Farscape

INTO THE LION'S DEN, PART 2:
WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

Episode 10321

Original USA Air Date: April 19, 2002



written by

Rockne S. O'Bannon

directed by

Rowan Woods

Season #3: Episode 21



© 1998     The Jim Henson Company, Inc.






COLD OPEN

EXT. SPACE

CGI - the Command Carrier Armada in space, beyond that; a large blue planet.

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

Long on John and Scorpius, still struggling at the far side of the red and white control console at the center of the room's lower level. The holo projection of the northern hemisphere of Earth still rotating on top of the forward control console. John has forced himself semi-erect, but Scorpius slams his face back into the console. Scorpius is enraged, his voice hoarse with anger as he shouts.

SCORPIUS

Look at it!

cut to close on John and Scorpius; John is equally enraged; only the greater strength of Scorpius holding him in place as he continues to struggle.

JOHN

Get the hell off me you son-of-a-bitch!

Scorpius leans over him, practically growling into his ear.

SCORPIUS

You listen to me, John. I don't care about your homeworld; your entire species! Live; die; means nothing to me!

John heaves futiley against the strength holding him down.

SCORPIUS

What interests me; is that they-- matter-- to you!!

absolute close on John, face pale and slightly blue from the light of the hologram, his eyes rolled to the right, trying to see Scorpius lurking above him. Blood leaks out of his mouth onto the white light as he rages back.

JOHN

You think holding a frickin' gun on my planet is gonna motivate me to help you?!

SCORPIUS

I... have run... out... of... time!

Scorpius hauls John upright by the collar of his jacket; disengaged, the holo-projection of Earth winks out.

JOHN

Don't stop [now asshole!]... let's see how much pain you can take!

Scorpius growls and slams John, face down, on the console; he screams; bloodchilling; and Scorpius leans over him again, his face pressed to the back of John's head; whispering into his ear; his tone no less enraged. [ they are both consumed in the moment -- brilliantly done]

SCORPIUS

That Commandant bitch will return here anytime. I must be able to report success or she's going to scrap my wormhole project. And soon the Scarrans. will rule. half. this. galaxy!!

Frightening how easily Scorpius holds him down even as he is so obviously straining against being held. John cackles, a mad laugh, devoid of humor.

JOHN

Oh, Grasshopper. You're so screwed!

Scorpius growls and hurls John across the room with one hand [Rowan ramps 'em up a bit here, obviously they weren't movin' fast enough for him], and John rolls to a stop against the chair at the top of the short flight of stairs to the upper level. Moments later Scorpius lands on top of him, pinning him to the floor on his back. Scorpius has his cooler mind back, and is doing his 'softly pursuasive thing'. John, for his part, is pretty much physically and mentally spent, working on breathing, the side of his face smeared with blood.

SCORPIUS

If I am screwed, John. Things around here are going to get very ugly.

Intimidation dance continues; John takes a break from panting to give him a mock kiss; Scorpius pats him, only slightly ungently, on the cheek before he stands and walks away.

Cut to long on room as Scorpius decends the short flight of stairs. On the floor behind him John struggles with the idea of standing-- managing only to roll onto his side.

Cut to close on John, rolling back onto his back; only one option remaining, he flails-- slamming his fists into the ground; we hear Scorpius grunt of pain off screen; not content John slams his head against the floor and Scorpy grunts in pain again.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - OFFICERS LOUNGE

Close on the new, amp'd up, PK sigil. Murmur of many voices as shot pans down and across the room, first showing Crais, sitting thoughtfully at the bar. Aeryn and John enter in the BG, her voice initially off screen.

AERYN

But if Grayza's going to stop the experiment in a few days, then we have already succeeded.

John stops their progress at the end of the bar, Crais still in FG.

JOHN

No. Scorpius is in Captain Queeg mode.

cut to close on John and Aeryn.

JOHN

Somebody's stolen his strawberries and he's not gonna let his pet project die.

AERYN

( smirking briefly )
How's he planning to stop Grayza?

JOHN

We're talkin' about Scorpius. You prepared to bet against him?

Aeryn thinks about that briefly, but John moves out of shot, already set on a course of action. Aeryn follows with a lovely 'here we go again' look.

JOHN [O.S.]

Bialar...

Cut to long on the lounge as John walks quickly past Crais, Aeryn following.

JOHN

...you look tense. Let's take a little steam in that restorative chamber.

Lingering at the bar, watching them go, Crais sighs slightly, then moves to follow.

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - RESTORATIVE CHAMBER

D'Argo, Chiana and Jool are already gathered in the Chamber. Three shot and long on the room. D'Argo standing in FG, the girls are sitting on the black and white tiled construct that makes the place look 'sort of' like a sauna. The red and black PK motif dominates, a large red and white PK symbol mounted above the door vertically, similar stylized symbols decorate the three black framed doors with glass inserts.

D'ARGO

So we're agreed. We stay no longer.

D'Argo turns away from the girls, looking toward Rygel as he floats into frame.

D'ARGO

We go.

RYGEL

Agreed.

JOOL

Agreed.

Behind Jool, a long shadow precedes John's entrance as he stiff-arms the door and strides in; Aeryn and Crais close behind. D'Argo turns as John approaches.

JOHN

All right folks, gather round. New deal. This whole Commandant Grazer strong arm routine... changes everything.

D'ARGO

We agree.

RYGEL

This could all get nasty very quickly.

JOHN

Absolutely, but it might not be nasty enough to put a spike into Scorpy's wormhole project once and for all.

CHIANA

From the scuttlebutt on the ship-- this Grazer's got Scorpius's mivonks in one hezmana of a vise.

There is a long silence and John looks around, evaluating the mood.

JOHN

Are we all on the same page here?

[I love this particular shot] long on the group, John's is the only back we see, everyone else facing out; D'Argo standing on his right, Aeryn on his left [she continuously scanns the room; when she's not looking at John], Crais stands just behind her and behind him; sitting on the first tier of the 'sauna' is Jool, and just 'above' and to her left, Chiana sits on the second tier, her feet on the first. [Simply amazing; incorporating the entire group in one shot; and still so 'right' in context-- love it].

JOHN

We came to permanently sabotage Scorpy's project.

back to close on John.

JOHN

Now, I've been trying to kill it from the inside, but we have run out of time. We have one option left. Only one....

close on Jool, panning up and left to Crais; cut to close on D'Argo and then Aeryn while we wait for the option. Cut to closeup on John and his poor battered face.

JOHN

We blow up the Command Carrier.

Cut to close on Chiana, her mouth open in amazement then breaking to a smile and a laugh [audacity; her favorite] before panning L to Aeryn's grim look and then reaction shots off Jool and Crais-- unhappy campers.

