CRUSADE
AND SO IT BEGINS.
Written by Martin A. Stihec TEASER FADE IN:
BLANK SCREEN
Over which we HEAR:
GIDEON (V.O.) Previously, on Crusade.
FLASHBACK/MONTAGE Most of it from "To the Ends of the Earth" and "The End of the Line." The material dealing with what Gideon found on the EarthForce black-ops base.
We SEE the attack on the Cerberus . Gideon leaving in an EVA suit as it's destroyed by a Shadow hybrid vessel . being picked up by Galen... his questioning and interrogation . his determination to find the ship that killed the Cerberus and her crew .
We SEE his encounter with the killer ship again in the present. the battle with and destruction of the hybrid. Galen reporting what they had found to Dirk.
We SEE the Excalibur approaching an EarthForce black-ops base responsible for creating the Shadow hybrid vessels. Galen warning Gideon about what he might discover and lose if he goes down on the planet. Gideon finding the research facility and the, things covered in Shadow-tech... bits of Gideon and Lee's discussion on the Cerebus and Shadow-tech. Gideon's rescue. Galen putting them out of their misery and Gideon telling him to just leave, and that he doesn't intend to trust anyone ever again. Gideon on Mars as he gets shot.
We END the montage with the reaction of being shot on Gideon's face and Galen yelling 'GET DOWN!', Then we FADE TO BLACK.
GALEN (V.O.) And so it begins.
And FADE BACK IN ON:
EXT. MARS DOME ONE (CGI)
Just to establish. (DRAMATIC MUSIC should be playing in the background throughout the remainder of the TEASER)
EXT. STREET - HIGH ABOVE (CGI)
The area where Gideon was shot is a riot, people are confused by the sound of gunfire and start panicking and scrambling everywhere. We don't SEE Gideon, Eilerson, Matheson, Dureena or Chambers from this ANGLE.
ANGLE - GALEN
He is trying to reach Gideon but can't SEE where he is now because of all the people in his way. Galen remembers the SNIPER (the audience should be aware of this; he gets a CONCERNED LOOK on his face) and looks back to the tall building he had seen him on.
GALEN'S POV (CGI)
An upshot of a tall building... as he SEES a small figure running across the roof.
ANGLE - GALEN
LOOKING at the TALL BUILDING
GALEN (determined) Oh, no you don't.
Galen starts RUNNING towards the TALL BUILDING, while not letting the dark figure on the roof out of his SIGHT.
GALEN'S POV (CGI)
An upshot of the tall building. He SEES the dark figure moving down the modernized STAIRCASE leading down to the last floor of the building.
ANGLE - GALEN
He kneels down and covers himself with his CLOAK. A flicker of bright light emerges from Galen as he SLIDES ACROSS the STREET FLOOR - still on his knees (using his tech in a way not seen before on "Crusade" or "Call to Arms" to transform his covered body into a shinning black stone).
ANGLE - NEAR TALL BUILDING
A black stone comes sliding towards CAMERA - knocking down countless civilians along the way. As Galen nears the building, CAMERA PANS AROUND to the rest of the crowd as a bright light emerges from Galen again (OS). As the CAMERA continues to PAN AROUND, we soon SEE Galen side-on. Galen starts RUNNING towards the Building's entrance.
INT. MARS BANK (THE TALL BUILDING) - CONTINUOUS
The place seems quiet and unaffected by the chaos going on outside. The Bank is made of thirty floors, the first of which is a mainly empty floor - except for the long service desk and the odd table here-and-there.
Galen COMES IN and starts WALKING slowly towards one of the security guards stationed along the first floor, Galen gets some STRANGE LOOKS from clients and employees along the way.
GALEN (trying not to sound as angry as he feels) Excuse me. Would you be so kind as to tell me if there are any other entrances or exits leading out of this place, besides the one I had just come through?
SECURITY GUARD Sure. Um, there really aren't too many other ways out. (beat) Unless you're a bag of money, that is.
GALEN (ordering) Explain.
SECURITY GUARD The bank uses a kind of "money chute" connecting to all the other banks on Mars. It sends the money in a straight line right to the next bank. Having it makes it easier to pay their debts to each other and exchange money accounts from their clients - if they wanted to switch banks. Not that there's much of a choice. It's either 'Balcony Express' or one of -
GALEN This. "money chute", how wide is it?
The Security Guard TURNS AROUND and takes a beat to think about it.
ON SECURITY GUARD'S FACE
SECURITY GUARD I'm not sure. I've only seen it once; it's on the third floor. If I had to guess then I would say no wider than half a meter. (beat) Why?
When he didn't get an answer, the Security Guard TURNS BACK. Galen isn't there.
INT. BANK ELEVATOR
ANGLE - FACING THE ENTRANCE TO THE ELEVATOR
Galen WALKS IN and TURNS to face CAMERA.
ELEVATOR Please state desired destination.
GALEN (firmly) Third floor.
The elevator doors close. CAMERA stays on the closed doors for a beat.
INT. MONEY CHUTE ROOM
ANGLE - FACING THE DOOR LEADING TO THE ROOM - SIDE-ON
Galen emerges from the door with a DISTURBED LOOK on his face. CAMERA now PANS AROUND and we SEE what he is looking at. half a dozen people shot down, dead, around the room (blood is also spread around the room).
SNIPER (OS) Like the décor?
The Sniper emerges from a large piece of MACHINERY (The "Money Chute") in front of Galen holding a fierce looking PPG (special ops PPG). He FIRES a few shots at Galen. Galen SHIELDS himself with an invisible energy field (CGI) and charges at the Sniper - ROARING as he knocks him down. Galen then grabs him by the shoulders.
ANGLE - GALEN AND THE SNIPER - SIDE-ON
And pushes him hard against the wall - using his left arm to hold him there.
SNIPER (a little shaken up. but firmly) You don't scare me, technomage.
GALEN (angry) Unwise; considering the powers my order possesses, and that you may have just killed my friend. (beat) I hope you enjoy pain.
SNIPER (laughs; an evil laugh) More so then you would think possible, Mage.
The Sniper suddenly reaches for the back of one of his hands and he snaps it back sharply (PROSTHETIC). A mechanism inside is activated with the SNAP, and with a pulsation it begins POWERING UP (Just like JENSEN did in "End of the Line").
Galen realizes it's a bomb and after a quick look of confusion at the smiling Sniper.
GALEN DAMN!
ANGLE - SEVEN METERS FURTHER BACK FROM GALEN AND THE SNIPER
Galen bolts for the exit as fast as he can, and just as he makes it OS. Sniper EXPLODES and CAMERA is surrounded by flames. On this, we
FADE OUT: END OF TEASER
[pic] Matthew Gideon. Captain. Attached to the
Earth Alliance Starship Excalibur.
[pic]
To find a cure to the Drakh plague before
it wipes out all life on Earth.
[pic]
Anywhere I have to.
[pic]
No one.
CRUSADE
Starring
[pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic]
CREATED BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
AND SO IT BEGINS.
Written by
Martin A. Stihec
Guest Starring
MICHAEL DORN as Jack
MICHAEL G. HAGERTY as Mike Greyhorse MARY KAY ADAMS as Receptionist PAUL ECKSTEIN as Ensign Reginald JAMES SLOYAN as Paul MICHELLE FORBES as Beth ALEX MENDOZA as Trace Miller
Co-Starring BRENT STAIT as Howard GRANT BOWLER as Doctor Williams TONY TODD as Security Guard JEFFERY COMBS as Sniper SHARRISE BAKER as IPX Official KELLIE WAYMIRE as Brakiri Waitress STEPHANIE ERB as Nurse PHIL MORRIS as Security Officer TIM RUSS as Doctor
[pic]
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. MARS MEDICAL FACILITY - LATER
EILERSON (V.O.) What do you mean we can't see him! I'm with Inter-planetary expeditions.
INT. HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS ROOM
Eilerson is arguing with the RECEPTIONIST at the admissions desk while Matheson and Dureena are sitting in the waiting area as they were told to do. There are only a few others in the room - all with minor injuries such as broken noses.
RECEPTIONIST (annoyed) Look Mr. Corporation, the only way you're getting through those doors is if you let me thump you on the head a few times and give you a concussion! Just because you're with IPX doesn't mean you can do whatever the hell you want to do, the rules still apply. (beat; calmer) I know he was your friend, but -
DUREENA Was? Excuse me, is he dead?
RECEPTIONIST (to Dureena) I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply -
MATHESON (overlapping) Can we at least speak with Doctor Chambers? We just want to know how he's doing.
The Receptionist LOOKS at Matheson for a beat.
RECEPTIONIST (reluctantly) Oh, alright. I'll see what I can do.
The Receptionist walks off. Eilerson sits in a chair next to Dureena and tries to watch the vid they have on in the top right corner of the room.
ANGLE - VID MONITOR
It's a very small monitor with bad reception.
ANGLE - THE THREE OF THEM SITTING DOWN
EILERSON (muttering to himself) How do they expect anyone to watch this, the damned monitor's smaller than my wrist-link!
Dureena puts a supportive hand on Matheson's shoulder.
DUREENA I'm sure he's going to be fine. We've gotten out of worse before.
MATHESON I know. but this is different. I still have trouble believing that EarthGov could sanction a black-ops project involving Shadow-tech, let- alone using it to physically alter starships and sentient beings. And now, after an assassination attempt on the captain's life, I. (beat) No. We have to do something. We can't just leave the door open for another attack, otherwise we'll never be able to tell them what we know, and we'll never be able to shut them down.
DUREENA Them? Who are we going to tell who have the power to shut them down? The Mars provision government sure as hell can't do anything about it.
MATHESON They can set it right out in the open - force EarthGov to cancel the project. They can tell the Alliance; even if EarthGov doesn't shut it down they will, the Alliance has always had a strong stand on illegal Shadow-tech, they could force EarthGov to do something. (beat) Still, that doesn't do us much good if we can't even get to the font door of the building without being shot at!
DUREENA I think that as soon as the captain is out of the Red-Zone we should go back up to the Excalibur and come down with squadron of marines for bodyguards.
MATHESON Agreed. I just hope we're not too late.
DUREENA Too late for what?
MATHESON Too late for us to get away without anymore trouble from whoever it is who shot the captain.
EILERSON Or who they're working for.
Matheson and Dureena both look at Eilerson, who had been keeping quiet.
CLOSE UP ON EILERSON
EILERSON Keep in mind that whoever it was who authorized the captain's "assassination" must have connections on Mars, that's the only way they could have known about his whereabouts - since Gideon asked me to keep the meeting out of anything to do with EarthForce.
Eilerson LOOKS UP.
EILERSON Damn.
ANGLE - THE THREE OF THEM SITTING DOWN
MATHESON (worried) What is it?
EILERSON The reception on the monitor just got worse, if that's possible.
Matheson shakes his head, tempted to use his telepathy to fry a few of Eilerson's brain cells. After a beat, the Receptionist comes rushing towards them.
RECEPTIONIST I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you three to leave the admissions area. We've just gotten word that a bomb has been set-off in the 'Balcony Express' bank, the explosion was contained to the third, fourth and fifth floors, but we're expecting a lot of casualties.
EILERSON What!?! How the hell did a bomb get past the entrance scanners!
RECEPTIONIST I don't know. (beat) Anyway, you guys have to clear out. I checked with the hospital supervisor and he said you could all wait outside the O.R. while the doctors operate if you'd like.
The Receptionist walks back to her desk. Eilerson LOOKS CONCERNED.
DUREENA (criticizing his concern) What's the matter, Max? Keep your credits in that bank?
EILERSON Yes, as a matter of fact I do.
MATHESON (reluctantly) I have to get back to the Excalibur; I have too many things to do that I can't put-off any longer than I already have.
DUREENA That's alright; I'll stay here, outside the O.R. until Gideon recovers.
EILERSON I think I'll do a little snooping around; see if I can find out who knew Gideon was on Mars.
After Dureena and Matheson leave.
EILERSON I just hope that stubborn bastard lives to appreciate what I'm doing for him.
INT. OPERATING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
CLOSE UP GIDEON'S FACE - ON THE OPERATING BED
WILLIAMS (OS) Are you crazy?! You can't mix Cloruxide with Saliydium; you'll burn a hole in his stomach the size of a bowling ball!
CHAMBERS (OS) Damn it, I know what I'm doing! Now, give him ten milliliters of Saliydium or I'll take my hands out of the patient and do it myself!
WILLIAMS (OS) (reluctantly) Yes, doctor. Ten milliliters of Saliydium. (beat) But I want it to go on the record, that in my opinion you're making a fatal error, and being a damned sloppy doctor!
CHAMBERS (OS) You do that. But if we don't at least try it, then he's as good as dead anyway.
A few beats later.
WILLIAMS (OS) (astonished) I don't believe it. His vital signs are rising. Damn. his condition is stabilizing. I don't know how the hell you did it doctor, but I guess I owe you an apology; it looks like -
INT. DARK ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The room is pretty dark so we can't see much, all we SEE are three men dressed in dark grey uniforms standing next to each other facing a wall of surveillance camera visuals.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON SCREEN SHOWING.
Gideon lying on the operating table, Chambers and Doctor Williams are there operating on him.
WILLIAMS (CONT'D) - Your captain's going to make it after all.
ANGLE - THE THREE 'GREY' MEN
JACK I told you Gideon's a survivor. If you want him eliminated then we should send a few Raptors to do the job right.
