DEAD STAR

[PAGE 1]

[VISUAL]Wide establishing shot of the GTN — bustling cosmic corridors, strange starborne beings gliding past glowing vendor stalls. Massive information boards flicker above.

NARRATION (Rain):The Galactic Training Nexus —Where freaks and gods shake hands and lie to each other.

[PAGE 2]

[VISUAL]DAWN picks through scattered parts at a dusty kiosk. RIKA follows behind, her head on a swivel.

DAWN (to vendor):Looking for anything pre-Eclipse. AI cores, cognitive shells, memory ghosts — intact or corrupted.

VENDOR (cautious):Hunting ghosts, eh?They usually don't like being found.

DAWN:Good thing I stopped caring what people like.

[PAGE 3]

[VISUAL]Elsewhere, RAIN walks through a shimmering tunnel toward a tailoring forge glowing with plasma thread and drifting matter.

TAILOR DRONE:Armor for a Star Bearer? Adaptive cloth. Quantum layering. Soul-stitch seams.

RAIN:Any of it help me not get punched into next week?

TAILOR DRONE:Not really. But you'll look dope while it happens.

[PAGE 4]

[VISUAL]As Rain exits, he mutters to himself while passing a row of seated figures.

RAIN (low):I need to hit harder next time.Mourn didn't even flinch. I barely made him blink.

[PAGE 5]

[VISUAL]A nearby hooded figure — unshaven, wide-eyed — perks up like someone remembering a nightmare mid-nap. He jolts upright.

???:Mourn?

[PAGE 6]

[VISUAL]Rain freezes, looking over. The man squints at him. His eyes are bloodshot. His energy? Chaotic.

RAIN (narrowing eyes):Wait… I know you.Didn't you once headbutt a teleportation pad because it "looked at you wrong"?

???:That pad had vibes, bro.

[PAGE 7]

[VISUAL]The guy approaches, serious as hell — which makes it worse.

???:You said Mourn, right? Big cloak? Glows like depression?I think he did something… really bad to me.

[PAGE 8]

RAIN:...Like what?

???:I dunno. Something horrible. Unspeakable. Universe-warping.

RAIN:You sure it was him?

???:Well, I think it was him.Unless it was a different guy with the same terrifying aura, godlike presence, and star-killing vibes.

[PAGE 9]

RAIN:What's your name?

BLITZ (with a flourish):They call me Blitz.

RAIN:Why?

BLITZ:Because when I show up, everything explodes....Usually not on purpose.

[PAGE 10]

[VISUAL]Blitz stares off into the void, hand on his chin like he's deep in thought.

BLITZ (dramatic):All I know is, one moment I had a squad…The next, I had a crater.Maybe Mourn did it.Or maybe it was a microwave I forgot to turn off.Point is — someone's getting their teeth kicked in.

[PAGE 11]

[VISUAL]DAWN and RIKA observe from a distance.

DAWN (squinting):Is that guy okay?

RIKA:No.

[PAGE 12]

BLITZ (to Rain):If you're tangled with Mourn, you might be my only lead.And if you're not?Then… uh… I guess I just had a dramatic moment for no reason.

RAIN:So… you want to fight him?

BLITZ:Hell no. I want you to fight him while I watch and scream cool stuff.

[PAGE 13]

[VISUAL]Blitz walks away, muttering.

BLITZ (to himself):Unless I get my memories back and I'm secretly the chosen one.Which, y'know, feels right. I've got main character hair.

[PAGE 14]

RAIN (to himself):He's like a dumbass prophet.The multiverse is so screwed.

[PAGE 15]

[VISUAL]A small worn insignia is seen stitched to Blitz's torn jacket — same as one Rain saw long ago in a classified GTN report.Faint, almost erased by time.

NARRATION:Some ghosts don't haunt people.They haunt reasons.

[PAGE 16]

[VISUAL]GTN marketplace, crowded and chaotic. Neon signs flicker overhead. Rain walks through rows of stalls and vendors shouting deals. His eyes scan racks of clothing — leather jackets, high-tech armor pieces, sleek cybernetic accessories.

