scene 9 Airport Showdown

 EXT MCCARRAN AIRPORT NIGHT — 
               
The military escort pulls into the airport grounds with the van following. They go down a service road and behind the now empty terminals. As they round a corner, we now see the air fields and runways. There are no commercial planes just military choppers and a line of tanks and large guns along the main runway. The darkness settles in and big lights illuminate the air field. Soldiers are unloading trucks of supplies, others are loading missiles onto fighter jets further down a runway.
               
The convoy pulls up to the airport tower. Outside there is a group of men waiting for them. As they exit the van a soldier greets them.
               
SOLDIER
Major Adams.
(he salutes)
 Major Fetty has been waiting for you. Please follow me.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Thank you
               
They enter the tower and take the elevator to the control room.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
The group enters the control room.  They are greeted by Major Fetty.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Nick.
(he puts out his hand and shakes Major Adams hand)
 Good to see you my friend. Just wish it was under better circumstances.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
I agree. Nice operation you got here.
               
MAJOR FETTY
It will do. Who's your guests?
               
MAJOR ADAMS
(points to Dr. Hammond)
 This is Dr. Hammond. He was sent by the White House to be our advisor.
               
Dr.Hammond nods.
               
MAJOR ADAMS (CONT'D)
This is his son. Dr. Jack Hammond, nuclear specialist.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Nuclear?
               
JACK
(shakes Major Fetty's hand)
 Yeah. It seems our big lizard has a serious radioactive problem.
               
MAJOR FETTY
I think we've witnessed some of that in the broadcasts.
               
JACK
We've seen it first hand. Make sure your people keep their distance from him. We're not entirely sure just how toxic he may be.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Well I hope you can give us some insights doctor.
(he looks to Miki)
 And who is this lovely lady?
               
JACK
My colleague Doctor Miki Ogata. She's a biologist from Japan. She has been here studying the mutations that have been showing up since that accident at my fathers lab.
               
Miki looks at the Major and bows towards him.
               
MIKI
Nice to meet you
               
MAJOR FETTY
Pleasure is all mine. Well if you will all follow me to the command center, Major Adams and I need to brief the colonel and the White House.
               
They start to walk towards the center of the control room.
               
We see the makeshift center with monitors all around, showing different angles of the Las Vegas strip. One camera stays focused on Godzilla. He is beating the downed Kentragon with his tail in the rubble of the Excalibur casino.
               
A few soldiers are watching the scene with amusement. Some making comments.
               
SOLDIER 1
Ow! Thats gotta hurt.
               
SOLDIER 2
Put my money on Godzilla. He's wasting that other lizard.
               
SOLDIER 3
Yeah. He's a tough one.
               
SOLDIER 2
At least that's one less we have to deal with. Should make this job a little easier.
               
As the group is moving past them, Jack leans into their conversation.
               
JACK
But you still have to deal with Godzilla. From what I've seen.
(beat)
 that wont be so easy.
               
The three soldiers look back at him. He smiles and continues walking to catch up with his group. Miki turns to him.
               
MIKI
That wasn't very nice.
               
JACK
But it is true. These guys need a dose of reality. We've seen in person what that monster is capable of. I just hope this operation can stop him.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
(looks back at Jack)
 Keep the faith Jack. We have enough fire power out there to level half of Las Vegas. I think Godzilla has met his match with the U.S. military.
               
JACK
I wouldn't be so cocky just yet Nick.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Not cocky doctor, just confident. We have a great plan in place.
               
JACK
Which is?
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Yeah. I'd like to know what the operation entails.
               
MAJOR FETTY
In approximately fifteen minutes we will shut down the major power grid. Once we black out the area, we plan to lure Godzilla this way with our own fireworks display. Once he comes close enough, that entire tank battalion will open fire.
(points out the window to the line of tanks below)
 I think that should suffice to end the monsters rampage.
               
Dr. Hammond steps forward, shaking his head.
               
DR. HAMMOND
No. No. I don't think that will do anything but anger him. His hide is very strong and resilient.
               
