colonies spec script

8/2/2019 COLONIES spec script

1/97

COLONIES

a spec script

by Ran Cartwright


2/97

FADE IN

EXT. VESTA ASTEROID

A small unmarked asteroid hopper is inbound to the Vesta Jumping

Station. It skims across the airless surface of the asteroid.

INT. VESTA JUMPING STATION

IN THE CONTROL ROOM

The hopper, on visual, is closely monitored in the dim control

room. The station COM OFFICER (20s) sits at a console.

The station commander, RICHARD DALINS (50s), and Organization of

Imperial Earth (OIE) agent ALEX PASCOVIN (40s) stand at the Com

Officers shoulders.

DALINS

Raise the pilot.

The Com Officer opens a line.

COM OFFICER

Vesta Jumping Station to unidentified

hopper, do you read?

(pauses for reply)

Unidentified hopper, do you read?

Still theres silence. He shakes his head and looks back at

Dalins.

COM OFFICER

No contact, sir.

DALINS

Intentional?

COM OFFICER

Unknown.

Pascovin leans forward, watches the hopper on the screen.

PASCOVIN

An asteroid hopper with no markings.

2


3/97

DALINS

A rebel?

PASCOVIN

Maybe.

COM OFFICER

She's coming in on Platform B.

Dalins reaches for the communications console, patches a line to

security.

DALINS

This is Station Commander Dalins.

Security team report to Platform B

airlock immediately.

He switches off the link and turns to Pascovin.

DALINS

Lets go see what weve got.

Pascovin nods. He and Dalins cross the control room and pass

through an airlock door that HISSES open and close.

EXT. VESTA JUMPING STATION

The asteroid hopper above Platform B begins its descent, finallytouching down. An airlock tube extends to the hoppers hatch.

INT. PLATFORM B AIRLOCK

A station SECURITY TEAM stands at the airlock, weapons drawn.

Behind them a door hisses open. Dalins and Pascovin enter the

corridor.

DALINS

Fire only on my order.

The airlock opens. The hopper pilot in space suit and helmet

steps through and stops.

FADE TO BLACK

3


4/97

ACT ONE

FADE IN

INT. PLATFORM B AIRLOCK

The hopper pilot, NAL KARO (late 20s), removes the helmet and

skull cap, shakes her long brown hair loose. Waves of hair

cascade around her shoulders.

The Station Security team gawks. Shes beautiful, young, a white

wisp of hair streaking her left temple.

She nods and smiles.

KARO

Gentlemen.

Pascovin returns the gesture.

PASCOVIN

Agent Nal Karo.

DALINS

(to security)

Put down your weapons. Youre dismissed.

The team disperses.

INT. STATION CORRIDOR

An airlock HISSES open. Dalins, Pascovin, and Karo pass through.

PASCOVIN

No questions?

DALINS

No questions.

PASCOVINGood.

The three stop in the middle of the corridor. Pascovin and Karo

turn to Dalins.

4


5/97

PASCOVIN

The OIE is grateful, of course, commander.

Ill put in a good word for you.

DALINS

Thank you sir.

Pascovin and Karo turn, disappear through the next airlock.

Dalins watches the airlock slide shut, then turns back the way

he had come.

IN THE NEXT CORRIDOR

Pascovin and Karo stop.

PASCOVIN

I suggest you freshen up a bit;

get some rest. Well be leaving

for the Outer Colonies soon.

He turns and abruptly walks away, leaving Karo standing alone in

the corridor.

INT. PHOBOS RELAY STATION CONTROL CENTER

Outer Colonies governor GREG VASACHEK (50s) stands at the wide

bay windows, looking at the great orange gibbous rim of Mars

hanging against black starlit space.

The Phobos Station COM OFFICER (20s) sits at a communications

console. Nearby is OIE Officer DAVID VERNON (60s).

Three steps finds Vernon behind the Com Officer. He taps the man

on the shoulder, and gestures toward the airlock. The Com

Officer nods, and leaves.

Vasachek hears the door HISS open and close, turns to Vernon.

VASACHEKSo, you think Isaac Hayne is still alive.

VERNON

Yes, I do.

5


6/97


7/97

Vasachek remains silent.

VERNON

Weve reason to believe the rebels are

planning a major attack that will gain

favor with colonists, possibly increasing

their number.

VASACHEK

Their target?

VERNON

Europas Solara 7 satellite.

VASACHEK

Solara 7? They wouldnt...

VERNON

Yes they would. Hayne is bold enough

to try.

He pauses, sighs, his voice now soft, contemplative.

VERNON

Or crazy enough.

VASACHEK

The terraforming of Europa has only

recently been completed. If theydestroy that satellite...

He falls silent, his eyes wide.

VASACHEK

I must return to Titan immediately!

Vasachek starts to rise; Vernon pushes him back down in the

chair and leans close.

VERNONThats why you were called to Phobos,

Governor Vasachek. The Organization of

Imperial Earth has noted your ineffectiveness

in dealing with the rebels, but we are

willing to give you one more chance. With

our aid, of course.

7


8/97

VASACHEK

Aid? What aid?

VERNON

(grins)

Youve heard of the Calcutta Project?

VASACHEK

(nods)

Yes, the first Aisha class battle

cruiser. The only one of its kind.

Vernon stands straight, crosses his arms.

VERNON

A great technical triumph for Imperial

Earth, wouldnt you say? You and I will

be aboard the Calcutta when she makes

her maiden voyage to Europa.

INT. VESTA JUMPING STATION

IN PASCOVINS QUARTERS

The quarters are dim, full of shadows. The soft blue glow of a

computer monitor sheds the only light in the small room.

Pascovin sits at the computer, inserts a small translucent datarecording disk, and keys in instructions. Pausing, he pushes a

button.

PASCOVIN

Open secure channel, OIE authorization

Shiva. Code 1114.

COMPUTER VOICE

(metallic, cold, impersonal)

Channel open.

PASCOVIN

Access ACBC database, C-P1 blueprints.

Begin download and transfer. Inform

when complete.

8


9/97

BLINKING ON THE MONITOR

secured data transfer

BACK TO SCENE.

Pascovin sits back in his chair, waiting.

COMPUTER VOICE

Download and transfer complete.

PASCOVIN

Clear secure channel, authorization

Shiva. Code 1114.

Pascovin leans forward, takes a data disk from the computer. He

glances at it, smiles, and slips it into a jacket pocket.

INT. ASTEROID SHUTTLE

A small shuttle, dimly lit cramped cockpit with side by side

seats. A small view screen hovers over the seats.

Pascovin, in pilots seat, conducts a preflight check.

DALINS (OF)

I wish you success.

Pascovin flips a communications switch.

PASCOVIN

Well succeed.

He cuts the com link.

Karo, in black slacks, white blouse, and black vest with an OIE

emblem embroidered over her left breast, appears at Pascovins

shoulder.

Pascovin gestures to the co-pilots seat.

PASCOVIN

Have a seat, Agent Karo. Theres one

left.

9


10/97

Karo slips into the seat. They strap in. A button pushed, and a

soft blue light floods the cockpit.

Pascovin glances at Karo and smiles.

PASCOVIN

Ready?

KARO

Of course.

PASCOVIN

All right, we go then.

Pascovin flips a series of switches. Shuttle engines run up from

a low vibrating hum. Karo sits back, stares at the console, then

glances at Pascovin.

PASCOVIN

Here we go.

He sits back as his hands work the controls.

EXT. VESTA JUMPING STATION PLATFORM

The asteroid shuttle rises from the platform, turns slowly, and

moves away.

INT. ASTEROID SHUTTLE

Pascovin works the controls.

PASCOVIN

Switch on main viewer, please.

Karo switches the screen on. A field of stars appears.

PASCOVIN

Thank you, Miss Karo.

KARO

(indignant)

Miss Karo?

PASCOVIN

It is Miss, isnt it?

1 0


11/97

KARO

Well, yes, but...

PASCOVIN

(chuckles)

Too formal?

A moment of silence; Pascovin turns back to the console.

KARO

I do have a question...

PASCOVIN

(interrupts)

In due time, Miss Karo. First I have

a message to relay.

Pascovin works the console, relays a message. Karo sits back,

sighs, and crosses her arms.

PASCOVIN

There, message sent.

(sits back, glances at Karo)

All right, whats on your mind?

KARO

The OIE didnt tell me I was to have

company.

PASCOVIN

Youre not, Miss Karo. My mission is

to get you to the Outer Colonies. After

that, youre on your own.

(pause, smiles)

Isaac Hayne is all yours.

EXT. IAPETUS IN SATURN ORBIT

SUPER:

IAPETUS REBEL HIDEOUT

Code Name: Yellow Dust

1 1


12/97

INT. IAPETUS REBEL HIDEOUT

IN AN ABANDONED UNDEGROUND MINING COMPLEX

A cluttered and dusty room.

Rebels JACK ZELLERS (early 30s), JIN MARTINEZ (20s), MISHA

YAKOTA (20s), GIORGI YURACHEV (20s), and SEAN IRISH MACKENZIE

(early 30s) are gathered at a table.

Shadows dance by the light of an oil lantern swinging gently

from the ceiling.

Zellers leans over the table, studies a map spread there.

ZELLERS

(sighs)

This isn't much to go on.

IRISH

No, its not, but it's all weve got

for now.

A door opens. SIRCE FOURWINDS (20s), a young American Indian,

enters. Shes tall, lithe, of dark complexion with long black

hair. A long Bowie knife is strapped to her leg.

FOURWINDS

Weve received a coded message.

She hands a piece of paper to Zellers.

ZELLERS

Hayne?

FOURWINDS

Its signed IH.

ZELLERS

(nods)Hayne.

He studies the message and smiles.

