CRUSADE
EXPECTATIONS
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 "The End of the Line" and "And So It Begins..." The material dealing with what Gideon found on the EarthForce black-ops base and how he intends to take this to the Alliance.
We SEE the Excalibur approaching an EarthForce black-ops base responsible for creating the Shadow hybrid vessels. 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 SEE Gideon being saved in the O.R. Galen explaining the technomages history with the Shadows and saying goodbye to Dureena and Gideon. The Shadow-beast's attack and death. Gideon walking towards the Mars government building
We END the montage with Gideon walking towards the Mars government building and we HEAR his little speech, Then we FADE TO BLACK. and FADE BACK IN ON:
INT. DARK ROOM
We SEE Galen standing in front of CAMERA in his full technomage outfit. Behind Galen is a passage way lit with bright light - leaving an impression of it on the floor. We take a beat before. A dark figure enters through the bright light of the passageway (clearly another technomage) and creates a long shadow covering most of the light we SEE on the floor behind Galen.
TECHNOMAGE #1 Galen, the Circle has reviewed your findings. they're ready to see you now.
GALEN And it only took them twelve hours - a new record I believe.
TECHNOMAGE #1 . Galen.
GALEN Alright, I'm coming.
EXT. THE CIRCLE - MINUTES LATER
We SEE a circle of technomages sitting around a fire - surrounded by the shadows of objects around them. Galen ENTERS the area and walks into the middle of the Circle near the fire.
TECHNOMAGE #2 Galen, if what you say is true -
GALEN It is.
TECHNOMAGE #2 . Then these Humans have developed their Shadow technology beyond even the Drakh! Experimenting with -
GALEN (disgusted) Advanced genetic alteration. If you had only seen the things I saw in those caves. the barbarians, using technology beyond their comprehension to alter members of their own race into weapons and slave workers.
DIRK I'm sure you can imagine our reaction upon receiving your report.
GALEN Yes.
DIRK Understand, it's not that we don't believe you Galen. It's just that if we were to believe these Humans are capable of creating the things you say they can, the repercussions would be. (beat) We need proof.
GALEN I gave you the coordinates of the base I found.
TECHNOMAGE #1 And we have sent a ship to investigate the area. But even if there were a base on the planet, it wouldn't be there anymore.
GALEN What do you mean?
TECHNOMAGE #2 The planet's sun went nova two days ago - destroying all thirteen planets in the solar system. The best we could hope to find would be a small rock or bacteria.
GALEN That in it's self should be enough evidence; something so important was on the planet that it warranted destroying the entire solar system surrounding it just to keep it secret.
DIRK Galen. We need the body of the Shadow-beast killed on the Excalibur.
GALEN But, I can't. I promised Matthew I wouldn't -
DIRK Galen! Either you get the body. or we will. And we won't waste any time with your. pleasantries.
CLOSE UP ON GALEN
We can SEE he knows what "pleasantries" Dirk is talking about (the lack of downright hostility) and knows Gideon would never freely give up the body - causing a deadly conflict. As we HEAR a bit of dramatic music in the background, 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
EXPECTATIONS
Written by
Martin A. Stihec
Special Guest Stars
BRUCE BOXLEITNER as President John Sheridan JEFF CONAWAY as Security Chief Zack Allan REGINALD VELJOHNSON as Sergeant Glenn Satamba
Guest Starring
MARSHALL TEAGUE as Ambassador Ta'Lon LAWRENCE LE'JOHN as Na'Far
Co-Starring MICHAEL YORK as Dirk T.J. HOBAN as Technomage #1 ANTHONY ROBINS as Technomage #2
[pic]
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - ONE DAY LATER
We SEE nothing except stars, as CAMERA PANS AROUND slowly.
GIDEON (V.O.) Captain's personal journal, December 29th 2267; After leaving Mars colony only four days ago, John Sheridan - the president of the Interstellar Alliance and a personal idol of mine, has agreed to a meeting on the EarthForce secret black-ops group illegally experimenting with Shadow technology. It is my hope that with the amount of evidence gathered, and the full support of the Mars provisional government backing us up, he will be forced to take action against those responsible. Because of the nature of this meeting, instead of the Excalibur travelling all the way to Minbar, the president has agreed to meet us halfway, at the place a generation's 'last hope for peace' was achieved. Babylon 5. I'm also looking forward to reminiscing with the station's C.O.
During this journal entry CAMERA would have PANNED AROUND long enough to SEE the Excalibur docked to Babylon 5.
INT. LOCHLEY'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Gideon sitting on Lochley's one of Lochley's chairs, and we HEAR the shower running (water).
GIDEON So you're saying that. What exactly is it that you're saying?
LOCHLEY (OS) Can this wait?
GIDEON Sure - if you want me to make a fool of myself in front of the president.
LOCHLEY (annoyed) Alright.
We HEAR the water from the shower get turned off. A beat later, Lochley emerges from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body and a towel wrapped around her head. She sits on a chair opposite Gideon.
LOCHLEY If you want to impress the president just. be yourself.
GIDEON That's it, that's the part that confused me. What do you mean 'be myself'? Should I be tactful or should I be brutally honest? Should I kiss his ass, or should I -
LOCHLEY I get the point. (sighs) He likes people who speak what's on their minds, people who are blunt and straight to it - but not to the point of downright rudeness. He likes long walks down the beach, chocolate, and collecting pictures of naked -
GIDEON (not wanting to hear the rest) Thank you. Captain. That's a little clearer.
LOCHLEY Don't worry; if he's coming all the way from Minbar to hear what you have to say, then I'm sure he wants to hear it - he's not going to be upset if you act in a way that he wouldn't have. It's not like you're trying to sell him a used shuttle or something. (beat) What are you going to talk to him about anyway?
GIDEON I'm sorry, under orders from the president, my lips
Gideon moves a finger along his lips and makes a ZIP SOUND.
GIDEON (CONT'D) Are sealed. For now anyway.
Lochley LOOKS at Gideon for a beat before.
LOCHLEY Whatever it is, it must be pretty important to divert the Excalibur from her mission.
GIDEON That's just the thing. EarthForce didn't approve this. little detour, - all they know is that the Excalibur is on an urgent mission and that we can't break radio silence to update them of our situation. If I told them what we were really doing then the wrong people would find out about -
We can SEE Gideon was about to, and wants to tell Lochley about the black- ops shadow group.
GIDEON (CONT'D) . Something they shouldn't.
LOCHLEY (a little confused) I see. (beat) Anyway, I should be the one who's getting stressed out about the next few days, not you.
GIDEON Why?
LOCHLEY New year, remember. This station's importance to the galaxy may have dropped significantly over the last few years, but if there's one thing the people of Babylon 5 are good at, it's celebrating. Last year Ambassador Ta'Lon got into a brawl with the Drazi ambassador and Vir valiantly marched to Ta'Lon's rescue - drunk as a skunk. (laughs) Now that was a sight. Of course when all is said and done it was up to security and myself to break it up and clean the mess they, and everyone else on the station had made.
GIDEON Vir? You don't mean Ambassador Cotto do you?
LOCHLEY (surprised) Yes. You know him?
GIEDON Not really. I met him once on the other side of the negotiations table.
LOCHLEY (changing the subject) Any new leads to a cure for the plague?
GIDEON There are a couple of planets on the board that we haven't checked out yet, but nothing worth more than a quick scan or two of the planet's surface, if they were then Lieutenant Matheson would have told me. It can wait.
LOCHLEY Are you sure about that? They may not be red-hot leads, but starting next year - a few days from now, we'll only have another three years and eleven months to find a cure. Time's running out.
Gideon already knew this, but hearing Lochley say it makes him think about it more seriously - this should be shown by the expression on his face.
LOCHLEY (uncomfortably) Ah, Matthew, I don't know what you had in mind for tonight, but I -
GIDEON (thinking she's slowing their relationship down) I think I know where this is going, you think we -
LOCHLEY - Should use your quarters.
We SEE a very surprised LOOK on Gideon's face as he.
GIDEON (shocked) What?
LOCHLEY It's just that with all the work related things lying around here, paper work, duty rosters, paper work, security reports, paper work. I don't think I would be able to get myself into a more. personal mood.
GIDEON That's fine. My quarters it is. Hows twenty-one-hundred sound?
LOCHLEY Great.
GIDEON Twenty-one-hundred it is.
Gideon gets up and walks towards Lochley's door. Just as the door opens, he TURNS AROUND to face Lochley.
GIDEON (CONT'D) And by the way. Your towel's. open.
Lochley LOOKS DOWN and sees the gap between her legs not covered by her towel. She quickly closes her legs (embarrassed).
GIDEON . See-ya.
Gideon walks out.
CLOSE UP ON LOCHLEY
As she stays still for a beat, then gets up and moves OS.
EXT. EXCALIBUR DOCKED AT BABYLON 5 - LATER
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Matheson and Gideon are standing in front of the main viewer.
MATHESON I noticed Captain Lochley's starfury had just come onboard.
GIDEON You don't say. I might just stop by and say hello when I get off duty in. (checks the time) Two minutes and fourteen seconds.
Matheson LOOKS at Gideon for a beat and smiles (he enjoys watching Matthew try to hide his personal life). Gideon notices the smile.
GIDEON What? What is it?
MATHESON (still smiling) Nothing sir.
GIDEON Good. Keep it that way.
Matheson TOUCHES HIS EAR and TWITCHES his head - he's HEARING something.
MATHESON Captain, I'm getting a new ETA on President Sheridan's transport. Apparently they had to stop for repairs on Indred XI. New ETA; forty- eight hours.