JACK
(piping in)
 And he has very strong healing capabilities.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Doctors. I can assure you that the payloads those tanks deliver can take down concrete bunkers. I don't think they will have any problem going through wonder lizard. We also will have Apaches to run backup in case the monster somehow manages to survive the first attack wave.
               
DR. HAMMOND
I'm not so sure Major. I would like to do some studies. Is it possible to get some supplies and equipment brought up here?
               
MAJOR FETTY
Sure thing doctor.
(points to a soldier beside him)
 This is Sargent Griffin, he can assist you in whatever you need.
               
SARGENT GRIFFIN
Yes sir. Please come with me doctor.
               
The two men walk away.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Nick. Come with me. The Colonel would like a report.
               
Jack and Miki walk over to a window. They look down at the row of tanks.
               
MIKI
Jack. I'm scared. Do you really think they can stop Godzilla.
               
JACK
I certainly hope so.
               
 EXT EXCALIBUR CASINO NIGHT — 
               
Godzilla stops his tail beating of Kentragon. He leans down to inspect the other monster, buried in rubble. He sniffs. There is no movement.
               
As Godzilla turns to walk away, the rubble shifts.  Suddenly the tower is pushed away and with a horrific screech Kentragon rises from the smoldering debris.
               
The noise gets Godzilla's attention. He looks back as Kentragon leaps at him. His charred head still smoldering, one eye blackened from Godzilla's flaming breath.
               
The creature is weak. Godzilla swings his mighty tail at Kentragon in mid leap. Kentragon is flung back into the already demolished casino. More of the castle crumbles around him.
               
Kentragon tries to get up, but Godzilla makes the next move. He leaps onto Kentragon. His clawed feet digging into Kentragons flesh.
               
Kentragon screeches in pain. He tries to struggle and knock his attacker off. Godzilla raises his foot and stomps as hard as he can on Kentragons neck. There is a loud cracking sound and Kentragons head falls limp.
               
Godzilla steps off the beaten body. Lets out a roar.
               
Kentragons body twitches, his tail tries to swing but falls limply. Blood and foam ooze from his open mouth.
               
Godzilla stares down at the monster. His dorsals light up. He lets out an enormous blast from his mouth. The radioactive mist is more concentrated, almost like a giant laser beam. The area around Kentragon bursts into flames.
               
We hear muffled screeches through the wall of flame. Kentragons tail rises up again, flails a few times in the air and falls back into the inferno.
               
Godzilla tilts his head back and roars in triumph. He then looks around. Most of the strip though in shambles has thousands of bright lights shining. Godzilla looks at the burning city for a moment then slowly walks away from the carnage.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
Majors Adams and Fetty are seated near a console. They are in video conference with the Colonel.
               
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
We have video feed here. The president gives the order to proceed with the operation. Remember gentleman. Minimal damage to anymore real estate. We think Godzilla has done more than enough damage.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Roger that sir. We will lure him to the checkpoint before opening fire. This should prevent any outside damage.
               
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
Where is Godzilla now?
               
MAJOR ADAMS
He's near the Excalibur. The city lights appear to be disorienting him. We will start the blackout as soon as confirmation that the tank battalion is armed and ready.
               
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
Good job gentleman.
(he looks to the side, someone whispers to him)
 What of the other monster ? Kentragon? Do we have confirmation that Godzilla has destroyed it.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Negative sir. Godzilla has moved away and there is no sign of movement that the cameras are detecting. Once the area is clear we will send in a team to confirm.
               
COLONEL (ON THE SCREEN)
Very good. Keep us posted.
               
The two men salute the screen. The colonel salutes back, then the screen blacks out.
               
A soldier looks over from another console.
               
SOLDIER
Major. I have a report from tank command. They report all are locked and loaded.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Excellent. Contact lieutenant Scott and have his team begin blackout proceedings. And put me on comm please.
               
SOLDIER
Yes sir.
               
The Major picks up the microphone.
               
MAJOR FETTY
All stations at ready. Operation Godzilla will commence at 2100 hours. Tank command, you will only fire at Godzilla at point zero. Blackout will occur in ten minutes. Ready the lures.
               
