Farscape

DOG WITH TWO BONES

Episode 10322

Original USA Air Date: April 26, 2002



written by

David Kemper

directed by

Andrew Prowse

Season #3: Episode 22



© 1998     The Jim Henson Company, Inc.






COLD OPEN

THEATER OF THE MIND - EARTH - BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Angle down through the base of an ornate chandelier, panning down. John sits in FG, back to camera, traditional black leather jacket. In BG, Aeryn enters and walks down a long two-tiered runway. She's wearing a floor length white gown, holding the front panel draped over her right wrist for an unfettered view of legs that go all the way up.

Cut to MED on John, jacket is black leather, biker variety. Underneath a gorgeous neon blue shirt. He's also added a pair of black sunglasses. He reaches up and pulls the glasses down, low on his nose. Eyes filled with Aeryn.

Cut to close on Aeryn, angle down on the white satin pumps on her feet. Camera cruises up for a total 'oh-boy' moment. "Oh", she murmurs, dropping the front panel, brushing her hands lightly over her hips as the camera continues up, to a rippled bodice and two thin straps fastening behind her neck. Her black hair loose and flowing over her shoulders and back. She sighs, looking at him expectantly.

Cut to close on John. Speechless, eyes cruising from bottom to top.

Cut back to close on Aeryn, disappointment playing on her features.

AERYN

It doesn't work.

She turns to walk back, cut to close on John.

JOHN

Oh... yes it does.

John leaps up, and cut to following shot as John trots down the runway after his retreating love.

JOHN

Just not... for the wedding.

Catching up, he grabs her from behind and she giggles [yes... giggles], dashing behind the drapes that mark the end of set, into the changing area one would presume.

JOHN

Hey!

AERYN

( giggling )

The shop clerk follows the pair into the dressing area, concern evident at this impropriety, so, as unlikely as it seems, it's 'not' the clerk giggling.

Cut to sometime later, same location. Shot is long on John, lying on his back across the length of the fancy ottoman he was sitting on in earlier scene. His arms hang loose at his sides, and boots are flat on the floor, a comfy place for a nap, although not nearly large enough for him. Aeryn approaches, her figure partially in left of shot.

Cut to medium on Aeryn, wearing a simple strapless white sheath. She absolutely glows; all white gown and arms and shoulders and flowing black hair. Geez.

AERYN

John?

Cut to MED on John, he lifts his head at hearing her, cranes his neck to look, and takes the sunglasses off to test that sight, slightly gaping. Rolls off the ottoman, and stands quickly, blinking slowly, his gaze rises to meet hers; completely awestruck.

Cut to LONG across the shop floor down the runway. John stands behind Aeryn, slowly lifting her arms on his; an angelic sight.

Cut to close on two shot, Aeryn's head slightly turned toward him as he murmurs in her ear.

JOHN

You wear this... and somebody's gonna marry you.

She turns her head to him, their eyes meet, and she smiles, beatifically.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Flash cut to close on John's arm. Still covered in archaic black marks. He holds a golden pen, working out the equations before transferring them into the notebook under his hand.

Pan up to MED on John, sitting behind a low shelf, Chiana standing behind him.

CHIANA

Come on, Crichton-- I've been to a few different places. Your world can't be that hard to adjust to.
( whispering )
You still have to ask her.

JOHN

Doesn't work that way.

A clattering noise, draws Chi's attention. Cut to MED on the food preparation area in the Center Chamber, the multileveled counter holding a plethora of odd foodstuffs.. Behind the cooking apparatus John used to fry dentics in HOTR, a gray haired old woman leans, elbows on the counter. Okay, long stringy gray hair, and very wrinkled, and that extra patch of wrinkles on her forehead is a 'third' eye.

OLD WOMAN

Might I interject?
( beat )
Would you like some yirgra fungal chowder?

Crichton doesn't even acknowledge the interruption, and Chi merely sighs, leaning her head on the wall above him.

OLD WOMAN

Oh well, perhaps Aeryn wouldn't have liked your planet anyway.

THEATER OF THE MIND - EARTH

Flash cut to close on a white gown inside a clear plastic shop bag, being draped over a counter. John's voice in the background, soft, coaching.

JOHN [O.S.]

( whispering )
Okay. Big moment. You're up.

Shot pans up and L to John and Aeryn standing face to face. She's dressed in erp clothing, lovely light tanned jacket, her hair still loose down her back. He's got what looks to be a gold American Express Card in his hand, offering it to her; she's nervous, shakes her head.

AERYN

Uh-uh.

JOHN

Come on.

Aeryn takes the offered card, and turning reluctantly toward the shop clerk, offers it to her.

AERYN

"Sarge It."

The shop clerks vacuous smile wavers.

JOHN

( demonstrating the sound )
"Chh..."
(whispering )
Again, "chh...".

Aeryn attempts again, a slight variation on the mangled words.

AERYN

( Smiling gamely )
"Sarch It."

SALESCLERK

( simpering smile )
Where's she from? Like... Bosnia?

Crestfallen, Aeryn gives John a 'I told you so' look, and he takes the card from her, offering it to the clerk, his pronunciation much better, if a bit downbeat.

JOHN

Charge it.

SALESCLERK

Oh.

JOHN

Thank you.

AERYN

I told you!

Pan to close on John and Aeryn, bickering quietly, well; Aeryn's peeved, and John's trying to reassure her.

JOHN

No, look, that was good. She almost understood what you said.

AERYN

That was completely embarrassing.

JOHN

Baby, look. English is a very difficult language. Half the time people don't understand what I'm talkin' about. You're doing great.

AERYN

No. I'm not. Nobody here understands what I'm saying.

JOHN

( pleading )
Honey-

AERYN

This whole frelling planet needs-

JOHN

Baby-

AERYN

-translator microbes

Aeryn breaks away, sitting down across the room. Trouble in Paradise.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

The darkness in these scenes are a stark contrast to the bright lights in John's fantasy world. The atmosphere, funereal.

CHIANA

Hey, old woman. Why didn't you leave with the others?

OLD WOMAN

Because I knew the soufflé would charm you.

CHIANA

( impatient )
Chowder. You said it was chowder.

OLD WOMAN

( enormously pleased )
I can make you a chowder!

JOHN

( whispering )
Pip? Who is that woman?

CHIANA

I thought she was with you.
( beat )
Look at this...

Cut to long across the chamber, John and Chiana sitting in front of the three elongated portals. Outside the ship, in the near distance, another Leviathan hovers in a nebulous space.

JOHN

Pilot? I'm seeing another Leviathan.

PILOT

We have arrived at the Leviathan burial place.

INT. MOYA - MAINTENANCE BAY - TRANSPORT HANGAR

D'Argo works on stacking crates near the Luxan Fighter. Aeryn enters.

AERYN

( entering )
D'Argo, how much are you taking?

D'ARGO

Macton's posting's a long way away.

Aeryn helps him wrangle a large yellow storage box, carrying it from the Maintenance Bay into the Transport Hangar.

D'ARGO

Thanks.

AERYN

You could resupply during the journey.

D'ARGO

Well, revenge is a feast best served immediately.

AERYN

You're gonna get yourself killed.

Cut to close on Rygel, holding that tiny gold cup he had at the conclusion of LGM3.

RYGEL

We all are. At least we'll do it on our home planets.

Cut back to Aeryn and D'Argo, surveying the few remains of Talyn on the floor of the Transport Hangar.

D'ARGO

I'm surprised that Crais sacrificed himself.

AERYN

Talyn was such a fine ship. Can't believe this is all that's left of him.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Close on John's hand, held up to read the markings, the pen held in his other hand as a pointer on his thumb. Chiana holds his fingers in her gloved hands, idly examining either his hand or the markings.

CHIANA

So, what're you going to do after we bury Talyn?

JOHN

Same thing I'm doing now. Work on wormhole theory.

Visual effect to go with Chi's visions, the world goes fuzzy and she staggers backward, slamming into the central counter, cookware and foodstuffs clattering.

JOHN

Vision?

CHIANA

D-d-darkness. M-m-moya s-s-swallowed.

JOHN

Pilot? Is everything okay?

PILOT

No, Commander! Brace for collision, everybody! Brace for collision!

Standing, John looks out the portal, apparently not liking what he sees.

JOHN

Pilot...

Cut to view through portal, and a series of rapid intercuts as the ship drives toward Moya.

OLD WOMAN

Oh! Praise the spirit! I'm never gonna finish this recipe.

Cut to close on Jool, shrieking!

