FARSCAPE

PREVIOUSLY ON FARSCAPE

Teaser opens with standard voiceover by Paul Goddard: "Previously on Farscape."

Setting the stage with clips from season 1 episodes "Till The Blood Runs Clear", "A Human Reaction", the season 2 episode "Won't Get Fooled Again", and "Inifinite Possibilities, Part 1: Daedalus Demands":

Insert clips from "Till The Blood Runs Clear":

Furlow: "The ability to create a stable wormhole. Travel through space and time, would be..."
John: "Profitable."
Furlow: "Probably."

Insert clips from "A Human Reaction":

John: "You made me think... you were my father!"

John:"Show me... what you really look like."

Insert clips from "Infinite Possibilities, Part 1: Daedalus Demands":

Jack: "On our travel to the new world, we saw this... your module... being flown through an unstable wormhole. Piloted by this creature."
John: "Who the hell is that?"
Jack: "Are you saying this is a duplication?"

Scorpius: "Scorpius didn't copy your module."
John: "So, who did it?"

Furlow: "What do you think?"

John: "Furlow."

Furlow: "Got a nice detailed scan last time you were here."

Jack: "Put 'em on. Flares coming."
Aeryn: "How do you know?"
Jack: "I can sense them."

Crais: ( screams ) "Talyn is blinded and so am I!"

Aeryn: "Here they come!"

Furlow: "If it isn't my favorite flyboy? Just couldn't stay away from me, huh?"

Charrid: "You fear me!"
John: "No, you just smell."

Rygel: "He did tell me that there's a Scarran Dreadnought heading for this planet. It'll arrive within 6 arns."

John: "How much data did they get?"
Furlow: "Enough to make their own phase stabilizer. But I guarantee... the Dreadnought'll still get here."

Rygel: "Charrid cowards couldn't hit a pregnant Lobboth!"

John: "I knew about the stuff you guys put in my head."
Jack: "How?"
John: "A guy named Scorpius, he discovered the info was there--"

Insert clip from "Won't Get Fooled Again": Scorpius implants the neural chip.

John: "--and he put a neural chip in my head to extract the information."

Scorpius: "I will fight you, and I will win."

Scorpius: "Officer Sun... what luscious lips. Amongst... other things. Crichton was... a very lucky man."
Aeryn: "Where is he?"
Scorpius: "Gone. Gambled and lost."

Scorpius: "Oh..."

Teaser closes with standard voiceover by Paul Goddard: "And now... on Farscape."

---

COLD OPEN

INT. Furlow's Workshop

Scorpius flat on his back, Aeryn's pulse pistol pressed to his forehead, while she decides whether or not she can kill him-- pear-shaped plans, or no.

SCORPIUS: How unfortunate you must lose as well. And Zhaan... gave herself for you. What a waste, wouldn't you say?

He drives her back with a couple of well placed blows and rolls to his feet. Aeryn recovers quickly, keeping him covered.

SCORPIUS: Well, that's hardly sporting is it? I should have a weapon as well. Then we can settle this... one on one.

Scorpy makes a move to a pistol discarded on the floor, Aeryn 'discourages' him with a pistol butt to the face and he staggers back a bit.

AERYN: Don't.

SCORPIUS: It's not... easy, is it? Putting a pulse blast in John Crichton.

AERYN: You're not John.

SCORPIUS: Not up here, no. But the rest of his body's intact. Be a shame to spoil it with that. I'm much more reasonable than John is. He didn't want to share his mind with me. But I'm more than willing to share... his body with you.

He takes one slow step toward her and Aeryn's glance goes completely cold... her finger tightens on the trigger.

JACK: No!

Jack intervenes, pushing her arm away, the pulse blast goes awry.

AERYN: Stand clear!

JACK: No, don't!

AERYN: It isn't John!

JACK: It is John! Look!

SCORPIUS: Thank you... daddy.

JACK: Look at him. The clone's dying... he wants you to shoot him... so John dies too.

AERYN: What?!

SCORPIUS: Officer Sun... next time... be more decisive... shoot... quicker.

Scorpius collapses to his knees.

SCORPIUS: A soldier... must not be weak.... Weakness means defeat.

He howls, a combination of defeat and pain, falling forward on hands and knees.

John slowly pushes up from hands and knees, but needing to remain on his knees... he's disoriented and looking like holy frell.

JOHN: Hey... baby.

Focused 'inward', he realizes something significant.

JOHN: He's gone... he's finally gone. It's just me.

Aeryn kneels slowly before a mildly hysterically gleeful John, a most radiant smile on his normally somber face, he's nearer to tears than laughter. She takes his head on her shoulder, holding him quietly as he comes to grips with newfound freedom. Cut to close on Aeryn gently stroking her fingers through his hair, a tender combination of fear and relief, knowing how close she'd come to losing.

CUT TO - EXT. Space. Stock CGI Talyn hangs in orbit above the planet

STARK: [O.V.] Can anyone hear me?! Aeryn? Crichton...? Rygel?

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, The Bridge. Crais still utterly blinded from Talyn's exposure to the solar flares.

CRAIS: Forget the comms! Run a check on all airlocks and docking bays!

STARK: What for?

CRAIS: Damage, malfunction... anything!

STARK: Why?

CRAIS: Because... I know this ship, and, and, something's... out of balance.

STARK: You're imagining things... although this is strange.

CRAIS: What?

STARK: Docking bay two recently performed an atmosphere replenish as if it'd been opened. But we landed the pod in docking bay one.

CRAIS: Talyn! Seal all hatches!

The closing hatch to the Bridge is held open by a large clawed hand, which is followed by the menacing presence of a Scarran male who forces his way onto the Bridge, unleashing his 'mind-melter' on Stark and Crais from the doorway. Crais goes down howling as the Scarran advances across the Bridge.

END COLD OPEN

---

ROLL OPENING CREDITS

"My name is John Crichton... I'm lost... an astronaut... shot through a wormhole.... In some distant part of the universe.... I'm trying to stay alive... Aboard this ship-- this living ship... of escaped prisoners-- my friends. If you can hear me... beware... if I make it back... will they follow? If I open the door... are you ready? Earth is unprepared, helpless... for the nightmares I've seen. Or should I stay, protect my home, not show them you exist. But then you'll never know the wonders I've seen."

---

ACT I

EXT. Furlow's Bunker - Two vehicles and a troop of armed charrids approach the breached wall unobstructed by coverfire from Rygel.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker John and Aeryn stand swaying slightly, in a mutual embrace. He is full of wonder, eyes drifting away occassionally. Aeryn can't keep her eyes, or her hands, from his face.

JOHN: I've had Scorpy in my head for so long... that... I've gotten used to it, and, and... not having him...? It's like being in pain, your whole life, and suddenly it's gone.

Furlow enters, arms bearing a load of equipment, John and Aeryn are in their own place, foreheads pressed together, eyes closed, arms wrapped around each other.

FURLOW: Jack? I managed to find some... e-transmitter coils. They'll need a... bit of work.

Setting her load down, Jack inspects it critically.

JACK: This is it? You can't find anything better?

FURLOW: ( annoyed ) I had to search half the complex just to find that.

Aeryn looks up briefly, John's 'tasting' the curve of her neck.

AERYN: Then search the other half, Furlow.

