Date: 09 Dec 94 From: mark.koeberl@jadebbs.com BATTLESTARS Story by Mark Koeberl Registered with WGA-W Based on characters created by Glen Larson ACT ONE EXT LONG SHOT FLEET SPACE The fleet has found Earth and its solar system, but can not approach Earth. It is stationary, waiting beyond Mars, with possibly Saturn or Jupiter in view to give perspective. The camera pans forward, though the ships of the fleet remain indistinguishably small. TIGH (V.O.) (reverently) The journey which began 17 jarhen (beat) years, ago has finally ended. It was of necessity that we searched out Earth. Inset shots from earlier shows showing the destruction of the last battlestar fleet, the attack on the colonies, and Baltar conspiring with the Cylons fade in and out as Tigh speaks. TIGH (V.O.) We were deceived, (beat) betrayed, (beat) and almost destroyed. Our home worlds were at the mercy of a merciless conqueror. We could not stay, as it would have meant our own destruction. The camera is still panning slowly in on the fleet, though the ships remain small. Inset shot end for the moment. CASSIOPEIA (V.O.) (beat, beat) We had to flee, and we were forced to use whatever ships we could. Inset shots of various ships of the fleet forming, followed by scenes of Cylon Raiders attacking the Galactica and the fleet, fade in and out. CASSIOPEIA (V.O.) It was not our intent to fight or seek revenge, but our enemies pressed their attacks. Inset shots of Colonial Vipers and pilots attacking Cylon Riders fade in and out. CASSIOPEIA (V.O.) We escaped destruction, and continued to look for what seemed our only hope, to find our brothers on Earth. Camera pans closer to the fleet, though it is still distant. BOOMER (V.O.) (beat, beat) We found signs of the lost tribe, and our hopes were high that our flight would soon be over. Inset shots of dealings with Terra fade in and out. BOOMER (V.O.) (beat) These hopes proved too optimistic. Inset shot of poor living conditions and crowdedness on ships in the fleet. Shots fade in and out. BOOMER (V.O.) We tried to save as many people as we could, expecting a voyage that would last at most a jahren, (beat) year or two. We never thought it would take 17. The overcrowding of ships, and the strain it caused on our limited resources was overwhelming. Diseases would periodically break out among the crowded ships. The last outbreak claimed our Commander and inspiration, Adama. Fade into and out of a shot of Adama. BOOMER (V.O.) (beat) His death came just prior to reaching the solar system of the thirteenth tribe. Camera pans closer to the fleet. The Galactica becomes apparent, though it is still small. SHEBA (V.O.) (beat, beat) The hardships were great, but it is in the hardest trials of life that the true temper of the human spirit shows its strength. Inset shots of new weapons and experimental Vipers and their deployment fade in and out. SHEBA (V.O.) We added more laser turrets to not only the Galactica, but to many of the other ships of the fleet. We developed a small version of the Ravishol pulsar canon, a weapon that nearly destroyed the fleet. We have also experimented on improvement to our Viper fighters, which, when complete, would make them faster and more powerful than before. Camera pans closer to the fleet, with even more ships starting to take form. STARBUCK (V.O.) (beat) We continued to prepare for war for a number of reasons. We had discovered old communication signals from Earth (beat) years, ago. Inset shots of t.v. programs and clips, including moon shot footage. Shots fade in and out, familiar shot at first, somewhat futuristic ones near the end. STARBUCK (V.O.) We knew that if we could detect them then the Cylons could too. We also knew the Cylons were not the type to just forget about us and let us go on our way. It took many years of examination, but we eventually came to understand the communications of our brothers on Earth. We learned a great deal about their culture, their language, and their sciences. (beat) (heavily) We also learned that they could offer us no refuge from the Cylons, or help in fighting against the Cylons. Camera pan continues to move in on the fleet. APOLLO (V.O.) (beat) Only the Cylon attack and destruction of our colonies could match in depth and degree the despair and depression felt when we learned that our brothers could not help us. There was no turning back, and there seemed to be no future. But we had come too far to just sit idly by and wait for the Cylons come and finish us. We wanted to contact our brothers on Earth, to warn them of the dangers ahead, and possibly help them advance to the point where they could meet and withstand a Cylon attack, but we disagreed on the best means of achieving this. In the meantime, we decided to establish bases on the fourth planet in the solar system, a planet called Mars by our brothers. We hoped to create structures to alleviate the crowding on our ships, and to use these bases to support extra Viper squadrons. We did not know the appropriateness of the name of planet Mars. The Galactica is much closer now. ROLL credits, ending with a FULL SHOT of the Galactica. (EXT SPACE PASSING SHIP) The shot on the Galactica is interrupted by a passing Viper. (EXT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER - TRAVELING) A newly designed Viper, with a more powerful look, continues its test flight. (INT CLOSE SHOT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck is at the controls. His face is a mischievous mix of awe and pleasure. APOLLO (COMM VOICE) Starbuck. Starbuck! Slow that Viper down. STARBUCK Apollo, we aren't testing a new shuttle craft here. INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING APOLLO I know it's a new Viper, but you're pushing it too far. STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) But Apollo, if you knew how this baby handled... APOLLO I know you're handling it on the edge of its performance envelope. We need to work out the problems with fuel control before we go to battle tests. (INT CLOSE SHOT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck looks down. (INT INSERT SHOT FUEL GAUGES) Gauges show fuel cells at one quarter of capacity. (INT CLOSE SHOT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK It certainly burns fuel. But any ship that moves like this is bound to work up a thirst. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo looks down. (INT INSERT SHOT FUEL GAUGES) Fuel cells are at about three-quarters full (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO What are you reading for fuel? Are you still over fifty percent? (INT CLOSE SHOT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck tries to stretch the truth. STARBUCK Well... I've used a little more than that. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) But when something flies as well as this, you have to pay for the luxury. APOLLO You know as well as I do that we don't have the luxury of refueling whenever we want during battle. (INT CLOSE SHOT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck rolls his eyes and nods, but doesn't tell Apollo that Apollo is right. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Bring the craft back to the Galactica. We can only hope the technical crew can work out the problem. (INT CLOSE SHOT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Ah, think I could run it for just a few more... APOLLO (COMM VOICE) (stepping on Starbuck's words) No! Land that Viper now! STARBUCK (acquiescing) Had to ask. (smiles) (EXT EXPERIMENTAL VIPER - TRAVELING) The Viper turns to head back to the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT FREIGHTER ASTRADON BADJER) Badjer is next to an old woman who looks to be ill. He is trying to help her. BADJER Faihla, have you been taking your ration supplements? FAIHLA (hesitant) Yes, but they give us so little. It's not enough. BADJER Your hemo-readouts should be better than they are if you're getting your nutrients. I'll talk to medical officer and try to increase your supplements ration. Faihla slowly looks happy, but then seems to slip into a slight depression. A younger woman, Amaranth, is watching the exchange. FAIHLA Thank you, Badjer. Thank you. BADJER I'll do what I can. Badjer collects his instruments and walks down the crowded hall. People seem to be everywhere. Amaranth waits a moment and the follows Badjer. He walks a distance before Amaranth catches up to him. AMARANTH She lied to you. Badjer is confused, not knowing what she is talking about. BADJER Excuse me? AMARANTH Faihla lied to you. She never ate all of her rations. BADJER She said they didn't give her enough. AMARANTH Oh, they give us enough, just barely. The problem is we don't get to eat them ourselves. Badger stops walking and looks at the girl. BADJER What are you talking about? AMARANTH (beat) It's Raizor, and his troop. Badjer looks puzzled. AMARANTH Young robbers. They are preying on the old and the weak, taking most of their rations. BADJER Why don't you stop them. AMARANTH For someone who wants to be a healer, you're not very smart. BADJER (displeased) I don't have time for this. He turns to leave, but she grabs his arm. AMARANTH The strong only get stronger. How can the old and weak protect themselves? Amaranth wins the point. Badjer tries to offer help. BADJER I'm going to speak to the medical officer. I can explain the situation to ship security too. AMARANTH (skeptical) It might work, (beat) if you can keep a warrior score here just to feed us. They look at each other for a moment, and then she turns and walks away. After a moment, he turns and walks off too. (EXT FULL SHOT GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT FULL SHOT GALACTICA BRIDGE TIGH) Tigh