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUND

A much larger Leviathan collides with Moya's upper hull.

INT. MOYA - VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Another series of rapid cuts as the effects of the collision are felt. John, Chiana and the Old Woman are tossed to one side as the ship lurches. Flash cut to Jool and Pilot in a very dark Den; flash cut to Maintenance Bay as D'Argo and Aeryn are thrown about, D'Argo goes down under the yellow container. Flash cut to exterior space as Moya tumbles over the nose of the aggressor. Flash cut to interior maintenance bay, Rygel, Aeryn & D'Argo as heavy turbulence continues. Fade to opening credits.

END COLD OPEN

ACT ONE

INT. MOYA - COMMAND - LATER

Dark, emergency lighting in the corridor and the stellar field outside the portal provides illumination. The second Leviathan floats in the distance outside the forward portal as John pulls the cover off one of the consoles, placing it on the table, then plucks a tool from the table, turning his back to camera. I swear I thought I saw D'Argo standing out in the corridor as sparks flew. From this moment, very difficult to tell who is actually where/when.

JOHN

Total crap. Completely dead. Pilot, how long?

PILOT

Soon. Moya is rallying herself to recovery.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

Chiana and Jool at the console, Pilot slumped over his controls, very shaken.

JOOL

That lunatic Leviathan's still out there.

RYGEL [O.S.]

Hasn't moved.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

Close on Rygel, seated in his sled on the table, the old woman in the peripheral background holding a flashlight.

RYGEL

Just staring us down.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

D'ARGO

( entering )
Central pumping mechanism is a total loss. Tier three is under water.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

Long across very dark Command, John's crouched in FG, the old woman behind him with a flashlight; Aeryn enters, heavy flashlight perched on her shoulder, the beam slicing through the darkness. Rygel visible perched on the table behind her as she passes.

AERYN

Conduit bulkhead breach. A Janz-2 torpedo could not have done it better.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

CHIANA

That crazy tralk really knew where to hit us, didn't she?

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

MED on the Old Woman and Rygel; her flashlight right in his face, examining him closely.

PILOT

Moya's nerval crytex is impossible to target so successfully...

Cut to close on John, distracted beyond reason as Pilot speaks, his gaze becoming even more unfocussed as it's caught by something across the room.

PILOT

...unless by another Leviathan.

Cut to close on Aeryn, holding the beam of her flashlight on something, she lifts her head and returns John's gaze.

RYGEL [O.S.]

Pilot. What the yotz brought this on?

PILOT

I still haven't made contact with the other Pilot, however, it appears to have something to do with Talyn.

John's gaze is intense, unwavering, she cannot hold it and so her eyes drift back to something else.

RYGEL [O.S.]

Oh, Talyn again? I told you we should have dumped his debris. We wouldn't even be here...

AERYN

Without Talyn, you wouldn't be here, so show some respect.

RYGEL [O.S.]

Respect?! My tiny, shiny, hiney! It's gonna get us killed!

Cut to close on Rygel, gesturing at the Old Woman with his tiny flashlight.

RYGEL

And, who the frell is this?

Close on John, he did seem to register when her eyes dropped away from his, a slight stir of disappointment; but for all of that his silent attention remains on her, then finally looking away as his inner mind takes over.

THEATER OF THE MIND - WEDDING RECEPTION

Close on Aeryn holding a bouquet of white flowers, her back to a gaggle of girls. She's wearing the same strapless white gown, and has a large white orchid pinned in her hair.

AERYN

One... two... three!

She throws the bouquet over her shoulder and there's a wild scramble as Jool bursts through the crowd, screaming, and making a dive that comes up successful, giggling on the floor, brandishing the bouquet.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

John's still locked in his own little world, Aeryn's voice seems a little disjointed here as she outlines the 'plan'.

AERYN

And reroute Moya's systems to help in the recovery process. Does everyone know what to do?

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

JOOL

Yeah.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

AERYN

( voice echoing as in the TotM )
Crichton?

THEATER OF THE MIND - WEDDING RECEPTION

Weddings -- bastions of civilized behavior! John kneels before Aeryn, a raucous crowd behind him hooting and howling as he slowly slides a white garter off her thigh, past her knee, down her leg, and lifting it off over the heel of her shoe. And I'm looking at that lovely golden band on his left hand. Think that's his, or wardrobe?

He's being very good, his eyes on her exclusively except for one quick glance, an appreciation of curved leg, before standing to flick the garter over his shoulder.

Cut to said crowd of rowdy males, leaping to make the catch [now, I always thought the guys hid from this?] Despite the evident fervor, the garter hits Rygel in the face and loops around his right earbrow.

RYGEL

Huh?

Cut to passionate bride and groom kiss, John scooping her into his arms as a familiar voice intrudes on the scene.

RYGEL [O.S.]

Pay attention!

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

Close on Rygel, brandishing his tiny flashlight.

RYGEL

This is serious!

Cut to close on John, still out there in NeverNeverLand, before registering that he ought to be 'in the now'.

JOHN

Uh. Yeah. It's a good plan.

Annoyed [really, her best expression], Aeryn slings the frelling huge flashlight on her shoulder and exits. John turns also, intercepted by the beam of the old woman's flashlight. His hands come up to protect his eyes and he works his way around her silently, exiting unobstructed, leaving the old woman behind, a speculative look on her face.

THEATER OF THE MIND - WEDDING RECEPTION

The bride and groom standing in a receiving line, shaking hands, getting and giving familial pecks on the cheek, as family and friends congratulate them. Oh, behind them on the table is a large golden model of Moya, and beyond that, Chiana, wearing a blue gown, talking with other guests.

AERYN

Thank you, thank you very much.

JOHN

Thank you.

AERYN

Thank you.

JOHN

( whispering in her ear )
That's my cousin, Susan....

D'Argo approaches from behind, a girl under each arm.

D'ARGO

Aeryn, John...

They turn to greet him, and he leans forward, giving Aeryn the 'peck on the cheek'.

D'ARGO

Congratulations.
( beat )
John.
( shakes John's hand )
Tonight you are the second luckiest man on Earth.
( smiling )
Know what I mean?

D'Argo laughs, and John can't help but let a tiny smirk leak out, but he's cradling the woman of his dreams in his arms. They all smile and laugh. And a good time was had by all.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

Though still groggy, Moya informs me that each of this Leviathan's last three offspring were captured and enslaved by Peacekeeper hunters.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

D'ARGO

And she won't let Talyn be buried in the sacred space because he's half Peacekeeper.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

This ship is quite irrational and, as we've seen, prepared to enforce her edict.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

RYGEL

Can't you work this out with the other pilot?

PILOT

He has yet to return my communication, but I'm trying.

Cut to long across Command, view out the forward portal. The Leviathan in question still lurking nearby. D'Argo crosses the darkened space to stand beside Rygel.

RYGEL

( muttering )
That's certainly true.

A shower of sparks in front of Rygel, and he flinches.

D'ARGO

Pay attention!

Sound of a vigorous thwap against Rygel's head in the darkness.

RYGEL

Uh! Fahrbot!

INT. MOYA - TRANSPORT HANGAR

Sitting off the right wing, canopy popped, Aeryn works on her Prowler. Jool sits behind her, holding the beam of a large flashlight-- illumination for her work.

JOOL

When we get out of this, are you still gonna look for that ex-Peacekeeper unit?

AERYN

Can you keep the light on where I'm working?

JOOL

Sorry.

Jool adjusts the light.

JOOL

They assassinate people, right?

AERYN

The squad aims to stop terrorism and protect people. Didn't you learn anything on the Command Carrier?

JOOL

Want some advice?

AERYN

Look, Jool. I'm not Crichton's mate. I'm not tied to him in any way.

JOOL

In the short time I've known you, you've changed so much. Don't go backwards.
( smiling gently )
Assassinating people? Seems like going backwards.

AERYN

Can you melt that?

JOOL

With what? There's no power yet.

Employing a familiar technique, Aeryn grabs Jool's thumb and twists... hard! Jool shrieks! Close on metal connector melting. Satisfied, Aeryn releases her, the scream stops and she sits stunned, looking at her hand, panting.

AERYN

Thank you.

INT MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

John is crouched on the floor, his ink tattooed arm extended inside a small access panel near the floor. Chiana enters from the corridor, flashlight in hand.

CHIANA

Hey. Hammond-side's tight. Looks like Moya's gonna be okay.

JOHN

Yeah.

CHIANA

Yeah.
( beat )
Hey, you know... you know what I said before about... about not wanting you to come with me?