Cut to long shot. Furlow scowls briefly. John's looked up as well, that happy smile back on his face, arms wrapped around Aeryn's waist. Furlow stalks off. Jack crosses the workroom to the enrapt couple.

JACK: John? It's time to go to work...

Cut to close on John, looking up, reluctant to part with Aeryn just now. Jack's hand gently touches the back of John's head.

JACK: ...if you're feeling strong enough.

JOHN: I'm good.

Close on John as he and Aeryn cross to the worktable, following Jack.

JOHN: But, ah... you better unlock that wormhole information inside my head.

JACK: I just did.

JOHN: You did? Really.

Close on John and Aeryn, she's 'nibbling' his neck, not the least hesitant to show her affections in public. He's smiling happily. [ who wouldn't be? heh ]

JACK: I doesn't happen instantaneously. You're mind couldn't process all those equations at once. Give it a little time.

Abruptly a heavy blast rocks the bunker.

AERYN: ( looking up ) That's not good.

JOHN: Man, that one was closer.

CUT TO - EXT. Bunker - Armed troop of Charrids advance quickly through the rubble.

CUT TO - EXT. Gun Turret - a large hole is blasted through the front of the turret.

CUT TO - INT. Gun Turret - Rygel's sprawled on the floor, breathing weakly, a large hunk of shrapnel piercing his abdomen with a small collection of green blood surrounding it.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, The Bridge - The Scarran looms over Crais, struggling to his feet to stand wobbling and blinded before the Scarran, Stark huddles behind Crais, looking harmless.

SCARRAN: Who are you?!

CRAIS: ( weakly ) Merely... commerce traders, seeking repairs for our ship.

SCARRAN: This is some sort of Peacekeeper ship.

Crais groans and drops slowly back to his knees as the Scarran hits him with a brief blast from his 'mind-melter'. [ yeah... when you're older you gotta take care with them damn knees! Ben Browder... take note! ]

SCARRAN: Tell no lies!

The Scarran grips Crais by the neck with one huge clawed hand, lifting him to his feet.

SCARRAN: Are you a Peacekeeper?

CRAIS: ( groaning ) I... I am... I am not a Peacekeeper. I have no rank.

SCARRAN: How did you get this ship?

STARK: I will tell you... he stole it.

SCARRAN: What?

[ oooo, nice lip curl from the Scarran! ]

STARK: Uh, uh, he was a captain, but now he's a renegade. He stole this Leviathan mutant from the Peacekeepers, and now they want him dead... they want all of us all dead!

SCARRAN: Who are you?

STARK: I am a Banik slave... his slave. And I hate him. He brought me on board this ship to help him fix it. Kill him... and make me your slave!

SCARRAN: Kill him?

The Scarran flings the 'mind-melter' on Stark who cowers back in agony.

SCARRAN: Is this the truth?!

STARK: ( groaning ) Yes, yes! Every word!

The Scarran releases Stark and turns to Crais.

SCARRAN: Make this ship operational... and I'll grant you and easy death.

CUT TO - INT. Furlow's Bunker - John and Jack stand at right angles on different sides of the worktable, working on the phase stablizler.

JOHN: You sure this thing's unlocked? I'm not feelin' any smarter.

JACK: Give it some time.

Sound of distant explosion.

JOHN: All right, but somethin' better kick in before that Dreadnought gets here.

JACK: It will.

Jack stops fiddling with the small component in his hand.

JACK: This may require an ocillation damper.

John looks up from his work on the stabilizer, glances at the clutter of tools and components on the table humming ever so quietly, he grabs one and hands it to Jack, before returning to his work.

JOHN: Here ya go... use that.

JACK: Perfect. Thanks. Why'd you pick this one?

JOHN: You said you wanted an ocillation damper. I figured you could modify the rillon valve.

JACK: I can. But how did you know that?

John looks up from his work, brow slightly furrowed... a bemused expression flickers across his features and he smiles slightly.

JOHN: That's cool.

[ Beauty moment guys, bravo! ]

CUT TO - EXT. Bunker - That armed force of Charrids continue to approach cautiously though completely unopposed. One bolts across an open expanse to the front of the bunker while others set up and launch a mortar.

The mortar hits and explodes just outside the wall remnant and Aeryn takes cover momentarily.

Inside the gun turret the explosion startles Rygel into conciousness.

Peering over the wall, Aeryn cautiously trots across an open expanse before covering behind a small standing wall remnant.

Outside the gun turret a Charrid creeps stealthily around with his Ractor drawn and ready. He steps up the short ladder and peers inside, seeing Rygel gasping and wounded, his back to the turret entrance. [ Charrids must 'prefer' to kill from closeup ]. Blade raised and ready to plunge into Rygel's back, Aeryn makes an appearance and blasts the Charrid off the ladder with her long gun, and then climbs inside.

RYGEL: Oh?! What... what happened?

AERYN: What happened to you?

RYGEL: Piece of shrapnel... why are we still here? Where the yotz is Talyn?

AERYN: Don't know. The comms are still out. Here, I'll take over.

RYGEL: No, no. You're still mobile. I'm not. Just... bring me food.

AERYN: You want to eat... now?

RYGEL: Bring me food... and I'll keep going.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - Camera pans close down the right side of the module. Furlow in her meticulousness has replicated it right down to the IASA sticker on the side.

JOHN: It's starting to make sense. It's all comin' together.

JACK: We still need an inversion loop and don't have the parts to build it.

Camera pans to long on John and Jack beyond the nose of the craft, still at the worktable.

JOHN: Sure you do. Use this to set up the resonance... ( hands him a small component) and... this to flip it ( tosses another small component ).

JACK: ( catching the component, examining it with a smile and a slight chuckle ) Good. What an elegant solution.

Camera cuts to med shot on John, new realization building as he examines the gutted and reconstructed phase stabilizer.

JACK: [ O.V. ] I couldn't accomplish this without you.

JOHN: Jack, what the hell are we building?

JACK: A displacement engine.

JOHN: Yeah, and whatever it is will take out a Scarran Dreadnought.

JACK: Yes.

JOHN: And then?

JACK: What do you mean?

JOHN: I mean... how far are you gonna take this? Is this the end, or are you gonna try and put all the toothpaste back in the tube?

JACK: ( pause ) I doubt that's possible.

JOHN: But you're gonna give it the old college try, aren't you? You're gonna kill... me, Furlow, and Aeryn.

JACK: Aeryn poses no threat. Furlow... I'm uncertain.

JOHN: And what about me?

JACK: ( pause ) I no longer doubt your intentions, John.

CUT TO - EXT. Bunker - Rygel's onslaught against the Charrids has resumed, the cannon fire keeping the Charrids outside a prudent distance. [ And in what I view as a potential homage, a piece of ruin juts from the sand near the stand of pillars. It's the top of a 'circular' object... a stylized version of a 'Stargate'? hehe ]

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - Close on Furlow at the worktable, tinkering with a small component

FURLOW: Coils are almost ready.

JACK: What's the tolerance?

Camera cuts to med shot on John and Jack standing on either side of Furlow.

FURLOW: Lurg 3, close as I can get 'em.

JOHN: Should be close enough.

John walks out of shot as camera cuts to Aeryn entering, John stands by her side.

AERYN: Rygel's keeping the Charrids at bay, but barely. Where do we stand?

