FARSCAPE

"Season Of Death"

Written by,
Richard Manning



This transcript provided by: Farscape Ally!
Suggestions for corrections/revisions gratefully accepted.


Starring:
Ben Browder
Claudia Black
Anthony Simcoe
Virginia Hey
Gigi Edgley
Paul Goddard
Lani Tupu
Wayne Pygram
Commander John Crichton
Officer Aeryn Sun
Ka D'Argo
Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan
Chiana
Stark
Captain Bialar Crais
Scorpius
Guest Starring:
Hugh Keays-Byrne
Matt Newton
David Franklin
Thomas Holesgrove
Fiona Gentle
Aaron Catalan
Grunschlk
Jothee
Lieutenant Braca
Diagnosian Tocot & Erathran Plonik
Diagnosian Tocot (Voice)
Officer Corbrind





Writer: Richard Manning

Who also wrote:

"Throne For A Loss", "That Old Black Magic", "Nerve", "Mind The Baby", "Won't Get Fooled Again".






Director: The Magical Ian Watson

Who also directed:

"They've Got A Secret", "Jeremiah Crichton", "Through The Looking Glass", "The Hidden Memory", "Crackers Don't Matter", "Dream A Little Dream", "Out Of Their Minds", "The Locket".




Executive Producer:
Producer:
Richard Manning
Anthony Winley








COLD OPEN

EXT. SPACE

Moya and Talyn in orbit around the Ice Planet.

INTERCUT

INT. Moya -- Pilot's Den.

D'Argo paces inside the Den, while the rest pester Pilot by comms from their various locations throughout Moya and onboard Talyn.

D'ARGO: Is there still no communication from the planet?

PILOT: ( impatiently ) Nothing. The Diagnosian said we would be notified as soon as there was something to report.

ZHAAN: Pilot, any news?

PILOT: I would have told you if there were.

STARK: We should be down there at Crichton's side.

ZHAAN: John did not want us there. We must respect that.

ZHAAN: The microt you hear anything Pilot.

PILOT: Yes. Zhaan.

CRAIS: Pilot! I remind you that we shouldn't stay any longer than necessary. If the neural clone's messages got through to Scorpius... his command carrier must be on it's way.

PILOT: We know that, Crais.

CHIANA: Pilot, have you heard anything?

PILOT: No! When I know something, you'll know it! Until then-- leave me alone!

INTERCUT

Center Chamber

JOTHEE: Is he always like that?

CHIANA: Aeryn's death hit him pretty hard.

JOTHEE: It hit everybody hard.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY CAVERN - CRYO-CHAMBER

BRACA: Now, why were you hiding, Grunschlk?

GRUNSCHLCK: Well, why did you and your goons come storming in here with your guns drawn?

BRACA: Oh, just a precaution.

GRUNSCHLK: Precau--? Well, so was that. So go on son, put your precautions away and pay me what we agreed! Listen. I informed you the microt that Crichton got here, so you keep up your end of the deal, all right?

Braca only presses the muzzle of the pulse pistol more heavily into Grunschlk's neck.

GRUNSCHLK: Listen son, you don't want to frell with me on this one!

SCORPIUS: Grunschlk, if I was in your situation... I'd be attempting to present evidence that I still served a purpose.

BRACA: Does he?

SCORPIUS: Now that my neurochip has absorbed the information I need from John's mind-- we're finished here.
Scorpius briefly examines the small container that holds the chip the Diagnosian removed from Crichton's mind. He removes the top from the tiny container and pulls the chip out-- a small bit of 'matter' still clings to the black tendrils of the chip.

SCORPIUS: Poor Crichton... he's going to be so lonely. -- Never mind.

Scorpius, eyeing the chip raptly, suddenly pops the bit of 'matter' clinging to it into his mouth! -- um... can we all go: "ewww!"

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY CAVERN - SURGERY

Inside the surgery, Crichton is still strapped to the table-- the Diagnosian still collapsed on the floor, head resting on the platform.
JOHN: ( Shouting/screaming incoherently )

TOCOT: ( moans weakly )

JOHN: ( Continues screaming incoherently. ) ( NEURAL CLONE: "John" ).

INTERCUT

INT. CRICHTON'S MIND - 'SAWYER'S MILL'

NEURAL CLONE: It's me, John. I'm still here.

JOHN: What?! No! No, no, no, no, no, no. You're gone! The chip's gone! Get out of my head!

NEURAL CLONE: I'd like to. But, I don't wish to remain here, therefore you must die.

END COLD OPEN

RUN 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 wonder's I've seen.




ACT I

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- CRYO-CHAMBER

GRUNSCHLK: Serve a purpose? 'Course I serve a purpose. Any purpose you like-- sir. Got a purpose? No? Well-- I'll come up with one. Look-- there-there's a purpose in itself.

CORBRIND: Sir.

BRACA: Officer Corbrind, I ordered you to remain with the Marauder.

CORBRIND: Yes, sir. However, we've received an encoded message pulse from the command carrier.

SCORPIUS: Report.

CORBRIND: Battle ended successfully. However, the unexpected duration of the engagement will delay our rendezvous 5.3 arns.

SCORPIUS: 5 arns... Crichton's shipmates won't stay away that long.

BRACA: We can eliminate them.

SCORPIUS: They don't worry me. A Leviathan gunship commanded by a vengeful traitor does.

CORBRIND: Sir. I flew us here undetected!

SCORPIUS: Because Crais and Talyn were preoccupied with Officer Sun's last flight. If we were to leave now... how long could you keep us undetected?

CORBRIND: We'd be a thousand metras away before the gunship detected us.

SCORPIUS: Not good enough. The carrier is still so far off-- Talyn would easily overtake us-- we'll wait.

GRUNSCHLK: If you're thinking of staying, sir. I've got a splendid room, all the comforts, very private.