1 2


13/97

ZELLERS

The blueprints are on their way to

Terra Titan...with, I might add, an

OIE agent by the name of Nal Karo

whose mission,...by the way,...

(chuckles)

...is to assassinate Isaac Hayne.

YURASHEV

(laughs)

Thatll be the day.

ZELLERS

Indeed. Well, time we leave for Terra

Titan. Lets go.

All but Zellers and Fourwinds leave the room. Fourwinds slowly

approaches Zellers, her fingers tapping lightly on the table

while Zellers rolls the map.

FOURWINDS

So, whos this Isaac Hayne anyway?

Whys he so secretive?

ZELLERS

I dont know, Sirce. Never met him

myself.

FOURWINDSI dont think anyone has.

ZELLERS

I think Joe has.

FOURWINDS

Still, I dont like it. All this secrecy

about him...

Zellers turns to her, rests a hand on her shoulder.

ZELLERS

Dont worry about it. Thingsll be fine.

Im sure Hayne will show himself when the

time is right. Now, weve got to go.

Fourwinds nods. They leave the room.

1 3


14/97

EXT. TITAN IN SATURN ORBIT

SUPER: Terra Titan Mining Colony

EXT. CALICO, A SMALL MINING VILLAGE

ON THE MAIN STREET

Calico, a rough dusty dirty place of ramshackle clapboard

buildings tilting toward a dusty earthen main street, looks like

an old Wild West town.

Night time, feeble yellow street lamps shed a soft glow over the

dusty town.

INT. BEARS DEN

A SALOON IN CALICO

Rowdy and raucous, crowded with all manner of people. The place

is hot, smoky, and dimly lit, looks like a Wild West saloon with

a bar, ceiling fans, tables, chairs, barstools, and a player

piano in a corner banging out some melody.

The place is loud and alive.

INSIDE THE ENTRANCE

as rebel JOSEF ANTON (30s) leans against a wall, tankard in hand.

He takes a drink, surveys the crowd over the tankard rim, then

pushes off the wall and makes his way to the bar.

AT THE BAR

stands BEAR (30s), owner/operator of Bears Den, a big husky

man, bearded and bald, with a number of tattoos. He looks like

an angry bear.

Anton pushes up to the bar. Bear glances at him, then makes hisway over, wiping the bar as he goes.

BEAR

(whispers)

I received a transmission earlier

this evening from Yellow Dust.

1 4


15/97

ANTON

Jack?

BEAR

Yeah, he says the blueprints are on

their way and an OIE agent.

ANTON

An OIE agent?

Bear nods.

ANTON

(chuckles)

Well, special delivery. Anything on

when this agent is to arrive?

BEAR

No.

ANTON

Jack and the others?

BEAR

Theyre on their way. Should arrive

later tonight.

Anton glances around, then turns back to Bear.

ANTON

All right, well, the baits been set.

Well see if Imperial Earth bites.

He finishes his drink and leaves the tankard on the bar.

ANTON

Talk to you soon.

Bear nods. Anton turns, crosses the room, and disappears into

the Calico night.

EXT. BEARS DEN - NIGHT

Anton pauses outside the saloon, slips hands into his pockets,

looks up through the haze at the large crescent Saturn, rings,

and three of the moons. He smiles, and starts off down the

street.

1 5


16/97

EXT. ASTEROID

Pascovins shuttle swings around an asteroid.

INT. ASTEROID SHUTTLE CONTROL ROOM

An unmarked rebel cruiser comes into view on the shuttles

screen. Pascovin and Karo sit up, lean forward.

KARO

A rebel ship.

PASCOVIN

(flipping console switches)

Yes, and if my guess is right, its a

rebel ship with an OIE crew of one.

Karo glances at Pascovin as he opens a com link.

PASCOVIN

Identify pass code. Key in only.

ON THE MONITOR -

pass code

...appears at the top of the screen; then one letter at a time

below the wordspass code:

H A L E

BACK TO SCENE.

PASCOVIN

Hale.

(smiles)

This, Miss Karo, is our ride to Terra

Titan.

KAROIn an unmarked rebel ship?

Pascovin ignores Karo. He reopens the com link.

PASCOVIN

Identification verified. Prepare

to dock.

1 6


17/97

He cuts the com link and turns to Karo.

PASCOVIN

Yes, in an unmarked rebel ship.

Do you know of a better way to

slip in undetected?

The two ships come together with a jolt, airlocks joined.

Engines cycle down to barely audible. Theres a HISS of air

pressure. Red warning lights flash and a CLAXON sounds.

The lights change to green. The CLAXON falls silent. Pascovin

glances at Karo.

PASCOVIN

Time to go.

They unstrap and rise from their seats.

At the airlock Pascovin keys in a sequence of buttons. The door

slides open.

IN THE CORRIDOR BEYOND THE AIRLOCK

stands cold, angry, and hateful LINDA MILLER (early 30s).

Miller sports long blonde hair, and is dressed in a one piece

black jumpsuit with the emblem of Imperial Earth emblazoned over

the left breast.

She glares; if looks could kill...

Pascovin and Karo step through the airlock.

MILLER

(cold)

Welcome aboard.

Karo offers a hand.

KARO

Thank you, Im...

MILLER

(interrupts, cold)

Introductions can wait. Weve no

time to dally.

1 7


18/97

Miller turns and walks away. Pascovin and Karo exchange glances,

and then followed.

KARO

(soft)

Not very friendly, is she?

Pascovin shrugs, a grin and raised eyebrows.

PASCOVIN

You heard her. No time to dally.

INT. REBEL SHIP COCKPIT

Pascovin and Miller, side by side in the cockpit of the rebel

ship, prepare for departure.

Karo stands at Pascovins shoulder, looks at the screen.

PASCOVIN

Release docking clamps.

MILLER

Docking clamps released. Thrusters engaged.

She pauses, looks at view screen. Pascovin and Karos shuttle

slowly floats away.

MILLERWere clear.

PASCOVIN

Tie in data link to the shuttles

navigational computer.

MILLER

Link established.

Pascovin flips switches.

PASCOVIN

Parabolic course. Vector 801, mark 4.

MILLER

Vector 801, mark 4. Course laid in.

1 8


19/97

PASCOVIN

Engage.

Miller engages the shuttles course, then sits back. They watch

as the shuttle crashes into the surface of the asteroid in a

silent explosion of fire.

Pascovin sits back and sighs.

PASCOVIN

And that, as they say, is that. Lay

in a course for Terra Titan.

INT. REBEL SHIP CONFERENCE ROOM

A BLAND ROOM

with conference table, chairs, and a computer terminal.

Pascovin, Miller, and Karo sit at the table; Miller stares at

the computer screen.

MILLER

(cold)

Agent Karo, you know the purpose of

your mission, of course?

Karo looks up.

KARO

Of course! Eliminate Isaac Hayne.

MILLER

Do you know why?

KARO

Isaac Hayne is the leader of the Outer

Colonies rebellion against Imperial

Earth. He...

MILLER

(interrupts)

Its more than that.

1 9


20/97

KARO

(impatient)

What are you getting at? What is this?

(to Pascovin)

Why all the questions?

Pascovin raises both hands defensively, cocks his head, smiles.

PASCOVIN

Dont look at me. Im only the pilot.

Miller keys info into computer, then turns the monitor to Karo.

MILLER

Do you recognize this?

KARO

Yes, the Solara 7 satellite.

MILLER

We have inside information that Isaac

Hayne and his rebels intend to destroy

the satellite.

KARO

Then we set a course for Europa.

MILLER

No, were going to Terra Titan.You have a mission and I believe

we will find this Isaac Hayne on

Titan. Kill him and the resistance

will collapse, and so will the

threat against Solara 7.

Miller abruptly rises from the table and leaves the room.

Pascovin turns his gaze from Miller to Karo.

Karos fuming.

KARO

(growls)

And bitch makes three.

PASCOVIN

Three?

2 0


21/97

KARO

You and I and bitch. My company

keeps growing. How many more

before this is over?

Pascovin rises from the table.

PASCOVIN

Like I said, dont ask me, Im only

the pilot. Come on, lets go.

They leave the conference room.

END OF ACT ONE

FADE TO BLACK

2 1


22/97

ACT TWO

FADE IN

INT. REBEL SHIP CONTROL ROOM

An airlock slides open. Pascovin and Karo enter, find Miller

sitting at the co-pilots station, double checking the ships

systems. She remains silent, ignoring the two.

Pascovin slips into the pilots seat.

PASCOVIN

It shouldn't be long now. We'll be

on Titan in a few hours.

KARO

Any idea where I might find information

on Hayne?

MILLER

Theres a mining village...

The ship ROCKS. Surprised, Karo, Miller, and Pascovin glance

around the control room, and then at one another.

KARO

What was that?

A com link light FLASHES on a console.

PASCOVIN

We have a visitor.

He flips a switch. A voice floods the control room.

VAGORIN (OF)

...Vagorin of the Imperial Earth Ship

Gordon. Identify yourselves. Repeat.

This is Captain Robert Vagorin of theIES Gordon. Identify yourselves.

Pascovin and Miller exchange glances.

MILLER

The Gordons a battle cruiser.

2 2


23/97

PASCOVIN

Ill take care of this. Activate the

screen.

Miller flips a switch. The view screen comes to life. On the

screen a large Imperial Earth battle cruiser hovers against the

stars.

Pascovin opens a com link to the ship.

PASCOVIN

IES Gordon prepare for identification.

VAGORIN (OF)

Identify.

PASCOVIN

(soft, stern)

Shiva. Code 1114. Identification complete.

A long silence but for the BUZZING of ship's systems and low HUM

of the engines.

VAGORIN (OF)

Identification acknowledged.

Pascovin smiles, nods to Miller. She turns to her console and

opens a link to the Gordon.