JOHN: We're almost done.

JACK: I need a quarter arn. I have to install the partanium and build the emitter array. I want you to stay clear of this hanger until I give the okay. I don't want you exposed to this radiation.

AERYN: Well, I can check the area outside the hangar doors again.

JOHN: You want some company?

AERYN: Sure.

Aeryn exits, followed by John. Jack takes the partanium containment vessel from the table, shooting at last look at Furlow.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - CGI of Dreadnought, piercing an opaque veil of stellar matter and cruising ominously toward camera.

AERYN: [ O.V. ] I still can't raise Talyn.

JOHN: [ O.V. ] And the Dreadnought is due in what, two more arns?

AERYN: [ O.V. ] We may not even have that much time.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - Aeryn leads the way up the level risers to the surface level of the bunker.

JOHN: You think they're in trouble?

AERYN: Well, Scarrans will send an advance scout unit before committing the main force.

JOHN: Like what, a prowler detail?

AERYN: Anything from a one man stealth capsule to a full fighter squad. But, with Talyn blinded, they may be upon him before he can Starburst away.

JOHN: Well, hell. We didn't have enough to worry about.

AERYN: ( chuckles )

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - Jack carefully opens the partanium containment vessel. A deep blue light washes over his face. Reaching in he removes a glowing blue sphere and places it in a recessed point on the exterior of the converted displacement engine. Three tiny lights glow a deep blue, as Jack rests the small sphere in place.

JACK: Furlow?

Furlow jogs in from the next room, a small case and wiring in her hands.

FURLOW: Here ya go. This all you need?

JACK: Yeah. This case could be stronger.

FURLOW: ( makes a small noise of dread ) Eeh...

JACK: Don't worry, I haven't initiated the partanium reaction yet.

FURLOW: Uh-huh-- when you do, just in case something goes wrong... where is the emergency shut-down control?

JACK: There isn't one. Once the device is activated, you can't shut it down.

FURLOW: Then what does it do, blow up? You buildin' a bomb here, Jack?

JACK: Not at all. After 1.4 arns, a meltdown occurs and destroys the device.

FURLOW: So, you only got one shot at... whatever it is this thing does.

JACK: That's all I should need. I'm launching soon.

FURLOW: You're flyin' the module?

JACK: Yes.

FURLOW: Does Johnny know about this?

JACK: No, and I don't want to have an arguement with him about it. As soon as he and Aeryn give the all clear from outside, I want you to open those hangar doors. Now, go on.

Jack walks away, turning when he notices that Furlow ain't 'goin'.

JACK: ( curtly ) Well, go on. I'm about to start the reactor.

FURLOW: I can't let you do that, Jack.

She turns around to face him, a pulse pistol in hand.

FURLOW: Back off.

JACK: This is the only chance we have to keep the Scarrans from--

FURLOW: From-- payin' me a lot of money. Now... you ain't goin'... no where.

Jack eyes Furlow briefly, then with a slight smile, turns to walk away. Furlow fires two shots into his back. Cut to close on Furlow as we hear the sound of a body falling. Furlow gently blows on the point of the pulse pistol, a slight dismissive sideways tilt to her head.

Camera cuts to close on Jack, lying on his side on the ground, a small spill of blood nearby. Furlow looks down on the body for a moment, then walks away, whistling up her 'allies'.

At the sound of the piercing whistle, two Charrids rappel on ropes from the upper level stairways, down to the floor of the workroom. One of the Charrids removes his helmet, scowling at Furlow. The other remains helmed, standing on guard behind them.

CHARRID: You had to kill him? He would have made a useful prize!

FURLOW: ( gestures toward the 'body' ) You think he'd'a cooperated? Forget it. This... ( pointing toward the displacement engine ) my friend, is the prize.

They walk toward the worktable.

CHARRID: ( scoffing ) What is it?

FURLOW: Ah, well, it's a um... I don't exactly know what it is. But I do know that our friend here seemed to think that it could kill a Dreadnought.

CHARRID: ( scoffs ) It hardly seems finished!

FURLOW: No, sure it is. Just a little here, there, you know. Ah, anyway, you know, I really think we oughta... scoot, while we got the chance.

CHARRID: Agreed!

The Charrid stalks toward the module, Furlow jogs behind him, passing the Charrid on guard.

FURLOW: Excuse me, ah... where ya goin? 'Cause ah, see... I-I'm the one who's flyin' the module here... not, not you.

CHARRID: Incorrect.

The Charrid gestures to the guard who turns his weapon on Furlow. Furlow raises her hands.

FURLOW: No, come on, you know. I need you guys to cover me when I retreat, and...

CHARRID: No. See, we don't trust you any longer.

FURLOW: What?!

CHARRID: 'Cause you've... allowed to many of us to die!

FURLOW: I had to do that, you know, don't you get it? If they knew I was on your side, then...

CHARRID: We're not sure... who's side you're on! I... will fly the module, alone! You ( gesturing toward the guard )-- reattach that to the module.

The Charrid guard nods and turns toward the worktable while the other keeps his weapon trained on Furlow. the muzzle close to her face.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - outside the workroom, John and Aeryn walking down the corridor, return from the outside inspection. They hear two pistol blasts. Both raise weapons to ready and increase their pace.

JOHN: Jack!

They run out of frame as a third blast is heard. Then camera cuts to workroom as John and Aeryn run in, scanning the room with eyes and rifle muzzles, initially seeing only Furlow, stretched out on the floor on the near side of the module.

FURLOW: ( gasping ) Charrids... they snuck in. I nailed 'em, but... they got Jack.

John bolts to the far side of the module. Kneeling behind his father, he puts the rifle on the ground, and rests both his hands on Jack, leaning in close.

JOHN: ( softly ) No, oh, no, no, no.

Close on Aeryn's slight indrawn breath as she sees 'Jack'. Jack responds slightly, his eyes flickering open. Close on John, with brief hope on a stricken face. Close on Jack as he tries to speak.

JOHN: It's okay.

Close on John, eyes flickering up to meet Aeryn's, hope quickly fades [ gorgeous! ] -- the back of his curled fingers stroke though his father's silver/gray hair.

JOHN: It's okay... Jack.

Cut to close on John; tears glisten in his eyes but do not fall.

JOHN: I'll finish it. We'll keep your ancients safe and sound.

Cut to close on Jack's face as he 'morphs' to his 'real' appearance, his head falling back in death. Cut to long shot, angle down, John kneeling over the 'antlike' body of the alien, his hand drawing slowly back to rest on his knee. Slowly he turns to look up... to where Aeryn must be standing at his side, out of frame.

END ACT I

---

ACT II

EXT. Space - Stock CGI - Dreadnought and escort.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - long shot on Furlow and Aeryn as Furlow walks away from the body of 'Jack', Aeryn follows her, leaving John crouched over the body.

AERYN: What happened, how did they get in?

FURLOW: You tell me. I thought you and the short one were supposed to be guardin' the place.

John stands slowly, retrieving his rifle from the floor.

AERYN: Well, what about your supposed booby-traps?

FURLOW: What about them?

John glances down at the body as he walks slowly past.

AERYN: I think you should check them.

FURLOW: Fine. I will. ( exits )

AERYN: John, ( turning ) we have... two arns at most before the Dreadnought gets here. Can you operate this device?