PAUL A Few Raptors! Jesus Christ, Jack, one of those things could take out an entire family of Minbari worrier caste. Why would it take three to kill one man?
JACK Gideon has a certain. edge, that not many others have, and that most would do anything to acquire. Why do you think he was the first to make it this far?
PAUL No, no. I say we send in more agents - they're trained to deal with matters like this.
JACK What about the Excalibur?
PAUL What about it?
JACK Gideon also has access to one of the most advanced starships on the Alliance construction lines. Hell, in a fair fight she might be able to defeat one of our J-class hybrid cruisers (the type that killed the Cerebus).
JACK (CONT'D) (to Howard - 3rd man) It's your call Howard. But believe me, we'll need to use our Shadow- tech to stop this one.
HOWARD Alright, Jack. We'll send in a Raptor - but just one. Those things are damned hard to replicate - as you know.
PAUL Howard, I must object. If I could have -
HOWARD Enough, Paul. I've made up my mind. Gideon must warrant some special measures if he knows what he knows and is still alive. (beat) Have we got any reports from Major Lee yet about that technomage who helped Gideon escape, and blow up one of our research facilities? Do we know where he is?
PAUL No. All we know is that he helped Gideon escape the compound, and we know Gideon didn't come here on the Excalibur so he probably provided him with transport to Mars.
HOWARD Well I'm sure he'll turn up sooner or later.
INT. GALEN'S FLYER - CONTINUOUS
Galen is inside - he doesn't look too good, BLOOD DRIPPING from his lip and nose, and a dark bruise on the side his head. The rest of his body is covered by his torn cloak, but you could imagine the sort of injuries he would have under it.
GALEN (in pain) Engage stealth mode and leave planet surface. Set course to intercept with the Excalibur.
EXT. MARS' SURFACE - GALEN'S FLYER - CONTINUOUS
Galen's flyer lifts off the ground and swiftly flies OS. We HEAR the sound of Galen's flyer zooming past CAMERA.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR OVER MARS - LATER
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Matheson is sitting in one of the chairs - alone, going over the information he had gathered on a notepad. The door BEEPS.
ANGLE - BEHIND MATHESON AND FACING THE DOOR
MATHESON Come in.
Lieutenant Mike Greyhorse ENTERS the conference room and stops walking after a few feet - just enough to cause the doors to close.
GREYHORSE You called for me, sir?
MATHESON Yes. Please Mr. Greyhorse, take a seat.
After Greyhorse takes his seat - opposite Matheson, CAMERA starts PANNING AROUND the two.
MATHESON According to your record, Mr. Greyhorse, you were assigned to the Excalibur during her initial construction on the shipping lines, and requested to stay onboard as head mechanic in charge of Thunderbolt maintenance. And you've been here ever since.
GREYHORSE Yes, sir. I like it here, sir.
MATHESON I've gone through the entire crew manifest, from senior staff members to crewmen only serving a week of duty before they're moved to their next assignment. Out of that list I've been able to select a small group of officers and crewmen I am certain I can trust. your name is at the top of the list.
GREYHORSE (proud and confused) Thank you, sir. I try my best.
MATHESON I know you do. That's why I've called you here. I want you to start making your own small list, a list of crewmen you see around the ship behaving. strangely, suspiciously. doing anything out of the ordinary.
GREYHORSE Yes, sir. Why, sir?
CLOSE UP ON MATHESON
MATHESON I believe we have a spy onboard the Excalibur. Another one.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GREYHORSE
On Greyhorse's reaction to this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. MARS DOME ONE - LATER
Just to establish.
INT. MARS BAR - CONTINUOUS
The place looks like one of the bars Babylon 5 would have in DownBellow. Half naked women are dancing on tabletops, drunks are getting into brawls and the lights are a flickering gold colour. Max is sitting at one of the tables along the back of the bar - keeping himself out of sight.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS Something to drink?
ANGLE - MAX
As he LOOKS UP to see a topless Brakiri waitress holding up a plate of alcoholic drinks.
EILERSON No thank you.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS (OS) Are you sure?
EILERSON Quite sure.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS (OS) Then maybe you would like to. entertain, me and my sisters in the back.
We HEAR a sexual murmur coming from far behind Eilerson.
EILERSON (trying to get rid of her) Very tempting. Maybe later.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS (OS) (disappointed) You're loss, pretty boy.
The Brakiri waitress leaves and Eilerson shakes his head - (he disapproves of public sex in crowded bars full of thieves and bums). A beat later.
BETH (OS) Hey, stranger, is this seat taken?
Eilerson LOOKS UP again and SEES Beth.
EILERSON (smiling at a familiar face) Not at all, please, sit.
Beth sits in the chair next to Max.
BETH (smiling back) I saw you turn down that Brakiri woman. Very out of character for you Max, back in the old days you'd jump at the chance to jump on her. or anything with two arms and two legs for that matter.
EILERSON Give me a break; I was a teenager then. People change.
Beth gives Max a sharp look.
BETH Yes, people change. But you. (beat; laughs) Remember that time you tried to make a move on Danny's sister! His dad gave you a black-eye and banished you from his property.
Max and Beth both laugh for a beat.
EILERSON (still smiling) I was so drunk that night. When I got home my parents almost fainted. I told them I got it from walking into a fallen book in the library!
Max and Beth laugh for another beat before Eilerson decides to get down to business.
EILERSON Beth, are you still working for Michael Garibaldi at Edgar Industries?
BETH Yes I am. Two years in the same job - a record for me. (beat) Why do you ask?
EILERSON (uncomfortably) I need a favor, a rather large favor.
BETH Anything.
EXT. MARS MEDICAL FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Just to establish.
INT. OUTSIDE OPERATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Dureena is sitting on the floor with her legs crossed. Doctor Chambers walks out the door - still wearing her white operating uniform.
DUREENA Hey.
Chambers TURNS AROUND as CAMERA PANS AROUND briefly until both Chambers and Dureena are on the screen. Dureena stands up.
CHAMBERS Hi Dureena.
DUREENA Did he. I mean.
CHAMBERS Yes, he's fine. We've stabilized his vital signs and we've moved him into the recovery ward. We almost lost him. (beat) Did you find out who shot him?
Dureena shakes her head.
DUREENA No. The police are investigating, but so far they haven't had any luck. (beat) Can I see him?
CHAMBERS I'm sorry, but he's still unconscious, and I don't want to risk any complications by filling his body with more chemicals. So until he can wake up on his own I'm afraid he's in no condition to have visitors.
DUREENA Sarah. I'll just be minute; I just want to see him.
We take a beat before.
CHAMBERS Alright. But just a minute.
INT. RECOVERY WARD; ROOM 74 - MINUTES LATER
Gideon is lying in bed - plugged up to several machines behind him, we SEE tubes coming from his arms and chest. Sitting a few meters from him is a Nurse reading a newspaper (his medical recovery observer). A beat later, Chambers and Dureena walk in. Dureena stops a few feet from Gideon, but Chambers stays near the door. Chambers NODS at the nurse - telling her to leave for a minute while Dureena's in here.
CHAMBERS Don't be too long, Dureena.
Dureena doesn't look back to Chambers as she leaves and closes the door. The nurse STANDS UP and looks at Dureena - who is still staring at Gideon.
NURSE I'll just be outside if you need me.
The nurse walks out the door. After a beat.
CLOSE UP ON DUREENA
DUREENA (emotionally) I'm sorry.
GIDEON (OS) (coughing) Sorry for what?
After we SEE Dureena react to what she had just HEARD, CAMERA PANS AROUND until we SEE Gideon with his eyes half open.
GIDEON (CONT'D) You gonna answer my question?
DUREENA Mathew! (beat; Gideon looks as if he expects an answer) I'm sorry you were hurt.
GIDEON (smiles weakly) Why? Don't tell me you were the one who shot me.
DUREENA I might as well have. I let you down. I failed.
GIDEON How?
ANGLE - THE SIDE OF DUREENA'S FACE AND THE DOOR
After a beat of silence, the nurse walks through the door.
NURSE (to Dureena) Don't mind me, I just. (to Gideon) God, you're. (to Dureena) How long has he been awake?
Dureena leaves without telling her - its clear she's FEELING GUILTY.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GIDEON
He LOOKS CONFUSED about what had just happened.
[What's happening here is that Dureena FEELS GUILTY because she believes she failed someone close to her - something she had promised never to do again after she failed someone important to her in the past]
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR OVER MARS
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR - MEDLAB - LATER
Galen is sitting on a bio-bed with bandages over his cuts - looking just as bad as he did when he entered his flyer. Galen puts two fingers on one of the cuts on his head, then Matheson ENTERS the MedLab and walks up to Galen.
GALEN (without looking up to see who had entered) I was wandering when you were going to get here. (beat; LOOKS UP at Matheson) Before we begin the debriefing. How's Mathew, is he alright?
MATHESON We've just gotten word from Doctor Chambers. the operation was a success, he's alive. He's even started walking. In a few hours he'll be ready to return to the Excalibur.
Galen LOOKS RELIEVED at hearing this.
MATHESON (CONT'D) You said you had tracked down the person who shot Gideon?
GALEN Yes. He was on the roof of a tall building - a Mars bank. I saw him running down the building's other floors and pursued. He was going to escape through a chute they use to send money to all the other banks on Mars, when I intercepted him. After a. brief struggle. he activated a self-destruct mechanism in one of his hands and. blew up - taking a large piece of the bank along with him. (beat) Fortunately I was able to escape the vicinity just in time, using. various techniques.
MATHESON Using various techniques, with the help of stolen Shadow-tech.
Galen LOOKS SURPRISED by what Matheson said, and a bit HURT by the way he said it.
GALEN You've heard about that I see. How many others know?
MATHESON Enough. All the senior staff and some others. (beat) You're not exactly the most popular person on the ship right now.
GALEN That doesn't matter anymore, I'll be leaving soon.
MATHESON You said he activated a self-destruct mechanism in his hand?
GALEN That's right. Is that of any significance?
Matheson NODS.
MATHESON Remember when we found out we had a spy onboard. Well, when we tracked him down in his quarters he used the same sort of device to set off a bomb. Our structural reinforcements held, but it sure did a lot of damage to everything inside his quarters.
GALEN I see. Are you looking for the second spy now?
MATHESON (shocked that he knew) What!?! How did you know? It took me hours of sorting through files to realize -
GALEN Simple logic. If their first spy was caught, then it's only logical that they'd send in a new one, or maybe the second spy had been onboard just as long, or longer than the one that was caught. If so then you have your work cut out for, Lieutenant. He must be good if he hasn't been caught yet.
MATHESON Yes, he is. After searching through every single transmission log on the ship I've found a dozen that could have been sent to the secret base we found. But they were all blank - the submission sources I mean. Either he's been sending them from a remote terminal, or he's expert in communication relays.
GALEN Or both. He may have found a way to set up a remote interface tracking system on my ship. That could be how they knew where I had taken Mathew.
MATHESON Eilerson would disagree. He's on the surface right now trying to find a connection they might have on Mars - he thinks that's how they knew the captain was there.
GALEN True, that's another possibility. A more likely possibility actually. Don't know why I didn't think of it first. I'd better check my ship anyway. just incase.
Galen tries to push himself up straight, unsuccessfully.
GALEN (sitting back down) Maybe later.
Greyhorse ENTERS MedLab. Matheson TURNS and SEES him. Matheson walks over to Greyhorse.
MATHESON Yes, Lieutenant.
GREYHORSE I have an update on my, um, list.
MATHESON (almost whispering) What do you have?
GREYHORSE (whispering) A name, Ensign Samuel Reginald.
MATHESON Are you sure?
Greyhorse NODS.
MATHESON Thank you, Lieutenant, you've been a great help.
Greyhorse NODS again and leaves the MedLab. Matheson walks back over to Galen.
MATHESON I think we've found our second leek, and I'm going to go plug it. in less than nine minutes and twenty seconds.
Matheson leaves the MedLab.
GALEN I'll be timing.
INT. CREWMAN REGINALD'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
Reginald is at his communications post in his quarters talking with JACK.
REGINALD You want me to do what!?!
JACK You heard me. Just have everything set up by the time Gideon gets back onboard.
REGINALD You said that no one else would get hurt except Gideon.
JACK That's the plan; the Raptor will be given only one target, Gideon.
REGINALD Yeah, but that won't stop it from shredding apart every crewman who gets in his way! This crew is innocent; they shouldn't be punished for what Gideon's done, for what Gideon knows.
JACK This isn't a conversation, Reg. I'm ordering you to do this. and you know the punishment for failure.
REGINALD (fearfully) Yes, sir. I'll get right on it.
Reginald turns off the communications post.
INT. DARK ROOM #2 - CONTINUOUS
Jack moves away from the large communications console he had been talking to Reginald on, and moves - CAMERA FOLLOWS HIM - to a lone stasis tube. He puts a hand on the small glass window - which CAMERA can't SEE IN.
JACK Soon we'll see just what you're capable of, Shadow beast.
CAMERA PANS AROUND until we can see into the small glass window. Inside is (clearly a Raptor) a hideous looking thing (CGI). Red eyes, skin like the creatures Galen destroyed - but fiercer looking. From what we SEE, it's also got several sharp tentacles and a webbed neck. We hold on this for a few beats, then we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. SHUTTLE ON MARS LANDING PAD (CGI) - HOURS LATER
We SEE the Shuttle lift off and fly up.
INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS
TRACE MILLER is sitting in the pilot's seat. Gideon is sitting in the seat next to him - dressed in the civilian clothes he came to Mars in, Chambers is sitting in the seat behind Gideon, and Dureena is sitting behind Trace.
TRACE So, have they caught the guy who shot you yet, captain?
GIDEON No. But I know who sent him.
TRACE Does this have anything to do with that base we found, the one that tried to fight us off with re-painted starfurys? I was in one of the Thunderbolts sent to defend the ship.
CHAMBERS (covering Gideon) Trace, the captain's not in here ten seconds and you start grilling him for information. He still hasn't fully recovered from his PPG burn.
TRACE Sorry.
GIDEON It's okay, Trace. I wish I could tell you. But I can't, not now, not yet. (beat) How are things going for you anyway, I haven't seen you for months?
TRACE Pretty good. I think I like the life of an EarthForce pilot more compared to the life of transporting crazy archeologists from one world to another. I don't think I've ever thanked you for signing me up. It changed my life.
GIDEON That's not necessary, Trace. I jumped at the chance to get another good pilot - god knows we've need them on this mission.
Trace looks out the window in front of them. We don't SEE the Excalibur, but we do SEE it's reflection on their faces.
TRACE There she is. the brightest star in the sky.
Gideon looks out the window.
TRACE (CONT'D) And her name is, Excalibur.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR - CONTINUOUS
As the shuttle flies toward it.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - LATER
Gideon is standing next to his table, taking off his jacket - he's wearing a black top underneath. After a beat we HEAR a WHOOSH in the wind. Gideon stops still - he knows who it is.
GIDEON I thought I told you to leave.
GALEN (OS) You did. and I will. But, before I go, I wanted you to know that. I regret having to deceive you the way I did.
Gideon turns around to face Galen - CAMERA does too.
GIDEON No, you didn't have to deceive me at all. And you sure as hell didn't have to pretend to help me find a cure for the Drakh plague. you didn't have to pretend to be my friend.
This, again, hurts Galen - and the audience should SEE this by the LOOK on his face.
ANGLE - GIDEON
GIDEON I should have listened to that damned box.
ANGLE - GALEN
GALEN (intensely) What did you say??
ANGLE - GIDEON
GIDEON (covering desperately) Nothing. never mind.
ANGLE - GALEN
GALEN Mathew.
ANGLE - GIDEON
His wrist-link goes off. And he is thankful for the interruption.
GIDEON Gideon here.
MATHESON (on link) It's great to hear your voice again, Matt. (beat) We were going to discuss our next move in the conference room in five, remember.
GIDEON (not letting himself look away from Galen) I'm on my way, John.
Gideon glances at Galen once more before leaving - not saying goodbye.
GALEN (deep in thought) I wander.
INT. GIDEON'S SECRET CABINET - CONTINUOUS
It's dark and the Apocalypse box is barely visible. A few beats later the box lightens up and a SOUND is made to represent its presence.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GALEN'S FACE
He reacts to the box's presence (SOUND) and twitches his head.
GALEN (softly, unsure what it is) Hello you.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Everybody is here - except Galen and Gideon; Matheson, Dureena, Chambers, Eilerson and Greyhorse. All of them are waiting for Gideon. Greyhorse is nervous - it's his first time in a 'senior staff only' meeting. A beat later, Gideon enters and sits down - holding his side while doing so - it's still hurting. Everybody is LOOKING at Gideon.
GIDEON Before we get started, I'd like to thank you all for everything you've done for me, and for helping me bring justice to the people who murdered my old ship and crew. I think I speak for them all when I say. thank you.
The room is silent for a beat.
GIDEON (CONT'D) Now, with that said, let's begin. (to Greyhorse) Lieutenant Greyhorse, Lieutenant Matheson has informed me of your involvement in this matter. Thanks to you we have our only living link to this black-ops group detained in our brig. with both his arms pinned a meter apart. And I think that since you know as much as you know, you should be included in all briefings of this nature; Now that you're in the loop, we might as well keep you in it.
GREYHORSE (nervously) Thank you, sir.
GIDEON No, don't thank me yet. I have no idea how this thing is going to unravel. You might end up hating me for dragging you into all this. (to Eilerson) Mr. Eilerson, I'm told you've been investigating the possibility that the black-ops group had connections on Mars, explaining how they knew I was there.
EILERSON Yes I have. Unfortunately I'm now convinced they don't.
GIDEON Why?
EILERSON My contact in Edgar Industries gave me unlimited access to the company's surveillance reports; they were very detailed and covered every major industry on Mars. Except for multi-planetary corporations outposts like Regional Vortex or -
GALEN (OS) That's because they didn't need a contact.
Everyone looks at the entrance to the adjoining room,
ANGLE - GALEN
We SEE Galen standing there. Galen is in full uniform - cloak over head, staff in hand. He throws a small oval shaped object on the table in front of Gideon. The object is no more than three centimeters wide.
ANGLE - GIDEON
Gideon picks the object up and examines it for a beat.
GALEN (OS) I found it stuck to the hull of my ship. It was placed there by your spy. It tracked my ship's movements. That's how they found you on Mars.
ANGLE - GALEN
GALEN (CONT'D) They were probably hoping that I would return to the Order and lead them into a fountain of Shadow technology. Fortunately the Order isn't stupid; cautious, pessimistic and overprotective - yes, Stupid - no. (beat) Expect me when you see me. Which in all likelihood won't be anytime soon. if ever.
Galen walks out, and Dureena gets up and follows. No one objects.
INT. ADJOINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Galen storms out, heading for the door leading to the bridge - Dureena's following.
DUREENA (getting pissed) Galen. Hey, don't you walk away from me. Hey!
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Galen storms out - as he does we get a glimpse of his face, a very COLD EXPRESION. Dureena soon follows and chases after him.
DUREENA (very pissed) Galen!!
GALEN (firmly) Go away.
They are getting the attention of the remaining bridge crew.
DUREENA (very pissed) Galen!!
They basically run out of the bridge into the corridor.
INT. EXCALIBUR CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Galen and Dureena are MOVING FASTLY side by side now. CAMERA is in front of them MOVING AT SAME SPEED as they are.
DUREENA You can't just walk away from me like this Galen.
GALEN Why not?
DUREENA Damn you, Galen.
Dureena MOVES SHARPLY to her side and pushes Galen up against the wall with a violent shove. CAMERA STOPS MOVING. Galen puts a hand on his left shoulder - which had been injured in the explosion earlier.
DUREENA You once told me you wouldn't share your abilities with me because 'I wanted to learn for the worst reason; revenge. Because there is a time and a place for everything and that now was the wrong time'. Well, you're leaving. There won't be any other time will there. And after everything we've gone through together, you're not gonna leave without even giving me a good reason why you're going.
GALEN I. You know about where my order got their technology, don't you?
DUREENA Gideon said that you stole it from the Shadows.
GALEN That's true. but the simple statement that 'we stole it from the Shadows' gives the wrong impression about what really happened. The Shadows were our masters; they supplied us with their technology and integrated it into our systems, and we would use it to. Invoke chaos.
DUREENA (in disbelief) I can't believe what I'm hearing. you worked for the Shadows! You served, helped, the Shadows - the race that destroyed my world! The race that killed the last of my people!
GALEN Oh god, no.
Galen moves towards Dureena and places a hand on each of her shoulders - then removes them quickly (not wanting to express himself openly like that).
GALEN (CONT'D) As soon as enough of us knew what was going on, as soon as the Circle revealed where we had been receiving our technology from, and we had time to work out a plan. we refused to fight in their wars, we destroyed their 'places of power', and my order fled - went into hiding. Dureena, you can't believe that I had anything to do with the death of your world. I. I couldn't bear it if you did.
DUREENA I don't know what I believe anymore, Galen.
GALEN (hurting) Dureena, I -
DUREENA (angry) I asked you for a good reason, and you gave me one. If you're going to go, then just go.
Dureena starts walking back to the conference room, then TURNS BACK to face Galen.
DUREENA (unemotionally) Goodbye Galen.
Dureena turns and starts walking to the conference room again. A beat later.
GALEN (to himself) Goodbye, Dureena Nafeel.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Everybody is exactly where they were when Dureena left. Dureena comes in - LOOKING UPSET. She sits down.
GIDEON Lieutenant Matheson, did our spy say anything during your debriefing?
MATHESON No. Nothing of any impotence, except the fact that whoever it is who he reports to is not going to be happy he was caught. he mentioned something about a fate worse than death. begging for us to let him kill himself.
GIDEON Just like crewman Jenson. He told me that we both dead. That I just didn't know it yet. (beat) Okay, it's clear to me now that if we're going to shine the light on this operation. we'll need help. A lot more help than the Mars provisional government can provide through official channels and the media. We're going to have to go to the top of the ladder, the Interstellar Alliance. If anyone can help us, it's them. Still. It would only increase our strength when we take this to the President if we get Mars behind us. Max, can you set up another meeting with the provisional government?
EILERSON We pissed them off a bit when you didn't make your last appointment, but. Yeah, I think I can.
GIDEON (to Eilerson) Good. Let me know when they want to see us.
CHAMBERS Us? I take it then that you've changed your mind about wanting to go down there alone. Not that, after what happened, we were going to let you.
MATHESON In fact. we have an escort already arranged.
CLOSE UP ON MATHESON
Matheson smiles and we cut straight to.
INT. EXCALIBUR INFANTRY ROOM - LATER
We SEE a squadron of well over a hundred marines standing in straight lines. There is an upper section just past the entrance, and a lower section - where the marines are standing.
MATHESON (OS) A.TEN.SION!
We SEE all the marines straighten up.
ANGLE - OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM
Gideon and Matheson are standing on the elevated section looking down at the lines of marines. Gideon is in shock and Matheson is looking smug.
GIDEON (admiring him) John, you're a madman.
MATHESON
I try. I try.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR (CGI)
As we SEE a small silver pod heading straight for it.
INT. SILVER POD - CONTINUOUS
Jack is sitting in the pilot's seat. We can SEE the stasis tube in the back. We HEAR a loud SHADOW ROAR and the tube starts shaking.
JACK Soon enough, precious, soon enough. Now you have two targets to eliminate.
EXT. SECTION OF THE EXCALIBUR - CLOSE UP.
We SEE the silver pod come ON SCREEN and touch the metal around that section of the ship. We then HEAR the sound of something from the shuttle latching onto the metal and then start CUTTING through it. We also SEE SPARKS FLYING in space. On this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS
The room is DARK. We take a beat of nothing until Gideon ENTERS the room. As the doors start to close behind him, he takes off his uniform jacket and throws it on the table. Soon the light coming from the open door vanishes.
GIDEON Computer, lights.
Nothing happens, and although it's dark, we still SEE a look of CONCERN and then ANNOYANCE on his face as he thinks he knows what's happening.
GIDEON Alright Galen, you've got my attention. What do you want?
JACK (OS) I'm glad to know that I've got your attention. but I'm not Galen.
We SEE him react to the strange voice he'd just heard.
GIDEON Who are you?
JACK Computer, lights.
The LIGHT comes back in the room and Gideon TURNS around to face Jack wearing his grey uniform and sitting in a chair he had taken from Gideon's table.
JACK (CON'T) (explaining) I rigged your CPU console to only accept commands from my voice pattern.
GIDEON Who are you?
We SEE Gideon's hand tighten slightly around a hidden PPG in his pocket.
JACK You can call me. Jack. (gestures to Gideon's "hidden" PPG) Ah. I wouldn't do that if I were you, you could hurt yourself.
Despite Jack's awareness of the PPG, Gideon still holds it in his pocket.
GIDEON Well. Jack, what are you doing here and how exactly are you involved with all this?
JACK (playing dumb) Involved with what? (laughs) Come now captain, surely you can figure some of it out by yourself. I've already given you plenty of clues as it is.
GIDEON Alright. You're uniform; because I haven't seen it before, it tells me you're somewhere around the top of the food chain. You're smug attitude is also a common trait with high ranking officials. And the fact that you can reprogram a personal CPU under omega clearance reinforces my assumption.
JACK (not very impressed; he would have made the same observations and more) Very good. You're right by the way.
GIDEON So, why are you here? Come to finish the job yourself; come to kill me?
JACK Yes and no. Actually I've come for your Apocalypse Box. Where do you keep it?
Gideon is utterly shocked by this, but shows nothing of it in his expression.
GIDEON I don't know what you're talking about.
JACK I'm afraid I'm gonna have to insist. Where is it? (beat) Hey, you're the one with the gun, what are you worried about. I already know about it so what harm will it do to show me?
GIDEON Just the fact that you want to see it lets me know you're planning something. I'll tell you what; I'll show you my Apocalypse Box. if you show me yours.
Now this does surprise and impress Jack.
JACK How did you -
GIDEON
Just a guess. Something in your.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON JACK'S FACE
CAMERA should portray Jack's eyes as dull and grey - lifeless.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
GIDEON (CONT'D) Never mind.
JACK Did you know that there are less then a dozen of these... boxes scattered across the known universe. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that another living being had found one within Earth's own solar system! If one of these things can give me the ability to literally rise out of the sewer and above the rest, and give me the power that I have today; could you imagine what two of them could do for me? I would be the only man anywhere in the universe to posses two Apocalypse Boxes. I'm talking about nothing less than total and unopposed leadership of this side of the galaxy! (beat) So I ask you again, where is it?
Gideon pulls his PPG out and aims it at the middle of Jack's chest. He then taps his wrist-link.
GIDEON Security.
