FARSCAPE

" Die Me Dichotomy "

Written by,
David Kemper



This transcript provided by: Farscape Ally!
Suggestions for corrections/revisions/expansions are, as always, gratefully accepted.

Thanks to $al-Man for the proofing and edits provided.


Starring:
Ben Browder
Claudia Black
Virginia Hey
Anthony Simcoe
Gigi Edgley
Commander John Crichton
Officer Aeryn Sun
Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan
Ka D'Argo
Chiana
Guest Starring:
Wayne Pygram
Matt Newton
Lani Tupu
Paul Goddard
Thomas Holesgrove
Not Credited
Hugh Keays-Byrne
David Franklin
Scorpius
Jothee
Captain Bialar Crais
Stark
Diagnosan Tocot
Diagnosan Tocot (voice)
Grunchlk
Lt. Braca





Guest Stars Reappearing:

Wayne Pygram: Returning as the Scarran/Sebacean half-breed Scorpius, rearing his ugly head for the what? Zillionth time? Seriously... previously appearing in the Season 1 episodes, "Nerve", "Hidden Memory", "Bone To Be Wild", "Mind The Baby", and in Season 2 eps, "Crackers Don't Matter", "Look At The Princess, Parts 1 (A Kiss Is But A Kiss), 2 (I Do, I Think), and 3 (The Maltese Crichton)", "Beware of Dog", "Wont' Get Fooled Again", "The Locket", "A Clockwork Nebari", and "Liars, Guns & Money, Parts 1 (A Not So Simple Plan), 2 (With Friends Like These), and 3 (Plan B)". So... a gazillion then. heh. Scorpy's on a roll!

Matt Newton: Matt Newton, reprising his role as the Luxan/Sebacean half-breed son of the Luxan Warrior, D'Argo (and D'Argo's murdered wife, the Sebacean, Lo'laan). Previously appearing in Season 2 eps, "Liars, Guns & Money, Parts 2 (With Friends Like These), and 3 (Plan B)".

Lani Tupu: As The now renegade Peacekeeper Captain, Bialar Crais, Lani as appeared in almost as many eps as the regular cast, especially if you count his voice work for Pilot. However; ahem... previously appearing in the Season 1 episodes: "Premiere", "That Old Black Magic", "Till The Blood Runs Clear", "Nerve", "The Hidden Memory", and "Family Ties", and in the Season 2 episodes, "Mind The Baby", "The Way We Weren't", "Won't Get Fooled Again", "The Ugly Truth", and "Liars, Guns & Money, Part 3 (Plan B)". Frequent guest star indeed!

Paul Goddard: Returning in the role of that nutcase, Stark. The Man In the Half-Iron Mask, previously appearing in the Season 1 episodes, "Nerve" and "The Hidden Memory", disappearing for a time, and reappearing in time for the Season 2 episodes, "The Locket" and "The Ugly Truth" ( where he was 'disbursed' ), and returning again for the great heist, guesting in "Liars, Guns & Money, Parts 1 (A Not So Simple Plan), 2 (With Friends Like These), and 3 (Plan B)".

Thomas Holesgrove: The hardest workin man in latex (not counting Anthony Simcoe), Tommy returns inside the 'suit' of Diagnosian Tocot, and his own killer, the Scarran-- Erathran Plonik. Previously appearing as such Second Season luminaries as the 'birdlike' alien 'Tak', in "Out Of Their Minds", the Scarran 'Cargn' from the Look At the Princess Trilogy, and in the Scarran Inquisitor 'Gahv', in "Won't Get Fooled Again". Also filling in as Teurac, in the Liars, Guns & Money Trilogy. And yes it is true; none of Thomas' characters have survived any given epsiode and/or story arc.

David Franklin: As Scorpius's favorite Toady and second in command under Crais and then Scorpius since the Season 1 episode "Bone To Be Wild"... wherever Scorpy appears, there ye shall also find Braca. ( well, except for the Princess Trilogy, where Scorpy went 'without accompanyment' ).




Writer: David Kemper

Who also wrote:

(1:12*) "Rhapsody In Blue", (1:17) "Through The Looking Glass", (1:21*) "Bone To Be Wild", (1:22*) "Family Ties", (2:10) "Look At The Princess, Part 1: A Kiss Is But A Kiss", (2:11) "Look At The Princess, Part 2: I Do, I Think", (2:21) "Look At The Princess, Part 3: The Maltese Crichton".




Director: Rowan Woods

Who also directed:

(1:05) "Back, And Back, And Back, To The Future", (1:06) "Thank God It's Friday, Again.", (1:16) "A Human Reaction", (1:19) "Nerve", (2:04) "Taking The Stone", (2:08) "Home On The Remains", (2:14) "Won't Get Fooled Again", (2:17) "A Clockwork Nebari".




PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Created by: Rockne S. O'Bannon
Directed by: Rowan Woods
Written by: David Kemper
Executive Producer: Naren Shankar
Executive Producer: Richard Manning
Producer: Sue Milliken
Executive Producers: David Kemper
Brian Henson
Rod Perth
Robert Halmi, Jr.
Executive Consultant: Rockne S. O'Bannon
Creative Consultant: Justin Monjo
Director of Photography: Russell Bacon
Production Designer: Tim Ferrier
Associate Producer: Andrew Prowse
Music By: Guy Gross
Costume Designer: Terry Ryan
Editor: Nicholas Holmes
Second Unit DOP: Danny Batterham
Makeup/Hair Supervisor: Paul Pattison
Story Editor: Lily Taylor
Grant McAloon
Production Executive: Robert E. Wozniak
Puppeteers: Tim Mieville, Sean Masterson, Mat McCoy, mariu Halovvas, Fiana Gentle, Virgina Wevee
Voice of Rygel: Jonathan Hardy
Voice of Pilot: Lani Tupu
Creature Shop Creative Supervisor: Dave Elsey
Visual Effects: Animal Logic



TRANSCRIPT BEGINS






COLD OPEN





EXT. SPACE

Talyn and Moya in orbit around an ice covered planet.




INTERCUT

MOYA, Zhaan's Quarters

Her quarters, a smouldering ruin from the fire, Zhaan is alone and very despondent as Rygel enters via thronesled.


RYGEL: Ah, there you are. We're dividing spoils from the depository. These were set aside for you to choose from, and I understand that--



His words are cut off by a groan of pain as an enraged Zhaan grabs him roughly through his robes.


ZHAAN: She is burnt. She's badly crippled because of our desires.

RYGEL: Let go!

ZHAAN: Was all this wealth worth it?



Zhaan abruptly releases him. Some of the trinkets he'd selected drop to the floor.


RYGEL: 'Course not, you blue bitch. But what's done is done!

ZHAAN: ( scornfully ) Just as long as we're wealthy, huh?

RYGEL: May as well put it to good use. Crais and Talyn have located some kind of surgeon. A healer species. We're almost there. We're all choosing one or two items we want... the rest is to pay any fee for Moya's remedy.

ZHAAN: I'm sorry Rygel. I misjudged you.

RYGEL: Heh! It's becoming your career.



INTERCUT

MOYA, Crichton's Quarters.

A distant and distracted Crichton paces in his quarters, stopping in front of a mirror as a familiar voice intrudes.


SCORPIUS: Now listen, John. Be smart. See the situation for what it is.



Staggering slightly, Crichton turns toward the image reflected in the mirror.


CRICHTON: Screw you!



Smashing his fist into the mirror, it 'seems' to shatter, but once the pieces fall, the mirror is still in place, reflecting Scorpius' visage.


SCORPIUS: No John. Not this time. We've reached the end of the old... the beginning of the new.