JOHN: ( sighs ) It's not finished.

He looks distant, distracted, and saddened. His responses are slowed and uncertain.

AERYN: Can you finish it?

JOHN: ( quietly ) I'm not even sure what it does.

AERYN: Well, you have to--

The sharpness of her tone brings John back to the moment and his gaze fixes on her. Having his attention, her tone softens.

AERYN: I... I, I thought that the knowledge was... starting to open up in you.

JOHN: ( uncertainly ) Maybe I'll pick it up as I go along.

Retrieving tools from the table he begins work again. Aeryn strokes the back of her curled fingers along his jaw before leaving.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - Stock CGI, Talyn hangs in orbit above the dark side of the planet.

STARK: [ O.V. ] Talyn's senses are beginning to recover...

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, The Bridge - Stark conspires with a still blinded Crais in an exaggerated stage whisper, he's definitely the same beloved wired psycho.

STARK: ... once they do, he can target the Scarran and shoot him.

CRAIS: It would take heavy and prolonged fire to bring down the Scarran. He won't just stand--

At the sound of the bridge door sliding open, Stark cuts Crais off with several whacks to the shoulder.

STARK: ( shouting ) Work! Work!

SCARRAN: ( entering ) I can find no Pilot on board this Leviathan.

STARK: There isn't one. It doesn't need it. There is a direct interface--

CRAIS: Stark!

SCARRAN: Let him speak.

STARK: ( shouting at Crais ) Shut up! ( turns back to the Scarran ) The best way to operate this ship is via neural transponder. Look--

Stark grabs Crais by the shoulders and drags him away from the console, toward the Scarran, Crais grunting milding in protest as he staggers backward. Pulling the collar of his jacket down, Stark exposes the large black transponder link on the back of Crais's neck.

STARK: Here's the socket. You see... his transponder was damaged, so he had to remove it. But the ship... can construct a replacement.

SCARRAN: You will have the ship make one for me!

STARK: Yes, yes. Whatever you say.

Stark watches quietly as the Scarran leaves, turning to Crais as the door slides closed.

STARK: I had to tell him. He would have forced it out of you anyway.

CRAIS: You did well. Instruct Talyn to prepare a neural transponder-- two in fact.

STARK: Two?

CRAIS: One for me... and one for the Scarran.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker, the workroom - Close-up on John's hands working over a panel on the drive with numerous tiny switches. His fingers click a few and the drive whirs and small red slights flash. Cut to long shot as Aeryn enters, standing by the wing of the module, watching John work. Checking a few more connections, John shoots a look over his shoulder to Aeryn. He's still hesitant and uncertain, but reassuring.

JOHN: It's... gonna work. It's all comin' together.

Aeryn paces slowly to his side as he continues working. Cut to close-up on John as he becomes more focused and certain with each passing second.

INSERT SHOT - shooting down the swirling blue depths of a wormhole vortex.

INSERT SHOT - close-up on the true appearance and reddish eyes of the alien form of 'Jack' [ from "A Human Reaction" ]

Cut to medium shot of John and Aeryn standing behind the displacement drive.

JOHN: I got it.

INSERT SHOT - shooting down the swirling blue depths of a wormhole vortex.

INSERT SHOT - recreating the moment of Michaelangelo's 'Creation'; John's outstretched hand touches the swirling centerpoint of the coded equations [ from "Incubator" ]

Medium shot slowly tightens as his understanding blooms.

JOHN: Aeryn... ( smiling ) I got it.

INSERT SHOT - close-up on the true appearance and reddish eyes of the alien form of 'Jack' [ from "A Human Reaction" ]

INSERT SHOT - shooting down the swirling blue depths of a wormhole vortex.

INSERT SHOT - John stands before the swirling wormhole equations [ from "Incubator" ]

INSERT SHOT - shooting down the swirling blue depths of a wormhole vortex.

Shot continues to tighten, from medium to close, on John and Aeryn as it pans right, then short pan left as it tightens to close on John.

JOHN: It all fits, everything fits. I-I-I know how to do this. I-I... ( exhulting ) I can build this thing, I know what it does!

AERYN: Can it destroy the Dreadnought?

His exhultation fades as his mind comes to know it's capabilities... and a somber dread replaces it. [ oh god, Ben. Amazing! ]

JOHN: Um... it could destroy a planet.

Aeryn's glance moves from John's face to the weapon on the table. John continues to watch and 'learn' as he examines the piece without touching it furthur. His expression a mask of subdued sorrow as he makes a further realization.

JOHN: ( softly ) Jack. ( beat ) All right, he's uh, built it so it self-destructs after one use. That's... that's good, that's... smart.

FURLOW: ( entering ) Big hole in the sewage outlet. Think I might'a found where the Charrids got in.

AERYN: Did you seal it?

FURLOW: ( snarky ) With what?

AERYN: I'll seal it.

Aeryn stalks off, leaving John to his work on the displacement drive.

FURLOW: ( quietly mocking Aeryn ) I'll seal it.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn - In a corridor outside the Bridge, the Scarran throws Crais to the deck.

SCARRAN: Feeble Sebacean. You believe that even with vessels like this you can defeat... Scarrans?

The Scarran growls as Crais rises to his knees, camera is close on Crais so we can notice that his eyesight is returning as the Scarran talks to Stark who scurries up. [ Excellent work, Lani! ]

SCARRAN: ( to Stark ) Slave.... the neural transponder?

STARK: Soon. Nearly finished. Soon.

SCARRAN: It will give me absolute control of the ship?

STARK: Yes, yes. You will think as one!

SCARRAN: Assist your... captain.

STARK: Yes, yes, yes.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - John sits on the back of the module, working on fixing the displacement drive in place. Furlow keeps him company, standing on the top of the ladder, leaning against the side of the module.

FURLOW: How many other people have this weapon?

JOHN: No one.

FURLOW: That's right. Gettin' the idea?

JOHN: Elucitin capacitor.

Furlow takes the tool John offers her and replaces it with his requested tool, he resumes work while she makes her case.

FURLOW: See, ah... we can sell it to everyone as deterrence, give it to no one, and charge 'em to maintain the balance. Or... of course, we could just keep it ourselves and find a... peaceful application.

JOHN: ( sighing ) Furlow... is it always about the money?

She reaches out, capturing his chin in one hand and dragging his face to within inches of hers. She gazes into his eyes patronizingly.

FURLOW: Is there anything else? I mean... how much sex can you have?

JOHN: ( voice slightly distorted by smooshed together lips ) I don't know... I haven't maxed out yet.

Furlow smirks and releases her grip on his face. His eyes still slant toward her.

JOHN: The Scarrans have your data. That's a blueprint that has to be destroyed.

FURLOW: Okay, so... we use this box to stop 'em. But later... we talk business.

JOHN: You help me, and I'll make you Miss 21st Century Wormhole.

FURLOW: Outstanding.

[ An amicable discussion, but they both look like they know the other is feeding them a line of crap. ]

FURLOW: Now... what do you need?

JOHN: Clear a launch path. ( pointing to the pile of equipment ) Get rid of that crap.

FURLOW: Comin' right up.

John drops down from the back of the module and starts pulling on his coat. Furlow climbs down the steps of the ladder, advising John as she trundles a tool cart away.

