77.
JESSICA
(hand signal, subtitled)
Don’t do this. You are not ready!Paul focuses on the First Trooper.
PAUL
(attempting the Voice)
REMOVE HER GAG.No effect. The Deaf Trooper backhands Paul across the face.
The First Trooper taps the Deaf Trooper on the shoulder.
FIRST TROOPER
We’re far enough out. Let’s toss
the boy.The Deaf One nods and hauls the side door open: wind buffets
through the ornithopter as it skims the dune-tops. Paul looks
at his mother.
JESSICA
(hand signal, subtitled)
Your pitch was too high.The First Trooper leans over Paul and unstraps him from the
seat. As soon as his buckles are loose, Paul tries again.
PAUL
(using the Voice)
REMOVE HER GAG.Perfect tone. His voice echoes with unnatural authority.
As if it were his own idea, the First Trooper turns to
Jessica, pulls his knife and cuts her gag free.
Too late, the Deaf Trooper sees what he’s doing. He pulls the
First Trooper away. They stumble back, struggling.
JESSICA
(using the Voice)
KILL HIM. NOW.Instantly the First Trooper plunges his knife into the Deaf
Trooper’s throat.
The Deaf Trooper stands like a statue, the knife jutting from
his throat. Paralyzed. The First Trooper stares at his hands,
horrified by his own actions. A SOB bursts from him.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
(using the Voice)
SET US FREE.