He hands the mike back and joins Jack, Miki, and Major Adams, they are standing at the observation window. A soldier behind them suddenly barks out.
               
SOLDIER
Godzilla is just passing the Luxor.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Thank you.
(turns to the group)
 He's on his way.
               
JACK
Wheres my father?
               
MAJOR FETTY
We are setting up a lab for him in the main concourse. He requested equipment and wants to do some studies. We are going to need to know how to handle the monster once he's down.
               
MIKI (SOFTLY)
If Godzilla goes down.
               
 EXT LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD NIGHT — 
               
As Godzilla moves past the Luxor, he sees reflections in the shiny black pyramid. He realizes it is nothing and continues to move forward. Suddenly The top glows, and a giant beam of bright light bursts from the top.
               
Godzilla is startled. He steps back. His bulk crashing into nearby shops, which crumble beneath him. He stares up at the bright light, mesmerized.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER. — 
               
The spotlight from the Luxor can be seen though the window. The group watches it.
               
MIKI
That is so beautiful.
               
A soldier looks up from his console.
               
SOLDIER
Godzilla is just standing there staring at the light. I think he's going to smash the pyramid.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Lets hope not. Alright team. lets get him away from there. Cut the power and get that light off!
               
 EXT LUXOR HOTEL — 
               
Godzilla stares at the light then moves slowly towards it. Suddenly it goes out. He growls, looks side to side and sees all the lights going out, leaving him in the dark.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
MAJOR FETTY
(into the microphone)
Launch the lures.
(looks to his team)
Now your going to see some fireworks.
               
 EXT LUXOR HOTEL — 
               
There is a boom behind Godzilla. He turns to see a rocket shooting up in the sky. It explodes into a bright red flower in the sky. He watches intently as the trails fall to the ground. Another boom. Another rocket shoots up and fills the sky with brilliant color.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
MAJOR FETTY
Come on you gruesome son of a bitch.
               
MIKI
Maybe its scaring him.
               
JACK
Somehow I dont think Godzilla is scared.
               
Another mortar shoots up from the runway. The control room lights up with the flash as it explodes.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
I don't think he's interested.
               
MAJOR FETTY
He'll come. Continue launches.
               
 EXT LUXOR HOTEL — 
               
Another rocket shoots up. It explodes in a bright green light, a few offshoots also explode. Godzilla becomes entranced and starts trudging towards the lights. He makes his way crashing through store fronts and any other small building in his path.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
SOLDIER
He's coming this way.
               
MAJOR FETTY
I knew he'd take the bait. Keep launching till he gets closer. Switch to spotlights when he gets on airport ground.
               
Another firework blasts up. Again illuminating the control room. Jack is looking through night vision binoculars. He makes out the shape of Godzilla approaching.
               
JACK
I can see him. Hope your ready Major.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Were ready.
(turns to a soldier)
 Get me tank command.
               
SOLDIER
On the line sir.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Commander. He's on his way.
               
 EXT. RUNWAY — 
               
We see the tank commander his head outside the hatch of the center M1A2 tank. He is watching Godzilla's approach through his night vision googles.
               
COMMANDER
Roger that. Lets get those triggers ready. He's almost here. Watch the laser line. Once his feet reach that line, I want 1st line to aim at 25 degrees. Take out the legs. 5 second delay. Line two aim at 40 degrees, aim for the chest.
               
They watch as the shadow of Godzilla gets closer. Another firework blasts up. As it lights up the sky we see Godzilla in the light.
               
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Get the firework crew out after 1 more launch. Prepare spotlights.
               
The last rocket shoots up. Explodes. The soldiers stare in awe as the figure of Godzilla illuminates in the glow.
               
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Spotlights!
               
Behind the tanks. Two bright spotlights shoot their beams into the sky. They slowly move back and forth, the beams crossing. Godzilla lumbers forward.
               
The ground beneath them shakes as his footsteps pound into the ground. The tank commander watches through his goggles. He sees the laser line invisible to the naked eye. All he can see now is Godzillas legs as he gets closer to the line.
               