MILLER

Request verification. Repeat

identification code.

VAGORIN (OF)

Identification code. Shiva. Code

1114.

MILLER

Acknowledged, Gordon.

(pause)Captain Vagorin, there shall be

no record of this chance encounter.

Is that understood?

VAGORIN (OF)

Understood. IES Gordon, Vagorin

commanding. Out.

2 3


24/97

Miller switches off the com link, and sits back.

KARO

Just like that.

Miller spins in her chair and glares at Karo.

MILLER

All Imperial Earth ships carry

Organization special classification

codes. They dont know what they

contain, but they certainly understand

their rank of importance.

KARO

And you both know what this Shiva

code is.

PASCOVIN

Only myself and David Vernon. But

only I can access it. Voice imprint.

Its my personal code. Now, I would

suggest a change of clothing before

we reach Titan.

EXT. CALICO SPACEPORT, TERRA TITAN - NIGHT

Dust swirls. The rebel ship lands.

INT. CALICO SPACEPORT

Aged, dirty, littered. Looks like an old train or bus station.

LED flight schedules on walls advertise flights to other solar

system destinations.

IN THE BOARDING AREA

full of people coming and going.

Revolving doors lead from landing check-in area to the lobby.Pascovin, Karo, and Miller come through the doors on their way

out of the Spaceport. Many people stare.

2 4


25/97

MILLER

(grumbles to Karo)

Theyre staring at you. The emblem

youre wearing on your vest, it

doesnt go over very well here. I

had enough sense to change my clothes,

you shouldve changed yours.

KARO

This is still a colony of Imperial

Earth. And a garrison of Organization

Guards still patrol this poor excuse

of a settlement.

MILLER

Suit yourself.

They approach the entrance. The door slides open.

EXT. CALICO SPACEPORT NIGHT

Pascovin, Miller, and Karo exit the Spaceport into the dusty

dimly lit Calico night. They pause in the narrow earthen street.

KARO

Suggestions?

PASCOVIN

Theres a saloon in the villagewhere rebel contacts are made, a

place called Bears Den. I've read

about it in Organization reports.

MILLER

As good a place as any to start.

PASCOVIN

Lets go.

They start down the street and disappear into the HAZY night.

2 5


26/97

EXT. BEARS DEN NIGHT

Pascovin, Miller, and Karo stop in front of the rowdy saloon.

Karo looks up at the sign on the roof edge.

INSERT

A wooden hand-carved and painted sign reads: Bears Den.

BACK TO SCENE.

PASCOVIN

This is the place.

KARO

Let's go in.

She starts for the door. Pascovin and Miller follow.

INT. BEARS DEN

INSIDE THE DOOR

Pascovin, Miller, and Karo pause, surveying the crowd.

A raucous crowded evening, smoky with tobacco, dusty from the

street. Barbaric to Karo.

PASCOVINWell, Miss Karo, I got you here;

now youre on your own. Best of

luck to you.

(nods to Miller)

Miss Miller.

He turns, disappears in the crown. Karo and Miller watch him go.

MILLER

(soft)

Lets not draw suspicion. We'll splitup and see what we can learn.

KARO

All right.

Karo wanders into the crowd; Miller remains just inside the door.

2 6


27/97

ELSEWHERE IN THE SALOON

Bear at the bar as Pascovin approaches.

Pascovin nods to a saloon patron standing next to him, then

turns to Bear.

BEAR

Something I can help you with?

PASCOVIN

The house special.

BEAR

Comin' right up.

Bear turns away. Pascovin looks over his shoulder at the people

mingling about. Bears back with the drink.

PASCOVIN

How much?

BEAR

On the house, mister...?

PASCOVIN

Pascovin. Alex Pascovin.

A pause; Pascovin sips his drink. Bear leans forward, his armson the bar top.

BEAR

(smiles, winks)

You're new around here, ain't ya?

Pascovin smiles back, glances at the bar patron next to him,

then turns to Bear.

PASCOVIN

(nods with glass)First time.

He takes another drink.

BEAR

Thought so.

2 7


28/97

ELSEWHERE IN THE SALOON

as Karo wanders about, making eye contact.

Most are none too happy about her choice in clothing. Karo

approaches a table where sit two Amazon women and two men. An

Amazon, THYRA BRIGGENSEN (30s), rises, blocks Karos way.

Karo stops and looks up, Briggensen a head taller than Karo, and

appreciably stronger.

BRIGGENSEN

(growls)

Hold it there, honey. You're in the

wrong place to be wearin that!

She forcibly taps the OIE insignia on Karos vest.

KARO

(indignant)

I beg your pardon!

BRIGGENSEN

(grins)

You beg my pardon?!

She glances at her friends at the table.

BRIGGENSEN(rousing, boisterous)

Did you hear that? She begs my pardon!

Briggensen and friends roar with laughter.

BRIGGENSEN

You'd better do more than beg my pardon!

You can start by getting down on your

hands and knees and licking my feet!

KARO(angry)

Ive had enough of your bullshit.

She attempts to go around Briggensen.

KARO

Move aside.

2 8


29/97

Briggensen grabs Karo by the shoulder and pushes her back.

BRIGGENSEN

Now just a minute, honey; you aint

licked my feet yet.

A sudden hush falls over the saloon, more and more taking note

of the confrontation.

AT THE BAR

as Pascovin notices, and tankard in hand, he turns, leans back

against the bar, and watches.

AT THE ENTRANCE

as Miller notices, crosses her arms, and leans back against the

wall to watch.

AT BRIGGENSENS TABLE

as Karos patience grows thin.

KARO

I dont wish to cause any trouble...

BRIGGENSEN

(interrupts)

You already have by coming in herewearing that.

Karos eyes narrow, brows furrow.

KARO

Look, Im an agent of Imperial Earth,

and Ill have you...

BRIGGENSEN

(interrupts)

Youll have nothing, honey!(pause)

We have a custom here on Terra Titan

called the Rite of Contest.

KARO

What does that have to do with me?

2 9


30/97

BRIGGENSEN

Its a challenge to fight! I challenge

you!

KARO

I refuse to participate in your silly

little...

ROVAN LASSIER (40s), a male friend of BRIGGENSENS suddenly

rises from the table.

LASSIER

(interrupts)

Youre in our neighborhood, lady.

You cant refuse the Rite of Contest.

One more thing, its a fight to the

death.

BRIGGENSEN

(sneers)

And before you die, Ill have you

licking my feet.

A sly expectant grin crawls across her face.

Lassier bangs an iron mug on the table.

LASSIER

Listen! May I have your attentionplease!

(pause)

A Rite of Contest challenge has been

made. All interested in viewing the

contest to the arena! Dont forget

to place your bets with Bear at the

bar!

Raucous cheers erupt. Patrons jump up from their tables. Lassier

grabs Karo by the arm and turns toward a door at the back of the

saloon.

Smiling, Briggensen follows. With mugs, glasses, and tankards in

hand, many chattering patrons follow while others crowd the bar

to place their bets.

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AT THE BAR

as Pascovin takes a sip of his drink and steps out of the way of

patrons clamoring around the bar.

He sets the glass down on the nearest table and follows the

crowd to the door.

AT THE SALOON ENTRANCE

as Anton enters.

He pauses next to Miller still leaning against the wall,

watching the excitement.

ANTON

The Rite of Contest?

MILLER

Yeah. One of thems the OIE agent,

Nal Karo.

ANTON

Karo?

Miller nods.

ANTON

Well, I think I'll have to takethis one in.

Anton waves to Bear as he makes his way to the door.

INT. CORRIDOR

BEYOND THE DOOR

Wooden, dimly lit overhead lighting. Filled with pushing and

shoving patrons, chattering excitedly, following closely on the

heels of Lassier, Karo, and Briggensen.

Lassier stops at the top of a staircase, turns, and nods to the

staircase.

LASSIER

We go this way.

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He leads Karo and Briggensen down the steps.

The chattering patrons filed through a door to take their seats

in a set of bleachers.

INT. THE ARENA

Access is through a door in the twelve foot high circular wooden

wall to an earthen floor contest area. Rows of bleachers,

filling with patrons, circle the arena above the wall. The place

is lit by soft yellow lights.

Along the wall opposite the entrance is a long table arrayed

with all manner of ancient weapons.

Lassier leads Karo and Briggensen into the arena. Karo glances

up at the chattering excited patrons, sees Miller and Pascovin.

Pascovin nods to her; Miller grins.

She turns her attention to Lassier and Briggensen. The Amazon

glares at her, a smirk on her face. Karo glares back.

LASSIER

This way.

He leads the women to the table. Karo peers at the selection of

ancient weapons. Lassier turns to her.

LASSIERIll explain it for you. The Rite of

Contest is a fight to the death. You

only get one choice of weapon. Other

than that, anything goes. Now, choose

your weapon.

Karos eyes widen.

KARO

Youre barbarians!

Lassier ignores her.

LASSIER

Choose your weapon.

Karo reaches for a saber. Briggensen steps forward, nudges Karo

out of the way, and picks up a spiked mace.

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BRIGGENSEN

This is all I'll need to crush

her skull.

LASSIER

All right. Youve made your choices,

now back to the middle of the arena.

They move to the center of the arena. Karo and Briggensen face

off. Lassier backs away, his eyes shifting between the two

contestants.

LASSIER

Let the contest begin!

The two women drop into a crouching battle stance and start to

circle one another. The crowd cheers.

BRIGGENSEN

(sneers)

In a few minutes, honey, youre gonna

be a dead bitch!

KARO

Not if I can help it.

HOWLING, Briggensen lunges at Karo, swinging the mace. Karo

rolls to one side, quickly jumps to her feet, and spins around.