CRICHTON: I am in control. I am in control of ME!



He smashes the mirror once again, and again the mirror continues to reflect the slightly smirking face of Scorpius.


SCORPIUS: No more John.

CRICHTON: Screw you!



In a futile exercise, his fist smashes the mirror again, and again the image of his interior tormentor is replaced by a seemingly unbroken surface.


SCORPIUS: The reverse is more likely.



Screaming in frustration, fear and anger, Crichton repeatedly lashes out, trying to erase the image.

Aeryn enters, and quickly crossing the room, pulls him away from the wall.



AERYN: Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!



Completely unbalanced, in more ways than one, Crichton staggers heavily and falls forward, his elbows braced on the bed, Aeryn holding him steady from behind.


CRICHTON: I can't!

AERYN: No!



Crichton continues to struggle against her hold and the hold Scorpius has on his mind.


CRICHTON: I can't!

AERYN: There's no one here, John.

CRICHTON: Scorpius.

AERYN: You made yourself bleed!

CRICHTON: Scorpius! Scorpius! Scorpius!

AERYN: Yes. Listen! He put a neural tracer chip in your brain. You know this. You know he isn't really here.

CRICHTON: I see him! I see him!



Pushing away from the bed, Crichton turns toward her, desperately anchoring himself on her arms. She steadies him, holding his head in her hands.


AERYN: Well, fight it! Listen to me. We've reached the surgical facility. We're going to see if they can remove the chip.



He's completely lost inside his own mind, struggling for some sense of stability, trying desperately to anchor himself on her. He holds her head in his hands and their eyes lock for a moment. The moment passes all too quickly, and he tears himself away from her.


CRICHTON: I have to smash him!



Standing he moves to stand again before the mirror, a 'broken' mirror, the shards strewn across the floor, the frame empty but for jagged pieces lodged in the edges.

Still leaning against the bed, Aeryn pleads with him.



AERYN: No! Scorpius isn't really there, John. I need you to face reality as it is!



Panting slightly and wavering on unsteady feet, Crichton eyes the image of Scorpius reflected in the mirror.


SCORPIUS: It's ridiculous, I know. She cannot see us, John.

CRICHTON: ( faintly ) What's happening to me?

AERYN: You know what's happening to you. Scorpius put that frelling chip in your brain.

CRICHTON: Aeryn...



Crichton closes his eyes...


CRICHTON: ...what do you see... in the mirror?



He opens his eyes again, his gaze still fixed on the 'mirror'.


CRICHTON: What do you see?



From behind him, all Aeryn can see is Crichton staring at a broken mirror.


AERYN: There is no mirror. There is no Scorpius. Look! You must confront your fears-- with strength.



In the mirror, Scorpius silently returns his fixed gaze.


CRICHTON: You're right, Aeryn.



As we watch the desperate and haunted face of John Crichton, a startling transformation occurs. Familiar human features morph to those of a frightening human/scarran hybrid, a amalgam of Scorpius and John, as the clone in his brain makes a final adjustment.


SCORPI/ON: There's no Scorpius here... Mm...



John's features return to normal momentarily.


SCORPI/ON: There's only me...



The metamorphosis occurs again and the features of the Scorpius/John amalgam reappear.


SCORPI/ON: Yes.



END COLD OPEN










ROLL OPENING CREDITS



"My name is John Crichton, an astronaut... ...a radiation wave hit, and I got shot through a wormhole... now I'm lost in some distant part of the universe, on a ship-- a living ship, full of strange alien life-forms.... Help me. Listen please... is there anybody out there who can hear me? ....I'm being hunted by an insane military commander... doing everything I can... I'm just looking for a way home."








ACT I





MOYA, Corridor

A tall alien decked out in red, including a red face shield and the coolest glasses in the known universe, turns and speaks in a alien language to yet another alien. The second alien is a bit more 'human' looking, in a disgusting, squalid kind of way.


GRUNCHLK: If it wasn't serious, they wouldn't have called us, would they? Now when you're done... the big picture.



Aeryn and D'Argo watch the exchange between the two strangers on Moya, as Chiana approaches from behind them.


AERYN: I don't like him.

D'ARGO: He's rumored to be one of the best healers in the Uncharted Territories.

AERYN: No, not him. His sleazy confederate... Gonsick.



The second, sleazy alien, turns toward our crew.


GRUNCHLK: Grunchlk. Splendid hearing. Doc Fix there.



Not expecting to have been overheard, Aeryn looks just a tad bit uncomfortably embarassed.


D'ARGO: Can he save Moya?

GRUNCHLK: Oh, looks good! He's splendid with infections.

TOCOT: ( Speaks in alien language )

GRUNCHLK: He'll make up a mixture. It'll be absorbed through these scarred areas. And then a couple of applications... keep the patient sedated. You're laughing.

AERYN: How much?

GRUNCHLK: Oh. By my calculations, lets say, ah... exchange equivalent, with the meter and all of that... 12,000 Kretmas.

D'ARGO: Outrageous!

TOCOT: ( Speaks in alien language )

GRUNCHLK: Ah, just a microt.



Grunchlk turns back to the Doc and they confer in 'private' a bit further down the burned passage. Taking advantage of the opportunity, our crewmembers also have a moment to confer in quiet tones.


CHIANA: I don't know. What do you think?

AERYN: I don't know if we have any choice.

CHIANA: She's gotta get fixed, but this is crazy.

GRUNCHLK: ...you can run that facility without me.



Grunchlk returns from his consultation with the Doc.


AERYN: Shhh.

GRUNCHLK: ( whispering ) He always thinks I undercharge. He's a greedy bastard, it's a species trait. Now, I'm sorry to have to do this to you but, he insists! That's 15,000 Kretmas.

D'ARGO: I could buy a whole new ship for that.

GRUNCHLK: Well, I had to let an Aunt die once because we couldn't afford a fixer.



D'Argo and Aeryn sigh quietly, and turn away from Grunchlk.


AERYN: ( quietly ) I'm going to go and assess our funds.



Chiana and Grunchlk drift over to the Doc as Aeryn departs.


CHIANA: If you don't make her better, we are gonna get you.

GRUNCHLK: Let me introduce you.



D'Argo turns back to the Doc, finding Chiana peering up at him.


D'ARGO: Chiana!



Chiana turns back to D'Argo.


D'ARGO: Leave him alone.



Another order defied, Chiana turns back to the Doc, she's got too much curiosity going at this point to be interested in obeying.


CHIANA: Why do you wear that mask?

GRUNCHLK: Dr. Diagnosan, intuits disease through inhalation, here. Very, very sensitive.



Grunchlk opens a flap on the Doc's face mask covering the Doc's nose, and sticks his fingers into the opening.


TOCOT: ( Sneezes )



Grunchlk closes the flap and licks his fingers off [ ugh! ], then lightly caresses Chiana's white hair.


GRUNCHLK: Even the Siljot bacteria in your lovely hair, would kill him if he got it in his nose and mouth at the same time.



INTERCUT

MOYA, Main Passageway

Crichton enters at the end of a burned passage, pausing he cocks his head slightly in a vaguely familiar gesture, then advances with a slow but deliberate stride. His body language is completely alien to the John we know.

As he slowly moves along the corridor, he comes upon a certain Hynerian.



RYGEL: Ah, Crichton. A word a word if I may.

SCORPI/ON: Not now, Rygel.

RYGEL: Now works for me. So, if you haven't chosen a bauble yet--



Cutting away from Rygel, holding a small stone extended in one hand, and back to Crichton, we see again the Scorpius/John hybrid, decked out in complete Scorpy attire, strangely in this mode his body language and voice are those of Crichton rather than Scorpius.


