COLD OPEN
EXT SPACE
Open on what is, by now, stock CGI of the Luxan vessel cruising into shot overhead, engines driving forward, towing the Farscape Module behind. The smaller ship nods like a large flag in a moderate breeze. Cut to...
INT LUXAN FIGHTER
Another familiar scene. Six crammed into a space that's crowded with four. John lounges against the bell curve of the inner hull, sleeping- to all appearances; utterly relaxed in the least, Noranti knitting or something beside him on the bench. D'Argo pilots while Rygel, Sikozu and Chiana fill the limited space behind him.
RYGEL:
How much frelling longer?
SIKOZU:
( peering out the forward portals )
If this is the right vector, where is your Leviathan?
CHIANA:
Can you check the environmentals? ( beat ) The air stinks in here.
NORANTI:
I have Tofa Root if anyone's hungry.
RYGEL:
Absolutely not!
Still unmoving, eyes closed, but obviously awake.
JOHN:
Fun traveling with kids, ain't it?
D'Argo smiles, pointing out the forward portal, pleased sigh in his voice.
D'ARGO:
There she is.
John leans up, looking out.
EXT SPACE
In the distance Moya's tadpole silouette is revealed through the misty tendrils of a reddish-gold nebula.
INT LUXAN FIGHTER
Long silence tinged with lyrical music as everyone takes in the wondrous sight of home.
D'ARGO:
Pilot... Moya looks beautiful.
PILOT:
( over comms )
She thanks you, Ka D'Argo. We are eager to have you back aboard.
RYGEL:
Not as eager as we are.
CHIANA:
Open up the bay. We're comin' in.
JOHN:
Pilot, you and Moya okay?
PILOT:
( over comms )
We are well.
NORANTI:
( muttering )
Pilot knows- knows what happened.
RYGEL:
So shut up and let him tell us.
PILOT:
( over comms )
Tell what?
CHIANA:
Where the prang have you been?
We get some glimpses of Pilot in the Den, bobbing- floating behind his console, four claws dancing over the controls.
PILOT:
We... stopped at Arnessk, then searched for you at the burial grounds.
JOHN:
Back it up a sec. Moya was sucked down a wormhole and spat out again. What happened in the middle?
PILOT:
My... memory is unclear. We were not harmed, merely... examined.
JOHN:
By who? Neeyala's Pathfinder buddies?
PILOT:
I... couldn't... say.
NORANTI:
You truly remember nothing more?
PILOT:
Nothing of importance. We await your arrival.
NORANTI:
How odd. He told me he remembered. Something's very wrong.
CHIANA:
I mean, what if... what if the people that examined Moya are still aboard? Maybe it's a trap?
JOHN:
One sure way to find out.
D'ARGO:
Walk straight into it. Okay.
( reaching to engage controls above his head )
Weapons are primed.
JOHN:
Right. I'll take point. Everybody else stay put till I give the word.
MAINTENANCE BAY / HANGAR BAY - MOYA
The Hangar Bay door slides open revealing John stepping down the ladder below the Luxan Fighter. He ducks slightly, walking out from under the ship, hand going easily to unholster. Walking slowly and only half-warily, rolling his shoulder slightly, into the wide open Maintenance Bay, weapon held down to the floor.
No sign of anyone, but shortly John reacts to a shadowed form entering the bay. He stops, arms snapping up, holding Winona in a level two-handed grip. In the shadows, a slim figure approaches with aching slowness. Light seeping through the far wall provides bare definition to a familiar figure.
John's arms lower fractionally, his head cocked slightly to the side. He can't believe his eyes.
JOHN:
( softly )
Aeryn...
Aeryn steps closer, long dark hair loose, clad in a shiny black bodysuit and gloves, her face wet with tears. She slows to a stop a few short steps away, arms to her sides but hands flattened, fingers splayed, steadying him- telling him it's safe. And John just... stares, expression deadly, weapon still held at ready.
JOHN:
you've come back.
And she breaks a bit, gentleness crumbling under a new onslaught of tears. She nods silently, smiling through them. John slowly lowers the weapon to his side.
And they just 'look' at each other for a long moment. Aeryn softer, welcoming and reassuring, and John slowly, so slowly unwinds, welcoming her in return with a small smile.
JOHN:
Everything's going to be all right.
And she breaks again, unable to stifle fresh tears, a small whimper leaking from between hard pressed lips. Eyes closed as she half shakes her head. Almost 'pulled' forward, he crosses the space between them.
JOHN:
Everything...
She crumbles more, tears threatening to break through to full blown hysteria. He reaches out, almost has her in his arms...
JOHN:
is gonna be...
She reaches for him, collapsing, his arms wrapping around her as she does, dragging him with her.
Kneeling back on the floor, she lies in his arms, her side pressed to his chest, shuddering and gasping in obvious pain. He presses lips to her forehead, concern flaring.
JOHN:
Baby, you're burnin' up.
Cradled gently in his arms, his fingers stroking her face, she leans back, eyes closed.
AERYN:
( gasping )
I've...
( sighs )
I've got heat delirium.
Lips pressed to her hair, and concern converts to fearfulness, focus intense- obviously already thinking.
AERYN:
You have to promise me something.
Eyes still intense, formulating and discarding plans, half-distracted.
JOHN:
( soft )
Promise you what?
AERYN:
You have to promise that you will not kill him.
JOHN:
Won't kill who?
AERYN:
He found me... he saved my life.
JOHN:
Who... saved your life? Who?
She looks up, opens her mouth to answer, but before she can, someone else does.
SCORPIUS [O.S.]:
I did.
Looking up to a shadow of movement behind them, and Winona is out of its holster in that moment.
JOHN:
No!
AERYN:
( softly )
No.
Aeryn moves quickly, out of his arms, crouched close to the floor, keeping herself between John and Scorpius, her eyes on John, who keeps his eyes on Scorpius.
JOHN:
You're dead!
Still kneeling on the floor, his unoccupied hand flails, catching her outstretched arm by the wrist, trying to pull her close. She won't be moved, keeping herself between them.
JOHN:
I saw you. You're buried. You're dead.
He looks at Aeryn like she is something he doesn't understand, but desperately needs to, then up to Scorpius.
JOHN:
What did you do to her?
SCORPIUS:
I put her in this coolant suit...
Scorpius lowers slowly to one knee, she turns toward him when he takes her free hand in both of his.
SCORPIUS:
to stabilize her fever.
She looks back quickly, frantic eyes on John, but turns toward Scorpius when he addresses her.
SCORPIUS:
You're weak... you must resume the full cooling treatment.
Aeryn nods quickly, looking back to John. Simply 'torn' between them, each holding a hand, Aeryn stretched between them, a crouched bridge across the chasm between them.
JOHN:
You don't tell her what to do.
( shouting )
D, get out here!
AERYN:
No, he's right, and he's not a threat.
JOHN:
He's always a threat.
Behind them, Chiana drops down the stairs of the Luxan Fighter, jogging quickly across the intervening space, her ornate pulse pistol coming to bear on the 'threat'.
AERYN:
No! Lower your weapons!
Aeryn wrests her hand from John's and stands, Scorpius standing behind her and John standing as well, both hands on the grip of his pulse pistol. Behind Chi, an enraged D'Argo arrives, leveling the massive Qualta Rifle on target.
D'ARGO:
Scorpius! Stand aside!
Aeryn maneuvers slightly, putting herself blatantly between her three armed former companions and Scorpius. D'Argo eyes her with some surprise.
D'ARGO:
Aeryn...
CHIANA:
( glancing at John )
What's he done to her?
AERYN:
I gave my word... that he would not be harmed, put your weapons down.
D'ARGO:
And you expect us to honor that promise.
AERYN:
Yes, or I leave Moya now.
CHIANA:
What is he doin' here? What does he want?
AERYN:
He wants asylum.
Fade to roll credits on close of John's expression, mostly anger, fear, and a healthy measure of disbelief.
END COLD OPEN
ACT I
Continuous from end of cold open, frozen tableau; Aeryn stands between Scorpius and John, Chiana and D'Argo. John's the first to react; anger hot, and seething, coiled restraint. His burning regard only for Aeryn.
JOHN:
Asylum?
( beat )
What is it... with Peacekeepers. First they hunt us- then they want to move in? W-what, what are we, a bed and breakfast? We have a sign outside that says, 'Free HBO'?
D'ARGO:
Okay. Space him.
JOHN:
Yes.
AERYN:
No.
SCORPIUS:
Let her rest. Allow her to return to the chamber, then...
He takes a step closer and she shoots him a quick look over her shoulder.
SCORPIUS:
we will talk.