John turns his head slightly, bruising on his right cheek visible in the sickly light. He turns back to his work... waiting.

CHIANA

That wasn't exactly right.

JOHN

( weak reassurance )
Pip, it's cool.

THEATER OF THE MIND - BEDROOM

Chia plops onto a bed covered in various items of regalia, she's decked out in erp clothing, red vinyl short skirt, and black midriff top amongst other barely concealing items. She snags a wide white belt, she's been shopping in a 70's boutique. Pull to long on the room-- a bedroom. John's standing at a bureau with a large mirror mounted on top, turning in time to take in this apparition.

CHIANA

Where ya been?

JOHN

( disturbed )
Not now. This is not right.

He walks away, and Chiana turns her attention to her image in the mirror, and preens for it.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Chi kneels behind John, still working, arms inside the access panel. She edges closer, drawing his undivided attention.

CHIANA

I would love you... to come with me. But, you know, I... I gotta find my brother and... and he's in this resistance thing and... and as if I'm gonna find him... hangin' out with someone... who looks like...

JOHN

( wry but understanding )
A... Peacekeeper? It's cool.

Long silence.

CHIANA

What're we gonna do if this crazy tralk doesn't let Moya into the burial grounds?

OLD WOMAN

( interrupting )
Perhaps I can offer the benefit of my training?

CHIANA

What, how? As a chef?

OLD WOMAN

And doctor. Instructor. And, among many other disciplines, negotiator.

CHIANA

Listen, Wrinkles. How 'bout you just stick to the chowder?
( to John - whispering )
You can deal with the old frellnik.

Chiana exits, a few more moments and John replaces the grill door to the access panel, stands, turning toward the old woman lurking behind him. She takes a few rapid steps closer and opening her palm, blows a grainy substance into his eyes. He, yells, hands lifting to protect his eyes, a bit too late, from the dust storm.

John staggers a bit, wobbling across the room, hunched over the hands protecting his eyes. The old woman warily keeps her distance.

JOHN

( yells )
Damn! I can't see.

Flash cut, room is now illuminated in a blue hazy light.

JOHN

God!

Hands braced against the food dispenser, John stands slowly, his watering eyes opening, a small smile blooms. Behind him the old woman speaks.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
Go to the truth. It calls in your own tongue.

THEATER OF THE MIND REDUX - WEDDING RECEPTION - CENTER CHAMBER

Scene is a series of rapid intercuts between John's idealized version of his wedding day, and shots of a dazed John in the Center Chamber mimicking his movements in accord with his actions at the reception with the old woman lurking behind him, directing him on a path.

Flash cut to the wedding reception of his earlier daydreams. Aeryn and John dance, no sound is over the scene beyond discordant music.

Flash cut to the Center Chamber, blue light still illuminating his someone dazed expression. He turns, mimicking the dance with Aeryn in his mind.

OLD WOMAN

Ignore it... and risk... all.

Flash cut to wedding reception, he and Aeryn continue their silent dance.

Flash cut back to John in the Center Chamber, in a joyous fog, dancing with Aeryn, although the old woman is a nice stand-in for her absence.

Cut to black and white shot, close on John, the old woman whispering into his left ear.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
Be kind...

Flash cut to Wedding Reception, close on Aeryn's closed eyes as he teases her with a slice of chocolate cake. She smiles broadly, her eyes opening to look 'right' into him.

Cut back to Center Chamber, John smiles, reaching out to her. The old woman stands behind him, watching closely.

Cut to black and white shot, close on old woman whispering into his ear. What she's saying cannot be discerned.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )

Flash cut to wedding reception, the banquet area kitchen. Pulse fire erupts, blasting one of the cooks off his feet.

Flash cut to center chamber, John's hand still outstretched as horror begins to bleed through.

Flash cut to wedding reception, more of the kitchen staff are blasted to oblivion. At the kitchen entrance, the source of the firing, a black clad PK soldier.

Flash cut to center chamber, John screams...

JOHN

No!

Winona is instantly in his hand, he crouches by the central food dispenser and begins firing at imaginary soldiers.

JOHN

Get down! Get down!

The old woman takes his advice, diving down behind the food dispenser. John continues firing, cookware and foodstuffs exploding to dust across the room.

D'ARGO [O.S.]

John!

John wheels, firing in the direction of the voice as D'Argo enters. Only the top of the central food dispenser keeps him from getting fried. The second shot splashes against the door above D'Argo's head as he ducks. John wheels again, firing behind him. Moving further inside, D'Argo's tongue lashes out, dropping John to the deck. [ *thud* and... rewind moment. Nobody takes a tongue lashin' like John *g* ] D'Argo rushes to his side. The old woman, cowering behind the food dispenser, crawls toward them.

D'ARGO

What the frell happened to him?

OLD WOMAN

Uh... Uh, nothing... nothing. He'll be fine.

D'ARGO

What did you do?

OLD WOMAN

Perhaps a slight misjudgment of his weight. It won't occur again, I'm certain.

D'ARGO

So am I.

D'Argo cold cocks her with the back of his fist and she drops like a stone.

PILOT

Aeryn-- D'Argo...

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

...the Leviathan killed her own pilot-- nutrient starvation!

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

AERYN

Why would she do that?

PILOT

I'm not sure, but she threatens to attack again if Moya does not take Talyn's remains and vacate the area.

RYGEL

Never one to say I told you so, but... shall we go?

AERYN

Well, I can't believe I'm agreeing with Rygel, but under the circumstances... with Moya injured.

PILOT

Moya feels Talyn has earned the right to be buried in the sacred space, and she will not yield.

THEATER OF THE MIND - RESTAURANT

Aeryn sits across from Jack at a small table inside a sundrenched restaurant. Next to the table is a copper wine cooler with two dead soldiers upended.

AERYN

Don't you ever get bored, living on the same planet, never going anywhere? And what about living in a house? It's too quiet. There's no engine noise.

JACK

Well, wait till summer...
( laughs )
...when the air conditioning kicks on.

Shot pans left to reveal John. Standing silent and unseen behind a large pillar in FG, eyes hidden by the black sunglasses.

AERYN

John has this fantasy about us... having kids and dogs and a pool... and barbecues...

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

John's stretched out on his back, eyes closed. Someone [Aeryn] steps close, retrieving Winona from the floor. Eyes still closed his hand reaches up, closing gently over her hand.

JACK [O.S.]

Must seem a strange culture.

THEATER OF THE MIND - RESTAURANT

AERYN

Jack. I am... miserable here. And he just doesn't see it. I'm... going to get married ... end up like Betty Crocker.

Pan to close on John. His face is expressionless, eyes downcast somewhere behind those black sunglasses.

AERYN

I just keep wondering when he's gonna wake up.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

John adjusts his grip, taking Winona.

JOHN

I'm awake.

Holstering it, he accepts her offered arm and hauls himself to his feet, braced against a counter.

AERYN

You all right?

JOHN

Well, between the witch and the Luxan...

The ship rumbles and vibrates strongly. Pots and pans clank noisily. The ship settles and their conversation heads onto another track.

JOHN

Still?

AERYN

The other Leviathan killed her own pilot, and Moya won't back down.

JOHN

Can Moya beat her?

AERYN

Damage is too great. We could dodge for a while but eventually...

JOHN

We have to cut and run.

AERYN

Pilot can't convince her and, uh, Chiana and Rygel are trying.

JOHN

Sparky and Pip?

OLD WOMAN [O.S.]

Oh!

Another loud clatter from the old woman, and she takes the opportunity to interject again.

OLD WOMAN

If you untie me, I shall volunteer again to mediate, ev-ev-even though.
( beat )
I... I know that, um...

JOHN

( whispering )
Who is that woman?

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUNDS

INT. MOYA - CORRIDOR - INSIDE A CELL

Chiana takes a moment in an isolated part of Moya, inside a vacant cell. Blue light leaking in from the corridor illuminates the darkness, and Chi confuses us some more with stylistic shooting technique... Andrew tryin' to make us crazy.

CHIANA

Listen... Moya. Uhh...

She kneels, placing the large flashlight on the floor.

CHIANA

...everyone is uh... is really concerned... about your plan.

Angle down, and it's a beautiful shot, blue light bleeding into the cell from the partially open cell door across from Chiana.

CHIANA

I... I mean, even Aeryn thinks that... that maybe Talyn should be laid to rest someplace else.

Cut to close on Chi

CHIANA

I once, uh... I once asked Zhaan...