SCORPI/ON: Rygel, shut up.



Lashing out with one hand, Scorpius/John smacks the hand holding the 'bauble', and with incredible accuracy, the stone is launched down Rygel's throat. Scorpius/John smirks and shakes his head as he continues down the corridor while Rygel chokes on the stone.




INTERCUT

MOYA, Main Passageway

Father and son walk at a rapid pace down a burned passageway.


D'ARGO: If I take you to him--

JOTHEE: I don't want to have them repaired!

D'ARGO: He's a surgeon. We have currency. I'm sure that he---



Rounding a bend in the corridor they enter an unburned section.


JOTHEE: Father, you're not listening to me!



Passing the center chamber they come upon a snippet of conversation between Rygel and Aeryn.


AERYN: Alright, Rygel. I'll take care of it.

RYGEL: Well, he just tried to force this chinka stone down my throat--

AERYN: What did I just say?!



Aeryn stalks away from the irate Hynerian, she's not in a 'great' mood either. D'Argo and Jothee turn back to obtain a bit of privacy for their continued conversation.


D'ARGO: I can't see why you wouldn't want your tankas restored, I mean, as a Luxan--

JOTHEE: I'm only half Luxan.



Returning to the burned section, they stop and face each other.


JOTHEE: And for many cycles, I didn't even want to be that.



D'Argo comes to a realization.


D'ARGO: You cut yourself. You... mutilated your own tankas. You hate me that much?

JOTHEE: It's okay. It doesn't hurt anymore Father.



Jothee steps back and turning slowly he walks away as Chiana approaches from behind D'Argo.


CHIANA: Hey, D'Argo--

D'ARGO: What!



Whoa... instantly sorry for lashing out, D'Argo turns to face her.


D'ARGO: Sorry, Chiana, I uh...



Her mouth hangs open, confused and hurt, but D'Argo can't take the moment to reassure of explain. Wearily, he turns and walks away.




INTERCUT

MOYA, Zhaan's Quarters

Zhaan and Stark 'negotiate' with Grunchlk. Chiana sits against the wall, likely waiting for a moment to speak with Zhaan. Tocot lurks in the doorway beside Chiana.


STARK: A moment ago you said seventeen five

GRUNCHLK: Expenses, experience, expertise. The meter is still running. Twenty thousand is the rate.

STARK: I'll pay eighteen and not a Kretma more. Got it!



Grunchlk grabs Stark by a handful of his shirt and lifts him off his feet.


STARK: Whoa!

GRUNCHLK: I hate to negotiate like this, but I do find that it cuts through the krutatah.



Disgusted, Zhaan is in no mood for this nonsense.


ZHAAN: Put him down Greenchalk.

GRUNCHLK: Grunchlk. This is business. I have the supply. I make the demand.

TOCOT: ( Speaks in alien language )

GRUNCHLK: It's alright, doctor. The family are in denial. I won't let them hurt each other. -- Take the twenty thousand... before it goes up.



Stark looks over Grunchlk's head to Zhaan who nods slightly in assent. Stark looks down at Grunchlk and nods in agreement. Grunchlk drops him back to his feet.




INTERCUT

MOYA, Neural Cluster

Aeryn enters, finding Crichton already there, working at something.


AERYN: Crichton? Ah, Pilot says you're reconfiguring a comm signal outside his control.

SCORPI/ON: I want to eavesdrop on Crais's radio traffic without him knowing about it, I still don't trust him here.



Crichton kneels inside the cluster, working with a PK Panel and an odd little tool, splicing into communications.


AERYN: Crais and Talyn saved our lives. They saved yours.

SCORPI/ON: Look, Aeryn, if you're worried about that (whistles) inside my head... don't. He's under house arrest. Remember what you said? "Strength".

AERYN: That's great, John. But you need to stop what you are doing.

SCORPI/ON: Aeryn, as long as I stay busy...



Crichton displays a behavior we've seen before when he's hearing voices... except he's 'not' hearing voices right now.


SCORPI/ON: ...he leaves me alone. Sometimes if I sing, he leaves me alone.



Sitting up on the edge of the low wall surrounding the neural cluster, Crichton leans back and unhappily hums a few bars of "Ride of the Valkyries", the tune trails off as he leans despondently against a support beam.


AERYN: Look.



Aeryn sits on the wall behind him.


AERYN: Once the Diagnosian's finished with Moya, he's going to take a look at you.



Crichton shakes his head.


SCORPI/ON: It won't help.

AERYN: Mm... I am...



Closing her eyes, Aeryn wearily rests her forehead on Crichton's shoulder. His eyes seem to register slight surprise at this gesture.


AERYN: ...reminded at this point... of a word that you actually brought to this vessel.



Lifting her head she looks at him again, but he is still turned slightly away from her.


AERYN: Hope.



Turned slightly away from her we again see that the clone has hijacked the body of Crichton. The black clad human/scarran face turns slowly toward her.

Their eyes meet, and she (and we) see only Crichton's human face.



SCORPI/ON: ( softly ) I would be lost... without you.



She pauses only slightly, but looks directly into his eyes.


AERYN: Then you'll never be lost.



Smiling slightly her eyes downcast, perhaps assessing the proximity of his lips. He leans in closer, resting his forehead gently against hers.


SCORPI/ON: No matter what happens... you... have worked your way... into my heart.



She looks up into his eyes again, smiling slightly and completely relaxed, her soft voice matching his.


AERYN: You've shown me that I have one.



Crichton cups her face in his hands, gently caressing her with his brow and nose, lips hovering ever closer to hers, his voice even softer...


SCORPI/ON: I love you.



His lips slowly close the fractional distance between them...


AERYN: I love you, too.



Upper lips touch, and as if at that signal Crichton's arms thrust her head away, slamming it against the nearest handy hard surface. In less than the blink of an eye Crichton is gone, replaced by the Scorpius 'clone'. Black cowled features twist in a sardonic grin as he pulls Aeryn's head back toward him, eying her unconcious features. He inhales deeply, as though sensing her by smell.


SCORPI/ON: Mm... you are so... my girl.



With that assessment he extends his tongue and 'licks' her face, from the tip of her nose to her hairline. [ ouch...! ]




INTERCUT

TALYN, Command

Crais stands in the center of Talyn's command, having an intense discussion with the ship who speaks a language of electronic beeps and whistles, only Crais can understand.


CRAIS: Now, listen to me. Officer Sun cannot be blackmailed or enticed. If she is to join us, it would have to be of her own volition.

TALYN: ( Speaks own language )

CRAIS: Agreed. If she joins us freely, we will tell her the truth.

TALYN: ( Speaks own language )



Crais becomes aware of an unusual signal.


CRAIS: What's that coming through? Identify the source of this signal... play it loud!



INTERCUT

MOYA, Main Passageway

D'Argo and Jothee march with purpose down the corridor as D'Argo converses with Pilot over comms.


D'ARGO: It's a Peacekeeper signal.

PILOT: Crais says it's a special pulse code, known only to captain's rank and above.

JOTHEE: He's never been a Peacekeeper!

D'ARGO: It has to be the neurocircuit that Scorpius has planted in his brain.

JOTHEE: What are we going to do when we find him?

D'ARGO: You, nothing, it's too dangerous.

JOTHEE: Dad...



D'Argo wheels about on his son, shouting in his frustration.


D'ARGO: No!



D'Argo turns and stalks off, leaving Jothee standing alone in the passage.




INTERCUT

MOYA, Neural Cluster

Aeryn's body is sprawled on the ground opposite where the Scorpius 'clone' sits inside the cluster, still working on sending his signal.


JOTHEE: Stop what you're doing.