BRACA: Show us.

GRUNSCHLK: Splendid.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- SURGERY

JOHN: ( Screaming/shouting incoherently )
INTERCUT

INT. CRICHTON'S MIND -- SAWYER'S MILL

NEURAL CLONE: Death is the only sensible course, John. For everything there is a season-- a time to be born--

NEURAL CLONE & JOHN: (simultaneously) and a time to die!

JOHN: Yes, yes, yes. The devil quotes scripture-- I thought you were put in here to protect me!

NEURAL CLONE: Until my task here was completed. Now that Scorpius has recovered the neurochip--

JOHN: You should be gone! How come you're not?!

NEURAL CLONE: I don't know, but this... this is intolerable, for both of us. End it John! Free us from one another!
John pushes by the Neural Clone and walks quickly away down the dock. The Neural Clone shouts his message at Johns back.

NEURAL CLONE: Scorpius has beaten you. Aeryn Sun is dead. Your power of speech is gone. The only one you'll ever talk to again is me!

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- SURGERY

Close on John strapped to the table in the surgery, he's as close to breaking as he's ever been. Complete despair is etched on his features.

JOHN: ( NEURAL CLONE: Is that how you want to live? End it, John. Do it! )
INTERCUT

Rygel hovers down the corridor just outside the surgery.

RYGEL: Grunschlk! Where are you? You told me that ship would be here by now! Grunschlck!

Rygel overhears Crichton's incoherent shouting and glides his chair into the surgery.

RYGEL: Oh, Crichton--

JOHN: ( Continues babbling incoherently )

RYGEL: You're even more inarticulate than you--

TOCOT: ( speaks weakly in alien language )

RYGEL: Oh! Tocot?

EXT. SPACE

Moya and Talyn in orbit above the Ice Planet

ZHAAN: ( over comms ) We'll come down at once, Rygel.

INT. MOYA

Chiana and Jothee are in the Center Chamber, D'Argo enters.

CHIANA: D'Argo. Hey, we got a meal ready.

D'ARGO: There's a problem. Zhaan, Stark and I are going down to the planet.

JOTHEE: We'll go with you.

D'ARGO: No, I need you to stay here with Moya. Scorpius' command carrier could arrive any microt. If it does, I want you to Starburst away immediately.

JOTHEE & CHIANA: ( simultaneous objecting ).

CHIANA: But, but... Pilot can ... please let...

D'ARGO: Do... what I tell you!

D'Argo exits.

CHIANA: Frell!!

JOTHEE: Frell! I'm sick of this!

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- PRIVATE ROOM

GRUNSCHLK: And when the service is finished, everyone except Crichton went back up to their ship, and the Doc, he started the surgery.

BRACA: And your last communication with any of them was when?

GRUNSCHLK: Uh... nine or ten arns.

Officer Corbrind enters with a couple of cases, placing them on a table behind the chair Grunschlk is sitting in.

CORBRIND: Sir, the Marauders sensors have detected a transport pod leaving Moya on a vector towards us.

SCORPIUS: They didn't speak to you first? They must be getting apprehensive.

GRUNSCHLK: When they get here, let me speak to them. I'll ah, I'll stall them-- send them away. Whatever you want. I'll say anything you like.

SCORPIUS: How prescient of you.

Scorpius, circles behind the chair, behind Grunschlk, and retrieves a familiar looking 'pointed' object from one of the cases. Using it he 'injects' the back of Grunschlk's neck. Grunschlk screams and falls from the chair to his knees. Scorpius retrieves another object from the case; the 'neural link' seen in LGM3-- he places it on his head and sits in the chair behind Grunschlk.

SCORPIUS: Yours is an interesting species Grunschlk. Simple mind-- simple brain. Easily dominated. And easily controlled.

Grunschlk ceases his gasping and struggling and begins to 'mimic' Scorpius' movements. A puppet without strings.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- SURGERY

Rygel is on the floor by Tocot's head; performing rescue breathing. Zhaan, Stark and D'Argo enter. They scatter throughout the room, Zhaan kneels by Tocot and Rygel; Stark seems drawn to one of the cryo-pods; D'Argo goes immediately to Crichton's side.

RYGEL: About time!

ZHAAN: Keep trying, Rygel!

RYGEL: You try! I've done everything you've told me... turned on the bio-neutralizer...

D'ARGO: John...

RYGEL: Turned off the 'see-through skull machine'... enough is enough!

D'ARGO: John...

RYGEL: ...it's just not working!

TOCOT: ( coughing )

ZHAAN: He's breathing!

TOCOT: Scor... Scorpius.

INTERCUT

INT. TALYN -- Command

CRAIS: The command carrier couldn't have arrived without our knowing. Scorpius, must have come in a Prowler or a Marauder on a stealth trajectory.

ZHAAN: Could he still be here?

CRAIS: Possibly. If so, reinforcements may follow. Talyn and I will adjust our orbit for maximum scan.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- PRIVATE ROOM

Scorpius, Braca, Corbrind and a Scorpius controlled Grunschlk continue their discussion. Scorpius seems in a 'trance-like' state as his lips move, and the words come out of Grunschlk... creepy. Interestingly, Braca looks creeped out, Corbrind; amazed and pleased.

GRUNSCHLK: Splendid room. All the comforts. Very private. Splendid room. All the comf... very priv... ( coughs and chokes ) I'll say- I'll say- I'll say anything you like... I'll say... anything you like. Well, with a little diversion... Braca. Let me see your pulse pistol.

With only a moments hesitation, Braca hands his pulse pistol to Grunschlk, who uses it to shoot 'himself' in the arm. Scorpius flinches slightly-- Grunschlk, not at all.

GRUNSCHLK: Splendid. Hoo!