END COLD OPEN

ACT ONE

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - RESTORATIVE CHAMBER

Continuous from end of cold open. Okay, but I 'gotta' laugh here. Aeryn has turned completely away from him-- she cannot believe this; and Crais-- he's in full lunatic appreciation mode; hands on hips, lips pressed together; practically shaking his head. D'Argo's giving him his best 'are you insane?' look-- Chiana's laughter is a reflection of 'all' of this. Meanwhile, Jool seems unable to grasp; or thinks he is unable to grasp; what he's proposing.

JOOL

Blow up... the Command Carrier?
( beat )
The entire Command Carrier?

JOHN

All of Scorpy's data is on this ship.

Close on Aeryn, she seems to be the first to grasp the necessity; the look of horror is simply beautiful.

JOHN [O.S.]

He's retro'd the entire damned hull into a repeated necessary to stabilize a wormhole.

cut to closeup on John

JOHN

This boat is the Peacekeeper wormhole project.

RYGEL

But, this carrier's huge. Over a metra long.

CHIANA

Is it possible to blow up the whole ship?

JOHN

It's armed to the teeth. We can blow the munitions store. Hell, we can stick a banana in the tailpipe. I do not care how we do it, but we do it.

AERYN

There are over fifty thousand men, women and children aboard this ship.

JOHN

Then we find a way... to get 'em off before we blow it up.

D'ARGO

John, there's no way that we--

John cuts him off [and I get a LGM1 flashback]

JOHN

Is this not... what we came here to do?

John turns from D'Argo to Aeryn, briefly surveying the group, his gaze lingering on Aeryn; in the long silence no one disputes him. He turns to Crais.

JOHN

Crais-- you commanded this ship, can we destroy it?

CRAIS

It's possible. I'll need to see the specs on any modifications Scorpius has made, and any redistribution of power and fuel since I was in command.

JOHN

Good. We have a start and...

He turns a specific look on Aeryn.

JOHN

We will find a way to get the people off.

He survey's the group again, finding them still mostly, sanely, reluctant.

JOHN

Guys... we can do this... and we have to try.

RYGEL

I did see what the Scarrans were able to do. Even if by some
(scoffs)
wild miracle, I manage to regain my throne, I won't hold it for long if the Peacekeepers have this technology. I know what horrible destruction wormholes can wreak. Nobody should wield such power... nobody.

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - GAMMA HANGAR - LEVEL 12

Later -- long across the hangar; Talyn's inert form takes up most of the space, seeming huge as he looms above a small outbuilding and a phlanx of armored and armed PK soldiers. A single black clad PK [Brenna] walks to camera as Crais enters shot. Brenna holds out a delaying hand, resting it on Crais's shoulder; stopping his progress toward Talyn. Cut to close on the two as Crais speaks. [ooo... can I say that 'Brenna' has a totally cool accent... what is that?]

CRAIS

I'm on my way to the Leviathan Hybrid.

BRENNA

Not anymore, Sir.

CRAIS

The hybrid is dead. There is no reason to deny me access.

BRENNA

Scorpius's orders are my reason.

Crais backs away, exiting shot and we stay close on Brenna briefly before cutting to...

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

Through the windows separating the hangar from the lab, we see John sitting at a table inside the lab. He appears to be examining his hand, then looks up.

Cut to close on John.

HARVEY [O.S.]

This is all very pleasant John, but, ah... shouldn't we be working?

fade to theather of the mind.

THEATER OF THE MIND - WARZONE

Either night; or heavy overcast of smoke, depletes the light except for that cast by occassional nearby explosions of mortar fire. John and Harvey sit on opposite sides of a small make-shift table; two stacked crates [probably dynamite ;) ]; a large military vehicle fills screen right.

HARVEY

Or at least, well...

cut to close on the pair. Harvey is more than a little nervous at the setting; John is calm and cool; evaluating the chessboard on the table between them. John is white; Harvey is black.

HARVEY

...pretending to work?

JOHN

Would he do it?

HARVEY

Hm? Oh! Would Scorpius actually attack earth? If you fail in delivering the wormhole answers...

Harvey pauses, seeing a potential move on the board. He moves a piece across the board and John tips his King. Checkmate. Harvey's cackle of triumph is interrupted by...

fade to lab.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

xclose on John, still deep in thought.

fade to theater of the mind.

HARVEY [O.S.]

Would he set out on a sixty-cycle mission?!

THEATER OF THE MIND - WARZONE

Still sitting at the table, this time a game of checkers on the table; Harvey is still black.

HARVEY

To destroy an insignificant planet?
( huffs with disbelief )
Though I would never underestimate Scorpius's resolve for retribution, John.

Cut to close on John, then the table as his gloved hand moves one of his white pieces. Cut to an amazed look from Harvey... shaking his head.

HARVEY

If he feels he's been...

Close on John's hand, hestitant he reaches back for the piece just moved.

JOHN

No. Wait...

Cut back to Harvey, righteous comedic anger!

HARVEY

Hey-- took your hand off!

John backs off, allowing Harvey's next move-- from the opposite side of the board, Harvey jumps four of John's white pieces.

fade briefly to lab, close on John's eyes over the warzone.

Still sitting at the table, each holds a hand of cards.

HARVEY

Got any threes?

Smirk of anger and John tosses three cards across the table; Harvey scoops them up with glee.

HARVEY

Ah-ha! Yes...
( beat )
So, tell me John. If you do develop wormhole travel, and gain the ability to return home, would you really destroy that information?

JOHN

Got any sixes?

HARVEY

Go fish! Ha-Hah!

A nearby explosion interrupts Harvey's celebratory dance; and fade out as John plucks a new card from the deck.

Co-KURA [O.S.]

Crichton... Crichton...

fade to lab.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Close on John, eyes fixed on the holo display, unresponsive. Pan L, Co-Kura's hand on his shoulder, shaking him slightly.

Co-KURA

Crichton... Crichton, you're no longer writing on the tablet.

Closeup on John's left hand, which already contains numerous exotic black symbols. The pen he holds in his opposite hand still inking in new marks.

Co-KURA

Crichton? Crichton?

Closeup on John, his eyes still focused on the display, abruptly dart toward Co-Kura then back to the display- he looks slightly unfocussed as if he doesn't know where he is; confused, he looks down at his hand.

Pan down to closeup on his hand as he lifts and rotates it, examining the marks there.

Co-KURA

Oh my Jenset, look what you've done. I... I think you've unlocked the fifth level coupling anomalies.

Amazed, John examines his hand-- his gaze turning to the display.

JOHN

( softly )
So that's how it works.

Co-KURA

I must get these figures plugged in immediately.

Another closeup of the marks on the heel of his hand, and cut to close on his face, his hand held before him; examining the marks there.

JOHN

We're close.

Co-KURA

Yes. Oh, yes.