FURLOW: Tight fit through the exit portals, shield doors don't open all the way. You better go eyeball the angle or you'll sheer off a wingtip for sure.

JOHN: All right.

John pulls his goggles over his head to rest around his neck. Furlow turns to watch as he pulls the last of the tools off the top of the module.

FURLOW: So... partners?

Adjusting his coat as he heads out, John stops to cast Furlow a sidelong look, nodding slightly.

JOHN: Partners.

Furlow watches as he exits.

CUT TO - EXT. Bunker - Charrids are still at it, but no closer than before.

CUT TO - EXT/INT Gun Turret - Aeryn climbs inside.

AERYN: There's still plenty of them out there. Enough... of them to squeeze us into a crossfire. Why haven't they?

CUT TO - INT. Bunker, the workroom - John enters.

JOHN: Furlow?

He almost immediately notices the absence of the displacement drive from the top of the module. Blinking in disbelief, his gaze shifts abruptly left at the sound of an engine revving and bolts in that direction.

JOHN: Furlow!

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - Camera zooms to close on Furlow sitting behind the wheel of one of those odd damn vehicles from a Mad Max movie, engine gunning loudly as John bolts in from a doorway in for right of shot.

FURLOW: Come on in, John.

Camera continues panning right in close as John runs to the side of the car, right into the pulse pistol she's pointing at him as he slides to a stop, his hands slightly upraised.

FURLOW: 'round the front so I don't have to twist my neck.

At her urging, John circles the vehicle to stand at the front bumper.

JOHN: This is a big mistake.

FURLOW: You wanna save your life, you're gonna have to cooperate. ( beat ) I know it looks great on ya, but ah... two fingers, pistol.

Silent but grim, John pulls back his coat and lifts his weapon out of the holster with two fingers, tossing it away.

FURLOW: And, uh, goggles.

Very pissed but compliant, John removes the goggles from around his neck.

FURLOW: Drop 'em.

Small noise as the goggles fall from John's fingers, his eyes never leaving hers.

FURLOW: Now step on 'em.

Raising one foot, he crushes the goggles beneath his boot, his cold angry gaze fixed on her as he does it.

JOHN: There's a Scarran Dreadnought on the way. Where you gonna go, Furlow?

FURLOW: To meet 'em. To save my life. You know, when the Scarrans get this baby ( patting the drive resting in the seat beside her )... they'll go away.

JOHN: Don't do this.

FURLOW: Wormhole fulla reasons why I should.

Activating a control, the entry door slowly slides up, bright sunlight washing across the room.

FURLOW: And no upside in crossin' the Scarrans.

A flare brightens the light to painful intensity, their eyes snap shut against the sudden glare. Furlow pulls the goggles resting on her forehead over her eyes as John covers himself against the light, hand over his eyes, back curled protectively against the light.

FURLOW: I gotta go while I got cover. Don't stand in my way, John.

John dives to the side as the vehicles engine revs and Furlow races away with the displacement drive. John turns toward the sound of the escaping vehicle, hand still over his eyes.

JOHN: ( shouting ) Aeryn!

He turns away from the light, his hand isn't sufficient cover against the intensity.

JOHN: ( savage mutter ) Crap!

Cut to long shot of the desert vehicle as it races away.

END ACT II

---

ACT III

EXT. Bunker - Camera pans left from a vehicle parked under a dome of camoflage netting, to right past various bits of rubble and debris. No sign of the Charrids.

AERYN: [ O.V. ] Why have they stopped shelling?

CUT TO - outside-in shot of the gun turret interior, camera shooting through the gaping hole blasted in the front of the turret. Aeryn and Rygel sit watching.

AERYN: What are we missing?

The sound of engine noise building disturbs the silence.

RYGEL: What?

CUT TO - EXT. - extreme long shot as a vehicle enters shot from right and drives up a dune and out of sight. A runner pursues the vehicle, crossing right to left through the steady shot.

CUT TO - INT. - outside-in shot through the hole in the gun turret.

RYGEL: What's that?

CUT TO - EXT. long shot, the runner continues through the shallow water and toward the vehicle parked under the camoflage netting, black coat tails flying.

AERYN: [ O.V. ] It's John.

CUT TO - INT. - outside-in shot through the hole in the gun turret. Goggles pulled down, Aeryn grabs her pack.

RYGEL: Frell!

AERYN: Cover us.

Aeryn leaps out of the turret, as Rygel prepares to give cover fire. Cut to close on cannon firing. Cut to shot of blast impact in the shallow water. Cut to extreme long shot - Aeryn runs through the shallow water as the vehicle engine revs.

AERYN: John!

The vehicle moves out of cover and pulls a tight right u-turn to pick up a passenger. Stopping briefly. Camera zooms to long shot while Aeryn climbs into the left side passenger seat. Cut to close on John and Aeryn as he pulls away to the sound of continued cover fire from Rygel's cannon. [ The seats are covered with Stark's coat-- the furry one. ]

JOHN: ( shouting over engine noise ) Furlow's with the Scarrans.

AERYN: ( shouting over engine noise ) That would explain why the Charrids have stayed on the perimeter.

JOHN: Explains a lot of things.

Cut to long shot as their vehicle swamps through the shallows and following the tracks of Furlow's vehicle, heads over a low dune. Cut to close on John and Aeryn, who must shout over the sound of the engine noise.

AERYN: You know, we are running out of time.

JOHN: We still got time.

Cut to close on Furlow. Cut back to close on Aeryn and John.

AERYN: You know this new knowledge you've got in your head?

JOHN: Yeah?

AERYN: Can you use it to get home?

JOHN: ( nodding ) Yeah.

AERYN: Let's do what we have to do here, and then we'll go.

John turns a long look on her, smiling. Attention returned to driving by a pulse blast from behind. The top of the vehicle is struck and John begins an evasive, swerving course.

JOHN: What the...!

AERYN: Frell!

Another vehicle decends the dune behind them, continuing pulse fire rains down around them. Aeryn stands in the seat, turning to face rearward and return fire with the weapon mounted on the roof. It clicks ineffectually, no return fire. She slaps the weapon and turns to slide back into her seat. They continue their shouted conversation over the engine noise, weapons fire and really loud music! LOL.

AERYN: You'll never guess!

JOHN: It doesn't work?!

AERYN: ( sitting ) Uh-huh.

JOHN: How the hell can we have... the only gun on the planet that doesn't work?!

AERYN: It's your fault.

JOHN: ( concentrating on evasive maneuvers ) My fault?!

AERYN: Well, you know if I was here on my own, it'd be working right now.

JOHN: Well, I hope you got a plan, baby, 'cause I'm fresh out of ideas.

AERYN: Drive straight.

JOHN: Straight?

AERYN: It's a plan. He has to follow our tracks.

Aeryn grabs a small black object and tosses it behind the vehicle.

AERYN: All right, you get Furlow. I've got your back. I love you.

JOHN: Love you!

Aeryn stands, poised to leap out of the vehicle. John's eyebrows shoot up, and abandoning his grip on the wheel gives her an affectionate slap on her leather clad buttocks. Aeryn leaps free of the vehicle which races onward. She lands hard and rolls down the dune. Coming to rest in a forced stop she leaps to her feet and jogs back up the ridge to watch as the Charrid's vehicle slows and stops just beyond the small black object, lying flat in the sand, a small metal bolt sticking up from its center.