SERIES SHOT

CHIANA

I once asked Zhaan... h-h-how she got along with you so well. She... she... she said that uh... that the-the key was to be honest...

SERIES SHOT

CHIANA

...was to be honest... no matter what...

SERIES SHOT

CHIANA

( laughs)
...no matter what.
( long pause - couple of different close-ups to boot )
Well, Moya... this-this is what I th...

She stands, shouting, a bit of foot stamping thrown in.

CHIANA

I think that you should bury Talyn where ever you frelling wanna bury Talyn!! And I think that the... that the frelling tralk should... should get out of our frelling way.

Moya rumbles, perhaps pleased at what Chi thinks.

CHIANA

There. That's what I think.

THEATER OF THE MIND - BEDROOM

Chi kneels on the bed, still preening with the wide white belt. John plucks a small handbag from the bureau, brandishing it accusatorily.

CHIANA

Hey Crichton. Where ya been?

JOHN

What is all this?

He throws the bag back on the bureau before advancing to the bed [oh, tough editing, he's holding it again a bit later]. Chi dives into the heaps of stuff on the bed, tossing a double handful into the air.

CHIANA

I... went... shopping!

JOHN

Shopping? You-- No, no! You don't have any money!

Bubble burst, she settles back, decides to come clean.

CHIANA

( pouting )
Lifting. Shop...lifting. But, look...

Retrieving an item from the bed, displaying it proudly.

CHIANA

...look at these cool presents I bought the bridesmaids. You and Aeryn can give 'em to 'em.

Standing, she shoves the pressie in his face, woofing happily like a puppy. John scowls, pushing her back onto the bed.

JOHN

Sitdown!

Chi flops on her back and pouts for a moment, but recovers quickly.

CHIANA

Aw!
( beat )
Hey, I spent some time with the boys.

She lifts her legs, then spreads them wide, John shields his eyes the handbag.

CHIANA

( giggling )
Think I found who the best man is.

JOHN

W-w-why are you doing this? Why can't you just act like you always have? Fit in. Why-why do you have to sleep with all of my friends?!

CHIANA

( peevish whining )
Awww!

Chiana sits, and sliding off the bed, crawls toward John.

CHIANA

This is such a repressed culture!

He fends her off with the purse.

JOHN

Back!

Fended off by the purse, Chi falls to her hands and knees, her backside toward John. Eh, but they're interrupted before John can blush, or paddle-- whatever. Oh, and if you watch the mirror, instead of John and Chi, you can see Dad entering... from the bathroom.

JACK [O.S.]

Son?

JOHN

Dad.

CHIANA

Dad? Hi!

Prancing over the bed, Chi leaps into Dad's open arms, and they... kiss. Oh, dear. Dad is wearing the mambo shirt from WGFA, although it looks black and white in this light. He's also wearing a straw hat with a price tag still attached, dangling from the brim.

JOHN

Dad?

A bit of necking later and Dad cuddles Chi back into his arms.

JACK

Son, your mother has been gone for so long.

John points with the purse in hand, realizing-- he throws it down on the bed.

JOHN

This is not right.

Dad and Chi neck a bit more.

JOHN

That's not... right!

D'ARGO [O.S.]

I do not agree, John.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

Repairs continue aboard Moya

D'ARGO

I think she has a point.

CHIANA

You see?

JOHN

D'Argo, you don't even know how to fly your ship.

D'ARGO

I do, in theory. And it certainly has enough fire power to destroy a Leviathan.

JOHN

It's just not right.

CHIANA

Why does it always have to be your plan?

JOHN

It doesn't. But I don't think that Moya is gonna let us kill one of her own species.

PILOT

I have some information, and it's worse than we thought.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

PILOT

Apparently Moya is not the first to be attacked by this rogue Leviathan.

OLD WOMAN

Go on, shoo! Shoo! Shoo!

PILOT

Three others are already dead. Still more, grievously injured. Hang on!

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUND

INT. MOYA - VARIOUS LOCATIONS

A series of rapid cuts as everyone reacts to yet another collision.

PILOT

Apologies. Moya is now responding defensively on her own.

Another collision and everyone is thrown to the deck in command.

PILOT

Moya understands the grief of losing a child, however this female's behavior is unacceptable. She asks for your help.

CHIANA

Yes!

AERYN

She has our backing, no matter what.

PILOT

Moya knows. Which is why she feels comfortable making this request.

Long pause for shots of Chi and John, waiting for the request.

PILOT

Kill the rogue Leviathan!

Cut to close on Aeryn, cut to close on Chiana.

CHIANA

Yes!

RYGEL

All right, old girl!

Double-take, the old woman gives Rygel a 'look'.

RYGEL

Not you.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

D'Argo runs out.

D'ARGO

I'll fly my ship.

JOHN

Kill?!

Another collision between Leviathans.

PILOT

Yes Commander. Before she kills us!

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

INT. MOYA - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

Jool and John in transit.

JOHN

So you'll be there?

JOOL

Yeah. But Chiana can handle it--

JOHN

Just... be there.

Jarred by another impact, Jool and John stumble into a wall and right themselves, continuing on.

JOHN

Chiana midwifed Talyn's birth. She shouldn't have to bury him alone.

INT. MOYA - CORRIDORS - ELSEWHERE - CONTINUOUS

Aeryn and D'Argo match strides.

AERYN

I don't make errors.

D'ARGO

That Leviathan can't be stationary, but I'm sure it's not moving too fast.

AERYN

I know.

D'ARGO

It's not too far, but it's not too close either.

AERYN

Do you want me to shoot the frelling thing myself?

D'Argo growls, miffed, as they pass out of shot.

INT. MOYA - TRANSPORT HANGAR

All four enter together, John pulling on gloves as he crosses out of shot, followed by Aeryn. Jool focuses her last attempt at verbal persuasion on D'Argo.

JOOL

Even though it's a disturbed creature, you're still about to take a life!
( to D'Argo )
Are you gonna be okay with that?

D'Argo growls; miffed [hehe, general reaction to women?], and passes out of shot.

Cut to John, pulling on a glove, standing near D'Argo's Luxan Fighter, a sidelong glance to Aeryn as she approaches her Prowler.

JOHN

Be careful.

AERYN

I don't have to fly with D'Argo.

D'ARGO

I heard that.

D'Argo disappears into the fighter, and, cut to...

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUND

The two Leviathans coast past each other, much debris floats in the BG amongst the swirling vapor of the burial ground.

Aeryn's Prowler pierces the clouds in the distance and quickly speeds toward camera, passing out of shot. The Luxan Fighter appears beneath Moya's right flaring wing, and arcs to camera and out of shot.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

D'ARGO

Now. Do you remember everything I told you about flying the ship?

JOHN

Almost nothing.

John manipulates a few controls overhead. D'Argo sighs.

D'ARGO

Excellent.

INT. PROWLER

AERYN

Pilot. We are in position.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

Moya. It is time Talyn was laid to rest... in the sacred place.

EXT. SPACE

Moya maneuvers in open space, heading back toward a bright spiral.

INT. MOYA - MAINTENANCE BAY

Chiana and Jool stagger under the sudden maneuver.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

A massive Leviathan rockets past the forward portal, John and D'Argo watch for the moment it's hull takes to pass, their necks crane trying to follow it's progress.

D'ARGO

Whew! Okay. You ready?

JOHN

Yeah.

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

Rygel floats toward the forward portal. An unobscured view of the mass of vaporous clouds.

RYGEL

We're in... we're in!

Rygel hovers closer to the portal, eyeballing the nebulous expanse of glowing gasses.

RYGEL

What the yotz is so sacred about this?

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUND

Moya speeds ahead of the larger Leviathan.

RYGEL [O.S.]

All right. We've got that rogue's attention...

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

RYGEL

She's now following us.

INT. PROWLER

AERYN

Yes, I see her Rygel.

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUND

Long on the burial ground, Moya and the much larger Leviathan in the BG, in hot pursuit. Aeryn's Prowler enters FG-R, and arcs around for a run at the nose of the Leviathan. D'Argo's fighter enters FG-L, still outside the mass of gasses. The ship rocks slightly.

INT. LUXAN VESSEL

D'ARGO

Look, keep it steady! If I don't get accurate resonant capture, then we're all done for.

[arg! Irish Cop moment]

JOHN

I thought you said this thing only responds to your DNA.

D'ARGO

It does. That's why I covered all the controls--

John cuts him off, raising gloved hands.

JOHN

Oh-- that's... why I'm wearing gloves.

[ Uh-huh... yeah. Sure, John. Whatever you say. ]

AERYN [O.S.]