SCORPI/ON: Relax, boy. You're not in any danger. Scorpius only wants me.

JOTHEE: My father says you're in no condition to make that decision.

SCORPI/ON: And you're in no condition to stop me.

JOTHEE: Step back!



The Scorpius 'clone' leans back against the structure of the neural cluster and abandoning the vocal quality of 'Crichton', sighs heavily, speaking as Scorpius.


SCORPI/ON: Oh my. You really should... have brought a pulse rifle.



Jothee lashes out with the Luxan tongue inherited from his father, but lacks sufficient skill. Scorpi/on easily intercepts the tongue, and using it as a 'leash', pulls Jothee forward and knocks him out with one backhanded blow. Jothee collapses in a heap next to Aeryn. Scorpi/on leans back and sighs.


SCORPI/ON: Like father, like son.



A much more 'precise' Luxan tongue lashes out, whiplike, striking Scorpi/on unerring on the neck. After a brief, choked struggle, the black clad figure collapses unconcious against the neural nexus structure.


D'ARGO: Hardly.



INTERCUT

EXT. SPACE, CGI

Transport Pod 'debarking' Moya, heads planetside.




INTERCUT

EXT. PLANET, CGI

Cut into the side of an icy cliff, the Diagnosan's medical facility perches in a moutainous planetscape.




INTERCUT

MEDICAL FACILITY, Surgery

Crichton is held immobile, strapped to a table too short for his frame. Stark leans over him.


STARK: How to you feel?

CRICHTON: Like a popsicle. ( muttering ) Gotta love this sphincter end of the universe.



The table Crichton is strapped to his mounted on a raised platform. Tocot stands near his head at one end of the platform, Grunchlk stands off to the side, opposite Stark.


STARK: They're just going to have a look... an examination.



His head held immobile by a transparent strap across his forehead, Crichton rolls his eyes toward Stark, muttering in his discontent.


CRICHTON: Make sure he puts the K-Y on the glove.



The double doors of the chamber open and Crais enters.


CRICHTON: What the hell are you doin' here?

CRAIS: Meager gesture of support... while the others attend to Aeryn and Jothee.



Crais slowly circles the platform.


CRICHTON: Is there any permanent damage?

CRAIS: Just their pride. You seem...



Grunchlk peers out from behind Stark, he's circled the platform as well, seeming to be seeking shelter from either someone he knows, or Peacekeepers in general.


CRAIS: ...remarkably lucid.

CRICHTON: Don't get too close. I could turn any second.

STARK: We'll fix it Crichton. Everyone's pledged to give whatever it takes to...



Tocot interrupts Stark.


TOCOT: ( Speaking alien language )



Seeing Stark doesn't understand him, Tocot makes it easy for him, poking him in the gut, indicating he should 'move back'. Stark steps back and off the platform.

Tocot manipulates a few controls and the room is plunged into a darkness illuminated only by the lighting beneath the surgical platform and the support Crichton's head is strapped to. Keying another control a green light illuminates the room from above. Tocot slowly removes his face mask. [ It's interesting to note that the doors into the surgery are still standing wide open. ]



STARK: I thought he couldn't inhale our contaminants.



Grunchlk gestures upward.


GRUNCHLK: You see the green light? That's a biological neutralizer. That is, you could have the Karatonga Plague in here... wouldn't touch him. Outside... pick your nose... and he's dead.

TOCOT: No... pain. Re... lax.



Tocot gently strokes Crichton's head, settling his 'patient' before turning back and engaging another control. A flash of light and Crichton's 'skull' disappears, revealing the brain beneath. A brain sheathed in a writhing net of black fibers.

Tocot takes a closer 'look', his long slitted nose flexing. Beside him Crais steps onto the platform, his remote gaze shifting to compassionate disbelief at the sight.



GRUNCHLK: Frah! Frelling krutatah!

TOCOT: ( Speaks in alien language )



No one's explaining anything that Crichton can understand, but he's getting the sense that something is 'not right'.


CRICHTON: You're gonna tell me my health plan doesn't cover this, right?

TOCOT: ( Speaks in alien language )



Grunchlk looks a bit taken aback at what the Doc has to say.


GRUNCHLK: Doctor doesn't often say this... there's nothing he can do. That thing in his head... he can't get it out without killing him.



On the table, Crichton's tension is released, he closes his eyes, and smiles slightly, his breath released in a slight ironic laugh.




END ACT I










ACT II





MOYA, Main Passageway

D'Argo marches along with purpose, trailed by a very nervous, keyed up, Chiana.


CHIANA: ( babbling ) D'Argo, the surgeon said it's-it's a numbing anesthetic, okay? So-so don't breath too much and-- all right? And shake the cannister every couple of--

D'ARGO: All right already! I remember!



D'Argo stops, turning, almost fending her off with upraised hands.


CHIANA: What's the matter with you?



[ Best defense being a good offense...]


D'ARGO: What's the matter with you?!

CHIANA: Well, I... I'm just... I-I'm trying to have a relationship.

D'ARGO: Oh, and you think I'm not? ( sighs ) Listen, Chiana... you have to understand, it has been so long since I've seen my son.

CHIANA: D'Argo, I know how long it is. There is no one, no one who has lived this dream of finding your son more than me.



The silence between them is interrupted.


STARK: You going to help, D'Argo?



D'Argo turns his frustration on Stark in the passage behind him.


D'ARGO: Couldn't you wait a couple of microts, Stark? I was talking to Chiana!



Chiana walks away before D'Argo can turn back.


STARK: Tocot says we gotta put down another layer of Dannlandium...



D'Argo turns back and walks into the passage to 'assist' Stark, muttering angrily.


D'ARGO: Frell you.

STARK: ... after the first has been absorbed.

D'ARGO: Oh, and you understand him.



INTERCUT

MEDICAL FACILITY, Storage Vault

Inside the vast ice coated chamber, Aeryn stands slightly ahead of Crichton. Apparently for safetys sake, someone has thought to secure Crichton, his hands are cuffed before him and his legs are manacled, a length of chain between stretched out in the snow behind his boots.


CRICHTON: How many bodies did he say were in here?

AERYN: I believe he said, "frelling millions".



Puzzled by Aeryn's 'cold' reception, he steps forward slightly, chain dragging in the snow behind him.


CRICHTON: Aeryn... uh, did I say or... doing anything to piss you off? I-I mean, other than caving in the side of your head?

AERYN: Are you serious?!



Aeryn turns toward him, brow furrowed with disbelief. Crichton's mouth works ineffectually, he can't find words to express his own confusion.


CRICHTON: I--

AERYN: Do you not remember?



Saved by the bell as Grunchlk and Zhaan enter the vault.


GRUNCHLK: Splendid news for the patient. I think... I found a biological match.

CRICHTON: What? You found a human?

GRUNCHLK: Well, it's called an Interon. It's ah, bipedal. Central spine. Organs internal. Oh, single heart circulation and a small head. Ah, I've got three specimens.... that's the best I can do.

ZHAAN: There are over 5,000 different species frozen here. This is an abomination against nature.

GRUNCHLK: It's not as though they're suffering, love, is it?

AERYN: Yeah, I mean, they're already dead anyway.

ZHAAN: No, Aeryn, they're still alive.

GRUNCHLK: That's a technicality.

CRICHTON: No. I-I'm not accepting anything from someone who's alive.

GRUNCHLK: They're all accident victims and the like. Hey, I mean we freeze 'em a microt before their death 'cause the parts last longer that way.

ZHAAN: You have interrupted the course of nature.

GRUNCHLK: None of them would survive restoration. That is the Doc's rules for accepting a donor.

CRICHTON: And you've got three like me.