SECURITY OFFICER (on link) Security here.
GIDEON This is the captain; Send a couple of men to my quarters to remove an. unwanted visitor.
SECURITY OFFICER (on link) Yes sir, they're already on their way.
GIDEON Gideon out.
JACK (disappointed) Fine, be that way. I'll just have to get it afterwards. (beat) Computer, intensify.
Gideon's quarters are sudden filled with a blinding BRIGHT LIGHT, causing Gideon to drop his PPG to shield his eyes. After a beat, the lights lower again, but by the time Gideon's eyes recover, Jack is gone.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIG - MINUTES LATER
This is our first look at the ship's brig. It is a small room with several "cells" on one side of a narrow walkway.
CAMERA PANS AROUND and we SEE two dead security guards lying on the floor. We also HEAR security alarms ringing. As we PAN further we SEE Jack holding a special ops PPG (like the one the Sniper had), and Reginald out of his cell.
REGINALD Are you going to kill me?
JACK No. You know the alternative to failure; you know what must be done.
REGINALD But, I, I didn't fail! I was just caught! I did what you asked, I -
JACK Irrelevant. Now come with me back to the pod and I'll forget your initial resistance. Then I won't have to order your wife's execution.
Reginald reluctantly follows Jack.
INT. EXCALIBUR FLIGHT DECK - MINUTES LATER (CGI)
ANGLE - GALEN ON BALCONY
Galen is standing over the balcony looking in the direction of his ship, but not really looking at anything. His expression is one of UNCERTAINTY. A beat later, Galen HEARS a sound he hadn't heard in a long while, and had hoped he never would again - a SCREECHING SHADOW ROAR. The expression on his face changes to CONCERN and FEAR when he realized where it was coming from. Galen turns around sharply to face,
ANGLE - BEHIND GALEN
LOOKING AT a fierce Shadow-hybrid beast. The beast ROARS again and charges at the technomage. As it jumped at him, Galen uses his staff to stop its attack - barely succeeding. The Shadow-Demon takes a SWIPE at Galen with several of his sharp tentacles and succeeds in knocking him to the floor - with cuts along the one side of his body. In an attempt to get rid of the creature, Galen puts his left arm under his cloak and then SWINGS his arm towards it - creating a large ball of fire and hurling it at the creature, only damaging it slightly.
GALEN'S POV - THE RAPTOR
As it pounces towards CAMERA.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - LATER
Gideon and Matheson are both standing next to the command chair.
GIDEON What do you mean 'he escaped'!
MATHESON I mean. 'He escaped'. Security just found two of their men dead and Reginald's cell open. They're pretty sure he had help.
GIDEON Could it have been this. Jack?
MATHESON (not seriously) I hope it was, otherwise it would mean we have another spy onboard.
GIDEON No thank you, two's enough for any ship. I just hope we catch the sons of bitches. That way we'll have some more real evidence that what I saw actually happened. All we have now is my recollection and our ship's records of the base - which they could say were falsified.
MATHESON Don't worry, sir. There's no way they're getting off the ship.
A console beeps and Matheson MOVES TO IT.
MATHESON That's odd.
GIDEON What?
MATHESON I'm picking up some strange energy fluctuations from the flight deck. They're coming from Galen's ship.
GIDEON Galen? Hasn't he left yet?
MATHESON Apparently not. Should I send a maintenance team to check it out?
GIDEON No. I'll go, that way I can make sure that when he leaves the Excalibur, he actually leaves.
Gideon starts walking out the bridge.
GIDEON (CONT'D) You're in command till I get back, Lieutenant.
INT. EXCALIBUR FLIGHT DECK - LOWER SECTION - MINUTES LATER
Gideon enters the large and totally empty area.
GIDEON (shouting) Galen, where are you?
Gideon waits for a beat, then walks up to Galen's ship. He TAPS on the semi- organic metal his ship is constructed of - as if knocking on a door.
GIDEON Galen, you in there?
GALEN (OS) Mathew! Look out!
Gideon turns, as does CAMERA, and we SEE the Raptor standing on the rail of the upper balcony just for a moment before it jumps off and lands right on Gideon. Just as the beast looks like it's about to bite into Gideon on the floor where they landed, a ball of fire (a stronger one then before) hits it in the back and causes it to - out of instinct - to get up and look to see where Galen was, giving Gideon the chance to make a run for it. The creature turns back to Gideon - who's now stumbling towards the exit, and runs towards him. Gideon taps his link while running.
GIDEON Gideon to Security. I want a security team in the flight deck, stat!
The creature catches up to Gideon meters away from the doors and knocks him down with his tentacles. As it stops running and moves in on Gideon for the kill,
ANGLE - FAVOURING THE RAPTOR
A bolt of lightning strikes the creature. It turns around again - this time it was going to kill the annoying one. Unfortunately when the beast left, Gideon was unconscious and couldn't help Galen or make a run for it.
ANGLE - GALEN ON THE FLOOR
As he watches from the upper balcony as the Raptor starts moving towards him. Galen struggles to move himself further down the balcony and further away from the creature.
ON THE WALL LEADING TO THE UPPER BALCONY
As the Raptor slowly climbs the wall and slides up the balcony.
ANGLE - FAVOURING THE RAPTOR
As it raises its tentacles in an attack formation, LOOKING at Galen - its assigned prey. A beat later, we SEE it get hit in the back again. but by a PPG. The creature turns again.
RAPTOR'S POV
We SEE a dozen security guards and Gideon standing near the entrance with PPGs in hand. Then we SEE them all fire at CAMERA.
GIDEON'S POV
We SEE the heads of five security officers all firing and hitting the Raptor, until it lets out one last SHADOW ROAR and dies.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON THE DEAD RAPTOR
On which, we DISSOLVE TO.
INT. EXCALIBUR MEDLAB - LATER
Galen is sitting on a bio-bed, and Chambers is standing next to him - tending to the DEEP CUTS he had gotten on the side of his body while fighting the Raptor. Galen's other half is still covered by his cloak.
GALEN Do you know what it was? I wasn't invited to the briefing.
CHAMBERS Not that you could have gone anyway, not with these injuries. You're lucky it didn't slice in further, my autopsy showed just how big the blades in its tentacles were. (beat) As far as we can tell, it's another hybrid-experiment using Shadowtech on humans - like the ones you and Gideon saw, only a lot meaner.
GALEN Do you still have the body?
CHAMBERS Yes, it's in a crio-tube.
Galen squints as Chambers touches one of his wounds.
GALEN Ouch!
CHAMBERS Well if you would keep still and take off the rest of your cloak it wouldn't hurt so much.
GALEN We've had this discussion before, the cloak stays on.
CHAMBERS Have it your way.
GALEN Ouch! Well now you're just doing it on purpose.
Gideon ENTERS MedLab and stops a few feet away from Galen. They exchange a beat of silence.
GIDEON (to Chambers) Sarah, could you give me a moment alone with Galen?
Galen could tell Chambers was about to protest, so holds up his hand briefly to silence her.
GALEN It's alright, Doctor. I promise I won't go anywhere.
Chambers doesn't answer but leaves anyway.
GIDEON Galen. I. You know I can never forgive you for what you've done. You used me, you manipulated me and you took advantage of my ship and her crew. The trust that we've had, the friendship we've built together is now gone. forever.
We can SEE this is very painful for both Galen and Gideon. We take a few beats on this.
GIDEON (CONT'D) I still want you to leave. (beat) But. someday, I don't know when. I might. forget what I can't forgive.
Galen takes a beat.
GALEN I want you to know, Mathew. I meant what I said; when I told you I've come to think of. you. as family. I hope you don't forget everything of me when I return.
We hold on this moment for a beat, and then Chambers walks back in.
CHAMBERS Alright, visiting hours are over. If I wait any longer then your wounds could get infected.
Both Gideon and Galen realize this is the last time the two of them will ever speak again as they are now.
GIDEON Goodbye, Galen.
GALEN Goodbye. Matthew.
Gideon leaves the MedLab.
ANGLE - ON GALEN
We stay on Galen's face for a beat, then CUT TO.
EXT. MARS
We SEE a shuttle - guarded by several thunderbolts enter in front of CAMERA.
MATHESON (V.O.) Are you sure you want to do this?
INT. SHUTTLE
Trace is in the pilot's seat, Gideon and Matheson are sitting in the two back seats and Eilerson is sitting upfront next to Trace.
MATHESON (CONT'D) We could talk to the Senator over sub-space.
GIDEON No. I'm going down there.
EXT. MARS STREET - LATER
The marines have cleared the path leading to the Mars Government building. We SEE Gideon emerge from the landed shuttle and walk down the cleared path - alone. While CAMERA slowly zooms back - showing Gideon walking towards the building, during this we HEAR.
GIDEON (V.O) (continued from when he was in the shuttle) . Because, besides the fact that we have our only piece of substantial evidence already down there in a crio-tube. I want to make it clear that we won't back down. That we're willing to do whatever we have to to get the job done. And that I'm not hiding behind by ship, I'm gonna personally do whatever it takes to shut them down.
On this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
FADE IN:
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - LATER
Gideon walks in. Matheson SEES him and walks over to confront him.
MATHESON Captain, I've got some bad news and some really bad news.
GIDEON Give me the really bad news first, after the day I've had I doubt it could get much worse.
MATHESON Jack and Crewman Reginald have escaped.
Gideon LOOKS REALLY PISSED now.
GIDEON And how the hell do they do that! For that matter, how the hell did they get on the Excalibur in the first place!
MATHESON A maintenance team has found a section of the ship that had been cut open and later welded back on, he must have cut through it. That's probably how he got that Shadow-hybrid in too.
GIDEON (astonished and angry) And no one saw this. damned hole in the side of ship!?! Our scanners didn't detect his ship coming in!?!
MATHESON He knew exactly where to go, that section of the ship was down for repairs - no body was going to be walking around down there. As for 'why our scanners didn't detect their ship', apparently Reginald had enough time, before we caught him, to blind the scanners on that side of the ship. They probably left hours ago.
GIDEON (holding back a tantrum) So what's the bad news?
MATHESON We've finished analyzing the tracking device placed on Galen's ship.
GIDEON And?
MATHESON It's Shadowtech alright. But it hadn't been activated yet.
GIDEON What?? Then how did they know I was on Mars?
EXT. MARS DOME ONE - LATER
Just to establish.
EILERSON (V.O.) And I believe this may warrant a more thorough investigation by other IPX agents.
INT. IPX BUILDING OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
We can SEE the IPX sign everywhere so we know we're inside an IPX building. Standing behind a desk we SEE the IPX Official from "Patterns of the Soul" she is LISTENING to Eilerson's report.
EILERSON (CONT'D; OS) Maybe the Interstellar Alliance would be willing to fund our latest expeditions if we help them track down this. secret Shadow-tech group. Or maybe the Shadow-tech group would be willing to cut a deal with us; in exchange for more supplies, and our silence, we would get a piece of any new technologies they adapt using Shadow technology. (beat) At any rate I strongly recommend further investigation.
COMPUTER End of transmission.
PAUL (OS) Your agent has the right idea.
During Max's report CAMERA had been PANNING AROUND. Now we can SEE Paul standing next to the IPX Official.
PAUL (CONT'D) You just bet him too it.
IPX OFFICIAL Max was always too smart for his own good.
PAUL Should I schedule his execution?
IPX OFFICIAL No. Max may be serving on the Excalibur, but he works for IPX. That means if he finds out; we can trust him to do what's best for Max.
PAUL I hope you're right.
IPX OFFICIAL I am.
EXT. BROWN PLANET (CGI) - DAYS LATER
We SEE a series of domes on the surface
INT. CAVERN - RESEARCH FACILITY - CONTINUOUS (CGI)
This is another one of the research facilities Major Lee told Gideon about in "End of the Line". It looks basically identical to the one Galen destroyed.
INT. FACILITY BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
It's clear we're in a medical/scientific research room. We SEE test tubes, medical equipment, etc. CAMERA PANS AROUND these objects and reaches Reginald restrained in a large metal chair. Beside him we SEE Jack and a doctor. Reginald is connected to a machine behind him with tubes in his arms. The machine behind him is clearly Shadowtech - with some EarthForce tidbits attached. We can SEE that Reginald is terrified.
JACK I'm sorry I have to do this, Reg.
Jack LOOKS AT the doctor and NODS - telling him to continue. He then turns back to Reg.
JACK (CONT'D) I'd be lying if I tell you that you won't feel a thing.
The doctor PULLS a small LEAVER back. We SEE a dark purple liquid from the Shadow device move slowly down the tubes connected to Reginald.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON REGINALD (COMPUTER ENHANCED)
As we SEE the liquid entering his arms. Suddenly we start to SEE the veins in Reg's face pop up. The LOOK ON HIS FACE should reflect the FEAR and PAIN he's experiencing. As his skin starts changing, getting hard and turning black, we SEE just enough of the process to realize that they are turning him into one of the Shadow creatures Gideon encountered in "End of the Line".
CLOSE UP ON JACK'S FACE
We HEAR Reginald scream - a normal scream at first, but it slowly starts changing into a SHADOW SCREAM. Jack looks away; he is disgusted by what he had to do to Reg.
INT. CAVERN - RESEARCH FACILITY (CGI)
We still HEAR Reg's SCREAMING in the background, and do for a few beats, and it turns into a full SHADOW SCREAM - letting us know he has been fully transformed. At this horrible sound, we
FADE OUT:
END OF SHOW
AND SO IT BEGINS.
