Doctor Hammond moves toward the seat, then motions to Jack and Miki.
               
DR. HAMMOND (CONT'D)
Sorry. Where are my manners. This is my son Doctor Jack Hammond and his associate Dr. Ogata. I apologize for bringing an unannounced guest, but Jack is one of the leading radiation experts  in the country.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Good. Then maybe I can get some support from him on our newest strategy.
               
JACK
Me?
               
Jack takes a seat by the far wall. Miki and Serizawa sit next to him.
               
PRESIDENT
By all means General. If you think Dr. Hammond will help your cause. I'm listening.
               
JACK
Why? Whats your plan?
               
PRESIDENT
Go ahead General. Tell us your strategy again. If Dr. Hammond agrees, You'll have my blessings.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Thank you Mr. President. Gentleman, as I was saying before.  Godzilla is currently here by the Primm Valley Country Club. His current trajectory has him following the Interstate. Within the next 20 miles, he will be situated here.
(slams the pointer again)
 This will be the perfect strike zone. There is nothing but desert and mountains for at least a twenty five mile radius. I believe that should be safe enough for the protection of our populated areas.
                   
JACK
Safe enough for what?
               
PRESIDENT
The general wants me to give an executive order to drop a half ton nuclear bomb on Godzilla.
               
JACK
What!? Are you out of your mind?
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Listen son. Godzilla has been impervious to any of our conventional weapons. At this point the only viable solution is to nuke him, and to do it far enough away from the populated areas, so as not to affect civilian life.
               
JACK
As if Godzilla hasn't done enough radiological damage, you want to add more? You'll turn that area into a wasteland for the next twenty years.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Its the friggin desert. It's already a wasteland. What do you propose? Just let the big lizard keep going? He already destroyed Las Vegas. At this rate he'll be in Los Angeles in the next day or two. Sorry. I'm not waiting for that to happen.
               
Dr. Hammond, sitting at the table watching the banter between his son and the general, shakes his head side to side, then speaks.
               
DR. HAMMOND
No. No. Jack is right general. You can not use a nuclear weapon on Godzilla. He was created by radioactivity, his body produces it, There's no telling what the effects may be. There is still so much we dont know about him. We need more time to study him.
               
JACK
Yeah. Listen to my father. I know he's crazy and a little eccentric, but he's right. All we know right now is that Godzilla has an incredible metabolism that not only makes his flesh dense and hard as steel, but that he can regenerate damaged cells very quickly.
               
Dr. Serizawa leans to Miki and whispers
               
DR. SERIZAWA
He can regenerate?
               
MIKI
(nods)
 Hai.
               
JACK
What if you blow him into a thousand pieces, and those pieces regenerate into a thousand Godzilla's. Then what?
               
The room fills with mumbles from the cabinet members around the table, commenting on that thought.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Then we retrieve those pieces, and destroy them. I really don't think that there will be much left of Godzilla if that bomb detonates anywhere close to him.
               
JACK
That may be possible. But also think about this.
               
Jack stands up and moves next to the president at the end of the table. He looks over the group seated there.
               
JACK (CONT'D)
What if, He absorbs that energy from the bomb. We have no idea what it could do. He's already a 150 feet tall and breathes nuclear fire. What if he gets bigger, or worse yet, what if his energies combine with that of the bomb and make an explosion tenfold what you were considering? Then what General? Until we know how it would effect him... I am totally against the use of a nuclear weapon.
               
The general slaps his pointer against the wall.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Then thats a chance we take. Unless you have a better idea doctor!
               
JACK (GRINS)
Actually. I do.
               
DR. HAMMOND
You do?
               
JACK
Well. It was something Miki said to me earlier.
(beat)
 What if we could neutralize Godzilla's radiation?
               
DR. HAMMOND
Of course. The radiation is more than likely the source of all his power.
               
JACK
Exactly. And if we can turn off his power source, we can probably stop him once and for all.
               
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR
And just how do we do that?
               
JACK
Cadmium. If we can expose him to enough cadmium, we should be able to neutralize his radiation levels.
               
DR. HAMMOND
Yes. yes. Son. You are brilliant.
               
JACK
Thank Miki. it was her idea.
               
PRESIDENT
So how do we get this cadmium stuff into Godzilla?
               
JACK
It doesn't necessarily have to get in him, just on him.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
How do you propose to accomplish that?
               
