COLD OPEN

1 - EXT. SPACE [CGI]

Talyn hangs just below Moya, shot pans up and right as another craft, about a fourth the size of Moya [volvoish-- boxy, but presumably good] maneuvers along side, above Moya's nose.

SCORPIUS [O.S.] And now, on Farscape

JOOL [O.S.] I'm a squillion metras from anywhere I want to be.

2 - INT. MOYA - CORRIDOR

Naj Gil [yeah!], last seen in 'Fractures', quite the worse for wear, paces alongside Jool, the massive Scarran looms above our young miss.

NAJ GIL Then, come with me.

Jool smiles up at the Scarran, preening under the attention, real or imagined, but shortly reality sets in.

JOOL ( disappointed ) I can't.

NAJ GIL Jool. Your friends are negotiating with Peacekeepers. You stay here, you'll end up dead. I'm sure, on the medical facility, they'll be someone who can help you find your home.

Close on Jool as she considers the idea.

3 - INT. MOYA - COMMAND

Long across command, Chiana mans one of the control stations. Pan R to close on John.

JOHN Aeryn aboard?

PILOT [O.S.] Just finished her reconnaissance.

4 - INT MOYA - MAINTENANCE BAY - CONTINUOUS

Close on Hangar Bay doors sliding open, shot stead on Aeryn as she decends the transport pod stairs, smoothly, all business. Striding to camera and passing out of shot as she heads toward the exit.

PILOT [O.S.] The ship on approach is definitely a medical facility.

AERYN It is unarmed. Five or six hundred onboard, and they'll take our Scarran.

JOHN [O.S.] Well, let's--

5 - INT MOYA - COMMAND

Close on John, turning, he walks back toward Chiana.

JOHN --get Naj Gil outta here before they chaange their minds.

He stops beside her, a comforting hand on her arm. She is obviously disturbed.

JOHN You all right?

CHIANA Any word from D'Argo and Rygel?

JOHN No. They're out of range.

CHIANA So, after we leave here... we're really gonna do this. There's no turning back. We're... we're gonna go on a command carrier... with Scorpius.

JOHN Well, that's the plan, if they can hammer out a deal.

CHIANA Scorpius doesn't deal.

JOHN Rygel thinks he will.

It is apparent that this is a continuing disagreement between them. Managing to show only slight disappointment, John backs away, returning to the forward control console. Chiana takes a few steps, pursuing him, growing more agitated by the moment.

CHIANA No, no, no, no. Right now, Scorpius is probably frying D'Argo in the Aurora Chair and, and then he's gonna find us and he's gonna kick us to death.

Chiana rants at John's back, he won't turn to meet her anger, his face barely reflecting his own.

CHIANA But'cha know what? It doesn't matter because, because I won't be here. I'm splittin' Crichton. The next planet we pass.

Surprised, he finally turns to look at her, and it's his turn to watch her retreating back. She doesn't get far before freezing, one of those pesky 'visions' stopping her in her tracks. Slightly unsteady, she turns back.

CHIANA Peacekeepers. I... I see Peacekeepers.

6 - EXT. PLANET [CGI]

Long on the peculiar bug shape of D'Argo's Luxan fighter. Shot pans L over alien landscape, ruins and decrept buildings both close and on the horizon. Not a pretty place. Nice out of the way location. Camera cont L to a frelling huge building, broad imposing steps leading up the the lower floor, an expanse of windows illuminated by a sickly yellow light.

7 - PLANETSIDE - INT TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Ext. shot, looking through the large window, into what appears to be a diner of some kind. Seated at a yellow table, rising like a mushroom from the floor, D'Argo's back is to the large window [what... is he nuts?]. Rygel floats in his thronesled to his right, and a long counter lines the room along the wall to his left. A few other tables sprinkle the room, but there are no other customers. The roughly rectangular room is painted a sickly yellowish gold, the remaining set is 'circular' in design, tables, stools, a couple of large reddish ornaments on the walls, and what look to be portals high up on the far wall.

The edge in D'Argo's voice signifies his tension, but Rygel is content, even fatherly.

D'ARGO You know, I don't think Scorpius is going to show.

RYGEL He'll show. Eat, calm down.

D'ARGO No, I can't.

Cut to medium shot on D'Argo and Rygel. The window now behind them, a blue door with a circular window near the top just to the right. The table is awash with various serving implements and piles of different varieties of... 'food'. D'Argo grips a cup in one hand, his massive arms taking up most of the space in front of him.

D'ARGO I smell a double cross.

A waitress, long blonde hair tied neatly back, and clad in gold attire, enters carrying another plate. D'Argo shoots her a wary look.

RYGEL How can you smell anything but these ganocks on the table?

The waitress drops the laden plate on the table before D'Argo, kind of a proud smirk on her face.

RYGEL Try one.

D'Argo's face wrinkles in disgust, shoving the plate away from him.

D'ARGO No. How can you eat that? It smells like... prout.

WAITRESS They're our specialty. People come from planets you've never heard of, just... to eat our marjools.

The waitress has a charming little snort in the cadence of her speech which... ought to irritate nicely. She seems sincerely puzzled by D'Argo's disgust, and doesn't move fast enough for the tense Luxan.

D'ARGO Look, can you please just... get out of my way? Go-go, go!

RYGEL Ah! They're here.

BRACA ENTERS

Black clad Peacekeeper enters through the blue door beside the window just as D'Argo shoo's the waitress away again. Shot pans R, and we see a bit of the third wall of the diner. The door the waitress entered from-- behind and slightly to the left of the end of the long counter, and likely the door to the kitchen-- is festooned with thick strips of plastic, top to bottom. Braca glances in that direction briefly like a good little soldier. Braca makes his way to the table, the waitress scurrying by him, successfully shoo'd away by the pissy Luxan.

D'Argo stands, tentacles whirling, crossing his arms over his chest and scowling, just a bit, he waits as Braca leisurely approaches.

RYGEL Lieutenant.

BRACA Just the two of you...

Lovely smirk. He's up to something.

BRACA No others?

RYGEL Correct. Where's Scorpius?

Speak of the devil and he appears, stepping through the blue door.

SCORPIUS ENTERS

SCORPIUS Ah. The Luxan...

Close on D'Argo, arms clasped tightly across his chest, snorting slightly, caught between distain and minor Luxan preening.

SCORPIUS ... and the Dominar.

Rygel preens self-importantly. Well... he's Rygel... do we 'need' that description?

RYGEL You're late.

Scorpius strides casually across the floor, approaching D'Argo.

SCORPIUS I presume you're both unarmed.

D'ARGO That was the deal.

SCORPIUS Yes, it was.

RYGEL Shall we... get down to business?

SCORPIUS Not yet.

Scorpius turns to Braca, nodding imperceptibly. Several things happen at once as all hell breaks loose. Several black clad and helmeted PK stormtroopers, er, storm the room from three or four different entry points.

D'ARGO Rygel, move! It's a trap!

FIGHT ENSUES

A brief struggle scuffle only. D'Argo takes out a couple, slinging one over the counter with a backhand blow and dropping one with a tongue lash before he's pinned by the heavily armed troopers.

SCORPIUS Lieutenant. Prepare to execute them.

END COLD OPEN

ROLL OPENING CREDITS

CRICHTON [V.O.] 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 ONE

CONTINUOUS FROM END OF COLD OPEN.

7 - CONT - PLANETSIDE - INT TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Close on the inscrutable helmet of one of the PK stormtroopers, panning R as Braca crosses into shot, smug as ever, when he 'thinks' he has the upper hand. He circles behind D'Argo and the two PK's holding him safely at bay.