Co-Kura scuttles away. John continues to examine his hand, his brow knitting in realization; he clenches his hand into a fist and turns his gaze to the display again.

JOHN

I can do this.

Pan R to the display [finally] where the blue funnel of a wormhole rotates. Fade to...

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CRAIS'S QUARTERS

Crais sits silent and despondent in FG. Larell, sitting on the bed, abruptly stands, moving toward him, crouching at his feet.

LARELL

Disarming him was the final step towards his resurrection. Your experience with Talyn... will be invaluable... to making that happen. We must get you back aboard Talyn.

CRAIS

They'd never let me stay with him.

She stands, moving closer, placing a hand on his shoulder.

LARELL

We don't know that.

CRAIS

Not unless I have something to trade.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

Scorpius paces slowly along the upper level. Cut to the door as Braca enters.

BRACA

Sir.

He walks out of shot, toward Scorpius as two armored PK soldiers escort Crais through the doorway. The armor is too broad to come in together, so one precedes the other; who propels Crais before him; then the first through resumes his grip on Crais's right arm.

Braca climbs the steps to stand beside Scorpius, speaking softly.

BRACA

(whispering)
I talked to Crais.

Scorpius nods and Braca gestures to the soldiers who drag Crais forward.

SCORPIUS

You have something for me?

CRAIS

Yes. A demand.

SCORPIUS

Get him out of my... get him out of my sight!

The soldiers attempt to drag a now resisting Crais out of the room while he loudly shouts his 'demands'.

CRAIS

I demand that I suffer no repercussions for any of my actions during exile. I demand assurances that the Leviathan hybrid will be resurrected-- that I will be leader of that project working alongside Lieutenant Larell!

SCORPIUS

Stop. Let him speak.
( beat )
You have something... comparable, I assume.

CRAIS

More than comparable.

SCORPIUS

Any deal you strike with me may not prove enforceable once Commandant Grazer returns.

CRAIS

If you delineate my requests in an Executive Order, signed while you are still in command of this vessel High Command must honor it... no matter what dishonor you may endure.

SCORPIUS

I accept your terms.
( beat )
Release him.

The soldiers release him and move back.

CRAIS

Scorpius...

Crais walks toward Scorpius

CRAIS

Crichton has no intention of helping you.

He walks behind him; Braca springs into action; moving closer himself.

CRAIS

He has determined that there is only one way to stop you and your experiments with finality.

A brief pause and Crais leans forward, lowering his voice slightly-- as if this is difficult for him.

CRAIS

He is conspiring with some of Moya's crew, to destroy... this Command Carrier.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDOR/PTRA

YOUNG GIRL

Ow... let me go!

AERYN

Hey!

YOUNG GIRL

( whimpering )
Ow.... ow...

AERYN

Got an injury?

YOUNG GIRL

Yes.

AERYN

Let's have a look.

AERYN

Hm. All right.

AERYN

Well, this may sting a little.

AERYN

When I was your age, do you have any idea how many times I was ambushed when I wasn't ready?

AERYN

Let me see. Hm...

HENTA

Cadet, at service now.

AERYN

Henta.

HENTA

Let it bleed. Let it scar. You'll want it. Go.

HENTA

Don't make her soft, Aeryn.

AERYN

There's so much you don't know, Henta.

AERYN

What are you doing here?

CRAIS

We need to talk. There's a problem. Follow me.

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDOR

D'ARGO

We secured the information about the ship's modifications.

CHIANA

We got word on the lifepods.

JOOL

Great. Let's get the information, get it to Crichton and get the frell outta here.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Co-KURA

The equations... they're flowing from you like a Walteran Fountain.

Co-KURA

This is wonderful, Crichton!

SCORPIUS

It seems your subconscious has blossomed. Despite yourself... you are delivering the secrets that will allow me to succeed. And, ah... no more distractions, John. Your plot against this ship has failed. Your friends... are in custody.

JOHN

You are dead! You are a dead man, Crais!

SCORPIUS

If Grazer insists that they all complete their sentences as prisoners, then so be it.

JOHN

No! No, no. I forced them to do it. I demand you let 'em go if you want me to keep working--

SCORPIUS

You will demand nothing! You give me my wormholes or, I swear, I will kill them all!

COMMAND CARRIER - HOLDING CELLS

JOOL

We didn't actually do anything. I mean, all they have is our intent.

CHIANA

They're Peacekeepers Jool. They're not into justice. They're into enforcement.

CHIANA

Hey. Come on. We've been in worse scrapes than this.

D'ARGO

I was a Peacekeeper prisoner for eight cycles. And I think that I spent every, single solar day trying to escape.

RYGEL

Last time it took me a hundred and thirty cycles to escape.

JOOL

A hundred and thirty cycles?

RYGEL

Huh. I was lucky.

COMMAND CARRIER - AURORA CHAIR

Crais and Aeryn sit on the edges of the circular platform to an Aurora Chair device; some slight modifications since we last saw one of these. In the FG another of the brightly lit red and white PK control consoles. The Chair is flanked by more of the orbs as seen in the generator room; most likely a power source for the Chair. John enters. Stalking.

JOHN

( curtly )
You wanted to see me?

Aeryn stands quickly, and puts herself in between John and Crais; as the latter comes into the former's view and he leaps toward him; enraged and intent on the damage he was prevented from earlier.

AERYN

( pushing him back )
No. Stop it. It's safe to talk here, and you need to hear this.

JOHN

( shouting )
I need to kick his ass! He sold us out!

CRAIS

You can't destroy this ship by simply throwing a few switches.

JOHN

So you set 'em up.

CRAIS

No, Crichton, I did not. I needed the distraction, so that Scorpius would believe that the plot against him had failed. I kept Aeryn safe, because I need her.

JOHN

You should come up with a newer line.

AERYN

And you should listen to him, now.

CRAIS

All that I have cared for have gone. My parents... taken away from me, my brother dead. So now, I live; I plan; I do-- all in the service of my own interests. In that, I believe, I am not unique in the universe.

JOHN

Snap this up. I gotta get back.

CRAIS

Despite all of this, I understand the power of the technology that Scorpius is attempting to harness. I understand the horror that will wash over this galaxy if anyone wields this weapon. And, last of all, I now know that I am the only individual capable of stopping him.

John's gaze turns the slight distance from Crais to Aeryn; she stares at him warily, more ready to defend than persuade.

JOHN

Have fun.

He spins on his heel to exit and Aeryn steps forward again, grabbing his wrist to hold him back. He turns about, yanking his hand free, palpably furious.

AERYN

Listen. We all were on the same team. We all want this ship destroyed.

CRAIS

And the only way to do that... is with Talyn.

AERYN

Crais is proposing that he and Talyn Starburst while still inside the Command Carrier hangar.

CRAIS

The Carrier will collapse upon itself... outer decks first, central core last.