GIDEON Forty-eight hours! When I chose to expose this thing I had no idea how much of our time it would eat up. We now have less then four years to find a cure. Four years! Before I started this little. crusade. we had well over four years.
MATHESON It's only another forty-eight hours. the cure can wait til then, its not going anywhere. In total we've only invested ten days, not half a year. Besides, you know as much as I do that these Shadow-tech groups in EarthForce must be stopped.
GIDEON The sooner we get this thing over with the better. (beat) I'll be in my quarters if you need me.
MATHESON Aye, sir.
Gideon walks out of the bridge.
INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Gideon and two other crewmen walk out of the bridge and through the corridor and OS, as CAMERA stays focused on an empty corridor. Then we SEE a wavy energy distortion heading TOWARDS CAMERA. As CAMERA ZOOMS IN on the now invisible distortion, we SEE the thin energy wave as we PASS THROUGH CAMERA and SEE Galen standing there with an UNCOMFORTABLE LOOK on his face. We hold on this for a beat.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - LATER
The only source of LIGHT is coming from several CANDLES Gideon had lit on the table and around the room. On his table we SEE two plates of. something resembling meatloaf placed on opposite ends. Gideon moves IN FRONT of CAMERA holding a bottle of wine - we can SEE the year on the bottle is 2210. Just as Gideon POPS the cork, we HEAR his door beep. Gideon quickly pours some wine in two glasses on the table and places the bottle on the side of the table.
GIDEON Come in.
The door opens and we SEE Lochley walk in a few feet. The door closes behind her. Lochley SEES the table and candles - she LOOKS BAFFLED.
LOCHLEY (baffled) Dinner? Candles?
Gideon is CONFUSED by Lochley's reaction.
GIDEON Yes, candles. I thought they would lighten the mood a little.
LOCHLEY It's just that I didn't expect. this; I'd already eaten hours ago.
GIDEON Well, if you didn't think we'd be eating, what else could we doing at this time of - (beat; realization) Oh, you didn't think that we were. I mean.
LOCHLEY No, of course not. (off Gideon's look) Well. maybe. Considering what happened the last time you were here, I thought we were moving beyond the first date stuff like -
GIDEON - Like eating! Or enjoying each other's company in a non-sexual encounter.
LOCHLEY Well.
GIDEON Look, I don't know how things are on your side of the galaxy, but on mine we still have personal relationships that go beyond the physical. So, shall we sit down?
LOCHLEY Alright.
Lochley pulls out a chair and sits down. Gideon then does the same. Lochley PICKS UP her fork and pokes the object on her plate.
LOCHLEY What is it exactly?
Gideon examines it closely. He then CUTS OFF a piece from his plate and swallows it.
GIDEON It's sure as hell not meatloaf.
LOCHLEY So. how are things?
GIDEON
Fine, fine. Yourself?
LOCHLEY Oh, fine.
A few long beats pass before.
GIDEON Well, I'm finished.
LOCHLEY So am I.
They both get up out of their chairs twice as fast as the sat down, and start kissing intensely. On this we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. MEDLAB - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Chambers here looking at something on her desktop computer. Besides Chambers there are only a few other crewmen here.
ANGLE - FAR LEFT OF CHAMBERS
We SEE a wavy figure (Galen) move IN FRONT of CAMERA, move swiftly past Chambers and into an adjoining room - the Crio-stasis room.
INT. CRIO-STASIS ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We SEE the wavy outline around Galen disappear. Galen searches the small wall of the crio-tubes before him and opens one - as slowly and as quietly as he can. When Galen has the tube halfway out we, and Galen HEAR Chambers approaching.
ANGLE - ENTRANCE
We hold on nothing but the SOUND of Chamber's FOOTSTEPS and RANDOM MUMBLINGS for a beat, then she walks up to the entrance and IN FRONT of CAMERA.
CHAMBERS What are you doing here?
Chambers walks into the adjoining room and OS.
ANGLE - BEHIND CHAMBERS
Audience expects to SEE Galen caught red-handed, but all we SEE is an empty room. Chambers bends down and PICKS UP a medical instrument from the floor.
CLOSE UP ON CHAMBERS
As she holds the instrument
CHAMBERS (to instrument) I've been looking all over for you.
INT. CRIO-STASIS ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Chambers walk out of the room and OS. CAMERA ZOOMS IN on an area next to the crio-tube wall, and we SEE the thin wavy energy field for a beat while PASSING THROUGH it, then we SEE Galen holding the covered Raptor's body. We hold on this for a beat, then DISSOLVE TO.
INT. MEDLAB - EARLY, EARLY MORNING
The room is almost totally empty, except for a patient lying unconscious on a bio-bed. The LIGHTS are DIMMED. CAMERA holds on nothing for a beat, then Dureena ENTERS the room and LOOKS AROUND to see if anyone is there. She then moves to one of Chamber's consoles and TURNS IT ON. We SEE her access a sub-file called "Drakh Plague" and then another called "Cure". She opens a folder inside called "Franklin Cure Updates." She takes out a data- crystal and places it inside the console. It should be clear by the figures made on the computer screen, that she is copying this folder onto her data- crystal. A few beats later we HEAR the door open again. Dureena quickly LOOKS DOWN at the console - which says "DATA TRANSFER COMPLETE," takes out her data-crystal and TURNS OFF the console.
CHAMBERS (OS) Dureena, what are you doing here?
Dureena LOOKS UP and SEES Chambers standing in front of her.
DUREENA (lying) Oh, just come to check on crewman Fletcher.
Dureena gestures towards the unconscious crewman.
CHAMBERS I didn't know you two were that close.
DUREENA We're not. (lying - we can SEE she hates having to lie) It's just that. I can't help but feel partly responsible for what happened to him.
CHAMBERS (supportive) It wasn't your fault. That computer terminal was in such bad condition that it could have exploded at any time. It was just by chance that you were the one operating it.
DUREENA You're right. Well, I guess I'll see you later.
Dureena LEAVES the MedLab.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - MORNING
Inside Gideon's bed we SEE Gideon and Lochley lying under the covers, both awake. Lochley TURNS to her side to face Gideon.
LOCHLEY Good morning.
GIDEON Good morning.
LOCHLEY I know I should have asked you this before, but. have you had your shots?
Gideon thinks about this for a quick beat.
GIDEON Shots?
LOCHLEY You know. 'Sexual Heath' shots; Melaria, Baloclion, etcetera.
GIDEON Oh, those. Yeah, I have. Doctor Chambers makes sure the whole crew gets them and every other heath injection - whether regulations call for them or not. If I didn't know her better I'd think she just enjoyed stabbing people with needles.
Lochley smiles.
LOCHLEY She sounds a lot like our CMO, doctor Hobbs.
GIDEON
Then I take it you've had yours?
LOCHLEY Yep. You can never be too careful. (sighs) I've got to go back on duty in an hour.
GIDEON Call in sick.
LOCHLEY I wish I could. But I just have too many things to do. Some of the paperwork on my desk and in my quarters is over a month old. The Zaouc ambassador wants larger quarters where he can hatch his young. Zack needed to -
During this, Gideon gets out of bed in his underwear (boxers) and moves OS - Lochley is not facing Gideon anymore and hadn't noticed.
LOCHLEY (CONT'D) - Run some new security regulation by me, or something. White star 41 requested my presence during their -
GIDEON Care for some wine? 2210.
ANGLE - IN FRONT OF GIDEON'S BED
We SEE Gideon standing there holding the bottle of wine he had opened last night.
GIDEON (CONT'D) We didn't get around to drinking it last night.
LOCHLEY No thanks. I don't drink.
GIDEON Your loss.
LOCHLEY No. It's not.
EXT. BABYLON 5 - ONE DAY LATER
INT. BABYLON 5 WEAPON'S CHECK JUNCTION - AFTERNOON
We SEE Zack Allan here with Sergeant Glenn Satamba (Zack's second from Babylon 5's Virtual Sixth Season) and several security officers observing and overseeing the newcomers as they go through. We SEE Dureena approaching the front of the line. When she gets there she stops at the sight of Zack (whom she'd met in the B5 telemovie - "A Call To Arms").
ZACK Well, well, if it isn't the woman with a thousand blades.
DUREENA (insincere smile) I see you remember me.
ZACK How could I forget? Now come on I don't have all day.
Dureena walks through the weapon's detector. The detector beeps.
ZACK (sarcastically) What a surprise.
SATAMBA Ma'am, would you mind stepping aside and handing over any weapons you're carrying?
Dureena steps aside. Zack watches as she PULLS OUT and hands over two daggers from her waist and a small chain from her right boot
ZACK Travelling light I see.
Dureena merrily raises an eyebrow and walks off.
ZACK (CONT'D) Enjoy your stay. And keep out of trouble. (under his breath) If that's possible.
SATAMBA You know her, chief?
ZACK I know that whenever she shows up something bad happens.
SATAMBA What was it last time?
ZACK The Drakh Plague.
INT. BABYLON 5 CASINO - LATER
We SEE the same kind of Games set-up as seen in Babylon 5's first season. There is a fair amount of customers present - not as many as there would have been in the early years of Babylon 5, but still enough to say that business was good. We SEE Dureena ENTER the Casino and LOOK AROUND as if searching for someone. A beat later, we HEAR.
TA'LON (OS) Dureena Nafeel, I presume?
Dureena TURNS to face Ambassador Ta'Lon - as does CAMERA.
DUREENA Yes. You must be the Narn ambassador I was told to meet.
TA'LON I am. I believe we have some business to discuss.