BRACA Where's your rescue squad? Hm? ( pause ) Where's Aeryn Sun?

D'ARGO Get frelled.

Seated across the table from Rygel's, and; as always, it's difficult to tell, but his fangs are showing, so we'll say, 'Scorpius grins at D'Argo's bravado', then eyes Rygel, who is particularly unruffled about having a pulse rifle aimed at his nose.

SCORPIUS ( to Rygel ) Not afraid of death?

RYGEL Oh, just let me finish these, and please don't miss. Aim for the head, hmm?

Rygel chuckles. Scorpius looks blandly annoyed.

RYGEL Look. We're ready to deal. When you've finished your little game...

SCORPIUS I had to make sure you were both... alone.

RYGEL Mmm. Of course.

SCORPIUS Weapons down.

The PK's obey instantly, dropping their weapons to carry, a small electronic whine accompanying the deactivating of their pulse rifles. D'Argo mimicks John's easement of tension, dipping his head to the right, grimacing slightly as tendons crack. Braca smirks and moves further away-- maybe he knows what's coming.

Without much more preamble, D'Argo siezes the nearest PK and hurls him over the long counter. And, yep, there's a long 'pass-through' window on the wall behind the counter, between the kitchen and the dining area. No one else makes a move. D'Argo takes a step closer to Scorpius.

D'ARGO So...

A stunning right cross takes out the PK closest to Scorpius, the silence, except for the PK's moans of pain, is also stunning. D'Argo continues on a slow sauntering path toward Scorpius

D'ARGO You weren't really gonna kill us?

SCORPIUS Of course not.

D'Argo's elbow plows into the PK standing opposite Scorpius. The man goes down in a heap. Aside from the inherent comedy, this only proves the rigid training PK's undergo. None act to stop or deter the mildly peeved Luxan without order. No orders are forthcoming, Scorpius gives D'Argo a sidelong glance as he stops beside him.

D'ARGO Are you... certain... about that?

SCORPIUS Quite. Ah, Ka D'Argo...

Scorpius stands, facing the looming D'Argo

SCORPIUS If you knock out another... there'll be no soldiers to carry these three back to the ship.

RYGEL ( clears his throat ) He's right. We're here to talk.

D'ARGO Okay. But I want no Comms, and no more surprises.

D'Argo siezes Braca's wrist, removing his comms. Scorpius removes his own and hands it to D'Argo. Dropped to the floor, the small, red & black, triangular objects are crushed beneath D'Argo's boot.

D'ARGO Now get these tralks out of here before you start to waste... anymore of my time.

Smiling mildly, Scorpius turns and nods to Braca.

BRACA Withdraw to the ship. Await our return.

POV through the pass-through window behind the counter, Scorpius takes the seat facing Rygel, while the PK's move out. In the background a nervous discussion ensures. Lurking in the kitchen, the diner's employee/owners, Voodi, a cook, and Essk, the waitress, nervously discuss this turn of events in their little corner of the universe.

VOODI [O.S.] Peacekeepers!

ESSK [O.S.] Well, what're we gonna do?

VOODI [O.S.] Get the frellhezmana out of here.

7 - INT KITCHEN

The waitress and Voodi, a long haired greasy, filthy looking guy with black tattoos on his chest, arms and face, hold a nervous discussion. Their voices subdued but definitely terrified. The room is smoke filled, with all kinds of indescribable things strung across the room. Several pots are a'boilin' on the stove. I'd give the place a D. Definitely not a safe place to eat.

ESSK I'm not going out there, no way!

The cook continues to frantically combine 'incredients' into one of the large pans. Essk notes a overboiling pot, she pats his arm urgently, waving toward the offending vessel.

ESSK Voodi!

Voodi rushes to take a boiling pot off the heat.

VOODI Ah, Zangblats!

ESSK Shh!

VOODI We've gotta run, Essk. We've gotta run.

ESSK What? Run where? Where? Like we've got somewhere to run.

8 - EXT. SPACE [CGI]

Continuous as a small shuttle exiting Moya, arcs across the intervening space, heading toward a rendevous with the nearby Medical Facility vessel.

9 - INT. MOYA - CORRDIOR

Jool enters shot running from the junction into the Maintenance Bay, a small bag slung over her shoulder. She's slightly breathless from hurrying-- and maybe the corset is just a bit too tight... ya think?

JOOL Naj Gil!

She slows to a stop, passing Chiana who seemed to be exiting the Maintenance Bay, but turns to answer Jool.

JOOL Has he gone yet?

CHIANA Yeah. The transport pod just left for the med ship. What're ya doing?

JOOL Listen, Chi. I've got nothing against the Peacekeepers. I was never a prisoner.

Jool continues to explain, backing toward the Transport Hangar, Chi follows.

JOOL So you guys wanna fight 'em, or stop 'em, or whatever it is you're planning, fine. Good luck. But I'm leavin'.

Chi reaching out, grabs hold of the strap of Jool's bag, halting her retreat.

CHIANA Oh. You're goin' on the med ship.

JOOL Yep. Naj Gil said they'd check out my eye, and then they're gonna take me home.

She smiles with relief at the idea.

CHIANA You can't go.

JOOL Why not?

CHIANA Because I saw myself mourning for you.

JOOL Okay. One... I don't think you can see dren, and two, it's really none of--

Jool's second point is abruptly cut off as Chi gives up on the whole 'talking her out of it' thing with a right cross to the jaw that drops Jool to the deck. No nonsense Chi. Seems like the third time or so that she's slugged Jool. Girl likes to stick with a plan when it works.

10 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Alone again in the diner, Scorpius, Braca, D'Argo and Rygel, gathered around the table, discuss their future. Very odd vibe, of course Braca is Scorpius's protector, standing at the table beside Scorpius; it looks like D'Argo is cast in the role of Rygel's, as the big guy looms beside Braca, standing behind the smallish Hynerian.

SCORPIUS Let me understand... ( standing ) You wish to board my Command Carrier. You want full amnesty and relocation to your own planets as free citizens. And in return, Crichton will help me, in my wormhole research.

Medium shot on Scorpius as he paces back and forth before the table, recapping the agreement they have just outlined between acts. Getting a good view into the kitchen-- yuck.

RYGEL That's about the short of it. Yes.

Cowled head cocked to one side, Scorpius looks exquisitely suspicious.

SCORPIUS And why would Crichton do this?

RYGEL Do you know who the Charrids are?

SCORPIUS Yes. Not very friendly towards Hynerians if I recall.

Scorpius takes his seat again.

D'ARGO The Charrids have formed an alliance with the Scarrans.

SCORPIUS I am aware of the political situation.

D'ARGO The Scarran's goal is to build wormhole technology. We stopped them, but it won't be long until they start again. So, Crichton... has a choice... and he would rather you had it, than them.

11 - KITCHEN

Medium on Voodi and Essk, still cowering in the Kitchen. Voodi gestures toward their sole customers with a long metal implement in one hand, and rubs his nose with a rag with the other. Oy. Someone call the Sanitation Police. Well, only Rygel was eating.

VOODI We gotta get them outta here.

ESSK So, what're ya gonna do?

VOODI Essk, I gotta tell you something.

Voodi, highly agitated about something, takes a long swig from a metallic container, wiping his lips nervously.

ESSK Oh, don't worry. This could turn out good. If you cook'em the greatest leearvink ever, maybe... we could get a Peacekeeper supply contract--

VOODI No, we can't! We're gonna get killed!

ESSK No, no, no, no, no! Why would they kill us?