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- CORRIDOR

Grunschlk sits braced against the corridor wall as D'Argo and Rygel come around the corner and discover him there.

GRUNSCHLK: Help! Scorpius-- shot me-- took the chip.

D'ARGO: When?

GRUNSCHLK: A couple of arns ago. Gone now.

D'ARGO: Are you sure he's gone?

GRUNSCHLK: Long gone.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- SURGERY

STARK: Grunschlk. You... you use these poor beings as donors!

GRUNSCHLK: Doc couldn't operate else!

STARK: Crichton didn't want the operation if it would harm a donor!

GRUNSCHLK: But nobody was harmed! The Doc was only borrowing some cerebral fluid to top off Crichton's! They can spare it.

D'ARGO: How can they be harmed if they are already dead?

GRUNSCHLK: Yeah.

ZHAAN: They aren't dead.

GRUNSCHLK: Well, I mean, they're effectively dead, because they can't be restored and live.

STARK: They're trapped between two realms... lost.

D'ARGO: Stark! -- John needs our help now. Tocot-- what can we do now?

TOCOT: ( speaks in alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: Well, ah... Doc says he could try and restore his speech with a neural tissue transplant. But, it would use up a donor.

ZHAAN: You mean, 'kill'.

GRUNSCHLK: However you want.

STARK: Crichton definately would not want that!

GRUNSCHLK: Look, it might not even work anyway. The Doc says this is so scrambled, he might not be able to fix no matter what!

D'ARGO: If that's the case... ( looks to Zhaan ) we need to know.

ZHAAN: You want me to share Unity with him? No-- I can't. The last time I wasn't strong enough to overcome Scorpius' evil.

D'ARGO: The evil is gone now.

ZHAAN: The chip may have been removed, but-- the evil may still remain.

D'ARGO: If that's true-- we still need to know. You're not alone now Zhaan.

Zhaan moves to join in Unity with John-- pressing her forehead to John's.

**Scorpius: Delvian... Delvian... Listen to Crichton... hear his pain...**


Zhaan gasps and weeps.

D'ARGO: What should be do? Should we help her break out of it?

STARK: Uh... uh... I don't know.

D'ARGO: Zhaan!

**JOHN: Go away Zhaan... there's no point...**

STARK: Come out of it! Break Unity!

Zhaan breaks Unity and near collapse, D'Argo and Stark steady her.
ZHAAN: Goddess be with him! The Scorpius clone... it's still in his head.

D'ARGO: What?!

STARK: How is that possible?

Zhaan moves away from the table, she is highly distraught, but so are Stark and D'Argo. Stark confronts Tocot as D'Argo returns to Crichton's side.

STARK: It didn't work! Why didn't it work?! What did you do wrong?

GRUNSCHLK: ( speaking quietly to Zhaan ) They are never going to do what's necessary. We know what has to be done!

D'ARGO: We're going to help you, John.

ZHAAN: Give me some Mornack injectant.

D'ARGO: We're going to get that frelling madman out of your mind.

GRUNSCHLK: I can't see any. But, how about some Narbot serum? It's just as fast... and painless.

Grunschlk presses a injector into Zhaan's hand and urges her toward the table. D'Argo, Stark and Tocot slightly apart still 'discussing' what went wrong, when Zhaan leans over Crichton, strapped to the table, and is about to inject him-- Stark notices and grapples with her, trying to stop her. She struggles with him, and then D'Argo-- intent on delivering Crichton.

STARK: Zhaan what are you doing?!

D'ARGO: Zhaan!

STARK: Zhaan, no!

ZHAAN: Let me go!

D'ARGO: Hold her Stark.

ZHAAN: Crichton wants to die!

D'ARGO: Hold her!

JOHN: ( Shouts incoherently, adding to the general panic. )

STARK: Zhaan, stop it!

ZHAAN: He wants to die!

D'ARGO: Be calm, be calm!

END ACT I




ACT II


INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- Tocot's Surgery.

ZHAAN: John is in agony. He begged me to kill him.

D'ARGO: We have already lost Aeryn. We will NOT lose another.

STARK: Why is Scorpius still in Crichton's mind?

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: Well the Doc figures it's like a 'neural bleed'. The ah, clone's personality has been in there so long, that it's conciousness has, like, 'merged' with Crichton's. ( whispering ) H-h-how interesting.

D'ARGO: Just remove it!

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: Well... it's-it-it's not that easy. You just can't cut it out with a scalpel sir.

Zhaan goes for the injector again, Stark holds it out of her reach.

ZHAAN: There's only one merciful thing to do.

GRUNSCHLK: Yeah, I would have to agree.

D'ARGO: All right, you two-- out!

GRUNSCHLK: Eh?!

D'ARGO: Get out! And do NOT come back into this chamber!

GRUNSCHLK: Right. Come on girl.

Grunschlk and Zhaan leave the surgery.

STARK: What shall we do?

D'ARGO: Whatever we can.

D'Argo crosses to where Tocot stands near John's head.

D'ARGO: You-- restore his speech.

TOCOT: But... Crichton insisted... no harm... to donor...

STARK: You're the one harming the donors! Their souls are crying out! Screaming out in pain!

TOCOT: No... pain!

STARK: I can hear them! "Effectively dead!" That isn't death at all! This-- is death!

Stark pulls the chamber door open exposing the Interon inside and 'kills' it with the injector Zhaan planned to use on Crichton. The Interon screams! Crichton shouts incoherently at Stark's action. Stark returns to Crichton's side, explaining his actions while Crichton glares angrily at him!

STARK: And that... that was mercy. His agony was far greater than yours.

Crichton lowers his head back to the table, staring silently at the ceiling.

D'ARGO: Now, my friend. Can you help John?

TOCOT: Can... try...

D'ARGO: Well, go ahead.