The saber held ready, both hands tightly wrapped around the

hilt, Briggensen grins as Karo jabs at her.

BRIGGENSEN

(side stepping Karos jabs)

You're gonna have to do better than that,

honey.

They battle back and forth around the arena, Briggensen beating

Karo down. A mad swing of the mace sends Karos saber flying.

Karo stumbles to the table, grabs a spiked club. The Amazon

quickly closes on her, ready to strike. Karo quickly swings the

club, catches Briggensen in the side.

Briggensen HOWLS, goes down. Karo swings again, slamming the

spiked club into the side of Briggensens head. The Amazon

collapses.

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35/97

AMAZON 1

You made a big mistake in there,

shouldnt a killed her.

KARO

(gasping)

I didnt have a choi...

Amazon 1 lays in a quick hard jab to Karos gut. Karo GROANS and

doubles over.

INT. EARS DEN

AT THE BAR

as Pascovin finishes his drink and sets the glass down on the

bar.

BEAR

Like 'nother?

PASCOVIN

No thanks, I must be going.

He nods, and starts for the door; he notices Anton and Miller,

and nods to them.

HOLD ON ANTON AND MILLER

as Pascovin leaves the saloon.

ANTON

Be right back.

Anton approaches Bear at the bar.

ANTON

Send word when Jack and the others

arrive. Ill be at home.

BEAR

Will do.

Anton turns toward the door, nodding to Miller as he approaches.

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ANTON

Lets go.

They leave the saloon.

EXT. SIDE ALLEY NIGHT

Karo lays on her side, badly beaten, COUGHING up blood. She

starts to roll over only to be met with a swift KICK. She GASPS,

GRITS her teeth, her eyes clinched shut.

AMAZON 2

Whatre we going to do with her?

AMAZON 1

Kill her. No one will ask questions. Especially

when shes wearing an OIE patch.

Amazon 1 lays into Karo with a boot.

Karo CRIES out and clutches at her side.

Amazon 1 pulls a knife.

AMAZON 1

Well, let's get it over with.

AMAZON 2

Just a minute. Maybe we can make somemoney, sell her to the Hells Kitchen

mining camp across the valley. They

could use her. Twenty three men and

only two bed warmers there...

An energy bolt EXPLODES against the wall beyond them. The

Amazons eyes dart to the end of the alley. Anton and Miller are

there, Anton with a weapon.

ANTON

I suggest you back off!

The Amazons slowly step back. Anton and Miller cautiously

approach, Antons weapon leveled.

AMAZON 2

Hey mister, we was just havin' fun

with her. You know...I mean...

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She pauses, points at Karo.

AMAZON 2

Look at that patch! She aint nothing

but OIE slime!

Antons eyes narrow.

ANTON

Go on. Get out of here. Now!

AMAZON 1

All right, all right! Just be careful

with that gun!

The Amazons STUMBLE past and hurry out of the alley. With a

SIGH, Anton lowers the weapon and glances at Miller. Shes

glaring, none too happy.

MILLER

Why didnt you just let them have

her? Wouldve saved us all a lot

of problems, especially Hayne.

Anton turns to help Karo to her feet.

ANTON

Shell never find Hayne.

MILLER

How can you be sure?

ANTON

Just a hunch.

Anton lifts the unconscious Karo and slings her over a shoulder.

END OF ACT TWO

FADE TO BLACK

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ACT THREE

FADE IN

INT. ANTONS APARTMENT

IN THE SMALL, SPARSELY FURNISHED LIVING ROOM

as Karo lays unconscious on a couch.

Her face battered and bruised, but cleaned and healing. Anton

pulls a chair alongside, sits, and leans forward.

Miller stands nearby, arms crossed, weapon in hand.

Dazed and pained, Karo begins to awaken. She opens her eyes,

sees a face hovering over her, a youthful bearded face with

shoulder length hair. Not the face of a miner.

ANTON

Welcome back to the world of the

living.

KARO

(groggy)

I...I...the alley...

(rubs side of her head)

Those...

(notices Miller)Agent Miller...

(looks back at Anton,

confused)

Who are...you?

Anton rises to his feet and stands over her.

ANTON

Right now it doesnt matter. You

need rest...

Karo forces herself up on her elbows. Miller steps forward, but

Anton raises a hand to ward her off.

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KARO

(angry)

I dont need to rest. Ive wasted

too much time...

A STAB of pain interrupts. She grabs her side and GASPS.

MILLER

Well, Joe, what are we going to do

with her?

Karo looks up at Miller.

KARO

We? What are you talking about we?

Who are you...?

She suddenly falls silent. Her eyes wide, she stares at the two

rebels as Miller joins Anton.

KARO

Youre Outer Colony rebels; both

of you.

Miller smiles, kneels next to Karo, and pushes the muzzle of her

weapon against Karos temple.

MILLER

(growls)Yes, we are. And I dont know why

Joe saved your hide. If it was up

to me, Id have let those Amazons

kill you. Or even better, Id sell

you to the Hells Kitchen miners.

PASCOVIN (O.S.)

Hells Kitchen is a fate worse than

death for a woman as young and

beautiful as you.

Surprised, Karo turns her head, looks.

In an open doorway, arms crossed and leaning against the door

frame, stands a smiling Alex Pascovin.

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INT. CALICO SPACEPORT

IN THE SPACEPORT LOBBY

as Zellers, Fourwinds, Yakota, Irish, Martinez, and Yurashev

cross the lobby and leave the spaceport.

EXT. CALICO SPACEPORT NIGHT

The rebels cross the narrow earthen street and gather beneath a

feeble glowing street lamp.

ZELLERS

Alright, we dont want to attract

suspicion, so we go in groups to

Bears Den.

The group filters away. Zellers grabs Fourwinds by the arm.

ZELLERS

Sirce, care to join me for a drink?

FOURWINDS

(smiles)

Id be delighted.

They start down the dusty street toward Bears Den, following

their companions at a slight distance.

INT. BEARS DEN

Zellers at bar with Bear and Fourwinds.

ZELLERS

I got bad vibes here.

BEAR

Yeah, we had a Rite of Contest a

couple hours ago. Thought it was

gonna get ugly for a while.

FOURWINDS

Damn, and I missed it.

ZELLERS

Who?

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BEAR

The OIE agent, Nal Karo. She won.

Killed an Amazon. Cheated doing it.

ZELLERS

I can see why it couldve gotten ugly.

Bear nods.

BEAR

Anyway, Joe said to send word when

you arrived.

FOURWINDS

Ill go.

ZELLERS

Not alone you wont.

BEAR

Jacks right. Calicos much too

dangerous at night. Especially for

a woman by herself.

Zellers peers about the saloon, sees Irish standing alone near

the door. Turns back to Fourwinds.

ZELLERS

Take Irish with you.

She nods, TAPS Zellers on the shoulder, and turns away.

Bear peers around hesitantly, and then leans close to Zellers.

BEAR

The room under the bleachers?

Zellers nods.

BEARIll keep watch.

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INT. ANTON APARTMENT

Anton, Irish, and Pascovin stand at the door, ready to go.

Fourwinds holds them up, TAUNTING their new captive, much to

Millers delight. She LEANS over the back of the couch behind

Karo.

FOURWINDS

So, youre the OIE bitch that survived

the arena.

(flicks Karos hair with

her fingers)

You wont be so lucky next time.

PASCOVIN

(impatient)

Sirce, lets go. Weve got a meeting to

attend.

Fourwinds nods and joins the men at the door.

PASCOVIN

(to Miller)

Dont hurt her while were gone.

MILLER

(grins)

A couple of missing teeth wont hurt.

PASCOVIN

Linda...

MILLER

(chuckles)

Alright, alright. Just kidding.

Pascovin smiles.

PASCOVINI know you better than that.

The rebels leave, closing the door on Miller and Karo.

MILLER

(threatening)

Go ahead. Try something stupid.

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Karo stares.

Weapon trained on Karo, Miller grabs an electric cord, and grips

it in her teeth as she pulls a dining chair into the middle of

the room.

MILLER

Get over here!

Karo cautiously rises from the couch and STUMBLES to the chair.

MILLER

Sit!

Karo sits. Miller PISTOL WHIPS her once, and then TIES her hands

behind the chair.

MILLER

Pascovin said not to hurt you.

(chuckles)

Well, I just cant help myself.

She HOWLS with delight as she begins to BEAT on the defenseless

Karo.

EXT. CALICO MAIN STREET NIGHT

APPROACHING BEARS DEN

are Pascovin and his rebel companions.

ANTON

You dont think Lindall hurt her,

do you?

Pascovin shakes his head.

PASCOVIN

Lindas got a mean streak...

IRISH

(chuckles)

Mean streak? Hell, shes downright

vicious! Ill bet Lindas beating

her ass right now!

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44/97

All but Pascovin LAUGH. He shakes his head as they near the

saloon.

PASCOVIN

Okay, one at a time so as not to

attract attention.

They enter. One at a time. Pascovin last.

INT. BEARS DEN

AT THE BAR

as Pascovin appears.

Bear slips him a drink. They nod to one another, and then

Pascovin disappears into the crowd.

INT. HIDDEN ROOM BENEATH ARENA BLEACHERS

An oil lamp hangs from the rafters. The rebels are gathered

around a table. A secret panel opens. Pascovin steps through and

slides the panel back in place.

PASCOVIN

Well, I see everyones here.

He steps up to the table, pulls the small data recording disk

from his pocket, and holds it up.

PASCOVIN

The blueprints; well take a look

when were on board the battle frig.

(slips disk into his pocket)

For now, I want to let you know that

well be taking a little side trip

before we go to Europa.

MARTINEZ

Side trip?

PASCOVIN

Yes, were going to Rhea.

IRISH

Rhea? Why Rhea?