VOODI I don't know how to make leearvink. I haven't got the skills.

ESSK You do. You do. You were a great chef once, Voodi. You... can do it.

12 - MOYA

PILOT [IN THE DEN] Crichton... Aeryn... there are Peacekeepers approaching!

CHIANA [O.S.] I knew it.

Close on Chiana in the Maintenance Bay

CHIANA I knew Peacekeepers would come.

She turns and lifts Jool off the floor, urging her nervously.

CHIANA Come on. Come on.

Jool comes off the floor, cradling her jaw in one hand.

JOOL What? Did'ja see that too? Is there anything you don't see?

CHIANA Nice.

13 - COMMAND

OoooOOooo, familiar lookin' scene. Aeryn, Crais and John stand abreast at Moya's two forward command consoles. John mans the far console, with Crais standing in the gap between.

CRAIS Talyn has also spotted the Peacekeeper craft. A prowler and a marauder.

JOHN Pilot, give us immediate starburst.

PILOT [ IN THE DEN ] We cannot starburst until we are clear of the medical facility.

CRAIS [O.S.] Talyn...

14 - COMMAND

Crais paces the deck behind Crichton, hands clasped behind his back.

CRAIS Prime main cannon.

15 - EXT SPACE - TALYN

Talyn's main cannon rises from it's housing, locking in firing position.

CRAIS [O.S.] Identify targets and stay calm.

16 - COMMAND

CRAIS Stay calm, Talyn.

AERYN Are the Peacekeepers here to find us?

JOHN I don't know.

CHIANA [O.S.] Crichton... it's Scorpius. He sent them.

17 - MOYA - CORRIDORS

Chiana and Jool in transit, Chi's got a secure hold on Jool, dragging her along.

CHIANA I told you. I told you they would screw us. That means that D'Argo and Rygel are dead.

18 - COMMAND

JOHN Pip. We do not know that.

19 - MOYA - CORRIDORS

Jool's holding Chi up, pulling against the hold on her arm, trying to head the other direction.

JOOL What are you doing? Oh, you bitch, I could be gone. I could be on that med ship... but no! You had to see things, and then you had to punch me!

Chi switches positions, getting behind the ranting Interon, pushing her forward.

20 - COMMAND

John and Aeryn remain focussed on their respective consoles, but Crais is all over the place. Standing to Aeryn's left now.

CRAIS Prime main cannons only. Do not fire until my signal.

PILOT [IN THE DEN] Peacekeeper ships in visual range. (O.S.) Moya senses they've targeted us.

AERYN We don't have any choice. Do it now, Crais.

CRAIS Talyn. Fire at will.

21 - EXT SPACE - CGI

Two smaller ships, flying in tandem, rapidly approaching Moya. Talyn, hangs at her side, his cannon erupting sudden fire. The energy bolt from Talyn's main cannon rips through the first ship, evaporating it, and rips the side pylon off the following Marauder. A second shot disintegrates it as it rotates out of control. Both ships utterly destroyed in microts.

22 - COMMAND

AERYN Pilot? Status of the Peacekeeper vessels?

PILOT [O.S.] They are... ( IN THE DEN ) ... no longer on Moya's scans.

CRAIS Good work, Talyn.

PILOT [O.S.] Starburst in fifty microts. ( IN THE DEN ) The hospital craft is moving away and... its commander sends us his gratitude--

23 - EXT SPACE - CGI

Close on Moya, panning up revealing the sharper nose of the smaller Leviathan, it's main cannon rising large and menacing from his hull.

PILOT [O.S.] --for destroying the Peacekeeper ships.

Talyn's gun locks into place, aiming across Moya's nose.

CRAIS [O.S.] Wait. Wait, Talyn.

24 - COMMAND

CRAIS The med ship is not a threat.

AERYN What is he doing, Crais?

CRAIS No, Talyn! The med ship is not a threat!

JOHN Crais. What is going on out there!?

25 - EXT. SPACE - CGI

Talyn's cannon fires, the energy bolt crossing over Moya's nose and streaking through the intervening space, impacts with hostile force against the hull of the Medical Ship. Attendant huge white explosion.

26 - COMMAND

Crais howls impotently at his misbehaving son, his hands blocking the glare of the explosion.

CRAIS ( screaming ) No, Talyn! Power down now! Power down now!

27 - EXT SPACE - CGI

The Medical Ship explodes in a massive ball of light and sound.

28 - COMMAND

Close on John, the light of the explosion illuminating his stunned expression. Aeryn looks up from shielding her eyes from the intensity of the light as it fades. Her expression maddeningly bland.

29 - EXT SPACE - CGI

Talyn's cannon rises from firing position and slides back into his hull.

30 - COMMAND

Jool enters at a run, Chiana on her heels. Panting and near hysterial, she slams into Crais. Pounding him with her fists. Crais moves to defend without injuring.

Aeryn merely stands at her console, lips pursed, expression intense. John also remains at his console, head lowered, hand covering his eyes. As Jool continues to attack Crais, his hand moves to stroke the back of his head, then resting it in his palm. They are both remarkably bland considering the circumstances. Neither has the luxury of moral outrage, having killed so many themselves, busy thinking of other things at this moment.

JOOL You! There were innocent people aboard that ship!

CRAIS I know.

Chiana finally moves to pull Jool back, but she'll have none of it, pulling away she slaps at Crais once more.

JOOL Naj Gil!

CRAIS There was nothing I could do. Talyn attacked on his own accord.

JOOL You could've stopped him.

CHIANA Jool!

JOOL Somehow you could've stopped him. Now they're dead. 600 souls. (to Chiana) And you.... you knew.

CHIANA No. I... I only saw myself in mourning. I... I thought it was for you.

Jool retreats from Chiana, sneering her distain.

JOHN Pilot... why haven't we starburst? The Peacekeepers are sure to send out another patrol.

Behind John, Jool is braced against the rear console, head cradled in her hands, weeping.

PILOT [O.S.] I am... afraid-- ( IN PILOTS DEN ) Moya is now refusing to move.

AERYN Why?

CRAIS Since Talyn powered down... I can't contact him. He's not responding to my comms. And Moya... is refusing to abandon him.

31 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Continuous from scene 10.

SCORPIUS We are agreed. You will all board my Command Carrier.

D'ARGO We're not quite finished yet. We will need a guarantee for our safety, when we're on board your ship.

RYGEL And, I'm afraid we'll need something more tangible than reassuring words.

SCORPIUS ( to Braca ) I-Yench bracelets.

Braca comes prepared, his hands move from behind his back and he places a pair of heavy looking metal and leather 'bracelets' on the table.

BRACA Sir.

SCORPIUS Put one on, Braca.

Nodding slightly, and only slightly reluctant, Braca complies, quickly snapping one of the braclets on his left wrist.

SCORPIUS Ka D'Argo...

Scorpius slides the remaining bracelet across the table toward D'Argo.

SCORPIUS If you will.

D'ARGO What does it do?

SCORPIUS This gets you onboard my ship.

Braca takes the braclet, snapping it open, holding it expectantly for the Luxan's compliance.

RYGEL We have almost closed the deal. Put it on.

D'ARGO It's easy for you to say.

Braca snaps the bracelet on D'Argo's right wrist.

RYGEL Do you feel... anything?

D'Argo examines the metal encircling his wrist, flexing his fingers.

D'ARGO No.

SCORPIUS Braca. Pay homage to the Dominar.

RYGEL ( Suspicious ) What?

Braca smiles but manages to look hesitant anyway as he steps forward, snaps to attention and bows at the waist before Rygel. He's one of two in the room who knows what to expect.