Written by Martin A. Stihec TEASER FADE IN:
BLANK SCREEN
Over which we HEAR:
GIDEON (V.O.) Previously, on Crusade.
FLASHBACK/MONTAGE Most of it from "To the Ends of the Earth" and "The End of the Line." The material dealing with what Gideon found on the EarthForce black-ops base.
We SEE the attack on the Cerberus . Gideon leaving in an EVA suit as it's destroyed by a Shadow hybrid vessel . being picked up by Galen... his questioning and interrogation . his determination to find the ship that killed the Cerberus and her crew .
We SEE his encounter with the killer ship again in the present. the battle with and destruction of the hybrid. Galen reporting what they had found to Dirk.
We SEE the Excalibur approaching an EarthForce black-ops base responsible for creating the Shadow hybrid vessels. Galen warning Gideon about what he might discover and lose if he goes down on the planet. Gideon finding the research facility and the, things covered in Shadow-tech... bits of Gideon and Lee's discussion on the Cerebus and Shadow-tech. Gideon's rescue. Galen putting them out of their misery and Gideon telling him to just leave, and that he doesn't intend to trust anyone ever again. Gideon on Mars as he gets shot.
We END the montage with the reaction of being shot on Gideon's face and Galen yelling 'GET DOWN!', Then we FADE TO BLACK.
GALEN (V.O.) And so it begins.
And FADE BACK IN ON:
EXT. MARS DOME ONE (CGI)
Just to establish. (DRAMATIC MUSIC should be playing in the background throughout the remainder of the TEASER)
EXT. STREET - HIGH ABOVE (CGI)
The area where Gideon was shot is a riot, people are confused by the sound of gunfire and start panicking and scrambling everywhere. We don't SEE Gideon, Eilerson, Matheson, Dureena or Chambers from this ANGLE.
ANGLE - GALEN
He is trying to reach Gideon but can't SEE where he is now because of all the people in his way. Galen remembers the SNIPER (the audience should be aware of this; he gets a CONCERNED LOOK on his face) and looks back to the tall building he had seen him on.
GALEN'S POV (CGI)
An upshot of a tall building... as he SEES a small figure running across the roof.
ANGLE - GALEN
LOOKING at the TALL BUILDING
GALEN (determined) Oh, no you don't.
Galen starts RUNNING towards the TALL BUILDING, while not letting the dark figure on the roof out of his SIGHT.
GALEN'S POV (CGI)
An upshot of the tall building. He SEES the dark figure moving down the modernized STAIRCASE leading down to the last floor of the building.
ANGLE - GALEN
He kneels down and covers himself with his CLOAK. A flicker of bright light emerges from Galen as he SLIDES ACROSS the STREET FLOOR - still on his knees (using his tech in a way not seen before on "Crusade" or "Call to Arms" to transform his covered body into a shinning black stone).
ANGLE - NEAR TALL BUILDING
A black stone comes sliding towards CAMERA - knocking down countless civilians along the way. As Galen nears the building, CAMERA PANS AROUND to the rest of the crowd as a bright light emerges from Galen again (OS). As the CAMERA continues to PAN AROUND, we soon SEE Galen side-on. Galen starts RUNNING towards the Building's entrance.
INT. MARS BANK (THE TALL BUILDING) - CONTINUOUS
The place seems quiet and unaffected by the chaos going on outside. The Bank is made of thirty floors, the first of which is a mainly empty floor - except for the long service desk and the odd table here-and-there.
Galen COMES IN and starts WALKING slowly towards one of the security guards stationed along the first floor, Galen gets some STRANGE LOOKS from clients and employees along the way.
GALEN (trying not to sound as angry as he feels) Excuse me. Would you be so kind as to tell me if there are any other entrances or exits leading out of this place, besides the one I had just come through?
SECURITY GUARD Sure. Um, there really aren't too many other ways out. (beat) Unless you're a bag of money, that is.
GALEN (ordering) Explain.
SECURITY GUARD The bank uses a kind of "money chute" connecting to all the other banks on Mars. It sends the money in a straight line right to the next bank. Having it makes it easier to pay their debts to each other and exchange money accounts from their clients - if they wanted to switch banks. Not that there's much of a choice. It's either 'Balcony Express' or one of -
GALEN This. "money chute", how wide is it?
The Security Guard TURNS AROUND and takes a beat to think about it.
ON SECURITY GUARD'S FACE
SECURITY GUARD I'm not sure. I've only seen it once; it's on the third floor. If I had to guess then I would say no wider than half a meter. (beat) Why?
When he didn't get an answer, the Security Guard TURNS BACK. Galen isn't there.
INT. BANK ELEVATOR
ANGLE - FACING THE ENTRANCE TO THE ELEVATOR
Galen WALKS IN and TURNS to face CAMERA.
ELEVATOR Please state desired destination.
GALEN (firmly) Third floor.
The elevator doors close. CAMERA stays on the closed doors for a beat.
INT. MONEY CHUTE ROOM
ANGLE - FACING THE DOOR LEADING TO THE ROOM - SIDE-ON
Galen emerges from the door with a DISTURBED LOOK on his face. CAMERA now PANS AROUND and we SEE what he is looking at. half a dozen people shot down, dead, around the room (blood is also spread around the room).
SNIPER (OS) Like the décor?
The Sniper emerges from a large piece of MACHINERY (The "Money Chute") in front of Galen holding a fierce looking PPG (special ops PPG). He FIRES a few shots at Galen. Galen SHIELDS himself with an invisible energy field (CGI) and charges at the Sniper - ROARING as he knocks him down. Galen then grabs him by the shoulders.
ANGLE - GALEN AND THE SNIPER - SIDE-ON
And pushes him hard against the wall - using his left arm to hold him there.
SNIPER (a little shaken up. but firmly) You don't scare me, technomage.
GALEN (angry) Unwise; considering the powers my order possesses, and that you may have just killed my friend. (beat) I hope you enjoy pain.
SNIPER (laughs; an evil laugh) More so then you would think possible, Mage.
The Sniper suddenly reaches for the back of one of his hands and he snaps it back sharply (PROSTHETIC). A mechanism inside is activated with the SNAP, and with a pulsation it begins POWERING UP (Just like JENSEN did in "End of the Line").
Galen realizes it's a bomb and after a quick look of confusion at the smiling Sniper.
GALEN DAMN!
ANGLE - SEVEN METERS FURTHER BACK FROM GALEN AND THE SNIPER
Galen bolts for the exit as fast as he can, and just as he makes it OS. Sniper EXPLODES and CAMERA is surrounded by flames. On this, we
FADE OUT: END OF TEASER
[pic] Matthew Gideon. Captain. Attached to the
Earth Alliance Starship Excalibur.
[pic]
To find a cure to the Drakh plague before
it wipes out all life on Earth.
[pic]
Anywhere I have to.
[pic]
No one.
CRUSADE
Starring
[pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic]
CREATED BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
AND SO IT BEGINS.
Written by
Martin A. Stihec
Guest Starring
MICHAEL DORN as Jack
MICHAEL G. HAGERTY as Mike Greyhorse MARY KAY ADAMS as Receptionist PAUL ECKSTEIN as Ensign Reginald JAMES SLOYAN as Paul MICHELLE FORBES as Beth ALEX MENDOZA as Trace Miller
Co-Starring BRENT STAIT as Howard GRANT BOWLER as Doctor Williams TONY TODD as Security Guard JEFFERY COMBS as Sniper SHARRISE BAKER as IPX Official KELLIE WAYMIRE as Brakiri Waitress STEPHANIE ERB as Nurse PHIL MORRIS as Security Officer TIM RUSS as Doctor
[pic]
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. MARS MEDICAL FACILITY - LATER
EILERSON (V.O.) What do you mean we can't see him! I'm with Inter-planetary expeditions.
INT. HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS ROOM
Eilerson is arguing with the RECEPTIONIST at the admissions desk while Matheson and Dureena are sitting in the waiting area as they were told to do. There are only a few others in the room - all with minor injuries such as broken noses.
RECEPTIONIST (annoyed) Look Mr. Corporation, the only way you're getting through those doors is if you let me thump you on the head a few times and give you a concussion! Just because you're with IPX doesn't mean you can do whatever the hell you want to do, the rules still apply. (beat; calmer) I know he was your friend, but -
DUREENA Was? Excuse me, is he dead?
RECEPTIONIST (to Dureena) I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply -
MATHESON (overlapping) Can we at least speak with Doctor Chambers? We just want to know how he's doing.
The Receptionist LOOKS at Matheson for a beat.
RECEPTIONIST (reluctantly) Oh, alright. I'll see what I can do.
The Receptionist walks off. Eilerson sits in a chair next to Dureena and tries to watch the vid they have on in the top right corner of the room.
ANGLE - VID MONITOR
It's a very small monitor with bad reception.
ANGLE - THE THREE OF THEM SITTING DOWN
EILERSON (muttering to himself) How do they expect anyone to watch this, the damned monitor's smaller than my wrist-link!
Dureena puts a supportive hand on Matheson's shoulder.
DUREENA I'm sure he's going to be fine. We've gotten out of worse before.
MATHESON I know. but this is different. I still have trouble believing that EarthGov could sanction a black-ops project involving Shadow-tech, let- alone using it to physically alter starships and sentient beings. And now, after an assassination attempt on the captain's life, I. (beat) No. We have to do something. We can't just leave the door open for another attack, otherwise we'll never be able to tell them what we know, and we'll never be able to shut them down.
DUREENA Them? Who are we going to tell who have the power to shut them down? The Mars provision government sure as hell can't do anything about it.
MATHESON They can set it right out in the open - force EarthGov to cancel the project. They can tell the Alliance; even if EarthGov doesn't shut it down they will, the Alliance has always had a strong stand on illegal Shadow-tech, they could force EarthGov to do something. (beat) Still, that doesn't do us much good if we can't even get to the font door of the building without being shot at!
DUREENA I think that as soon as the captain is out of the Red-Zone we should go back up to the Excalibur and come down with squadron of marines for bodyguards.
MATHESON Agreed. I just hope we're not too late.
DUREENA Too late for what?
MATHESON Too late for us to get away without anymore trouble from whoever it is who shot the captain.
EILERSON Or who they're working for.
Matheson and Dureena both look at Eilerson, who had been keeping quiet.
CLOSE UP ON EILERSON
EILERSON Keep in mind that whoever it was who authorized the captain's "assassination" must have connections on Mars, that's the only way they could have known about his whereabouts - since Gideon asked me to keep the meeting out of anything to do with EarthForce.
Eilerson LOOKS UP.
EILERSON Damn.
ANGLE - THE THREE OF THEM SITTING DOWN
MATHESON (worried) What is it?
EILERSON The reception on the monitor just got worse, if that's possible.
Matheson shakes his head, tempted to use his telepathy to fry a few of Eilerson's brain cells. After a beat, the Receptionist comes rushing towards them.
RECEPTIONIST I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you three to leave the admissions area. We've just gotten word that a bomb has been set-off in the 'Balcony Express' bank, the explosion was contained to the third, fourth and fifth floors, but we're expecting a lot of casualties.
EILERSON What!?! How the hell did a bomb get past the entrance scanners!
RECEPTIONIST I don't know. (beat) Anyway, you guys have to clear out. I checked with the hospital supervisor and he said you could all wait outside the O.R. while the doctors operate if you'd like.
The Receptionist walks back to her desk. Eilerson LOOKS CONCERNED.
DUREENA (criticizing his concern) What's the matter, Max? Keep your credits in that bank?
EILERSON Yes, as a matter of fact I do.
MATHESON (reluctantly) I have to get back to the Excalibur; I have too many things to do that I can't put-off any longer than I already have.
DUREENA That's alright; I'll stay here, outside the O.R. until Gideon recovers.
EILERSON I think I'll do a little snooping around; see if I can find out who knew Gideon was on Mars.
After Dureena and Matheson leave.
EILERSON I just hope that stubborn bastard lives to appreciate what I'm doing for him.
INT. OPERATING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
CLOSE UP GIDEON'S FACE - ON THE OPERATING BED
WILLIAMS (OS) Are you crazy?! You can't mix Cloruxide with Saliydium; you'll burn a hole in his stomach the size of a bowling ball!
CHAMBERS (OS) Damn it, I know what I'm doing! Now, give him ten milliliters of Saliydium or I'll take my hands out of the patient and do it myself!
WILLIAMS (OS) (reluctantly) Yes, doctor. Ten milliliters of Saliydium. (beat) But I want it to go on the record, that in my opinion you're making a fatal error, and being a damned sloppy doctor!
CHAMBERS (OS) You do that. But if we don't at least try it, then he's as good as dead anyway.
A few beats later.
WILLIAMS (OS) (astonished) I don't believe it. His vital signs are rising. Damn. his condition is stabilizing. I don't know how the hell you did it doctor, but I guess I owe you an apology; it looks like -
INT. DARK ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The room is pretty dark so we can't see much, all we SEE are three men dressed in dark grey uniforms standing next to each other facing a wall of surveillance camera visuals.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON SCREEN SHOWING.
Gideon lying on the operating table, Chambers and Doctor Williams are there operating on him.
WILLIAMS (CONT'D) - Your captain's going to make it after all.
ANGLE - THE THREE 'GREY' MEN
JACK I told you Gideon's a survivor. If you want him eliminated then we should send a few Raptors to do the job right.