AERYN

It will take at least half an arn for the ship to fully implode.

JOHN

Giving the crew time to abandon ship.

His skeptical gaze shoots up from her eyes to Crais. Crais gives nothing, sitting silently. John steps closer to Aeryn, needing affirmation.

JOHN

Tell me... you believe this.

AERYN

Do you have a plan to destroy the ship?

JOHN

( softly )
Not yet.

AERYN

D'Argo and the others are probably in a holding cell, and I can find them.

JOHN

Where do we meet up with you and Talyn?

CRAIS

You don't.

CRAIS

Starburst in a confined space, where the energy can't dissipate... Hmm. It will be the hero's death that Talyn deserves.

Again looking to Aeryn, she's silent but doesn't disagree; perhaps the defensive stance reflects defense against yet another loss.

JOHN

You're gonna die?

CRAIS

I will need a... ah, significant distraction... to keep Scorpius occupied.

Crais turns and walks away, heading an exit opposite from where John entered.

JOHN

Crais.

He stops, reluctantly turns back, waiting. John again looks to Aeryn still standing quietly, something cloaked deep inside; and John softens minimally, the rage and distrust bleeding away.

JOHN

I'll get you one.

He turns and walks out.

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDOR

John enters a corridor, his stride faltering and he stops in the middle of the corridor, turning slowly, his expression sickly, contemplating the death and destruction coming.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

John paces down the length of a Prowler, his braceleted hand running along the sleek nose of the craft, he pauses, turning toward the Prowler; both hands on the nose. Distracted expression resolves and with a pat to the nose of the prowler, he heads toward the door to the wormhole lab, ducking under the wingtip of the Prowler.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Co-Kura is working at a table in the lab as John enters.

JOHN

Yo, Harrison! Get your shoes on. We're goin' on a little trip to my module.

Co-KURA

But, dear Crichton!

JOHN

You smell this? Wormholes.

JOHN

We are this close. But you gotta get Scorpy to call off the watchdogs.

Co-KURA

Crichton? Crichton? Crichton!

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDOR

LARELL

What's happening?

CRAIS

Nothing.

LARELL

You forget how well I know you. I can tell you're about to do something.

CRAIS

You do know me very well.

LARELL

( softly )
If I suspect you're conspiring against Scorpius, I must report it.

CRAIS

Larell. If you suspect anything, you must report it. Do not be disloyal... to Scorpius in any way.

LARELL

Tell me--

CRAIS

Tell Scorpius it's not going to work. Next time he sends someone to spy on me... send someone I care about!

LARELL

Oh!

EXT SPACE MOYA

INT MOYA - TRANSPORT HANGAR

Co-KURA

Crichton! Crichton! We must hurry. Scorpius said we must not stay on Moya long.

INT MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

JOHN

Yeah, yeah. I'm on my way.

INT MOYA - TRANSPORT HANGAR

Co-KURA

Quickly, check the stabilizers.

INT MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

Moya understands. She says it is best this way. Talyn... was always destined for a violent end. This then, at least, will be a noble one.

PILOT

We may never see any of you again.

JOHN

Pilot. Just be ready to Starburst if you don't see us haulin' ass towards you.

JOHN

You give Moya my love.

PILOT

And... her love to you... as well as mine.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDOR

INT COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

Co-KURA

Check the nose cone.

JOHN

Co-Kura. Make sure those sensors are far away from the hetch drive.

Co-KURA

( to Tech )
Attach one to either side.

SCORPIUS

I allowed you to get this... primitive ship. How is it going to get me what I want?

JOHN

Read the middle finger, Scorpy. I have a thought, forming in my head as to why this primitive ship, with no shielding, allows me to survive wormholes. I'm gonna check it out.

SCORPIUS

( loudly )
Which pilot is ready for deployment?

JOHN

Whoa, no. No, no. Nobody flies it but me. One of your bozos screws up and bye-bye birdie.

SCORPIUS

You could die, John.

JOHN

Yes. I could die. If I don't kick this project in the ass before Commandant Cleavage gets back, she's gonna execute me anyway, right?

JOHN

What? You worried if I turn to silly putty, so do you?

JOHN

Why don't you come with me?
( beat )
Come on, Grasshopper. Come with me. You spent your life in search of wormholes, let me introduce you to one... up close and personal.

JOHN

Unless, of course, you're too scared.

EXT SPACE

INT MODULE

JOHN

Co-Kura? How are the sensors reading?

INT COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Co-KURA

All sensor data flowing at maximum.

INT MODULE

JOHN

All right, Scorp. You ready to rumble?

SCORPIUS

Oh, yes, John.

COMMAND CARRIER

Close up on various PK's standing about gawking up as though that will aid them in listening to Crichton's voice which echoes out over a loud speaker system.

JOHN [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
We are approaching optimal attitude.

Co-KURA [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
All data... still flowing.

EXT SPACE - WORMHOLE EVENT HORIZON

Vast expanse of the wormhole fills half the shot, the module arcs in, diving toward the center, slowing and hovering above it.

JOHN [O.S]

Entering the wormhole--

INT MODULE

JOHN

--in ten microts.

INT COMMAND CARRIER

JOHN [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
On my mark.

Co-KURA [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
Check your drag co-efficient, Crichton.

EXT SPACE - WORMHOLE

The module noses over and dives into the wormhole.

INT WORMHOLE

The blue/white walls of the wormhole slide quickly past, POV of the module.

INT MODULE

The ride is remarkably smooth.

JOHN

Huh. What do you think?

INT WORMHOLE

The blue/white walls of the wormhole sliding quickly past, POV of the module.

INT MODULE

Close on Scorpius, slight turbulence jarring him.

SCORPIUS

This is without description, John.

INT WORMHOLE

Close on port side of module as it speeds through the wormhole, steady as she goes.

INT MODULE

JOHN

It's a real Kodak moment.

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Crais 'strolls' down a corridor as Co-Kura's voice continues to echo out over the loud speaker.

Co-KURA [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
Sensor readings are starting to oscillate.

Turning a corner he slows and stops, hands behind his back, he steps back toward the wall, feigning interest in what is occuring outside the ship. The corridor in front of him is littered with PK's standing about, listening with real interest.

Co-KURA [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
Crichton, we're detecting rantath flux.

INT MODULE

Vibrations inside the ship increase as the module shimmies a bit.

SCORPIUS

What is that, John?

JOHN

I don't know.

INT WORMHOLE

Following shot, the module slides back and forth, unsteadily riding the interior walls of the wormhole.

Co-KURA [O.S.]

You're approaching the zone of possible instability.

INT MODULE

JOHN

Alright, buckle up back there.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

JOHN [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
We got a little problem.

WORMHOLE

The modules speed increases as it takes a downward arc as the interior structure of the wormhole twists and turns with increasing frequency.