SCORPIUS I invite you, Dominar... to attack the Lieutenant.

Rygel's not eager to piss off a Peacekeeper. Braca is priceless, still bowing before Rygel, waiting for it.

RYGEL I have no quarrel with him.

SCORPIUS Humor me.

COMEDY ENSUES

Rygel rears back and headbutts Braca. Simultaneously, both Braca and the onlooking Luxan grunt in pain, stagger backward, slam into the wall and with another grunt of pain, fall to the floor. Rygel laughs, mildly entertained by the spectacle.

SCORPIUS Synchronized nerve impulses.

D'Argo and Braca drag themselves off the floor, grimacing in pain from the triple impacts. D'Argo's got a great, dazed, 'what the frell just happened' thing goin' on. It's one of those, 'you hadda be there' moments.

SCORPIUS Those wearing the bracelets will feel each others pain. If one is injured, then both will be.

RYGEL Very good...

Recovered, D'Argo pulls, hard, at the braclet, trying to slide it off. Braca reacts to D'Argo's action, grunting in pain, muttering something to D'Argo.

RYGEL ... and if one is killed?

SCORPIUS Both will be dead.

RYGEL The bracelets seem acceptable but... who wears them?

SCORPIUS Why, Crichton of course... and my second in command, Braca.

RYGEL Braca?

D'ARGO You would not hesitate to kill him.

SCORPIUS I will not wear an I-Yench bracelet.

RYGEL Crichton wears one... you wear one. Each of us gets to configure the arming sequence so we can be assured there's no tampering. The only way we'll trust you Scorpius is if we know we can control you.

SCORPIUS Unacceptable.

RYGEL Then we have no deal.

SCORPIUS So be it.

As Scorpius stands, sensing negotions at a close, the door bursts open. Two blue boobs... er, bandits enter firing randomly across the room and howling. This'd be Sko and 'his' flunky 'Wa'.

D'Argo and Braca duck, taking slight cover behind the table. Scorpius remains seated as does Rygel, although Rygel flinches at the rain of pulse fire.

Sko rushes forward, shoving the muzzle of his HUGE FRELLING RIFLE in Scorpy's chest, forcing the growling half-Scarran backward. Braca leaps forward, taking a swipe at Sko, missing horribly. Sko doesn't. Lashing out with a foot, he kicks Braca hard, in the ah, crotch. Both he and D'Argo grunt in pain, involuntarily folding forward, Braca protects the injured area with both hands, while D'Argo gets another 'what the frell was that!?' moment.

Sko returns his attention to Scorpius.

SKO This is a robbery.

Close on Scorpy giving Sko and the huge rifle in his face, a chilling growl.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

31 CONT - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON - CONTINUOUS FROM END OF ACT I

Sko exits the kitchen area, Essk rushing in front of him, dragging Voodi by the hair, shoving him into the room.

SKO How many more are there?

ESSK There's no one.

SKO No one?

ESSK No one.

SKO Get over there.

He shoves Voodi toward Essk, then heads back to Scorpius. He kicks one of the stools out of his way, it rattles across the room.

SKO Manam, grillas, whatever you got. Give it to me in a pile, nice and slow.

Sko waves his huge frelling rifle around. Aeryn would 'love' this particular big gun!

RYGEL I have nothing.

WA Sko, I'm trying to tell you something.

Wa and Sko take a second to hoot at each other like a couple of irritable baboons.

SKO I know. They're Peacekeeper officers. Who gives a frell?

WA He never told us about the Peacekeepers.

SKO You! You!

Sko strides toward Scorpius, sticking a finger in his face, urging him to stand.

SKO Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up.

Scorpius stands slowly at the repeated request, milding eyeing the baboon.

SKO We go out there now-- your troops-- they shoot us in the head-- how many? How many are there?

SCORPIUS There are none.

SKO A liar! Peacekeeper Officer can't even stiv without his troops!

SCORPIUS I can stiv on my own, thank you very much.

Scorpius gives one of those lovely little half bows, a gracious show of disrespect, sitting again. [ meanwhile, I can't help but wonder what 'stiv' means. hehe ]

SKO Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up!

Scorpius stands again.

SKO You-- comm them. Tell them, show themselves. Hands up. In the air.

SCORPIUS I have no comms. The Luxan destroyed them.

D'Argo smirks at that, another one of his great plans. Sko is obviously disappointed at this, but not being entirely stupid, he lashes out at Voodi, slapping him hard across the face.

VOODI Why'd ya hit me? Wha-Wha'd I do?

SKO You, just... go. Cook.

VOODI What?

SKO ( to Essk ) Now, you! Go help him cook. Now!

VOODI ( stammering ) What?

SKO I don't care what! Go, go!

MORE COMEDY - Braca gets shot

Braca, master of strategy, uses the slight diversion to attempt to disarm Sko as he turns to drive the cook and the waitress from the room. Sko turns back and he and Braca briefly struggle for control of the big ass rifle. Wa takes aim, but I 'believe' it's the discharge of Sko's rifle that shoots Braca in the leg.

Both D'Argo and Braca howl in pain. Scorpius stands without moving, possibly mildly disappointed at Braca.

Braca hobbles a step back to the table, sitting beside the howling Luxan, their mutual pain is a puzzle to the new comers.

Sko scuttles forward and slams his foot onto Braca's boot. D'Argo reacts instantly to the transmission of new pain impulses; he howls in renewed pain... Braca ain't doing so good either.

SKO What's going on? What's going on? What's going on!? What's going--

D'ARGO That's a very... long story, frelljek.

32 - MOYA - COMMAND

Everyone remains gathered in Command. The mood is somber to say the least. John's the only one still in the same position from the beginning, his arms crossed over the console, eyes downcast. Aeryn is standing on the opposite side of her console, close shots on her right profile also show John in a brilliant series of two shots -- Aeryn's somber expression accentuated by John's profile, facing her, out of focus in the background. Gorgeous.

CRAIS Talyn is in shock. He has expressed absolute remorse for his mistake.

JOOL Six hundred dead. That's a little more than a mistake, Crais.

CRAIS Yes. And I believe that unless we act, it may happen again.

PILOT [IN DEN] What will happen again?

CRAIS Extreme paranoia. Reactions unwarranted to the situation. Talyn is a danger to himself... as well as us.

Without looking up, John asks his question.

JOHN Crais... What do you want to do?

CRAIS I believe... we should shut down all his mechanoid systems.

Now, obviously distressed, Aeryn raises her hand, brushing her fingertips over her cheek. Moya rumbles, rocking everyone onboard slightly.

PILOT [O.S.] Stay calm, Moya. ( IN THE DEN ) We're just discussing a plan. (O.S.) No one's doing anything yet.

This is agonizing, everyone filled with dread. They are losing someone, a friend, slowly, and there is little to nothing they can do about it.

CHIANA You're talking about killing Talyn?

CRAIS Of course not. His biologics will remain on artificial support. But we must get him to a place where the anomalies in his character can be repaired.

JOHN Then you bring him back.

CRAIS With full system replacement.

Moya rumbles once more, her own displeasure and fear rocking everyone again.

AERYN When he comes back... will he still be Talyn?

CRAIS No. He will be, ah... different. Brand new. But something has to be done. Moya must know that.

CRAIS Six hundred innocents have just lost their lives.

PILOT [O.S.] Moya is aware ( IN THE DEN ) that Talyn has acted irrationally. I will speak to her alone.

33 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Gross out shot. Close on Braca's bloody mess leg, some reason he's picking at it. If he keeps doing that... it'll never heal!

RYGEL Ah. Can I... offer a suggestion?