RAIN (thinking):Gotta look sharp. Samurai style, but the wallet's not ready for that kinda splash. Gotta find that sweet spot — fresh drip without the price tag.

[VISUAL]He picks up a black jacket, runs his hand over the fabric. Checks the price tag — his eyes narrow.

RAIN (muttering):Nah... too rich for me. Gotta keep it street but make it mine.

[PAGE 17]

[VISUAL]Rain steps aside and pulls out a small communicator. Kai's voice comes through, calm but serious.

KAI (comm):Rain, if you had your Star Bearer license, you could be bounty hunting Star Eaters out there, pulling in credits fast. But without it, you're stuck navigating the GTN rat race.

RAIN (grinning):Yeah, yeah. The rat race ain't my style. I like working on my own terms. That's why I got the shop back home.

[VISUAL]Close-up on Rain's clenched jaw — there's pride but a hint of frustration.

[PAGE 18]

[VISUAL]Cut to Rain's smoke shop on Earth, dimly lit with stacks of vinyl records, old posters on walls, and a counter covered with random trinkets. Rain kneels by a worn floorboard near the back.

RAIN (voiceover):This little secret's been with me for a minute — Earth-grown, homegrown. The real deal. No one in the GTN is selling anything like this.

[VISUAL]He lifts the floorboard, revealing carefully sealed bags of dense, sticky weed.

RAIN (smirking):Dawn's never gonna know. She'd smoke it all up in one sitting with all the stress from her tech shit. Gotta keep this stash under wraps.

[PAGE 19]

[VISUAL]Back in the GTN marketplace, Rain stands outside a popular shop. He adjusts his jacket, shoulders squared and confident. A small backpack hangs over one shoulder.

RAIN (calling out, voice steady):I got that gas...

[VISUAL]Passersby slow down, some curious, others nodding in recognition. Rain's tone is casual but carries an edge — like he's inviting them into something exclusive.

[PAGE 20]

[VISUAL]Rain pulls a small bag from his backpack and holds it up. The crowd's attention sharpens.

RAIN (louder, with swagger):Two for five — straight pressure. Fuck with ya boy!

[VISUAL]A few folks step forward, exchanging credits and grabbing the bags. Rain pockets the money, eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk.

[PAGE 21]

[VISUAL]Rain walks through the crowd, smoothly handling transactions, his grin widening with every sale.

RAIN (thinking):Simple, old-school hustle. No fancy apps, no shady middlemen. Just me, the product, and the street.

[PAGE 22]

[VISUAL]Rain pauses in a quieter corner, leaning against a pillar. His communicator buzzes again — Kai's voice breaks the rhythm.

KAI (comm):Keep your head up, Rain. GTN's no place for slip-ups or bad calls.

RAIN (smirking):Relax, Kai. I'm old school — this ain't my first rodeo.

[PAGE 23]

[VISUAL]Rain watches the flow of people, the neon glow reflecting off his eyes, a small satisfied smile curling his lips.

RAIN (thinking):Maybe the future's tech and star power — but sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. Just gotta keep it real... and keep it moving.

[PAGE 24]

[VISUAL]The GTN market is buzzing with alien vendors, loud deals, strange foods steaming on floating carts. Rain is standing on a hover-crate turned display table, bags of neatly packaged green bud laid out like rare artifacts. He's got shades on, arms crossed, chill but alert.

RAIN (calling out, cool as hell):I got that gas. Straight Earth-grown. Legal where I'm from, lethal to stress, pain, and bad vibes. Come see what the stars are missin'.

[PAGE 25]

[VISUAL]An elderly alien woman waddles up with curiosity. She has soft violet skin and gentle eyes, clearly skeptical but interested.

WOMAN:Is this… safe? What even is it?

RAIN (smiling, patient, tapping a bag):This right here? This is Earth Medicinal Cannabis. Grown in hydro under solar-spectrum lamps. No chemicals, no weird off-world enhancements. Just soil, water, sun, and love.