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45/97

PASCOVIN

(nods)

We have some help waiting on us there.

MARTINEZ

What kind of help?

PASCOVIN

Two ships.

IRISH

Two ships?

INTERCUT

MUSIC OVER SLOW MOTION of Linda beating a bound and defenseless

Karo, and Pascovin talking with the rebels.

BACK TO SCENE.

PASCOVIN

(nods)

Yes, two ships.

ANTON

Alright, so when do we leave?

PASCOVIN

Tonight. Take Giorgi, go after Lindaand Karo. Well meet you aboard the

battle frig.

Anton nods, leaves the table.

Pascovin glances at his compatriots.

PASCOVIN

Any questions?

(pause)

All right. Lets go.

INT. ANTONS APARTMENT

Anton and Yurachek stand in the doorway.

ANTON

I knew it.

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Miller sits on the couch, feet propped up on a small table,

weapon across her lap. Shes smoking a cigar, a big grin on her

face, obviously delighted.

A badly beaten Karo sits bound to the chair. Head hanging, hair

disheveled, bloodied and bruised, she MOANS in pain.

Karo sports a split lip, an eye swollen shut, and blood

trickling from the corner of her mouth.

MILLER

A work of art, isnt she?

ANTON

What the hell were you doing?

MILLER

(laughs)

I just couldnt help myself, Joe.

Anton SIGHS.

ANTON

Well, come on. Were leaving Titan.

Miller nods at Karo.

MILLER

Her too?

ANTON

Her too. Now lets go.

Miller MUMBLES ANGRILY under her breath as she STUBS the cigar

out in an ash tray.

EXT. SPACEPORT LAUNCH PAD

White suited attendants are scattered about as Pascovin,

Zellers, Irish, Martinez, Yakota, and Fourwinds cross the fieldtoward the battle frig.

Their pace is casual so as not to arise suspicion. An ATTENDENT

(30s) with a clipboard checklist looks up. Pascovin SMILES and

WAVES. The attendant WAVES and then turns back to the clipboard.

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PASCOVIN

(to Zellers)

I see youve taken good care of

my ship.

ZELLERS

Well of course. Its the best ship

we have, not to mention shes yours.

PASCOVIN

Wait until we get to Rhea. The ships

waiting for us are battle cruisers.

Zellers and Pascovin start up the boarding ramp; the others

follow. Zellers SLAPS Pascovin on the shoulder.

ZELLERS

Ill tell you, Alex, you need to give

this bird a name.

PASCOVIN

When the time is right.

The rebels disappear inside.

EXT. CALICO STREETS - DAWN

Anton, Miller, Yurashev, and Karo slip through the side streets

of Calico. They hurry through the shadows, forcing Karo along.

A dozen IMPERIAL EARTH GUARDS from the local garrison suddenly

appear from a side street.

KARO

(SHOUTS, pointing)

Rebel traitors! Kill them! Now!

Miller turns, violently BACKHANDS Karo to the ground. She locks

her weapon on Karo, cocks it, ready to fire when the IE Guards

OPEN FIRE on them.

ANTON

Lets go!

The rebels turn to run. Yurashevs hit and collapses on the

sidewalk. Anton turns back, but Yurashev waves him on.

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YURASHEV

Go! Dont worry about me! Go!

Anton pauses, stares at Yurashev, and then grabs Miller by the

shoulder.

ANTON

Come on!

They run as the half the Guards converged on Yurashev and Karo,

weapons drawn, the others following the fleeing rebels.

EXT. CALICO SPACEPORT - DAWN

Miller and Anton RUSH out of the Spaceport onto the launching

pad.

The Attendant looks up, his eyes wide, sees Anton and Miller

running for the battle frig.

ANTON

(to the Attendant)

You! Clear the deck! Were

leaving!

Half a dozen IE Guards suddenly BURST onto the launching pad,

OPENING FIRE on the fleeing rebels and the battle frig.

The Attendent drops the clipboard, and runs for the Spaceportdoor.

INT. BATTLE FRIG CONTROL ROOM

The rebels are in the battle frigs control room, seated at

various stations, performing preflight checks.

Pascovin in the pilots seat.

A door SLIDES open. Anton and Miller enter.

PASCOVIN

Welcome aboard. Youre just in time.

ANTON

We lost Giorgi and Karo.

4 8


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Pascovin SIGHS, shakes his head.

Anton slips into the co-pilots seat.

PASCOVIN

Irish, get us out of here.

Irish starts flipping switches.

IRISH

Righto boss. Pop the ole clutch on

this bucket and we leave ole dusty

city behind quicker than a flick of

a cats whisker.

PASCOVIN

Just dont hit anything on our way

out.

Irish LAUGHS. The battle frig ROARS to life.

EXT. CALICO SPACEPORT - DAWN

The frig lifts off the pad, and into the morning sky.

EXT. SATURNIAN SPACE

The frig attains Terra Titan orbit. A majestic crescent Saturn

and three moons hang in the inky blackness.


The rebels are gathered, some at various stations.

IRISH

Were in orbit.

Pascovin PUSHES a sequence of buttons on the keyboard terminal

of his command chair, then a voice

BOBBY JOHN (OF)

Bobby John here boss. I see you

got the hound out of the dog house.

PASCOVIN

Yeah, were taking the dog for a

Walk; you know what to do.

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INT. CALICO APARTMENT

IN A SMALL, DIM, AND CLUTTERED ROOM

full of electronics.

BOBBY JOHN (late teens), a weird seemingly absentminded

electronics wiz kid with a bum leg, sits at an array of

electronic equipment. A walking cane leans up against a wall.

BOBBY JOHN

Gotcha covered, boss. Fried like a

crispy critter.

PASCOVIN (OF)

Good, catch you next time around.

BOBBY JOHN

Next time.

Bobby John cuts the link, and starts keying in a series of

numbers on an old keyboard.

INSERT A PANEL OF CIRCUIT BOARDS IN A DARK ROOM SUDDENLY ERUPT

IN SPARKS.

INT. BATTLE FRIG

IN THE CONTROL ROOM

with the Rebels.

ANTON

Bobby John? Whos Bobby John.

PASCOVIN

(smiles)

A young friend back in Calico.

FOURWINDSAnother of those tricks up your sleeve?

Pascovin smiles.

ZELLERS

Well, I hate to interrupt the discussion,

but Ive got Ivan on the horn here.

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PASCOVIN

Patch him in on audio.

INTERCUT

PASCOVIN and IVAN (30s) with Ivan in a lab, lights flashing

behind him.

IVAN

We have a problem, Alex. A transit

coupling failure in platform factory

number two caused the entire platform

to automatically shut down. We cant

get it back online until the power

core is replaced.

PASCOVIN

How long will that take?

IVAN

Two, maybe three days. Weve got a

core unit being shuttled in from

Triton. Should be here by tomorrow

at the latest.

PASCOVIN

We can fudge a two or three day

delay.

IVAN

(exasperated)

You dont understand, Alex. The

project has already been set back

three weeks. Theres no way well

be ready in time.

PASCOVIN

Whats your best guess?

IVANTwo weeks at the outside. And thats

still not good odds.

A moment of silence.

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PASCOVIN

(sighs)

Roger that, Ivan. Maybe next time.

BACK TO SCENE.

Pascovin MOTIONS to Zellers to cut the com link.

ANTON

(GUARDED)

Without those two ships, we wont

stand a chance.

PASCOVIN

(to Zellers, but

eyes on Anton)

Set a course for Europa, Jack.

ZELLERS

Alex, I...

PASCOVIN

(eyes on Anton)

Set the course.

ZELLERS SIGHS, then starts PUSHING buttons.

INT. IMPERIAL EARTH GARRISON

INTERROGATION ROOM

as Yurashev sits at a table.

Two Guards are present, and a recovering Nal Karo.

KARO

(angered)

Im going to kill every last

one of them.

YURASHEV

Well, thats what you do, right?

Youre an assassin...

KARO

(interrupts)

Maybe Ill start with you.

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She PLANTS the palms of her hands on the table, and leans over,

face to face with Yurashev.

Yurashev stares.

KARO

(cold and soft)

Now, tell me everything you know.

Yurashev suddenly SMILES.

YURASHEV

Well, I know youre one helluva babe;

any chance you and me...

She BACKHANDS him, then stands up straight, crosses her arms,

and glares at him.

YURASHEV

Hmph, guess not, huh?

He SMILES, TAPPING fingers on the table.

END OF ACT THREE

FADE TO BLACK

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ACT FOUR

FADE IN

INT. TRANSPORT CRAFT CONTROL ROOM

IN MARS ORBIT

as David Vernon and Greg Vasachek stare at a view screen, the

huge orbital Calcutta drydock complex swings into view.

VERNON

There she is.

Vasachek leans forward, stares at the great complex.

VASACHEK

(soft, awestruck)

Magnificent!

A network of steel girders surround the great ship. Space suited

workers swarm around the complex. Several small construction

pods DART about like insects.

Computer controlled retro rockets fire on the transport, and it

slows as it nears one of many docking ports.

Vernon leans forward, opens a com-link to the Calcutta.

VERNON

This is David Vernon, representative

of the Organization of Imperial Earth.

Request permission to come aboard. Copy.

CALCUTTA COM OFFICER (OF)

Permission granted. Proceed to Shuttle

Bay 2, level 9. Youre cleared for

boarding.

VERNONUnderstood. Vernon out.

Vernon smiles at Vasachek. Vasachek stares at the Calcutta on

the transports view screen.

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EXT. MARS ORBIT

DRYDOCK COMPLEX

as the transport craft enters the docking port, passing by the

hull of the huge battle cruiser.

The symbol of Imperial Earth passes slowly by a large capitol

I and a T-handled sword passing through the globe on a

diagonal.