Ta'Lon moves to one of the casino's non-gambling tables and gestures for Dureena to sit down. After she does so, Ta'Lon sits in the chair opposite her.
TA'LON Do you mind if I Invoke privacy?
DUREENA Not at all.
Ta'Lon touches a device on their table, which erects a soundproof field around them (as seen in the B5 pilot "Gathering")
TA'LON Your message said that you have in your possession and are willing to trade, the crest of G'Quon. My government has given me the authority to offer you whatever you desire for it, to a reasonable extent. But first, May I see the crest - I must be satisfied of its authenticity you understand.
DUREENA Of course.
Dureena reaches into a pouch on her waist and THROWS the small BRONZE CREST (which Dureena found along with her sword in the later second season episode "Tried and True") on the table IN FRONT of Ta'Lon. From what we can SEE, this crest is a very detailed Narn face. Ta'Lon PICKS UP the crest and examines it closely for a few beats - using nothing but his eyes.
DUREENA (CONT'D) I just hope you can afford it.
TA'LON Alright, I'm satisfied it's authentic.
Ta'Lon puts the crest back on the table and SLIDES it back TOWARDS Dureena.
TA'LON (CONT'D) What's your price?
DUREENA A fleet of Narn medical ships, all with a full crew compliment and all working around the clock on any assignment I give them.
TA'LON I'm pretty sure that that falls under the 'unreasonable requests' section. (beat) I would, however, be willing to give you, say. two medical ships - each with only skeleton crews.
DUREENA I'll accept no less than four ships - all of which must have experienced Narn medical officers.
Ta'Lon LOOKS at the priceless Narn crest - considering Dureena's offer.
TA'LON Deal. I will make necessary arrangements.
DUREENA I also want an open communications signal with the head medical ship at all times.
TA'LON Done. Did you a specific assignment in mind?
DUREENA Yes. Tell them to contact me when they're set-up and ready to go, I'll tell them then.
Dureena reaches into the pouch on her waist again and PULLS OUT a small metal box. Dureena hands this box over to Ta'Lon - who starts examining it.
DUREENA (CONT'D) In there are all the data-crystals and DNA samples they'll need to complete their assignment. Make sure it gets to them.
TA'LON
I will. (gesturing at the crest) Now, may I.
Dureena NODS. Ta'Lon PICKS UP the crest and disengages privacy.
TA'LON It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Nafeel. And rest assured that before the beginning of the new Earth year, you will have your ships.
Ta'Lon STANDS UP, BOWLS DOWN respectfully and starts to walk away, but TURNS BACK to Dureena.
TA'LON May I ask you a question?
Dureena NODS.
TA'LON How did you come to have in your possession, the crest of G'Quon? There are members of my race who have devoted their lives to finding such holy artefacts as this.
DUREENA I was just at the right place at the right time, that's all.
TA'LON (not believing her) I see. Thank you.
EXT. JUMPGATE
A jump-point forms and we SEE a Minbari shuttle JUMP OUT and move OS. Four White-Stars then follow through the Jumpgate and one by one move OS.
INT. BABYLON 5 DOCKING PORT - CONTINUOUS
We SEE the president's Minbari shuttle ENTER the bay area. We also HEAR the docking alarm. (This scene should have a 'Welcome back Mr. President' feel to it. The background music should also have the same theme to it). We drag this scene out as long as we can without making it too long.
INT. BABYLON 5 CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER
(The 'Welcome Mr. President' background music should still be playing - but changed slightly to have a more 'urgent' feel to it). We SEE a CLOSE UP on Sheridan's face as he walks down the corridor - CAMERA should be tilted up slightly to make him seem more imposing. From what we can SEE, Sheridan is wearing a Minbari worrier caste style of uniform. The expression on his face should reflect the 'urgent' style of music playing in the background.
SHERIDAN'S POV
As we SEE crewmen and civilians of all races walk past - all with an expression of awe on their faces as they see Sheridan. For the next thirty seconds CAMERA should inter-cut between these two views - Sheridan CLOSE UP and Sheridan's POV.
INT. BABYLON 5 CONFERENCE ROOM
We SEE Gideon, Lochley, Matheson and Chambers here sitting at the table. Less than a beat later, Sheridan ENTERS the room. After a quick beat.
SHERIDAN Captain Gideon, I believe you were expecting me.
Off Sheridan's LOOK, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. BABYLON 5
Just to establish.
INT. BABYLON 5 CONFERENCE ROOM - LATER
Gideon, Lochley, Matheson and Chambers are all sitting where they were before. Sheridan is sitting directly opposite Gideon.
SHERIDAN (in disbelief) I knew EarthGov had been experimented with Shadow-tech in the past, but I had no idea they'd managed to develop it so far. I. (beat) Your message said that you had conclusive evidence supporting your claims.
GIDEON I do. And I think when you see it you'll agree that action must be taken to shut this thing down before the situation gets even more out of control.
Gideon gives the SIGNAL for Matheson to play the recordings. Matheson places a data-crystal into the MOBILE PROJECTOR he had put on the table. IN FRONT of Sheridan appears a HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTION of the Excalibur's first encounter with a shadow hybrid (old footage from "To the Ends of the Earth"). We SEE the chase, the release of enemy fighters, and the ship's destruction.
GIDEON (OS) The ship that you've just seen from recordings made by the Excalibur, is a type of Shadow-hybrid vessel constructed by this EarthForce shadowtech black-ops group. They're constructed for use by organic beings just like pure shadow vessels are. From what the Major told me, the merge doesn't always go well - whatever happens to one affects the other, if the pilot goes mad then the ship goes mad along with it, and so on.
SHERIDAN (to himself) Like the Vorlons.
GIDEON Mr. President?
SHERIDAN Never mind. Go on.
GIDEON Nine years ago one of these hybrids destroyed the EarthAlliance ship I was serving on at the time, the Cerebus. I was the only survivor.
SHERIDAN (astonished) Nine years ago!?! How could Earth have constructed a vessel like that using any tech nine years ago!?!
GIDEON About ten years ago they found some of shadow artefacts and were authorized to conduct covert research and development on them.
SHERIDAN How old is this recording?
GIDEON Four months.
LOCHLEY Why didn't you confront EarthGov with what you'd found then?
GIDEON
Four months ago I didn't know that the ship was shadow-tech. All I knew was that it or another like it killed my ship.
MATHESON This.
Matheson PUSHES a button on the projector - which shows a still image of the moon Gideon and Matheson had visited shortly after the destruction of the shadow hybrid in "To the Ends of the Earth". We SEE the craters in the moon where the sand had been fused into glass.
MATHESON (CONT'D) . is the moon we believe served as a construction site for these hybrids. Mr. President, notice the way the sand in the crater has been fused -
SHERIDAN (uneasily) I see it. The same signature blast made by the Excalibur's main guns.
MATHESON Exactly.
The president knows exactly what this means. Matheson PUSHES another button on the projector and a recording of the Excalibur's approach on the EA shadow base (from "The End of the Line) appears. We SEE enemy fighters being launched, and Matheson freezes the recording and we SEE a still image of one of the attacking starfurys.
MATHESON These are the fighters the base we told you about sent to attack us.
GIDEON As you can see, they're just Thunderbolts and starfurys painted black.
Matheson (god I'm getting sick of writing this sentence!) PUSHES another button on the projector, which brings up a 3D layout of the EA shadow base Matheson had scanned into the computer.
GIDEON This is the actual base. I know you can't tell much from these layouts, but -
Gideon points to the maintenance tunnels bellow the half of the base above ground.
GIDEON (CONT'D) These maintenance tunnels are what I used to get into the mining facility I told you about. Unfortunately, since the planet's sun conveniently went nova five days ago, there's no way to prove that there was ever a base of this, or any other kind, on the planet.
SHERIDAN Captain Gideon, although you've managed to convince me personally that something fishy is going on here, I haven't seen anything yet that would warrant any action from the Alliance - other than a discrete investigation by the Rangers. I hope you have something a little more substantial to show me.
GIDEON Oh, we do, Mr. President. I've saved the best for last. (to Chambers) Doctor, I think its time to show the president what he really came to see.
CHAMBERS If you would come with us back to the Excalibur, Mr. President, I can show you the remains of an actual shadow-hybrid worrier that tried to kill the captain while we were orbiting Mars.
We SEE Sheridan react to what Chambers had told him, then we DISSOLVE TO.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR - LATER
It is still docked to Babylon 5.
GIDEON (V.O.) What the hell do you mean its missing!?!
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Gideon and Matheson standing IN FRONT of CAMERA. Gideon is talking into his wrist-link.
CHAMBERS (on link) I can't explain it. It was here a few days ago. But now it's just. gone.
GIDEON How the hell did - (calming himself) Where's the president now?
CHAMBERS (on link) He went back to his shuttle inside Babylon 5. I tried to stop him, but he said he had another appointment on Minbar in a few days.
GIDEON (pissed) Gideon out.
MATHESON I have the crew searching everywhere for it - even on Babylon 5.
GIDEON They're not going to find it.
MATHESON How do you know?
GIDEON I'm having one of those years.
MATHESON Well then, at least it'll be over at midnight.
Matheson TOUCHES his ear and TWITCHES - he's HEARING something. Gideon notices.
GIDEON What is it?
MATHESON I'm getting a signal from the president's shuttle.
GIDEON Put it on the main viewer.
Sheridan's face appears on the main viewer.