GRUNCHLK: Well... similar. I mean, probably a species offshoot from the same stock.

CRICHTON: Is that possible? We're somewhere near Earth?

AERYN: I don't know.

CRICHTON: I want this chip out.

GRUNCHLK: Splendid! 'Course, if it don't work... we get to keep your body.



INTERCUT

MOYA, Main Passageway

Stark and D'Argo finish up, their voices are hopelessly slurred by the dannlandium.


STARK: That's it, D'Argo.

D'ARGO: I can't feel my tongue.

STARK: Who's fault it that?

D'ARGO: Frell you.

STARK: ( unintelligible mumble )

D'ARGO: ( unintelligible retort )



INTERCUT

MOYA, Pilot's Den

Chiana and Jothee sit together on the console, watching over a very drugged Pilot.


JOTHEE: You know what my dad wants to do with his share of the money? Buy a farm.

CHIANA: Really?

JOTHEE: Mm. He wants to grow Prowsa fruit and make wine. I don't wanna live on a farm. I've been a slave-- been chained in a mine. He wants to live the quiet life. I want to live loudly.

CHIANA: Well, I didn't know that. I um, I guess it was gonna be just you two.

PILOT: You too, Chiana.

CHIANA: Pilot, you're high.

PILOT: I am no higher than I've ever been. My position is fixed.

CHIANA: No, no, no. I-I mean. The drug in Moya, it's-it's messing with your brain.

PILOT: He's been using my DRDs to practice. Wanna see? It's a secret.



A DRD on the console projects a holographic image of D'Argo onto the console behind Pilot.


D'ARGO: Chiana. You know that I have to spend a lot more time with Jothee, so... I was hoping we could all find a quiet place and, ah... settle down together. I was hoping you would consent to be my wife.



Chiana and Jothee both look stunned, the holo image of D'Argo exhales, a great sigh of relief.


CHIANA: What?



INTERCUT

MOYA, Center Chamber

Rygel sits across from Grunchlk, who's heavy into a big bowl of pink slime, eating heartily with a gianormous spoon. Aeryn enters.


AERYN: What a surprise to find you eating. So, Gunshock. How long will it be before the surgeon can operate on Crichton?

GRUNCHLK: Oh, seven or eight arns. He wants to finish supervising the medication of your ship. He's, ah, splendidly consciencious.

AERYN: Well, we'll just keep Crichton restrained until you're ready.

RYGEL: Good. Anything else?



Aeryn gives him her best, "I know you're up to something." look.


AERYN: What are you up to?

RYGEL: Higher level reasoning, Aeryn. If a simple thought occurs, I'll call you.



She graces him with the MOST minute smile possible, then leaves.


RYGEL: As I was saying... you must know your way around this backwater part of the galaxy.



Rygel tosses a small blue stone on the table.


GRUNCHLK: I know who I need to know. That's a very small stone.

RYGEL: Your ah, savon surgeon says Moya won't be able to starburst for some time. I'm ah, interested in securing other passage.



Rygel tosses a small crystal clear stone on the table.


GRUNCHLK: There are some excellent choices available. It depends whether you require speed, stealth, or strength. That's another very small stone.

RYGEL: All three.



Rygel rolls a small red stone onto the table to join the other two.


GRUNCHLK: It's not impossible. That's ah, three very small stones.

RYGEL: Hm.



Rygel tosses a gigantic crystal into the bowl of pink sludge. Grunchlk fishes it out with the spoon, pops it into his mouth, sucking the goo off, then spits it into his hand, admiring it briefly.


GRUNCHLK: Oh! Splendid.



INTERCUT

MOYA, Zhaan's Lab

Zhaan enters, Crichton is restrained on the table, hands and feet secured.


CRICHTON: Zhaan, what's happening?

ZHAAN: They're treating one more tier, then the diagnosian wants you.

CRICHTON: Great. Zhaan, listen...

ZHAAN: Yes, John?

CRICHTON: Odds are that... I'm not going to make it.

ZHAAN: Positive spirits. I pray to the Goddess.

CRICHTON: Yes, but... reality tells me...

ZHAAN: Your soul is troubled.

SCORPI/ON: When the chip's not controlling me... my thoughts are lucid. There are so many things that... I want to say to my family and friends. If you could absorb these thoughts, you could find a way to get a message back to Earth.

ZHAAN: You want me to join with you in Unity?

SCORPI/ON: I just want my dad to know.



Zhaan kneels on the table beside him.


ZHAAN: Concentrate on me.



Taking his face in her hands she rests her forehead against his. From the instant of contact, the Scorpius Clone takes control of the joining, causing Zhaan no inconsiderable pain.


SCORPI/ON: Hello, Delvian. Tenth Level Pa'u. Pity. A Twelfth could break this bond. Time to pray.



Zhaan struggles against the bond, but she cannot break away. The clone growls and she is flung backward.




INTERCUT

TALYN

Crais and Aeryn, having a heart to heart discussion.


CRAIS: Unlike your institutional upbringing, my parents were compassionate, moral, emotional. I value those traits. They are beginning to emerge in you. Crichton may not survive. Moya may be permanently crippled. The others are contemplating their next move. You're an officer and a strategist. Have you not planned yours?

AERYN: Sounds like you have a suggestion.

CRAIS: This ship. This... emotional ship, needs guidance. Talyn has... chosen you. And I agree with his choice. There is much that you can learn that will surprise you.



Talyn interrupts would could potentially be a painful situation.


TALYN: ( Speaking own language )

CRAIS: What? Ah. It's Crichton. Relay us to Pilot.



Aeryn and Crais enter Talyn's Command.


AERYN: Crichton, why won't you frelling answer?!



In the pilot's seat of the Farscape module, Crichton attempts to respond.


CRICHTON: Aeryn, don't come after me, I'm not in--



The clone takes full control of Crichton's mind and body yet again.


SCORPI/ON: Control.

CRAIS: You will not shoot him down, Talyn. Crichton is broadcasting our position to Scorpius again, he must be stopped.

AERYN: Track me.



Aeryn moves to the exit, but pauses for one look back.


AERYN: Oh, and Crais... thank you.



Piloting the module, the Clone rockets away from Moya and Talyn.


SCORPI/ON: Yee-haw!



END ACT II










ACT III





EXT. PLANET

The Farscape glides through the atmosphere above the ice covered planet. Inside the module the clone continues broadcasting to Scorpius.


SCORPI/ON: Sheilded message for Scorpius. Coordinates on specified frequency. Request immediate extraction.



On Talyn's Command, Crais attempts a delaying tactic.


CRAIS: Talyn. Block and fragment his transmission as best as possible. Buy her some time.



Above and slightly behind the Farscape module, Aeryn in the Prowler is in hot pursuit.


SCORPI/ON: John Crichton to Scorpius. Limited flight capabilities due to the nature of this craft. Repeat. Request immediately extraction.

AERYN: You just called yourself John Crichton. Are you really John anymore?

SCORPI/ON: Ah. Little lady. How's the skull fracture?

AERYN: Well, if I'm not addressing Crichton, then I address the neurochip in his head.

SCORPI/ON: At your service.

AERYN: You're in an unarmed vessel. I believe Scorpius's mandate is for Crichton to remain alive.

SCORPI/ON: And I intend to see that he does.

AERYN: Given no other choices, I will shoot you down.

SCORPI/ON: Oh, I doubt it.

AERYN: Make no mistake.

SCORPI/ON: I believe you'll pull the trigger. I just don't believe you'll hit anything.



The module dives for the planet surface, the Prowler close behind.




INTERCUT

MOYA, Zhaan's Lab

Stark attends to a still stricken Zhaan.


STARK: Focus... focus your mind... purge the memory.