JACK (GRINS)
Thats your job General. I suggest you get your best explosives team together and start constructing some cadmium bombs.
               
PRESIDENT
If this works and we are able to neutralize Godzilla's radiation, then what?
               
From the back of the room, the Colonel pipes in
               
COLONEL
We bury him alive.
                   
The room turns to look at him.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Colonel. Your out of line.
               
PRESIDENT
No. He isn't. Whats your plan Colonel?
               
The colonel walks over to the Generals map, he points at an opening in the mountain range.
               
COLONEL
Godzilla is following Interstate 15, so it stands to reason that he will follow the path of least resistance. That should put him into one of these mountain passes. If you can get his radiation down where he cant use his ray on our jets, we can fly into the canyons and bombard the walls. We cause a big enough avalanche and literally bury Godzilla alive under tons of rock.
               
The president folds his hands, he ponders the thought.
               
PRESIDENT
That sounds viable. Doctor?
               
JACK
It sounds reasonable to me.
               
PRESIDENT
General. We now have a new plan. I suggest you get your people started on this and make it happen.
               
The general hangs his head down.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Yes sir.
               
PRESIDENT
Now. Theres a lot of work to be done and a short time to do it. I want every man available, working on this around the clock. Is it feasible to have this operation ready to go in the next few hours, say by 06 hundred?
               
The table all nods in agreement.
               
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Then its settled. We will meet here at six am and evaluate our status. I want updates on all progress and any challenges along the way. The doctors will remain with me for a while. i would like to ask them a few questions. Everyone else is dismissed.
               
Everyone rises from the table and exits the room. General Hawthorne gathers his belongings from the table. He looks up at the president.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
I think your making a big mistake Mr. President.
               
PRESIDENT
Actually your right General. I am. My mistake was leaving you in charge of this operation. Its time to fix that mistake.
(beat)
 You are hereby suspended from your duties until further notice.
               
The president looks over to the door.
               
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Colonel?
               
COLONEL
Yes Mr. President.
               
PRESIDENT
Colonel. You are in charge of this operation. I want you to keep me updated on the progress. Take the doctors with you. They may have some valuable insight.
               
The general turns red with anger.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
You cant be serious!?
               
PRESIDENT
I am serious general!
(he takes a deep breath)
 Now you are dismissed. You can leave quietly or I can have you removed and placed under house arrest for insubordination.
               
GENERAL HAWTHORNE
Yes sir. My apologies.
               
The general picks up his things and leaves the room.
               
The Colonel addresses the president.
               
COLONEL
Will there be anything else sir?
               
PRESIDENT
No Colonel. You may begin your operation plans. Please keep me updated.
               
The colonel salutes him.
               
COLONEL
Thank you sir.
               
He too exits the room, the doctors follow him out.
               
0600 HOURS
               
EXT AIRFIELD DAY
               
Tankers are fueling a bomber. A jeep pulls up to where soldiers are loading crates. Jack exits the jeep and approaches a group of soldiers. One of them is Major Adams, he sees Jack and motions for him.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Good morning Jack.
               
JACK
Morning Nick. Do me a favor would ya? Next time you get me up this early, make sure you send them with a hot cup of coffee.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
(laughs)
 Sorry buddy. Didn't expect you here so soon. Wheres Miki?
               
JACK
I let her sleep. She's exhausted. She had a rough few days.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Yeah. Haven't we all.
               
JACK
Besides, I think she wants to work with the egghead from Japan today. She's obsessed with the guy.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Do I detect a little jealousy?
               
JACK
What?
(beat)
 No. Whats the old guy got to offer her besides his mind anyway?
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Some women. Hmm. Thats all they need, well that and money.
               
They both let out a little laugh. A soldier comes over to them. He's carrying two coffee mugs, he hands them to the Major.
               
SOLDIER
Here you are Major.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Thank you private.
               
The soldier walks away and Nick hands a mug to Jack
               
JACK (GRINS)
Thanks. I need this.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
I figured. So anyway.
               
Nick moves over to one of the crates and opens the top. Jack looks inside and sees a row of bombs packed in the crate.
               
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
What do you think. Not bad for short notice.
               
JACK
How many do you have?
               
MAJOR ADAMS
So far they were only able to come up with enough cadmium to make eight of these in the short time they had.
               
JACK
How much cadmium is there?
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Not sure. I guess I could find out. How much do we need?
               