D'Argo, Crichton?

EXT. SPACE - PROWLER

AERYN [O.S.]

This Leviathan is a lot larger than Moya.

INT. PROWLER

AERYN

The best I'll be able to do is annoy her.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

D'ARGO

That's all right. Just keep her within range.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

RYGEL

We'll give this slijnot something to focus on.

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Weekly gross-out moment: close on the old woman, grass in her mouth, chewing vigorously. Food or more enchanted herbs? Who knows!

AERYN [O.S.]

Soon as I see Talyn's remains, I shall commence a firing run.

INT. PROWLER

AERYN

Just waiting on a go-ahead from D'Argo.

THEATER OF THE MIND - THE LAKE

Pan up over a fence, on the other side, John and D'Argo walk side-by-side down a paved walk. John's in his erpclothes/pk gear; Big D is still in his UT accouterment, QB included.

JOHN

I understand, it's difficult.

D'ARGO

It's not difficult!

JOHN

Yes it is! Everybody thinks you're a freak.

D'ARGO

Everyone thinks I'm a freak.

D'Argo turns to address a group of young boys fishing from the railing.

D'ARGO

Hey boys! How're they bitin'?

[ Oddly, the boys have Australian accents. Hm. ]

BOY 1

Terrible, Mr. D'Argo.

BOY 2

Can you help again?

D'ARGO

See. They don't think I'm a freak.

D'Argo draws the QB, turning, tentacles flying, walking back toward the boys.

JOHN

What the hell're you doin?

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

D'ARGO

What do you think I'm doing?

JOHN

I'm not entirely sure. But don't kill Aeryn.

THEATER OF THE MIND - THE LAKE

D'ARGO

I'm not going to kill anyone! Why are you so disagreeable?

JOHN

I'm not disagreeable.

D'ARGO

You are being disagreeable!

John mostly unintelligible under D'Argo's outburst, a familiar tone of squabbling between them. [I simply love this-- brothers, indeed.]

JOHN

...I got things on my mind.

D'ARGO

I am sorry that Aeryn is leaving you. But don't take it out on me.

BOY 1

I heard she left you at the altar.

JOHN

Shut up.

D'ARGO

Hey!

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

JOHN

It's not just Aeryn. You're all leaving.

D'ARGO

Whenever you thought you'd found a wormhole, you fell over yourself to dive in. Don't begrudge us our dreams.

JOHN

I don't. It's just a hell of a dream you got there, D, killin' a man.

THEATER OF THE MIND - THE LAKE

D'ARGO

I don't wanna kill him. I just want revenge.

D walks away.

JOHN

What'd you think you're doin'?

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

D'ARGO

You know, when all of this is over John, I think you should head straight for Earth.

JOHN

No. That's not an option. The Peacekeepers would follow.

THEATER OF THE MIND - THE LAKE

John paces behind D'Argo, frustration evident in every word, every movement.

JOHN

You know, I should never have come here. I should never have come to Earth. I should have left you guys on Moya.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

D'ARGO

If it's such a simple choice. Why're you agonizing over it?

JOHN

Because I'm an idiot.

THEATER OF THE MIND - THE LAKE

D'ARGO

Yeah, you are an idiot! I'm an idiot. We're all idiots, aren't we boys?

BOYS

Yeah!

D'ARGO

Everyone's an idiot!

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

JOHN

Speaking of idiots... that cannot be right.

D'Argo spares a glance to the forward consoles, and flicks a switch to silence an odd bleeping noise; then sites again through the lenses.

D'ARGO

Hah!

THEATER OF THE MIND - THE LAKE

D'Argo aims the QB, firing into the lake, creating a tremendous explosion of water.

D'ARGO

One shot!

BOYS

Yeah!

The boys rush down a sloping ramp to the edge of the water, fishing net in hand. In the water a number of pale bodies rise to the surface [uh, fish, okay?].

BOYS

Oh, man!

D'ARGO [O.S.]

And you said I'd never fit in here.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

JOHN

Never said that.

D'ARGO

Yes, you did.

JOHN

No, I didn't.

D'ARGO

I remember... you did.

THEATER OF THE MIND - THE LAKE

Both John and D'Argo turn away from each other, D'Argo descending a ramp and John marches away down the wharfside walkway, addressing the world in general.

JOHN

He's armed and he's dangerous!

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Oy, gross out moment #2: old woman 'spits' the contents of her mouth into a large copper cookpot. Two points.

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUNDS

Moya, still being pursued by the larger Leviathan, ejects Talyn's remains into the burial ground.

INT. MOYA - MAINTENANCE BAY

Jool holds a shaken Chi in her arms.

CHIANA

Talyn.
( whimpers )
He, uh... he-he was our protector...

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

The old woman watches a collection of debris, a bit of Talyn's remains, float past the portals.

CHIANA [O.S.]

...our family.

RYGEL [O.S.]

May I say a few words?

CHIANA [O.S.]

He, uh...

INT. MOYA - MAINTENANCE BAY

CHIANA

...he was a lost soul...

RYGEL [O.S.]

Ahem!

CHIANA

... searching for, ah...

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

RYGEL

Talyn was special... joy to his Mother, and a credit to his species-- both of them. With fondness, we lay Talyn, offspring of Moya, to rest in his sacred ground.

INT. MOYA - MAINTENANCE BAY

Chiana falls to her knees in front of the closed hangar bay door, taking Jool with her. Jool comforting the mourning girl as best she can.

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUND

The larger Leviathan cruises through the scattered remains of Talyn.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

JOHN

The rogue is making a run at the debris.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

Moya pleads with you not to let her disperse Talyn's remains!

INT. PROWLER

AERYN

Commencing attack.

EXT. SPACE - PROWLER

Making it's run, cannon's firing.

EXT. SPACE - LEVIATHAN BURIAL GROUND

Aeryn's Prowler speeds across its nose, a spray of cannon fire erupting against the ship's hull.

JOHN [O.S.]

Here she comes, D'Argo. Right where you want her.

RYGEL [O.S.]

Good job, Aeryn. She's veering away from Talyn and chasing you.

The ship exits the burial ground, into a black starfield, in pursuit of the attacking ship.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

D'ARGO

All right. Let's do it.

EXT. SPACE - LUXAN VESSEL

A halo of bright energy, building at the nose of the vessel, spreads across it's hull.

The energy suddenly 'tears away' from the ship and shoots outward from the nose.

Cut to following shot as the energy 'blob' strikes the Leviathan, encompassing it in a halo of white energy as the Luxan Fighter speeds toward it-- a 'head-on' imminent.

The energy 'consumes' the ship, leaving nothing but a skeletal infrastructure.

INT. LUXAN FIGHTER

Watching through the targeting goggles, D'Argo exhales, a startled and immensely impressed sound carried with it.

Bright light washes in through the forward portal, illuminating John's intense expression.

Cut to following shot behind John and D'Argo, through the forward portal of the Luxan Fighter, as the Fighter 'enters' where the Leviathan had lately been, the bright light of the weapons discharge still illuminating it's shape.

Cut to close on Aeryn, her head slightly turned from the bright light washing the cockpit of her Prowler.

Cut to following shot as the Fighter continues through the 'remains' of the Leviathan.

Cut to interior Luxan Fighter, D'Argo drops the lenses slightly, peering over the top-- can't believe what he's seeing.

Cut to Center Chamber, the light of the Leviathan's destruction also illuminating the face of the old woman as she watches through the portal.

Cut to overhead shot of the Leviathan, its essence stripped away by the destructive energy bolt-- fading into nothing. The Luxan Fighter exiting from the 'tail' as it disappears, and arcing back toward camera, and out of shot.

Cut to close on Aeryn, dark in the cockpit, her eyes still seeking what can no longer be found.

Cut to close on D'Argo, still stunned.

Cut to close on John, utterly expressionless, he utters the 'understatement of the Year', beautifully deadpanned.

JOHN

Very effective.

INT. MOYA - MAINTENANCE BAY

On the floor, still cradling Chiana in her arms.

JOOL

Did ya get 'em?

AERYN [O.S.]

She's gone.

Cut to close on Aeryn in the Prowler.

AERYN

Completely.

JOOL

Chi, they got her!

INT. MOYA - COMMAND

RYGEL

You... know what this means? It means we're done.

Cut to close on John. Thinking he already knows what it means.

RYGEL [O.S.]

Talyn rests where he belongs. Scorpius has no ship.

Cut to close on Aeryn. She knows what it means as well.