Following the globe symbol is the ships name, IES CALCUTTA, in

large block letters, and then the registration number, AC-83180.

The shuttle bay opens in front of the transport. The bay is well

lit. Pressurized, workmen without space suits walk about the bay

even with it open to space.

INT. CALCUTTA SHUTTLE BAY 2

The transport slowly passes into the bay and glides to a soft

landing. Shuttle bay workmen lash the craft to the deck.

Vernon and Vasachek leave the transport.

VERNON

Youre going to love the command

bridge.

INT. IMPERIAL EARTH GARRISON

IN ROOM ADJACENT TO INTERROGATION ROOM

Karo and CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD (30s) in a room behind a two-way

mirrored glass wall. On the other side, Yurashev sits, waiting

for Karo and the Captain to return.

Karo paces, ANGERED, arms crossed. Occasionally glances through

the glass at Yurashev. Suddenly she turns to Captain.

KARO

Are there any IES ships anywhere

near this pigsty of a moon?

The Captain nods.

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CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD

Yes, the Gordons in orbit.

KARO

Vagorins ship.

CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD

Yes.

A moment of silence as Karo slowly paces, arms crossed. She

suddenly turns to the Captain.

INT. BOBBY JOHNS CALICO APARTMENT

IN THE DIM AND CLUTTERED ROOM

Bobby John listens to the conversation. Hes overjoyed with

himself, softly CHUCKLING.

KARO (OF)

Get Vagorin down here immediately,

and while youre at it...

(gestures to Yurashev)

...see that that rebel slime has passage

to the Mars Penal Colony.

CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD (OF)

Yes sir.

KARO (OF)

And get that subspace com link to

Earth fixed. Let them know that

Pascovin is a traitor and Im going

to make him suffer before I kill him!

CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD (OF)

Yes sir.

Bobby John cuts the link and sits back.

BOBBY JOHN

(mutters)

Ooo, ooo, youre a touchy one, lady.

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INT. CALCUTTA COMMAND BRIDGE

The command bridge is large like an auditorium. The floor is

split into two levels with three steps between the levels in the

center of the room and at opposite ends. Hand rails spanned the

space between the steps.

Scattered about the bridge are numerous consoles, wall and free-

standing, with reclining chairs manned by crewmen and women.

Clear navigational charts are bracketed and stand upright. Many

exhibit various locations around the Solar System. Some are two

dimensional displays, some three dimensional.

The bridge is alive, the crew preparing for departure,

electronic clipboards checked and double checked. Consoles and

navigation boards are monitored, computer readouts verified.

A number of people are gathered around a navigational chart of

the Jovian system, including the Calcuttas captain, PHILIP

WELLS (50s).

Doors HISS open and shut, people coming and going on the bridge,

including Vernon and Vasachek escorted by a low level crewman.

Wells SMILES and leaves the Jovian navigation board to join his

two new passengers.

They shake hands.

VERNON

Good to see you again, Phil.

(nods to Vasacheck)

This is Gregory Vasachek, governor

of the Outer Colonies. Greg, this

is Captain Philip Wells.

WELLS

Welcome aboard.

VASACHEKThank you, captain.

(pauses, peers about bridge)

Im impressed.

5 7


58/97

WELLS

Im sure the Calcutta will live up

to whats expected of her.

VASACHEK

I cant see how she wouldnt.

WELLS

As I understand it, youre to accompany

us on our voyage to Europa?

VERNON

Yes, but only to observe and report

the results to the OIE.

WELLS

Well, gentlemen, Europa awaits us.

(rocks on his toes)

Were about to get under way. If

youll follow me.

Vasachek and Vernon follow Wells to the bridges lower level

where a bank of four consoles act as the bridge nerve center.

The stations are Navigator, Helmsman, Communication's Officer,

and the Weapons Officer; all manned and awaiting orders.

Behind them the captains chair is situated on a raised square

platform.

Next to the captains chair at floor level are two portable

reclining seats, brought out especially for the two passengers.

Wells stands behind the two seats, a hand on each head rest.

WELLS

Your seats, gentlemen.

Vernon and Vasachek take their seats and strap themselves in.

Wells takes his seat in the Captain's Chair.

WELLS

Open the bay windows, please.

5 8


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The Navigator FLIPS eight toggle switches. Eight wall panels

open on large bay windows with a sweeping view of space. The

Calcutta stretches before them, the dry dock complex left and

right.

WELLS

Prepare to leave drydock.

NAVIGATOR

(working console)

Preparing to leave drydock.

WELLS

Detach umbilical cords.

EXPLOSIVE bolts release the umbilical cords attached to the

Calcuttas hull. The cords DRIFT free.

HELMSMAN

Umbilical cords detached and receded.

WELLS

Close all bulkhead and access doors.

Close all bay doors.

WEAPONS OFFICER

All access ways secured.

WELLSCompensate artificial gravity for thrusters.

The Weapons Officer flips a switch and slowly turns a dial on

his console.

WEAPONS OFFICER

Artificial gravity compensated.

WELLS

All command consoles carry out final

pre-departure check.

Theres a FLURRY of activity at all command bridge consoles. A

light on the communications console suddenly FLASHES green. The

Com Officer turns to Wells.

COM OFFICER

All systems check. Were go.

5 9


60/97

NAVIGATOR

Ready for departure, Captain.

WELLS

Impulse thrusters. Ahead one third.

Clear drydock.

HELMSMAN

Ahead one third on thrusters.

The thrusters activate. The Calcutta comes to life and slowly

begins to move. All eyes are on the bay windows as the ship

INCHES its way forward, the girders passing out of view, the

ship leaving the drydock behind.

HELMSMAN

Drydock clear, Captain Wells.

WELLS

Feed reaction tubes and stabilize

engines. Prepare to engage.

The Helmsman FLIPS switches. A LOW HUM filters through the

command bridge, and the PITCH begins to rise until the engines

level off and stabilize.

HELMSMAN

Engines stabilized. Ready to engage.

Wells glances at Vasachek and Vernon.

WELLS

(smiles)

Now, gentlemen, is the moment of truth.

Either the engines will put us into Mars

orbit, or they will tear this ship apart.

VERNON

Thanks for the warning.

Wells LAUGHS as he turns to the Helmsman.

WELLS

Engage number one.

The Helmsman engages the number one engine; a second TONE RISES

above the first.

6 0


61/97

HELMSMAN

Engaged.

WELLS

Engage number two.

A third TONE FILTERS through the command bridge.

HELMSMAN

Engaged.

WELLS

Engage number three.

A fourth TONE.

HELMSMAN

Engaged.

WELLS

Engage number four.

A fifth TONE.

HELMSMAN

Engaged.

All four engines RISE to the same PITCH then level off.

HELMSMAN

All engines engaged. Ready to

leave orbit.

WELLS

(nods)

All right. Take us out of orbit.

Ahead one quarter.

HELMSMAN

Ahead one quarter.

The great ship moves out of orbit, the red planet and Deimos

crossing the bay windows.

WELLS

Lay in a course for the Vesta Jumping

Station.

6 1


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NAVIGATOR

Aye, Captain Wells. Course laid in.

Wells glances at Vernon and Vasachek, SMILES, and then CHUCKLES

as the two newcomers let out a SIGH of relief.

WELLS

Relax, gentlemen. Weve half the solar

system to cross.

The Calcutta CRAWLS away from Mars.

END OF ACT FOUR

FADE TO BLACK

6 2


63/97

ACT FIVE

FADE IN


The blueprints of the Calcutta on a view screen, the rebels

mingling around.

PASCOVIN

Imperial Earth thinks were coming

to Europa to destroy the Solara 7

satellite.

ANTON

Instead, were after that...

(nods to blueprint

on screen)

...with this frig. Like Jonah and

the whale, that thingll swallow

us whole.

MARTINEZ

And spit us out as ionized debris.

YAKOTA

(disbelieving)

Were not really going to attack

the Calcutta with this frig, right?(pauses)

I mean, youre kidding right?

PASCOVIN

The blueprints I downloaded are to

make attacking the Calcutta easier.

We play our cards right, we can do

it with this frig.

Yakota nods to the screen.

YAKOTA

Thats a big ship, Alex.

PASCOVIN

We can do it Misha. The blueprints

will show us a weakness in the

Calcuttas design...

6 3


64/97

Misha shakes her head.

YAKOTA

(interrupts)

Im not convinced we can do it with

this ship.

IRISH

We can hit the Calcuttas power core.

PASCOVIN

The power cores heavily shielded, but

I can shut down her shield generators.

FOURWINDS

You always have a trick up your sleeve,

dont you?

PASCOVIN

Yes, I do.

IRISH

Speaking of tricks up your sleeve,

got this Bobby John character on

the horn again.

PASCOVIN

Patch him through live.

Irish presses a button, and nods to Pascovin.

PASCOVIN

Pascovin here, Bobby John.

INTERCUT

BOBBY JOHN

Hey boss, that Karo ladys got the

hots for you. Not in a good way

either.

Pascovin sits up.

BOBBY JOHN

Shes as mad as a hard up Hells

Kitchen con, and shes coming after

you.

6 4


65/97

PASCOVIN

Explain.

BOBBY JOHN

Called in Vagorin; shes hitching

a ride on his rust bucket.

PASCOVIN

How? The com-net...

BOBBY JOHN

(interrupts)

Hey boss, I took down their AE 35 board

on the subspace net. Karo cant talk

to Earth, but she can still talk short

distance to any drivel that might happen

by. Like Vagorin.

PASCOVIN

Can you patch in to the Gordon,

take down their subspace net?

BOBBY JOHN

A piece of cake, boss. I can short

out the circuit board for their AE35

unit, a few others too, just so they

wont figure it out all that fast.