GIDEON (trying to explain) Mr. President, I assure you -
SHERIDAN I know. (sighs) I'm sorry captain. I'd be lying if I said this didn't concern me greatly, but even with the video recordings of this 'shadow-hybrid', there isn't enough here to justify what you're asking the Alliance to do. We can't risk another conflict with Earth over an illegal shadow- tech group that may or may not exist. Keep your eyes open, and let me know if you find something more substantial that supports your claims. But don't forget that the Excalibur is on a mission of great importance, and you can't just put it aside to go chasing shadows. I wish you and your crew the best of luck, Sheridan out.
Sheridan's face disappears off the main viewer.
GIDEON Prepare to depart from the station; we leave at zero-two-hundred hours.
Gideon starts walking out.
GIDEON (CONT'D) If you need to contact me for any reason. don't.
Gideon walks OS.
MATHESON (concerned about Gideon) Aye, sir.
INT. DUREENA'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Dureena sitting at a computer console (just installed). From this ANGLE we can't SEE the screen.
NA'FAR (OS) .we have received your data-crystals and DNA samples.
ANGLE - BEHIND DUREENA
We SEE a Narn on the console screen talking to Dureena.
NA'FAR (CONT'D) From the information given to us on these data-crystals I assume you want us to try and find a cure to the Drakh plague.
DUREENA Yes, I do.
NA'FAR Don't take this the wrong way, but why? There are already legions of scientists on Earth and elsewhere trying to find the cure. What help could we be compared to that?
DUREENA One of those data-crystals has information on a planet called Theta 49. On that planet, the last of my race lives - the only ones not killed by the shadows' assault on my world during the shadow war. They're also infected with the Drakh plague - but unlike Earth, they only have a year before the plague kills them. (beat) And I've recently learnt that the plague reacts differently with every species it infects. Meaning, if Earth scientists find a cure - since they were only trying to find a cure for their race, they're only going to cure humans, not my people. A different cure for every race. But the shadows probably only made one cure - if any, one that could easily be altered to cure any species - which is why I'm still on the Excalibur; helping them that cure that will save both our peoples. But if they find a cure on Earth, a cure for humans, then they'll cancel our mission, and any hope I have of saving my people along with it.
NA'FAR So, you want us to find a cure specifically for your people?
DUREENA That's the plan. Besides my DNA, there should be a series of detailed reports by Doctor Stephen Franklin on Earth's progress so far; it should help you get started.
NA'FAR We would be honoured to try and save your people from the plague. I shall give you updates on our progress at regular intervals. Na'Far out.
Na'Far's image disappears from the screen.
CLOSE UP ON DUREENA
We hold on her a beat, then we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. BABYLON 5 - NEAR MIDNIGHT
Just to establish.
INT. BABYLON 5 ZOCALO - CONTINUOUS
The place is so crowded that CAMERA only catches glimpses of Gideon and Lochley sitting at a small café table as people rush past the CAMERA.
CLOSE UP ON GIDEON AND LOCHLEY'S TABLE
We can tell that they have Invoked privacy because of the total lack of background noise around them. Both Gideon and Lochley have hot cups of coffee in front of them.
LOCHLEY I'm sorry things didn't work out the way you'd planned. But, really, what were you expecting? That Sheridan would start another war with Earth to stop them using shadow-tech? When the shadows left known space they left most of their technology along with it. There are bound to be people who think they can use it to gain an advantage over the other races. I'm betting half the member worlds in the Alliance have been experimenting with shadow-tech. Granted, at the level your claiming Earth is, it could be considered as -
GIDEON (coldly) - In-human.
LOCHLEY I was going to say, Immoral. (beat) So. what now?
GIDEON (distantly) Nothing. In two hours the Excalibur continues her mission and starts reporting back to EarthGov again. They won.
LOCHLEY I didn't think you'd give up so easily.
GIDEON
Oh, I'm not giving up. They may have won the battle, but they haven't won the war. (changing the subject) T-minus one minute. They should be starting the countdown soon.
LOCHLEY Matt. are you, by any chance, going to be dropping by this side of the galaxy again any time soon?
GIDEON Is that an invitation?
LOCHLEY Hell no. Just wanted to know whether I should make it a point to buy some longer towels the next time I go shopping.
GIDEON
Hey, I didn't peak. I swear. Besides, it isn't as if I saw something that I didn't see later that night.
LOCHLEY So you did peak. Can't say I'm all that surprised.
GIDEON What? Why?
LOCHLEY By your courting methods I can tell you hadn't been with a woman for a long time.
GIDEON
Hey, I've had my fair share of romance. You're not the only woman to eventually say, "What the heck."
Just as the words get out of Gideon's mouth, the COUNTDOWN begins. During this last part of the scene we will be changing angles from the silent Gideon and Lochley to the crowded and noisy Zocalo.
ANGLE - ZOCALO
CROWD TEN. NINE. EIGHT.
ANGLE - GIDEON AND LOCHLEY
They are LEANING TOWARDS each other
LOCHLEY (softly) Were you going to kiss me or not?
GIDEON (softly) This answer your question?
Gideon MOVES FORWARD more and makes contact with Lochley's lips - kissing her in a surprisingly gentle and romantic way.
ANGLE - ZOCALO
CROWD THREE. TWO. ONE.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GIDEON AND LOCHLEY KISSING
As CAMERA PANS AROUND them in their sweet embrace.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR - HOURS LATER
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Everybody is here; Matheson, Chambers, Dureena, Greyhorse and Eilerson. We can SEE by the expressions on their faces when Gideon WALKS IN that they all have a lot of things to say - but don't. Matheson is annoyed by their failure and concerned about how Gideon will take it. Eilerson is anxious to see what Gideon does next - looking forward to objecting it. Dureena has her mind on other things right now (her people on Theta 9), but still feels a little guilty because (in her mind) she let Gideon down back on Mars. Greyhorse is just nervous (still not used to serving directly under senior staff). We can SEE that Gideon is still very ANGRY - but not as much as before (thanks to Lochley). There is great TENSION for a few beats before Gideon finally SITS DOWN.
GIDEON Mr. Eilerson, what's on the board?
During Eilerson's responses, CAMERA slowly moves up until we can SEE what the conference room would look like from the ceiling
EILERSON (not expecting the question) Um, well, there's a planet in the Orius system whose inhabitance died off by unknown causes just over a thousand years ago during the great shadow war. It's possible the shadows killed them off for some reason using the Drakh plague or another physically non-destructive form of weapon.
GIDEON
Why non-destructive?
EILERSON
Most of the cities' ruins are in near perfect condition - with little sign of damage. However, there are some areas that contain.
After this we DISSOLVE TO.
INT. EXCALIBUR - MEDLAB - MORNING
We SEE Chambers sitting in her chair behind the console Dureena used to steal Doctor Franklin's cure updates. A beat later, Dureena WALKS IN.
CHAMBERS (without looking at Dureena) So. were you going to tell me or not?
DUREENA (off guard) Tell you what?
CHAMBERS I'm the chief medical officer. I know everything that goes on in here.
DUREENA (realizes she's caught) I know you won't believe me, but. yes.
CHAMBERS (angry) Why wouldn't I believe you? Because you stole files from my personal CPU console? Because you deceived me? Or because you took advantage of my good nature to create an excuse for breaking in?
DUREENA I needed the information in those files.
CHAMBERS (still angry) So why didn't you ask?
DUREENA If I don't ask then I don't risk rejection. And I needed them too much to risk rejection.
CHAMBERS (angry and curious) What for?
DUREENA To save my people.
Dureena moves up to Chambers and hands her a data-crystal.
DUREENA (CONT'D) In this data-crystal is a full report from a Narn doctor called, Na'Far, on his progress so far in trying to find a cure to the Drakh plague. for my people.
CHAMBERS What?
DUREENA It's all in the data-crystal. When you see it I hope you'll understand.
Dureena walks out of the MedLab. Chambers places the data-crystal into her console and an image of Na'Far appears.
NA'FAR We've already made some progress in finding a cure. It appears that your people share common genetic traits with a race called the N'Grathaae, a culture that is naturally immune to most kinds of diseases, including the Drakh plague. After a quick visit to one of their nearby outposts, we've managed to gain a.
CLOSE UP ON CHAMBERS
As she looks at Na'Far's recorded report.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS
We SEE Gideon sitting at his desk RUBBING his eyes to try and stay awake.
GIDEON Captain's personal journal, January 1st 2268; Boy, what a day. I met the president of the Interstellar Alliance, Made a fool of myself in front of the president of the Interstellar Alliance, and slept with the ex-wife of the president of the Interstellar Alliance. (beat) I don't know how hell they managed to steal our only evidence able to convince the Alliance to do something about them, but they're gonna pay for it. I'm not letting these sons of bitches get away. Even if I have to personally shut them down myself. I'll go where ever I have to, do whatever I have to. they're not getting away.
On this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
INT. THE CIRCLE - ONE DAY LATER
We SEE the exact same set-up as seen in the TEASER.
GALEN (OS) So. what's the verdict?
CAMERA PANS AROUND the Circle until Galen is visible - he's standing in the middle of the Circle near the fire - he's the one least covered by shadows (this is a designed occurrence).
TECHNOMAGE #1 Understand, we did not make this decision lightly, Galen.
Galen tries not to LOOK CONCERNED. but does anyway.
DIRK But. in light of the evidence you've brought before us, the Circle has decided.
CLOSE UP ON GALEN
AUDIO MUTE from this point on. While Dirk tells Galen that they have decided to do we SEE the expression on Galen's face change from CONCERN to CONFUSION to ANGER. On Galen's final expression, we
FADE OUT:
END OF SHOW
EXPECTATIONS
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 "The End of the Line" and "And So It Begins..." The material dealing with what Gideon found on the EarthForce black-ops base and how he intends to take this to the Alliance.