RYGEL [O.S.]

We're all unhurt, healthy, and... no one's trying to kill us!

Cut to close on Rygel, celebratory in his excitement.

RYGEL

It means, finally we can go where we want. We can go home! Home! We're going home! I'm going home!

Rygel chortles over comms, while others react. None seeming quite so happy.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Close on the old woman; pan up and left to follow John as he enters with purpose, slowing, stopping by the open door-- watching her back, a grim look and bearing as he speaks.

JOHN

Who are you, old woman?

Startled, she leaps to her feet, turning to face him. Her hands are still tied, the manacles connected to the upper reaches of the chamber.

OLD WOMAN

It doesn't matter who I am.

John walks further into the room, and she circles away, putting the food preparation station between them.

OLD WOMAN

But I know who you are. You made them come back and rescue our lifepod after the Command Carrier imploded. I'm no longer a prisoner because of you. So, when the others got off, I stayed... on Moya, to repay the debt.

JOHN

By messin' with my mind.

OLD WOMAN

Oh, no...

She moves closer, her attention shifting from the man across from her to the large cauldron boiling on the 'stove' between them.

OLD WOMAN

No! I would never leave this on boil for so long. Would you like some--

John unholsters Winona, a vaguely threatening gesture to go with the curt and angry tone.

JOHN

What did you do to me?

OLD WOMAN

We all lie.
( beat )
The lies that spew outward do much less damage than the ones that stay hidden.

Still grimly silent, John lifts his weapon and fires a blast into the ceiling, cutting the restraint line, catching it as it falls. He reels her in, releasing her wrists from the cuffs on the other end; they clank on the floor as he disgards them. Backing slowly he sits, heavily, finally looking away. Profound weariness is in his voice as he speaks.

JOHN

When I was a kid... I dreamed of outer space.

The old woman slowly approaches as he continues.

JOHN

And then I got here... and I dream of Earth. Lately... none of my dreams work.

Behind him now...

OLD WOMAN

Do you know why?

JOHN

Huh. Tryin' to make it the way it was... the way it... never was.

Now, by his shoulder, she leans down to peer closely at him.

OLD WOMAN

Did my herbs help you?

JOHN

They stripped away the lies.
( beat )
But I ran from it.
( eyes closing wearily )
And I am... so... tired of running.

He stands quickly, facing her again.

JOHN

Show me again.

She smiles slightly, lifting her cupped hand, and blows another small gale of dust and tiny fragments of herbs into his eyes. John staggers backward again, blinded; his image wavers as the woman's magic works on him. He covers his eyes and circles away, then stands upright again, struggling to open tightly clenched lids.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
Forward is the truth.

His eyes open; his gaze, far seeing.

THEATER OF THE MIND REDUX - WEDDING RECEPTION - CENTER CHAMBER

Cut in close on John and Aeryn's joined hands as he slides a wedding band onto her left ring finger.

Cut to close on John his right hand stroking the ring finger of his left hand, feeling the ring as it slides, unseen, onto his hand. The wormhole equations inked on his hand are stark in the murky reddish light. The old woman circles behind him, his gaze remains focused on possibilites. Standing at his left shoulder, she whispers to him.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
It's the lies that restrain us...

A flash of white light and cut to John, escorting his bride onto the dance floor, a many tiered wedding cake in the FG. He takes her in his arms and they dance slowly to a piano waltz. Aeryn smiles brilliantly.

Cut to close on John, the murky subdued lighting in the Center Chamber bathes his face in a reddish glow as he moves slowly to the lilting music.

Cut to John dancing with Aeryn, a slow spin under his outstretched arm.

Cut to close on John, a smile breaks slowly across his face, his arm outstretched as Aeryn turns, unseen, beneath it; the old woman standing in for the tantalizing vision.

Cut to John and Aeryn, the turn complete, he takes her back into his arms.

Cut to close on the old woman.

Cut to John and Aeryn, she's held close and they kiss.

Cut to close on John, eyes still closed.

Cut to monochrome xcloseup on John, the old woman whispering into his ear.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
Be kind...

Cut to John & Aeryn, their kiss continues.

Cut to monochrome xcloseup on John, the old woman whispering into his ear.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
...you will know...

Cut to close on Jack.

JACK

May I cut in, son?

John smiles, happily giving up the Bride to his father while Chiana takes the groom. The piano waltz continues as Jack dances with his new daughter and a very content John dances with Chiana. D'Argo is also on the floor, dancing with a lovely blonde.

Cut to wide on the reception as the waltz finishes. The brightly lit room crowded with friends and family. A large golden effigy of Moya dominates the center.

The room erupts in applause and the raucous sound of cutlery clinking against crystal. More ribald hooting as John and Aeryn, at the wedding party table, kiss. Cut to close on Pilot, sitting at the end of the long banquet table; pan R to Rygel in a red dressing gown sitting next to Jack. More wild cheering as the newlywed's kiss continues. D'Argo, sitting between Jack and John, pounds wildly on his glass as John leans Aeryn back in his arms and her left arm is flung back as the kiss reaches a crescendo. Behind Aeryn, Chiana and Jool cheer them on.

Jack stands to get the attention of the rowdy crowd.

JACK

Everybody?

The noise tapers off to near silence.

JACK

Everybody. I want to propose a toast to my son...

Smirking happily, John pulls a chair out for Aeryn and they settle into their chairs as Jack's toast continues.

JACK

...and my new daughter. You all know their incredible story... the odds they had to beat. And the good fortune that brought 'em home safe and sound.

Aeryn grins and John looks a bit embarrassed.

JOHN

So please join me in wishing the new, Mr. and Mrs. Crichton, all the best--

A pulse blast cuts him off, a small dark splotch appears on his right temple and he falls sideways, sliding along the wall behind his son. Aeryn is the first to notice the danger, leaping up as John registers the change, he turns, alarmed, toward his father as he slumps to the floor behind him.

Cut to close on John, his mildly contented expression quickly hardening, his hand sliding down his thigh, Winona's grip in his hand, rapidly unholstering the weapon as he drops to his knees.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering ) No.

The old woman's voice becomes more urgent, but not as urgent as John's shouted warning.

OLD WOMAN

No!

JOHN

( shouting )
No!

Cut to the Wedding Reception, still brightly lit but ominously silent as the guests and bride and groom slowly duck for cover.

OLD WOMAN [O.S.]

( quietly urging )
No.

JOHN [O.S.]

Get down!

OLD WOMAN [O.S.]

No, see the truth...

Cut to close on John, kneeling with Winona extended in a doubled hand grip, his aim rotating from left to right, covering the entire room as he continues to shout warnings.

JOHN

Everybody run!

The old woman kneels beside him, her arms urging his down, trying to calm him. He doesn't seem to see or hear her; his weapon continues to swing left and right, seeking a target.

OLD WOMAN

See truth!

Cut to the reception, a phlanx of black and red garbed PK Soldiers move along one wall firing pulse rifles, the sound oddly muted as they gun down the wedding guests. Pilot and Rygel are struck multiple times. The girls and D'Argo take meager shelter behind the banquet table as the weapons fire sprays across the room.

Flash of white light and cut to close on John and the Old Woman. She is behind him, holding him steady; the third eye on her forehead open and shining a neon-magenta. His face is tight with controlled agony.

OLD WOMAN

See truth. See it.

She moves in front of him as he watches the horror unfold.

Cut back to pandemonium at the Wedding Reception. PKs burst into the reception from the double doors leading to the kitchen, blasting more guests.

D'Argo and Chiana leap over the banquet table. John brushes aside the skirt of the table and he crawls out from underneath. D'Argo charges across the room, taking out one of the PKs with a right to the helmet. Chiana moves across the room as D'Argo advances, unarmed, on another of the PKs, but he is dropped by a blast to the chest before he can reach his quarry. More guests fall as John helps Aeryn out from underneath the table. Another loud pulse blast and Chiana falls, mortally wounded. The effigy of Moya is also blasted to tiny pieces. Aeryn and John, in low profile, move out from underneath the table. Jool screams soundlessly, racing across the open. A pulse blast to her side takes her down. They blast the five-tiered wedding cake, bastards! [sorry]. The tiny bride and groom topple. The remnants of the cake bounce off John's shoulders as he and Aeryn shelter from the barrage close to the floor.

Cut to close on John, the reddish glow illuminates his tears and deepen the furrows of pain on his face. The old woman lurks very near.

