Fire and Ice (MK9 - MK11)

Chapter 1: Cassie Cage

The camera pans down past the flag to show an open hangar. In the interior, a squadron of forty soldiers stand at ease. At the front of the ranks are Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs. Cassie's father Johnny is in front of the squad, casually leaning against some crates.

The soldiers all snap to attention and salute as a lone figure enters the hangar. Johnny stands up and takes off his sunglasses, smiling as General Sonya Blade walks up to the squad. She stops in front of Cassie and returns the salute.

SONYA: As you were.

In perfect synchronization, the squadron all stand at ease.

SONYA: For twenty-five years, the Special Forces have been Earthrealm's sword and shield. We've pushed back Shao Kahn,
defeated Shinnok. Yet none of our victories have come without cost.

A flicker of sadness passes across Jacqui's face.

SONYA: Recently, Commander Jackson Briggs was honourably discharged. His wounds, both physical and psychological, left him no longer fit to serve.

Jacqui continues to look downcast. Sonya looks in her direction.

SONYA: We honour Jacqui's father, and we honour his sacrifice by doing what he would do; tirelessly defend Earthrealm.

After a pause, she looks over to Cassie.

SONYA: Sergeant Cage, step forward.

Cassie does so.

SONYA: Your leadership and war-fighting ability have earned you promotion to Commander.

Cassie beams with delight.

SONYA: But there are no family favours here. By Special Forces tradition, you still have to pass one last test.

CASSIE: I need to kick the CO's ass, ma'am. Your ass, ma'am.

SONYA: Alright then, Sergeant, let's see if you can take me.

They fight. Even in her advanced age, Sonya remains a formidable opponent, with years of experience in close quarter kombat and the weaponry to match. But Cassie proves that she is more than up to the challenge and takes the fight to her mother. It's not long before Sonya is knocked down to the ground.

With the fight over, Cassie salutes over General Blade.

CASSIE: Commander Cage, reporting for duty.

Cassie helps her mother back to her feet. Johnny walks over as Sonya returns the salute.

SONYA: Congratulations, Commander.

She steps aside as Johnny throws his arms around his daughter in a loving embrace, returned eagerly by Cassie. The scene then cuts to the outside of the hanger. A couple of soldiers are putting suppliers into a nearby helicopter.

CASSIE: C'mon Dad, you really have to go?

JOHNNY: Well, you've got your duty, Commander, I got mine.

Sonya smiles, putting a hand on Johnny's shoulder.

SONYA: Starring in another Ninja Mine sequel isn't what I'd call duty.

He takes her other hand lovingly.

JOHNNY: I need to provide for you in the manner to which you've become accustomed.

They draw close and start kissing.

CASSIE: Geez, guys, I'm right here.

Cassie's words fall on deaf ears, but a moment later a crash of  thunder, on a hot summer's day, no less, grabs all of their attention. Raiden teleports in front of them and strides forward.