A brief, tense silence and John's gaze is on Scorpius now, requesting aid, without looking, of the ghostly girl behind him.
JOHN:
Chiana... Aeryn needs help.
Chi steps around D'Argo, gliding toward Aeryn who turns toward her and reaches out to slip an arm over her shoulders. Chi slips her arm around Aeryn's waist. She turns back to John.
AERYN:
You promise me... that you will not harm him.
He looks away, teeth gritted, a muted growl trickling out; needing to promise no such thing.
AERYN:
You promise me.
His gaze slides in her direction, a painfully askance regard before turning back to her, nodding, painfully reluctant.
JOHN:
( softly )
I promise.
Without looking away, Aeryn lifts her hand, gently stroking Chiana from the crown of her hair to her jaw like something exquisitely precious. Chi backs her away, maneuvering her out of the bay.
The silence continues for a long beat while John and Scorpius eye each other across the empty space. D'Argo keeps his rifle steady while John slowly circles Scorpius, weapon held down to the floor with rigid arms, muscles bulging with the effort to keep the weapon down, watching Aeryn safely from the bay.
JOHN:
What... did you do to her?
SCORPIUS:
I saved her. Yes. She was alone, wounded, adrift in a Prowler.
A white flash and we see a glimpse of John's worst fears: Aeryn and Scorpius inside the small Prowler cockpit, Scorpius looms over her unconscious figure, stroking her from nose to brow with the tip of his outstretched tongue.
SCORPIUS [V.O.]:
In an advanced state of heat delirium.
Flash cut back to the Maintenance Bay, close on John, carefully not reacting.
SCORPIUS:
Had I not found her-
D'ARGO:
How did you find her?
SCORPIUS:
I was looking... for all of you.
JOHN:
Get it through your head, Scorpius... you will never get the wormhole tech from me.
SCORPIUS:
( angrily )
I could not use it even if I--
D'Argo steps closer, a growl of warning to abort Scorpius moment toward John. Scorpius stops, duly warned, eyes on D'Argo's leveled weapon. He glances back toward John- a more reasoning tone.
SCORPIUS:
I merely... want to safeguard it, and hope... that when the inevitable Scarran bloodbath begins... you make the appropriate choices.
D'ARGO:
Oh, so you're here to be John's protector.
Scorpius acknowledges this with a very nice scornfully ironic snort of laughter.
D'ARGO:
How nice. I don't believe it.
JOHN:
Kryptonite. Silver Bullet. Buffy? What's it gonna take, to keep you in the grave?
D'ARGO:
Perhaps we should just take your head off. Worked for Durka.
THEATER OF THE MIND - RESERVOIR DOGS
Close on the muzzle of a .48, Scorpius pulling the slide back as shot pulls back to med long two shot. John and Harvey face each other, braced against opposite walls of a long concrete block corridor, lonely naked florescent bulbs lengthwise along the ceiling. Cigarettes lazily between lips, dressed in black suits. Black ties glaring against white shirts. Perfectly gorgeous right down to the Ray Bans. Sexy!John and Harvey, looking just a bit ridiculous with sunglasses propped over his cowl.
HARVEY:
Good advice, John, so why hesitate? You know what has to be done.
John takes a drag, pulling the cigarette from his lips before comprehending what is going on. Notes the cigarette with distaste, and tosses it.
JOHN:
Damn it, Harvey, guns are dangerous, man...
Disarming Harvey in almost the same motion, reaching back to shove the gun it into the waistband of his trousers beneath the black suit jacket.
JOHN:
and no smokin' in my head!
He takes Harvey's cigarette, and tosses that away as well.
HARVEY:
It'd be foolish to let him live.
JOHN:
I need to know what his plan is.
HARVEY:
Same as always, surviv--
Cuts himself off to take another tack, tapping John on the forehead with gloved index finger.
HARVEY:
To steal what is in here. So why give him a chance?
JOHN:
And what would you have me do? Whack him straight away?
HARVEY:
Without hesitation.
CONTAINMENT CELL - MOYA
Close on a cooling rod, smashing on the floor, the blue fluid leaking out. Cut to Rygel, smirking over an entire tray. He turns toward the door, watching Scorpius enter, escorted by John and D'Argo.
RYGEL:
Ah, Scorpius... your room's prepared, and we have relocated your possessions. How many coolant rods do you need?
He plucks another rod, chuckles and flings it. It smashes on the ground with a tinkling of glass.
JOHN:
Rygel- cut it out... Aeryn needs those.
D'ARGO:
Perhaps we should save them all for Aeryn.
D'Argo growls irritably, urging Scorpius further into the cell.
Shot cuts to long and angle down on a large area, one half cloaked in shadows, the other flanked by a curved wall made up of horizontal bars broken by a few curving vertical ribs, red light beyond the barred wall. At the center of the room is a large rectangular platform [ okay, looks sorta like a stripped down pool table, and not nearly comfortable enough to be a bed ], with the surface at about knee height- obviously intended to be a sleeping platform.
D'Argo stands in the doorway. John and Scorpius walk further into the room, standing on opposite sides of the bed.
JOHN:
Would've arranged for a fruit basket, but... we didn't know you were comin'.
John lowers himself to one knee, placing a gentle hand on the DRD, 1812, addressing it quietly.
JOHN:
You play nice with the other kids, alright?
The DRD warbles in response, and John stands slowly, eying Scorpius warily, but addressing D'Argo.
JOHN:
You know what to do.
D'ARGO:
Watch him at all times.
John exits and the cell doors whine closed, slamming shut with emphasis, leaving Scorpius to survey his new kingdom.
COMMAND
Sikozu, alone on Command, surveying console after console, stalking across the room, her tone curt and vaguely annoyed. Nothin' new.
SIKOZU:
Pilot of Moya, these consoles need repairs. Where are the DRDs?
PILOT:
Busy elsewhere. Have... we been introduced?
Chiana enters unobserved.
SIKOZU:
I am Sikozu Shanu. Command function is our first priority. Send DRDs immediately.
CHIANA:
Ignore her Pilot.
Sikozu looks up from the console to shoot an annoyed glance at Chiana. Chi looks freshly bathed or something, hair may be 'slightly' shorter, or it's my imagination. Hm, shrinks with the washin'?
CHIANA:
Hey. Well, that's a new record. You've been on the ship for less than an arn, and you're tryin' to run it. Nice.
Sikozu crosses to another console.
SIKOZU:
Chiana, someone has to.
Chi laughs and moves close, pulling the girls red hair back slightly with one hand.
CHIANA:
That someone... is not you. You're cargo... baggage. You think we forgot you were in the grave with Scorpius? He's alive. You said... he was dead.
SIKOZU:
I thought he was. They buried him.
Chi grabs her by the arms, forcing her around to face her.
CHIANA:
And then what happened? Did you dig him up? Hm?
Sikozu smiles, annoyed, rolling her eyes, refusing to look at Chiana but most definitely frightened.
CHIANA:
Did you tell him to come here? Hey, listen to me--
She grabs her head with both hands, trying to force her to meet her eyes.
CHIANA:
are you... working with him?
And she does meet her eyes, fear mostly gone, but makes no answer.
SUBPASSAGE
A DRD cruises down a subpassage between corridors, John and D'Argo following.
JOHN:
I never should have let Aeryn go. I should have knocked her down and sat on her.
D'ARGO:
John, it's not your fault.
John pauses in the subpassage, and another white flash to one of his little self-flagellation imaginings. Aeryn still strapped to the pilot's seat of the Prowler, Scorpius looming over her with the hideously elongated neural chip implant spike. Her voice echoing in his head, "I don't know where Crichton is!" Scorpius growls, drives the spike into the back of her skull, and she shrieks in agony. White flash back to the subpassage, close on John, eyes closed.
JOHN:
Of course it's my fault.
Opens his eyes and starts walking again.
COOLING CHAMBER
A tall door slides up and John steps over the low threshold through the narrow doorway. He looks across the chamber, mostly empty but for one of the large lights from the medical bay, a table, and Aeryn sitting on the table, face away from the door. The slick black body suit complete with a familiar black cowl covering her head.
A continuous mist falls from the ceiling of the chamber while John just silently watches her from his place at the open doorway, hand still wrapped around the edge.
She turns to face him, a small blue tube mounted on the side of the black cowl, above ... white flash ... and John's imagination runs rampant as the necessarily absent cooling chamber begins to rotate out of her skull ... white flash to John's distressed expression ... white flash ... to Aeryn sitting quietly watching- no cooling chamber in sight; John moves away from the doorway and it slides closed.
He steps down into the room and Aeryn turns away while he slowly approaches, resting fingertips on the edge of the bed, eyes down to the floor for a long silent moment. Moving again, he turns toward her, stopping again within arms reach, looking up to see her.