The monkey boys grunt, howl and hoot; Braca and D'Argo grimace in pain as Braca tightly binds his wound with a black cloth.

WA Shut up.

RYGEL Why don't you forget the robbery and think bigger? If I were you, I'd hold the Peacekeepers for ransom. Let us go. You don't need us. But they'll pay anything to get those two back.

BRACA Rygel... shut up!

RYGEL This robbery doesn't seem to be turning out like you planned. If you had a plan, which... don't get upset... doesn't seem to be the case.

WA We're doing fine.

RYGEL This is fine? I'd hate to see when you do badly.

Wa rushes forward, shoving the muzzle of his rifle at Rygel's face.

WA When we burn this place down... we'll make sure... you're in it!

RYGEL Burn it down? I thought you were robbing it. This isn't a robbery, is it? It's for insurance. Garanzai currency, yes? Before, you said, 'He didn't tell us there'd be Peacekeepers here'. It's the cook. ( laughs ) You're burning it down for the cook.

WA Voodi, get out here now!

ESSK We've got your food. We've got your... leearvink.

WA Get it out of my face!

ESSK I'll just put it over there, okay? Maybe your friend will...

Essk puts the laden plate on the counter, she's trying to keep it together. Behind her, Voodi and Wa have a frantic, whispered conversation.

WA He knows.

VOODI What did you tell him? ( loudly ) What did you tell him? ( shouting ) What did you tell him!?

Scorpius and Sko enter from the kitchen. Sko gives Scorpy a shove and he has a slight collision with the waitress... this is so sweet, he reaches out, steading her with both hands around her waist [awww... is that Wayne or Scorpy doin' that?] He continues past her, she shoots him a nervous look.

SKO Tell what?

WA The worm knows. Voodi hired us to burn this place down.

ESSK You did... what?

VOODI I would'a told ya. I should've, Essk. But, but--

ESSK You wanna burn this?

VOODI But, I... I wanted to tell ya--

ESSK But I love this place, Voodi.

VOODI I should'a told ya!

They continue hysterically, voices overlapping until Sko steps in to stop the shouting.

SKO Shutup! Shutup! Up! ( to Wa ) What have you been doing, have you been telling them my life story?

WA I didn't. He guessed. He came up with a better plan. ( whispering ) Stiv doing the Insurance job... we take these two for ransom instead.

oh my god. They're whispering from a bit of a distance away. Scorpius clearly heard them.

SCORPIUS I wouldn't do that.

SKO We don't care what you'd do. Look.... We've got the guns. We're in control, and we're gonna be rich! Rich!

SCORPIUS No you won't.

Scorpius and Rygel exchange a significant, narrow eyed glance.

34 - MOYA - COMMAND

Aeryn enters. Everyone but John has business elsewhere it seems.

AERYN Talyn has activated a full lockdown. He's not letting Crais onboard.

She stops at the rear control console. Shot pulls forward to close on John, still at the forward console, head bowed, fingers lightly pressing against the bridge of his nose.

JOHN Moya is still refusing to move. She won't even talk to Pilot.

AERYN What do you think we should do?

He looks up slowly. Surprised at being 'talked to'? And slightly pissy as well.

JOHN You asking me?

She's looking at him, but he won't turn to look at her. She looks forward again.

AERYN Yes. We can still work together John. We always did that well.

John takes a moment, considering what that might mean. Wish 'I' knew.

JOHN The only voice... that Talyn is going to listen to... is Moya. Someone needs to talk to her and convince her that we're not hurting Talyn because we want to. I think... maybe you...

His gaze slides to the right, but he still doesn't turn to actually 'look' at her.

JOHN ... should talk to Moya. She knows that you love Talyn.

35 - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT There's nothing I can do. Moya knows Talyn's acting irrationally, but she believes he will heal himself.

At a similar location where John is wont to sprawl whilst visiting with Pilot; Aeryn sits on the console, knees drawn up, hands resting on knees.

AERYN May I speak with her?

PILOT I'll ask. Moya will listen to you. Proceed.

Aeryn looks up, preparing to address the air.

AERYN Hello Moya.

Moya seems to answer her; a mellow, echoing sound.

AERYN Talyn has been our home. And, on more than one occassion, he has saved our lives. I, personally, have shared with him some of the best... and also some of the worst times. You must know that I would never harm him. Crais is right. We have to shut Talyn down, and it is for his own good, and I swear... that we will all work to bring him back just as he was.

Moya responds; another agitated rumble.

AERYN It is the only way.

36 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Continuous from scene 33. Voodi and Essk must be back in the kitchen. Sko and Wa stand across the room from their four hostages.

SKO I can handle Peacekeepers. I know what they'll do. They'll send out a prowler, maybe two. I will keep this gun at your head...

Sko crosses the room, pressing the muzzle of a small silver gun to Scorpy's mask.

SKO ... to make sure there's no funny ganak.

SCORPIUS Then you'll organize a ransom and get them to give you a very fast ship.

SKO That's right.

SCORPIUS The moment you comm them, you're dead. And you won't even see them coming. Why risk it?

Scorpy advances, although the gun remains pressed against his mask.

SCORPIUS When you have a far greater prize here and you don't even know it. Behold Rygel the Sixteenth.

Scorpius turns his head, glancing down at the enthroned Hynerian.

SCORPIUS Sovereign of Hyneria. Heir to all its wealth and fabled star planets. He... you should ransom.

37 - MOYA - COMMAND

Aeryn enters again; Crais is also back on command, one hand pressed to the back of his neck, fingers tracing the neural link there.

PILOT Talyn's agreed to let Crais reboard and start his work.

CRAIS I sense... Talyn waking up from lockdown and powering up.

Chi is back on Command as well, standing close beside John, who looks to be sitting on the edge of the strategy table, his feet up on one of the seats.

CRAIS Thank Moya for us, Pilot.

PILOT [IN THE DEN] I think it best to leave Moya alone. (O.S.) She knows what we do is necessary, but... ( IN THE DEN ) ... still... she is heartbroken.

AERYN She's not the only one.

Long across Command, Jool has returned also, standing at the forward console, eyes locked on the forward portal.

JOOL Crais?

Long across command, behind Jool and out the forward portal, we see Talyn, his main cannon rising from his hull, locking in firing position.

JOOL What's Talyn doing?

Long across command from the forward portal, Chiana steps up behind Jool. Behind them, John hops off the table, heading quickly back to the console [ooo! Movement!]

CHIANA He's aiming at us.

AERYN Start evasive procedures...

CRAIS Shut down, Talyn! Shut down!

AERYN Evasive procedures, now!

Talyn fires at Moya three times, chaos erupts on Command, the general ruckus counterpoint to Jools's shrill screaming. Requisite crap falls from the ceiling, raining down on all. CGI shot of Moya venting atmosphere inserted amongst the chaos.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

38 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Braca is stretched out on the counter, only semi-conscious. D'Argo is lying beside him, one leg stretched out on the counter, but sitting up still. He's shaking Braca slightly. Rygel and Scorpius sit at the table in the background, the window and open door just behind them.

D'ARGO Listen. Stay awake.

Getting no response from his partner, D'Argo lifts him slightly, they both groan in pain.

D'ARGO No, no sleep. No sleep. No sleep!

Not satisfied by Braca's responsiveness, D'Argo slaps him harshly across the face. They both yelp in pain.

BRACA Ah!

D'ARGO Ah!

Cut to medium shot on Rygel and Scorpius, sitting side-by-side.

RYGEL He needs water.

Cut to shot on Sko, reclining, relaxed, perhaps slightly inebriated?