MODULE

John and Scorpius are rocked wildly by the motions of the ship.

SCORPIUS

( shouting )
What is causing this, John?

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

Scorpius's voice echoes over the loud speaker, anxiety evident in his tone. Crais enters, but he's stopped by a group of armed PK's.

BRENNA

You may not know it, sir, but my orders have been changed by Scorpius himself. He said if you tried to board the hybrid again, I was authorized to shoot to kill.

WORMHOLE

Co-KURA [O.S.]

Sensor readings.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Co-KURA

They're all in the danger zone.

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Co-KURA [O.S.]

( over loud speaker )
Do you read me? Crichton? Commander Crichton!

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Co-KURA

Do you read me? Do you read me?!

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

WORMHOLE

LAB

Co-KURA

Can you read me?

Co-KURA

Crichton!

Completely frantic he turns to the techs standing nearby.

Co-KURA

Get me readings!

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Co-KURA [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
Are either of them still alive?

COMMAND CARRIER - GAMMA HANGAR - LEVEL 12

BRENNA

I'm going to enjoy this command.

CRAIS

Not as much as me.

INT WORMHOLE

INT MODULE

JOHN

Co-Kura. We are experiencing-

LAB

JOHN [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
-heavy instabilities. Attempting to recoover.

WORMHOLE

SCORPIUS [O.S.]

What is causing this, John?

MODULE

JOHN

Flying through wormholes ain't like dusting crops, farmboy. It takes a little finesse.

WORMHOLE

The ride slows a bit and smooths out.

MODULE

JOHN

Okay, Co-Kura.

LAB

JOHN [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
We are stabilizing.

Co-KURA

Sensor reading confirm that.

COMMAND CARRIER - GAMMA HANGAR - LEVEL 12

AERYN

Now you go.

WORMHOLE

MODULE

SCORPIUS

( smiling )
I've never felt this... connected, John.

JOHN

You're not goin' all mushy on me back there, are ya?

LAB

Co-KURA

The wormhole appears to be experiencing wave fluctuations. I... I... I strongly recommend that you fly clear-

MODULE

Co-KURA [O.S.]

-and return to the carrier.

JOHN

Right.

INT TALYN - THE BRIDGE

CRAIS

Yes, Talyn. I'm here.

CRAIS

No need to be afraid.
( beat )
Talyn... the firing mechanism on your cannon... was taken from you... by the Peacekeepers.

CRAIS

The rest... have been captured. And Moya... Moya will soon be enslaved...

CRAIS

...unless... we do something. Something radical. You and I... together.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

JOHN

You haven't got your wormhole legs yet. Don't worry. First time is the worst.

CRAIS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
Scorpius?

INT TALYN - THE BRIDGE

CRAIS

I am just making my final... good-byes.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

SCORPIUS

Where are you, Crais?

CRAIS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
I am standing in your heart...

INT TALYN - THE BRIDGE

CRAIS

...and I am about to squeeze.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

SCORPIUS

Braca.

COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

SCORPIUS [O.S.]

Find the source of this transmission, and arrest that fool.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

BRACA [O.S.]

It's coming from the hybrid, in the... gamma hangar on level twelve.

COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

BRACA

The hybrid's powering up.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB/HANGAR

CRAIS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
You are the most repellant of creatures, Scorpius.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE HANGAR/LAB

CRAIS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
You weren't born into Peacekeepers.

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

CRAIS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
You weren't... conscripted against your will.

INT TALYN - THE BRIDGE

CRAIS

You chose to be one.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

SCORPIUS

I want the bay doors sealed.

COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

SCORPIUS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
All prowlers-

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

SCORPIUS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
-scrambled. That hybrid must-

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

SCORPIUS

-not get away!

COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

BRACA

The hybrid's building to maximum power,-

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

BRACA [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
-inside the hangar.

COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

BRACA

I don't think he's planning to escape.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

CRAIS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
The last time I left... this ship...

INT TALYN - THE BRIDGE

CRAIS

My ship... I did so under a veil of secrecy. You-

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

CRAIS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
-forced that situation. You took away mmy command.

TALYN - THE BRIDGE

CRAIS

You stole my life from me.
( beat )
Well, this time Scorpius...

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB/HANGAR

TALYN - THE BRIDGE

CRAIS

I am not leaving quietly.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB/HANGAR

SCORPIUS

Somebody find that fool... and get him out of that ship!

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - GAMMA HANGAR - LEVEL 12

Roar of engines and Talyn lifts, hovering slightly above the deck. Armored PK's run across the deck.

COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

The ship is rumbling - Braca takes a step, putting a hand on a pillar to steady himself.

COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Close on a PK still focused on the overhead speakers, looking around a bit uncertainly as the ship begins to rumble.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Close on Scorpius as his furious gaze turns toward John. Cut to MED on John, still sitting on the module, one leg tucked under another, seen through the glass portal between the lab and the hangar, his bland gaze remains on Scorpius.

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

Shot cuts to behind John, looking through the glass portal into the lab as Scorpius crosses the lab, bracing both hands against the glass, Co-Kura hovering behind him. His order shouted out over the loudspeaker.

SCORPIUS

( over loudspeaker )
Somebody get that traitor off that ship!

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

Scorpius snorts in anger as the PK's in the hangar scramble out. His gaze turns suddenly to John, some kind of realization as John remains sitting calmly on the module.

JOHN

( over loudspeaker )
I suggest you hang onto something.

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

wide shot on Scorpius, his surprise evident in his expression, his mouth actually gaping.

COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB

As Scorpius turns away from the portal he almost stumbles over the still hovering Co-Kura. A terrified Co-Kura whimpers as Scorpius vents his anger with a terrible hissing growl. Scorpius strides past the cowering Co-Kura, toward the exit.

INT. COMMAND CARRIER - GAMMA HANGAR - LEVEL 12

Talyn hovering above the deck of the enclosed hangar, the ship is not nearly dwarfed by the confines, the closed outer doors just forward of the ship. His outer wings contract in preparation for Starburst.

INT TALYN - THE BRIDGE

Close on Crais, his eyes close and he looks away from the forward portal.

CRAIS

Talyn.

Talyn signals a response. Crais turns back toward the forward portal, drawing himself rigidly erect, he inhales and opens his eyes, then closing gently before the final order.

CRAIS

Starburst.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - GAMMA HANGAR - LEVEL 12

The tips of Talyn's wing and tail glow as they draw closer together, and a bright flare of blinding Starburst energy fills the hangar, the loop racing up the body of the ship toward the nose, tearing loose the inner layers of the hangar bay and hurling them forward with the wave of energy along with anything standing loose inside the hangar. Talyn's body glows a bright red.