JACK
Honestly. I don't know. I know these bombs will have to be very close to him, if not a direct hit, for them to have any effect. Hope you got a good pilot flying this thing.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
One of the best.
(beat)
 Me!
               
JACK
Are you kidding?
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Nope. Look Jack. I know how important this run will be. Didn't want to take a chance that it didn't get done right.
               
JACK
Great. I'm going with you.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Like hell. Its too dangerous. If this doesn't work and we piss Godzilla off, whats to stop him from shooting that nuke spray at us and incenerating the plane.
               
JACK
Your gonna be a few thousand feet up. I dont think his breath is going to be a problem. Besides. I can monitor the equipment, we'll know if the bombs are working sooner, and then we can call in the cavalry.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Crazy bastard. Fine. Get what you need. I'll meet you in the briefing room in an hour.
               
INT CONTROL ROOM.
               
The colonel is overseeing crews setting up equipment, testing monitors. They work feverishly getting everything prepped. The door opens and the president enters with Dr Hammond, Serizawa, and Miki.
               
PRESIDENT
Good morning everyone.
               
All the soldiers stop and stand at attention. The colonel walks over to the president. Salutes him
               
COLONEL
Good morning Mr. President.
(turns to the others)
 and doctors. Hope everyone is well rested.
               
PRESIDENT
Didn't sleep a wink. How are we doing?
               
COLONEL
Well the bomber is being loaded now. Major Adams will be in charge of that part of the mission, I believe Dr. Hammond will be joining him.
               
DR. HAMMOND
Huh? I thought I was going to be here with you, monitoring and advising.
               
COLONEL
No. No. Sorry Doctor. I meant your son.
               
DR. HAMMOND
Jack? He's on the plane?
               
COLONEL
Yes doctor. He'll be fine. He will be monitoring the effects of the cadmium on Godzilla. He will let us know when it's safe to send our fighters in.
               
DR. HAMMOND
Oh dear.
               
MIKI
I'd like to join them if I may.
               
COLONEL
Sorry doctor Ogata. But they are already loaded up and on the runway. But here.
(he hands her a set of headphones with a microphone.)
 You'll be able to communicate with Doctor Hammond through this.
               
DR. HAMMOND
May I have one of those too please?
               
COLONEL
Sure. I'll get you one in a moment.
               
O.S.
Drones online. We have visuals.
               
The colonel looks over to soldier standing by the large monitor. A hazy image of Godzilla appears on screen. He is moving towards a canyon.
               
COLONEL
Great job. Status report on big bird.
               
A soldier looks up from his console.
               
SOLDIER
The goods are loaded. Awaiting clearance for takeoff.
               
The president stands beside the colonel
               
PRESIDENT
Good job colonel. It looks like you have this operation under control.
               
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
This is your show colonel. If your ready, then by all means, lets get this over with.
               
COLONEL
Thank you sir. Just awaiting your orders and we can begin the mission.
               
COLONEL (CONT'D)
Thank you sir.
               
He turns to the team in the room.
               
COLONEL (CONT'D)
Alright team. Operation Tombstone is a go. I repeat, we are a go.
               
A comm soldier speaks into his microphone.
               
COMM.SOLDIER
Big Bird. This is the nest. You are cleared for takeoff.
               
INT BOMBER
               
Major Adams sits in the pilot seat, another man beside him in the copilots seat. Jack is seated behind him, he is talking into his headset.
               
JACK
I'll see you when I get back
               
MIKI (OVER COMM)
You be careful Jack.
               
JACK
I'll be fine sweetheart. I'll take you out for a great ravioli dinner when this is all over.
               
 EXT CANYON — 
               
MIKI (OVER COMM)
Thats my favorite. I can't believe you remembered.
               
JACK
Your hard to forget. See you soon.
               
Major Adams looks to Jack.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
So you two are an item?
               
JACK
Not yet. We were a long time ago, but after seeing her recently. Well maybe its time to start it up again.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Can't blame you pal. Shes gorgeous.
               
JACK
That she is. Plus a whole lot more. Enough of my love life though. Lets get going, we have a monster to catch.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
I'm with you.
               
He flips a few switches and the planes engines roar to life.
               
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
Big Bird to nest. We are ready. Heading for runway three niner.
               
OVER RADIO
Roger that Big Bird.
               
The plane slowly taxis forward and turns onto the runway. The bomber builds speed and lifts into the air.