SKO Oh, shut up. He's not important.

RYGEL 'Let the hostages die'. Brilliant negotiating position.

SKO Oh. You're the only one we care about, little slime toad. Now, shut up... while we figure out what to do next.

RYGEL He needs water now!

Sko sighs, slowly pouring the water from his cup onto the floor. Wa celebrates this action with a few hooting chuckles.

RYGEL ( whispering ) Imbecile.

SKO Bring me water! And bring me food.

The waitress hurries in from the kitchen.

ESSK I left your... leearvink on the table.

SKO Well, that leearvink's cold. You should bring me some more.

Essk hurries back to the kitchen. Sko turns his glare on Rygel, who, typically emits a brief squealing fart.

SCORPIUS ( high pitched voice ) Your bravery is convincing.

RYGEL ( high pitched voice ) Yes. I think he bought it.

39 - KITCHEN

ESSK They want more... leearvink.

VOODI All right, all right.

Voodi moans, irritated. His voice remains low, as does Essk's

ESSK Come on!

VOODI Why don't they stick their leearvink up their fekik? No, no. No, why don't we put a frelling sign out the front? Huh-huh? Yeah? "Leearvink not done here!".

ESSK What... sign? You were going to burn the place down, Voodi.

VOODI No! This place is killing us. Don't you understand that? Essk, I want to start over. I want to start over together.

40 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

WA I've been thinking about it. We shouldn't kill anyone. We should just burn the place down. If we do this ransom thing, you know someone's gonna... end up dead.

Sko hoots irritably, sitting up on the counter and grabbing Wa around the back of his neck.

SKO Have you looked in the mirror lately? Are you getting any younger?

WA No!

SKO We take the score that's fallen in our lap. We mortgage the runt.

Scorpius and Rygel plot further in hushed voices.

SCORPIUS We only have a limited window before they discover no one will pay a kretmar for you.

RYGEL That's your fault. You told them to ransom me.

SCORPIUS If they'd comm'd in a Peacekeeper squad like you suggested, it's quite likely one of us would have died at the hands of these idiots! No, uh... we'll do this ourselves. If you're up to it.

Rygel chuckels dismissively, as though he's not the one to be worried about -- he's probably right.

SCORPIUS I know the combination to Braca's bracelet.

Close on Braca, panning down to the bracelet, a pair of red lights are on steadily on the side of the bracelet.

SCORPIUS While holding two lights continuously, depress 3, 1, 4. Then release all.

41 - MOYA - COMMAND

Chiana makes her way through Command; what is 'probably' Command, hard to tell with all the debris, dragging a thick cable in her arms.

CHIANA Give us a hand here, Princess.

Chi passes Jool standing at the Strategy Table. Jool follows her to one of the consoles. The room is filled with low hanging smoke, and sparks emit randomly throughout the room.

JOOL I can't believe Talyn blew up Moya.

CHIANA I'm sure it was an accident. I bet he was really aimin' for you.

Chiana shoves the large cable at Jool who yanks it away from her with a growl.

42 - SPACE CGI MOYA TO TALYN TRANSIT SHOT

A Transport Pod exits Moya's outer hangar doors and heads out into open space.

CRAIS [O.S.] We are the only ones who can help you.

43 - TRANSPORT POD

CRAIS Talyn. Please.

Crais's words may be falling on deaf ears. Aeryn and John sit in the matching Pilot chairs, but Aeryn is Piloting.

CRAIS Talyn, please!

Crais turns away in frustration, but just as suddenly turns back, his hand going back to the neural transponder.

CRAIS Bay three hangar... is opening. Talyn is letting us dock.

44 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Sko and Wa hop down from the counter. Across the room, D'Argo and Braca are both stretched out on the opposite side of the room, on top of a similar counter, or maybe just a larger table. Who knows. Too many closeups. grr.

SKO Okay. Here's what we do. We call your people. We ask for ten million kretmars ransom. We leave. We wait. They come. When they come, we arrange the exchange.

RYGEL His... ship will decode the transmission.

SKO Hah! So? We'll be metras away.

RYGEL In something that can outrun an attack marauder?

SCORPIUS Uh, he's right, you know.

Sko pitches a fit, slamming his big rifle against the top of a table.

SKO Why so difficult?

RYGEL Uh. You could take my ship. It's fast. They won't ever catch us.

Sko and Wa hoot excitedly.

RYGEL But...

Rygel gestures toward D'Argo

RYGEL ... he's the only one that can fly it.

SKO I don't believe you.

D'ARGO It's true. Responds to DNA particles and voice ident.

SKO Why so difficult!?

Essk picks a bad time to bring more food. She rushes into the room, presenting Sko with a fresh plate of... uh... food.

ESSK Here! Voodi's made you leearvink.

SKO Smells like krenk!

He slaps the plate out of her hand, it's hurled to the floor. Sko grabs her by the shoulders, shaking her violently.

SKO You get me something I can eat!

ESSK Let go!

SKO Don't fight me, bitch.

In the kitchen, Voodi rushes up to the pass-through window. He snatches up a metal container and hurls it at Sko's back.

ESSK Leave me alone!

Voodi rushes out of the kitchen, brandishing a dangerous looking... spatuala. Not a smart guy.

VOODI ( shouting ) Get the frell outta here! I want you gone now! Now!

SKO Get back to the kitchen.

VOODI No, this is my place! You work for me, now... burn it some other time, I don't care. Just get out of here. Now!

SKO I'm warning you.

Voodi rushes forward a mere foot or two, and Sko guns him down. Voodi drops.

ESSK Voodi!

Essk rushes forward, kneeling beside him. A broad trickle of blood leaks from his mouth.

ESSK Why?

VOODI I... I wanted to give you something...

ESSK Voodi...

VOODI ... b... burn this place down in my honor.

He stops struggling to breathe and his eyes widen, just slightly. Essk strokes his cheek, hers stained with tears. Weeping, she gathers his head in her arms, hugging him to her.

SKO Dead.

Rygel's taken the distraction to coast to Braca's side. Muttering sotto-voce, he tries to give a bit of info.

RYGEL Braca's I-Yensch... hold 2 continuously as you press--

But Sko catches him, whirling about, aiming his little silver gun at Rygel.

SKO Ah, ah, ah!

RYGEL Oh.

SKO Slime Finger... what are you doing?

RYGEL Helping keep this man alive.

SKO Oh no, you're not. Back... just back away!

RYGEL Yes, yes.

Moving to back away as ordered, Rygel suddenly chokes and coughs, muttering behind his fingers, sly lil guy.

RYGEL ( whispering ) Press three, one, four.

45 - TALYN - THE BRIDGE

Crais, Aeryn and John enter.

CRAIS Talyn. You know what must happen next.

JOHN He's right, Talyn...

At the sound of that voice, Talyn's guns lower from the ceiling, focusing on John. Aeryn steps forward, to stand just behind Crais at the centerpoint.

AERYN Talyn. You listen to me. You destroyed a ship with many innocent people onboard. You shot your own mother. You would never do that. Unless you were sick and frightened. When Moya told you what we had to do, you panicked and struck out. I don't think you really meant to hurt Moya. You could have destroyed her if you wanted to, but you didn't. Just as I'm hoping that you don't really want to hurt us, because we don't want to hurt you.

No response from Talyn, and his gun remains aimed on target.

AERYN Talyn. You know you're sick. You let us board. Now, I don't want you to be frightened. You're not going to die. You'll be reborn. It's a fresh start. Please Talyn... let us take away your pain.

A long tense silence-- then Talyn's gun withdraws into the ceiling.