INT TALYN - THE BRIDGE

Close on Crais, his eyes closed against the intensity of the light. The circle of Starburst Energy radiates around the nose of the ship and Talyn races fowarward, disappearing into the ring as it contracts to a bright blob of energy before flaring outward in a bright explosion of light.

Cut to long on the hangar bay. A mad scramble among the troops as the ships glowing red form disappears into the blast of light and energy. Structures in the hangar bay collapse and the people and equipment are hurled across the space.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - VARIOUS LOCATIONS

A series of rapid cuts as the initial explosion is felt throughout the Command Carrier.

In the Captain's Quarters, Braca staggers heavily against the desk, as an explosion rocks the vessel.

Co-Kura falls foward against some equipment in the wormhole lab and John falls backward on the module as Talyn's 'departure' makes itself felt.

Rygel peers out from between the bars as the ship shudders beneath him.

RYGEL

What the frell...?

Shot pulls back, the others behind him in the cells stagger.

In the wormhole hangar, John hangs onto the side of the module, peering over the top he sees Co-Kura having similar difficulties with standing as the ship continues to shudder.

In the Captain's Quarters and in various corridors alarms begin to blare, screams echoing throughout.

VOICE

( over loudspeaker )
Emergency, Emergency...

In the holding cell, D'Argo moves quickly to the door as Chiana and Jool stumble around behind him.

CHIANA

D'Argo!

Close on D'Argo at the cell door.

D'ARGO

He's done it. It's going down.

In the corridors more pandemonium as the alarms continue to blare, black clad PKs run in all directions, with much screaming.

EXT SPACE - COMMAND CARRIER

Under the central ring of the Command Carrier, the main body of the ship seems completely involved in bright flame. There are at least three other vessels in the shot and a bright blue planet below all dominates the shot. Many tinier vessels- escape pods- shoot away from the crippled Command Carrier.

INT MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

Pan up to close on Pilot, a bit of funereal music as counterpoint to his grim expression.

PILOT

Yes, Moya. I see it.

EXT SPACE - COMMAND CARRIER

closer on the command carrier, two large areas of conflagration mark the beginnings of it's death. Escape pods continue to shoot away at high velocity, at least one strikes the surface of one of the larger vessels in near proximity.

INT MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

I see it.

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

The entire act is dominated by the sights and sounds of violent destruction. Every scene marked by fire, explosions and crumbling infrastructure as the Carrier is slowly consumed.

EXT SPACE - COMMAND CARRIER

Close on side view of the burning section of the ship, the main hangar area entrance is bright with fire. Debris and escape pods hurl outward, some striking one of the closer ancillary vessels.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - HOLDING CELL

Close on D'Argo, the ship continues to rumble and he shouts for help.

D'ARGO

Let us out!

Cut to angle up, and behind him Jool is shrieking as the roof of the cell begins to bend and collapse, trapping D'Argo, Rygel and Chiana against the forward bars.

CHIANA

Crichton! He's done it!

Still shrieking, Jool crawls under the edge of the fallen cell roof, cowering beside Chiana and Rygel.

CHIANA

He's done it! He's killed the ship!

RYGEL

Yes! But he's also killing us! We're still frelling trapped!

JOOL

( screaming )
I... want...
( shrieking )
out!!!!!

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Aeryn enters a darkened corridor filled with frightened people, the alarm blares and people scream. Close on Aeryn standing quietly in the corridor. Music appropriate to accompany the death of so much begins.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - REC & TRAINING AREA

The sounds of the crumbling vessel are muted or silent under the music. Close on the statue of man and child. As chunks of the ships structure fall into the 'lake', the statue falls backward, broken at the base, plunging into the lake.

Aeryn runs now as well, herding the others in the area toward the exit. Her voice echoes eerily behind the wagnerian opera.

AERYN

Clear the area!

A man picks up the little girl we saw Aeryn aiding earlier and a large group runs toward and out of the area.

AERYN

Move it!

Cut to the exit as more people pour out.

Cut back to the rec area, even more people running toward the exit, helping each other as some fall.

AERYN

Move! Evacuation procedures now!

INT COMMAND CARRIER - OFFICERS LOUNGE

again, silence except for the baleful music and muted screams and explosions.

Scorpius walks slowly through the room as many others run in panic. He walks toward the exit, pulling the double doors open. Shot is over his shoulder as he looks down into the restorative chamber area. A wide flight of steps just across.

He walks into the area as a couple of PKs run down the steps, he turns to watch the first one pass. Across from him, at the top the the steps, the wall bursts and a flood of water rushes through the breach and down the stairs. Scorpius turns his head to watch. More people, pass, running, in a panic. Scorpius walks forward, treading carefully through the water, to the base of the stairs. Turning slowly he survey the destruction as the flood continues to rush down the stairs. [Titanic moment]

WORMHOLE LAB

Long across the room, Co-Kura scrambles at the main console, frantically working the controls. John enters, running, from the hangar; pulling Co-Kura away from the console.

JOHN

We have to go!

Co-KURA

No! I must save our data.

The ship continues to be rocked by ongoing explosions, rubble littering the entire area. John pulls the resisting Co-Kura away from the station and hurls him across the room.

JOHN

This ship... is dead! The wormhole experiment is over, Co-Kura... It's for the best.

Co-KURA

You had something to do with this!

Co-Kura howls and hurls himself against John, clawing at his shoulders, his jacket preventing him from getting his claws around John's throat. John turns him, pinning him against the main console.

Co-KURA

But you wanted this too!

JOHN

More than you knew.

Co-KURA

To stabilize a wormhole. To tame it, to tame it's power would have been the greatest scientific discovery anyone could imagine!

A bright gout of flame accompanies another nearby explosion. John pulls Co-Kura away from the console, pinning him in a chair next to the window-- anger building as he tries to get the man to 'see'.

JOHN

It is not... just... science! It is never... just science. It's a weapon. It kills. And I will not let the Peacekeepers have it.
( beat )
Do you understand me?

Co-KURA

Yes, I understand.
( beat )
But you still have the knowledge... in your mind.

JOHN

Then, I'll have to be very... very careful.

Another heavy explosion, and John releases Co-Kura, moving backward.

JOHN

Can you get to an escape pod?

Co-Kura nods heavily and John turns, heading for the exit. Co-Kura stands quickly moving after him.

Co-KURA

Commander...!

John stops, reluctantly.

Co-KURA

Other than you, there is one receptacle which holds significant data pertaining to wormhole research. If he lives... Scorpius will find me...

Close on John, his eyes closing in realization.

Co-KURA

...force me to tell him what I know.

JOHN

( whispering, eyes still closed )
Damn.

He looks at Co-Kura, almost pleading.

JOHN

What're we gonna do about that?