We SEE the Excalibur approaching an EarthForce black-ops base responsible for creating the Shadow hybrid vessels. 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 SEE Gideon being saved in the O.R. Galen explaining the technomages history with the Shadows and saying goodbye to Dureena and Gideon. The Shadow-beast's attack and death. Gideon walking towards the Mars government building
We END the montage with Gideon walking towards the Mars government building and we HEAR his little speech, Then we FADE TO BLACK. and FADE BACK IN ON:
INT. DARK ROOM
We SEE Galen standing in front of CAMERA in his full technomage outfit. Behind Galen is a passage way lit with bright light - leaving an impression of it on the floor. We take a beat before. A dark figure enters through the bright light of the passageway (clearly another technomage) and creates a long shadow covering most of the light we SEE on the floor behind Galen.
TECHNOMAGE #1 Galen, the Circle has reviewed your findings. they're ready to see you now.
GALEN And it only took them twelve hours - a new record I believe.
TECHNOMAGE #1 . Galen.
GALEN Alright, I'm coming.
EXT. THE CIRCLE - MINUTES LATER
We SEE a circle of technomages sitting around a fire - surrounded by the shadows of objects around them. Galen ENTERS the area and walks into the middle of the Circle near the fire.
TECHNOMAGE #2 Galen, if what you say is true -
GALEN It is.
TECHNOMAGE #2 . Then these Humans have developed their Shadow technology beyond even the Drakh! Experimenting with -
GALEN (disgusted) Advanced genetic alteration. If you had only seen the things I saw in those caves. the barbarians, using technology beyond their comprehension to alter members of their own race into weapons and slave workers.
DIRK I'm sure you can imagine our reaction upon receiving your report.
GALEN Yes.
DIRK Understand, it's not that we don't believe you Galen. It's just that if we were to believe these Humans are capable of creating the things you say they can, the repercussions would be. (beat) We need proof.
GALEN I gave you the coordinates of the base I found.
TECHNOMAGE #1 And we have sent a ship to investigate the area. But even if there were a base on the planet, it wouldn't be there anymore.
GALEN What do you mean?
TECHNOMAGE #2 The planet's sun went nova two days ago - destroying all thirteen planets in the solar system. The best we could hope to find would be a small rock or bacteria.
GALEN That in it's self should be enough evidence; something so important was on the planet that it warranted destroying the entire solar system surrounding it just to keep it secret.
DIRK Galen. We need the body of the Shadow-beast killed on the Excalibur.
GALEN But, I can't. I promised Matthew I wouldn't -
DIRK Galen! Either you get the body. or we will. And we won't waste any time with your. pleasantries.
CLOSE UP ON GALEN
We can SEE he knows what "pleasantries" Dirk is talking about (the lack of downright hostility) and knows Gideon would never freely give up the body - causing a deadly conflict. As we HEAR a bit of dramatic music in the background, 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
EXPECTATIONS
Written by
Martin A. Stihec
Special Guest Stars
BRUCE BOXLEITNER as President John Sheridan JEFF CONAWAY as Security Chief Zack Allan REGINALD VELJOHNSON as Sergeant Glenn Satamba
Guest Starring
MARSHALL TEAGUE as Ambassador Ta'Lon LAWRENCE LE'JOHN as Na'Far
Co-Starring MICHAEL YORK as Dirk T.J. HOBAN as Technomage #1 ANTHONY ROBINS as Technomage #2
[pic]
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - ONE DAY LATER
We SEE nothing except stars, as CAMERA PANS AROUND slowly.
GIDEON (V.O.) Captain's personal journal, December 29th 2267; After leaving Mars colony only four days ago, John Sheridan - the president of the Interstellar Alliance and a personal idol of mine, has agreed to a meeting on the EarthForce secret black-ops group illegally experimenting with Shadow technology. It is my hope that with the amount of evidence gathered, and the full support of the Mars provisional government backing us up, he will be forced to take action against those responsible. Because of the nature of this meeting, instead of the Excalibur travelling all the way to Minbar, the president has agreed to meet us halfway, at the place a generation's 'last hope for peace' was achieved. Babylon 5. I'm also looking forward to reminiscing with the station's C.O.
During this journal entry CAMERA would have PANNED AROUND long enough to SEE the Excalibur docked to Babylon 5.
INT. LOCHLEY'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Gideon sitting on Lochley's one of Lochley's chairs, and we HEAR the shower running (water).
GIDEON So you're saying that. What exactly is it that you're saying?
LOCHLEY (OS) Can this wait?
GIDEON Sure - if you want me to make a fool of myself in front of the president.
LOCHLEY (annoyed) Alright.
We HEAR the water from the shower get turned off. A beat later, Lochley emerges from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body and a towel wrapped around her head. She sits on a chair opposite Gideon.
LOCHLEY If you want to impress the president just. be yourself.
GIDEON That's it, that's the part that confused me. What do you mean 'be myself'? Should I be tactful or should I be brutally honest? Should I kiss his ass, or should I -
LOCHLEY I get the point. (sighs) He likes people who speak what's on their minds, people who are blunt and straight to it - but not to the point of downright rudeness. He likes long walks down the beach, chocolate, and collecting pictures of naked -
GIDEON (not wanting to hear the rest) Thank you. Captain. That's a little clearer.
LOCHLEY Don't worry; if he's coming all the way from Minbar to hear what you have to say, then I'm sure he wants to hear it - he's not going to be upset if you act in a way that he wouldn't have. It's not like you're trying to sell him a used shuttle or something. (beat) What are you going to talk to him about anyway?
GIDEON I'm sorry, under orders from the president, my lips
Gideon moves a finger along his lips and makes a ZIP SOUND.
GIDEON (CONT'D) Are sealed. For now anyway.
Lochley LOOKS at Gideon for a beat before.
LOCHLEY Whatever it is, it must be pretty important to divert the Excalibur from her mission.
GIDEON That's just the thing. EarthForce didn't approve this. little detour, - all they know is that the Excalibur is on an urgent mission and that we can't break radio silence to update them of our situation. If I told them what we were really doing then the wrong people would find out about -
We can SEE Gideon was about to, and wants to tell Lochley about the black- ops shadow group.
GIDEON (CONT'D) . Something they shouldn't.
LOCHLEY (a little confused) I see. (beat) Anyway, I should be the one who's getting stressed out about the next few days, not you.
GIDEON Why?
LOCHLEY New year, remember. This station's importance to the galaxy may have dropped significantly over the last few years, but if there's one thing the people of Babylon 5 are good at, it's celebrating. Last year Ambassador Ta'Lon got into a brawl with the Drazi ambassador and Vir valiantly marched to Ta'Lon's rescue - drunk as a skunk. (laughs) Now that was a sight. Of course when all is said and done it was up to security and myself to break it up and clean the mess they, and everyone else on the station had made.
GIDEON Vir? You don't mean Ambassador Cotto do you?
LOCHLEY (surprised) Yes. You know him?
GIEDON Not really. I met him once on the other side of the negotiations table.
LOCHLEY (changing the subject) Any new leads to a cure for the plague?
GIDEON There are a couple of planets on the board that we haven't checked out yet, but nothing worth more than a quick scan or two of the planet's surface, if they were then Lieutenant Matheson would have told me. It can wait.
LOCHLEY Are you sure about that? They may not be red-hot leads, but starting next year - a few days from now, we'll only have another three years and eleven months to find a cure. Time's running out.
Gideon already knew this, but hearing Lochley say it makes him think about it more seriously - this should be shown by the expression on his face.
LOCHLEY (uncomfortably) Ah, Matthew, I don't know what you had in mind for tonight, but I -
GIDEON (thinking she's slowing their relationship down) I think I know where this is going, you think we -
LOCHLEY - Should use your quarters.
We SEE a very surprised LOOK on Gideon's face as he.
GIDEON (shocked) What?
LOCHLEY It's just that with all the work related things lying around here, paper work, duty rosters, paper work, security reports, paper work. I don't think I would be able to get myself into a more. personal mood.
GIDEON That's fine. My quarters it is. Hows twenty-one-hundred sound?
LOCHLEY Great.
GIDEON Twenty-one-hundred it is.
Gideon gets up and walks towards Lochley's door. Just as the door opens, he TURNS AROUND to face Lochley.
GIDEON (CONT'D) And by the way. Your towel's. open.
Lochley LOOKS DOWN and sees the gap between her legs not covered by her towel. She quickly closes her legs (embarrassed).
GIDEON . See-ya.
Gideon walks out.
CLOSE UP ON LOCHLEY
As she stays still for a beat, then gets up and moves OS.
EXT. EXCALIBUR DOCKED AT BABYLON 5 - LATER
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Matheson and Gideon are standing in front of the main viewer.
MATHESON I noticed Captain Lochley's starfury had just come onboard.
GIDEON You don't say. I might just stop by and say hello when I get off duty in. (checks the time) Two minutes and fourteen seconds.
Matheson LOOKS at Gideon for a beat and smiles (he enjoys watching Matthew try to hide his personal life). Gideon notices the smile.
GIDEON What? What is it?
MATHESON (still smiling) Nothing sir.
GIDEON Good. Keep it that way.
Matheson TOUCHES HIS EAR and TWITCHES his head - he's HEARING something.
MATHESON Captain, I'm getting a new ETA on President Sheridan's transport. Apparently they had to stop for repairs on Indred XI. New ETA; forty- eight hours.