ZHAAN: No! Crichton! Stark he is no more! His body shelters some horrific evil! Crichton... Crichton's gone.



INTERCUT

EXT. PLANET SURFACE

The Prowler tracks the path of the module as it weaves left to right above a bizarre planetscape of icey spires and canyons.


SCORPI/ON: Now, this is flying!



The module executes a tight barrell roll.


SCORPI/ON: How's the ride back there, hmm? A little bumpy?

AERYN: Weapons locked to your exhaust. I give you one last chance to stand down.

SCORPI/ON: Ah, the radiant Miss Officious. So sure. So confident in the void of space. Crichton was trained to fly in atmosphere... against gravity. Welcome to our world, baby.



Maneuvering the smaller craft easily through the twists and turns of an ice canyon, the Prowler's wing scrapes the wall of the canyon on a particularly tight turn. D'Argo, on Moya's Command, provides a bit of reluctant coaching.


D'ARGO: Aeryn, Crichton has often said he'd rather die than fall to Scorpius. If you get the opportunity, don't hesitate.

AERYN: What makes you think I would?

D'ARGO: Because if our positions were reversed... I would.

SCORPI/ON: As Crichton might say: "Yee-haw!"



The module begins a 90 degree climb leaving the Prowler to rocket straight ahead into a crevase at the end of the canyon. Aeryn easily maneuvers the Prowler through the tight space, but she's a 'bit' annoyed.


AERYN: Where the frell am I?



The Prowler bursts through a thin layer of ice on the planet surface. Back in the open, but with no sign of the module, Aeryn reduces airspeed, looking for her target. Some distance behind, the module, still executing aerial rolls, closes in.


SCORPI/ON: Lose your dance partner?



Now just above and behind the Prowler, the module slowly decreases altitude.


AERYN: You don't have enough fuel to last until Scorpius gets here.



The module casts a dark blue shadow over the Prowler's top hatch.


SCORPI/ON: Depends on how close he is.

AERYN: Look, John... if you're even in there anymore, look at what you're doing.

SCORPI/ON: You fail to understand the extent of your friends misery. He wants Scorpius to find us. He wants to end his pain.

AERYN: No. I'll never believe that. Look, Crichton. Scorpius. Whatever you are. Recognize atmosphere included, I am the superior combat pilot.

SCORPI/ON: Darling. Uncontested.

AERYN: So land your craft now, or I shall be forced to demonstrate that skill.

SCORPI/ON: You really would shoot your friend down, wouldn't you?

AERYN: You know the answer.

SCORPI/ON: Well then, I shall comply. Lowering landing gear.



The clone flicks a switch and the module landing gear lowers and locks into place. On Talyn, Crais offers a bit of frantic advice.


CRAIS: Officer Sun. Trust nothing!

SCORPI/ON: Oh hush, Crais. She doesn't need you to tell her that. Descending now.



An abrupt decent as promised, only the few intervening feet, and the module's landing gear slam heavily into the cockpit of the Prowler. The forward landing gear smashing through the Prowler's top hatch.


SCORPI/ON: Terribly sorry. Didn't see you there.



Pulling the module up, the landing gear extract from the cockpit.


AERYN: I am under attack! I repeat! I am under attack!

D'ARGO: Aeryn. Aeryn!

AERYN: Attempting to gain ejection altitude!

SCORPI/ON: I take it our encounter is terminated, Officer Sun.

AERYN: All options depleted. Requesting position track. Requesting position track!

CRAIS: Climb! Eject!

AERYN: Ejecting now!



And Aeryn punches out. Strapped into the pilot's chair she rides a high arc as the eject mechanism falls away.


SCORPI/ON: Well done, Officer Sun! ( laughs ) Are you still concious?

AERYN: Frell you.



The momentum of the ejection over, the chair begins a slow decent. In the distance the Prowler smashes against a snow covered mountainside. In the module, Scorpi/on gives a small round of applause.


SCORPI/ON: Ohh. Fireworks.

D'ARGO: Aeryn! Aeryn!!



Jets ignite beneath the chair, stopping her rapid descent.


AERYN: It's all right D'Argo. The descent brakes auto-ignited. I'm all right!

SCORPI/ON: Officer Sun. In deference to that part of Crichton which still cares... I inform you that you decend not over solid ground... but a frozen lake.



Aeryn takes a look over the side to confirm this information.


AERYN: He's right. D'Argo, Crais, do you have my position?

CRAIS: Affirmative.

D'ARGO: I've got you, Aeryn. Can you avoid it?

AERYN: Negative. I go down where this chair takes me down.

CRAIS: Your jets will weaken the ice. I suggest separate before touchdown. I repeat, separate before touch down!

SCORPI/ON: Officer Sun--



Aboard the module a brief struggle for control ensues, demonstrated by changes in vocal quality and physical appearance as the Scorpius clone and Crichton fight for control of his mind and body.


SCORPI/ON: ( Vocal pattern breaking up ) Su-Su-Officer Sun. Ahhhhh... didn't hurt.... much...



An agonizing scream later and Crichton is back in the pilot's seat.


CRICHTON: ( gasping ) Aeryn... Aeryn! Can you comply?



Aeryn continues to struggle with the wide red safety restraints, they aren't budging.


AERYN: Negative. The harness is jammed. Your frelling tire must have damaged the mechanism!

CRICHTON: Aeryn, listen to me. This is John-- it's John.

AERYN: Yeah, is it really you, John?

CRICHTON: Yes. Listen to me. You do not want to be in that chair when you set down.

AERYN: Well. This harness won't release. I don't have anything to break it--

CRICHTON: Aeryn. You have to get out of the damn chair.

AERYN: I don't have any choice!



The module futily circles the decending chair.


CRICHTON: Come on, please. Do something, do something.

AERYN: I don't have any options.



Crichton watches her intensely through the side portal of the module.


CRICHTON: Baby, you're not going to die like this. You are not going to die like this.

AERYN: I hope you meant what you said in the Neural Cluster... I did.



Crichton's attention is riveted out the portal, he can't 'not' look as Aeryn tucks her arms and chin in for landing. The chair, striking the lake, jets immediately shattering the frozen surface, carrying Aeryn into the freezing water beneath. In the module, Crichton screams in protest.


CRICHTON: No!!!!!



Cut to Talyn -- Crais throws back his head and screams in pain, his hands to his head, feeling both his own, and Talyn's loss.




Cut to Moya --


D'ARGO: Aeryn!!!



Beneath the surface of the water, Aeryn flails arms and legs, struggling to reach the surface. Her head breaks through for a moment, gasping for air, crying out for help.


AERYN: Crichton! Cri--!



Her hands slap uselessly against the surface of the water as the weight of the chair drags her down again.




Cut to Farscape 1 -- Relentlessy close on John's face as he struggles to grasp what has happened. His voice is low and choked with emotion.


CRICHTON: Oh... God. ... What have I done?



The silence is 'intense' as a single tear escapes from John's shocked eyes.




END ACT III










ACT IV





EXT. Medical Facility

CGI; stock shot of the exterior of the medical facility tucked into sheer cliff face, immeasurable hieghts to the right, dropping off to a valley filled with lesser peaks to the left. Of course, immediately left is a sheer dropoff.

Cut to INT. Medical Facility -- The body depository. All are assembled for a ceremony we never thought to see and hope never to see again. Zhaan stands at the head of the cryo pod holding the unearthly remains of Aeryn Sun.




ZHAAN: The goddess graciously receives to her bosom, all those who pass from this existence regardless of faith or belief.



Crais approaches the cryo pod, briefly examining the body before turning away.


ZHAAN: She holds, however, a special place for those who travel this life as a journey.