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
All banks ready. Fire on my mark.
               
Godzilla watches the searchlights waving in front of him. He can see the shadows of the tanks at the end of the runway. He stops.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
MAJOR ADAMS
He stopped. Do you think he senses the trap?
               
JACK
I hope not.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Damn it! He's less than 20 yards from the strike zone. How do we get him closer?
               
Inside the windows rattle as Godzilla lets out a roar. Miki gets closer to Jack, she wraps her arms around him  like a security blanket.
               
JACK
Hey. Are you okay?
               
MIKI
He's so close. I'm sorry. I'm just a little frightened.
               
JACK
Me too. But trying not to show it.
               
 EXT RUNWAY — 
               
Godzilla starts moving again toward the lights.
               
COMMANDER
Hes moving again. Ready..
               
The commander watches through his goggles. Godzilla is almost at the line.
               
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Almost there. Come on. Just a few more steps.
               
Godzilla's leg crosses the line.
               
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
Fire!
               
The tanks guns erupt. The shells exploding on Godzilla's body. Pieces of his flesh blowing off in the explosions. He roars.
               
The next barrage shoots. Shells striking Godzilla in the chest. He falls backwards to the ground.
               
Machine guns start firing at his body when he hits the ground.
               
The tank commander watches through the smoke. He tries to focus on Godzilla's body. He sees movement.
               
COMMANDER (CONT'D)
He's still moving. Aim low. 10 degrees. Fire!
               
Another barrage erupts from the tanks. Through the smoke we hear Godzilla's roar.
               
Suddenly he rises. He looks at his attackers. The dorsal fins glow.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
MIKI
Oh my god. He's going to blast them with his nuclear breath.
               
Through the window we see the glowing mist fly past towards the tanks.
               
 EXT RUNWAY — 
               
The mist envelopes the four middle tanks. The commander is instantly incinerated. One tank tries to fire, the shell never leaves the barrel as the radiation heats it up and it explodes in the barrel. The tank erupts with a huge explosion.
               
Godzilla fires another blast. Three remaining tanks start melting from the intense heat.From inside we hear men screaming as they are being burned alive.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
The group in the tower watches in horror as Godzilla has taken out most of the tank division. Major Fetty grabs the microphone.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Missile launchers move in. Get those Apaches in the air. I want that monster surrounded. Take him down!
               
Major Fetty looks around the control room. Calls out to a sargent nearby.
               
MAJOR FETTY (CONT'D)
Sargent. Line up bazooka team. Take out that main window, once the second wave begins I want you to concentrate fire on Godzilla's head.
               
SARGENT
Yes sir! Booth, Knock that window out. Weiss, Stanley, arm and ready.
               
The one soldier goes over to the windows. He sets small charges on the windows. Three soldiers come over wielding bazookas.
               
BOOTH
Stand clear. All personel take cover.
               
The  people inside duck down behind consoles and tables. The soldier pushes a button on a hand held transmitter. There is a small blast and the glass shatters, falling to the ground. Four soldiers armed with bazookas kneel at the window aiming their sites on Godzilla.
               
The blast catches Godzilla's attention. He looks towards the tower and growls.
               
Jack looks at Miki, grabs her hand and starts pulling her towards the elevator.
               
JACK
Come on. Were getting out of here.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Jack. Where are you going?
               
JACK
Away from here. In case you haven't looked that way
(points out towards Godzilla)
 Godzilla is coming for us. I don't plan on being front row center for that.
               
Out side there are booming noises. A missile flies by, hits Godzilla in the chest. He lets out a deafening roar.
               
 EXT RUNWAY — 
               
Two tanks continue to fire on Godzilla but miss. Ahead we see the shadows of the Apaches as they lift off. Godzilla's eyes narrow as they approach.
               
Missile batteries fire again. Godzilla is hit again. His dorsals light up. Radioactive spray shoots from his mouth at the missile launchers.
               
The spray ignites one of the missile launchers. It explodes in a great fireball. Above one of the Apaches falters from the blast wave. It quickly corrects itself and flies towards Godzilla with machine guns blazing.
               