GIDEON Forty-eight hours! When I chose to expose this thing I had no idea how much of our time it would eat up. We now have less then four years to find a cure. Four years! Before I started this little. crusade. we had well over four years.
MATHESON It's only another forty-eight hours. the cure can wait til then, its not going anywhere. In total we've only invested ten days, not half a year. Besides, you know as much as I do that these Shadow-tech groups in EarthForce must be stopped.
GIDEON The sooner we get this thing over with the better. (beat) I'll be in my quarters if you need me.
MATHESON Aye, sir.
Gideon walks out of the bridge.
INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Gideon and two other crewmen walk out of the bridge and through the corridor and OS, as CAMERA stays focused on an empty corridor. Then we SEE a wavy energy distortion heading TOWARDS CAMERA. As CAMERA ZOOMS IN on the now invisible distortion, we SEE the thin energy wave as we PASS THROUGH CAMERA and SEE Galen standing there with an UNCOMFORTABLE LOOK on his face. We hold on this for a beat.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - LATER
The only source of LIGHT is coming from several CANDLES Gideon had lit on the table and around the room. On his table we SEE two plates of. something resembling meatloaf placed on opposite ends. Gideon moves IN FRONT of CAMERA holding a bottle of wine - we can SEE the year on the bottle is 2210. Just as Gideon POPS the cork, we HEAR his door beep. Gideon quickly pours some wine in two glasses on the table and places the bottle on the side of the table.
GIDEON Come in.
The door opens and we SEE Lochley walk in a few feet. The door closes behind her. Lochley SEES the table and candles - she LOOKS BAFFLED.
LOCHLEY (baffled) Dinner? Candles?
Gideon is CONFUSED by Lochley's reaction.
GIDEON Yes, candles. I thought they would lighten the mood a little.
LOCHLEY It's just that I didn't expect. this; I'd already eaten hours ago.
GIDEON Well, if you didn't think we'd be eating, what else could we doing at this time of - (beat; realization) Oh, you didn't think that we were. I mean.
LOCHLEY No, of course not. (off Gideon's look) Well. maybe. Considering what happened the last time you were here, I thought we were moving beyond the first date stuff like -
GIDEON - Like eating! Or enjoying each other's company in a non-sexual encounter.
LOCHLEY Well.
GIDEON Look, I don't know how things are on your side of the galaxy, but on mine we still have personal relationships that go beyond the physical. So, shall we sit down?
LOCHLEY Alright.
Lochley pulls out a chair and sits down. Gideon then does the same. Lochley PICKS UP her fork and pokes the object on her plate.
LOCHLEY What is it exactly?
Gideon examines it closely. He then CUTS OFF a piece from his plate and swallows it.
GIDEON It's sure as hell not meatloaf.
LOCHLEY So. how are things?
GIDEON
Fine, fine. Yourself?
LOCHLEY Oh, fine.
A few long beats pass before.
GIDEON Well, I'm finished.
LOCHLEY So am I.
They both get up out of their chairs twice as fast as the sat down, and start kissing intensely. On this we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. MEDLAB - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Chambers here looking at something on her desktop computer. Besides Chambers there are only a few other crewmen here.
ANGLE - FAR LEFT OF CHAMBERS
We SEE a wavy figure (Galen) move IN FRONT of CAMERA, move swiftly past Chambers and into an adjoining room - the Crio-stasis room.
INT. CRIO-STASIS ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We SEE the wavy outline around Galen disappear. Galen searches the small wall of the crio-tubes before him and opens one - as slowly and as quietly as he can. When Galen has the tube halfway out we, and Galen HEAR Chambers approaching.
ANGLE - ENTRANCE
We hold on nothing but the SOUND of Chamber's FOOTSTEPS and RANDOM MUMBLINGS for a beat, then she walks up to the entrance and IN FRONT of CAMERA.
CHAMBERS What are you doing here?
Chambers walks into the adjoining room and OS.
ANGLE - BEHIND CHAMBERS
Audience expects to SEE Galen caught red-handed, but all we SEE is an empty room. Chambers bends down and PICKS UP a medical instrument from the floor.
CLOSE UP ON CHAMBERS
As she holds the instrument
CHAMBERS (to instrument) I've been looking all over for you.
INT. CRIO-STASIS ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Chambers walk out of the room and OS. CAMERA ZOOMS IN on an area next to the crio-tube wall, and we SEE the thin wavy energy field for a beat while PASSING THROUGH it, then we SEE Galen holding the covered Raptor's body. We hold on this for a beat, then DISSOLVE TO.
INT. MEDLAB - EARLY, EARLY MORNING
The room is almost totally empty, except for a patient lying unconscious on a bio-bed. The LIGHTS are DIMMED. CAMERA holds on nothing for a beat, then Dureena ENTERS the room and LOOKS AROUND to see if anyone is there. She then moves to one of Chamber's consoles and TURNS IT ON. We SEE her access a sub-file called "Drakh Plague" and then another called "Cure". She opens a folder inside called "Franklin Cure Updates." She takes out a data- crystal and places it inside the console. It should be clear by the figures made on the computer screen, that she is copying this folder onto her data- crystal. A few beats later we HEAR the door open again. Dureena quickly LOOKS DOWN at the console - which says "DATA TRANSFER COMPLETE," takes out her data-crystal and TURNS OFF the console.
CHAMBERS (OS) Dureena, what are you doing here?
Dureena LOOKS UP and SEES Chambers standing in front of her.
DUREENA (lying) Oh, just come to check on crewman Fletcher.
Dureena gestures towards the unconscious crewman.
CHAMBERS I didn't know you two were that close.
DUREENA We're not. (lying - we can SEE she hates having to lie) It's just that. I can't help but feel partly responsible for what happened to him.
CHAMBERS (supportive) It wasn't your fault. That computer terminal was in such bad condition that it could have exploded at any time. It was just by chance that you were the one operating it.
DUREENA You're right. Well, I guess I'll see you later.
Dureena LEAVES the MedLab.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS - MORNING
Inside Gideon's bed we SEE Gideon and Lochley lying under the covers, both awake. Lochley TURNS to her side to face Gideon.
LOCHLEY Good morning.
GIDEON Good morning.
LOCHLEY I know I should have asked you this before, but. have you had your shots?
Gideon thinks about this for a quick beat.
GIDEON Shots?
LOCHLEY You know. 'Sexual Heath' shots; Melaria, Baloclion, etcetera.
GIDEON Oh, those. Yeah, I have. Doctor Chambers makes sure the whole crew gets them and every other heath injection - whether regulations call for them or not. If I didn't know her better I'd think she just enjoyed stabbing people with needles.
Lochley smiles.
LOCHLEY She sounds a lot like our CMO, doctor Hobbs.
GIDEON
Then I take it you've had yours?
LOCHLEY Yep. You can never be too careful. (sighs) I've got to go back on duty in an hour.
GIDEON Call in sick.
LOCHLEY I wish I could. But I just have too many things to do. Some of the paperwork on my desk and in my quarters is over a month old. The Zaouc ambassador wants larger quarters where he can hatch his young. Zack needed to -
During this, Gideon gets out of bed in his underwear (boxers) and moves OS - Lochley is not facing Gideon anymore and hadn't noticed.
LOCHLEY (CONT'D) - Run some new security regulation by me, or something. White star 41 requested my presence during their -
GIDEON Care for some wine? 2210.
ANGLE - IN FRONT OF GIDEON'S BED
We SEE Gideon standing there holding the bottle of wine he had opened last night.
GIDEON (CONT'D) We didn't get around to drinking it last night.
LOCHLEY No thanks. I don't drink.
GIDEON Your loss.
LOCHLEY No. It's not.
EXT. BABYLON 5 - ONE DAY LATER
INT. BABYLON 5 WEAPON'S CHECK JUNCTION - AFTERNOON
We SEE Zack Allan here with Sergeant Glenn Satamba (Zack's second from Babylon 5's Virtual Sixth Season) and several security officers observing and overseeing the newcomers as they go through. We SEE Dureena approaching the front of the line. When she gets there she stops at the sight of Zack (whom she'd met in the B5 telemovie - "A Call To Arms").
ZACK Well, well, if it isn't the woman with a thousand blades.
DUREENA (insincere smile) I see you remember me.
ZACK How could I forget? Now come on I don't have all day.
Dureena walks through the weapon's detector. The detector beeps.
ZACK (sarcastically) What a surprise.
SATAMBA Ma'am, would you mind stepping aside and handing over any weapons you're carrying?
Dureena steps aside. Zack watches as she PULLS OUT and hands over two daggers from her waist and a small chain from her right boot
ZACK Travelling light I see.
Dureena merrily raises an eyebrow and walks off.
ZACK (CONT'D) Enjoy your stay. And keep out of trouble. (under his breath) If that's possible.
SATAMBA You know her, chief?
ZACK I know that whenever she shows up something bad happens.
SATAMBA What was it last time?
ZACK The Drakh Plague.
INT. BABYLON 5 CASINO - LATER
We SEE the same kind of Games set-up as seen in Babylon 5's first season. There is a fair amount of customers present - not as many as there would have been in the early years of Babylon 5, but still enough to say that business was good. We SEE Dureena ENTER the Casino and LOOK AROUND as if searching for someone. A beat later, we HEAR.
TA'LON (OS) Dureena Nafeel, I presume?
Dureena TURNS to face Ambassador Ta'Lon - as does CAMERA.
DUREENA Yes. You must be the Narn ambassador I was told to meet.
TA'LON I am. I believe we have some business to discuss.
Ta'Lon moves to one of the casino's non-gambling tables and gestures for Dureena to sit down. After she does so, Ta'Lon sits in the chair opposite her.