The Charrid sits behind the wheel of the idling vehicle, revving the engine and watching as she stands at the top of the dune. Aeryn pulls her goggles up to perch on her forehead, casually watching the Charrid watch her, her hand resting lightly on the pulse pistol on her right hip.

The Charrid guns the engine and races toward her, unmoving on the dune. As he nears the black object she pulls her pistol, aims carefully, and fires. The mine explodes emphatically just as the vehicle rolls on top of it. The force of the blast rolling the vehicle several times.

Aeryn carefully approaches, her weapon holstered, as the Charrid attempts to crawl out of the overturned vehicle.

AERYN: ( softly ) Run away.

The Charrid frees himself and crawls toward his weapon which was thrown a few feet away.

AERYN: ( softly ) Be smart.

Crawling to the weapon, but not picking it up, the Charrid remains prone on the ground.

AERYN: ( loudly ) Run away.

The Charrid goes for the weapon, rolling to his feet and bringing it to bear as Aeryn pulls her weapon and blasts him back with one shot. Eyeing him silently, she holsters her weapon and glances back toward the Charrid's body.

AERYN: ( sighs ) Should've run.

JUMP CUT - EXT. dunes - Both hands on the top rails, Aeryn rocks the over turned vehicle, then allows momentum to carry it back onto its wheels. Bending over she rests her hands on her knees, breathing deeply.

CUT TO - EXT. dunes - one vehicle chasing another from near left to far center of steady frame. [ I won't comment on the pillar and the standing water and stuff-- The BBQ chants "suspend it, suspend it, suspend it." ]

CUT TO - close on Furlow shooting a look over her shoulder.

CUT TO - close on John, strapped into the drivers seat, he pulls his weapon from the holster and takes aim directly over the steering wheel, taking aim on the rear of the vehicle just ahead. Pursuit continues for a few microts more as Furlow attempts an evasive course. John squeezes off a shot that strikes the vehicle ahead dead center. Furlow struggles with the wheel briefly as John's veers to the right, the sound of his vehicle clipping hers slightly and Furlow's vehicle swerves, then rolls, tumbling down a shallow dune. The displacement drive tumbles out of the vehicle as it jolts to a stop on one side.

John decends the dune on foot, his vehicle parked at the top, his weapon out. Furlow scrambles out of the wreck, putting her gun on John for a second time. He raises his aim as well.

FURLOW: You know, you should'a git while you had the chance.

JOHN: You should'a done the right thing.

FURLOW: How well you know me? You think I like the Scarrans? They sent in the Charrids, slaughtered my crew, tortured me. You think I faked all my wounds?

JOHN: Turn around and walk away.

FURLOW: Rather be dead, John. Too old to start over. Got nothin' left. Won't leave without that ( gesturing toward the drive spilled in the sand with a tip of her head ).

JOHN: ( slight head shake ) Furlow, I don't have time for this.

An abrupt flare interrupts the stand-off. John's eyes snap shut and his body involuntarily turns away from the sun, bending over for greater protection.

JOHN: ( muttering ) Damn!

Still with goggles, Furlow takes her chance and grabs John by the coat, hurling him down on the sand, pistol flying from his hand with the impact. The flare subsides and Furlow has her pistol pressed to the back of John's head, her knee in his back.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, the Bridge - Stark sidles up to Crais.

STARK: ( whispering ) Ready.

SCARRAN: Where is the neural transponder? Why do I not yet have control of this vessel?

STARK: ( harried ) Because, because, because, I'm still-- ( exasperated sigh ) ah, these controls... see for youself.

SCARRAN: Are you subverting my commands?

STARK: No, truely!

CRAIS: Scarran!

The Scarran turns away from a cowering Stark to face Crais.

CRAIS: I subvert your commands.

Behind the Scarran, the 'hand of friendship' rises out of the deck.

SCARRAN: You deny me the transponder?

CRAIS: Do you... still want it?

SCARRAN: Without delay!

CRAIS: Then... you shall have it.

The 'hand of friendship' buries the transponder in the Scarran's back. The Scarran groans in pain but doesn't move.

CRAIS: Talyn... fire!

A continuous fussilade of weapons fire from Talyn's roof mounted security guns smoke the Scarran viciously. Crais squints into the bright energy flare, trying to determine the extent of damage. The Scarran wavers and weapons fire shoots over his shoulder toward Stark and Crais.

STARK: Crais! Get down!

Stark flings himself on top of Crais, moving him out of harms way. Fire ceases abruptly, leaving the Scarran still standing but groaning in pain. Slowly he drops to his knees, and with a final exhalation, drops on his face inches from Stark and Crais.

CRAIS: Thank you.

STARK: It may not happen again.

CUT TO - EXT. dunes - close on the displacement drive. The door covering the partanium reactor is open and a beam of pure blue white energy arcs out, pulsating regularly. Cut to close on Furlow with John still under her, prone on the ground, his head turned, looking at the drive.

JOHN: Furlow, look. The device... it's active. You can't shut it off. By the time you get it to the Scarrans it'll be useless. It'll be slag.

FURLOW: ( muttering ) Frell!

JOHN: I can't deactivate it, but you gotta let me use it to take out the Dreadnought.

FURLOW: Casings open, John.

JOHN: I can close it.

FURLOW: Uh-huh. It's too late already.

Cut to close on the reactor, the pulsating increasing slightly. Cut back to long shot on Furlow, now standing over John, still holding her weapon on him.

FURLOW: The reaction's building to fast. I think we both better get outta here.

JOHN: No, you go.

FURLOW: Don't be the hero, John. Always be the one to walk away while the hero dies. ( pats him on the backside ) That's my motto.

Furlow scurries back up the dune. John crawls back up on his hands and knees, then resting on one knee he retrieves his pistol and reholsters it. Looking briefly back toward Furlow's retreating form, he rests back on his heel watching the reactor pulse. He looks up briefly.

JOHN: ( softly ) Okay.

Edging cautiously toward the reactor, pausing just a foot or so away, within reaching distance, and watches the pulses, gauging the safe interval.

JOHN: ( softly ) Okay, one... two... three.

Shot converts to slo-mo, as he trusts forward with his legs, hand outstretched as the pulse subsides. The pulse and the blue shaft of light hits again while his hand is just inches from the reactor door. His arm and face are bathed in blue light for a second before the door shuts it off with a warbling electronic tone, followed immediately by John's enraged scream.

His head lowered, he trembles violently, pounding his fist in the sand. Sitting up, his face is a pale and frozen mask, his breath coming in heaving panicked gasps.

Sitting back on his heels, fists upraised. His hands open and sand trickles through his fingers.

END ACT III

---

ACT IV

EXT. dunes - Aeryn arrives in her purloined vehicle. John remains sitting silently before the drive, his back to her.

AERYN: You okay?

JOHN: Yeah. I'm fine.

Close on John, his eyes fixed on some distant point. Lowering his gaze, his head turns slightly in her direction.

JOHN: We have to hurry.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, the Bridge -

CRAIS: Crichton. Aeryn. Rygel. What is your status?

CUT TO - INT. Gun Turret -

RYGEL: Frelled-- mivonks-on-a-plate frelled!

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, the Bridge -

RYGEL: ( over comms ) What's your status?