Godzilla blasts again. This time he takes out two Apaches before they can lift off. He moves forward towards the remaining tanks.
               
One manages to get off another shot just before Godzilla swipes his tail at his attacker. The tail slams into the tank, lifting it up slightly and crashing into the other tank.
               
The Apaches buzz Godzilla, peppering him with machine gun fire. One manages to launch a sidewinder at Godzilla. He quickly turns to avoid the impact. The missile flies off and explodes in a building in the far distance.
               
Godzilla ducks down and swings his tail up. It connects with an Apache, knocking it to the ground where it explodes.
               
Godzilla blasts back again. He incinerates another Apache as it turns to fire on him.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER. — 
               
Soldiers take cover as shrapnel from one of the downed Apaches comes flying through the window. Smoke starts filling the control room from outside. The communications officer calls out.
               
COMM.SOLDIER
Colonel says to abort. Repeat. Abort mission.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Alright. Call them off. get those soldiers out of there.
               
COMM.SOLDIER
(into his mike)
 All units pull out. Abort. Abort.
               
Inside, one of the bazooka soldiers calls out.
               
SOLDIER
I've got a shot.
               
He squeezes the trigger and the rocket launches towards Godzilla. It strikes him in the arm. He roars and turns towards the tower.
               
SOLDIER (CONT'D)
Oh shit. He's coming this way.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Everybody out!
               
Jack and Miki are entering the first elevator door that opens. A few soldiers run in behind them as the door is closing. Major Adams leaps in and the doors close.
               
JACK
Nick. Glad you could join us.
               
MAJOR ADAMS
Couldn't let you leave without me.
               
The elevator starts to descend.
               
 EXT RUNWAY — 
               
The Apaches start making their escape. A pilot looks over and sees Godzilla moving towards the tower.
               
PILOT (OVER RADIO)
Godzilla is heading for the command center. Intercept.
               
Three Apaches turn back to the monster. They start strafing him with machine gun fire. As one passes above him, he leaps in the air and swipes the chopper down.
                   
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
Chaos is all around as soldiers scramble to get in the elevators. Major Fetty watches from the blown out window. Godzilla is closer. He can see his massive head moving closer. One of the bazooka soldiers is still there with him. He squeezes the trigger and the rocket launches. It misses Godzilla and flies off to explode in the distance.
               
 EXT RUNWAY — 
               
The two remaining Apaches fire at the monster, trying to divert his attention, but Godzilla keeps moving towards the tower.
               
PILOT (OVER RADIO)
He's too close. Cease fire.
               
Just then, an impact jolts the chopper. Godzilla has swiped at the chopper as it tries to escape. It careens to the tarmac below and explodes.
               
Godzilla tilts his head back in a roar.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
Major Fetty holds the rocket launcher, pointing it at Godzilla. he sees an opportunity when Godzilla roars and aims for the back of his throat.
               
MAJOR FETTY
Thats it. Smile you son of a bitch.
               
 INT AIRPORT TOWER — 
               
He squeezes the trigger. The rocket propels into Godzilla's open mouth. We see the flash of the explosion from inside Godzilla's throat.
               
Godzilla shakes his head. He roars again, the dorsals light up but nothing shoots out.
               
He charges the tower. We see Major Fetty standing at the window. He's trying to reload. Godzilla lowers his head and headbutts the top of the tower, smashing into Major Fetty before he gets off another shot.
               
The tower begins to crumble. Chunks of steel and concrete rain down.
               
 INT ELEVATOR — 
               
We see the numbers in the elevator. it is on the third floor. The elevator shakes from Godzilla's footsteps.
               
Miki grabs onto Jack.
               
MIKI
He's getting closer!
               
The elevator is on the second floor. There is a loud crashing noise. The group inside is thrown to the floor of the elevator as it breaks loose and free falls. Miki screams.
               
The elevator hits the ground hard. The occupants thrown around like rag dolls. The crumbling noises louder as chunks of concrete bounce off the elevator car. The car crumbles as the concrete from the collapsing tower crashes down around it. The metal pressed down just inches away from the people strewn on the floor.