AERYN:
I'm really sorry.
Looking away quickly and still silent, he turns toward the bed, resting both hands on the surface, fingertips spread, leaning forward slightly.
JOHN:
For what?
AERYN:
For everything.
( beat )
This is not how I pictured coming back.
JOHN:
It's just fate... as usual, keeping its bargain and... screwing us in the fine print.
He can't keep his eyes on her, but can't keep them off either, trading brief looks for the view of the black blanket on the bed, finally settling on a wry grin. Looking up again as he strokes her leg with the back of his fingers, looking away again.
JOHN:
So, how did you catch this cold? Dancing... barefoot in the rain?
AERYN:
I can't talk to you about that.
JOHN:
Why not?
AERYN:
I really... want to tell you. But I can't. And we need to leave it at that.
He looks away again, too used to her shutting him out, but never used to how that feels.
JOHN:
Okay.
He moves, slowly, pacing in front of her, assuming a similar position to her left, eyes down. Finally settling on 'small talk'.
JOHN:
It's cold in here.
( beat )
What kind of room is this?
AERYN:
Um... something to do with regulating Moya's temperature.
JOHN:
( short laugh )
How'd you find it?
AERYN:
Scorpius did.
JOHN:
Of course he did.
Nugget of info pushes him to venture out of small talk into forbidden waters, voice thick, annoyance the least of his problems.
JOHN:
( sighs )
What else does he know that I don't know? Does he know how you... got the flu? Did he give it to you?
AERYN:
No. I had the symptoms before he found me.
JOHN:
You don't know that, Aeryn. This is Scorpius we're talkin' about. He could have engineered the entire thing to get his ticket onto Moya.
AERYN:
He didn't. And I need you-- I want you... to believe that.
JOHN:
You make it very difficult.
PILOT'S DEN
PILOT:
Everyone! There's a ship approaching fast!
Cut to angle down on Rygel, on watch in Command.
RYGEL:
Well, Starburst now!
PILOT:
We can't, too much mass, too close!
RYGEL:
How can one ship be too much mass--
Rygel looks up gasping, Command filling with intense blue light. Cut to the view out the forward portal as a 'massive' ship moves in rapidly, filling the foward portal with intense white light and the forward-most structures of the ship. [ and here's that audible thump of airbrakes I was bitchin' about, Irish Cop has landed! ]
Rygel frantically fiddles with controls.
RYGEL:
Reverse! Get clear of it!
PILOT:
I'm trying, but it's moving with--
Pilot whines in discomfort as a piercing whine fills the Den, Rygel winces against the same grating sound on command.
RYGEL:
Pilot-- can you hear me?
PILOT:
Outside signal... overriding comms!
A comms signal, clear as a bell over the continued piercing whine... really rather irritating.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
I am Ullom. Chief Protector of the Prime Hokothian.
EXT SPACE - CGI
The Hokothian vessel 'looms' before Moya, dwarfing the Leviathan with its massive bulk, looking something like an Amoeba on alien super-steroids.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
Addressing the Leviathan designated Moya...
CORRIDOR - MOYA
D'Argo listens to the open comms message.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
and all her crew. Including the assassin, Aeryn Sun.
COOLING CHAMBER
John and Aeryn listen as well, something like dread on Aeryn's face. John, as always, damn difficult to read, but most definitely not happy.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
I know she's suffering from heat delirium...
CONTAINMENT CELL
Scorpius, lounging back on the 'bed', sits up, attentive to the message.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
because I induced it with a bio-engineered contagion. It's genetically encrypted...
COOLING CHAMBER
Ullom continues and Aeryn, yep, looks scared; probably not of him.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
making me the only one that can save her from the living death.
Irish Cop Speech 1 ends, and John queries Aeryn...
JOHN:
Is he for real?
She looks at him, but doesn't answer.
JOHN:
Aeryn...
Keeping her eyes on him, and looking less 'afraid', but fade to black without an answer.
END ACT I
ACT II
EXT SPACE - CGI
Bloated blob of Hokothian ship hovers before the tiny speck that is Moya. And, oh darn, IC isn't done with his speech.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
My proposal is simple.
COMMAND
Projected image of Ullom on the forward portal, another freaky weird looking alien who isn't Tommy. Looks a bit like an advanced cousin species to the Hanji. Two forward looking eyes, spaced widely on a large head, immense nose, tiny mouth filled with pointy teeth. Ick.
ULLOM:
Aeryn Sun gets this antidote...
Brandishes something that looks like a giant slug strapped to a metal bar.
ULLOM:
when she gives me the name of her employers...
COOLING CHAMBER
John and Aeryn listen to Ullom's emphatic rant, he's standing in front of her now, hands braced on either side of her legs.
ULLOM:
( over comms )
and her fellow assassins. I await your reply.
JOHN:
Alright, you have to talk to me.
AERYN:
I can't, I gave my word.
JOHN:
To who, Scorpius?
AERYN:
He has nothing to do with Ullom.
JOHN:
You know the kind of games he plays, Aeryn.
AERYN:
He took advantage of a situation he could not have created--
JOHN:
Alright, fine. Forget about Scorpius, let's talk about Mr. Simple Proposal-- he says you're an assassin, I call him a lyin' son of a bitch. What do you say?
Interestingly, since Ullom appeared Aeryn hasn't really been able to 'look' at him, where before she'd carefully kept her eyes on him, careful to look directly into his eyes wherever he dared to meet her gaze. And now she can't 'look' at him. And he can't look 'away', waiting, but gets no answer.
JOHN:
Aeryn, you have to give me... something. I don't care about what you did, I don't care about your promises.
She closes her eyes.
JOHN:
He says he has the only cure. Do you believe him?
Eyes still closed; she nods.
JOHN:
So tell me, what am I supposed to say to the guy?
Her eyes open, but she doesn't 'look' at him.
AERYN:
If you love me... you say nothing.
A brief silence, John still looking at her while she carefully doesn't look at him and cut immediatly to sometime shortly later on Command.
COMMAND
Long across the familiar space, lovely CGI shot. Faced away and looking forward, John sits on the edge of the strategy table to the left, boots propped up on one of the chairs. D'Argo is at a forward control console to the right and Rygel hovers to his left; all looking out the forward portal at what little can be seen on the massive Hokothian vessel. An intense blue light projected by the ship fills command.
RYGEL:
Plan?
JOHN:
Yeah.
John steps down from the table, crossing to D'Argo and Rygel.
JOHN:
You're gonna talk Ullom into letting us aboard under a flag of truce.
D'ARGO:
And we take that flag of truce and hit him over the head with it.
RYGEL:
Mmm... feeble plan. Give me an hour with Aeryn and a tokar knife and I'll get those names.
John and D'Argo both scowl, but don't bother to thwap him or tweak his earbrows.
RYGEL:
Alright. You're way first.
EXT SPACE - CGI - COMMAND CARRIER
Command Carrier cruises, no sign of escort.
COMMAND CARRIER
Reworked wormhole lab and lab hangar from ITLD1&2, weapons research area seems likely. Long on the vaulted space as a woman's voice runs down the project. In the far bg, another woman stands looking out a bank of windows that extends from ceiling to near the floor.
PONARA [O.S.]:
The missle carries a pulse charge... on impact, the pulse charge will destroy the biologics, killing the Leviathan.
Cut to the hangar area, looking 'into' the lab area, the woman at the window is Grayza; standing silently, arms crossed, listening.
BRACA [O.S.]:
And it doesn't affect any of the life forms on board?
PONARA [O.S.]:
The passengers will be unaffected.
Cut to long on the hangar area, Grayza in the far bg beyond the windows. Braca and a woman examine a large cylindrical shape suspended in a harness; looks to be a massive torpedo.
BRACA:
Good... very good. Then why don't we use it?
Another uniformed Peacekeeper approaches, this one male, tall, dark haired.
RINLO:
Not yet. She wants a Prowler to carry it. A projectile with this much mass belongs on a Marauder.
PONARA:
A Marauder would be detected long before optimal targeting distance. Sir, only a Prowler can fly close enough for a guidance lock.
RINLO:
With that aboard, no Prowler can fly steady enough to get a lock, sir.
PONARA:
My simulations indicate that a skilled pilot could manage it.
RINLO:
I'm the best damn pilot there is... and I say you're dead wrong.
BRACA:
There's no need to take rigid positions. Why not run another round of simulations and recheck stability. That should alleviate your concerns.
Braca leaves the kids to squabble, but intercepted by a peeved Grayza before he can get out of the hangar bay. She gives him a cursory 'come hither' gesture.
GRAYZA:
What sort of leadership was that?