TA'LON Do you mind if I Invoke privacy?
DUREENA Not at all.
Ta'Lon touches a device on their table, which erects a soundproof field around them (as seen in the B5 pilot "Gathering")
TA'LON Your message said that you have in your possession and are willing to trade, the crest of G'Quon. My government has given me the authority to offer you whatever you desire for it, to a reasonable extent. But first, May I see the crest - I must be satisfied of its authenticity you understand.
DUREENA Of course.
Dureena reaches into a pouch on her waist and THROWS the small BRONZE CREST (which Dureena found along with her sword in the later second season episode "Tried and True") on the table IN FRONT of Ta'Lon. From what we can SEE, this crest is a very detailed Narn face. Ta'Lon PICKS UP the crest and examines it closely for a few beats - using nothing but his eyes.
DUREENA (CONT'D) I just hope you can afford it.
TA'LON Alright, I'm satisfied it's authentic.
Ta'Lon puts the crest back on the table and SLIDES it back TOWARDS Dureena.
TA'LON (CONT'D) What's your price?
DUREENA A fleet of Narn medical ships, all with a full crew compliment and all working around the clock on any assignment I give them.
TA'LON I'm pretty sure that that falls under the 'unreasonable requests' section. (beat) I would, however, be willing to give you, say. two medical ships - each with only skeleton crews.
DUREENA I'll accept no less than four ships - all of which must have experienced Narn medical officers.
Ta'Lon LOOKS at the priceless Narn crest - considering Dureena's offer.
TA'LON Deal. I will make necessary arrangements.
DUREENA I also want an open communications signal with the head medical ship at all times.
TA'LON Done. Did you a specific assignment in mind?
DUREENA Yes. Tell them to contact me when they're set-up and ready to go, I'll tell them then.
Dureena reaches into the pouch on her waist again and PULLS OUT a small metal box. Dureena hands this box over to Ta'Lon - who starts examining it.
DUREENA (CONT'D) In there are all the data-crystals and DNA samples they'll need to complete their assignment. Make sure it gets to them.
TA'LON
I will. (gesturing at the crest) Now, may I.
Dureena NODS. Ta'Lon PICKS UP the crest and disengages privacy.
TA'LON It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Nafeel. And rest assured that before the beginning of the new Earth year, you will have your ships.
Ta'Lon STANDS UP, BOWLS DOWN respectfully and starts to walk away, but TURNS BACK to Dureena.
TA'LON May I ask you a question?
Dureena NODS.
TA'LON How did you come to have in your possession, the crest of G'Quon? There are members of my race who have devoted their lives to finding such holy artefacts as this.
DUREENA I was just at the right place at the right time, that's all.
TA'LON (not believing her) I see. Thank you.
EXT. JUMPGATE
A jump-point forms and we SEE a Minbari shuttle JUMP OUT and move OS. Four White-Stars then follow through the Jumpgate and one by one move OS.
INT. BABYLON 5 DOCKING PORT - CONTINUOUS
We SEE the president's Minbari shuttle ENTER the bay area. We also HEAR the docking alarm. (This scene should have a 'Welcome back Mr. President' feel to it. The background music should also have the same theme to it). We drag this scene out as long as we can without making it too long.
INT. BABYLON 5 CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER
(The 'Welcome Mr. President' background music should still be playing - but changed slightly to have a more 'urgent' feel to it). We SEE a CLOSE UP on Sheridan's face as he walks down the corridor - CAMERA should be tilted up slightly to make him seem more imposing. From what we can SEE, Sheridan is wearing a Minbari worrier caste style of uniform. The expression on his face should reflect the 'urgent' style of music playing in the background.
SHERIDAN'S POV
As we SEE crewmen and civilians of all races walk past - all with an expression of awe on their faces as they see Sheridan. For the next thirty seconds CAMERA should inter-cut between these two views - Sheridan CLOSE UP and Sheridan's POV.
INT. BABYLON 5 CONFERENCE ROOM
We SEE Gideon, Lochley, Matheson and Chambers here sitting at the table. Less than a beat later, Sheridan ENTERS the room. After a quick beat.
SHERIDAN Captain Gideon, I believe you were expecting me.
Off Sheridan's LOOK, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. BABYLON 5
Just to establish.
INT. BABYLON 5 CONFERENCE ROOM - LATER
Gideon, Lochley, Matheson and Chambers are all sitting where they were before. Sheridan is sitting directly opposite Gideon.
SHERIDAN (in disbelief) I knew EarthGov had been experimented with Shadow-tech in the past, but I had no idea they'd managed to develop it so far. I. (beat) Your message said that you had conclusive evidence supporting your claims.
GIDEON I do. And I think when you see it you'll agree that action must be taken to shut this thing down before the situation gets even more out of control.
Gideon gives the SIGNAL for Matheson to play the recordings. Matheson places a data-crystal into the MOBILE PROJECTOR he had put on the table. IN FRONT of Sheridan appears a HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTION of the Excalibur's first encounter with a shadow hybrid (old footage from "To the Ends of the Earth"). We SEE the chase, the release of enemy fighters, and the ship's destruction.
GIDEON (OS) The ship that you've just seen from recordings made by the Excalibur, is a type of Shadow-hybrid vessel constructed by this EarthForce shadowtech black-ops group. They're constructed for use by organic beings just like pure shadow vessels are. From what the Major told me, the merge doesn't always go well - whatever happens to one affects the other, if the pilot goes mad then the ship goes mad along with it, and so on.
SHERIDAN (to himself) Like the Vorlons.
GIDEON Mr. President?
SHERIDAN Never mind. Go on.
GIDEON Nine years ago one of these hybrids destroyed the EarthAlliance ship I was serving on at the time, the Cerebus. I was the only survivor.
SHERIDAN (astonished) Nine years ago!?! How could Earth have constructed a vessel like that using any tech nine years ago!?!
GIDEON About ten years ago they found some of shadow artefacts and were authorized to conduct covert research and development on them.
SHERIDAN How old is this recording?
GIDEON Four months.
LOCHLEY Why didn't you confront EarthGov with what you'd found then?
GIDEON
Four months ago I didn't know that the ship was shadow-tech. All I knew was that it or another like it killed my ship.
MATHESON This.
Matheson PUSHES a button on the projector - which shows a still image of the moon Gideon and Matheson had visited shortly after the destruction of the shadow hybrid in "To the Ends of the Earth". We SEE the craters in the moon where the sand had been fused into glass.
MATHESON (CONT'D) . is the moon we believe served as a construction site for these hybrids. Mr. President, notice the way the sand in the crater has been fused -
SHERIDAN (uneasily) I see it. The same signature blast made by the Excalibur's main guns.
MATHESON Exactly.
The president knows exactly what this means. Matheson PUSHES another button on the projector and a recording of the Excalibur's approach on the EA shadow base (from "The End of the Line) appears. We SEE enemy fighters being launched, and Matheson freezes the recording and we SEE a still image of one of the attacking starfurys.
MATHESON These are the fighters the base we told you about sent to attack us.
GIDEON As you can see, they're just Thunderbolts and starfurys painted black.
Matheson (god I'm getting sick of writing this sentence!) PUSHES another button on the projector, which brings up a 3D layout of the EA shadow base Matheson had scanned into the computer.
GIDEON This is the actual base. I know you can't tell much from these layouts, but -
Gideon points to the maintenance tunnels bellow the half of the base above ground.
GIDEON (CONT'D) These maintenance tunnels are what I used to get into the mining facility I told you about. Unfortunately, since the planet's sun conveniently went nova five days ago, there's no way to prove that there was ever a base of this, or any other kind, on the planet.
SHERIDAN Captain Gideon, although you've managed to convince me personally that something fishy is going on here, I haven't seen anything yet that would warrant any action from the Alliance - other than a discrete investigation by the Rangers. I hope you have something a little more substantial to show me.
GIDEON Oh, we do, Mr. President. I've saved the best for last. (to Chambers) Doctor, I think its time to show the president what he really came to see.
CHAMBERS If you would come with us back to the Excalibur, Mr. President, I can show you the remains of an actual shadow-hybrid worrier that tried to kill the captain while we were orbiting Mars.
We SEE Sheridan react to what Chambers had told him, then we DISSOLVE TO.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR - LATER
It is still docked to Babylon 5.
GIDEON (V.O.) What the hell do you mean its missing!?!
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Gideon and Matheson standing IN FRONT of CAMERA. Gideon is talking into his wrist-link.
CHAMBERS (on link) I can't explain it. It was here a few days ago. But now it's just. gone.
GIDEON How the hell did - (calming himself) Where's the president now?
CHAMBERS (on link) He went back to his shuttle inside Babylon 5. I tried to stop him, but he said he had another appointment on Minbar in a few days.
GIDEON (pissed) Gideon out.
MATHESON I have the crew searching everywhere for it - even on Babylon 5.
GIDEON They're not going to find it.
MATHESON How do you know?
GIDEON I'm having one of those years.
MATHESON Well then, at least it'll be over at midnight.
Matheson TOUCHES his ear and TWITCHES - he's HEARING something. Gideon notices.
GIDEON What is it?
MATHESON I'm getting a signal from the president's shuttle.
GIDEON Put it on the main viewer.
Sheridan's face appears on the main viewer.