Co-KURA

Only one thing to do.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - RESTORATIVE CHAMBER

Long across the space, Scorpius now standing at the top of the stairs as the explosions continue around him.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - AURORA CHAIR

MED on rear of Aurora Chair, panning R to Co-Kura, and John, as John straps Co-Kura into the chair.

Co-KURA

The Aurora Chair will erase all wormhole knowledge from my mind.

JOHN

Yeah, but... Co-Kura, the chair won't wipe what I know, and if it could... I don't know that I could do what you're doin'. You're a brave man.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Aeryn runs into the corridor, a few PKs are also still running through the corridor. She calls out...

AERYN

D'Argo!

D'ARGO [O.S.]

Aeryn!

She turns at the sound of a familiar voice.

AERYN

Chiana!

INT COMMAND CARRIER - HOLDING CELLS

D'ARGO

Aeryn! This way!

RYGEL

Down here! Down here!

Aeryn trots into shot just as another explosion buckles the bars of the cell. The front of the cell collapses, bowing in the center. D'Argo reaches up, gripping the top of the bars, trying to hold the cell wall up as the bars of the door bend inward, and the bars of the cell wall bend outward, creating an opening of sorts.

JOOL

( screaming )
We're gonna be Boolite goo real soon!

RYGEL

It's bent the bars!

The ceiling caves a bit further, putting a damper on Rygel's celebration. Chiana, leaning against the fallen roof, trying to hold it back, leaps forward through the gap at Aeryn's urging.

AERYN

Come on, Chiana, let's go.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAINS QUARTERS

An explosion in the corridor accompanies Scorpius's arrival, he staggers through the open doorway into the darkened room.

BRACA [O.S.]

Sir!

Scorpius makes his way to the desk, staggering as the ship shudders, flames falling from the ceiling. Cut to Braca falling against a chair, and back to Scorpius, staggering upright behind his desk, he engages shipwide.

SCORPIUS

Attention Personnel.

Cut to a corridor filled with running personnel, Scorpius's voice echoing out over the loudspeaker.

SCORPIUS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
This is Scorpius.

Cut back to close on Scorpius, the ship under an almost constant barrage of explosions. Braca, sitting on the floor, struggles to remain upright against a chair.

SCORPIUS

The Command Carrier is collapsing in on itself.

Cut to restoration chamber, awash and littered with debris.

SCORPIUS [O.S.]

( over loudspeaker )
Priority One escape procedures for the entire ship, are now in effect.

Scorpius cuts the transmission, staggering backward under another explosion. He manages an actual run in the short distance to the chair where Braca has sprawled. Scorpius practically falls on top of him.

SCORPIUS

Braca. Come with me!

Scorpius grabs him, and pulls him to his feet, they both stagger toward the door.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

In a corridor filled with running people, Aeryn walks, purposefully, pulse rifle slung in her right arm.

AERYN

Crichton, are you still with Co-Kura?

INT COMMAND CARRIER - AURORA CHAIR

JOHN

Yeah, Aeryn. You okay?

AERYN [O.S.]

Yes-

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Making her way through the corridor, turning a corner as she speaks.

AERYN

The others are attending to business and then we should be seeking transport.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - AURORA CHAIR

JOHN

Do not wait for me. I'm gonna get to the module. I'll meet you back at Moya.

Co-KURA

Crichton. It would have been nice to know it could have been done.

Another gout of flame from the ceiling, time's running out. John turns back to the chair's control console.

JOHN

( softly )
Yeah.

He engages a few controls and places a gloved hand on one panel. The sound of energy release and close on Co-Kura as he screams. Close on the display screen of the chair, the blue and white swirl of wormhole equations rotate slowly on the screen.

Cut to close on John, he closes his eyes at the first scream but leaves his hand on the red control panel. Co-Kura continues to sream.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAINS QUARTERS

Flames in the BG as D'Argo enters, engaging controls on the console station in the FG.

D'ARGO

Pilot?

He gives up on that console and heads toward Scorpius's desk.

D'ARGO

( over comms )
Pilot, can you hear me?

INT MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

D'Argo! Is that you?

D'ARGO [O.S.]

This Command Carrier is blowing to bits.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAINS QUARTERS

D'ARGO

And we can not get an escape pod off. I need transportation out of here now!

PILOT

What do you want me to do?

D'ARGO

Patch me through to my ship.

PILOT

Doing it now.

INT MOYA - TRANSPORT HANGAR

The Luxan Figher sits black and silent, before D'Argo's voice is heard, a gout of steam pours from it's tail.

D'ARGO [O.S.]

Voice activation...

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAINS QUARTERS

D'ARGO

On.

D'Argo hisses and leaps back a bit, shaking his hand.

INT MOYA - TRANSPORT HANGAR

The boarding ramp lifts

D'ARGO [O.S.]

Weapons and defense shields...

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CAPTAINS QUARTERS

D'ARGO

Activate.

INT LUXAN FIGHTER

Systems power up.

D'ARGO [O.S.]

Prepare for rescue retrieval.

EXT SPACE - MOYA

Long on Moya, the Luxan Figher emerges from the dark space which is Moya's outer hanger door. Wings extending as speed increases [ala 'Fractures']

EXT SPACE - COMMAND CARRIER

The Luxan Figher weaves among the debris and escape pods, heading toward the Carrier, cripes, it enters the immense hangar bay entrance.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

Finally Aeryn trots down a vacant corridor, a burst of flame from the ceiling behind her. She's passed by one armored PK soldier as she turns a corner, looking back at the explosion she just evaded. In the corridor behind her a familiar figure emerges, holding a pulse pistol.

HENTA

Officer Sun! Drop your weapon.

Aeryn slows and stops, bending to place the rifle on the deck.

HENTA

You did this, didn't you?

Aeryn turns to face her, the pulse pistol shakes in Henta's hands.

HENTA

You and your fellow traitors.
( beat )
There are fifty thousand of us.

AERYN

We gave you enough time. Most of you will survive.

HENTA

( sneering )
Most.

AERYN

I know that by destroying this ship I am saving millions of lives, Henta.

HENTA

Too bad you can't save yourself.

Before she can squeeze off another shot an explosion of flame bursts from a conduit just at Aeryn's shoulder. She raises her arm and dodges to the left, but the flames shoot directly forward, into Henta's face.

gross out moment of the week: close on Henta's melted face before cutting to long. Still on fire, she drops the pistol to the floor. Gasping and moaning, still standing but falling forward, bent at the waist, she raises her head, a last look toward Aeryn who stands frozen, watching as her once friend collapses gasping and burning to the deck.

Aeryn stands, still looking at her before moving slowly away, looking back toward the direction she should be running in before actually beginning to run, leaving her pulse rifle behind her on the floor.

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

An armored PK makes his way through a corridor littered with debris, he turns a corner and out of shot when behind him, D'Argo enters the corridor. Another explosion and burst of flame and D'Argo yelps in pain, staggering against a wall as the flame subsides.