Crichton grumbles incoherently-- D'Argo eyes him, mildly angered.

D'ARGO: And as for you-- Do NOT... make me tongue you.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- Corridor.

GRUNSCHLK: You look pretty rouged.

ZHAAN: I need air. I will go outside and meditate.

GRUNSCHLK: Yeah, now-- the weather's cold-- gettin' worse.

ZHAAN: Cold does not bother me.

CRAIS: ( over comms ) Pa'u Zhaan, anything to report?

ZHAAN: Not yet, Crais.

GRUNSCHLK: Still in orbit? Go chase that bastard, Scorpius.

CRAIS: ( over comms ) Their trail is cold.

CRAIS: Talyn and I have found nothing to suggest a vector.

GRUNSCHLK: So. What are you doing here then?

CRAIS: We await the delivery of the remains of Officer Sun. For the burial in space she would have wanted.

GRUNSCHLK: Fine. I'll load her coffin onto your transport pod, and, uh, Zhaan can bring her up to ya.

ZHAAN: I cannot face such a task right now.

GRUNSCHLK: ( covering the comms ) Help me out, eh? I'm tryin' to get rid of that Yarbo and his gunship from my planet. I don't trust him.

ZHAAN: ( closing comms) When we all leave, we will take Aeryn Sun with us.

INTERCUT

Inside the secluded room in the Medical Facility, Scorpius, still in a trance-like state, neural link in place over his eye, mutters a quiet message.

SCORPIUS: Huh, if you all leave.

INTERCUT

INT. MOYA -- Center Chamber.

CHIANA: I thought you weren't hungry?

JOTHEE: I wasn't, until I started eating. You want some?

CHIANA: No.

JOTHEE: Come on... it'll put color in your cheek.

CHIANA: No.

JOTHEE: Come on... we'll die of boredom. But we'll be well fed.

Jothee offers Chiana a bit of food, pressing it close to her mouth, but jumps back slightly as she growls and snaps at his fingers.

JOTHEE: What'd you do that for?!

CHIANA: ( laughing ) I don't know.

JOTHEE: ( angrily ) Think!

CHIANA: Well, maybe I don't like being taken care of.

JOTHEE: Maybe I don't like being bitten!

CHIANA: Yeah? Well then,keep your hands outta my face!

JOTHEE: Keep your hands outta my food!

CHIANA: Hey! I helped make that!

JOTHEE: Too bad!

Little bit of teenage 'rough-housing' as they grapple with each other. Chiana laughs and enthusiasticly presses against Jothee, he holds her a little too tightly

CHIANA: ( giggles ) Still bored?

JOTHEE: Stop it.

CHIANA: You better... ( panting ) you better let go... otherwise, I'm going to have to try something else.

JOTHEE: You'll lose an arm!

CHIANA: Well, you'll lose worse... than an arm.

JOTHEE: You wouldn't do that.

CHIANA: Don't tell me what I-- what I would... or would'nt do. I do as I please.

JOTHEE: Okay... do whatever you want.

And yes kids, that looks like the beginnings of a kiss.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- Tocot's surgery

John's still on the table, the 'see-through skull' machine is on again-- he's ah, pissed. Tocot fiddles with some controls and the bio-neutralizer and see-through skull machine turn off.

TOCOT: Done. Damage... repaired. Speech... should return.

STARK: "Should"?!

TOCOT: Will know... soon.

D'Argo and Stark step up onto the platform, looking down on John. Tocot turns to leave the surgery.

D'ARGO: Hey! Where are you going?

JOHN: D...

TOCOT: Must... excrete.

JOHN: D... D... D'Argo.

D'Argo returns to the table, leaning over, he rests his hands on John's chest-- this reassurance that his friend is still alive is SO touching!

JOHN: Aeryn's gone... want to die.

D'ARGO: Aeryn died so that you could live, John. She would want you to keep fighting.

JOHN: Lost... still hear Scorpy...

STARK: Listen to me-- the chip's out, it's tendrils are dead! The Scorpy in your head is merely a remnant. A... a... impotent wraith buzzing in your ear. You are stronger than he is! Show him!

INTERCUT

INT. CRICHTON'S MIND -- Sawyer's Mill

Crichton strides back down the dock, quickly approaching the Neural Clone of Scorpy. He's sans the IASA jacket in the first step of his mental 'evolution' back to his current 'ego self' -- to borrow a 'Matrixism'.

JOHN: Hey, Harvey. Let's have a little chat.

NEURAL CLONE: I don't wish to 'chat', John. I wish to leave. That is why you must die.

JOHN: Why don't you kill me? You did it before-- stopped my brain function cold. What's the matter? You lost your touch?

NEURAL CLONE: Circumstances are different now.

John unwraps a piece of gum, preparing to pop it into his mouth. Man this is a 'sweet' bit. Don't know why I love it so much, but it makes me grin! 'Bubble Yum' or 'Bazooka'-- something different? You decide. Maybe it's a question for the Convention!

JOHN: Yes, they are. You got no connections, no backup, no power supply...

John pops the gum into his mouth, ahhh.... 'Americana'

JOHN: No place to hide... I'm going to make some rules now.

John flings an arm across the Neural Clone's shoulders and starts walking him back down the dock.

JOHN: Come on... let me show you what I mean...

John spins 'Scorpy' around to face him and gives him a good strong shove backward! The clone staggers backward and falls on his back inside a dark, abandoned warehouse, the dirt on the floor puffs up around him as he struggles on his back like a turtle tipped onto it's shell. Grunting, 'Scorpy' flops onto his belly and stands awkwardly as Crichton approaches. 'Evolution' complete, John now wears the black t-shirt and leather trousers.

NEURAL CLONE: Now, John... you listen to me...

JOHN: Not this time, Scorpius. This brain ain't big enough for the two of us.