CRAIS: I am partially sighted. Talyn has recovered sufficiently to attempt Starburst.

RYGEL: ( over comms ) Well, pick me up and let's go.

CRAIS: Crichton? Aeryn?

JOHN: ( over comms ) Crais...

CUT TO - INT. Bunker, the workroom - John kneels on top of the module, reattaching the drive. Aeryn walks into shot, standing beside the module.

JOHN: ... we got one shot at this. The ah, displacement engine will take out the Scarrans. You need to pick up Sparky and get the hell outta here.

AERYN: Yes, Starburst immediately.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, the Bridge - Crais turns toward Stark, who shakes his head minutely.

STARK: ( softly ) No.

CRAIS: It is unanimous.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker -

CRAIS: ( over comms ) We stay.

JOHN: ( muttering ) Ah, damn it, Crais, knock it off. You're gonna make me start liking you.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn -

CRAIS: Is there anything we can do?

JOHN: ( over comms ) Yeah.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker -

JOHN: It would be helpful to have the Dreadnought, ah, directly in line with the mouth of the wormhole.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn -

CRAIS: What wormhole?

CUT TO - INT. Bunker -

JOHN: The one I'm about to rustle up.

John starts easing off the top of the module, stepping down onto the wing surface.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn -

CRAIS: We will attempt to lure them. Good fortune.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - John slides down the side of the module to land on his feet but immediately collapses under his own weight.

AERYN: John?

He only makes it halfway back to his feet before Aeryn is at his side, hauling him up on his feet. He braces his back against the module and she holds him steady.

AERYN: Are you hurt?

JOHN: No. No, I'm fine.

AERYN: What happened? What did she do to you?

JOHN: No, she didn't do anything.

He tries to pull away, walk away, but she holds him back.

AERYN: What's the matter?

JOHN: She didn't...

Breathing heavily, unable to get away, he takes her face in his hands and kisses her intently. Aeryn allows this for a moment and then pushes him away.

AERYN: What... is the matter?

John presses his forehead into hers, his hands still wrapped tightly around the back of her neck, his eyes closed. He takes a few deep breaths as the shot zooms in to close on his profile, he looks sick with fear.

JOHN: ( quietly ) Radiation. Massive radiation.

Pulling his head away slightly, his eyes open but he can't look at her just yet.

JOHN: I couldn't...

He finally looks up, into her eyes.

JOHN: ... help it.

Camera cuts to close on Aeryn.

JOHN: I couldn't stop it.

She pulls away slightly, veiled fear in her eyes, shaking her head in denial.

AERYN: That has to be something you can do.

JOHN: No, I have to finish this.

He tries to turn away, to climb into the module but she pulls him back roughly, forcing her way past him.

AERYN: You're finished here, I'm flying the mission.

He pulls her away, and they grapple, arm over arm, fear coursing through them both.

JOHN: Aeryn you don't know what to do.

AERYN: You will talk me through it. You will get help, and you will not argue with me on this one.

She pushes past him again, one foot on the ladder. John hauls her back again, trembling with fear and rage, her shoulders hunched by the viselike grip of his hands on her arms.

JOHN: Damn it! This is not something I can coach you through! It's half intuition, it's half feeling. I know it like I invented it.

AERYN: So it's your life for everyone elses?

JOHN: ( softly ) And you're different how?

AERYN: I'm different because I love you.

He takes a long moment to look into her tear filled eyes, his voice low and gentle.

JOHN: Then you know I have to do this.

She watches him, shaking her head slightly and impotently as he strokes her cheek with trembling fingers.

JOHN: I'm coming back.

Close on Aeryn as a tear tracks down her cheek.

JUMP CUT - Hangar doors slide open revealing John inside the module, Aeryn standing beside it as he pulls the hatch closed. She steps slowly backward.

CUT TO - EXT. Bunker - The module cruises into shot, just over the bunker entrance and disappears into the bright sky.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - the Dreadnought continues planet approach.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, the Bridge -

CRAIS: Scarran Dreadnought... this is Captain Bialar Crais-- Peacekeeper. Approach any closer... you will be engaged and destroyed.

STARK: They must be terrified.

CUT TO - INT. Bunker - Aeryn places explosive charges here and there, inside Furlow's workrooms. Placing one last charge, she rests her forehead against the wall, her expression fearful.

CUT TO - INT. Module - John's looks out the port side portal. Looking away, fighting weariness, he lets his head drop slightly before looking up.

JOHN: ( sighing ) Oh, man. ( beat ) Crais, where is it? I can't see that damn Dreadnought anywhere.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn -

CRAIS: Closing fast on an intercept vector with Talyn. But, Crichton, there is no wormhole to maneuver them.

CUT TO - INT. Module - The sudden intense light of a solar flare fills the cabin, muted by the ship portals, John only squints slightly.

JOHN: Oh, there's my flare. Mama Crichton's baby boy-- makin' wormholes.

John flicks a few switches with his left hand.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - A swirling blue vortex blooms between the module and the planet. The module noses toward it.

CUT TO - INT. Module - Bathed in the intense blue light of the wormhole, John maneuvers his craft toward it.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - Stock CGI, Talyn hangs in orbit above the dark side of the planet.

STARK: [ O.V. ] Close... close...

CUT TO - INT. Talyn -

STARK: Very close.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - The massive Dreadnought and escort approaches the planet, the distant blue speck of the wormhole dwarfed by the planet, and the half sphere of the sun which peeks out behind the planet.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn - Stark looks up at the sound of electronic beeping.

STARK: This is...?

CRAIS: We're being targeted.

CUT TO - EXT. Bunker - Aeryn bolts out the entrance and dives to the side as fire from a massive explosion belches from the entrance. The blast concussion tossing her the last few feet to the remains of the exterior wall.

CUT TO - INT. Gun Turret - Rygel, startled by the sound of the blast.

CUT TO - EXT. Bunker - Aeryn gets to her feet and runs toward the gun turret.

CUT TO - INT. Gun Turret -

RYGEL: ( shouting ) What was that?!

Aeryn shouts from outside as she runs toward the entrance.

AERYN: I destroyed Furlow's lab.

She climbs inside, sitting with her back braced against the wall.

AERYN: There's nothing left.

CUT TO - INT. Module

JOHN: Okay, displacement engine, time to displace.

John flicks a few more switches with his right hand, the sound of the engine firing fills the cabin.

CUT TO - EXT. Space, the wormhole - a firey trail forms inside the outer rim of the wormhole as John pilots a circular path with the rotation of the wormhole.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn - the electronic beep of the Scarran's weapons lock continues.

CRAIS: Scarran Dreadnought... withhold your fire, we surrender. I repeat, we surrender. ( aside to Talyn ) Talyn, stand down your weaponry. Make them believe. Draw them in.

CUT TO - EXT. Space, the wormhole - John continues to pilot a path along the rim of the wormhole. Beyond the wormhole, the sun flares, its light washing up the walls of the wormhole.

CUT TO - INT. Gun Turret -

AERYN: John?

CUT TO - INT. Module -

JOHN: I'm almost there.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn - Stark and Crais wait, the sound of the weapons lock ceased.

CUT TO - INT. Gun Turret - Aeryn rests her forehead in her hand, her tension enormous. Rygel watches the sky through the blown out wall, mouth agape.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - The firey trail continues to form loops along the rim of the wormhole, the sun becoming a bright yellow dot at its far end.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn - Stark watches through the forward portal,

STARK: The wormhole is touching the star. It's touching the star.