BRACA:
Ma'am, this weapon is an unproven prototype. It needs study.
GRAYZA:
I don't want studies, Captain... I want Crichton.
And she leaves Braca, hapless and sweaty.
HANGAR BAY / CGI - TRANSPORT POD
Love these extended CGI shots of the Transport Pod 'inside' the hangar bay, motors humming as it heads to the exit, moving beyond the exterior hangar bay doors and into space. Cut to...
EXT SPACE
Transport Pod transit toward the massive Hokothian vessel, its prime component seems to be brilliant light and massive, forward jutting structures.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
John and D'Argo pace to camera along a blue tinged corridor, an exotic fish tank. To the right a flat blue wall, to the left open space interspersed with curving yellow ribs prickled by yellow spikes.
At the near end they turn, stepping between two of the curving spiked ribs and down a short flight of stairs to a open space that's givin' me Lost In Space vibes.
JOHN:
Knock, knock, knock. Candygram.
ULLOM:
Scans showed no weapons on your pod nor your persons.
They stop, a short distance from Ullom who is holding the large slug critter in both hands.
D'ARGO:
Just as we agreed.
ULLOM:
Scans also showed you aren't... Sebacean.
John and D look at each other like, 'this again?', and look back to Ullom. John just a 'bit' surlier.
JOHN:
You could've just asked.
ULLOM:
Do you want to see Aeryn Sun suffer the living death? Well... if that's the case.
He 'strokes' the slug critter and now I'm gettin' a serious Dr. No vibe. D'Argo scowls, stepping forward slightly and unleashing the tongue. He hits true to target but Ullom merely 'wavers' and disappears-- reappearing behind them.
ULLOM:
So... you risk your lives for this antidote.
JOHN:
Cute. Hologram. And we wanted a face to face.
ULLOM:
I don't care what you want! I want the names of those who hired Sun.
D'ARGO:
We have no idea.
ULLOM:
You played no part in her monstrous act?
JOHN:
Don't even know what the monstrous act was.
ULLOM:
She... and two others invaded our homeworld, and shot their way into the governing chambers... and assassinated our most beloved Prime Hokothian.
JOHN:
You know for a fact that it was her?
ULLOM:
Before the killers escaped, we managed to dose her with a contagion that induces heat delirium. Her illness should be all the proof you need.
COOLING CHAMBER - MOYA
Aeryn, stretched out on her side; presumably asleep. Chiana and Noranti hover behind her. Chi examines the tiny blue tube clipped to the side of her head. Removing it-- reddish rather than blue.
CHIANA:
Something's not right... this should be blue.
Brief taste of Scorpius pacing irritably in his cell.
SCORPIUS:
Put it back and get a replacement!
NORANTI:
Some fyang powder will deepen her sleep. Crichton won't mind. Is he still aboard the Hokothian ship?
CHIANA:
Yeah, with D'Argo.
She works at replacing the reddish tube. Noranti works her fingers into a pouch.
CHIANA:
Been a long time, maybe they're makin' progress.
NORANTI:
Or maybe they've been killed.
CHIANA:
You didn't have to say that.
Chiana leaves and Noranti moves around the bed, standing in front of Aeryn; holds a hand filled with white powder in front of her face.
NORANTI:
( to self )
Hm. Hope this fyang's still potent.
Aeryn's hand rises, impacting with Noranti's hand, Noranti's hand impacts with her own face; a puff of white powder a halo around her head. A beat and Noranti drops like a rock. [ I get a good 'hee hee' outta that one, every time! ]
Aeryn sits up slowly.
AERYN:
Yes it is.
She reaches back, peeling the cowl off her head. It hits the floor beside the 'sleeping' Noranti, and Aeryn exits.
COMMAND
Moments later and Aeryn is striding into command, addressing Sikozu who is examining schematics.
AERYN:
You. Out.
SIKOZU:
I'm analyzing--
AERYN:
Now!
Recognizing someone in no mood to be frelled with, Sikozu exits while Aeryn moves purposefully to the forward console.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
John, D and Ullom, still negotiation, getting more backstory.
ULLOM:
But I must know who hired them. My people are ready to go to war over this!
JOHN:
You need to know who paid for the hit. We don't have a problem with that.
( to D'Argo )
We-we have a problem with that?
D'Argo shakes his head, echoed by John's headshake.
ULLOM:
You might tell Sun that if she'd cooperate, I'd have no reason to hunt down the other assassins.
Interrupted by a comms message.
AERYN:
( over comms )
Ullom...
Everyone turns to a large holo-projection of Aeryn's face as it wavers into place on the wall behind John and D.
AERYN:
( over comms )
I know what you're doing, and you should know by now that I will not play.
D'ARGO:
Everyone, Aeryn's up in the Command!
JOHN:
Aeryn, get back to the cold room, now!
D'ARGO:
Pilot, send DRDs!
Aeryn continues, completely disregarding anything else.
AERYN:
...deals with me, threatening my friends is not going to help you. So, send them home, and let Moya go.
COMMAND
Familiar sound of a pulse pistol being unholstered, and I can only guess that she's gotten it from beneath the console. She steps away from the console to stand fully in front of the forward portal.
AERYN:
I am breaking this stalemate.
Quick cut of John glancing worriedly at D'Argo. D'Argo worriedly eyeing the screen.
Deep breath and she lifts the pulse pistol, pressing the muzzle to the side of her head.
Fade To Black.
END ACT II
ACT III
Continuous from end of Act II; Aeryn holds the pulse pistol against her head.
AERYN:
Good-bye, John.
Quick cut to the Hokothian Vessel, John charging the wall, shouting...
JOHN:
Pilot, somebody stop her!
Cut back to Command, close on the pulse pistol pressed against her temple, but before her finger can move, Rygel rises rapidly behind her, driving his head into hers; and she goes down to her knees, eyes slowly closing as she topples over onto her side.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
John and D face the blank wall, the holo-projection terminated.
ULLOM:
You said she'd cooperate.
John turns and trots up the steps, joining Ullom's 'projection' in the corridor.
JOHN:
I said... 'maybe'.
ULLOM:
After a suicide attempt?! I've been too patient. My soldiers could easily board your ship.
He moves to stalk away, paused by John's retort.
JOHN:
Well, go ahead! Bring 'em on. You know damn well what'll happen.
D'ARGO:
Aeryn will never allow you to take her alive.
JOHN:
And I need her... more than you do. So, back off... and we'll get your names.
John wheels about and stalks off, D'Argo following.
CONTAINMENT CELL
Outside the closed cell door, Sikozu approaches, peering between the zig-zag 'teeth' of the cell door. Pausing at the door, while two of the watch-dog DRDs whine between them, chirruping and waving eyestalks. Scorpius perches on the far end of the bed, faced away from the door.
SIKOZU:
May I talk to you?
He turns his head, slightly toward her.
SCORPIUS:
Please do.
She sighs in annoyance at the observation of the DRDs, issuing an order in an alien language.
SIKOZU:
Flissok taka!
The chirruping ceases, eyestalks winking out. Scorpius turns a bit more toward her, slight surprise in his voice.
SCORPIUS:
Stasis command-- you speak Pilot.
SIKOZU:
It should not even have worked. They're very badly programmed.
They continue speaking in the alien language, and there's something vaguely 'ironic' that these two, especially, would speak a language wherein one sentence can carry over a hundred different facts… concepts, and emotions-far too complex for translator microbes. Pilotese transcribed courtesy of closed captioning, translation in parenthesis courtesy of onscreen broadcast subtitling.
Scorpius stands, moving toward the cell door.
SCORPIUS:
Vakla norrok vez plokon? Krejna Skarn za?
(What else can you speak? Scarran perhaps?)
SIKOZU:
Za... Prejor Arnessk... vech plakato brixa skelt?
(Yes... On Arnessk... why did you save my life?)
At the door now, and abandoning the alien language, they peer at each other though the bars.
SCORPIUS:
Your death would serve no purpose, but your life might...
SIKOZU:
So far it has not.
( short laugh )
I could not even prevent your burial, and yet here... they blame me for your presence.
( beat )
How did you survive?
SCORPIUS:
Foresight and preparation.
SIKOZU:
Why did you come here?
SCORPIUS:
To safeguard John Crichton... amongst other things.
SIKOZU:
You do realize... that this is a damaged Leviathan with a fraudulent Pilot and a crew of idiots, do you not? They need help.
SCORPIUS:
Oh, they are more resourceful than you realize.
COOLING CHAMBER
Back in the cooling chamber, cowl back in place, she's now strapped down on the table but obviously much more weakened from the trip. John paces the room before the illuminated door. Stopping as she speaks.