46 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

Close on D'Argo, still struggling to remain conscious, Braca looks completely out of it.

D'ARGO Stay awake. Stay awake!

D'Argo slams his fist into Braca, he grunts loudly in pain, but there is barely a response from the Peacekeeper beside him.

D'ARGO Stay awake.

Medium on Essk, drinking from a thermoslike container, the body of Voodi stretched out on the floor beside her.

WA [O.S.] Please Sko. No more killing. We should just get out of here...

SKO [O.S.] No. No! We're too far in.

Medium shot on the partners in crime.

SKO So... you!

Sko walks over to the table, crouching between Scorpius and Rygel.

RYGEL Yes?

SKO You were meeting with him, weren't you? Why?

RYGEL To negotiate our freedom. We're escaped prisoners.

SKO Oh, really? Really? So... you don't like Peacekeepers either.

RYGEL Not in the slightest.

SKO This one's the most valuable?

RYGEL Higher even than a captain. Look... no insignia.

SKO So, we take him in your ship. We have better chance of escaping, yeah?

RYGEL ( nodding ) Hm.

SKO Come! Come, come... slimey.

Sko stands and grabs Rygel's... what... slits? Between his thumb and forefinger, pulling him along behind him to the other side of the table.

SKO Wa! Wa! Aim at the Hynerian.

RYGEL Huh!

Sko puts the small silver pistol into Rygel's hand.

RYGEL What...?

SKO You...

Sko gestures at the counter where D'Argo and Braca are lying.

SKO Pull the trigger. Kill the Peacekeeper. I'll trust you... and we'll both be happy.

Rygel hesitates, his earbrows drooping.

SKO Pull the trigger.

Braca's fully conscious now, his eyes widening in fear as the muzzle of the pistol shakes in Rygel's hand.

SKO Kill him now or Wa kills you.

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

46 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON - CONTINUOUS FROM END OF ACT III

SKO Pull the trigger! I'm waiting!

RYGEL I told you before... if I kill him, D'Argo dies. If D'Argo dies, no one can fly the ship. If no one can fly the ship... you don't go anywhere.

Sko struggles with the concept, thinking deeply on the implications, but his little pointed brain just can't. quite. grasp it.

SKO Pull the trigger!

RYGEL You want me to kill someone so you'll trust me. How... about... ( turns and points the pistol at Scorpius )

SCORPIUS ( cautions ) Dominar...

RYGEL Butcher.

[ oooOOoooo! Rygel's pet name for Durka! ]

SKO You said this one is more valuable.

RYGEL That was a microt ago.

SKO All right.

COMEDY ENSUES - SCORPIUS GETS BLASTED

Rygel seems to have no problem pulling the trigger now, and blasts Scorpius backward, over the counter, his back slams against the wall and he slides to the floor, dead...?

At the sound of the blast, Essk gets up from the floor, rushing into the room.

SKO Good. We're outta here.

ESSK Well, why not just kill everyone? Everyone!

She circles the room, agitated. She passes behind Rygel, issuing a bit of info in a furtive whisper.

ESSK There's a knife under the leearvink.

Rygel glances in the direction indicated by Essk, and indeed the tip of a blade peeks out from underneath some really horrific looking 'food', and hey, that pan looks real familiar. Us'ta have one just like it. Hm. That's where it went.

47 - TALYN - THE BRIDGE

John and Aeryn work, standing shoulder to shoulder, at a single console. A long, hushed conversation, neither one looks at the other throughout. It's an awkward non-silence.

JOHN You okay?

AERYN Fine.

JOHN Listen, Crais and I can wrap it up from here.

AERYN I can finish the job.

JOHN I know. But if you wanna go back to Moya...

AERYN I don't.

Long pause between them.

AERYN But thank you. Are you ready?

JOHN Yeah.

AERYN Crais? We're ready now.

Across the Bridge, Crais addresses Talyn. His voice and expression convey a deep affection, even love, for the young leviathan.

CRAIS Yes, Talyn... I promise you that I will do everything I can, and Crichton and Aeryn will as well. We are all here with you. You have not disappointed me. ( pause ) I don't hold you responsible. Neither does Moya.

Talyn vocalizes a response, or a query.

CRAIS Oh, no, no. On the contrary, Talyn. You are very brave.

Another soft bubbling response from the Leviathan, more like Moya's vocalizations.

CRAIS As you wish.

Crais steps toward one of the elongated consoles, his hands hovering over the silver levers. Hesitating her glances toward Aeryn, nodding hesitantly. She nods in return and glances down, working controls at the console. Crais turns back, and slowly switches the levers from up position, to down; two pairs in succession. The action is accompanied by a final whining sound; sparks fly and the illumination dips to near darkness as Talyn's power drops to minimal.

48 - MOYA -- PILOTS DEN

Pilot is a silent witness, his lids drooping with sadness as Moya rumbles her sorrow.

49 - MOYA -- COMMAND

Moving to the view of Talyn drifting in space through the forward portal, Chiana chants softly, a beautifully alien sound.

50 - TALYN --THE BRIDGE

Crais stands, uncertain, his hands clasp and unclasp. He doesn't know what to do with them. His voice is unsteady, on the edge of tears.

CRAIS He's gone.

Stepping backward, away from the console, he turns a sorrow filled gaze to the overhead. In silence, he turns one last bleak look toward Crichton and Aeryn, then turns away, walking off the Bridge.

Crichton and Aeryn lower their hands to their sides, standing almost at attention. Silent homage to the man who steps into the outer corridor. In that dark place he turns, hands laced behind his back, and walks away. An atypical captain, striding the decks of his ship.

51 - TRUCKSTOP/DINER/GREASY SPOON

From the sublime to the idiotic, continuous from Scene 46, Wa rushes at D'Argo and Braca, hooting in a most annoying fashion, brandishing his pulse rifle.

WA Get him up!

D'Argo pulls Braca to a seated position beside him. Braca's features are contorted by pain, but D'Argo must be enured to it by now. Very little, aside from irritation, shows on his face or in his voice.

D'ARGO I'm trying to keep him awake. If you want me to pilot that ship for you, he must remain conscious.

SKO Waitress! Waitress!

Cut to shot of poor Voodi's body, stretched out on the ground. Panning up we see Essk's shadow on the plastic strips curtaining the kitchen door. She steps through, a resigned smirk on her face, the silver thermos still in one hand. Sko points his weapon at her.

SKO Time to join your cook boyfriend.

RYGEL No! I'll... get you all the currency you could ever want. Leave her alone.

Sko hesitates a bit, Essk closes her eyes, awaiting the shot. A hideously long tense moment as Sko keeps the weapon on her. Then with a snarl he lowers the pistol.

RYGEL ( quietly ) Go... back in the kitchen. Don't come out again.

Essk nods, fear and gratitude in her golden eyes. She backs into the kitchen, risking a look of pure loathing at Sko.

Essk turns to reenter the kitchen and Rygel hovers away from Sko's side.

SKO Where are you going?

RYGEL ( chuckles ) Need a kill souvenir. want to help?

SKO Sick toad. We have to go!

RYGEL Just give me a microt.

BEHIND THE BAR

Rygel settles his thronesled on the floor beside the prone body of Scorpius, head and shoulders propped against the wall. Eh, he's obviously breathing. Oh well. *g*

RYGEL ( whispering ) Sorry I had to shoot you, but... you know how it goes.

Scorpy's eyes pop open. They engage in a quiet conversation. Scorpy continues to play 'nearly dead'.

SCORPIUS How did you know I was wearing body armor?