PAUL A Few Raptors! Jesus Christ, Jack, one of those things could take out an entire family of Minbari worrier caste. Why would it take three to kill one man?
JACK Gideon has a certain. edge, that not many others have, and that most would do anything to acquire. Why do you think he was the first to make it this far?
PAUL No, no. I say we send in more agents - they're trained to deal with matters like this.
JACK What about the Excalibur?
PAUL What about it?
JACK Gideon also has access to one of the most advanced starships on the Alliance construction lines. Hell, in a fair fight she might be able to defeat one of our J-class hybrid cruisers (the type that killed the Cerebus).
JACK (CONT'D) (to Howard - 3rd man) It's your call Howard. But believe me, we'll need to use our Shadow- tech to stop this one.
HOWARD Alright, Jack. We'll send in a Raptor - but just one. Those things are damned hard to replicate - as you know.
PAUL Howard, I must object. If I could have -
HOWARD Enough, Paul. I've made up my mind. Gideon must warrant some special measures if he knows what he knows and is still alive. (beat) Have we got any reports from Major Lee yet about that technomage who helped Gideon escape, and blow up one of our research facilities? Do we know where he is?
PAUL No. All we know is that he helped Gideon escape the compound, and we know Gideon didn't come here on the Excalibur so he probably provided him with transport to Mars.
HOWARD Well I'm sure he'll turn up sooner or later.
INT. GALEN'S FLYER - CONTINUOUS
Galen is inside - he doesn't look too good, BLOOD DRIPPING from his lip and nose, and a dark bruise on the side his head. The rest of his body is covered by his torn cloak, but you could imagine the sort of injuries he would have under it.
GALEN (in pain) Engage stealth mode and leave planet surface. Set course to intercept with the Excalibur.
EXT. MARS' SURFACE - GALEN'S FLYER - CONTINUOUS
Galen's flyer lifts off the ground and swiftly flies OS. We HEAR the sound of Galen's flyer zooming past CAMERA.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR OVER MARS - LATER
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Matheson is sitting in one of the chairs - alone, going over the information he had gathered on a notepad. The door BEEPS.
ANGLE - BEHIND MATHESON AND FACING THE DOOR
MATHESON Come in.
Lieutenant Mike Greyhorse ENTERS the conference room and stops walking after a few feet - just enough to cause the doors to close.
GREYHORSE You called for me, sir?
MATHESON Yes. Please Mr. Greyhorse, take a seat.
After Greyhorse takes his seat - opposite Matheson, CAMERA starts PANNING AROUND the two.
MATHESON According to your record, Mr. Greyhorse, you were assigned to the Excalibur during her initial construction on the shipping lines, and requested to stay onboard as head mechanic in charge of Thunderbolt maintenance. And you've been here ever since.
GREYHORSE Yes, sir. I like it here, sir.
MATHESON I've gone through the entire crew manifest, from senior staff members to crewmen only serving a week of duty before they're moved to their next assignment. Out of that list I've been able to select a small group of officers and crewmen I am certain I can trust. your name is at the top of the list.
GREYHORSE (proud and confused) Thank you, sir. I try my best.
MATHESON I know you do. That's why I've called you here. I want you to start making your own small list, a list of crewmen you see around the ship behaving. strangely, suspiciously. doing anything out of the ordinary.
GREYHORSE Yes, sir. Why, sir?
CLOSE UP ON MATHESON
MATHESON I believe we have a spy onboard the Excalibur. Another one.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GREYHORSE
On Greyhorse's reaction to this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. MARS DOME ONE - LATER
Just to establish.
INT. MARS BAR - CONTINUOUS
The place looks like one of the bars Babylon 5 would have in DownBellow. Half naked women are dancing on tabletops, drunks are getting into brawls and the lights are a flickering gold colour. Max is sitting at one of the tables along the back of the bar - keeping himself out of sight.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS Something to drink?
ANGLE - MAX
As he LOOKS UP to see a topless Brakiri waitress holding up a plate of alcoholic drinks.
EILERSON No thank you.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS (OS) Are you sure?
EILERSON Quite sure.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS (OS) Then maybe you would like to. entertain, me and my sisters in the back.
We HEAR a sexual murmur coming from far behind Eilerson.
EILERSON (trying to get rid of her) Very tempting. Maybe later.
BRAKIRI WAITRESS (OS) (disappointed) You're loss, pretty boy.
The Brakiri waitress leaves and Eilerson shakes his head - (he disapproves of public sex in crowded bars full of thieves and bums). A beat later.
BETH (OS) Hey, stranger, is this seat taken?
Eilerson LOOKS UP again and SEES Beth.
EILERSON (smiling at a familiar face) Not at all, please, sit.
Beth sits in the chair next to Max.
BETH (smiling back) I saw you turn down that Brakiri woman. Very out of character for you Max, back in the old days you'd jump at the chance to jump on her. or anything with two arms and two legs for that matter.
EILERSON Give me a break; I was a teenager then. People change.
Beth gives Max a sharp look.
BETH Yes, people change. But you. (beat; laughs) Remember that time you tried to make a move on Danny's sister! His dad gave you a black-eye and banished you from his property.
Max and Beth both laugh for a beat.
EILERSON (still smiling) I was so drunk that night. When I got home my parents almost fainted. I told them I got it from walking into a fallen book in the library!
Max and Beth laugh for another beat before Eilerson decides to get down to business.
EILERSON Beth, are you still working for Michael Garibaldi at Edgar Industries?
BETH Yes I am. Two years in the same job - a record for me. (beat) Why do you ask?
EILERSON (uncomfortably) I need a favor, a rather large favor.
BETH Anything.
EXT. MARS MEDICAL FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Just to establish.
INT. OUTSIDE OPERATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Dureena is sitting on the floor with her legs crossed. Doctor Chambers walks out the door - still wearing her white operating uniform.
DUREENA Hey.
Chambers TURNS AROUND as CAMERA PANS AROUND briefly until both Chambers and Dureena are on the screen. Dureena stands up.
CHAMBERS Hi Dureena.
DUREENA Did he. I mean.
CHAMBERS Yes, he's fine. We've stabilized his vital signs and we've moved him into the recovery ward. We almost lost him. (beat) Did you find out who shot him?
Dureena shakes her head.
DUREENA No. The police are investigating, but so far they haven't had any luck. (beat) Can I see him?
CHAMBERS I'm sorry, but he's still unconscious, and I don't want to risk any complications by filling his body with more chemicals. So until he can wake up on his own I'm afraid he's in no condition to have visitors.
DUREENA Sarah. I'll just be minute; I just want to see him.
We take a beat before.
CHAMBERS Alright. But just a minute.
INT. RECOVERY WARD; ROOM 74 - MINUTES LATER
Gideon is lying in bed - plugged up to several machines behind him, we SEE tubes coming from his arms and chest. Sitting a few meters from him is a Nurse reading a newspaper (his medical recovery observer). A beat later, Chambers and Dureena walk in. Dureena stops a few feet from Gideon, but Chambers stays near the door. Chambers NODS at the nurse - telling her to leave for a minute while Dureena's in here.
CHAMBERS Don't be too long, Dureena.
Dureena doesn't look back to Chambers as she leaves and closes the door. The nurse STANDS UP and looks at Dureena - who is still staring at Gideon.
NURSE I'll just be outside if you need me.
The nurse walks out the door. After a beat.
CLOSE UP ON DUREENA
DUREENA (emotionally) I'm sorry.
GIDEON (OS) (coughing) Sorry for what?
After we SEE Dureena react to what she had just HEARD, CAMERA PANS AROUND until we SEE Gideon with his eyes half open.
GIDEON (CONT'D) You gonna answer my question?
DUREENA Mathew! (beat; Gideon looks as if he expects an answer) I'm sorry you were hurt.
GIDEON (smiles weakly) Why? Don't tell me you were the one who shot me.
DUREENA I might as well have. I let you down. I failed.
GIDEON How?
ANGLE - THE SIDE OF DUREENA'S FACE AND THE DOOR
After a beat of silence, the nurse walks through the door.
NURSE (to Dureena) Don't mind me, I just. (to Gideon) God, you're. (to Dureena) How long has he been awake?
Dureena leaves without telling her - its clear she's FEELING GUILTY.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GIDEON
He LOOKS CONFUSED about what had just happened.
[What's happening here is that Dureena FEELS GUILTY because she believes she failed someone close to her - something she had promised never to do again after she failed someone important to her in the past]
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR OVER MARS
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR - MEDLAB - LATER
Galen is sitting on a bio-bed with bandages over his cuts - looking just as bad as he did when he entered his flyer. Galen puts two fingers on one of the cuts on his head, then Matheson ENTERS the MedLab and walks up to Galen.
GALEN (without looking up to see who had entered) I was wandering when you were going to get here. (beat; LOOKS UP at Matheson) Before we begin the debriefing. How's Mathew, is he alright?
MATHESON We've just gotten word from Doctor Chambers. the operation was a success, he's alive. He's even started walking. In a few hours he'll be ready to return to the Excalibur.
Galen LOOKS RELIEVED at hearing this.
MATHESON (CONT'D) You said you had tracked down the person who shot Gideon?
GALEN Yes. He was on the roof of a tall building - a Mars bank. I saw him running down the building's other floors and pursued. He was going to escape through a chute they use to send money to all the other banks on Mars, when I intercepted him. After a. brief struggle. he activated a self-destruct mechanism in one of his hands and. blew up - taking a large piece of the bank along with him. (beat) Fortunately I was able to escape the vicinity just in time, using. various techniques.
MATHESON Using various techniques, with the help of stolen Shadow-tech.
Galen LOOKS SURPRISED by what Matheson said, and a bit HURT by the way he said it.
GALEN You've heard about that I see. How many others know?
MATHESON Enough. All the senior staff and some others. (beat) You're not exactly the most popular person on the ship right now.
GALEN That doesn't matter anymore, I'll be leaving soon.
MATHESON You said he activated a self-destruct mechanism in his hand?
GALEN That's right. Is that of any significance?
Matheson NODS.
MATHESON Remember when we found out we had a spy onboard. Well, when we tracked him down in his quarters he used the same sort of device to set off a bomb. Our structural reinforcements held, but it sure did a lot of damage to everything inside his quarters.
GALEN I see. Are you looking for the second spy now?
MATHESON (shocked that he knew) What!?! How did you know? It took me hours of sorting through files to realize -
GALEN Simple logic. If their first spy was caught, then it's only logical that they'd send in a new one, or maybe the second spy had been onboard just as long, or longer than the one that was caught. If so then you have your work cut out for, Lieutenant. He must be good if he hasn't been caught yet.
MATHESON Yes, he is. After searching through every single transmission log on the ship I've found a dozen that could have been sent to the secret base we found. But they were all blank - the submission sources I mean. Either he's been sending them from a remote terminal, or he's expert in communication relays.
GALEN Or both. He may have found a way to set up a remote interface tracking system on my ship. That could be how they knew where I had taken Mathew.
MATHESON Eilerson would disagree. He's on the surface right now trying to find a connection they might have on Mars - he thinks that's how they knew the captain was there.
GALEN True, that's another possibility. A more likely possibility actually. Don't know why I didn't think of it first. I'd better check my ship anyway. just incase.
Galen tries to push himself up straight, unsuccessfully.
GALEN (sitting back down) Maybe later.
Greyhorse ENTERS MedLab. Matheson TURNS and SEES him. Matheson walks over to Greyhorse.
MATHESON Yes, Lieutenant.
GREYHORSE I have an update on my, um, list.
MATHESON (almost whispering) What do you have?
GREYHORSE (whispering) A name, Ensign Samuel Reginald.
MATHESON Are you sure?
Greyhorse NODS.
MATHESON Thank you, Lieutenant, you've been a great help.
Greyhorse NODS again and leaves the MedLab. Matheson walks back over to Galen.
MATHESON I think we've found our second leek, and I'm going to go plug it. in less than nine minutes and twenty seconds.
Matheson leaves the MedLab.
GALEN I'll be timing.
INT. CREWMAN REGINALD'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
Reginald is at his communications post in his quarters talking with JACK.
REGINALD You want me to do what!?!
JACK You heard me. Just have everything set up by the time Gideon gets back onboard.
REGINALD You said that no one else would get hurt except Gideon.
JACK That's the plan; the Raptor will be given only one target, Gideon.
REGINALD Yeah, but that won't stop it from shredding apart every crewman who gets in his way! This crew is innocent; they shouldn't be punished for what Gideon's done, for what Gideon knows.
JACK This isn't a conversation, Reg. I'm ordering you to do this. and you know the punishment for failure.
REGINALD (fearfully) Yes, sir. I'll get right on it.
Reginald turns off the communications post.
INT. DARK ROOM #2 - CONTINUOUS
Jack moves away from the large communications console he had been talking to Reginald on, and moves - CAMERA FOLLOWS HIM - to a lone stasis tube. He puts a hand on the small glass window - which CAMERA can't SEE IN.
JACK Soon we'll see just what you're capable of, Shadow beast.
CAMERA PANS AROUND until we can see into the small glass window. Inside is (clearly a Raptor) a hideous looking thing (CGI). Red eyes, skin like the creatures Galen destroyed - but fiercer looking. From what we SEE, it's also got several sharp tentacles and a webbed neck. We hold on this for a few beats, then we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. SHUTTLE ON MARS LANDING PAD (CGI) - HOURS LATER
We SEE the Shuttle lift off and fly up.
INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS
TRACE MILLER is sitting in the pilot's seat. Gideon is sitting in the seat next to him - dressed in the civilian clothes he came to Mars in, Chambers is sitting in the seat behind Gideon, and Dureena is sitting behind Trace.
TRACE So, have they caught the guy who shot you yet, captain?
GIDEON No. But I know who sent him.
TRACE Does this have anything to do with that base we found, the one that tried to fight us off with re-painted starfurys? I was in one of the Thunderbolts sent to defend the ship.
CHAMBERS (covering Gideon) Trace, the captain's not in here ten seconds and you start grilling him for information. He still hasn't fully recovered from his PPG burn.
TRACE Sorry.
GIDEON It's okay, Trace. I wish I could tell you. But I can't, not now, not yet. (beat) How are things going for you anyway, I haven't seen you for months?
TRACE Pretty good. I think I like the life of an EarthForce pilot more compared to the life of transporting crazy archeologists from one world to another. I don't think I've ever thanked you for signing me up. It changed my life.
GIDEON That's not necessary, Trace. I jumped at the chance to get another good pilot - god knows we've need them on this mission.
Trace looks out the window in front of them. We don't SEE the Excalibur, but we do SEE it's reflection on their faces.
TRACE There she is. the brightest star in the sky.
Gideon looks out the window.
TRACE (CONT'D) And her name is, Excalibur.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR - CONTINUOUS
As the shuttle flies toward it.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - LATER
Gideon is standing next to his table, taking off his jacket - he's wearing a black top underneath. After a beat we HEAR a WHOOSH in the wind. Gideon stops still - he knows who it is.
GIDEON I thought I told you to leave.
GALEN (OS) You did. and I will. But, before I go, I wanted you to know that. I regret having to deceive you the way I did.
Gideon turns around to face Galen - CAMERA does too.
GIDEON No, you didn't have to deceive me at all. And you sure as hell didn't have to pretend to help me find a cure for the Drakh plague. you didn't have to pretend to be my friend.
This, again, hurts Galen - and the audience should SEE this by the LOOK on his face.
ANGLE - GIDEON
GIDEON I should have listened to that damned box.
ANGLE - GALEN
GALEN (intensely) What did you say??
ANGLE - GIDEON
GIDEON (covering desperately) Nothing. never mind.
ANGLE - GALEN
GALEN Mathew.
ANGLE - GIDEON
His wrist-link goes off. And he is thankful for the interruption.
GIDEON Gideon here.
MATHESON (on link) It's great to hear your voice again, Matt. (beat) We were going to discuss our next move in the conference room in five, remember.
GIDEON (not letting himself look away from Galen) I'm on my way, John.
Gideon glances at Galen once more before leaving - not saying goodbye.
GALEN (deep in thought) I wander.
INT. GIDEON'S SECRET CABINET - CONTINUOUS
It's dark and the Apocalypse box is barely visible. A few beats later the box lightens up and a SOUND is made to represent its presence.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GALEN'S FACE
He reacts to the box's presence (SOUND) and twitches his head.
GALEN (softly, unsure what it is) Hello you.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Everybody is here - except Galen and Gideon; Matheson, Dureena, Chambers, Eilerson and Greyhorse. All of them are waiting for Gideon. Greyhorse is nervous - it's his first time in a 'senior staff only' meeting. A beat later, Gideon enters and sits down - holding his side while doing so - it's still hurting. Everybody is LOOKING at Gideon.
GIDEON Before we get started, I'd like to thank you all for everything you've done for me, and for helping me bring justice to the people who murdered my old ship and crew. I think I speak for them all when I say. thank you.
The room is silent for a beat.
GIDEON (CONT'D) Now, with that said, let's begin. (to Greyhorse) Lieutenant Greyhorse, Lieutenant Matheson has informed me of your involvement in this matter. Thanks to you we have our only living link to this black-ops group detained in our brig. with both his arms pinned a meter apart. And I think that since you know as much as you know, you should be included in all briefings of this nature; Now that you're in the loop, we might as well keep you in it.
GREYHORSE (nervously) Thank you, sir.
GIDEON No, don't thank me yet. I have no idea how this thing is going to unravel. You might end up hating me for dragging you into all this. (to Eilerson) Mr. Eilerson, I'm told you've been investigating the possibility that the black-ops group had connections on Mars, explaining how they knew I was there.
EILERSON Yes I have. Unfortunately I'm now convinced they don't.
GIDEON Why?
EILERSON My contact in Edgar Industries gave me unlimited access to the company's surveillance reports; they were very detailed and covered every major industry on Mars. Except for multi-planetary corporations outposts like Regional Vortex or -
GALEN (OS) That's because they didn't need a contact.
Everyone looks at the entrance to the adjoining room,
ANGLE - GALEN
We SEE Galen standing there. Galen is in full uniform - cloak over head, staff in hand. He throws a small oval shaped object on the table in front of Gideon. The object is no more than three centimeters wide.
ANGLE - GIDEON
Gideon picks the object up and examines it for a beat.
GALEN (OS) I found it stuck to the hull of my ship. It was placed there by your spy. It tracked my ship's movements. That's how they found you on Mars.
ANGLE - GALEN
GALEN (CONT'D) They were probably hoping that I would return to the Order and lead them into a fountain of Shadow technology. Fortunately the Order isn't stupid; cautious, pessimistic and overprotective - yes, Stupid - no. (beat) Expect me when you see me. Which in all likelihood won't be anytime soon. if ever.
Galen walks out, and Dureena gets up and follows. No one objects.
INT. ADJOINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Galen storms out, heading for the door leading to the bridge - Dureena's following.
DUREENA (getting pissed) Galen. Hey, don't you walk away from me. Hey!
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Galen storms out - as he does we get a glimpse of his face, a very COLD EXPRESION. Dureena soon follows and chases after him.
DUREENA (very pissed) Galen!!
GALEN (firmly) Go away.
They are getting the attention of the remaining bridge crew.
DUREENA (very pissed) Galen!!
They basically run out of the bridge into the corridor.
INT. EXCALIBUR CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Galen and Dureena are MOVING FASTLY side by side now. CAMERA is in front of them MOVING AT SAME SPEED as they are.
DUREENA You can't just walk away from me like this Galen.
GALEN Why not?
DUREENA Damn you, Galen.
Dureena MOVES SHARPLY to her side and pushes Galen up against the wall with a violent shove. CAMERA STOPS MOVING. Galen puts a hand on his left shoulder - which had been injured in the explosion earlier.
DUREENA You once told me you wouldn't share your abilities with me because 'I wanted to learn for the worst reason; revenge. Because there is a time and a place for everything and that now was the wrong time'. Well, you're leaving. There won't be any other time will there. And after everything we've gone through together, you're not gonna leave without even giving me a good reason why you're going.
GALEN I. You know about where my order got their technology, don't you?
DUREENA Gideon said that you stole it from the Shadows.
GALEN That's true. but the simple statement that 'we stole it from the Shadows' gives the wrong impression about what really happened. The Shadows were our masters; they supplied us with their technology and integrated it into our systems, and we would use it to. Invoke chaos.
DUREENA (in disbelief) I can't believe what I'm hearing. you worked for the Shadows! You served, helped, the Shadows - the race that destroyed my world! The race that killed the last of my people!
GALEN Oh god, no.
Galen moves towards Dureena and places a hand on each of her shoulders - then removes them quickly (not wanting to express himself openly like that).
GALEN (CONT'D) As soon as enough of us knew what was going on, as soon as the Circle revealed where we had been receiving our technology from, and we had time to work out a plan. we refused to fight in their wars, we destroyed their 'places of power', and my order fled - went into hiding. Dureena, you can't believe that I had anything to do with the death of your world. I. I couldn't bear it if you did.
DUREENA I don't know what I believe anymore, Galen.
GALEN (hurting) Dureena, I -
DUREENA (angry) I asked you for a good reason, and you gave me one. If you're going to go, then just go.
Dureena starts walking back to the conference room, then TURNS BACK to face Galen.
DUREENA (unemotionally) Goodbye Galen.
Dureena turns and starts walking to the conference room again. A beat later.
GALEN (to himself) Goodbye, Dureena Nafeel.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Everybody is exactly where they were when Dureena left. Dureena comes in - LOOKING UPSET. She sits down.
GIDEON Lieutenant Matheson, did our spy say anything during your debriefing?
MATHESON No. Nothing of any impotence, except the fact that whoever it is who he reports to is not going to be happy he was caught. he mentioned something about a fate worse than death. begging for us to let him kill himself.
GIDEON Just like crewman Jenson. He told me that we both dead. That I just didn't know it yet. (beat) Okay, it's clear to me now that if we're going to shine the light on this operation. we'll need help. A lot more help than the Mars provisional government can provide through official channels and the media. We're going to have to go to the top of the ladder, the Interstellar Alliance. If anyone can help us, it's them. Still. It would only increase our strength when we take this to the President if we get Mars behind us. Max, can you set up another meeting with the provisional government?
EILERSON We pissed them off a bit when you didn't make your last appointment, but. Yeah, I think I can.
GIDEON (to Eilerson) Good. Let me know when they want to see us.
CHAMBERS Us? I take it then that you've changed your mind about wanting to go down there alone. Not that, after what happened, we were going to let you.
MATHESON In fact. we have an escort already arranged.
CLOSE UP ON MATHESON
Matheson smiles and we cut straight to.
INT. EXCALIBUR INFANTRY ROOM - LATER
We SEE a squadron of well over a hundred marines standing in straight lines. There is an upper section just past the entrance, and a lower section - where the marines are standing.
MATHESON (OS) A.TEN.SION!
We SEE all the marines straighten up.
ANGLE - OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM
Gideon and Matheson are standing on the elevated section looking down at the lines of marines. Gideon is in shock and Matheson is looking smug.
GIDEON (admiring him) John, you're a madman.
MATHESON
I try. I try.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR (CGI)
As we SEE a small silver pod heading straight for it.
INT. SILVER POD - CONTINUOUS
Jack is sitting in the pilot's seat. We can SEE the stasis tube in the back. We HEAR a loud SHADOW ROAR and the tube starts shaking.
JACK Soon enough, precious, soon enough. Now you have two targets to eliminate.
EXT. SECTION OF THE EXCALIBUR - CLOSE UP.
We SEE the silver pod come ON SCREEN and touch the metal around that section of the ship. We then HEAR the sound of something from the shuttle latching onto the metal and then start CUTTING through it. We also SEE SPARKS FLYING in space. On this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS
The room is DARK. We take a beat of nothing until Gideon ENTERS the room. As the doors start to close behind him, he takes off his uniform jacket and throws it on the table. Soon the light coming from the open door vanishes.
GIDEON Computer, lights.
Nothing happens, and although it's dark, we still SEE a look of CONCERN and then ANNOYANCE on his face as he thinks he knows what's happening.
GIDEON Alright Galen, you've got my attention. What do you want?
JACK (OS) I'm glad to know that I've got your attention. but I'm not Galen.
We SEE him react to the strange voice he'd just heard.
GIDEON Who are you?
JACK Computer, lights.
The LIGHT comes back in the room and Gideon TURNS around to face Jack wearing his grey uniform and sitting in a chair he had taken from Gideon's table.
JACK (CON'T) (explaining) I rigged your CPU console to only accept commands from my voice pattern.
GIDEON Who are you?
We SEE Gideon's hand tighten slightly around a hidden PPG in his pocket.
JACK You can call me. Jack. (gestures to Gideon's "hidden" PPG) Ah. I wouldn't do that if I were you, you could hurt yourself.
Despite Jack's awareness of the PPG, Gideon still holds it in his pocket.
GIDEON Well. Jack, what are you doing here and how exactly are you involved with all this?
JACK (playing dumb) Involved with what? (laughs) Come now captain, surely you can figure some of it out by yourself. I've already given you plenty of clues as it is.
GIDEON Alright. You're uniform; because I haven't seen it before, it tells me you're somewhere around the top of the food chain. You're smug attitude is also a common trait with high ranking officials. And the fact that you can reprogram a personal CPU under omega clearance reinforces my assumption.
JACK (not very impressed; he would have made the same observations and more) Very good. You're right by the way.
GIDEON So, why are you here? Come to finish the job yourself; come to kill me?
JACK Yes and no. Actually I've come for your Apocalypse Box. Where do you keep it?
Gideon is utterly shocked by this, but shows nothing of it in his expression.
GIDEON I don't know what you're talking about.
JACK I'm afraid I'm gonna have to insist. Where is it? (beat) Hey, you're the one with the gun, what are you worried about. I already know about it so what harm will it do to show me?
GIDEON Just the fact that you want to see it lets me know you're planning something. I'll tell you what; I'll show you my Apocalypse Box. if you show me yours.
Now this does surprise and impress Jack.
JACK How did you -
GIDEON
Just a guess. Something in your.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON JACK'S FACE
CAMERA should portray Jack's eyes as dull and grey - lifeless.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
GIDEON (CONT'D) Never mind.
JACK Did you know that there are less then a dozen of these... boxes scattered across the known universe. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that another living being had found one within Earth's own solar system! If one of these things can give me the ability to literally rise out of the sewer and above the rest, and give me the power that I have today; could you imagine what two of them could do for me? I would be the only man anywhere in the universe to posses two Apocalypse Boxes. I'm talking about nothing less than total and unopposed leadership of this side of the galaxy! (beat) So I ask you again, where is it?
Gideon pulls his PPG out and aims it at the middle of Jack's chest. He then taps his wrist-link.
GIDEON Security.