Cut to John and Aeryn as they rise and make a dash across the room, the PKs continue their barrage until another loud pulse blast cuts through the eerie silence. Aeryn staggers backward into John's arms. They both look down on the dark bloom of blood against the white wedding gown. John screams a silent horrified denial, "No!".

Cut to close on John, his frozen tension cracking slowly, his lips parting on an unarticulated word.

Cut to John-- Aeryn slowly sliding down in his embrace as he faces outward, shouting a prolonged silent scream of protest at the encircling PKs, "No!"

Cut to close on John, horrified, torn by loss-- and completely unsurprised.

Cut to close on John, silently lowering Aeryn to the floor, his grip so strong his fingers are white against her shoulder. The tension goes out of her body and she lies back in his arms as he silently pleads.

Cut to close on John, frozen and eyes full of dread, his breath finally escaping in a short shuddering burst.

Cut to close on John and Aeryn, his hand covering her hand, a futile attempt to stop the loss of blood.

JOHN

( softly pleading )
No, Aeryn. No, baby. You're gonna be all right. You're gonna be all right.

Her voice is tight with pain, and she smiles for him.

AERYN

Don't you worry bout me. I've never felt better.

He cradles her head in one hand as she shudders in pain, struggling briefly before all struggle ceases on a short exhale.

JOHN

No!

Bowed over her body, shuddering-- his voice a broken sound full of loss.

JOHN

No, no...

Lying beside her on the floor, he weeps and begs softly, his voice broken, whispering his last plea into her mouth.

JOHN

No.

Pan up and wide on the desolate room, bodies litter the floor. He keeps his hand on her hand, over the wound, his other still cradling her head. His lips press against hers, once-- twice-- stealing a moment more.

Scorpius has entered and is crossing the room, stepping over a body here or there before stopping just beyond John's shoulder.

He lowers himself to one knee at their head, their bodies still entwined and outstretched on the floor.

SCORPIUS

Well then, John...

Cut to close on John, raising his head but not quite looking at him, devastated, he is overwhelmed by what he holds in his arms.

SCORPIUS

Tell me. . . What did you expect?

John can only look down on Aeryn's stillness; his breath is ragged with grief, he works disjointedly on some response, but no words come. Slowly he lowers his face to his lover's; pressing her lifeless cheek to his and continues weeping silently.

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

INT. MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Close on John, sitting on the floor, hunched forward, the old woman is close beside him. His voice still torn by tears as he struggles to recover some semblance of normalcy.

JOHN

It's a nightmare.

Cut to angle down. John huddled on the floor, legs folded beneath him, sitting on one heel, the old woman sheltered next to him, hovering over his shoulder.

OLD WOMAN

What is?

JOHN

My life... my dreams. Earth and my friends. Uh... I tried to merge the two.

He turns toward her, a transitory ironic grin on his face before looking away again. He slides off his heel, sitting more upright.

JOHN

They're incompatible.

OLD WOMAN

Then choose one.

JOHN

( weak laugh )
I... can't go to Earth. And my friends are all leaving.

Another slidelong look at her, accompanied by a weak smile. His arms rest on an upraised knee.

OLD WOMAN

You blame yourself.

JOHN

Dog with two bones.

OLD WOMAN

Unfamiliar.

JOHN

Dog... animal... it's a pet.

He turns slightly to look at her as he explains, tears track unheeded down his cheek.

JOHN

He has this bone-- it's the most important thing in the world-- carries it everywhere he goes, and uh... one day he goes down to the water and he sees another dog with a bone, reflected on the surface. It's identical and he wants that bone too. So... he opens his mouth to grab it... and his bone falls in the water and it disappears. It's gone. And he's left standing there. . . looking at himself. . . and he has nothing.

OLD WOMAN

Is this dog... smart enough to learn?

JOHN

It's too late.

OLD WOMAN

It is never...

She needs his full attention, he's still too focused on what's lost. She grabs his face in her hands, forcing his eyes back to hers.

OLD WOMAN

If the dog... could have had only one bone... which would it have wanted?

INT. MOYA - TRANSPORT HANGAR - LATER

Close on the hatch of the Prowler, cycling open. On the other side, Aeryn tosses a bag inside. Behind her, John has entered, walking across the Maintenance Bay, black duster on and carrying a packed bag in one hand. She steps down, turning at his approach. She ducks under the wing, slowing as their shoulders brush as they pass, moving in opposite directions. John drops his bag on the deck.

JOHN

I'm coming with you.

She slows again as he ducks under the wing of the Prowler, then moves to fetch a small case from amongst a large stack of containers nearby.

AERYN

No. I'm sorry.

John steps up on the ladder and peers inside the Prowler

JOHN

Well, you're not leaving without me.

He turns to face her, leaning against the hull of the Prowler. With a pained look of sufferance, she puts the case back on the deck.

AERYN

What do you want?

JOHN

You.

AERYN

I'm afraid it's not that easy for me, you see...

She takes a few steps, closing the gap between them.

AERYN

...you died. I watched that happen and yet you're still alive. I have to go.

John looks, down, away, anywhere but at her; pain of loss evident in every moment. Finally looking up, his voice soft with finality.

JOHN

Then say good-bye.

AERYN

We don't say good-byes.

JOHN

We do this time.

John leaps down from the ladder, ducking quickly under the wing of the Prowler. Stepping close.

JOHN

You see, you leave, and then you come back and I-I can't... handle the in between, Aeryn. ( beat ) Say good-bye.

She watches him from the corners of her eyes, hazarding a tight breath before taking a step past him, moving quickly toward the Prowler; giving him what he asks.

AERYN

Fine. Good-bye, Crichton.

She's one step past him and he grabs her arm, spinning her to face him.

JOHN

John! My name...

She pulls her arm free, they face each other again.

JOHN

...is John. "Good-bye, John," to my face.

Suddenly furious, Aeryn pushes him away, and he stumbles backward.

AERYN

Guarantee you won't...

She pushes him again, but he's prepared this time, giving only marginally.

AERYN

...die in my arms again!

JOHN

Guarantee you won't die in mine!

His rage matching hers, he pushes back, hands slapping against her shoulders as hers struck his.

AERYN

I can...

She shoves him backward again.

AERYN

...by leaving!

She whirls, heading toward the Prowler, stopped in her tracks by an anguished question.

JOHN

Do you love John Crichton?!

John takes a slow step toward her.

JOHN

Not him...

Another small step. She doesn't move, doesn't turn.

JOHN

...not me.

She turns slowly as he steps close again.

JOHN

John Crichton.

He ducks under the wing of the prowler, stepping in close again. She nods slowly, her answer whisper soft.

AERYN

Yes.

So close, and yet so far apart, he leans in, maneuvering gently, trying to match his lips to hers; and although she tries to evade him with small movements, their lips finally meeting in a slow all too brief kiss. He pulls back slightly, still almost touching.

JOHN

Then what does that taste like?

AERYN

( whispering, eyes closed )
Yesterday.

Close on John, a short bitter grunt of a laugh.

JOHN

Well, nobody can compete with that.

Aeryn stands frozen, her expression a mixture of anger and pain.

JOHN

I am so much better dead.

He turns, ducking under the wing, retreating under fire. But she can't let him just go.

AERYN

I can't do this again.

He wheels about, shouting, voice choked by unshed tears and thinly reined anger.

JOHN

And I can't let the one thing I love fly away in a crappy little ship!!

An emotionally charged standoff. She cannot seem to leave unless he lets her go. He can't let her go. Aeryn steps toward him.

AERYN

You once said it was as if the fates meant for us to be together.

JOHN

And I believe that.

AERYN

Well, then, if it's true, we will be together again.

JOHN

Running away is not fate, Aeryn. Running away is running away.

He fumbles in the right front pocket of his pants, pulling something out quickly.

JOHN

Fine, if you want fate-- here, I've-I've got a fate.

He extends his hand, a large coin rotating in his fingers.

JOHN

Fate, here.

AERYN

What?

JOHN

Coin toss.

At his frantically frustrated come hither gesture, Aeryn sighs, ducking under the wing of the prowler, moving closer, gesturing to the offered coin, tears glittering in her eyes.

AERYN

What, like that side up, you stay?

He's only angry.

JOHN

Absolutely. Fate.

and flings the coin in the air with a tiny metallic 'ting'-- Aeryn's gaze follows it; she catches it on decent.

AERYN

( angrily )
Just make a frelling wormhole, and go home.

She throws the coin at his feet, turning back toward the Prowler.

JOHN

There is no home! There is no wormhole! There's only you-

He cuts himself off, running both hands over his face, fingers pressed to his lips, searching for the words he needs.