[PAGE 26]

[VISUAL]He picks up one of the buds and crushes it between his fingers lightly, letting the aroma rise.

RAIN (serious tone):Helps with joint pain, inflammation, and anxiety. People back home with arthritis? This shit saves their mornings. People with PTSD? Helps 'em sleep again. Not a cure, but a companion. Keeps you grounded.

[PAGE 27]

[VISUAL]He shifts his tone — more passionate now. He's not just hustling; he believes in it.

RAIN:No synthetic highs. This ain't that lab-cooked psycho-crack sold in alleys. This is the calm after a storm. It's anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective. Enhances appetite — helps cancer patients and trauma survivors stay nourished. Lowers blood pressure, even stabilizes mood swings. You name it.

RAIN (grinning):Got a planet-sized headache? Smoke this. Feel like grief's gnawing at your bones? Puff this. Heart won't stop racing? Let it slow dance for a bit.

[PAGE 28]

[VISUAL]The woman looks at the small bag Rain is holding up like it's holy.

WOMAN:And it's... not addictive?

RAIN (nods):Not chemically. No hooks. Your body doesn't crave it, your soul does. And even then, you can stop any time. It's gentle. Like tea, but for your whole damn nervous system.

[PAGE 29]

[VISUAL]Rain lowers his shades just a little. His eyes are soft — almost vulnerable for a second.

RAIN (quietly):I grow it myself. It's helped me too, more than I let on. Kept me sane through some real dark shit. That's why I don't sell it to just anyone. I sell it to people who need peace.

[PAGE 30]

[VISUAL]The woman smiles — a little emotional. She slowly reaches into her shimmering purse and pulls out a few credits.

WOMAN (dead serious):Well... I'll take two weed, please.

[PAGE 31]

[VISUAL]Rain stares at her blankly for a beat... then bursts into a hearty laugh, handing her two bags gently.

RAIN (grinning):Two weed it is, ma'am. You're my favorite customer today.

[VISUAL]Crowd around starts to grow, the word "gas" spreading like smoke in the wind.

[PAGE 32]

[VISUAL]The observatory basement. Tools scattered across the workstation. Wires dangle from the ceiling like vines. DAWN is hunched over a panel, blunt lazily perched between her lips. Her goggles glow with data. One earbud in, volume loud enough to shake bolts off the table.

MUSIC BLARING:"She said she love me but I'm broke and high as hell — I said, 'Bet.'" 

[VISUAL]DAWN sways while working, dancing slightly, booted foot tapping against the tile. Smoke curls up around her head in lazy spirals.

[PAGE 33]

VEE (screen flickering, irritated):You're such a degenerate. You know that? A real gremlin. You're actively sabotaging your own work right now. That thing in your mouth smells like cosmic mold wrapped in regret.

DAWN (barely listening, half-dancing):Mm-hmm. Shut the hell up, R2-Bitch2.

VEE (sarcastic):Wow. Original. Anyway... you might wanna put the devil's leaf out — small, traumatized child inbound.

[VISUAL]A warning flashes faintly across VEE's screen: PROXIMITY: RIKA DETECTED

VEE (sharper, more serious):I'm not joking, pot princess. Rika's coming down here and your dumbass is— OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE!

[PAGE 34]

[VISUAL]RIKA walks down the steps quietly. DAWN has her back turned, still jamming. Right as RIKA reaches the last step—

[VISUAL]DAWN exhales a huge cloud of smoke, spinning around mid-dance—directly into RIKA's face.

RIKA (eyes wide, freezes):...

[VISUAL]The smoke hits her like a wave. For a split second, her pupils dilate. The texture, the smell, the way it curls in the air——it reminds her of the void.Her universe.Falling apart.

[PAGE 35]

[VISUAL]RIKA lets out a sharp gasp and bolts up the stairs. Her breath ragged. Eyes terrified.

DAWN (ripping out her earbud):Wait— SHIT!