GIDEON (trying to explain) Mr. President, I assure you -
SHERIDAN I know. (sighs) I'm sorry captain. I'd be lying if I said this didn't concern me greatly, but even with the video recordings of this 'shadow-hybrid', there isn't enough here to justify what you're asking the Alliance to do. We can't risk another conflict with Earth over an illegal shadow- tech group that may or may not exist. Keep your eyes open, and let me know if you find something more substantial that supports your claims. But don't forget that the Excalibur is on a mission of great importance, and you can't just put it aside to go chasing shadows. I wish you and your crew the best of luck, Sheridan out.
Sheridan's face disappears off the main viewer.
GIDEON Prepare to depart from the station; we leave at zero-two-hundred hours.
Gideon starts walking out.
GIDEON (CONT'D) If you need to contact me for any reason. don't.
Gideon walks OS.
MATHESON (concerned about Gideon) Aye, sir.
INT. DUREENA'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
We SEE Dureena sitting at a computer console (just installed). From this ANGLE we can't SEE the screen.
NA'FAR (OS) .we have received your data-crystals and DNA samples.
ANGLE - BEHIND DUREENA
We SEE a Narn on the console screen talking to Dureena.
NA'FAR (CONT'D) From the information given to us on these data-crystals I assume you want us to try and find a cure to the Drakh plague.
DUREENA Yes, I do.
NA'FAR Don't take this the wrong way, but why? There are already legions of scientists on Earth and elsewhere trying to find the cure. What help could we be compared to that?
DUREENA One of those data-crystals has information on a planet called Theta 49. On that planet, the last of my race lives - the only ones not killed by the shadows' assault on my world during the shadow war. They're also infected with the Drakh plague - but unlike Earth, they only have a year before the plague kills them. (beat) And I've recently learnt that the plague reacts differently with every species it infects. Meaning, if Earth scientists find a cure - since they were only trying to find a cure for their race, they're only going to cure humans, not my people. A different cure for every race. But the shadows probably only made one cure - if any, one that could easily be altered to cure any species - which is why I'm still on the Excalibur; helping them that cure that will save both our peoples. But if they find a cure on Earth, a cure for humans, then they'll cancel our mission, and any hope I have of saving my people along with it.
NA'FAR So, you want us to find a cure specifically for your people?
DUREENA That's the plan. Besides my DNA, there should be a series of detailed reports by Doctor Stephen Franklin on Earth's progress so far; it should help you get started.
NA'FAR We would be honoured to try and save your people from the plague. I shall give you updates on our progress at regular intervals. Na'Far out.
Na'Far's image disappears from the screen.
CLOSE UP ON DUREENA
We hold on her a beat, then we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. BABYLON 5 - NEAR MIDNIGHT
Just to establish.
INT. BABYLON 5 ZOCALO - CONTINUOUS
The place is so crowded that CAMERA only catches glimpses of Gideon and Lochley sitting at a small café table as people rush past the CAMERA.
CLOSE UP ON GIDEON AND LOCHLEY'S TABLE
We can tell that they have Invoked privacy because of the total lack of background noise around them. Both Gideon and Lochley have hot cups of coffee in front of them.
LOCHLEY I'm sorry things didn't work out the way you'd planned. But, really, what were you expecting? That Sheridan would start another war with Earth to stop them using shadow-tech? When the shadows left known space they left most of their technology along with it. There are bound to be people who think they can use it to gain an advantage over the other races. I'm betting half the member worlds in the Alliance have been experimenting with shadow-tech. Granted, at the level your claiming Earth is, it could be considered as -
GIDEON (coldly) - In-human.
LOCHLEY I was going to say, Immoral. (beat) So. what now?
GIDEON (distantly) Nothing. In two hours the Excalibur continues her mission and starts reporting back to EarthGov again. They won.
LOCHLEY I didn't think you'd give up so easily.
GIDEON
Oh, I'm not giving up. They may have won the battle, but they haven't won the war. (changing the subject) T-minus one minute. They should be starting the countdown soon.
LOCHLEY Matt. are you, by any chance, going to be dropping by this side of the galaxy again any time soon?
GIDEON Is that an invitation?
LOCHLEY Hell no. Just wanted to know whether I should make it a point to buy some longer towels the next time I go shopping.
GIDEON
Hey, I didn't peak. I swear. Besides, it isn't as if I saw something that I didn't see later that night.
LOCHLEY So you did peak. Can't say I'm all that surprised.
GIDEON What? Why?
LOCHLEY By your courting methods I can tell you hadn't been with a woman for a long time.
GIDEON
Hey, I've had my fair share of romance. You're not the only woman to eventually say, "What the heck."
Just as the words get out of Gideon's mouth, the COUNTDOWN begins. During this last part of the scene we will be changing angles from the silent Gideon and Lochley to the crowded and noisy Zocalo.
ANGLE - ZOCALO
CROWD TEN. NINE. EIGHT.
ANGLE - GIDEON AND LOCHLEY
They are LEANING TOWARDS each other
LOCHLEY (softly) Were you going to kiss me or not?
GIDEON (softly) This answer your question?
Gideon MOVES FORWARD more and makes contact with Lochley's lips - kissing her in a surprisingly gentle and romantic way.
ANGLE - ZOCALO
CROWD THREE. TWO. ONE.
ANGLE - CLOSE UP ON GIDEON AND LOCHLEY KISSING
As CAMERA PANS AROUND them in their sweet embrace.
EXT. SPACE - EXCALIBUR - HOURS LATER
Just to establish.
INT. EXCALIBUR CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Everybody is here; Matheson, Chambers, Dureena, Greyhorse and Eilerson. We can SEE by the expressions on their faces when Gideon WALKS IN that they all have a lot of things to say - but don't. Matheson is annoyed by their failure and concerned about how Gideon will take it. Eilerson is anxious to see what Gideon does next - looking forward to objecting it. Dureena has her mind on other things right now (her people on Theta 9), but still feels a little guilty because (in her mind) she let Gideon down back on Mars. Greyhorse is just nervous (still not used to serving directly under senior staff). We can SEE that Gideon is still very ANGRY - but not as much as before (thanks to Lochley). There is great TENSION for a few beats before Gideon finally SITS DOWN.
GIDEON Mr. Eilerson, what's on the board?
During Eilerson's responses, CAMERA slowly moves up until we can SEE what the conference room would look like from the ceiling
EILERSON (not expecting the question) Um, well, there's a planet in the Orius system whose inhabitance died off by unknown causes just over a thousand years ago during the great shadow war. It's possible the shadows killed them off for some reason using the Drakh plague or another physically non-destructive form of weapon.
GIDEON
Why non-destructive?
EILERSON
Most of the cities' ruins are in near perfect condition - with little sign of damage. However, there are some areas that contain.
After this we DISSOLVE TO.
INT. EXCALIBUR - MEDLAB - MORNING
We SEE Chambers sitting in her chair behind the console Dureena used to steal Doctor Franklin's cure updates. A beat later, Dureena WALKS IN.
CHAMBERS (without looking at Dureena) So. were you going to tell me or not?
DUREENA (off guard) Tell you what?
CHAMBERS I'm the chief medical officer. I know everything that goes on in here.
DUREENA (realizes she's caught) I know you won't believe me, but. yes.
CHAMBERS (angry) Why wouldn't I believe you? Because you stole files from my personal CPU console? Because you deceived me? Or because you took advantage of my good nature to create an excuse for breaking in?
DUREENA I needed the information in those files.
CHAMBERS (still angry) So why didn't you ask?
DUREENA If I don't ask then I don't risk rejection. And I needed them too much to risk rejection.
CHAMBERS (angry and curious) What for?
DUREENA To save my people.
Dureena moves up to Chambers and hands her a data-crystal.
DUREENA (CONT'D) In this data-crystal is a full report from a Narn doctor called, Na'Far, on his progress so far in trying to find a cure to the Drakh plague. for my people.
CHAMBERS What?
DUREENA It's all in the data-crystal. When you see it I hope you'll understand.
Dureena walks out of the MedLab. Chambers places the data-crystal into her console and an image of Na'Far appears.
NA'FAR We've already made some progress in finding a cure. It appears that your people share common genetic traits with a race called the N'Grathaae, a culture that is naturally immune to most kinds of diseases, including the Drakh plague. After a quick visit to one of their nearby outposts, we've managed to gain a.
CLOSE UP ON CHAMBERS
As she looks at Na'Far's recorded report.
INT. GIDEON'S QUARTERS
We SEE Gideon sitting at his desk RUBBING his eyes to try and stay awake.
GIDEON Captain's personal journal, January 1st 2268; Boy, what a day. I met the president of the Interstellar Alliance, Made a fool of myself in front of the president of the Interstellar Alliance, and slept with the ex-wife of the president of the Interstellar Alliance. (beat) I don't know how hell they managed to steal our only evidence able to convince the Alliance to do something about them, but they're gonna pay for it. I'm not letting these sons of bitches get away. Even if I have to personally shut them down myself. I'll go where ever I have to, do whatever I have to. they're not getting away.
On this, we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
INT. THE CIRCLE - ONE DAY LATER
We SEE the exact same set-up as seen in the TEASER.
GALEN (OS) So. what's the verdict?
CAMERA PANS AROUND the Circle until Galen is visible - he's standing in the middle of the Circle near the fire - he's the one least covered by shadows (this is a designed occurrence).
TECHNOMAGE #1 Understand, we did not make this decision lightly, Galen.
Galen tries not to LOOK CONCERNED. but does anyway.
DIRK But. in light of the evidence you've brought before us, the Circle has decided.
CLOSE UP ON GALEN
AUDIO MUTE from this point on. While Dirk tells Galen that they have decided to do we SEE the expression on Galen's face change from CONCERN to CONFUSION to ANGER. On Galen's final expression, we
FADE OUT:
END OF SHOW