John jabs-- a vicious right to the clones 'jaw'. 'Scorpy' staggers backward.

NEURAL CLONE: Now, Crichton... I'm warning you!

JOHN: I'm sorry, sweetheart.

Another power right to the jaw! *ouch* Crichton starts to bounce on his toes, elbows cocked, ready to deliver the next blow... a sly grin on his face.

JOHN: Come on, Scorpy... come on, man. Show me that ugly grin!

His right *plows* into Scorpy's face again, Scorpy staggers.

NEURAL CLONE: I'm warning you, Crichton. Now you stop!

JOHN: Oh, No, no, no, no. I don't think so, remember? Out with the old, in with the new!

In a strictly comic play, the clones fists come up in a lame boxers stance -- (hmmm... Bluto & Popeye moment?) -- Crichton adds some serious dancing to his routine, bobbing, weaving a bit and spinning on his toes-- ( and the guy claims he doesn't 'boogie'! ) Finally delivering a backhanded left blow that drops 'Scorpy' to his hands and knees. Crichton stops dancing and flings both hands up in the air, a victory stance!

JOHN: Can I get a "HELL, YEAH!"?!

CROWD: "HELL, YEAH!"

JOHN: It's your time to pray, Scorpy.

Just as 'Scorpy' manages to stand semi-upright, John hits him with a staggering right uppercut to the jaw-- he is driven back but keeps--mostly-- to his feet.

NEURAL CLONE: Ah, Crichton...

JOHN: Pray for your soul, Scorpy-- if you have one-- and pray for the soul of Aeryn Sun!

John kicks for a field goal, using 'Scorpy's' head as the football-- Scorpy goes down, breathing dirt.

NEURAL CLONE: ( gasping ) Cri--Crichton!

JOHN: Shut up!

Crichton tosses 'Scorpy' across the empty warehouse-- he flies through the air and lands inside large green 'dumpster'
JOHN: Yeah!

The unseen crowd roars! John jogs across the vacant space, slamming the lid of the trash receptacle closed! The crowd continues to cheer-- a sustained roar!

JOHN: Huh!

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY

Tocot is the body 'preservation' chamber, he's examining a 'red-light' that's blinking-- an audible alarm also sounds.

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- PRIVATE ROOM

Scorpius, Braca and Grunschlk, inside the 'private room' in the Medical Facility. Scorpius is no longer wearing the 'neural link'. They overhear the Doc's comments on the Facility Communication system. No expert in alien lanugages, it sounds like Tocot is trying to reach Grunschlk.

SCORPIUS: One of the cryogenic pods is starting an autorelease sequence, eh?

GRUNSCHLK: Nah. Can't be. Let me talk to him.

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: Sorry, Doc. Say again?

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: What? Full restoration? You sure?

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: Nah, nah. It- it must be a screwed up sensor.

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: You go back and tend to your patient, Doc. I'll deal with it.

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: Doc... leave it to me!

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: Doc. Get out of there!

TOCOT: ( speaking alien language )

GRUNSCHLK: I'll handle it! Doc... Doc?

Tocot, having reached the pod that was set for full restoration, watches as the door to the pod opens and the hand of a Scarran reaches through the opening-- 'mind-melting beam' already on full-- the Doc doesn't have a chance!

TOCOT: ( gasps ) Scarran...

The Scarran's attention stays focused on Tocot until he collapses, dead, on the ground. The Scarran steps out of the pod.

END ACT II




ACT III

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY

SCORPIUS: A Scarran... Why?

Braca encourages Grunschlk with an elbow to his wounded arm.

GRUNSCHLK: ( groans ) Get frelled.

SCORPIUS: Grunschlk. You can do one of two things with your mouth. The first is talk to me.

Scorpius places the 'neural link' back on his head, taking control of Grunschlk's body again. -- Ah... what's a nice way of saying he makes Grunschlk bite the index finger of his right hand off? arg. Anyway, Scorpius takes the 'neural link' off, and Grunschlk screams and spits the finger on the floor. arg again.

SCORPIUS: That is the second thing.

GRUNSCHLK: All right... You know the Scarrans are after you... they found out this is where you had your 'cooling system' installed, and they sent a spy who offered me currency to keep him hidden until you came back for a check-up.

BRACA: And you took his money.

GRUNSCHLK: Just his advance. I was going to keep the dumb frell frozen, and hand him over to you.

SCORPIUS: But you didn't.

GRUNSCHLK: When your goons came in locked and loaded, I kind of doubted your good intentions. As insurance-- I switched on the Scarran's auto-release-- three arns delay. If you'd behaved, and paid what we'd agreed, I'd have switched it off. I hope he kills you... very slowly.

SCORPIUS: Not likely.

INTERCUT

INT. MOYA -- Center Chamber

Hmmm. Jothee and Chiana are 'adjusting clothing'.

JOTHEE: If my father finds out, we're dead.

CHIANA: He won't find out.

RYGEL: ( entering ) What the hezmana happened in here?

CHIANA: Oh, we were, ah, we were making some Soccherins and... and the pot exploded.

RYGEL: You... blew up a cook pot?!

JOTHEE: We used too much lutra oil. The Grolaks fine though.

CHIANA: Yeah, nice and crispy. Here. Sit down and eat. Ah, I'll give the ah, I'll give the Soccherins another try.

RYGEL: I'll ah, consume this in a room without detonating crockery. Thank you very much.

JOTHEE: We'd better clean this up.

CHIANA: I guess so.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- PRIVATE ROOM

BRACA: Crichton, D'Argo and Stark are in the surgery room... and the Scarran is in the cryo-chamber, level four.

CORBRIND: Shall I take care of it, sir?

GRUNSCHLK: ( laughs ) With that?! He'll saute you son... He's never taken on a Scarran, has he?