DAWN (calling out):RIKA, baby girl! I didn't see you—! Fuck, Vee, you couldn't be more dramatic about that?!

VEE (flat):Don't blame me because you chose to be high while operating a literal sentient war relic, dipshit.

[PAGE 36]

[VISUAL]DAWN dashes up the stairs, eyes scanning for RIKA. Finds her curled up in the hallway corner, knees to her chest, trying to breathe.

DAWN (soft):Hey, hey... it's okay. I'm here. You're safe, alright?

[VISUAL]She slowly sits next to her, not too close, letting RIKA feel space.

DAWN (sincere):That was my fault. I wasn't paying attention. I promise you're not back there, okay? This is the observatory. The stars are still up. You're good.

[VISUAL]RIKA nods slowly, still shaky.

DAWN (smiling):Wanna come downstairs? I got snacks. You don't even have to talk to VEE.

[PAGE 37]

[VISUAL]Ten minutes later. DAWN is back at her workbench. Blunt is out. She's focused now, goggles down, typing fast. VEE is glaring through her screen.

VEE (snide):Touching. Really. Maybe next time just try not hotboxing the PTSD child, huh?

DAWN (dry):Fuck off.

[PAGE 38]

[VISUAL]RIKA peeks her head into the basement door again. She slowly walks in, rubbing her stomach.

DAWN (grinning knowingly):Lemme guess... munchies?

RIKA (quietly):...Yeah.

DAWN (holds up two fingers like it's gospel):Ice cream... or cereal?

[VISUAL]RIKA cracks a small smile. First one in a while.

RIKA (whispering):...Both?

[PAGE 39]

[VISUAL]The observatory door creaks open. It's RAIN — grinning, sweaty, duffel bag over his shoulder, looking like he just ran a marathon of hustling.

RAIN:Ayeee, guess who got that intergalactic bag today?! Y'all ain't gonna believe how much they paid for Earth gas out here.

[VISUAL]He drops the bag on the table and starts pulling stuff out like it's Christmas.

[PAGE 40]

RAIN (tossing a pouch to DAWN):Here. For your nerves. You're wound tighter than a virgin time bomb lately.

DAWN (pretending not to be guilty):Thanks... I guess.

RAIN (holding out a small tech box):And this one's for your little metal demon.

VEE (glitching slightly):...What the hell is this?

RAIN:Custom interface stabilizer. From GTN's scrap bazaar. Guy said it's compatible with sentient war tech... unless you wanna stay busted.

[VISUAL]VEE's screen flickers... then settles. Just a bit. A soft hum.

VEE (low, reluctantly):...Not completely useless after all.

DAWN (half-smile):Holy shit, was that gratitude?

VEE:Bite me.

[PAGE 41]

RAIN (kneeling to RIKA, big smile):And for you, little homie — brand new tablet from GTN. Fully loaded. No ads. Go wild.

[VISUAL]RIKA beams.

RAIN (smiling warmly):Gotta keep that brilliant little brain of yours busy.

[VISUAL]But then... he pauses. Eyes narrowing slightly.

RAIN (squinting at RIKA):Hold up...

[VISUAL]He slowly turns to DAWN.

RAIN:Why does she look... kinda... faded?

[VISUAL]DAWN avoids eye contact. Whistles quietly.

RAIN (serious face):DAWN.

DAWN (defensive):It was an accident!

RAIN:YOU BLEW SMOKE IN THE CHILD'S FACE?!

DAWN:It was ONE puff! And she ran into it!

VEE (muttering):Child endangerment, your honor.

DAWN:Vee, SHUT. UP.

[PAGE 42]

[VISUAL]RIKA plops down with her tablet and a bowl of cereal. Smiling again. All's good.

RAIN (muttering, watching her eat):Man, this is the weirdest crew in the galaxy.

DAWN (lighting another blunt):Damn right it is.

[VISUAL]Fade out. Music returns softly in the background.