AERYN:
Don't be so upset... death is nothing to fear.
( beat )
I should know.
He looks away, looking down and ... white flash ... we're in John's head, and we're gonna be 'in' John's head off and on A LOT for the remainder of the act so ... hang on.
Aeryn sits up, the straps holding her to the table falling away. John starts badly, swinging about, presenting his right side, hand dropping to pulse pistol. The person on the bed, no longer Aeryn but some strange amalgam of Aeryn and... [ oh god ] Scorpius -- she speaks in Aeryn's voice but with Scorpius's calmly soothing cadence.
AERYN/SCORPIUS:
Why won't you allow her to die?
She/he turns to look at John, who looks away quickly.
AERYN/SCORPIUS:
Soon enough... you'll wish you had.
She/he steps down from the table, taking the few steps to stand close, John carefully doesn't watch him/her until she/he stands in front of him.
JOHN:
I'll get the antitode-- end of story.
AERYN/SCORPIUS:
Ah... that's my Johnny. Still in denial.
Still strapped to the table, Aeryn continues speaking, her words slightly slurred.
AERYN:
Do you remember what I said to you once? Before the living death takes hold you have to be prepared to kill me. Promise.
Cut back to John, no sign of the Aeryn/Scorpius amalgam, shaking his head.
JOHN:
Not a chance.
... White flash and it's back, urging him.
AERYN/SCORPIUS:
Why don't you just let her go... she's not yours.
Back on Aeryn, strapped to the table, but this is 'Aeryn in John's Head' too. What a trip.
AERYN:
Point of fact I never was... never will be.
AERYN/SCORPIUS:
But you'll never be lonely. Whether I'm... here...
She/he 'taps' him firmly on the forehead, knocking his head back slightly with the force.
AERYN/SCORPIUS:
or here...
Raises that same finger to his/her temple.
AERYN/SCORPIUS:
or in a grave on Arnessk, or in a cell on Moya, you'll never be rid of me.
AERYN:
You have no right to do this...
Both John and Aeryn/Scorpius turn toward the Aeryn on the table, and ... white flash...
AERYN:
it's my life.
JOHN:
And what if other people... depend on you?
AERYN:
Ullom doesn't care about anyone else, he just wants me.
JOHN:
Not as much as I do.
AERYN:
I made a promise. Doesn't that mean anything to you?
JOHN:
Doesn't life... mean anything to you?
( beat )
When did you become an assassin?
AERYN:
( angrily )
When I found a cause that required it.
JOHN:
So, tell me about it. Tell me the Prime Hokothian is the devil incarnate. Tell me you did the universe a favor. Tell me why the-- saints you're protecting need anonymity. Tell me... it's worth you dying.
AERYN:
It is.
EXT SPACE - COMMAND CARRIER
Stock CGI - ship in transit.
COMMAND CARRIER - WEAPONS LAB
GRAYZA:
Marauder recons have detected a Leviathan which might be Moya... any recommendations?
BRACA:
Ponara...
PONARA:
Sir.
BRACA:
Is this missle operational?
PONARA:
Absolutely, sir.
BRACA:
Then I recommend we use it. Ready the Prowler. I'll fly it myself.
RINLO:
You, sir?
BRACA:
You're convinced this mission will fail; you're obviously the wrong person for the job. Dismissed.
Rinlo scowls; doesn't move.
BRACA:
Dismissed!
Still scowling, Rinlo departs. Braca turns, nodding with a slight preen to Grayza before exiting himself.
CORRIDOR - MOYA
Grim faced, John stalks down the corridor... Harvey's voice echoing in his head.
HARVEY [O.S.]:
No, John... John... you gotta stay away from Scorpius!
As John moves to and passes camera, we cut to the concrete block corridor, John walks purposefully to camera, Harvey rushing behind, practically hopping up and down with anxiety, black tie bobbing.
JOHN:
Just gonna pick his brain.
HARVEY:
Yeah that's what he wants, a chance to lie to you...
Harvey maneuvers between the wall and John's left shoulder, pressing him into the wall.
HARVEY:
you gotta--
John pushes back, slamming Harvey into the wall.
In Moya's corridor, John slams into the wall...
JOHN:
Damn it!
His arm swinging wildly out to push back, a quick look confirms that no one else is there.
JOHN:
( softly )
Harvey, cut it out.
A last look and he continues down the corridor, his own voice echoing in his head
JOHN [V.O.]:
Don't you ever--
In the concrete block corridor, John has Harvey pressed up against the wall, finger pointing directly at his nose.
JOHN:
--do that again!
Releases him, and walks away, cloaked in shadow.
CONTAINMENT CELL
Sikozu pulls a neural spike from the base of Scorpy's 'carryall'.
SCORPIUS:
That's it...
She stands, moving to hand it to him, and he reaches to take it.
SCORPIUS:
Now, tell Crichton--
But John arrives just as he's taking it from her. Winona instantly out of the holster and aimed at Scorpius who sits frozen on the edge of the bed. John moves into the cell, eyes on him.
JOHN:
So... that's how you survived. She was on your team all along.
And she's pretty much the only one who can look petrified and annoyed all at once, eh?
SCORPIUS:
Untrue. She has just begun to help.
JOHN:
How? By sticking another chip in my head?
SCORPIUS:
Quite the reverse. This device... will take the neural clone from your mind.
JOHN:
What clone?
SCORPIUS:
John...
He stands, moving closer, even in the face of John's intense struggle 'not' to frag him. John tenses even more, taking a step forward, arms rising to maintain aim on Scorpius's skull while Scorpy moves close.
SCORPIUS:
Officer Sun is in danger, and so is Moya. I can help. Simply clear your mind... and I will help.
John's struggles with himself increase, the muzzle of the weapon trembling visibly, teeth gritted around a low grunt.
JOHN:
No--
SCORPIUS:
Consider this: I saved Officer Sun's life, while the clone killed her!
Clearly considering it, a small twisted smile flits across his features, Harvey's voice echoes in his head.
HARVEY [V.O.]:
Don't listen to him, John.
THEATER OF THE MIND - RESERVOIR DOGS
In a large open warehouse, Harvey stands in the far bg, John in the fg behind a folding wooden deck chair. John removes the .48 from his waistband, leveling it at Harvey as he approaches. Harvey stops, arms wide.
HARVEY:
No, John. That is not necessary.
Slow jazz piano begins to play.
HARVEY:
I'll... get back into the dumpster.
Harvey turns, starts to move away.
JOHN:
That's not good enough.
Harvey stops and John, without looking down, places his hand on the back of the deck chair.
JOHN:
Come sit.
HARVEY:
What?
JOHN:
This is a private.place.Harv. You don't belong here.
HARVEY:
I've been your ally, John, and your friend.
JOHN:
It's time for you to go.
CONTAINMENT CELL
Close on John, now struggling with what he 'does' want to do, pulse pistol shaking heavily. Scorpius simply watching. Panting out short hard breaths, John tries to lower the weapon, settling for a lateral movement toward Sikozu.
JOHN:
Take this... please...
Shaking now, pulling the weapon down and toward Sikozo, she takes it by the muzzle and he pulls his hand away, gloved fingers still curved to fit the butt. Eyes closed with the internal struggle, but remembering who is in the room with him, pries them open to narrow slits. Listening to Harvey's voice echo in his head.
HARVEY [V.O.]:
How could I leave your mind?
THEATER OF THE MIND - RESERVOIR DOGS
Harvey moves quickly toward John and the chair, John lowers the gun as he approaches enthusiastically.
HARVEY:
It's full of so many... wonderous memories.
( beat )
Cool jazz piano, chocolate ice cream, women's perfume...
John reaches into his pocket, pulling something out.
HARVEY:
( leering )
Women!
John screws a silencer on the muzzle of the gun, clears his throat to remind Harvey he's supposed to be taking a seat. Harvey looks hurt.
HARVEY:
How could you take that from me?
JOHN:
You're not real.
HARVEY:
I'm real to you.
John looks down at the chair.
HARVEY:
I'm real to myself.
JOHN:
Sit.
Reluctantly, Harvey approaches the chair, turning to sit, John steps back a bit, getting clearance.
Close on Harvey, John in half silouette behind him. Harvey looks enormously saddened.
HARVEY:
Good-bye then, John.
Pan slightly L to John standing silently behind him.
HARVEY:
I will miss you.
Cut from John's bland expression behind the black Ray Bans to...
CONTAINMENT CELL
John's contorted expression, hands coming up with a howl and he dives toward Sikozu, grabbing for the weapon.
She shrieks, terrified, dodging backward, clutching the pistol. Taking advantage of an already overbalanced John, Scorpius grabs the back of his jacket and pulls him forward onto the bed, pinning him face down, growling a command to Sikozu in an alien language.