SCORPIUS: No... ( puts on the neural link ) have you?

GRUNSCHLK: ( gasps )

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- The Surgery.

Stark helps Crichton sit up.

JOHN: I beat him. He was all mouth, Stark. How did you know?

STARK: I didn't. I just thought it sounded good.

JOHN: Well it worked. ( sighs ) Harvey's caged. Come on, lets pay the bill and get the hell out of here.

STARK: I'll find Zhaan.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY - Cryo-chamber

GRUNSCHLK: Plonik! Erathran Plonik! I'm alone! I've got a present for you!

The Scarran steps out from behind a cryo-pod.

PLONIK: ( growls ) Grunschlk. Where is Scorpius?

GRUNSCHLK: He's not here.

PLONIK: Then why did you release me?

GRUNSCHLK: Well, I've got someone almost as good, John Crichton. You know who that is?

PLONIK: Yes. Scorpius seems obsessed with him. We want to know why.

GRUNSCHLK: Why don't you ask him? He's in the surgery room, recovering.

The Scarran turns his 'mind-melting beam' on Grunschlk. Interestingly, Scorpius seems 'immune' to the Scarran's mental abilities.

GRUNSCHLK: No, no!

PLONIK: Are you lying? Is this a trap?

SCORPIUS: No, no, no. No trap.

PLONIK: Where is Scorpius?

SCORPIUS: Scorpius isn't here.

GRUNSCHLK: Scorpius isn't here, I told you. But I'm sure he's on his way back to the planet...

SCORPIUS: ... to capture Crichton.

BRUNSCHLK: to capture Crichton.

PLONIK: Who is with Crichton?

GRUNSCHLK: Just a Luxan, and a Banik slave.

PLONIK: I might have use for you later.

The Scarran lifts Grunschlk by the neck and shoves him into the cryo-pod, closing the door. The systems engage and Grunschlk is 'instant frozen'.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY

SCORPIUS: That should divert the Scarran away from us. Officer Corbrind. We have received vital information, which I must deliver to my command carrier.

CORBRIND: Sir, the carrier is now much closer. I am certain we can outrun the gunship long enough to reach it safely.

SCORPIUS: You have that much faith in your piloting skills?

CORBRIND: My last rating was 991, sir. No active pilot rates higher.

SCORPIUS: Your skills will be tested. Very soon.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- CRYO-CHAMBER

ZHAAN: Stark, look at these indicators.

STARK: The cryo-systems activated to preserve the body until burial.

ZHAAN: But that's not all. The Cyllian maintenance functions are still operating. Keeping her body alive.

STARK: Why? Unless Grunschlk was intending to keep her here as a donor. I wouldn't put it past him. No-- the Diagnosian pronounced her dead. He could not save her.

ZHAAN: His gifts could not.

STARK: I can hear the distant voices of the Interons, but-- I cannot hear Aeryn Sun's. If her soul has not fled entirely, it's much too far away to be reached. Even the attempt would be dangerous.

ZHAAN: Yes. You're probably right.

Turning to leave, Zhaan abruptly flings up a fist and cold-cocks Stark

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- CORRIDOR

The Scarran makes progress toward his selected destination.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- SURGERY

Crichton's sitting on the edge of the table, D'Argo hands him his coat.
JOHN: ( muttering quietly ) "Peter Piper picked a ...."

D'ARGO: Zhaan. Stark! Why don't they answer?

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- CRYO-CHAMBER

Zhaan drags Stark's unconcious form to a cryo-pod, and leans his back against it, gently positioning his head. We hear D'Argo's voice over comms as he tries to reach them.

D'ARGO: ( over comms ) Zhaan. Stark.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- THE SURGERY

Crichton shrugs into his coat, and follows D'Argo to the door.

D'ARGO: What's the delay?

INTERCUT

The Scarran approaches the exterior doors to the surgery and opens them, revealing the inner doors.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- THE SURGERY/EXT. CORRIDOR

The Scarran and D'Argo simultaneously open the interior doors to the Surgery. The Scarran raises his hand toward D'Argo, but before he can engage the 'mind-melter', D'Argo slams into him, deflecting his arm.

JOHN: D'Argo!

D'Argo retreats inside the Surgery and shuts the door on the Scarran.

JOHN: Where the hell did that come from?!

D'ARGO: A Scarran. We have no weapons so I suggest a tactical retreat.

JOHN: That looks like an exit. -- Door controls.

D'Argo moves toward the panel John indicated as a possible exit, while John moves toward the door controls.

JOHN: You didn't bring any weapons?!

D'ARGO: I only brought down my Qualta Blade. It's still sealed!

JOHN: Well, how am I supposed to know about that?

D'ARGO: Wait! There's a hatch! Whoa! -- I hate the cold.

Crichton looks toward the door-- the Scarran has nearly burned his way through the locking device.

JOHN: Freeze or fry.

John takes 'freeze' and runs out into the storm.

D'ARGO: Freeze.

D'Argo follows John, just as the Scarran bursts into the room.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY

BRACA: Sir, the diversion's working. The Scarran is moving outside in pursuit of Crichton and D'Argo.

SCORPIUS: However, two of the others are now blocking our path to the surface. If they see us, and notify Crais...

BRACA: Two Commandos from the Marauder coming from this approach, could take them out and still maintain a Zero Presence profile.

SCORPIUS: Summon them.

INTERCUT

EXT. MEDICAL FACILITY

Outside in a furious blizzard, John and D'Argo make their way slowly away from the exit hatch. They shout to be heard over the wind.

JOHN: No sign of the Scarran. Do you think he's following?

D'ARGO: Better hope he is.

JOHN: You sound like you got a plan.

D'ARGO: We're going to bring him out here, and see how he likes being in the cold.

