EXT. SPACE
The stars: endless and infinite.
Something approaches. Growing nearer.
A SHIP -- one of the vessels created by the race of beings called ENGINEERS.
INT. ENGINEER SHIP [CORRIDOR]
Shadowy corridors -- looks less like the inside of a piece of space-faring technology than the inside of some great, ancient beast.
Nothing moves. Nothing makes a sound.
THEN --
Movement.
Something is in the shadows, keeping close to the bony walls. It steps out into the light -- a grey Engineer's robe draped around a small figure's frame.
The hood falls back to reveal a head of unruly reddish hair.
ELIZABETH SHAW looks up to the ceiling, at the source of the light: a kind of glowing, white globule. Another strange artifact of the Engineers.
She taps a button affixed to the robe.
SHAW
David, can you hear me?
A sourceless com crackles to life.
DAVID (V.O.)
Yes, Elizabeth. I can hear you.
SHAW
This wing is clear. Nothing we can use. I'm going to press on.
INT. COCKPIT
David rests in the mighty Space Jockey chair, an immense holographic star map whirring around him.
DAVID
I think it better that you return. You doubtless need rest. You've eaten nothing since departure. I do take care to monitor these things, you know.
INT. ENGINEER SHIP [CORRIDOR]
Shaw rolls her eyes, but she can't suppress the hint of an affectionate smile.
SHAW
So it seems.
DAVID (V.O.)
Are you returning then?
SHAW
One more corridor. I'm already at the junction.
DAVID (V.O.)
I'll be standing by. Be careful, Elizabeth.
Shaw peers down the next corridor. The overhead lights seem to dim and eventually cease the further down it goes.
She presses on. Like the rest of the ship, this wing is spotless, dust-free. Depressingly empty -- an enormous, floating tomb.
A SOUND.
Shaw stops. Listens.
Nothing.
She continues on.
ANOTHER SOUND. She heard it for certain this time. Shaw scans the corridor, getting nervous.
SHE SEES IT. Standing directly ahead, half-shrouded in darkness between the lights overhead. Its milky blue skin catches the light as its tall, pointed head advances.
SHAW
David!
THE THING LUNGES -- tearing toward Shaw with ferocious speed, clawed talons out, scratching at the air --
SHAW
DAVID, HELP ME!
She turns to run, but it's already almost upon her --
DAVID (V.O.)
It's alright, Doctor Shaw. Remain calm.
THE BEAST GRABS HER.
SHAW
NOOOOOOOOOO----------
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. PROMETHEUS [CRYO-CHAMBER]
SHAW
--OOOOOOOOOOOOO!
She bolts up from her cryotube, shaking like mad. David places a towel about her shoulders.
DAVID
As I was saying, everything is alright, Doctor Shaw. You were having a terrible dream. A common side effect of the stasis.
SHAW
A -- a dream?! All of it?
DAVID
Yes. Every awful, drearily cliched, derivative second of it.
SHAW
Oh, thank God! Where's Charlie?
DAVID
I'm sorry, Doctor Shaw. He didn't make it. He was completely crushed by a safety support. Strange freak accident. Unfortunately, I think he died in terrible, prolonged agony. I've been throwing the pieces of him that are left down the space toilet. I hope you don't mind.