Chiana is next to approach, gently lifting the pale, lifeless hand of the former Peacekeeper, gently pressing her lips against cool skin.


ZHAAN: Aeryn Sun ... will surely harvest that favor. Her life was a series of strides toward enlightment. Casting off the chains of prejudice and hatred.



John stands shocked and still, as Chi returns to Jothee's side. D'Argo, tears on his face, unsheaths his Qualta Blade.


ZHAAN: Reaching beyond violence and bigotry. She sought a balance of lasting inner peace.



Performing the only honor great enough for his fallen comrade, D'Argo places his Qualta Blade in the pod, wrapping Aeryn's hand across the hilt.


ZHAAN: In her name.



Jothee gently takes Chi's hand in his, as Rygel hovers to Aeryn's side.


RYGEL: You are more worthy of this.



The deposed Dominar bestows a fairly high honor himself, placing a golden seal attached to an ornate band over her crossed hands.


RYGEL: At peace... Aeryn.



Cut to Pilot's Den -- Silent, with great head bowed and a single claw raised, the Leviathan's Pilot gives prayer also, in his own way.




Cut to Ceremony -- In the closing moments of the benediction of the dead, Zhaan passes an ornate vessel with burning inscense over Aeryn's 'casket'.


ZHAAN: May the Goddess receive you with charity.

STARK: Ahmet.

ZHAAN: May the Goddess sanctify your sprit.

STARK: Ahmet.

D'ARGO: Ahmet.

ZHAAN: May the Goddess purify your soul.

STARK: Ahmet.

ZHAAN: May the Goddess recite your name on the whispers of the wind.

STARK: Ahmet.

CHIANA: Ahmet.

CRICHTON: Amen.



Hands shackled at his waist, and dragging the chains securing his ankles through the frozen mist, Crichton slowly approaches the cryopod. His face is struck by pale anger and shock, he has no tears, and is drugged by disbelief and shock, he stands silently, looking down on her body.


CRICHTON: D'Argo, give me your knife.



Turning to the massive Luxan behind him, he must prompt the man before he will move.


CRICHTON: ( softly commanding ) Give me... your knife.



Reluctant, but resigned, D'Argo unsheaths the silver blade at his waist and hands it, hilt first to the human.

Turning back to the pod, Crichton reverses the blade, point toward him, and bends abruptly over the body, the blade hidden by the Cryopod. John's face hovers inches from the lifeless face of Aeryn Sun, examining it minutely for a moment, before imparting a final message.



CRICHTON: Aeryn, forgive me. I love you.



Leaning in closer, he kisses her cold lips, then using the small blade, cuts a lock of her hair. Standing he wraps the lock of hair round his fingers, stroking the dark memento silently before turning a cold and almost lifeless gaze on the point and edge of the sharp blade.

He turns that same gaze on his friends.



CRICHTON: I'm ready.



INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- The Surgery

Crichton is strapped to the table again, the surgeon prepares to perform an operation which will likely kill him. The lights go out, and the green 'bug killer' light comes on as Tocot removes his headgear. Grunchlk steps up onto the operating platform, leaning over John's body.


GRUNCHLK: Are you sure you don't want your friends here?

CRICHTON: No, I don't want 'em here.

TOCOT: ( Speaking alien language )

GRUNCHLK: The Doc says, 'cause of that thing in your brain, there's no way you were responsible for what happened to that Sebacean.



With a cold glance and without consideration, John rejects the offered absolution.


CRICHTON: Yes I am.

TOCOT: ( Speaking alien language )

GRUNCHLK: Right. After the Doc's cut the tendrils that have hijacked your brain, he's gonna try and take out the neurochip completely. But he needs your help.

CRICHTON: What do I gotta do?

GRUNCHLK: Because there is no template of your brain pattern on our database, he doesn't know what bits of gray do what. So when he probes, you tell him.

CRICHTON: Right. Where will you be?

GRUNCHLK: Anywhere else. I vomit when things get messy.



John smiles slightly at the idea.




INTERCUT

INT. TALYN

Crais and Talyn mourn alone. Crais holds a PK data chip in one hand.


TALYN: ( Speaking own language )

CRAIS: Yes, Talyn. I too would have like to have shown Aeryn what we learned from this chip. I think... I think it would have made her the happiest soul among us.



INTERCUT

INT. MOYA -- Pilot's Den

Standing beside Pilot, Zhaan offers her comfort, stroking his face gently.


STARK: Everyone else is preparing to move on.

ZHAAN: I know. Tragedy often heralds flight.

STARK: What are you going to do Zhaan?

ZHAAN: My concern now is for Moya and Pilot.

STARK: If you are in agreement, Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan. It would be an honor and a pleasure, to share the future with you.



Surprised, but appearing somewhat pleased, Zhaan gives no immediate answer.




INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- The Surgery

Taking it one long twisted black tendril at the time, Tocot identifies each section of Crichton's memory the tendrils impinge on.


TOCOT: This is... what?



Tocot touches one black tendril with a long slender instrument, touching off a rapid series of memories in John's mind; among them images of alien encounters.


CRICHTON: Critters. More close encounters.

TOCOT: And... this?



Touching another black strand, memories of various earthly critters flash through his mind.


CRICHTON: American politics, Nixon to Clinton. Lose it.



Tocot cuts the tendril, causing the black net over Crichton's exposed brain to shrink a bit.


TOCOT: Here?



Touching another tendril with the intense blue light at the end of the slender seeker, another series of earthly critter memories is ignited.


CRICHTON: All of my dogs.

TOCOT: Necessary?

CRICHTON: No, but, keep it if you can.



Cut to Medical Facility Corridor -- Grunchlk and Rygel in the corridor of the medical facility. They are both subdued by the events of the last few arns.


GRUNCHLK: The ship that you wanted, will be on its way here shortly.

RYGEL: Thank you.

GRUNCHLK: Service paid. Service rendered, I guess. Too bad, ay?

RYGEL: Yes. But that's life.

GRUNCHLK: Yeah.



Cut to the Surgery


TOCOT: This... section?



Seeking out another tendril, another series of memories are played out for Crichton. Aeryn, in all their most intimate, and occassionally most dangerous encounters; from first encounter to shared kisses and shared crisis.

John's eyes open abruptly, refocusing on a distant point.



TOCOT: Keep... this?



His eyes slowly close. Still no tears. The pain too great for them.




INTERCUT

EXT. SPACE

Moya hangs in the blackness of space, only tiny points of distant stars illuminate her.

Cut to INT. Moya -- Center Chamber

Jothee attempts to console a disconsolate Chiana.



JOTHEE: It's too bad we don't get to spend more time together.

CHIANA: Yeah.

JOTHEE: My whole life I never stayed in one place long enough to... build any real relationships.

CHIANA: And I always stay too long.



Both their heads are bowed, Chi's in grief, and Jothee's the better to be eye to eye. Chi slowly leans her head against his, and he turns a bit, moving in closer, perhaps to kiss her. Chi, pulling back only at the last moment, and just a fraction of a microt before D'Argo enters.


D'ARGO: Jothee? Chiana. Let's stay close. Once we find out about John, we should discuss our future.

JOTHEE: Sure Dad.



INTERCUT

INT. Medical Facility -- The Surgery

Tocot has detected an interesting memory attached to one of the tendrils. Swirling blue and white vortex, the module disappearing against an intense white wave, Farscape 1 hits the leading edge of the electomagnetic wave, disappearing in a wink of light.


CRICHTON: Whoa! Wormholes-- that's it!

TOCOT: Good job... from you?



Crichton chuckles with manic glee, poor Tocot doesn't know what to make of it.