SECURITY OFFICER (on link) Security here.
GIDEON This is the captain; Send a couple of men to my quarters to remove an. unwanted visitor.
SECURITY OFFICER (on link) Yes sir, they're already on their way.
GIDEON Gideon out.
JACK (disappointed) Fine, be that way. I'll just have to get it afterwards. (beat) Computer, intensify.
Gideon's quarters are sudden filled with a blinding BRIGHT LIGHT, causing Gideon to drop his PPG to shield his eyes. After a beat, the lights lower again, but by the time Gideon's eyes recover, Jack is gone.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIG - MINUTES LATER
This is our first look at the ship's brig. It is a small room with several "cells" on one side of a narrow walkway.
CAMERA PANS AROUND and we SEE two dead security guards lying on the floor. We also HEAR security alarms ringing. As we PAN further we SEE Jack holding a special ops PPG (like the one the Sniper had), and Reginald out of his cell.
REGINALD Are you going to kill me?
JACK No. You know the alternative to failure; you know what must be done.
REGINALD But, I, I didn't fail! I was just caught! I did what you asked, I -
JACK Irrelevant. Now come with me back to the pod and I'll forget your initial resistance. Then I won't have to order your wife's execution.
Reginald reluctantly follows Jack.
INT. EXCALIBUR FLIGHT DECK - MINUTES LATER (CGI)
ANGLE - GALEN ON BALCONY
Galen is standing over the balcony looking in the direction of his ship, but not really looking at anything. His expression is one of UNCERTAINTY. A beat later, Galen HEARS a sound he hadn't heard in a long while, and had hoped he never would again - a SCREECHING SHADOW ROAR. The expression on his face changes to CONCERN and FEAR when he realized where it was coming from. Galen turns around sharply to face,
ANGLE - BEHIND GALEN
LOOKING AT a fierce Shadow-hybrid beast. The beast ROARS again and charges at the technomage. As it jumped at him, Galen uses his staff to stop its attack - barely succeeding. The Shadow-Demon takes a SWIPE at Galen with several of his sharp tentacles and succeeds in knocking him to the floor - with cuts along the one side of his body. In an attempt to get rid of the creature, Galen puts his left arm under his cloak and then SWINGS his arm towards it - creating a large ball of fire and hurling it at the creature, only damaging it slightly.
GALEN'S POV - THE RAPTOR
As it pounces towards CAMERA.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - LATER
Gideon and Matheson are both standing next to the command chair.
GIDEON What do you mean 'he escaped'!
MATHESON I mean. 'He escaped'. Security just found two of their men dead and Reginald's cell open. They're pretty sure he had help.
GIDEON Could it have been this. Jack?
MATHESON (not seriously) I hope it was, otherwise it would mean we have another spy onboard.
GIDEON No thank you, two's enough for any ship. I just hope we catch the sons of bitches. That way we'll have some more real evidence that what I saw actually happened. All we have now is my recollection and our ship's records of the base - which they could say were falsified.
MATHESON Don't worry, sir. There's no way they're getting off the ship.
A console beeps and Matheson MOVES TO IT.
MATHESON That's odd.
GIDEON What?
MATHESON I'm picking up some strange energy fluctuations from the flight deck. They're coming from Galen's ship.
GIDEON Galen? Hasn't he left yet?
MATHESON Apparently not. Should I send a maintenance team to check it out?
GIDEON No. I'll go, that way I can make sure that when he leaves the Excalibur, he actually leaves.
Gideon starts walking out the bridge.
GIDEON (CONT'D) You're in command till I get back, Lieutenant.
INT. EXCALIBUR FLIGHT DECK - LOWER SECTION - MINUTES LATER
Gideon enters the large and totally empty area.
GIDEON (shouting) Galen, where are you?
Gideon waits for a beat, then walks up to Galen's ship. He TAPS on the semi- organic metal his ship is constructed of - as if knocking on a door.
GIDEON Galen, you in there?
GALEN (OS) Mathew! Look out!
Gideon turns, as does CAMERA, and we SEE the Raptor standing on the rail of the upper balcony just for a moment before it jumps off and lands right on Gideon. Just as the beast looks like it's about to bite into Gideon on the floor where they landed, a ball of fire (a stronger one then before) hits it in the back and causes it to - out of instinct - to get up and look to see where Galen was, giving Gideon the chance to make a run for it. The creature turns back to Gideon - who's now stumbling towards the exit, and runs towards him. Gideon taps his link while running.
GIDEON Gideon to Security. I want a security team in the flight deck, stat!
The creature catches up to Gideon meters away from the doors and knocks him down with his tentacles. As it stops running and moves in on Gideon for the kill,
ANGLE - FAVOURING THE RAPTOR
A bolt of lightning strikes the creature. It turns around again - this time it was going to kill the annoying one. Unfortunately when the beast left, Gideon was unconscious and couldn't help Galen or make a run for it.
ANGLE - GALEN ON THE FLOOR
As he watches from the upper balcony as the Raptor starts moving towards him. Galen struggles to move himself further down the balcony and further away from the creature.
ON THE WALL LEADING TO THE UPPER BALCONY
As the Raptor slowly climbs the wall and slides up the balcony.
ANGLE - FAVOURING THE RAPTOR
As it raises its tentacles in an attack formation, LOOKING at Galen - its assigned prey. A beat later, we SEE it get hit in the back again. but by a PPG. The creature turns again.
RAPTOR'S POV
We SEE a dozen security guards and Gideon standing near the entrance with PPGs in hand. Then we SEE them all fire at CAMERA.
GIDEON'S POV
We SEE the heads of five security officers all firing and hitting the Raptor, until it lets out one last SHADOW ROAR and dies.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON THE DEAD RAPTOR
On which, we DISSOLVE TO.
INT. EXCALIBUR MEDLAB - LATER
Galen is sitting on a bio-bed, and Chambers is standing next to him - tending to the DEEP CUTS he had gotten on the side of his body while fighting the Raptor. Galen's other half is still covered by his cloak.
GALEN Do you know what it was? I wasn't invited to the briefing.
CHAMBERS Not that you could have gone anyway, not with these injuries. You're lucky it didn't slice in further, my autopsy showed just how big the blades in its tentacles were. (beat) As far as we can tell, it's another hybrid-experiment using Shadowtech on humans - like the ones you and Gideon saw, only a lot meaner.
GALEN Do you still have the body?
CHAMBERS Yes, it's in a crio-tube.
Galen squints as Chambers touches one of his wounds.
GALEN Ouch!
CHAMBERS Well if you would keep still and take off the rest of your cloak it wouldn't hurt so much.
GALEN We've had this discussion before, the cloak stays on.
CHAMBERS Have it your way.
GALEN Ouch! Well now you're just doing it on purpose.
Gideon ENTERS MedLab and stops a few feet away from Galen. They exchange a beat of silence.
GIDEON (to Chambers) Sarah, could you give me a moment alone with Galen?
Galen could tell Chambers was about to protest, so holds up his hand briefly to silence her.
GALEN It's alright, Doctor. I promise I won't go anywhere.
Chambers doesn't answer but leaves anyway.
GIDEON Galen. I. You know I can never forgive you for what you've done. You used me, you manipulated me and you took advantage of my ship and her crew. The trust that we've had, the friendship we've built together is now gone. forever.
We can SEE this is very painful for both Galen and Gideon. We take a few beats on this.
GIDEON (CONT'D) I still want you to leave. (beat) But. someday, I don't know when. I might. forget what I can't forgive.
Galen takes a beat.
GALEN I want you to know, Mathew. I meant what I said; when I told you I've come to think of. you. as family. I hope you don't forget everything of me when I return.
We hold on this moment for a beat, and then Chambers walks back in.
CHAMBERS Alright, visiting hours are over. If I wait any longer then your wounds could get infected.
Both Gideon and Galen realize this is the last time the two of them will ever speak again as they are now.
GIDEON Goodbye, Galen.
GALEN Goodbye. Matthew.
Gideon leaves the MedLab.
ANGLE - ON GALEN
We stay on Galen's face for a beat, then CUT TO.
EXT. MARS
We SEE a shuttle - guarded by several thunderbolts enter in front of CAMERA.
MATHESON (V.O.) Are you sure you want to do this?
INT. SHUTTLE
Trace is in the pilot's seat, Gideon and Matheson are sitting in the two back seats and Eilerson is sitting upfront next to Trace.
MATHESON (CONT'D) We could talk to the Senator over sub-space.
GIDEON No. I'm going down there.
EXT. MARS STREET - LATER
The marines have cleared the path leading to the Mars Government building. We SEE Gideon emerge from the landed shuttle and walk down the cleared path - alone. While CAMERA slowly zooms back - showing Gideon walking towards the building, during this we HEAR.
GIDEON (V.O) (continued from when he was in the shuttle) . Because, besides the fact that we have our only piece of substantial evidence already down there in a crio-tube. I want to make it clear that we won't back down. That we're willing to do whatever we have to to get the job done. And that I'm not hiding behind by ship, I'm gonna personally do whatever it takes to shut them down.
On this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
FADE IN:
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - LATER
Gideon walks in. Matheson SEES him and walks over to confront him.
MATHESON Captain, I've got some bad news and some really bad news.
GIDEON Give me the really bad news first, after the day I've had I doubt it could get much worse.
MATHESON Jack and Crewman Reginald have escaped.
Gideon LOOKS REALLY PISSED now.
GIDEON And how the hell do they do that! For that matter, how the hell did they get on the Excalibur in the first place!
MATHESON A maintenance team has found a section of the ship that had been cut open and later welded back on, he must have cut through it. That's probably how he got that Shadow-hybrid in too.
GIDEON (astonished and angry) And no one saw this. damned hole in the side of ship!?! Our scanners didn't detect his ship coming in!?!
MATHESON He knew exactly where to go, that section of the ship was down for repairs - no body was going to be walking around down there. As for 'why our scanners didn't detect their ship', apparently Reginald had enough time, before we caught him, to blind the scanners on that side of the ship. They probably left hours ago.
GIDEON (holding back a tantrum) So what's the bad news?
MATHESON We've finished analyzing the tracking device placed on Galen's ship.
GIDEON And?
MATHESON It's Shadowtech alright. But it hadn't been activated yet.
GIDEON What?? Then how did they know I was on Mars?
EXT. MARS DOME ONE - LATER
Just to establish.
EILERSON (V.O.) And I believe this may warrant a more thorough investigation by other IPX agents.
INT. IPX BUILDING OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
We can SEE the IPX sign everywhere so we know we're inside an IPX building. Standing behind a desk we SEE the IPX Official from "Patterns of the Soul" she is LISTENING to Eilerson's report.
EILERSON (CONT'D; OS) Maybe the Interstellar Alliance would be willing to fund our latest expeditions if we help them track down this. secret Shadow-tech group. Or maybe the Shadow-tech group would be willing to cut a deal with us; in exchange for more supplies, and our silence, we would get a piece of any new technologies they adapt using Shadow technology. (beat) At any rate I strongly recommend further investigation.
COMPUTER End of transmission.
PAUL (OS) Your agent has the right idea.
During Max's report CAMERA had been PANNING AROUND. Now we can SEE Paul standing next to the IPX Official.
PAUL (CONT'D) You just bet him too it.
IPX OFFICIAL Max was always too smart for his own good.
PAUL Should I schedule his execution?
IPX OFFICIAL No. Max may be serving on the Excalibur, but he works for IPX. That means if he finds out; we can trust him to do what's best for Max.
PAUL I hope you're right.
IPX OFFICIAL I am.
EXT. BROWN PLANET (CGI) - DAYS LATER
We SEE a series of domes on the surface
INT. CAVERN - RESEARCH FACILITY - CONTINUOUS (CGI)
This is another one of the research facilities Major Lee told Gideon about in "End of the Line". It looks basically identical to the one Galen destroyed.
INT. FACILITY BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
It's clear we're in a medical/scientific research room. We SEE test tubes, medical equipment, etc. CAMERA PANS AROUND these objects and reaches Reginald restrained in a large metal chair. Beside him we SEE Jack and a doctor. Reginald is connected to a machine behind him with tubes in his arms. The machine behind him is clearly Shadowtech - with some EarthForce tidbits attached. We can SEE that Reginald is terrified.
JACK I'm sorry I have to do this, Reg.
Jack LOOKS AT the doctor and NODS - telling him to continue. He then turns back to Reg.
JACK (CONT'D) I'd be lying if I tell you that you won't feel a thing.
The doctor PULLS a small LEAVER back. We SEE a dark purple liquid from the Shadow device move slowly down the tubes connected to Reginald.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON REGINALD (COMPUTER ENHANCED)
As we SEE the liquid entering his arms. Suddenly we start to SEE the veins in Reg's face pop up. The LOOK ON HIS FACE should reflect the FEAR and PAIN he's experiencing. As his skin starts changing, getting hard and turning black, we SEE just enough of the process to realize that they are turning him into one of the Shadow creatures Gideon encountered in "End of the Line".
CLOSE UP ON JACK'S FACE
We HEAR Reginald scream - a normal scream at first, but it slowly starts changing into a SHADOW SCREAM. Jack looks away; he is disgusted by what he had to do to Reg.
INT. CAVERN - RESEARCH FACILITY (CGI)
We still HEAR Reg's SCREAMING in the background, and do for a few beats, and it turns into a full SHADOW SCREAM - letting us know he has been fully transformed. At this horrible sound, we
FADE OUT:
END OF SHOW