PASCOVINDo it, but dont do too much damage.

Ive got an idea; might have use of

Vagorins ship.

BOBBY JOHN

Will do boss, itll be like Christmas

up there, pretty lights flashing

everywhere.

PASCOVIN

(grins)Youre a genius, Bobby John.

BOBY JOHN

My momma always said so.

BACK TO SCENE.

6 5


66/97

PASCOVIN

(chuckles)

Catch up with you later. Pascovin out.

Pascovin smiles.

PASCOVIN

(thinking aloud)

Well, this might work out after all.

(to Zellers)

Jack, slow us down a bit; just dont

make it too obvious.

FOURWINDS

Youre letting them catch up.

PASCOVIN

Ive got...

FOURWINDS

(interrupts)

Yeah yeah...another trick up your sleeve.

PASCOVIN

(sits back)

Relax! Everyone, relax! Weve got a lot

of time to kill.

TIME FADE

ELSEWHERE IN FRIG

Pascovin and Anton leaning over a table, face to face,

whispering. Coffee in hand.

PASCOVIN

You havent been saying much latterly.

Something on your mind?

ANTONTo be honest, yes. I think youre crazy,

Alex. Not even the Gordon can stand up

to that ship youre after.

(pause)

If thats your plan.

6 6


67/97

PASCOVIN

Its my plan. And that ship...were

after it, all of us.

Theres a sudden BEEP and a FLASHING light. Pascovin hits the

com switch.

PASCOVIN

Pascovin.

IRISH (OF)

Hey boss, you might want to come

up here. Got a blip out there.

Looks like Vagorin and your hot

momma has finally caught us.

PASCOVIN

Bring us to a stop and maintain

radio silence. Be right up.

IRISH (OF)

Will do.

Pascovin hits the com switch, severing the link, then glances at

Anton.

PASCOVIN

Lets go.

He turns away without waiting a response.

IN THE BATTLE FRIG CONTROL ROOM

with Irish at his station. The other rebels mingling around.

INSERT flashing light on Irishs panel.

Pascovin and Anton suddenly enter. Irish glances back.

IRISHTheyre hailing us.

Pascovin sits in the command chair.

PASCOVIN

On audio.

6 7


68/97

Irish switches to audio. Pascovin SMILES as Robert Vagorins

voice FLOODS the control room.

VAGORIN (OF)

...this is the IES Gordon. Do you read?

This is Captain Vagorin of the Imperial

Earth Ship Gordon. Identify yourselves.

I repeat, identify yourselves.

Irish glances at Pascovin.

IRISH

Alex, shes leaking radiation; looks like

there may be internal damage.

PASCOVIN

(mutters a thought)

I hope Bobby John hasnt damaged her too

much.

Pascovin glances at Irish, gestures at the com-link, and then

nods to Zellers.

PASCOVIN

You answer him. He knows me. A recent

encounter.

ZELLERS

Whatll I tell him?

PASCOVIN

(smiles)

Wing it.

Zellers stares at Pascovin, and then turns to the view screen as

he opens a com-link.

INT. GORDON CONTROL ROOM

Dimly lit, full of shadows, a couple of Vagorins crew are attheir stations while Vagorin (30s) leans over his command

console, a finger on a button.

6 8


69/97

ZELLERS (OF)

Gordon, this is Captain Jack Zellers

of the Imperial Earth Ship...

(pauses)

...the Imperial Earth Ship Pasco. We are

on a level one priority mission...

VAGORIN

(interrupts)

Captain Zellers, we require your

assistance. Repeat, we require your

assistance. A chain reaction explosion

due to power coupling failure. We have

structural damage. Some radiation; all

affected compartments sealed off.

(pauses)

Captain Zellers, do you copy?

ZELLERS (OF)

We copy, Gordon. Stand by.

INT. BATLLE FRIG

IN CONTROL ROOM

with the rebels.

Zellers closes the link and turns to Pascovin.

PASCOVIN

(soft chuckle)

IES Pasco? Level one priority mission?

ZELLERS

You said wing it. He bought it,

didnt he!?

PASCOVIN

Yes he did! Ask what his crew complement

is.

Zellers reopens the link.

ZELLERS

Captain Vagorin, whats your crew

complement?

6 9


70/97

VAGORIN (OF)

Eight, including myself.

ZELLERS

Stand by.

Zellers closes the link and turns to Pascovin.

PASCOVIN

Suggest to him that he and his

crew come aboard. A safety

precaution while repairs are

being made.

Zellers nods and reopens the link.

ZELLERS

Captain Vagorin, we suggestion

that you and your crew board our

ship. A safety precaution while

repairs are made. We will make

accommodations for you and your

crew.

VAGORIN (OF)

Captain Zellers, I would request

assistance from some of your crew;

we have injured personnel.

Zellers closes the channel.

Pascovin glances over a shoulder, points to each in turn.

PASCOVIN

Linda, Joe, and Jin. You go.

(to Zellers)

Tell him help is on the way.

Zellers opens the channel.

ZELLERS

Be glad to lend a hand, Captain

Vagorin. Weve a shuttle thats

gassing up right now.

7 0


71/97


Vagorin at the command chair, Karo walks slowly into FRAME.

Stands behind Vagorin.

VAGORIN

Acknowledged. And thank you,

Captain Zellers, for your

assistance.

ZELLERS (OF)

Youre welcome, Captain Vagorin.

Zellers out.

Vagorin looks back at Karo. She SMILES.

END OF ACT FIVE

FADE TO BLACK

7 1


72/97

ACT SIX

FADE IN

INT. CORRIDOR IN THE GORDON

AT AN AIRLOCK

Vagorin and a number of his armed GUARDS stand ready, Karo

concealed behind the men.

The airlock opens. Miller, Martinez, and Anton are taken by

surprise.

VAGORIN

(grins)

Welcome aboard my ship.

ANTON

Theres more than eight of you,

I see.

VAGORIN

(smiles)

I lied.

Karo steps through, comes face to face with Miller. A brief

pause, and then Karo savagely BACKHANDS Miller, sending her

sprawling on the floor.

VAGORIN

Lock them up.

KARO

(standing over Miller)

Not this one. Bring her to the

conference room, and tie her to

a chair.

The Guards hurry Martinez and Anton away in one direction, otherGuards drag Miller to her feet and hurry her away in another

direction, Karo following them.

7 2


73/97

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

Miller bound to a chair, the Guards step back. Karo steps

forward.

KARO

Leave us.

The Guards leave the room while Karo approaches Miller, and

savagely BACKHANDS her again.


Rebels are gathered, standing and sitting at various stations,

Pascovin in the command chair.

YAKOTA

Alex, theres something going on

over there. The radiation has been

vented, and power is coming up all

over the ship.

FOURWINDS

A ruse?

ZELLERS

Looks like we might just find out.

Theyre hailing us.

(pauses, looks back at Pascovin)On screen.

PASCOVIN

(nods)

Alright, patch us in.

ZELLERS opens the link, the screen comes alive, and everyone

looks.

Centered on the screen, sitting at a table as if facing the

rebels in the battle frig control room, is Miller. Shes beensavagely beaten with a fat lip, an eye swollen shut, face black

and blue, and her head nodding forward. Theres no sign of Anton

or Martinez.

Gathered around the table are Vagorin and a number of his crew.

7 3


74/97

PASCOVIN

Vagorin, I demand to know...

KARO (OS)

(interrupts)

You are in no position to demand

anything.

Karo walks into the FIELD OF VIEW on the screen. Shes wearing a

SMUG GRIN, and an ARROGANT expression on her face.

KARO

However, I demand that you surrender

yourself, your crew, and your ship.

She comes to a stop behind Miller.

KARO

You have thirty minutes...no, you have

ten minutes to comply or Ill start

killing the captives we have...

She reaches forward, grabs Millers hair, and YANKS her head

back for all to see her battered face.

KARO

...starting with this scum.

(pauses, grin widens)

Ten minutes.

The screen goes blank. All eyes in the frig control room are on

Pascovin who still stares at the blank screen.

PASCOVIN

(thinking aloud)

It wont take ten minutes.

FOURWINDS

Care to explain?

Pascovin ignores Fourwinds.

PASCOVIN

Computer, open secure channel,

OIE authorization Shiva. Code 1114.

7 4


75/97

COMPUTER VOICE

Channel open.

PASCOVIN

Access Gordon control, Code 1114, and

lockout.

COMPUTER VOICE

Access complete.

PASCOVIN

Shut down all systems, including

life support.

YAKOTA

Youll kill Jin, Joe, and Linda!

PASCOVIN

Just knocking them out.

ZELLERS

What about Vagorin and Karo and

the crew?

PASCOVIN

Bring them aboard, and lock them

up before they wake up.

IRISHAlright boss, I know you gotta

have something planned. Care to

let us in on it?

PASCOVIN

(smiles)

Im going to use the Gordon to

destroy the Calcutta.


The Helmsman notes systems beginning to shut down, and punches

through an intercom link to the conference room.

GORDON HELMSAN

Commander, systems are shutting...

7 5


76/97

INT. GORDON CONFERENCE ROOM

with Karo, Miller, and several of Vagorins crew. Vagorin at the

conference room control console.

GORDON HELMSAN (OF)

...down all over the ship...

VAGORIN

(interrupts)

Override!

HELMSMAN (OF)

(shakes head)

Im locked out. Someone else has

control of this ship.

Vagorin SLAMS a fist on a com link.

VAGORIN

(roars angrily)

PASCOVIN!

Vagorin, Karo, and crewmembers begin gasping for air as they

collapse one by one.


Pascovin and Anton at control panels, checking the shipssystems. An airlock HISSES open. Fourwinds enters, glares at

Pascovin.

PASCOVIN

What?

FOURWINDS

I still think youre crazy.