JOHN

Aeryn... anywhere in the universe. You pick the planet.

AERYN

It's too late for that.

JOHN

It's not too late.

AERYN

No. You're not listening to me. It's too late for me.

JOHN

You do this... and we'll never see each other again.

She turns away again, but moves no further, a picture of utter despair and confusion.

AERYN

Do you love Aeryn Sun?

A long, long silence; she doesn't face the man behind her. A tear breaks from her eye in the silence. Finally his softly spoken answer beckons.

JOHN

Beyond hope.

AERYN

Then, don't make me say good-bye and don't make me stay.

It really is hard to tell what is happening as John is completely out of focus in the BG over her shoulder, but at her final request he seems to stiffen. Aeryn waits in the long silence, her expression wavers between hope and fear. With no other options; John does as she asks; he turns and moves quickly to the exit. He doesn't get far.

Aeryn seems to panic at his retreat, I see a plan formulate and she moves quickly to the array of stacked containers and begins kicking them over. They clatter against the deck and John circles back from beyond the center support pillar-- stopping just beyond it, his gaze a hard sidelong look.

Desperate but frozen by fear, she sits on one of the crates-- breathing hard. John doesn't move but his anger softens, tinged by compassion for her pain. She looks up at him, eyes filled with tears. She hasn't a clue what to do. She looks away. Seeing his reprieve slipping away, he looks away as well. She looks up again and stands slowly, facing him across the distance. She looks down, then up at him again, quiet resolve on her face. She kicks the discarded coin toward him. It skates across the floor and he stops it with his foot.

A standoff of a sort.

John leans down slowly, retrieving the large coin from the deck. They stand facing each other silently, then pace slowly toward each other, closing the distance. Their eyes are locked, she gives a slight nod, and he flings the coin into the air. Her gaze follows the coin up and up. His eyes remain on her, his expression relaxed, almost confident. He knows that this is an act of finality; whatever happens next the uncertainty will be over.

Cut to close on the slowly spinning coin, rotating ever slower until it freezes in mid-air.

Fade to black.

END OF ACT FOUR

TAG

EXT. SPACE

The battered and blackened Farscape module hangs in space, some distance from Moya in the far BG. Surrounded by stars and nebulous matter.

INT. MODULE

John sits silent and unmoving in the small cabin.

Fade to shot of a tuxedoed D'Argo dancing at the wedding reception.

D'ARGO [V.O.]

Anything positive I do with the rest of my life, will be because of you. Take care, my friend.

shot wavers in and out on closeup on John, gravely silent, before wavering to fade on shot of the blue gowned Chiana, dancing at the wedding reception.

CHIANA [V.O.]

You better not forget me. You better not ever forget that I love you.

Shot fades and wavers back to closeup on John, his silence and expression that of a man with nothing left to lose.

Fade out to shot of Rygel, holding a small glass high in a toast, sporting a red gown and bow tie.

RYGEL [V.O.]

Of all the lesser species, I admit I've grown to like yours the best.

Fade to closeup profile on John, through the port side portal Aeryn's black and red prowler hangs in space close at hand. He sits silent, facing forward, unmoving.

AERYN [O.S.]

We're in the hands of fate now. We have to trust in that.

Cut to close on Aeryn, a tear slipping down her cheek.

AERYN

Fly safe.

Cut to close on John, some slight movement now; his brow furrows, his lips work but he can't get anything out. Cut to profile, the Prowler hangs unnaturally close to the portal of the Farscape; Aeryn is visible through the canopy of her Prowler as her ship slowly fades away on her final words.

AERYN

Good-bye, John Crichton.

EXT. SPACE

The module floats in space, high above Moya. Jool hails him over communication channels.

JOOL [O.S.]

Crichton? Still alive?

Cut to close on John, jarred from his reverie by Jool's voice.

JOOL [O.S.]

Out of fuel?

JOHN

Uh... Yeah, Jool. I'm... almost out of fuel.

INT. MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

Jool sits on the console to Pilot's left.

JOHN [O.S.]

Pilot. I'm headin' back.

INT. MODULE

Close on John as the voice of Scorpius's neural clone cuts in on the conversation.

HARVEY [O.S.]

The human subconscious...

Close on Harvey, sitting just behind John, peering over his right shoulder.

HARVEY

...is a fascinating place. Malleable, permeable... fallible.

At the interruption, John's lips tighten, anger surging up, but he lacks the energy, interest, drive; necessary to deal with this invasion. He relaxes; biting back the bile, his tone is flat, lusterless.

JOHN

Harvey, you gotta get your nose outta the dictionary.

HARVEY

Guess what I found there, John?

JOHN

Go away. I don't feel like talkin' right now.

On the edge, his voice tight and flat. But Harvey isn't one to take warnings.

HARVEY

I will honor your wishes, John. However, having chosen our partnership above all else, your well being is now irrevocably mine.

Harvey's gloved hand on his shoulder doesn't produce so much as a twitch.

HARVEY

My gift.

Harvey pats his shoulder before withdrawing his hand and settling back in his seat, gazing out the side portal.

[ooo, interesting, closed captioning indicates 'NORANTI' is speaking the old woman's line.]

OLD WOMAN [O.S.]

( whispering )
Be forgiving...

Cut to monochrome shot of xcloseup on John, the old woman whispering into his ear.

OLD WOMAN

Be kind...

Cut to close on John, his gaze far seeing again as her whispers continue.

OLD WOMAN [O.S.]

( whispering )
Better angels.
( beat )
Her life.

Cut to monochrome shot of xcloseup on John, the old woman whispering into his ear.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
Her world.

Shot pans down and left to close on John, color bleeds into the shot as the old woman's voice continues in a whisper.

OLD WOMAN [O.S.]

( whispering )
On her time. You will know...

Shot pans up and right to xclose on John, the old woman whispering in his ear, in technicolor.

OLD WOMAN

( whispering )
Aeryn... is... with child.

On the final word; he blinks. Flash cut to close on John inside the module.

Flash cut to close on Aeryn's smiling face; his bride. A white orchid in her hair.

Flash cut to close on John, oblique angle [Harvey's POV?].

JOHN

( softly )
Aeryn. Why didn't you tell me?

Cut to close on John.

JOHN

Why didn't you trust me?

Flash cut to ( beat ) close on John

JOHN

Old Woman!

Flash cut to close on the Old Woman, somewhere aboard Moya, her third eye is open, the orb inside a bright hazy blue.

Flash cut to close on John, oblique angle, his hands busy with controls, powering up the vessel.

JOHN

Pilot. Patch me through to Aeryn.

PILOT

She is beyond our range, Commander.

JOHN

Get a fix on her position, we're goin' after her.

JOOL

Hold on a microt!

JOHN

Damn it! Just do it!

Cut to Pilot's Den. Jool sitting on the console, in front of Pilot.

JOOL

First we'll go to my-

Her demand cut off in a surprised squeal as the old woman grabs a handful of hair and yanks her backward.

OLD WOMAN

Obey his command, Pilot.

She sets her yellowed teeth against the curve of Jool's ear.

Cut to close on John.

JOHN

Pilot, please. For the love of God, please.

PILOT

Uh... I shall approximate Officer Sun's vector and initiate chase upon your retrieval.

EXT. SPACE

The module maneuvers slowly, nosing around to face the Leviathan, still far 'below' it. The propulsion units underneath the small craft are dark.

Abruptly the relative darkness of space is shattered by a flare of blinding light which resolves into a swirling mass below the huge Leviathan.

Cut to close on John, blinking slightly into the bright light.

Cut to ext. space, the leviathan is being drawn into the wormhole, tail first. Comms from Pilot are full of static and Jool's screams.

PILOT [O.S.]

Commander!
( breaks up into static )
...stay clear!...
( static )
We're being...
( static )
... Commander! ...

Another white flash of light and the wormhole winks out, leaving the small white ship floating alone in space.

INT. MODULE

Close on John, his eyes seeking what can no longer be found. His mouth works slightly but no words come. His gaze leaps to the starboard portal, seeking some sign there.

EXT. SPACE

The module floats in space, utterly alone.

Cut to close on John through the glass of the starboard portal. Through a stunned haze he finally finds his voice.

JOHN

You have got to be kidding me.

He turns and looks out the forward canopy again as the shot pulls back, the view through the starboard portal showing just how cramped those quarters really are.

Shot continues to pull back until the module is a tiny speck in the distance amidst a sea of stars.

TO BE CONTINUED

FADE TO BLACK

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS






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