[PAGE 43]

[VISUAL]Rain and Kai walk through a shimmering GTN marketplace, lit by neon signs and floating ad drones. Rain adjusts the strap on his duffel of fresh-earned cash, eyes scanning storefronts filled with gear.

RAIN:Alright, real question — I'm a samurai. What's the best gear for someone like me?

KAI (smirking):There's no "best" gear, Rain. You don't need a style that exists — you need one that's built for you.

RAIN (scratching his chin):So I can't just cop some off-the-rack ninja drip and call it a day?

KAI:Not if you want to survive what's coming. You need a tailor. Not just any — someone who understands power through expression. Artisan-level. A weaver of identity.

RAIN:Cool, cool. Where's this magical wardrobe warlock?

KAI:You'll find him in the shadows of Sector V. The black market. Ask for the name Noll. Tell him Kai sent you.

[PAGE 44]

[VISUAL]Rain waves Kai off and starts heading toward Sector V.

[VISUAL]Just before entering the alley, a Star Bearer steps in Rain's path. Polished, armor-clad, arrogant, with a shimmer of light orbiting him like smug aura.

STAR BEARER (sneering):You. Earth scum. You walk like you own the stars.

RAIN (brows raised, hands in pockets):Nah. Stars just follow me 'cause they like my vibe.

STAR BEARER:Cocky. You need to be reminded of your place.

[VISUAL]Without warning, the Star Bearer lunges — but Rain sidesteps, pivots, and plants a precise pressure-point elbow right beneath the ribcage.

[VISUAL]The dude folds instantly, face smashed into neon-lit pavement.

RAIN (walking away calmly):Samurai don't bark, we just move.

[PAGE 45]

[VISUAL]Rain enters the dark recesses of Sector V. Fog. Flickering holograms. Neon signage in alien glyphs.

[VISUAL]He pushes into a strange, dim tailor shop where fabric floats mid-air like ghosts. A tall, pale man with tattoos stitched across his face greets him. Pierced lips curve into a knowing smile. This is NOLL — eerie, graceful, unpredictable.

NOLL (calm, haunting):Ah… the one who smells like starlight and sin.

RAIN (eyebrow raised):...Aight, creepy. Kai said you could lace me up with something slick. I need movement. Lightness. Samurai steez — but street with it.

NOLL (nodding):You want something heavy, clunky, and stiff. No flair. Just dull utility.

RAIN (blinking):…The hell? Nah. The opposite.

NOLL:Ah yes. Something loud, armored, and slow. Like a galactic beetle.

RAIN (irritated):Dawg, you deaf?

[PAGE 46]

[VISUAL]Rain paces, confused. Then notices a sign on the wall:

"NOTICE: MERCHANT OF PLANET DRAK'TOK. ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE INVERSE. 'NO' MEANS 'YES,' 'UP' IS 'DOWN.'"

RAIN (to himself):So if I say I hate it... I love it?

NOLL (grinning):You hate it. Perfect. You'll look so ugly in it.

RAIN (finally catching on):...You slippery bastard.

[PAGE 47]

[VISUAL]Montage panel of NOLL measuring Rain with floating tape, draping cosmic threads, sketching a silhouette with movements that feel like ritual.

[VISUAL]The final fit: jet-black gi-like armor, trimmed in faint glimmers of starlight, the fabric flexible as smoke but tough as obsidian. Lightweight shoulder layers. Reinforced wrists. Hidden blade compartments. Hood optional.

RAIN (eyes wide):Yo…

NOLL:It's heavy, slow, bulky... utterly unworthy of you.

RAIN (grinning):Then I must love it.

[PAGE 48]

NOLL (hand extended):One catch — it costs 35,000 Galactic Credits.

RAIN (without blinking):Bet. I'll make it back before sundown.

[VISUAL]Rain slaps down a stack from his duffel. His confidence echoes off the walls.

RAIN:"Got that gas," remember?

[VISUAL]He throws on the gear and heads for the door, the shadows folding behind him like silk.

NOLL (softly):The stars will watch you burn bright... or not at all.