SCORPIUS:
( in alien tongue )
Stay out of it!
And seriously, she wasn't gonna. Scorpius arm reaches up in a high arc and DRIVES the neural spike into the back of John's neck. He convulses, a sharp bleat of pain.
JOHN:
Ah!
THEATER OF THE MIND - RESERVOIR DOGS
Seated in the chair in the gloomy warehouse, Harvey replaces his sunglasses and spreads his arms wide. John standing, only slightly revealed behind him, arm held away from his body, the weapons muzzle to the floor.
HARVEY:
Without hesitation.
John brings the muzzle against the back of Harvey's head. Cut to long on the sound of a silenced gunshot, and white out as Harvey's arms are flung wide, body arching on the impact.
CONTAINMENT CELL
Face down on the 'bed', no sign of the neural spike, John slowly comes to, groaning once as he struggles to hands and knees. Scorpius's sigh is tinged with relief as John settles back on his heels, eyes closed, head nodding slightly to the side [ and kids, it's a beautiful recreation by Ben Browder of 'that' moment in Icarus Abides... just before realization 'hits', gorgeous. And only slightly 'ironic' that the two people he gets to share it with this time are, well... ].
JOHN:
( softly )
He's gone... Harvey's gone.
Long silence while John gets himself together, still panting heavily. This time, there is no real 'joy' in the moment. Sikozu looking over his head to Scorpius, who merely watches John.
JOHN:
Now.... Help.
He reaches for Winona, Sikozu places it in his hand without hesitation.
JOHN:
What can you do for us?
Looks up at Scorpius with heavily lidded eyes. Scorpy steps closer, sound of his hand resting briefly on John's shoulder as he sits near him on the side of the bed.
SCORPIUS:
Information. In less than three arns a Prowler will fire a missle and Moya will be killed.
Scorpius offers John the neural spike which, presumably, is Harvey's new home.
SCORPIUS:
If you don't trust me now, then we're all as good as dead.
John looks up from the butt of the spike, his gaze on Scorpius.
Fade To Black.
END ACT III
ACT IV
CONTAINMENT CELL
Sometime shortly later, Scorpius and John, abandoning the bed, are now lounging at the base of two of the curved ribs along the barred wall. Lovely shot along the wall, Scorpius reclining on his chosen rib, John sitting on the base of his, a bit further along the wall, one curved rib between them. Sikozu paces restlessly.
JOHN:
And there's no way for us to stop this Peacekeeper... super torpedo?
SCORPIUS:
( sighs )
Once locked on, it'll be able to ride Moya's slipstream through Starburst.
SIKOZU:
So we should Starburst right now...
John raises his head fractionally, giving Sikozu a hard look.
SIKOZU:
Though I know we will not.
He returns to contemplating the spike.
JOHN:
No. Not while there's a chance of getting a cure for Aeryn.
A idea flits across Scorpius's face and he sits up.
SCORPIUS:
There may be a chance. Sikozu has a theory about the Hokothian ship.
SIKOZU:
Anomalies in its mass readings have convinced me. It's a chameleon-- a projection.
JOHN:
I buy that. These guys are big on holograms. So, how big is the actual ship?
SIKOZU:
Tiny. Crew of four or five at most.
JOHN:
That's better odds.
SCORPIUS:
( standing )
John, I volunteer--
JOHN:
No.
Looking up at Scorpius.
JOHN:
No... and no. And no arguments.
SIKOZU:
You have great difficulty trusting people, don't you?
John's long baleful regard of her gives me plenty of time to reflect on the girls ability to say the most agregiously stupid things. Forgiveable, given her limited experience here. He turns that regard of Scorpius, and they both know why that might be.
JOHN:
You're staying here.
He stands, towering over Sikozu.
JOHN:
You're coming with me... we might need a nerd.
They move to leave, Scorpius turns away but stills briefly before speaking again.
SCORPIUS:
John, I've learned that we have exactly one and eight-tenth arns before the Prowler's in range.
John stops at the open door, not looking back.
JOHN:
How did you learn that?
SCORPIUS:
( sitting again )
I have a spy on board the command carrier.
John's examing the neural spike again, muttering aside to himself while Sikozu virtually 'oozes' a strong hero-worship vibe at Scorpius.
JOHN:
And she wonders why I have trouble trusting people.
John exits with Sikozu in tow and the cell door grinds closed with a hydraulic whine.
TRANSPORT POD
Sometime later, and close on D'Argo.
D'ARGO:
Well, if it's any consolation, I think you've had much worse plans.
Pan L to close on John. Oy, hard to tell in close, but D'Argo is sitting 'behind' him. Odd piloting configuration here. Oh, someone 'else' must be in the other pilot seat.
JOHN:
( muttering )
Not by much.
( louder )
Pip, everything okay there?
Short cut to Scorpius, still sitting at the base of the barred wall rib, surrounded by a flock of DRDs. Chi paces along the wall 'outside' the cell.
CHIANA:
Scorpius hasn't moved one flot.
JOHN:
( over comms )
Good.
Back to close on John aboard the pod.
JOHN:
Pilot?
Cut to Pilot in the Den.
JOHN:
( over comms )
Get me Ullom on the horn.
Pilot manipulates a few controls.
PILOT:
Done.
Cut back to close on John in the pod.
JOHN:
Ullom.
( beat )
Aeryn gave up, she's ready to talk.
Quick cut to the Hokothian Vessel, close on Ullom.
ULLOM:
About time! You should--
JOHN:
( over comms )
Ullom.
Cut back to close on John in the pod.
JOHN:
Listen, she's ready to talk because the heat delium's worse. We're coming in now.
He turns away, working at the controls.
COMMAND CARRIER
Rinlo skulks about in the semi-reddish gloom of a corridor leading into the weapons lab, all too obviously listening in on the goings on.
PONARA:
Captain Braca... diagnostics verify the missle's fully operational.
BRACA:
( over comms )
If it delivers on its promise, Ponara...
PROWLER
Braca at the controls.
BRACA:
You've got a medal.
EXT SPACE
A look at the prowler tooling along, the massive missle strapped to its underbelly, matching length, nose to engines.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
John, D'Argo and Sikozu enter the blue tinged corridor [ serious Little Mermaid vibes now ] carrying a mildly convulsing Aeryn on a stretcher, blanket wrapped tightly around her. John maneuvers the stretcher into the corridor, walking backward, D'Argo at the other end.
JOHN:
Keep moving... she's losing consciousness.
Three Hokothians wait at the end of the corridor, watching as John and D'Argo lower the stretcher gently to the floor. Aeryn continues shaking, her breathing harsh and painful. John looks back over his shoulder.
JOHN:
All right, let's do it, come on.
He moves aside, crouching beside her, looking up at the Hokothians, but they don't move.
JOHN:
What are you waiting for? I can get you the names, but you gotta save her. Now!
She continues convulsing, the stretcher rattling against the floor, the Hokothians don't move, including the minion behind Ullom who clutches the sluglike critter with the antidote.
JOHN:
Come on, do it!
More silent examination, and Ullom turns to the flunky behind him, nodding slightly. The two flunkies move forward, the one with the slug kneeling beside Aeryn, the other peering at her from over John's shoulder. The slugcritter is pressed against her cheek while she quivers. A burst of energy across her face and he pulls it away. Her cowled head jerks aside and she freezes for a moment, then continues to convulse.
JOHN:
That's not enough. Hit her again.
ULLOM:
One dose is more than sufficient. She should soon recover enough to speak.
Apparently, this is all John needs as he uncoils from the floor, taking out the flunky behind him with a few well placed fists to the face, finally settling for the reliable head butt to drive the guy back far enough to get Winona from his waistband and blow the guy away. Meanwhile, D takes the other guy with far less effort and no tongue before advancing on an unmoving Ullom. His massive right cross merely passes 'through' another holo-Ullom, disrupting it completely. Shouting a warning to John before taking off down the corridor.
D'ARGO:
He's still faking it!
Breathing hard, John checks the bodies on the floor. The blue tinged light in the corridor shifts to red as an unseen Ullom speaks.
ULLOM [O.S.]:
What's the point? This place is sealed. You're trapped and outnumbered!
D'Argo is stalled at one end of the corridor. Sikozu stands, running to check the other end.
JOHN:
( shouting )
Yeah, you got any more warm bodies, trot 'em on out. Or get your own ass down here if you've got the nads for it!
[ oh god, let the guy say 'balls', please? Please? ]
Aeryn's struggling onto her side, attempting to stand. D'Argo turns back from the far end of the corridor, shouting down the corridor to Sikozu, returning from a check of the entrance.