JOHN: And what if he likes it?

D'ARGO: Look! One plan-- at a time!

JOHN: All right.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- CRYO-CHAMBER

ZHAAN: Forgive me, Stark, but I need your strength. I know you would never allow me to risk this.

Zhaan lifts Starks mask slighty allowing a thin beam of his energy to escape, bathing Aeryn Sun's cryo-pod in it's golden light. Zhaan approaches the pod and places her hands on it. Reality fades away, replaced by a 'spiritual reality'.

ZHAAN: Do you know who I am? -- Do you know who you are?

AERYN: Officer Aeryn Sun, Special Peacekeeper Commando, Icarion Company, Pleisar Regiment. Have you come to reassign me?

ZHAAN: I've come to take you back.

Zhaan takes Aeryns hands, placing them on both sides of her head, then takes Aeryn's head in her hands-- pressing their foreheads together-- they are joined in Unity.

AERYN: Zhaan? What is this?

ZHAAN: Unity, Aeryn. The sharing of minds and souls. As our thoughts merge, you will understand.

AERYN: I understand that you shouldn't be here.

ZHAAN: Nor should you.

AERYN: Why are you doing this?

ZHAAN: Because I love you. More importantly... Crichton loves you. You must take this gift, not for my sake, but for his.

AERYN: I can't. I know your thoughts, and I know what this will cost you.

ZHAAN: Stop resisting, Aeryn. Accept this.

AERYN: No.

Aeryn pulls away and Unity is terminated, 'reality' returns and Zhaan screams and falls to the ground in the cryo-chamber.

ZHAAN: No! Aeryn!

Zhaan crawls toward Aeryn's cryo-pod, but her progress is stopped by the booted foot of a Peacekeeper Commando. She looks up just in time to get the butt of his pulse rifle in the face.

END ACT III




ACT IV

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- CRYO-CHAMBER/PRIVATE ROOM

SCORPIUS: We'll take Stark with us.

COMMANDO 1: Capture or terminate?

BRACA: Keep the Banik alive... terminate the Delvian.

Before the Commando's can follow their orders, we hear the distinct sound of the Qualta Blade charging, then the distinct sound as the Commando over Zhaan is struck by the weapons energy discharge. We can 'see' the blade as the weapon fires a second time, taking out the Commando over Stark. Zhaan looks toward their savior. Aeryn steps from the Cryo-pod, holding the Qualta blade at the ready. She is the 'avenging angel'.

STARK: You're back. You're back... Oh, Zhaan.

ZHAAN: Success.

STARK: Success.

AERYN: Where are the others?

STARK: Surgery.

Aeryn glances around, ensuring no further enemy lurks, then leaves.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- PRIVATE ROOM

BRACA: Report.

SCORPIUS: The commandos are dead, Lieutenant. Even if Crais is now aware of our presence, the Scarran won't stay diverted forever. Officer Corbrind-- we can wait no longer.

CORBRIND: Yes, sir.

INTERCUT

EXT. MEDICAL FACILITY

The Scarran exits the surgery, into the storm, pursuing Crichton and D'Argo, who approach another entrance to the facility.

JOHN: Here he comes! Hell, I don't think he likes the cold either!

D'ARGO: Hah!

Crichton and D'Argo reach the entrance to the facility.

JOHN: Warm up the hot cocoa, baby! Here we come!

Crichton attempts to open the hatch with negative results! D'Argo puts his strength to the door as well, but the door won't open.

JOHN: It's jammed! I can't believe this! You have got to be kidding me!

D'ARGO: Unjam it.

JOHN: What? What are you gonna do?!

D'Argo pulls the dagger from his belt, roars and charges the Scarran, slamming the blade into the Scarran's gut. Unfortunately, the blade snaps off without so much as scratching the hide of the Scarran.

D'ARGO: Frell.

The Scarran knocks D'Argo on his backside with one blow.

INTERCUT

EXT. SPACE -- Tracking the Marauder as it leaves the planet.

INTERCUT

INT. TALYN -- Command

CRAIS: Yes, Talyn, I see it. There is a vessel leaving the planet. No, a transport pod would not be attempting a stealth trajectory. -- Pursue.

INTERCUT

EXT. MEDICAL FACILITY

The Scarran continues beating the crap out of D'Argo while John still tries to get the door open. The uneven battle is interrupted by the sound of the Qualta Blade firing. The energy beam strikes the Scarran in the back... he turns to meet this new attacker, and is struck twice more for his efforts. Crichton and D'Argo squint into the storm, trying to see who their savior is.

D'ARGO: That's my Qualta Blade!

JOHN: Can't be! You left it in the coffin!

Aeryn, having stepped from the Surgery exit into the storm, fires twice more before the charge on the rifle fails, leaving her with a useless weapon, but John has spied a useful weapon on the ground-- a huge frelling icicle broken from the doorway.

JOHN: Hey! Hey, Horseface!

The Scarran, diverted, turns toward John-- who drives six inches of icicle into the bloody opening in it's hide, made by the energy discharge from the qualta blade, twisting it for good measure. The Scarran lashes out, knocking John to the ground with a backhand blow to the head. The Scarran howls, and collapses.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY

Just inside the Medical Facility, Aeryn waits while John staggers in the door, barely assisted by D'Argo, he collapses to his hands and knees.

AERYN: D'Argo! Here.

Aeryn passes to Qualta Blade to D'Argo, then reaches out to John, trying to steady him. Terrified, he pulls away, fending 'her' off with both hands.

JOHN: Oh! No! You're gone!

AERYN: It's me, John.

JOHN: But it can't be! You're-- you're-- This is some kind of a trick! She died!

AERYN: Zhaan brought me back. She did a Unity thing.

JOHN: Zhaan. Oh, my... my God... Zhaan?