ANTON

I think shes right, Alex.

Pascovin CHUCKLES, then...

PASCOVIN

Hows Linda?

7 6


77/97

FOURWINDS

Shell be alright with a little

rest.

PASCOVIN

And our guests?

FOURWINDS

Locked up.

PASCOVIN

Good.

(pauses, opens com link

to the frig)

Misha, patch into the Gordons primary

computer and download my command codes.

YAKOTA (OF)

Comin at you, Alex.

PASCOVIN

Thanks.

He closes the link and goes back to work on the console.

IN GORDON CORRIDOR

Zellers works on an open electrical panel as Anton walks by.

ANTON

Hi Jack...

He stops, looks at the charred panel.

ANTON

That doesnt look good.

ZELLERS

The AE 35 panel, must have lit up

like a Christmas, just like thatBobby John character said it would.

(pauses)

So, who is this Bobby John anyway?

ANTON

I really dont know, Jack. But you

know Pascovin, hes...

7 7


78/97

ZELLERS

(interrupts)

Yeah, I know. Hes always got a trick

up his sleeve.

They LAUGH, and Anton continues on down the corridor.

IN ANOTHER GORDON CORRIDOR

Fourwinds stands at an open control panel, checking power

relays. She reaches in and SHAKES a loose wire. The wire SPARKS.

Fourwinds quickly pulls her hand away.

FOURWINDS

(mutters)

Damn, they shouldve used duct tape.

ON GORDON COMMAND BRIDGE

Pascovin works at the captains console, pushing a sequence of

buttons. A readout suddenly appears on a small monitor screen

next to the chair.

ON THE MONITOR -

Command Chair Escape Pod

...appears at the top of the screen with chair schematic while

below the schematic, and FLASHING, are the words:

Begin Sequence

BACK TO SCENE.

PASCOVIN

Hmph. Not standard issue with Volga

class battle cruisers.

He pauses, a SMILE CRAWLS across his face.

PASCOVIN

Vagorin, you devil you.

He pushes a series of buttons.

7 8


79/97

PASCOVIN

Computer, override command chair

escape pod codes. Establish new

sequence as follows...

ON GORDON OBSERVATION DECK

Pascovin stands looking out the bay window of a small

observation deck. A door HISSES open. Fourwinds enters.

Pascovin glances at her, and then turns his attention back to

space as she approaches.

FOURWINDS

We're underway for Europa at full speed.

PASCOVIN

Good.

A pause.

FOURWINDS

What are we going to do with the

Gordon's crew?

PASCOVIN

Let them go when its over.

He pauses, glances at Fourwinds, and SMILES.

PASCOVIN

You still think Im crazy?

FOURWINDS

For flying this ship against the

Calcutta, yes.

(pauses)

Alex...

PASCOVIN

(eyes on the view beyondthe window)

Yes?

FOURWINDS

Wheres Hayne?

Pascovin glances at her. A pause.

7 9


80/97

PASCOVIN

All right, Ill tell you about

Isaac Hayne.

BRING UP MUSIC PASCOVIN TALKING UNHEARD UNDER THE MUSIC TO

FOURWINDS.

SERIES OF SHOTS.

A) Misha jogging on a treadmill.

B) Karo, Vagorin, and the Gordon crew in a holding cell.

C) A bandaged Miller in her quarters, staring blankly, a knife

in one hand.

D) Martinez, Anton, and Irish playing poker in a dim cramped

quarters.

E) Zellers laying in his bunk, reading a book, turns a page.

F) In a shaded and covered stone walkway on Earth, a silhouette

of a man in a knee length coat walking away.

BACK TO SCENE.

FOURWINDS

I never wouldve known.

PASCOVIN

Neither does Imperial Earth, nor the crew.

Its in the records, but no one has ever

looked.

A pause.

FOURWINDS

You know that destroying the Calcutta will

be tantamount to a declaration of war.

PASCOVIN

(nods)

Yes, it will.

END OF ACT SIX

FADE TO BLACK

8 0


81/97

ACT SEVEN

FADE IN

EXT. VESTA JUMPING STATION

The Calcutta slowly arcs out of Vesta Jumping Station orbit.

INT. CALCUTTA

ON THE BRIDGE

Wells in the Captain's chair with Vernon and Vasachek standing

next to him. The four main station consoles fronting them are

manned.

DALINS (OF)

Youre clear of this station, Calcutta.

Captain Wells, good luck on your mission.

Wells opens a link.

WELLS

Thank you, Commander Dalins. Wells out.

He cuts the com link and turns to Vernon and Vasachek.

WELLS

Well, gentlemen, were now on the lastleg of our journey.

(to HELMSMAN)

Helmsman, ahead full.

CALCUTTA HELMSMAN

Ahead full.

Engages the engines.

WELLS

Navigator, lay in a course for theJupiter system.

CALCUTTA NAVIGATOR

Aye, sir.

8 1


82/97

Wells rises from the chair, stands next to Vernon and Vasachek.

WELLS

Our next stop is Europa.

INT. BATTLE FRIG

IN THE CONTROL ROOM

Anton sits in the captains chair, other rebels at their

stations in the control room.

ANTON

I hope your plan works.

INTERCUT ANDTON AND PASCOVIN

Anton in the Frigs control room, Pascovin in the Captians

Chair of the Gordon.

PASCOVIN

It will. But for safety reasons I

want you to pull away as soon as

possible.

ANTON

When they realize what you intend...

PASCOVIN(interrupts)

Itll be too late. I want my people

and my ship safe. Understood?

ANTON

(subdued)

Understood.

PASCOVIN

Just in case something does go wrong,

get the frig out of there. Do whateveryou need to do.

BACK TO SCENE.

Irish leans back and stares at a crescent Jupiter while other

rebels gather around Anton. He shakes his head as he closes the

com-link.

8 2


83/97

ANTON

Damn, hes stubborn.

IRISH

Were entering Jovian space. No

sign of the Calcutta.

ANTON

Keep your eyes and ears open.

INT. GORDON

IN THE CONTROL ROOM

with Pascovin in command chair.

PASCOVIN

(thinking aloud)

I know youre out there somewhere.

A bright star moves across the field of view toward Europa.

Pascovin SMILES.

PASCOVIN

(thinking aloud)

Welcome to Europa, gentlemen.

INT. BATTLE FRIG

IN THE CONTROL ROOM

IRISH

The Calcutta, she's out there! On

an intercept course for Europa.

The rebels glanced at the screen. Nothing but stars and the

Jovian system.

ANTON

Close enough for visual?

IRISH

Not yet.

FOURWINDS

(thinking aloud)

Well, this is it.

8 3


84/97

Anton opens a link to the Gordon.

ANTON

Alex, the Calcuttas on an intercept

course for Europa; you copy?

PASCOVIN (OF)

Acknowledged. Everyone on their

toes now. We know shes here, so

she certainly knows were here too.

ANTON

All right, people, lets be ready.

Sirce, tie all weapons systems into

computer targeting. Lock on coordinates

and wait for my order.

FOURWINDS

Righto.

Begins to key in instructions.

INT. CALCUTTA

ON THE BRIDGE

The Navigator stares at his console, and then glances back at

Wells.

CALCUTTA NAVIGATOR

Two ships, sir. Sector seven and bound

for Europa.

VASACHEK

The rebels.

Wells leans forward, eyes on the view screen.

WELLS

Undoubtedly.

INT. GORDON

IN THE CONTROL ROOM

Pascovin opens a link to the Gordons primary computer.

8 4


85/97

PASCOVIN

Computer, engage voice coding.

COMPUTER VOICE

Voice coding engaged.

PASCOVIN

Organization of Imperial Earth

authorization Shiva. Code 1114.

Engage Calcutta computer control

bypass link. Tie-in.

COMPUTER VOICE

Identification confirmed. Calcutta

computer control bypass link established.

Line open.

PASCOVIN

Stand by.

Pascovin stares at the screen as he lays in a course for the

heart of the Calcutta.

INT. CALCUTTA

ON THE BRIDGE

ON THE VIEW SCREEN one of the two ships alters course, turns

toward the Calcutta.

The Navigator glances back at Wells; the captain stares out the

bay windows.

CALCUTTA NAVIGATOR

Captain Wells...

(pauses, concern in his voice)

One of the rebel ships has changed course

and is heading straight for us.

VERNONWhat ship is that?! Who's commanding?

WELLS

Registry identification shows her as

the IES Gordon. Under the command of

Captain Robert Vagorin.

8 5


86/97

VERNON

(surprised)

Whats he doing with the rebels?

WELLS

(to com officer)

Open a channel.

CALCUTTA COM OFFICER

Channel open, sir.

WELLS

IES Gordon, this is Captain Wells of

the Imperial Earth Ship Calcutta, do

you read? I repeat, this is Captain

Wells of the IES Calcutta, do you read?

PASCOVIN (OF)

Welcome to Europa, gentlemen.

Wells, Vernon, and Vasachek exchange glances.

VERNON

(surprised)

Thats Alexander Pascovin. Hes OIE,

brought Agent Karo out here to

assassinate Isaac Hayne.

Vernon hurries to the Com Officers console and gestures to theman to reopen the channel. He does and nods to Vernon.

VERNON

(angrily)

Pascovin, what are you doing aboard

that ship? What about your mission?

Wheres Vagorin? Wheres Karo?

PASCOVIN (OF)

You ask a lot of questions, Dave.

VERNON

Pascovin, what...what are you talking

about?!

PASCOVIN (OF)

Shut up, Dave. You annoy me.

8 6


87/97

INT. BATTLE FRIG

IN THE CONTROL ROOM

The rebel crew listen in on the conversation.

ANTON

(chuckles)

He does tell it like it is. One

Of

colonies spec script

Documents