D'ARGO:
Any luck?!
SIKOZU:
It is completely sealed off. There is no way out.
John helps Aeryn to her feet.
ULLOM [O.S.]:
That's right.
Aeryn wobbles forward, footing only slightly uncertain.
ULLOM [O.S.]:
I control this ship! I can cut off your oxygen, or let you starve!
Blanket still wrapped tightly around her shoulders, Aeryn moves to the top of the short flight of stairs leading to the lower level.
AERYN:
Come on, Ullom... come out.
She takes the few steps, moving toward the center of the room below, angrily addressing the unseen Hokothian.
AERYN:
Stop fighting your battles with contagions... and holograms... and face me.
( beat )
Or are you a coward, Ullom?
A hissing sound behind her and she turns to face Ullom. Pure angered annoyance on her face.
ULLOM:
I faced you once, murderer. You do not remember? You shot me a left me for dead. You killed so many that day.
In the bg, John paces silently along the corridor, a dangerous critter behind bars, taking a position beside one, pulse pistol ready.
AERYN:
( laughs )
I remember, but your leader had more people slaughtered in one day than I could possibly kill in a lifetime. And if asked to do again what I did. I would do it again, and again...
Behind her the wall shimmers, dissolving slowly.
AERYN:
and I would do it for free.
The dissolving wall reveals a small alcove behind it, Ullom, suspended in a harness, lifting a pulse pistol to her back.
AERYN:
I wasn't hired to kill him--
The pulse pistol fires, but the energy discharge washes across her back and onto the hologram of Ullom, disrupting it. Aeryn turns as John fires from the Corridor, his shot easily striking target and with much greater effect. Ullom shudders, the harness and alcove sparking violently.
John races down the steps to Aeryn who's staggering just a bit.
ULLOM:
( gasping )
My life... support...
D'Argo and Sikozu follow John to the lower level. Aeryn has the blanket lowered from her shoulders, fingering the metallic disc on his chest, eyeing it while she questions John.
AERYN:
What did you say this was?
JOHN:
Tarkan body shield. It's the best part of the plan.
Sikozu rather fearlessly approaches Ullom's still twitching body, stripping a large blue orb from his left hand.
AERYN:
Well, it worked.
JOHN:
( grinning )
Yeah, it's a first isn't it?
Sikozu examines the orb, a hollow blue bowling ball with many, many spikes inside.
SIKOZU:
I think this is a control orb-- a direct neural interface.
JOHN:
God, I hate those.
SIKOZU:
He runs the entire ship with this!
JOHN:
No. You run the entire ship with that.
SIKOZU:
( hesitant )
No-- no I would never--
JOHN:
( insisting )
Yes, you do.
She gives him an annoyed glance, very hesistant, but...
SIKOZU:
I will try.
She curls her hand into a fist and pushes it inside the orb. Instantly hit with neural images.
[ and, he he he; on super slo mo, they are: Corridor shot of Talyn from 'Green Eyed Monster' - the crowbar down the funnel shot from 'Vitas Mortis' - another corridor shot of Talyn, another look at the crowbar being spaced, the transport pod arriving from 'Throne For A Loss' cold open, the Marauder checking out, from that ep that introduced the idea of 'SHD'... uh, oh, 'Exodus From Genesis', the 'newer' Marauder flees Talyn from 'Season of Death. And I'm 'positive' there is no insidious meaning to her seeing 'these' images-- as Mutual Friend would say, "it's just a show thing." ]
Sikozu takes a few deep breaths, recovering.
SIKOZU:
It's... it's amazing! I see every... every system!
D'ARGO:
( annoyed )
You know what? I am really... happy for you. Can you get us out?!
SIKOZU:
I have to learn the ship, find the hatch controls.
JOHN:
Pilot, how we doin' for time?
PILOT:
If Scorpius is correct, you're already too late. You won't get back before the missle is fired.
SIKOZU:
Got it. Hatch open.
D'ARGO:
I'll take Aeryn to the pod.
JOHN:
Right.
D'Argo moves to do just that, John moves aside to allow D'Argo close enough to assist her.
JOHN:
( to Sikozu )
You stay here.
SIKOZU:
Wha...?
D'Argo and Aeryn move to the exit.
JOHN:
( to D'Argo )
Keep the motor runnin'.
D'ARGO:
Okay.
JOHN:
Pilot, patch me through to the prisoner.
Quick cut to Scorpius in the containment cell, Chi still keeps watch outside the barred wall.
JOHN:
( over comms )
Scorpius, what does that missle lock onto?
SCORPIUS:
A Leviathan bio-energy signature.
SIKOZU:
Yes.
John arches a questioning look at her.
SIKOZU:
It's individual pulse, if you will.
JOHN:
Is there anyway to shut down Moya's pulse?
PILOT:
Only... by a full biologic shutdown.
SIKOZU:
Yes.
PILOT:
Moya could survive that for no more than 800 microts.
JOHN:
That might be long enough.
He moves close to Sikozu, everything else depends on her.
JOHN:
All right, here's the deal. This is a chameleon ship. You are a Leviathan expert. Create a decoy.
Sikozu gives him a now you're 'over estimating' me, look. She's so annoyed, it's beautiful.
SIKOZU:
A Leviathan's bio-energy signature is very complicated, I would never get it--
JOHN:
Just get a close as you can.
SIKOZU:
( sighs )
All right.
INT PROWLER
PONARA:
( over comms )
You should be coming into range any microt now.
BRACA:
Missle reads armed and ready.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
Between John and Sikozu, a tangled web of light is being emitted from another large orb.
SIKOZU:
I think it's working.
The shape begins to take on the outline of a Leviathan.
JOHN:
Beautiful.
Hanging in the harness behind Sikozu, Ullom groans loudly.
JOHN:
You're still with us, Holly?
ULLOM:
( gasping )
Not for long... life support destroyed.
The swirl of lights between John and Sikozu takes on the definite shape of a Leviathan.
ULLOM:
You have finished what Aeryn Sun began.
D'ARGO:
( over comms )
John, get aboard. We're out of time. Pilot's ready.
JOHN:
All right, Sputnik, now or never.
SIKOZU:
( softly )
Wait...
PROWLER
BRACA:
Coming into targeting range. Scanning for Moya... now.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
Back to Sikozu's intent features as she works on manipulating the small Leviathan hologram.
SIKOZU:
( softly )
Come on, come on... damn it!
COMMAND - MOYA
Quick cut to the view from the forward portal on Command, Rygel watching as the large white/blue blob of the Hokothian vessel seems to 'pop', and in its place, another golden Leviathan.
RYGEL:
Ah! They did it. Now, Pilot!
PROWLER
Braca blinking in confusion.
BRACA:
I must have a system malfunction.
COMMAND CARRIER
Grayzer and Ponara at a command console.
BRACA:
( over comms )
I'm reading two Leviathans.
PONARA:
( nervously )
No, no Captain, no malfunction. Marauder recons reading the same thing.
PROWLER
BRACA:
Analyze the data. Which one's Moya?
COMMAND CARRIER
PONARA:
( hesitant )
Uh, we're checking.
Grayza gives her a 'not good' look and Ponara scurries to other readouts, checking them as well.
THE DEN - MOYA
Close on Pilot and more pilotspeak, untranslated this time, although the intent is clear.
PILOT:
Vaklo enpya rossok wiklo.
The two claws held steepled before his face maneuver, pressing controls. The hum of engines whining down, lights out all across the ship. Command is plunged into darkness, same in the containment cell, the red light fading last.
EXT SPACE
Lights across Moya's lower hull wink out and the engines continue winding down. In the far distance, Moya's holographic twin remains festively lit.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
JOHN:
That's it. Lock it off.
Sikozu pulls her hand from the orb with some difficulty and John urges her toward the exit.
COMMAND CARRIER
PONARA:
Captain, one of the Leviathans is dead. It has no energy readings at all.
Good grief, and Rinlo is 'still' lurking in the corridor-- obviously listening in on the sly. [ Lemme just duck that brick to the head ]
PROWLER
PONARA:
( over comms )
It must be a decoy.
BRACA:
Are you sure?
PONARA:
( over comms )
Positive, sir.
COMMAND CARRIER
Grayza looks on, only listening but lookin' way grim. Chick never smiles. Well, sometimes, but *brrr*. Don't go there.
PONARA:
Transmitting proper coordinates now.
BRACA:
( over comms )
Received.
PROWLER
BRACA:
Acquiring target.
COMMAND CARRIER
Ponara smiles, greatly relieved.
PROWLER
BRACA:
Here's your rematch, Crichton.
