Rendezvous with Rama by Philip Whitcroft Based on Rendezvous with Rama By Arthur C Clarke Philip Whitcroft 110 Wagner Road, Evans City, PA 16033, USA 1-724-234-2402
[email protected] Copyright 2008 EXT. SPACE In a far distant solar system RAMA (Dark cylinder closed at both ends) begins its journey. Rama accelerates through interstellar space between several solar systems and sling shots around the stars. Directly ahead is a pale white star. Rama passes Neptune. As Rama approaches Jupiter the inner planets of the Solar System are visible as dots in the distance circling the Sun. EXT. MARS COLONY - DAY A small but growing human colony on Mars. INT. SOLAR SURVEY OBSERVATORY, CORRIDOR - SAME TIME The quiet is broken by a loud emergency alarm. ALARM SYSTEM Emergency! Emergency! To the cabins! To the cabins! There is an emergency in this area. Go to the emergency cabins immediately! Emergency! Emergency! To the... Suddenly people come into the corridor and hurry to the “Emergency Cabin” at the end. ALARM SYSTEM (CONT’D) This area is depressurizing! Emergency!... Bulkhead doors close the section off. The Observatory door opens and MYRNA NORTON (thin boned, 12) dawdles out followed by DR. CARLISLE PERERA (older, frail) who moves as quickly as he can. PERERA Go Myrna, Go! Please just go! Myrna is disgruntled but runs on ahead to the cabin. ALARM SYSTEM The cabin in this area must close in ten seconds,... five seconds, four, three... Perera struggles into the small crowded room. 2. ALARM SYSTEM (CONT’D) Two, one. Cabin closing! The automated system closes and seals the door.