CUT TO - INT. Module - John watches out the upper portal, his breath harsh.

JOHN: ( quietly ) Okay, Jack. This one's for you.

CUT TO - EXT. Space, the wormhole - the module turns sharply headed to the center of the mouth and then turns sharply again, driving up and away, streaking out into the blackness of space.

CUT TO - close on the Dreadnought.

CUT TO - close on the wormhole as its center is engulfed by the brightness of the star. The star bursts from the mouth of the wormhole and races outward.

CUT TO - INT. Module - John watches, his eyes tracking from right to left, cabin filled with the yellow light of the star.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - The star races outward, impacting with the front of the Dreadnought and slowly, metra by metra, consuming it.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn - Crais and Stark shield their eyes from the flaring sequential explosions of the Dreadnought as it is 'killed'.

CUT TO - EXT. Space - the star draws the last of the Dreadnought into its firey depths, just as the wormhole winks out, taking the star and its prey with it. A final wash of blue light and all is silence once more.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn - Both Crais and Stark and wide eyed in shock.

STARK: ( quietly ) I have no prayer for that.

CUT TO - INT. Gun Turret - Aeryn looks up, fear unsupressed, tears threatening, her voice a plaintive cry.

AERYN: John? Are you...?

JOHN: ( over comms ) Yeah, Baby, I'm... I'm still here.

Aeryn rests her head back against the wall.

CUT TO - INT. Module - As with everything save his love for Aeryn, his weakness is beautifully understated.

JOHN: ( weak laugh ) Told you I'd come back.

CUT TO - close up on Aeryn, head still leaned back against the wall, sorrow and tears etched on her face. Closing her eyes a tear slides from the edge of her lashes, slowly tracing across her cheek.

END ACT IV

---

TAG

EXT. Space - Stock CGI - Talyn hangs in space over a blanket of distant stars.

CUT TO - INT. Talyn, Captain's Quarters - John lies stretched out on the bed, back propped up against the sloping backrest at the head of the bed. Stripped of coat and vest, his left booted foot is tucked up under his right leg, hands limp in his lap. Aeryn sits beside him, hand resting lightly on his brow, he coughs weakly. Stark stands close by on the opposite side of the bed. Aeryn turns at the sound of Rygel's throne sled-- Crais entering with him. It's a somber group. Crais and Rygel pause in the doorway, Aeryn places a tender hand on John's arm, then stands to sit in a chair against the wall near the foot of the bed. Crais crosses the room to stand between Stark and the bed.

CRAIS: The... radiation sickness treatments from... Talyn's emergency kits should--

JOHN: Relax.

Cut to close on John's extraordinarily pale face.

JOHN: It was a big hit... nothin' to be done. And I hate... long goodbyes.

Crais sits on the bed beside John.

CRAIS: Your sacrifice... does not go unnoted, Commander.

John lifts his head slightly, eyes askance at Crais, his words forced out a few at a time on hard drawn breaths.

JOHN: Crais... you... find the better part of yourself... you... have to take care of them.

CRAIS: I will. I... hope you can believe that.

Standing, Crais takes a few steps forward, resting his hand on John's shoulder.

CRAIS: Goodbye, Crichton.

John looks up at him with half-lidded eyes, nodding slightly. Crais exits.

JOHN: ( weakly ) Hey, hey, hey... Sparky.

Rygel hovers to the foot of the bed.

RYGEL: They say... it's not good.

JOHN: Sparky, come here.

Rygel hovers closer, a silent Stark following him.

JOHN: My stuff...

RYGEL: Hm?

JOHN: You can't have it.

John laughs weakly and Rygel chortles with him. John's weak laughter trails off in broken coughs. Rygel turns somber immediately.

RYGEL: It will be hard... not to think of you.

JOHN: I'm gonna miss you, Dominar.

John's eyes drift closed and Rygel, head lowered, turns and hovers out of the room. Stricken by sudden pain John moans weakly, his upper body slipping sideways, as weak muscles contract to shield ineffectually against the onslaught of pain.

AERYN: Stark!

Aeryn rushes to the bed, cupping John's head in her hand, keeping him upright. Stark sits next to John on the opposite side as his gasping moans continue.

AERYN: ( softly ) It's okay.

Stark rests his hand across John's brow, the other hand lifting his mask slightly. Golden light slips out and washes over John's face and his gasping moans of pain cease.

Cut to close on Aeryn, who looks away as John quiets, her own pain not eased by his.

Cut to close on Stark, fingers slipped into the edge of his mask, the golden light escaping in a narrow beam.

Cut to close on John as the golden light ebbs and winks out. Stark lifts his hand from his forehead, but John's eyes open and he reaches out, replacing Stark's hand on his brow for a moment, his eyes closed. When released, Stark lifts his hand away, John's pale blue eyes fixed Silently on Stark. Stark nods, then stands and exits.

Aeryn rests John head gently against the backrest of the bed, her hands cradling it briefly before distractedly stroking his shoulders and chest. Finally alone, Aeryn's face crumbles, tears barely restrained but plain in her strained voice.

AERYN: I'm very angry.

JOHN: Me too.

She smiles and nods, tears falling from her eyes.

AERYN: We had good times.

JOHN: I wouldn't change it for the world.

Aeryn strokes his face tenderly with one outstretched finger.

JOHN: You made me... a better person.

AERYN: ( grinning ) That wasn't hard.

John smiles slightly.

AERYN: ( whispering ) I love you... so much.

JOHN: I love you.

He tries to turn his head, to look into her eyes, but nerves and muscles are not obeying his commands.

AERYN: ( softly ) I would have gone to Earth.

JOHN: I'm... sorry you never got to meet my dad-- my real dad. I'm... sorry I never met your dad. I'm... sorry about a lot of things.

AERYN: Don't be, I don't want you to go that way.

JOHN: I won't.

[ God, this is agony! ] A long silence as Aeryn watches his unmoving form, his gaze locked on some faraway point.

JOHN: Huh.

AERYN: What?

JOHN: They say... it's a lucky or an unambitious man who goes when he's ready. That said-- Scorpius is gone... I'm at peace.

Aeryn pulls the blanket over him.

JOHN: I don't... hurt. I... I did some good things. I'm proud of my life. And I'm with you.

Smiling a painfully bittersweet smile, Aeryn leans in closer and kisses him deeply, passionately, until a slight sound of pain and his knitted brows cause her to pull back, leaving her tears on his face. She hovers close, still embracing him.

JOHN: Don't worry about me... I've never felt better.

Smiling down on him through her tears she watches quietly as he leaves, a final involuntary blink of pale blue eyes, and then gone. Unimaginable pain flickers across her face and she holds back her sounds of pain with fingers clasped tightly across her lips. Reaching out tentatively toward him, she draws her hand back abruptly, pressing a closed fist against her mouth. Then reaching out again, her hesitant fingers trace over his lashes, closing his eyes.

Weeping silently she pulls the blanket up over her shoulders, then more gently, pulling it over his. She slides further onto the bed, tucking herself by his side, curling her body around his, the blanket shutting out the world.

FADE TO BLACK

---

ROLL ENDING CREDITS

---