EXT SPACE
Bolts blow below the Prowler, the missle drops slightly before its engine fires and rockets ahead of the Prowler.
MOYA - CONTAINMENT CELL
SCORPIUS:
The missle has been fired. It is now irrevocably locked... to the counterfiet signature.
CHIANA:
Pilot? Resuscitate Moya, now.
DEN
PILOT:
Initiating resuscitation.
CONTAINMENT CELL
CHIANA:
You can do it, Pilot.
EXT SPACE
The Transport Pod transits from the holo-Moya to the darkened ship.
TRANSPORT POD
John and D'Argo in the twin pilot seats.
JOHN:
Come on, baby, give us a heartbeat.
DEN
PILOT:
It's not working. Moya may have been dormant too long!
CONTAINMENT CELL
CHIANA:
You can awaken her. You will!
COMMAND
RYGEL:
( Softly )
Come on... come on...
EXT SPACE
Moya hangs, for all intents and purposes, dead in space. Her lively twin a distance off her nose.
DEN
A final squeal of controls and lights shift up in the Den.
COMMAND
Whine of power and lights shift up. Rygel looks up, immensely pleased.
CONTAINMENT CELL
Power up, lights on. Nearly there.
CHIANA:
I told you you could do it, Pilot.
DEN
CHIANA:
( over comms )
You're the draddest.
PILOT:
You're very kind to say so.
TRANSPORT POD
D'ARGO:
Okay, we're in. Go!
EXT SPACE
Moya maneuvers away from the holo-leviathan.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
Ullom hangs, gasping, in the suspension harness.
EXT SPACE
Looks as though Sikozu's efforts aren't going to hold up, but it really doesn't matter as the Leviathan killer missle sweeps past Moya and strikes at the heart of the Hokothian vessel. Attendant brilliant CGI explosion initiates as Moya moves out of shot.
HOKOTHIAN VESSEL
Poor Ullom howls as his ship is torn apart around him.
EXT SPACE
Boom! Ship to vapor. The John Crichton Special.
PROWLER
Brilliant light fills the cockpit and Braca grins.
BRACA:
Detonation.
EXT SPACE
Moya's nose cone extends, prepatory to Starburst. Blue light building at the tips of her fins as they draw together.
PROWLER
Grin dissipates rapidly.
BRACA:
Wait. Readings have changed.
COMMAND CARRIER
Grayza listening in still, calmly pissed.
BRACA:
( over comms )
The dead Leviathan's moving.
Grayza turns her head toward poor hapless Ponara who shakes her head in denial, examining readings like her life depended on it.
EXT SPACE
Halo of Starburst forms at Moya's tail and races up her hull.
PROWLER
Braca squints into the harsh blue light, throwing a hand up to shield his eyes.
EXT SPACE
Starburst energy races up Moya's hull to her nose and she disappears inside the burst of energy that forms ahead of her.
PROWLER
The light winks out and Braca rolls his head against the seat in peevish anger.
BRACA:
The dead decoy just went into Starburst!
COMMAND CARRIER
Poor Ponara, practically sputtering her explanations to Grayza who, of course, isn't interested in excuses.
PONARA:
It-it's not possible. I had the correct target, I'm sure.
PROWLER
BRACA:
( angrily )
You're relieved of duty immediately.
COMMAND CARRIER
BRACA:
( over comms )
Report to Detention Level Three.
GRAYZA:
I'll handle the postmortem, Captain.
( turns to Ponara )
Report to the Aurora Chamber.
PONARA:
( fearfully )
Uh--
GRAYZA:
Just take a seat. I'll be with you shortly.
And, well-trained drone that she is, she meekly goes.
[ show of hands: Steal a Prowler...? Head for the hills? Oh, and Grayza sounded like my dentist with that last line. Good one. ]
END ACT IV
TAG
MOYA - CONTAINMENT CELL
Kind of gloomier in the cell, nice mood. Angle down on Scorpius lounging back on the bed, one foot on the floor, a DRD hums beneath the bed.
JOHN [O.S.]:
Congratulations. You made it through the day without getting shoved out the airlock.
( beat )
Of course... this day is not quite over.
Close on John peering through the cut out formed by the zig-zag bars of the cell door.
JOHN:
I have two questions. One: did you do anything at all... to Aeryn?
Scorpius sits up, a sigh of resignation. He almost sounds... disappointed.
SCORPIUS:
No... I have not harmed her... in any way.
Wave of relief across John's features-- believing him, obviously, and very relieved. After a moment, he asks his next.
JOHN:
Two: On the Command Carrier... you said you knew where Earth was. Is that true? Do you?
SCORPIUS:
I do.
JOHN:
Anyone else?
Scorpius stands, crossing to stand beside him-- on the other side of the door.
SCORPIUS:
No one... I purged all records. The knowledge exists...
He raises a gloved finger to his temple.
SCORPIUS:
in here.
( beat )
You can use it to get home. Or... you can safely eradicate it... by killing me. Again the choice is yours.
THE DEN
Chiana sits on the console, legs inside, she 'pets' Pilot from time to time, and in a gesture learned from John, rests her forehead on his carapace. Seems genuinely happy, and relieved to just be doing those things. Huge smile on her face.
CHIANA:
It is so... so good to see you and Moya again.
( beat )
You know it, uh...
( softly )
it kinda feels like coming home.
PILOT:
We're... equally happy to see everyone... with the exception of the new arrival. I now... miss Jool more than ever.
CHIANA:
Hey... listen... if Sikozu ever... speaks to you like that again... if she ever gives you any lip... you just drop her in the bat dren, okay? Nobody... nobody should talk to you like that. Nobody should tell you what to do.
PILOT:
Yet... everybody does. In fact... Moya and I have... made a decision.
CHIANA:
You want us gone?
Aw, he places his claw reassuringly on her knee.
PILOT:
Ah, not at all. But, we cannot serve so many masters at once. We ask you to choose... one spokesperson.
CHIANA:
You mean, just pick a captain?
PILOT:
Yes. A single voice for us to follow.
CHIANA:
I'll tell the others. We'll... take a vote or something... okay?
EXT SPACE
Transition shot-- Moya motoring -- to a bit later on...
COMMAND
Close up on John, one of those great 'what the hell is he thinking?' looks.
Shapeless form of someone else entering Command over his left shoulder, the shape speaks and we recognize the tentative voice.
AERYN:
Hi.
He turns his head to look over his shoulder as she steps further into the room, still an annoying out of focus blur. John's voice is bland, unengaged, polite.
JOHN:
Hey.
He turns back to the forward portal, still close on John.
AERYN:
What are you looking at?
Cut to long across Command, John just standing there, looking out at a formless and gorgeous blue nebula. Aeryn behind him, hair down to the belt around her waist. No more coolant suit. She keeps moving to the Strategy Table before stopping, and he turns around slowly, taking a couple of steps in her direction, gloves held tight in one fist.
JOHN:
Nothing in particular.
Aeryn sits at the table, looking down. Oh, and, good grief, close on her finally and she looks, well, gorgeous. Geez. Can you 'blame' the guy?
AERYN:
I'd like to stay.
John looks away for a moment, very carefully pleased.
JOHN:
Well, I'm sure Moya... would be very happy with that.
AERYN:
I need to recover.
JOHN:
Is there any other reason?
AERYN:
I need to help you keep an eye on Scorpius.
He looks away, and then down, a furrow crinkling the skin between his brows.
JOHN:
I'm not gonna hurt him. I gave you my word.
AERYN:
I know.
He watches her silently, content to be able to. Aeryn looks back, smiling warmly; welcoming.
AERYN:
I want to be here.
He just watches in silence, flicking the fingers of the empty glove in his hand. She tilts her head slightly.
AERYN:
Is there a problem?
And oh god, here it comes...
JOHN:
Any other... oaths of silence I should know about?
She looks, cripes, pensively away, shaking her head, then looks at him again, smiling.
He nods fractionally, face losing just a touch of warmth, looks away.
JOHN:
So... you could tell me if...
Looks at the frelling floor!
JOHN:
you were pregnant?
Her smile remains in place, not wavering from that warmth, but those lashes drop and she looks away, not looking up again when he lifts his head to look at her.
Her chin comes up slightly and she chances a look at him but can't 'keep' it; her eyes darting away again, the smile losing some luster.
John watches her silently once more, face schooled carefully neutral, looks down, sound of leather slapped into the palm of his hand, the traditional: 'oh-kay then' gesture. One last glance her way, as he turns and walks off Command.
Aeryn turns her head, watching him walk away, then turns away herself, swallowing, the remnants of that smile gone. She sits watching the blue swirl of the nebula in silence.
FADE TO BLACK
ROLL CLOSING CREDITS
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