PILOT [O.S.]

D'Argo.

INT MOYA - PILOT'S DEN

PILOT

Moya's scans are rising to critical. If we're not away from here when the Command Carrier implodes, it will destroy Moya!

INT COMMAND CARRIER - CORRIDORS

D'Argo makes his way through the debris, staggering under continued explosions.

D'ARGO

We're on our way, Pilot. Give us sixty microts!

INT COMMAND CARRIER - WORMHOLE LAB HANGAR

Long on the hangar area, the module sitting quietly in the FG as a large structure falls in the BG. John enters, R, picking his way along a large chasm open in the floor, moving toward the module.

Cut to angle down, long on the area as John looks up, surveying the devastation, the open breach in the floor extending entirely across the floor, the side he is standing on, significantly lower than the opposite side, in the breach- a sea of flame.

Cut to close on John as he circles, still looking up, stunned expression as explosions continue and debris rains down.

Cut to long across the chasm from behind John. He's stopped looking somewhat expectantly across the flames. Across the breach and out of the smoke steps a tall figure. Scorpius. He stops at the edge of the chasm, looking down on John, and the wagnerian music swells again.

JOHN

Looks like our partnership is over.

SCORPIUS

John Crichton. Commander John Crichton.
( beat )
Generations will know that name. Because of you... very soon now, the Scarrans will destroy us.

JOHN

( tiredly )
One evil at a time. That's the best I can do.

Another heavy explosion and John blinks, looking around the hangar again, before turning back to Scorpius.

JOHN

Tell me. Ghandi... You still goin' after Earth?

SCORPIUS

To what purpose? Vengeance against you? The only vengeance I cared about is no longer within my grasp!

It's a typical 'leaving much unsaid' moment. Scorpius's anger is vented, he looks around, powerless... and John looks... slightly unnerved, puzzled.

SCORPIUS

While holding two lights, depress 3-1-7, then release.

John lifts his hand, close on him while he disengages the bracelet, electronic blips followed by a slight metallic scrape as the locks disengage.

JOHN

Hold two. Press 9-1-1 and release.

Close on Scorpius as he releases his bracelet. Holding it in his hand, he looks across to John. Close on John, holding the open bracelet extended toward Scorpius. Some emotion finally bleeding through, anger-- frustration?

JOHN

We were close.

His expression grim, John holds the braclet high, gripped with crushing pressure in his hand. Finally lowering his arm, he tosses the bracelet into the flames. Disgust taking away his anger.

JOHN

If we're gonna get off this boat, now would be a good time.

John turns away, heading toward his module.

SCORPIUS

I may not be getting off this ship, John.

John stops beside the module, leaning on it he looks back toward Scorpius.

SCORPIUS

Good-bye Crichton.

Another explosion and Scorpius turns away. Close on John.

JOHN

Scorpius!

Cut to long across the bay, shot from behind John. Still leaning against the module, Scorpius stops walking-- still facing away. They pause like this for a moment, no one makes a move. Another explosion and Scorpius starts moving again, not looking back. Cut to close on John watching him go, some indefinable emotion there. Aeryn's voice cuts in as he lowers his head.

AERYN [O.S.]

( over comms )
Crichton?

Cut to another hangar area, an armored PK skuttles by, taking no notice of Aeryn as she ducks under the wing of a prowler, climbing the ladder to the open hatch.

AERYN

The others are on D'Argo's ship. I've taken a prowler and I'm leaving now.

JOHN [O.S.]

( over comms )
On my way.

Cut to close on John, that weary, lifeless expression is back. A long, very long pause. Trying to decide what to say, or what not to say, finally...

JOHN

Aeryn?

Aeryn pauses at the top of the ladder, prompting when nothing follows the original hail.

AERYN

What?

another long pause, then...

JOHN

Fly safe.

Close on Aeryn at the top of the ladder, another long silent pause, odd in the continuing destruction. She finally continues climbing as the hatch to the prowler cycles open.

Cut to close on John, utter weariness and despair in the silence, he closes his eyes and hangs his head.

Fade to Black

END ACT IV

TAG

EXT SPACE

INT MOYA - CENTER CHAMBER

Incredibly quiet after the havoc of act three, D'Argo stands in the BG, Rygel hovers in the FG; they quietly discuss the future.

D'ARGO

We all knew the time would come when we'd split up. In the beginning, I would never even have believed it could take so long.

RYGEL

Don't think I'm gonna to miss you. Any of you. I'm not. Well, maybe a little bit.

Shot pans L--remaining wide on D'Argo in BG; lovely bit of FG work that makes it look like an outside in shot-- to Chiana sitting huddled in the 'window seat'.

D'ARGO

What are you going to do, Chiana?

CHIANA

I think I might... I might try and find the Nebari Resistance.

Is it me, or does D'Argo look 'disappointed' at this news? Hell, yes. Leaning against the table, he hangs his head. Oh boy. Lotta that in this ep. Silence conditinues as we cut to...

INT MOYA - PILOTS DEN

Close on Pilot. Cut long to close on Jool, walking away from the console.

PILOT

Should we manage to reunite you with your people...

long silence as she continues to walk away.

PILOT

will you be leaving us?

Music fades in, mournful strings to mark the mood of unwelcome farewells. Jool pauses, cut to close on her and her downcast expression, tears in her eyes and voice.

JOOL

From what I can tell Pilot, I won't be the only one leaving Moya soon.

Music swells as we cut to following shot as she slowly exits, and then back to close on Pilot and 'his' downcast expression.

INT MOYA - COMMAND

Lovely, completely somber music continues unbroken. Long on John and Aeryn sitting sit by side in the forward portal 'window seat'. They face outward, not looking at each other. Aeryn sits to his left, and he sits facing emphatically away from the stars, his body turned just slightly, away from her, notebook braced on his right knee. The silence is profound.

Cut to close on his left arm; he inks in, or traces, a mark on his upper arm before transferring the pen to the notebook, shot pans down his arm which is tattoed by the exotic black marks, then pans slowly back up to his faced, heavily shadowed in the darkness. He turns to look at Aeryn as shot continues panning up and right. She is sitting stiffly upright, facing outward, then slowly bows her head, eyes closing. Cut to MED on both, John turns away, and now he sits erect, looking outward. Long pause as we appreciate this beautiful [and horribly mournful] scene. CGI of space fills the portal behind them; the brightest star sits just above and left of Aeryn bright light over John's left side; and is also what creates the heavy shadows on his right; the side facing away from them both.

Cut to long across command again, John and Aeryn sitting in the far BG. Silence continues as his head tilts downward again, focused on the notebook.

FADE TO BLACK

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS






Farscape Ally | Chainmale Trivia | Episode Transcripts | Ally's Reading List | See who's visiting this page.