John reaches out, touching her hair, looking for the shorn locks, quickly gathering her into his arms he buries his face in her neck and hair, crushing her to him.

JOHN: You're alive...

They remain locked in this mutual embrace, rocking gently together, Crichton shakes them both with the force of his emotion.

INTERCUT

EXT. SPACE

Talyn in pursuit of the Marauder.

SCORPIUS: Crais. Cease this pursuit at once.

CRAIS: This pursuit will end in your death, Scorpius.

SCORPIUS: Aboard this Marauder is information that will help us defeat the Scarrans. You may have foresworn the Peacekeepers, but before you act, consider your fellow Sebaceans.

CRAIS: You consider one Sebacean who died at your hands-- Officer Aeryn Sun.

The pursuit continues even as Scorpius' command carrier comes into view ahead.

CRAIS: Yes, Talyn, I see it. Command Carrier.

SCORPIUS: Crais. You destroy this ship, my command carrier will destroy you.

CRAIS: Possibly. Talyn-- are we in agreement?

In answer, Talyn's main cannon locks on target.

CRAIS: Fire!

Talyn's cannon fires, obliterating the Marauder with one shot, just as it passes through the main ring of the command carrier.

CRAIS: Pilot. Scorpius is dead. His command carrier is now in pursuit of Talyn, we'll draw it away from your position before we Starburst.

PILOT: Scorpius is... dead?

CRAIS: Yes. Officer Sun... is avenged.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- SURGERY

John, D'Argo and Aeryn reenter the surgery, D'Argo is speaking with Pilot over comms.

D'ARGO: Are you certain, Pilot?

PILOT: Yes. Moya confirms it. Before Starbursting, Talyn told her that he destroyed Scorpius' Marauder.

JOHN: Damn shame on two counts. Too quick, and I wasn't there to see it.

STARK: ( over comms ) D'Argo, I'm with Zhaan.

D'ARGO: Did you find Tocot?

STARK: Yes. He's dead.

D'ARGO: And what about Grunschlk?

STARK: He's dead too ...effectively.

JOHN: Then we're going to take these two with us.

D'ARGO: The Interons?

AERYN: Why?

JOHN: One of them died because of me.

AERYN: You think they can be saved?

JOHN: You were.

INTERCUT

EXT. SPACE -- Transport Pod enters Moya's docking bay door.

INTERCUT

INT. MEDICAL FACILITY -- PRIVATE ROOM

BRACA: Signal from the command carrier, sir. Moya and Talyn have both fled. A Prowler detail is on it's way to pick us up.

SCORPIUS: The Marauder?

BRACA: Destroyed.

SCORPIUS: Plainly, Officer Corbrind overestimated his piloting skills.

BRACA: Well, perhaps Talyn is more formidable than we thought. Sir, Crais must be--

SCORPIUS: First Command has already taken care of that situation. Our task is much more important. We-- have a new Gammak Research Base ready to go into operation. Hundreds of Techs are waiting to apply this-- priceless information. Let's not keep them waiting, Lieutenant.

END ACT IV




EPILOGUE

INT. MOYA -- Center Chamber

CHIANA: Taste all right?

D'ARGO: That frelling planet got me so chilled I still can't smell anything. But, ah, it is warming me up.

RYGEL: Mine is more than adequate. All the time you two spent in here was... ultimately productive.

D'ARGO: Two excellent cooks. I couldn't be luckier.

RYGEL: Well, I could. That frelling Grunschlk! I paid for services and they were not rendered. I'm delighted he's dead!

INTERCUT

INT. MOYA -- CARGO BAY

Aeryn enters, the door closes behind her. She walks quietly over to the second cryo-pod, standing in front of it silently, as Crichton stands in front of the first pod. They face away from each other in this pose.

JOHN: Finished making your rounds?

AERYN: Mm-hmm. ( pause ) I shouldn't be here.

JOHN: This is exactly where you should be. ( pause ) I love you.

AERYN: I love you too.

He crosses the short distance between them, gently turning her toward him, he takes her face in his hands and they kiss. Oh my. By the time they reach their knees it's a conflagration. Aeryn pushes him away slightly but remains in his arms, they almost occupy the same space-- she has bad news to give him.

God... this is such a BEAUTIFUL piece, you really have GOT to see this! The emoting here is simply breathtaking! Every word, every expression, every breath! Geez. They are just TOO damn good. Hey, watch it with the sound OFF! It's amazing! Okay, is that Ian Watson? Or the Actors? Maybe both? Quoting Staanz: "It doesn't get any better than this, baby!" Back to the play, damn it!


AERYN: We will not act on it.

JOHN: ( gasping ) What... Aeryn...

AERYN: My Peacekeeper training was right about one thing-- Soldiers, and emotional attachments. In battle, they distort your thinking.

JOHN: We're not in battle, Aeryn. Scorpius is...

AERYN: What happens-- what happens when Moya comes into contact with more Scarrans, or Nebari, or Sheyangs, or something worse? I will not be the cause of any more deaths because my judgement was faulty... I will not permit anyone else to sacrifice their life for mine.

JOHN: What do you mean "anyone else"?

INTERCUT

INT. MOYA -- Zhaan's quarters.

Stark holds Zhaan in his arms, he strokes her face gently with his fingers. We can see a shadow preceding the approach of a crew member. John appears just outside the door, his precense concealed by Stark.

ZHAAN: Hello, John.

JOHN: Aeryn just told me that, uh... whatever you did to bring her back...

ZHAAN: A gift of spiritual energy.

JOHN: Yes... that it took everything that you had.

Zhaan nods and smiles gently.

JOHN: Is there anything we can do to help?

ZHAAN: Nothing.

JOHN: I will not accept that.

ZHAAN: I have, John. I'm dying.





ROLL END CREDITS





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