Johnny Zito — writer / artist / futurist

Aquaman never fails to disappoint. This week’s #50 was no surprise.

So, picking up the gauntlet thrown down at Lurking Rhythmically, I now present to you Aquaman as written by Arron Sorkin.

(The continuity is loose and fast like the dialogue)

ACT II

EXT./EST. The Atlantean Capital Building - Day

Senators, lawmakers, lawyers and lobbyists, representing hundreds of species of evolved sea life, mull about the capital steps and busy forum.

INT. Capital Building Corridor - Cont

Garth swims along Lorena catches up to him.

Lorena
I need a copy of the Nemo Act.Garth
Try the library of Arion.

Lorena
Let’s pretend that I don’t know what that is.

We follow them into:

INT. lobby - Cont

Garth
What do you need with a 200-year-old border settlement?Lorena
Sub-Diego City Council thinks it might clear up some–

Garth
Can I ask you a question?

 

Lorena
I haven’t finished answering the last one.

 

Garth
You heard about the Ocean Master thing?

Garth and Lorena continue into:

INT. Senate Chamber - Cont

The underwater environment allows for three-dimensional travel through space. Garth and Lorena enter through the top tier, the Senate is not currently in session and the hall is empty bellow them.

Lorena
He’s the King’s brother.Garth
I know.

Lorena
If the World Court decides –

 

Garth
Yea.

They stop moving, hanging motionless in the water.

Topo enters on a lower tier, speeding back the way they came.

Topo
Vulko’s office.Garth
What?

Topo
It’s happening.

INT. Vulko’s Office - Moments Later

Lori Lemaris floats by the window looking over the Forum.

Topo and Garth enter.

Topo
It’s happening?Lori Lemaris
I’m not at liberty to –

Topo
Agent Lemaris, please spar –

Vulko enters from behind them.

Vulko
The declaration was given at 8 past the tide. Code name: Shipwreck Blue. A rescue team will cross the reef, retrieve personnel and destroy any proprietary technology.

Topo
Is there time for a release?

Vulko
We go live in an hour. He wants to address the people before he leaves.

Topo bolts out the door.

Garth
leaves for where?

Vulko
He’s leading the operation.

Garth
Does he know about Orm?

 

Vulko
Yea.

 

Garth
We have to extradite him.

 

Vulko
Why?

 

Lori Lemaris
Death penalty.

Vulko looks back at Lori and pauses.

Vulko
Perhaps Her Highness will draft a letter.

Garth is appalled, he exits.

INT. King’s Chamber - Moments Later

Arthur’s office is huge, filled with maps and books. He dresses in armor.

There’s a knock.

Arthur
Come in.

Garth enters.

Garth
Lord, if I may–Arthur
Spit it out, Garth?

Garth
This is unnecessary.

 

Arthur
We’ll have to agree to disagree but, OK.

 

Garth
This is an overwhelming response.

 

Arthur
I don’t want to meet King Shark and his Axis of Awesome with just –

 

Garth
Why are you — excuse me, why are you going at all? It’s a rescue mission.

 

Arthur
I made a pledge to those soldiers.

 

Garth
You’re running away.

 

Arthur
Here we go.

 

Garth
A human court has your brother–

 

Arthur
He’s my brother but let’s not make this like he’s my brother.

 

Garth
It requires a political solution.

 

Arthur
He is a criminal.

 

Garth
They’ll kill him!

 

Arthur
He murdered my son!

 

Garth
We pick and choose the Atlantean’s we protect now?

Arthur pauses, stops himself from shouting.

Arthur
You may go.Garth
I –

Garth chokes back his emotion and straightens up.

Garth
As you wish, Your Majesty.

Garth exit.

Arthur dresses in armor.

End of Act Two