RYGEL I wasn't sure, but... one hundred and thirty-one cycles in Peacekeeper captivity teaches you a few things.

SCORPIUS What if you were wrong?

RYGEL Hm. Not so bad for me... either way. ( chuckles )

SCORPIUS Plan.

RYGEL We can't leave with them, or we're all dead. There's a knife under the plate. It's on the floor in front of the counter.

SKO Hynerian!

RYGEL Almost done. ( laughs ) His ears are tougher than I thought.

Sko and Wa chortle in their irritating manner. Braca shoots an uncertain look at D'Argo.

RYGEL You got... anything to contribute?

CUE SCORPYS CYLINDER

Scorpy reaches up, pressing a single button, the cooling chamber cylinder rotates out of his head. Not a sign of discomfort. Gee. The wonders of technology, eh?

SCORPIUS The silver one. Hurry.

Rygel retrieves a small silver rod from Scorpy's, uh, head. Scorp presses the button again, and the steaming chamber rotates back inside his skull. Neat.

SCORPIUS Single pulse charge. You've only got one. Good luck.

RYGEL Be there!

SKO Hynerian!

Scorpy's eyes close, and he resumes playing 'dead'. Rygel engages the thronesled and he hovers up above the level of the counter top.

SKO Get up!

WA Get over there!

Sko and Wa force D'Argo and Braca to stand. Rygel hovers from behind the counter, to near D'Argo's side, it's a massive five shot, everyone's in focus... wow. Braca and D'Argo have arms wrapped around each other, trying to help each other stand. It's an... awkward situation.

RYGEL Ahem. I've changed my mind.

SKO What?

RYGEL I'm not going with you. You can kill those two if you like.

D'ARGO Why, you dirty little...

D'Argo lunges for Rygel, but Braca's leg won't support him. They both shout with pain and go down.

SKO What's this about?

RYGEL Regrets. I'd rather be dead than deal with the likes of you.

Sko and Wa howl angrily... now apparently they are dogs. Dogs, monkeys, what? Braca uses the time to good advantage, finally using the intel Rygel provided to remove the I-Yensch bracelet from his wrist.

SKO Why so difficult!?

RYGEL Because you didn't think it through, fekik. You didn't have a plan.

Sko notices movement under Rygel's cloak as the little guy brings the pulse charge to bear.

SKO What's this? What's in there? What's that you got!?

Sko charges Rygel, shoving the big frelling rifle in his face. On the floor with D'Argo, Braca quickly snaps the bracelet on Wa's ankle.

WA My leg! Get it off my leg!

Wa crouches, shrieking, pulling at the bracelet; D'Argo starts ... pounding. his. head. against the floor... repeatedly. Wa begins howling in pain, one hand pressed to his temple. Sko glances back and forth between Rygel and his howling henchman.

Cut to Scorpy, in front of the counter. He retrieves the blade from beneath the, ugh, food, while D'Argo continues pounding his head on the floor.

SKO Kill them all!

Scorpy snarls and hurls the knife with an underhanded throw [tee hee]. It buries itself into Sko's left shoulder. He howls in pain and begins spinning like a dog chasing its tail, firing his weapon all the while. Scorpy dives back over the counter [excellent form, maybe a bit too much leg, I'll give him a 8.4], evading a blast or two.

Sko stops circling, lowering his rifle, but still screaming. Rygel's earbrows go up in anticipation, then his eyes narrow. Sko sees this and starts to raise the rifle, but it's a bit too late. Rygel fires the single pulse bolt provided by Scorpius, and Sko is hurled backward, through the large window [we knew 'that' was gonna happen at some point], landing on his back in the dirt outside.

Meanwhile, back at the floor, D'Argo continues pounding his head against the floor. Wa grunts in pain with each blow. Braca pulls himself closer to Wa, and removes his weapon, training it on the remaining blue guy.

RYGEL D'Argo?

Oblivious, D'Argo continues pounding his head against the floor.

RYGEL D'Argo.

D'Argo stops pounding. He glances up at Rygel, panting heavily.

D'ARGO What?

RYGEL Are you... all right?

D'ARGO Yeah. I'm fine. I've got a... I've got a, ah... hard skull. I just think that I'll, ah...

Rygel chuckles mildly, and hovers away. Wa moans pitifully. And that's the last we'll hear from them. Thank god.

Scorpy's head and shoulders rise slowly from behind the counter. He stands and growls disagreeably.

RYGEL And now... about our deal.

Rygel tosses the small silver pulse rod to Scorpius.

SCORPIUS Yes. I believe perhaps... there is a basis for us to trust one another.

Scorpius tosses a small bit of food into Rygel's mouth. Rygel chuckles again, enjoying the snack.

Closeup on Voodi's still face. Continuing a trend, a wide swath of dried blood streaks from the corner of his mouth, across his cheek.

52 - EXT PLANET -- CGI

The truckstop is deeply in flames. Burning in Voodi's honor. Pan R and D'Argo's vessel lifts off, hovering, wings extending before taking leave of the planet.

END OF ACT FOUR

TAG

53 - MOYA & TALYN CGI

D'Argo's vessel streaks into shot, heading toward Moya's outer hangar door

CHIANA [V.O.] So you're all right?

D'ARGO [V.O.] As well as can be expected.

54 - MOYA -- HANGAR/MAINTENANCE BAY

All three laugh as Rygel and D'Argo enter the Maintenance Bay side by side. Oddly, D'Argo's left hand is wrapped with a blue bandage. Chiana leaps into D'Argo's arms, huggin' the crap outta him. He moans a bit in pain at the contact. They all make their way slowly across the Maintenance Bay.

RYGEL D'Argo's hurt his leg, his head, and burnt his hand, but he'll survive.

CHIANA What happened to you guys? Why... why didn't you call in?

D'ARGO Well, the restaurant... it, ah... sorta burned down. I don't wanna talk about it. It's a long story. Anything happen here on Moya?

55 - COMMAND

John and Aeryn work on repairs. Place still looks like hell, cabling hanging from the ceiling, draped across the floor and strategy table. One of the little chairs for the table is knocked over onto it's side.

CHIANA [O.S.] Oh, you know. Just the usual.

JOHN Rygel, do we have a deal?

RYGEL [O.S.] Oh, very much.

John's expression moves from mild inquiry to, well, fear, then quickly to firm resolve.

56 - MAINTENANCE BAY

RYGEL I'm proud to say I've secured everything we wanted...

Rygel brandishes the I-Yensch bracelet in his left hand.

RYGEL Including acceptable security precautions.

57 - COMMAND

Well, hm. Aeryn must have sat the chair back on it's base, cause she sits down in it, with a heavy sigh. They are so near, but looking in opposite directions.

AERYN I have a bad feeling. About the Command Carrier.

John's turned about, and is, wow, finally looking at her.

JOHN Do you think we shouldn't go?

AERYN I don't think we have a choice. If... Scorpius masters wormholes, then...

JOHN Yeah. Some things...

John sits in the chair on the other side of the table.

JOHN ... you die for.

Close on Aeryn, her eyes closed, controlling those tears that are so close.

AERYN I just can't watch that happen... again. It was perfect. We were so... perfect. And you're just like him. I mean, you are him.

JOHN No... I'm me. I was here.

Long, awful silence.

JOHN I missed that dance.

Another long silence.

JOHN Aeryn... don't come with us.

AERYN No. We started this together, Crichton.

She pushes up from the table, standing slowly, wearily.

AERYN That's how we'll end it.

She exits, leaving John to sit alone at the table, the shambles of Moya strewn all about him.

FADE TO BLACK

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS

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