TOCOT: I should... desist?

CRICHTON: No frellin' way.



Cut to Medical Facility Corridor -- Grunchlk is on the move, running to.... or from, something.




Cut to Cut to Medical Facility Corridor -- Yep, definately running 'from', a cadre of PK Commandos, in full armor and arms, run past the end of the corridor as Grunchlk cowers at the other end.


BRACA: Here! Down there!



Braca spots Grunchlk at the end of the corridor, and leads the Commandos in the direction. Grunny bolts!




Cut to Surgery -- Tocot continues his work, drawing a tendril out, Crichton abruptly starts speaking, but the words are a mishmash of unintelligible gibberish.


CRICHTON: What the frell was that?!



Cut to body storage facility -- The four PK Commandos rush into the icey vault, a pair each flanking Braca, who stops to survey their surroundings.


BRACA: Return to the Maurauder. Inform Scorpius we've successfully maintained our zero prescence profile. Now!



Cut to the Surgery --


TOCOT: Very... bad. Speech close to... neural implant.

CRICHTON: You're gonna take my memories, and I'm gonna talk gibberish?! Why-why not just take my mojo while you're at it!?

TOCOT: Remove... chip... then attempt replace... you normal.

CRICHTON: What the hell ( sighs ) There's no one I really want to talk to. Not much worth remembering.



Tocot retrieves a long device from the table, activating it. It looks like a big freakin' drill!


CRICHTON: Take the damn thing out.



Tocot sets the end of the spinning instrument at the top right side of Crichton's exposed brain, no sign remains of the black tendrils as the 'drill' goes in for the chip.




END ACT IV










EPILOGUE





INT. Medical Facility -- The Surgery

A tangled knot of black tendril with tiny red flashing lights attached to what looks to be a bit of brain matter, clings to the end of the drill. The tiny package is dropped into a small clear container. Crichton watches intently, only his eyes able to follow the Doc's progress. Tocot holds the small vessel before Crichton so he can better see the result of the surgery. John's response is a burst of completely unintelligible, yet triumphant sounding jibberish!


TOCOT: I remove... then restore... you



Crichton forgoes further words in favor of a gleefully triumphant laugh.




Cut to body vault -- Braca casually searches the area, his eyes lighting on Aeryn in her cryopod, but seeming not to recognize her. Moving on, he spots a certain 'confection' on the ground outside another Cryopod, and moves toward it.


BRACA: Very clever, Grunchlk



Inside the cryopod, his hands 'cleverly' covering his face, Grunchlk peers out at Braca through spread fingers.




Cut to Surgery --


TOCOT: Accomplished.... chip removal....



Still strapped firmly to the table, Crichton listens to the doc, his exposed brain showing the frellin' huge chunk [ well, golfball size at least ] taken out to facilitate the chip removal.


TOCOT: Now... replace... brain.



Cut to Medical Facility Corridor -- a familiar figure casually walks the corridor just outside the surgery, although we only see the boots and 'tails', it can only be one person. His all too familiar voice humming a snippett of 'The Star Spangled Banner', only recently taught to him by our favorite human astronaut.




Cut to Surgery -- The double doors burst open as Scorpius strides in, the green 'bug killer' light flashing urgently.


SCORPIUS: ( humming casually ) Hello, Doctor. So good to see you again.



On the table, Crichton's eyes have cut to the door, whatever words of warning he may have spoken, come out as unintelligible alarmed jibberish. The doc responds with his own gibberish, speaking in his own language as he quickly places his mask on his face.

The Doc steps down from the platform, Scorpy assisting him, as they exchange a few words. The Doc moving toward the open doors.



SCORPIUS: No, quite the contrary really. My, ah, cooling apparatus is just as functional as the day you installed it. Eternal thanks.



Tocot moves to the door, reaching out to close it, chastising Scorpy in his own tongue.


SCORPIUS: Oh I am so sorry to disturb the ah, sterility of your theatre but ah, you no longer serve a purpose.



Crichton watches warily, as best he can from his viewpoint, as Scorpy first prevents the Doc from closing the door, then lifting Tocot's mask from his face. Tocot moans in alarm, slowly collapsing as Scorpy helps him out with a nice gust of air from his lungs. The doc collapses moaning, his head resting on the surgical platform. Crichton watches silently, unable to act.


SCORPIUS: What irony. Sensitivity to heal anything... but oneself.



Scorpius tosses Tocot's head rig across the room. He circles the surgical platform as John curses him vehemently, although unintelligibly.


SCORPIUS: Well, Crichton. So much to say...



Knowing he's not making sense, but unable to stop himself, Crichton mutters an additional comment.


SCORPIUS: ...and yet, such little capacity.



Scorpius steps onto the surgical platform, walking by Crichton's right side, to the head of the surgical table. Crichton mutters a hatefilled comment as he passes.

Scorpius retrieves the small container and eyes it closely.



SCORPIUS: I only hope... the wormhole technology I've waited so patiently for makes more sense.



Consumed by hate, Crichton rages against his enemy, completely senselessly. Scorpius glances down at him.


SCORPIUS: Don't need a translator microbe for that one, do we?



Sighing heavily, Scorpius turns to John, leaning over his immobilized face.


SCORPIUS: You've cost me much. And I do not suffer dissapointment well.



Scorpius places the small container on the restraint band over Crichton's forehead, giving the human a good look at the prize. John's rage is barely contained, held back only by the knowledge that he is completely physically restrained, unable to act, or adequately express his hatred and anger. Able only to mutely rage, his eyes closed, lips pressed against outbursts meaningful only to himself. He awaits Scorpius' final act. [ Geez, you can almost 'hear' his heart pounding! ]


SCORPIUS: I condemn you John Crichton, to live. So that your thirst for unfullfilled revenge, will consume you!



Scorpius lifts his prize to eye level, examining it closely, while John mutely glares at the Scarran half-breed. Scorpius glances down at Crichton a final time.


SCORPIUS: ( softly ) Goodbye.



Scorpius turns and walks away as Crichton shatters the air with a shrieking howl of rage.






TO BE CONTINUED










FADE TO BLACK










ROLL ENDING CREDITS













For your amusement & total body immersion:
Check Out the Following Reviews/Episode Synopsis & "CIL" for:
" Die Me Dichotomy "
at the scifi.com "Farscape" Bulletin Board

DMD far and away the winner in the "Episode Which Most Traumatized Viewers" category. Hey, it took me over two months to "recover", but that's just because DK has lousy timing in consideration of MY life! :)

News from the "Frank Admission" department... I admit, most of the following falls into the CIL (Crap I Love) Category.


Rydra's Neurology Master Class : Die Me Dichotomy : RydraWong : 01/27/01
"If You Quit, You Lose" : Die Me Dichotomy : RydraWong : 01/27/01
Why John Will Remember Aeryn : Die Me Dichotomy : CrystalMoon : 01/27/01
News From SAAC : Die Me Dichotomy : OboeCrazy : 01/27/01
Why Ben got "the" part : Die Me Dichotomy : ChaoticDreamer : 01/27/01
David Kemper is the Devil!!!!! : Die Me Dichotomy : PK_Tech_Guy : 01/27/01
LOL! I just 'hadda'!
SPOT THE REFERENCE : Die Me Dichotomy : DrSandor : 01/27/01
Semi-cohernt thoughs of a BritScaper : Die Me Dichotomy : RydraWong : 01/27/01
POLL: Most Moving Scene in Farscape: Post Die Me Dichotomy : CrystalMoon : 02/05/01
Bama's Observations : Die Me Dichotomy : BamaGirl : 02/05/01
Farscape Fantasy, Click on "Photo Gallery" for pics





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