is talking to Omega as Starbuck and Apollo enter the bridge. TIGH Get those orders to the fabrication ship. (to Starbuck and Apollo) (beat) What do you have to report on the experimental Viper. STARBUCK Hmmm, it flies like a charm, Commander. No regular Viper can come close to keeping up with her. Tigh shifts his glance to Apollo. APOLLO That's true, Commander. As long as it has fuel, the experimental Viper can't be touched. TIGH As long as it has fuel, Colonel? APOLLO That's right, sir. TIGH Which means its consumption rate is still unacceptable. STARBUCK It is a little high but look at it as the price to be paid for performance. TIGH That price also includes the life of any pilot who runs out of fuel during battle. Neither Apollo nor Starbuck challenge Tigh's conclusion. TIGH (sigh) It may be for the best that the new Viper has technical problems. The Council has ordered a suspension to the construction of new weapons systems, and directed that we focus all of our energy to constructing biospheres on Mars into which we can re-locate our people. APOLLO We can't just neglect our defenses. TIGH Our defenses have received a great deal of attention during our journey here. What has been neglected are the conditions that our people have had to live in. Again, neither Apollo nor Starbuck argue Tigh's point. TIGH (beat) I have not forgotten the value and need for a strong military capability, but we may not have a people or culture to defend unless we can change the conditions on those ships. STARBUCK It was never the good life on any of those ships. TIGH It has become even worse now that people know there's little choice but to stay in those conditions. Social structures seem to be disappearing. APOLLO Can't we assign more warriors to assist ship security forces. TIGH (stern) No, we can't. The requests for assistance that the Council has received would empty two battlestars of their warriors. (beat) We must remember that defense is not the only concern warriors must have for those they defend. I agree with the Council in this matter. Starbuck and Apollo exchange looks, knowing Tigh is right. (EXT SPACE TWO VIPERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER Jolly, you still awake? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - TRAVELING) JOLLY For now, Boomer. You know staying awake is the hardest thing about these deep-space patrols. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) I thought fighting off boredom when you weren't sleepy was the hardest thing. JOLLY That's a very close second, sir. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER Well, either sleep or boredom can be deadly out here, Jolly. Mistakes don't need to be big ones to keep you from never seeing the fleet again. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - TRAVELING) JOLLY Roger that. (EXT FULL SHOT SPACE FREIGHTER ASTRADON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT HALL BADJER) Badjer is walking done a corridor, carrying his med-kit, which is about the size of a small suitcase. As he walks into an area that intersects another corridor, Amaranth collides with him. They both fall, but Amaranth quickly jumps back to her feet. AMARANTH Out of my way! She takes only a few steps when pursuing boys catch up to her and grab her. Badjer watches, confused. BADJER What's going on? AMARANTH Stop them! Stop them! Just then another boy enters the scene. He looks confident and cold. He is Raizor, the head of the gang. There are four boys, all told. BADJER (to Raizor) Who are you? Tell them to let her go. RAIZOR (beat) (cocky) First, I can't ask them to let her go. I told them to stop her. Our business with her is not finished (beat) yet. (beat) Second, I am Raizor, squire med-tech. You have a name? Badjer looks at Amaranth, who seems defeated. Badjer begins to understand the gravity. BADJER You're the dagget that has been terrorizing these people. Stealing their rations. RAIZOR (beat) Did you forget that you're a med-tech? You almost sounded like a (cheesy smile) warrior. (beat) The people donate a portion of their rations to us. The wench her is going to make an even more generous donation. The fire returns to Amaranth's eyes. She glares defiantly at Raizor. AMARANTH I'd rather die first! RAIZOR Death, if is to be part of the equation, would be near the end of equation, not the start. Badjer's courage and anger rise. He tries to intervene. BADJER No! Let her go. (beat) And leave her alone. Raizor eyes Badjer, sizing him up. RAIZOR Again, the med-tech makes noises like a warrior. Are you a man whose actions live up to your words. Badjer doesn't reply. Raizor smiles and moves, as if to turn away. He suddenly moves back to strike Badjer. Badjer anticipates the move, and his med-kit to catch Raizor's blow. Raizor nearly breaks his hand, and steps back, pained and surprised. His three underlings are also surprised. Badjer quickly speaks in a friendly voice. BADJER Oh, that is a bad injury. As a med-tech, I suggest laying down and resting. Badjer then delivers a serious kick to Raizor groin. Raizor melts to the floor. BADJER Anyone else need medical advice? Amaranth and the three boys seem shocked by the events. Then Amaranth collects her thoughts. She mule kicks the shin of the boy holding her right arm, breaking slightly free of him. The boy on the left moves to grab her more securely, but she head buts him, and the knees him, allowing her to be free from both grasps. The third boy moves towards her, but Badjer catches him in the back of the head with the med-kit. Amaranth begins to flee down a corridor. She yells at Badjer. AMARANTH Move it! Let's get out of here. BADJER To where? AMARANTH Follow me! Now! Badjer looks at the boys, who are slowly getting to their feet. He turns and follows Amaranth. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - TRAVELING) Jolly looks down at the instrument panel. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) The scanner shows a brief spike. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - TRAVELING) JOLLY Boomer, my scanners just picked something up. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) Mine too. I read it as an "L-band" emission. JOLLY L-band emissions don't occur naturally at that amplitude. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER That's right, Lieutenant. Someone out there is running scanning pulses in this direction. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - TRAVELING) JOLLY (in a loud whisper) Cylons?! (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER That would be a good guess. JOLLY (COMM VOICE) Should we begin scanning for them? BOOMER Negative. We inform the Galactica, so they have an idea of what's happening here in case we get too busy to talk. Unless they order otherwise, we wait here and hope the Cylons show themselves to us. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - TRAVELING) JOLLY There's a lot of space out there, Captain. What makes you think we're in a good position to see them without scanners. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER Because, Lieutenant, we're just a short way off the flight path that our fleet followed into this system. If the Cylons have followed us and are now following Earth transmissions, there going to pass close to here. We'll just let their scanning pulses tell us where they're at. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - TRAVELING) JOLLY And when their scanning pulses start to get too strong, we move out of the way, then get behind them and warn the fleet. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER And few place are safer than behind your enemy. I like the way you think. (EXT SPACE VIPER PATROL - TRAVELING) The Vipers use a short burst from their thrusters to position themselves. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) Patrol to Galactica. We have a possible contact. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE OMEGA) Omega is at his station, Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck are talking a short distance away. Omega interrupts them. OMEGA Sirs, message from our deep-space patrol. Captain Boomer reports discovering an L-band emission from outside this system. APOLLO Cylon scanners. TIGH What response has the patrol taken. OMEGA They have gone silent, and are hoping to get more hits on the L-band emissions. TIGH Good. No reason to let the Cylons know we're out there looking for them. Order Captain Boomer to continue as is and keep us informed. OMEGA Yes sir. Tigh moves Starbuck and Apollo off to one side and confers with them. TIGH Your thoughts, gentlemen? APOLLO Boomer hasn't made a hard contact yet, so it may be a false alarm. STARBUCK We haven't made it this far gambling that the Cylons aren't still out there. TIGH They're out there, all right. We just need to know where, and how close. APOLLO And how many. STARBUCK Well, if the deep-space patrols haven't spotted them, we still have a little time. APOLLO But we have to use that time wisely. I recommend we bring the Galactica up to alert condition yellow. We need to make sure all our warriors are close to their Vipers. TIGH Agreed. Gather the pilots and inform them of the situation. Starbuck and Apollo nod, and then turn and go to inform the pilots. (EXT FULL SHOT SPACE FREIGHTER ASTRADON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CORRIDOR RAIZOR) Raizor is upset. There are several other boys around him that are apprehensive. They have not been able to find Badjer and Amaranth RAIZOR Fools! Idiots! They could not have left this freighter. Now find them, or you'll be the ones who will suffer. Go! The boys scurry in different directions, and Raizor follows with a slight limp. The camera pans back, and then pans forward again, centering on some ducts near the holds ceiling. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE AMARANTH) Amaranth and Badjer have been watching through grille work in the air ducts. BADJER (beat) You know, we can't hide from them for ever. AMARANTH (casual) Well, you'll just have to talk to ship security then, won't you? BADJER (beat) I already did. Seems that there's nothing they can do. AMARANTH Are you surprised? BADJER Well, (beat) yes. AMARANTH (exasperated) You're so naive! I can't believe you helped me escape from them. BADJER It was the right thing to do! (beat) I just don't know what the right thing is to do now. AMARANTH (beat) Examine your options, med-tech. That is what they taught us warrior candidates. BADJER You want to be a warrior? AMARANTH Yes. (beat) But I failed to make the final cut. It was supposed to be my way out of here, but all the candidates from this ship had friends aboard the Galactica, or were able to bribe the examination board. BADJER It doesn't work that way... AMARANTH Yes it does! I finished first in over half of the placement tests candidates had to take, but that wasn't good enough? BADJER (beat) I'm sorry. AMARANTH Don't be sorry. It's just the way things are... The way they've become. Look at them as hurdles that must be overcome. BADJER So how do you plan to overcome these hurdles? AMARANTH (beat) I have a plan. Follow me. Amaranth begins to crawl down the duct works, and Badjer follows. (EXT AERIAL SHOT MARS BASE DAY (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CONTROL CENTER MARS BASE COMM OFFICER) The communications officer is listening to his head phones. COMM OFFICER Understood. He gets up and looks around. He sees Captain Sheba talking with other warriors. He gets up and walks over to her. COMM OFFICER Captain Sheba, urgent message from the Galactica. You are to return to the Galactica with all elements of your squadron at once. SHEBA Tell the Galactica that I need just a few more hours to prepare the base for use. COMM OFFICER Ma'am, the Galactica has gone to yellow alert. SHEBA (surprised) Why have they gone to alert status? COMM OFFICER I wasn't told. They said all ship based pilots and Vipers were to return at once. SHEBA I understand. (to other officers) You know what still has to be done to get this base operational. Do so quickly. We may not have much time. Bojay, you're with me. Let's get to work. Sheba and Bojay turn and leave. The base officers disperse too. (EXT SPACE VIPER PATROL - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - STATIONARY) Boomer looks down at his instruments. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) The scanner spikes again, stronger than before. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - STATIONARY) BOOMER You read that, Jolly. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - STATIONARY) JOLLY L-band, stronger than before. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - STATIONARY) BOOMER Stay awake, I think we have company coming. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY - STATIONARY) JOLLY I'm not sleepy or bored, Boomer. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - STATIONARY) BOOMER I didn't think you would be. (EXT SPACE VIPER PATROL - STATIONARY) BOOMER (COMM VOICE) Patrol to Galactica. (EXT SPACE VIPERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA) SHEBA Blue squadron leader to Galactica, two requesting permission to land. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE RIGEL) RIGEL Blue squadron leader, permission to land granted, landing bay alpha. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA) Sheba concentrates on her approach. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA LANDING BAY (P.O.V. SHEBA) (OPTICAL)) (INT LONG SHOT LANDING BAY VIPERS (OPTICAL)) The first Viper is landing, with the second just approaching the bay. (INT LONG SHOT VIPER SHEBA) The canopy of Sheba's Viper is up, and she is getting out of the craft. Apollo and Starbuck are just stepping off of the turbo-lift. They walk up to Sheba. SHEBA Why is the fleet on alert? Bojay joins the group. STARBUCK Not the whole fleet, just the Galactica. APOLLO Commander Tigh is going to brief all Viper pilots in the ready room. BOJAY If we're invited to a party, I say, 'let's go'. They all turn and head for the turbo-lift. (EXT FULL SHOT SPACE FREIGHTER ASTRADON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE AMARANTH) Amaranth and Badger are still crawling through the ducts. She is holding up better than he is. Fatigued, Badjer stops. BADJER Wait. (beat) Hey, stop for a moment. Amaranth stops and looks back at him. She turns forward, wanting to continue, but hesitates. She turns and crawls toward Badjer. AMARANTH We can't stop long. BADJER Where are we going to? AMARANTH (beat) The docking bay. BADJER (puzzled) Why there? AMARANTH (slight irritation) We have to get off this ship. Shuttles are the only way. BADJER Are you talking about stowing away? AMARANTH That or we could just steal one. BADJER That's crazy! AMARANTH Staying on this ship would not be a sane move. BADJER We'll end up on the prison barge! AMARANTH We're already on a prison barge! The only difference is we'd live longer on the real prison barge than this one! The arguments stops for a moment. Badjer silently concedes the point to Amaranth. She seems embarrassed for yelling, but only for a second. AMARANTH Let's keep moving. BADJER (beat) OK. She just starts to move when Badjer speaks again. BADJER How do you know how to get to the docking bay. AMARANTH I use to play in these ducts as a child. (beat) (quietly) I've planning this escape since I was a little girl. Life here has never been easy or fun. They look at each other for a moment. Amaranth breaks the stare and continues to crawl on. Badjer follows. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT FULL SHOT READY ROOM TIGH) Tigh is at the front of the room, waiting. Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba and Bojay enter the room. Sheba and Bojay take seats, while Apollo and Starbuck stand off to Tigh's side. TIGH (beat) Pilots, as you know, the Galactica is on yellow alert. A deep space patrol commanded by Captain Boomer has picked up some unusual signals, which they assume to be Cylon. The pilots exchange looks of surprise, and disappointment. SHEBA Are they searching for the source of those signals? TIGH Not directly. Boomer and Jolly are waiting near the asteroid belt just outside the solar system. The signals seem to on the same path that we followed into system. They hope to make visual contact with the Cylons, while avoiding detection by the Cylons. BOJAY There's a lot of space out there Commander. Isn't a visual contact a big gamble? TIGH There is a good reason for doing it this way, and the gamble is only a small one. They will be able to tell if the source of those signals get past them and are approaching the Galactica. Now listen carefully. If it is a Cylon patrol, this is what we want you to do... (EXT SPACE VIPER PATROL - STATIONARY (OPTICAL)) The Vipers have increased the area they can watch by separating. They are motionless, hiding near debris that makes up the asteroid belt. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER) BOOMER Jolly, you still awake? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY) JOLLY I'm awake, Boomer. Where are those Cylons we keep looking for? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER) BOOMER Oh, they're out there, all right. They keep scanning just long enough make sure no one's approaching them, and they're hoping no one is watching for their signal. They won't be looking for Vipers just sitting out in the middle... JOLLY (COMM VOICE) (urgent, interrupting Boomer) Boomer! Boomer! I think I see something. BOOMER Describe it, Jolly. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER JOLLY) Jolly looks anxious, peering out into space. (EXT LONG SHOT SPACE (P.O.V. JOLLY)) In the distance a small group of stars seems to be blinking and moving. JOLLY (V.O.) It looks like a small group of stars, except they're moving. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER) JOLLY (COMM VOICE) I can't be sure, but I think there must be about a dozen of them. Must be sunlight reflecting off their hulls. BOOMER (beat) Cylons were always fools for shiny metal. Good work, Jolly. Time to let the Galactica know they'll have guests to entertain. (EXT FULL SHOT SPACE FREIGHTER ASTRADON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE AMARANTH) Amaranth is crawling through the ducts with Badjer not far behind. She comes to some grille work, looks through it, and moves into a sitting position. Badjer moves up to her position and looks through the grille work too. (INT FULL SHOT DOCKING BAY SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)) Looking down, a shuttle craft can be seen, with people moving supplies out of it. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE BADJER) Badjer looks puzzled. BADJER Is this it? AMARANTH Yes, this is the docking bay. BADJER So now what? AMARANTH We wait for our chance to get into it. BADJER (confused) Get into it? how do we get down to it. AMARANTH Through here. (pointing to the grille) We'll jump down. BADJER (moan) AMARANTH It will work! You can jump. Can't you? BADJER The jumping part will work. We are certainly high enough up to make it one hell of a jump. It's the rest of this plan that's lost touch with reality. AMARANTH Reality is back that way wanting to do medical experiments on you. Badjer sighs. These actions, though stupid, are the best choice. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT READY ROOM TIGH) Tigh is just entering the ready room. All the pilots are still there, just waiting. TIGH We have just received a report that Cylons are entering the system. A patrol in force of a dozen Raiders. Blue squadron will engage them as planned, all other squadrons will remain battle ready. (beat) Take no unnecessary risks. You launch in ten minutes. Dismissed. All the pilots stand up and exit. Apollo is watching Sheba closely. Apollo exchanges a look with Starbuck. APOLLO I'll be right back. Apollo leaves, going after Sheba. Tigh and Starbuck exchange looks, and Starbuck gives his head a small shake and smiles. (INT MEDIUM SHOT TURBO-LIFT SHEBA) Sheba steps on to the turbo-lift with several other warriors. At the last second Apollo steps on to turbo-lift himself. Sheba seems surprised that he is going down to the launch bays, and Apollo looks uncomfortable. SHEBA Do you want to go the launch bays, Apollo? APOLLO Ah, yes. (beat) Tigh just wanted me to visually inspect the Vipers prior to launch. Apollo's answer was not given firmly, and as the turbo-lift goes down, Sheba suspects that there is something he isn't saying. She doesn't pry. She is enjoying his uneasiness. (INT MEDIUM SHOT LAUNCH BAY APOLLO) The Turbo lift reaches the launch bay and the warriors head to their Vipers. Apollo stops Sheba and allows the other warriors to pass before speaking to her at length. APOLLO Captain Sheba, just a moment. Sheba is still enjoying Apollo's discomfort, and doesn't make it easier for him. SHEBA Yes, Colonel Apollo? APOLLO (beat) Sheba, (beat beat) I just wanted to say, (beat) for some time, (beat) I... SHEBA (beat) (teasingly) Want to check my Viper? APOLLO No! That's not what I want to say. SHEBA Apollo, just say what you want to say. APOLLO Sheba, (beat) be careful out there. SHEBA (surprised, disappointed) Be careful? That's what you wanted to tell me? APOLLO Well... SHEBA I have not forgotten how to fly or fight. I am the... APOLLO No no no! Sheba! It's not that. It's just, well, something that I should have said jahrens ago. SHEBA Years, Colonel. We are to use the measures of the 13th tribe, to make our eventual contact with them go without misunderstandings or confusion. APOLLO I know, but I don't care about that. I care about you. I, (beat) I'm afraid of losing you now. I love you. SHEBA Apollo, now is not a good time. APOLLO There has never been a good time. There have always been problems, crises, and needs that could not be ignored. We've made it farther than anyone thought we had a chance to, except for my father. (beat) To get this far has had a terrible cost, and I've lost almost everyone I love to get here. I don't want to lose you. SHEBA I've lost many that I love too. We all have. But we came here so we wouldn't lose everything. We haven't come this far for nothing. (beat) Most of our labors are behind us. (beat) We only have a couple more things to finish up, and then our lives will be our own again. APOLLO (beat) I wanted to make sure you knew. SHEBA (beat) OK. But I'll want to hear this, and more, again later, when our work is done. APOLLO (beat) Promised. SHEBA (beat) (small smile) You know, Colonel, a girl has to be leery if it takes a boy 17 years to make his feelings known. APOLLO I did approached you in the past, but each time I did it seemed like you knew, and you got distant... cold. Sheba has a slight pained look. SHEBA (beat) Finding Earth has always been our goal. Earth is where it all was to end. I don't want it to end here Apollo. My dream has been to go back. To find out... to know for sure what happened to my father. I don't believe he's dead. APOLLO If anyone could cheat death and escape the Cylons, Cain could. SHEBA That's right. But if I became too involved here, I could never go back. APOLLO Sheba... SHEBA No! No Apollo. You did everything right. I didn't want to lose myself here. (beat) I love you too. They stand silent, looking at each other for a moment. Apollo moves forward, as if to embrace or kiss Sheba, but she pulls back at the last moment. The magic fades as the needs of the moment come back to focus. SHEBA I have a mission to perform. APOLLO I need to get back to the bridge. The step back and slowly move away from each other. The mood seems ominous. (EXT FULL SHOT SPACE FREIGHTER ASTRADON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE AMARANTH) Amaranth and Badger are still waiting for a chance to escape. (INT FULL SHOT DOCKING BAY SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)) Boxes are still being unloaded from the shuttle. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE AMARANTH) BADJER People are still down there? AMARANTH I've never seen them this busy. BADJER (beat beat) What's your name? AMARANTH (smile) I was wondering if you were ever going to ask. (beat) Amaranth. BADJER Pretty name. AMARANTH Thanks. They fall into an awkward silence. Awkward more for Badjer than Amaranth. BADJER Isn't that the name for a flower from Kobol? Amaranth is about to speak but she stops. She tilts her head as if listening to something. BADJER I said isn't that the name... AMARANTH (hushed, strong) Quiet! Distant noises of Raizor's troop moving through the dust works can be heard. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE OMEGA) Omega is looking down at a scanner in front of him. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) A dozen triangular shapes are on the top edge of the scanner. They are descending down toward the center of the screen. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE OMEGA) OMEGA (to Tigh) Sir, scanners show a group of ships approaching the Galactica. TIGH Cylon? OMEGA Yes. Battle computer identifies them as Raiders. TIGH What is the status of Blue Leader's flight? Apollo, who is standing near by, remains silent, yet attentive. OMEGA Her flight path will avoid contact with the Raiders. TIGH Good. Order the rest of Blue Squadron to launch and engage the Cylons. OMEGA Yes sir. (into microphone) Launch Blue Squadron. (INT MEDIUM SHOT LAUNCH CONTROL RIGEL) RIGEL Launch control to Blue Squadron Vipers, you are cleared to launch. (INT FULL SHOT LAUNCH BAYS (OPTICAL)) All Vipers are standing by to launch. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOJAY) BOJAY Blue Squadron is launching. (MULTIPLE SHOTS VIPERS LAUNCHING (OPTICAL)) Squadron launches. Shots include close ups of pilots, Vipers accelerating down launch tubes, inserts of thruster buttons being engaged, and exterior shots of Vipers entering space. (EXT SPACE BLUE SQUADRON - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The Vipers of the Blue Squadron are flying in formation to meet the Cylons. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE STARBUCK) Starbuck is standing near Tigh and Apollo, watching how the launch is progressing. Cassiopeia enters and calls to him. CASSIOPEIA Starbuck! Starbuck, is it true? The Cylons have found us. Starbuck moves away from Tigh and Apollo to talk to Cassiopeia. STARBUCK Yes, but we aren't in immediate danger. We knew they were coming and we're ready for them. CASSIOPEIA You're ready for them? Since when do battles go as planned? STARBUCK Cassi, it's only a small patrol. We aren't in any real danger. CASSIOPEIA You know as well as I do that the Cylons wouldn't be here with only a small patrol. And battles always have casualties. STARBUCK We don't what the Cylons have out there, but we're going to find out. And the pilots are ready for this. They couldn't be better trained. Cassiopeia just looks at Starbuck, slightly upset because she knows pilots will always be hurt, no matter how well they're trained. OMEGA Blue Squadron away, and on an intercept vector with the Cylons. TIGH Bring the Galactica to red alert. OMEGA Bring the fleet to alert too? TIGH No. The Cylons shouldn't approach the civilian ships. (INSERT SHOT ALERT BUTTON) The alarm button is pushed. (INT FULL SHOT BRIDGE ALERT (OPTICAL)) The lights change to red, and personnel run to man their battle stations. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE CASSIOPEIA) A look of dread comes over Cassiopeia. She does not like the alert. CASSIOPEIA Excuse me. I'm going to be needed in the infirmary. She turns and leaves. He wants to say something to ease her anger, but he knows there's nothing that can be said. (EXT SPACE CYLON PATROL (OPTICAL)) A dozen or more Cylon Raiders are flying in formation. (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CREW) Three Cylons are at the controls CYLON ONE A battlestar and the colonial fleet have been detected. CYLON COMMANDER Is the battlestar the Galactica? CYLON ONE Affirmative. All human ships are holding position near the fourth planet of this solar system. The Galactica is moving forward to meet our patrol. Colonial Vipers have been launched. CYLON COMMANDER Communication signals have been from the third planet, not the fourth planet. Order half of the patrol to examine the third planet. The other half is to examine the colonial fleet. CYLON TWO By your command. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE OMEGA) OMEGA (to Tigh) Sir, the Cylon patrol is altering course. TIGH Where are the heading. OMEGA They have split into two flights. One is heading towards the fleet, the other appears to be going towards Earth. TIGH Launch all squadrons to intercept. APOLLO What are they up to? STARBUCK They're looking for something, but it's not the Galactica. APOLLO They want to know how strong we are before they attack. STARBUCK Ah, Commander, it might be time to bring the fleet to alert. TIGH (to Omega) Warn the fleet of the attack. (EXT FULL SHOT SPACE FREIGHTER ASTRADON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE AMARANTH) The sound of the following boys in getting louder. Amaranth and Badjer look through the grille work again to see if they can make their run for the shuttle. (INT FULL SHOT DOCKING BAY SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)) The workers are still unloading the shuttle. They have just lifted a very large and heavy box that requires all of them to move it. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CRAWL SPACE PURSUERS) The first of three boys is able to peer down the crawl space where Amaranth and Badjer have stopped. He sees them. BOY They're here! They're here! Badjer and Amaranth look at each other and know they have to try now. They put their feet up and kick out the grille work. They then move to jump through the opening. The pursuing boys are not far away from them. (INT FULL SHOT DOCKING BAY AMARANTH) Amaranth and Badjer land on the floor, but are quickly up on there feet and running to the shuttle. One of the workers sees them as they get near the shuttle and yells. WORKER Hey! Hey you! Stop. The first of the pursuing boys falls to the floor. One of the workers lets go of the crate, and the other three workers struggle to let their load fall. The battle klaxon begins to ring, to add to the confusion. Amaranth is the first into the shuttle. Badjer closes the door behind himself and just ahead of the pursuing worker. The other workers are struggling with the three boys from Raizor's troop. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) Amaranth is at the controls. Badjer approaches from the back and gets into the copilots seat. BADJER I think we're safe. AMARANTH Not until we're off this ship. (EXT SPACE FLEET (OPTICAL)) Among the ships of the fleet Cylon Raiders and Colonial Vipers are chasing each other and firing randomly. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE GALACTICA TIGH) OMEGA Green and Yellow Squadrons are in pursuit of earthbound Cylons. Red and Blue are engaging the Raiders that flew into the fleet. TIGH This is unlike any attack tactic that the Cylons have tried in the past. APOLLO I think Starbuck was right. I think they're probing us to see if we have been reinforced in anyway by Earth. TIGH But by this time they must have examined the communication signals from Earth as we have. It's obvious Earth's technology is not a serious threat. STARBUCK Maybe the Cylons suspect it was a deception to lure them in. Tigh and Apollo exchange looks. They nod in agreement. STARBUCK Too bad years ago we didn't send bogus Earth signals back at the Cylons showing a fleet of a hundred battlestars. Maybe we could have scared them away for a while. APOLLO Starbuck, why didn't you come up with that idea earlier? STARBUCK Guess I'm just at my best under pressure. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) Amaranth adjust some of the controls, grabs the joy stick, leans back into the seat, and looks over at Badjer. AMARANTH Hold on. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) A woman's hand on a joystick is shown pressing a thruster button. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) Badjer and Amaranth appeared to be pushed back into their seats due to thrust. (EXT FULL SHOT SPACE ASTRADON) The shuttle is seen flying clear of the freighter. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) Amaranth and Badjer are still flying the shuttle away from the Astradon. The fly a bit further before they feel comfortable about their escape. After a moment, they laugh to release nervous tension. AMARANTH So, we have a couple choices here. What sounds better; Earth or the prison barge? Badjer looks as if he wants to speak, but says nothing. Amaranth is not sure if he heard her. AMARANTH Did you hear what I said? This does not require any thought. BADJER Amaranth, what's that? AMARANTH What's what? BADJER That there. (pointing ahead) (EXT SPACE FLEET BATTLE (OPTICAL) (P.O.V. BADJER)) Ahead, among other ships in the fleet, the running fight between the Vipers and the Raiders can be seen. It is moving towards the shuttle. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) She seems stunned for a moment, and then she moves the controls of the shuttle ostensibly. She is attempting to avoid the fight. BADJER (beat beat) What's going on here? AMARANTH Cylon attack. Just hold on. Amaranth continues to control the ship away from the fight. (EXT SPACE RAIDER(OPTICAL)) The Raider is trying to elude a pursuing Viper. Near misses from Viper's laser lace themselves around the Raider, all missing the target. (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CREW) CYLON ONE All these ships originated from their lost colonies. Report that to the basestars. Target fire to the human ships. (EXT SPACE SHUTTLE (OPTICAL) (P.O.V. CYLONS)) The shuttle is the ship closest and most directly in front of the Raider. It seems larger than the surrounding freighters. (INT CLOSE SHOT RAIDER CYLON THREE) CYLON THREE By your command. (INSERT SHOT CYLON HAND CONTROLS) The Cylon fires the Raider's lasers. (EXT FULL SHOT RAIDER AND SHUTTLE) The blast from the Raider hits near the rear of the shuttle. Blasts from the pursuing Viper cause the Raider to veer away from the shuttle. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) AMARANTH We've been hit! (INSERT SHOT JUNCTION BOX) A junction box in the rear of the shuttle has sparks and smoke seeping out of it. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE BADJER) BADJER Is it bad? AMARANTH It could always be worse. BADJER What sort of answer is that? AMARANTH It's an answer that shouldn't amplify your fears. BADJER Your answer didn't work. AMARANTH I've lost directional thrusters. (beat) Take the controls. BADJER What should I do with them? AMARANTH You can't do anything with them. That's why I trust you with them. BADJER What are you going to do? AMARANTH I'm going to try to fix them. BADJER Can you do that? AMARANTH Shut up with the questions already! Badjer stays seated at the copilot position while Amaranth gets up and moves to the back of the shuttle. BADJER (to himself) I don't like how she answers questions. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH (to Starbuck and Apollo) The Cylons are not withdrawing. APOLLO We can't carry through with the original plan. TIGH We have to find out how many basestars the Cylons have. APOLLO Searching them out without using the retreating Cylons would expose any pilot to too great a risk. TIGH Every pilot aloft is at risk! APOLLO Sir, I just want to say... Starbuck steps in between Tigh and Apollo. Starbuck works at calming Apollo down. STARBUCK Apollo, Apollo, Apollo. (forceful) Calm down. APOLLO Calm down? STARBUCK Yes! You're still a bridge officer! There's a battle going on! Look, (beat) (subdued determination) I know how you feel about Sheba, OK. Except for you, no one wants to see her come back safely more than me. But we aren't going to help her by losing our heads. Apollo is still upset, but he realizes Starbuck is right. STARBUCK Don't worry. I'll come up with a plan. (EXT SPACE FLEET (OPTICAL)) The battle is still going on. (EXT MULTIPLE SHOTS BATTLE) As the battle continues between the Vipers and the Raiders, it is obvious that the Cylons are losing a war of attrition. More and more Vipers are seen pursing and destroying fewer and fewer Raiders. Bojay destroys the last remaining Raider. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOJAY - TRAVELING) BOJAY Did anyone see any Raiders peal back to deep space? VOICE ONE (COMM VOICE) None of them retreated. VOICE TWO (COMM VOICE) They just kept attacking the fleet. BOJAY (to himself) Frack. (to the squadron) Blue Squadron, head back to the Galactica. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Tigh faces Apollo, Starbuck is standing off to the side. Tigh is not enjoying saying what he has to say. TIGH Apollo, none of the Cylon Raiders disengaged and returned to their basestars. I know how you feel, but we have no choice but to send Sheba out to scan for those basestars. I wish she had retreating Cylons to camouflage her scanning, but it isn't to be. (beat) I'm sorry, Apollo. APOLLO She's knows the need to do this better than anyone. (beat) Excuse me. Apollo turns and leaves the bridge. Tigh and Starbuck watch silently as Apollo leaves. Tigh turns to Omega to issue the order to Sheba, but Starbuck touches his arm to stop him before he completes the order. TIGH (to Omega) Contact Blue Leader. Tell her that she is... STARBUCK Commander, just a moment. I was thinking... TIGH (beat) Yes? Starbuck smiles. (EXT SPACE SHUTTLE - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The shuttle is in space with the fleet either far off in the distance or not even in sight. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE BADJER) Badjer is still in the copilots seat. He wiggles the controls, but there is no response. This makes him a little anxious. He calls out to Amaranth over his shoulder. BADJER The controls still aren't doing a thing. Amaranth is standing in front of another junction box. She pulls a component out of the junction box. Regular lights go off, and red emergency lighting comes on. BADJER What happened? Amaranth is taking the component to the burned-out junction box. AMARANTH I had to cannibalize another system for a part. We should be able to control our flight if this works. She inserts the component, and the shuttle immediately veers violently. She is thrown off her feet, and narrowly misses going head first into a bulkhead. BADJER It works! Amaranth, not happy with being thrown to the floor, is tempted to yell at Badjer, but she refrains. She gets up and walks back to the cockpit, getting back into the pilot's seat. She tests the controls for a moment. AMARANTH It works, but not real well. I don't think we could dock with another ship using these controls. BADJER So what do we do? AMARANTH Well have to land. We might be able to reach the Mars base. They remain silent for a few moment, contemplating. BADJER What did you do to regain flight control. AMARANTH Had to take a part from another system. BADJER (beat beat) Which system? AMARANTH (beat) Don't talk so much. And try to breath more slowly and shallowly. Badjer doesn't want to believe what he knows to be true. He moans. BADJER Nooooo. AMARANTH (seriously) Don't talk! (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT INFIRMARY CASSIOPEIA) Cassiopeia is tending to the wounded, who are mostly civilian. Other med-techs are moving people around. Starbuck walks in and goes to Cassiopeia. STARBUCK How are the wounded? CASSIOPEIA (slight anger) How did you expect? STARBUCK Cassi, I didn't invite the Cylons here. CASSIOPEIA (beat) I'm Sorry. In answer to your question, we haven't seen any serious injuries,... yet. Mostly civilians got hurt. STARBUCK Things didn't go as planned. CASSIOPEIA (slight sarcasm) Imagine that happening during a battle. STARBUCK Well, someday a battle will go as planned and I hope to be there to see it. CASSIOPEIA Even if it's the Cylons that do the planning. STARBUCK You know, I can still remember when you were a pessimist. His humor is rewarded by a slight smile from Cassiopeia. STARBUCK I just came to tell you that Tigh, Apollo and I have been summoned to a special meeting of the Council aboard the Rising Star. CASSIOPEIA Is the battle over? STARBUCK Well, almost. Around here it is. I just wanted to check on you and let you know what's happening. (beat) I'll let you know when we get back. It seems like an awkward moment, and Cassiopeia doesn't say anything. Starbuck takes a few steps back and turns to leave. Then Cassiopeia speaks. CASSIOPEIA Starbuck, (beat) take care of yourself. STARBUCK (beat) I always do. (smiles) (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER CENTURION) Several Cylons are at different stations. The Centurion approaches one and stops. CENTURION (to Cylon One) Report. CYLON ONE A craft is moving toward our position. CENTURION Is it human? CYLON ONE High probability it is one of our Raiders. CENTURION Has there been communication with the craft? CYLON ONE Negative. Probability is based on scanning emissions. It is probing using our bandwidths. CENTURION The humans could duplicate our scanning emissions. CYLON ONE Affirmative. In addition to scanning emissions we have intercepted transmissions between pursuing Vipers. CENTURION (beat) Project the Viper transmissions. Cylon One operates some controls. Audio sound is played into the room. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) I can see that Cylon. He's just ahead of us. JOLLY (COMM VOICE) Captain, fuel is critical. We've been on battle thrusters for too long. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) I hit him. He's damaged. We can catch him. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA) JOLLY (COMM VOICE) But we still have to make it back to the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Tigh, Starbuck, and Omega are all listening to the exchange. Apollo enters the bridge and joins the group. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) If we have to we can conserve power by drifting after thrusts. JOLLY (COMM VOICE) And what if they send a patrol to aid that Raider. What if it's a trap? We can't drift back to the Galactica with Cylons shooting at us. TIGH They still haven't located the basestars. STARBUCK They have to be close. TIGH Captain, that is what worries me. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) Lieutenant, I'm am going to kill that Raider now when it's crippled instead of waiting to take it on again when it's repaired. JOLLY (COMM VOICE) I won't leave you, sir, but we have to be a hell of a lot closer to the Cylons than to the Galactica. APOLLO I'm worried they're acting less and actually speaking the truth. (EXT SPACE BASESTARS (OPTICAL)) Two basestars are shown in a stationary position. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) I am almost within firing range of that Cylon. We'll be heading home in seconds. (INT FULL SHOT CYLON COMMAND CHAMBER LUCIFER) The Centurion enters the large room where Lucifer sits high above the floor. Lucifer, seated, turns toward the Centurion. CENTURION By your command. LUCIFER Report. CENTURION One of our Raiders is attempting to return. LUCIFER Are you sure it is one of our crafts? CENTURION Very high probability. Two Colonial Vipers are in pursuit. Should a patrol be ordered out to assist the craft? LUCIFER No. We gained the information about the human fleet that we needed to know. Sending a patrol to aid the craft could help the humans determine our position, which would not be beneficial to us. Besides, our patrol was ordered not to return. CENTURION By your command. The Centurion turns and leaves the room. Lucifer's chair turns too. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) JOLLY (COMM VOICE) We're too far from home, Captain. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) They are all listening to the exchange. JOLLY (COMM VOICE) We need to turn back. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) Got him! Chalk up a kill. JOLLY (COMM VOICE) Good. I'm happy for you. Can we go now? BOOMER (COMM VOICE) We can go home and sit. I have a kill to celebrate. Number four. JOLLY (COMM VOICE) Four kills. I look forward to sitting down back at the Galactica than sitting here listening about your four kills. TIGH (to Omega) Turn off audio. (to Apollo and Starbuck) You heard their report. APOLLO Four kills. Four killers. Four Cylon basestars. STARBUCK The good news is they're just sitting out there. APOLLO They won't sit there indefinitely. OMEGA (to Tigh) Sir, the Council requests to know when you will be arriving. TIGH Tell them we're on our way. STARBUCK We? TIGH I'm not going to face the Council alone. Besides, (beat) (smile) it was your plan, Captain. Tigh walks away. Starbuck does not smile. Apollo smiles. (EXT SPACE SHUTTLE MARS'S MOON (OPTICAL)) The shuttle is traveling through space, heading towards on of the moons of Mars. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) Amaranth is still at the flight controls. She looks serious and concerned. AMARANTH I've decided to land on the near moon. The sooner we land, the sooner we can get bio-systems working again. BADJER And then get our communications equipment repaired. AMARANTH Sure. (beat) We've been pretty lucky so far. Slowly, Badjer's expression almost turns into a sneer. BADJER What's a bad luck streak like around you. AMARANTH I've never had one. Amaranth remains occupied flying the shuttle. After a moment, she does a double take at one section of the control panel. (INSERT SHOT LANDING TARGETER) A circular field of small lights, green in the center, yellow and red extending outwards, caught Amaranth's attention. Some of the yellow lights are glowing, but very dimly. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) Amaranth moves the flight controls, watching the landing targeter. (INSERT SHOT LANDING TARGETER) The small field of dimly lit bulbs begins to move out of the yellow and in to the green. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE AMARANTH) AMARANTH Landing beacon! There's a landing beacon down there. BADJER Down where? AMARANTH Down there! The near moon. BADJER How could there be a landing beacon there. AMARANTH Must have been set up by our people building the base. BADJER The base is on the planet, not the moon. AMARANTH Maybe it is for emergencies. BADJER We've met that qualification. AMARANTH I'm going to land. And you better apologize about that remark you made concerning my luck. Badjer isn't ready to make an apology. (EXT/INT SPACE/MOON/SHUTTLE MULTIPLE SHOTS) Multiple shots show the shuttle in space, nearing the moon, maneuvering. Shots also show Amaranth, Badjer, and the landing targeter. (EXT FULL SHOT MOON (P.O.V. BEHIND SHUTTLE PILOTS)) The landing targeter on the control panel, still glowing dimly, can be seen, and through the windshield the landing area on the moon can also be seen. At first glance, it appears mountainous. Amaranth becomes concerned. BADJER Where do we land? AMARANTH (beat) I don't know. The landing targeter says we are centered in a landing path, but instead of an area to land in, I see a mountain. BADJER Could something be wrong with the targeter? AMARANTH I think there has to be. BADJER Let's go somewhere else. Amaranth tries to move the controls, but with little affect. AMARANTH We have to land. Between the damage from the Cylon blast and gravity, we have no choice. BADJER (to himself) This is still better than the freighter. This is still better than the freighter. Amaranth is concerned, but her expression changes, as if she has figured out the problem. She pushes the control forward. (EXT FULL SHOT SHUTTLE) The attitude of the shuttle changes, with it plunging almost straight down toward the moon. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE BADJER) BADJER What are you doing?! AMARANTH I've got an idea. BADJER Is it based on facts?! Amaranth doesn't answer. After a few more moments, she pulls back on the controls to level out the shuttle. The attitude seems to change. (EXT MOON SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)) The shuttle, which was on a course to plunge into the surface, begins to flatten out. A new angle from behind shows it entering into what appears to be a giant cavern. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE BADJER) BADJER What is this? AMARANTH A cavern. They built the landing way into the planet, so it's like a landing bay on a battlestar. Badjer continues to stare out the windshield. (EXT FULL SHOT CAVERN (P.O.V. BADJER)) Badjer focuses on one section of the cavern. What he sees is not natural rock, but metallic structures. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE BADJER) BADJER Look over there. (pointing) This isn't a natural cavern. (EXT FULL SHOT CAVERN (P.O.V. AMARANTH)) Another view of more metallic structures. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SHUTTLE BADJER) AMARANTH You're right. (beat) It's huge. BADJER Let's land and look for help. AMARANTH Aren't you going to ask me, 'What is it?' You've asked about everything else. BADJER Which is why I don't think your first correct answer will be about this. Amaranth ignores Badjer's insult and works the flight controls. (EXT MOON SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)) Deep within the structure, the shuttle lands. There is a great deal of dust on the surface. It stops abruptly, looking dead. (EXT SPACE RISING STAR (OPTICAL)) (INT FULL SHOT COUNCIL CHAMBER) The Council of Twelve is seated around a large round table. Two black- dressed security men stand behind the leader of the Council, Pronus. Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck enter. Tigh and Apollo take seats opposite Pronus, while Starbuck remains standing behind them. All remain silent until everyone is seated. PRONUS Would the military be so kind as to explain to the Council the attack which was recently launched against the fleet? TIGH It was a Cylon patrol. Our worst fears, that the Cylons have followed us to Earth and are not far behind, has been realized. PRONUS And how does the military propose to deal with this worst fear? TIGH We will determine the Cylons disposition and resources, and respond accordingly. PRONUS (beat) For many many jahren the military has done our planning, has determined our course, and to what end? APOLLO To find Earth, Pronus. To find the last tribe of humans. PRONUS It was the mission of your father, Apollo, and it was a fools errand. APOLLO (angered) My father's actions saved our people! He lead us to Earth. PRONUS (stern, steady) He lead us to a planet too primitive to assist us, knowing that the Cylons could also find the way here. Adama, who is deserving of great respect for his actions, has only allowed us to postpone an inevitable course of action. TIGH The Galactica is preparing to meet the Cylons in battle. We shall defeat them or die trying. PRONUS I refer to the action often neglected by men of the military. (beat) It is time to make peace with the Cylons. APOLLO Peace!?! How can you suggest peace with the Cylons?! PRONUS Because we are not able to dictate terms militarily. We would never have left the colonies if we could have. So now, negotiations are the only viable option. APOLLO How do you propose to negotiate with the Cylons? PRONUS It will become apparent shortly. Pronus nods to one of the guards, who walks to the door. STARBUCK (not too quietly to Tigh and Apollo) Won't they ever learn? Pronus cast an unpleasant look at Starbuck just as the door opens. In front of two council security guards walks Baltar. Starbuck, Tigh and Apollo are dumbfounded. They break their gaze on Baltar and exchange looks between themselves. Tigh and Apollo answer Starbuck's question. APOLLO No. TIGH They'll never learn. PRONUS If the Council would come to order, (beat) I would like to introduce former Council member Baltar. APOLLO There are some on the Council who need no introduction to the man who betrayed our people. PRONUS And the Council now offers him the opportunity to redeem himself. Apollo wants to say more, but Tigh touches his arm. TIGH (facetiously) Let us listen to the wisdom of the Council. Apollo slowly sits down. Baltar senses an opportunity for himself. He can't hide his pleasure. BALTAR If the council would indulge me? Baltar looks to Pronus. Pronus nods his approval. BALTAR Let me guess. The long journey to Earth has been completed, and it has nothing to offer you in your war with the Cylons. The Cylons have also found you and Earth. You now have no where to run, and you can not defend yourselves if the Cylons attack. (beat) Is this accurate? PRONUS (beat) Yes. (beat) We want you to open a dialog with the Cylons. BALTAR (beat) They are most reasonable beings, with whom it has always been an honor to deal. Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck exchange near nauseas looks. BALTAR I would be happy to offer my services in the quest for peace. What do you desire from them, and, (beat) what are you willing to offer them for what you want? (EXT FULL SHOT MOON SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)) The shuttle is dark and empty. The hatch is open, and there are footprints in the dust leading off in the direction that the shuttle landed in. Another angle in that direction reveals Badjer and Amaranth in environment suits. In front of them are great slabs, which appear man-made. (EXT MEDIUM SHOT MOON AMARANTH) Amaranth and Badjer are struggling to get over a large dust drift. Beyond the drift, the area is relatively dust free. After helping Amaranth through the drift, Badjer looks up and sees an overhang which explains the lack of dust near the great slabs. The are wearing bio-suits. Badjer has his med-kit and a back-pack. (INSERT SHOT OVERHANG (OPTICAL)) (EXT MEDIUM SHOT MOON BADJER) Badger looks down the length of the slab wall. BADJER I think there may be a small door down that way. AMARANTH Are you sure? BADJER No. But there's no where else to go. AMARANTH (beat) Lead on. And they walk towards the end that hopefully has a door. (EXT SPACE RISING STAR (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT COUNCIL ROOM BALTAR) Baltar is seated in front of a communication monitor. The light and shadows from the monitor play on his face. He finally smiles. BALTAR Lucifer! How nice to see you again. The conversation is viewed from both the Council chamber and Cylon control room perspectives with direct and inserted shots of both Baltar and Lucifer. LUCIFER Baltar!? I suspected your fellow humans had done grievous harm to you after all this time. BALTAR It has been a long time, indeed. They kept me alive, knowing that I alone among them could be trusted by the Cylons should there be need to negotiate. Apollo and Starbuck exchange sour looks after Baltar's lie. LUCIFER Hmmm. I was not aware we had reason to negotiate. BALTAR A reason has formed, (beat) for the humans. LUCIFER Go on. BALTAR Their flight from you has been for naught. The last tribe of man has been found, but it is a primitive culture, of more danger to itself than to any of us. LUCIFER The information we have gathered does support that conclusion. BALTAR The humans of the fleet are not without the capability to defend themselves and inflict damage on any attacker. I am told that the Galactica is more battle ready than ever before. LUCIFER Ready enough to face three basestars in battle. Starbuck is about to question Lucifer's claim to three basestars, but Tigh and Apollo in unison put their hands up to Starbuck to quiet him. Members of the Council murmur at learning that the Cylons have such a force ready to attack. BALTAR Human warriors do not care about odds. They are often most reckless, and destructive, when they have nothing to lose. LUCIFER This has been observed. Please come to the point, Baltar. What is it you wish? BALTAR At this time, a truce, and to agree to discuss means of allowing the humans to surrender, insuring that they will not be attacked, and that destruction can be avoided by both sides. LUCIFER You have a plan to insure that the Cylon Empire will never need fear humans leaving this solar system and attack us? BALTAR The Council has the outline of such a plan, but are still disagreed about a few details. If a truce is agreeable, the plan will be finished by this time tomorrow, and I could present it to you them. LUCIFER I must consult with my other commanders, though I can agree to a truce, (beat) for now. BALTAR (laughs) Good, old friend. Until tomorrow. Baltar turns from the communication monitor and faces the Council, smiling at the job he has done. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR CONTROL ROOM LUCIFER) LUCIFER Centurion, send orders to Diablo to take his basestar and circle around this solar system as planned. He is to wait at the second planet from he sun for orders to attack the planet inhabited by humans. We, along with the remaining two basestars, will approach the solar system and stop within scanning range of long-range patrols from the Galactica. CENTURION By your command. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL BADJER - MARS MOON) Badger and Amaranth are walking close to the slab wall. Just ahead of them is an area that differs from the slabs, possible a door. (EXT MEDIUM SHOT SLAB WALL BADJER) Badjer and Amaranth past the last slab, and a short distance past it they find what looks to be a door. BADJER It looks like a door. AMARANTH I think it is. Amaranth walks up to the door, and reaches out to the side. There are two buttons there, and she pushes one. The door slides open. (INT MEDIUM SHOT ANTECHAMBER AMARANTH) The room is dark, and Amaranth is standing at the doorway. She walks in, followed by Badjer. They pull out lights and look around. There is nothing in the room accept for a second door leading deeper into the mountain. There are another set of buttons, these labeled 'open' and 'close'. AMARANTH This must have been built by the lost tribe. BADJER Yes. (beat) Want to see what is behind the door. Amaranth looks nervous, but she smile after thinking about it more. Her curiosity wins, and she presses the 'open' button. The outer door closes, and except for there lights they are in darkness. They wait for several moments, and nothing happens. Above the 'open' button a dim light glows red. AMARANTH Suppose it doesn't work? BADJER It's been a long time. (beat) Listen. The faint whir of an air pump can be heard. AMARANTH It's an air pump. It must be equalizing pressure with the area beyond here. BADJER The pressure seals are still good? Amazing. The pump whirs for several more moments, then it stops. A light below the "open" button glows dimly green. Slowly, with a grating sound, the inner door opens. Amaranth and Badjer are viewed from the other side of the door as it opens. There is some ambient light in the room, though not much. Badjer and Amaranth remain speechless. A parting view from behind them shows a large, dark room, filled with numerous large containers. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT LOUNGE SHEBA) Sheba, Boomer and Jolly are seated at a table, drinking and chatting. Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck enter the lounge and join them. Sheba, Boomer, and Jolly move to get up as Tigh approaches. TIGH As you were. I want to commend you for the mission you performed today. SHEBA Nothing to it, especially when we saw the basestars weren't launching to intercept. JOLLY The dialog was a little hard to keep up. BOOMER Whose idea were those code words, anyway? Starbuck looks a little guilty, but the point isn't pressed TIGH That's not important. What is will be the meeting with senior officers in one hour. SHEBA Is something wrong? APOLLO The Council. STARBUCK They're ten optimistic men with no concept of history. TIGH We can discuss details at the meeting. From now on, all pilots will be on high alert. No leaves, (tapping a mug) no more ambrosia. Jolly groans, though not quite quietly enough. Boomer covers him. BOOMER Yes sir. Ambrosia is history. TIGH (beat) Good. One hour, then. SHEBA and BOOMER (IN UNISON) Yes sir. Tigh and Starbuck turn and leave. Apollo waits for a moment. He looks as if he has something to say, but he just nods, smiles, and then follows the others. Sheba smiles slightly, though not with great pleasure. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL - MOON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT ROOM BADJER) Badjer and Amaranth, still wearing their bio-suits, are slowly moving into the room and examining the large containers. Amaranth leans forward to get a better look at one of the chambers, and then moves backwards. She gasps, and moves to hold Badjer. He holds her for a moment, and then moves forward, to see what frightened her. (INSERT SHOT CONTAINER SKELETON) A glass area allows Badjer to look into the container. It holds a skeleton. (INT MEDIUM SHOT ROOM BADJER) Badjer and Amaranth talk quickly. Amaranth is almost frenetic. AMARANTH We got to go. We can't stay here. BADJER There's nothing to be afraid of. AMARANTH No no no! It's a sepulcher! A tomb! Only the dead belong here! BADJER Calm down. AMARANTH No! We must leave! We've got to go! BADJER Amaranth! Badjer finally grabs her arms and shakes her. She stays away from him for a moment, and then embraces him again. He holds her for several seconds until she regains her composure. She then lets go of him and steps away. BADJER We look around just a little more, in case there is communication equipment that we can use to call for help. We won't look long, and we'll leave as soon as possible. OK? AMARANTH (nods) (beat) OK. Badjer moves off to examine more containers, while Amaranth stays near the door. The next container Badjer looks at also holds a corpse though one not as long dead as the first. The third container holds what looks to be a man, but there is no sign of decomposition. He becomes slightly excited. Amaranth, who has been examining her bio-suit, makes a discovery also. They don't need their bio-suits. AMARANTH Badjer! The atmosphere is OK to breathe. BADJER What? AMARANTH Suit sensors show the air and pressure in here are good. BADJER (almost not listening) Ah, it might be, but don't trust it. Badjer doesn't break his gaze from the container. Amaranth looks at the bio-suit sensors again. AMARANTH (to herself) I won't be afraid. Amaranth moves to open her suit to room atmosphere. Badjer isn't watching her, but instead he discovers concealed controls on the container. Lights on the panel show it is still functioning. Amaranth tests the room air, and when satisfied, removes the helmet. BADJER They're bio-chambers. They're bio-chambers! Amaranth, look. Badjer turns towards Amaranth. His expression changes from joy to fear. BADJER Amaranth! (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT READY ROOM TIGH) Tigh is standing in front of a the senior officers, with Apollo and Starbuck standing off to the side. A large model of a Cylon base star is on display on a table off to one side, and a map of Earth's solar system is behind Tigh. Tigh uses this map as a visual aide. TIGH I want all of you to be aware of what is now happening, both in space and among our own people. Thanks to Sheba, we were able to gather that the Cylons have followed us to Earth in an attack force of four basestars. The Council of Twelve believes that a satisfactory solution can not be forced by military means, and has requested Baltar to negotiate with the Cylons to find a peaceful solution. BOJAY After everything that happened before, they want to negotiate with the Cylons again? TIGH Unfortunately, yes. However, this has worked to our favor. The Cylons told Baltar that they have only three basestars, and three basestars have moved within scanning range of our patrols. SHEBA What happened to the fourth? TIGH We are not certain, but we think we have a good idea. APOLLO (using map) The three basestars we know about are here. The fourth, we believe, will circle wide around the solar system, approach this way under cover of the sun, and position itself to attack Earth, probably at the same time the other basestars are attacking our people. BOJAY That's just a guess. What makes you think you're right? APOLLO It's what they did to us and our colonies at the peace conference. STARBUCK The Cylons are not to good at coming up with original ideas. TIGH What we have to do is surprise and attack the circling basestar before it is in position to attack Earth or attack any of our ships should they need to flee in this direction. SHEBA But we would leave the fleet unprotected. APOLLO Only for a short time. STARBUCK Plus, if Baltar were to think the Galactica was actually moving to defend against these three basestars, and he told them that, they'd be likely to wait for the last basestar to move into position. BOOMER You're going to risk the fleet on a bluff and a lie. TIGH Captain Boomer, good officers and warriors do not bluff or lie! Starbuck tries to look innocent, but Boomer, in good humor, doesn't buy it. BOOMER Right, Commander. TIGH Besides, the fleet would face a greater risk if we allowed the Cylons to determine the battle. The expressions of the warriors present shows this is true. (INT MEDIUM SHOT ROOM BADJER) Scene picks up repeating Badjer's last action. BADJER Amaranth! She is standing near the door, with her helmet off. AMARANTH You were wrong, and the sensors were right. The air here is good. BADJER Put your helmet back on! Now! AMARANTH Why? BADJER Contamination protocols! We're on a strange world. We don't know why these people were put into bio-chambers. It dawns on Amaranth that there is a microbial danger, and she puts the helmet back on. Badjer goes over to her to expedite the helmets replacement. AMARANTH Do you really think the air is dangerous. BADJER Until we can determine it's safe, we assume it isn't. AMARANTH (beat) What do you think happened to these people. BADJER I don't know, but I'm going to find out. This isn't a health area, so we have to find one. Even though this happened millennia ago, there should still be records. Come on. They begin to walk through the room. After a few steps, Amaranth, while looking at a bio-chamber, speaks. AMARANTH Badjer, are they really still alive? BADJER (beat) Some haven't died yet. (beat) I don't know if they can be revived. They continue to walk deeper into the complex. (INT MEDIUM SHOT READY ROOM TIGH) Tigh and the other warriors are gathered around the table with the model of the Cylon basestar. He is discussing the order of engagement with the basestar. TIGH Destroying the circling basestar will not be a victory of consequence if it can warn the others of where we are, and that our civilian vessels are unprotected. Engaging them on the far side of the sun will make communication with the other basestars all but impossible, except for the circling basestar, which has high-powered, long-range communication equipment. APOLLO The first priority is to destroy the Cylon communication arrays, at these four locations. Apollo points to four areas on the model, spaced ninety degrees apart, and alternating upper and lower. SHEBA How do we get close enough to do that without giving them time to send out a warning. TIGH This can be done in two parts. We will be between them and the sun. The sun will decrees their sensors efficiency, and by imitating solar flares common to this star, we can jam their scans without causing much suspicion. APOLLO We will also use the two experimental Vipers to make the strafing runs on the communication arrays. BOJAY The fuel drinkers? APOLLO Yes. Those Vipers. They are not much for endurance, but they're fast enough to hit the Cylons and before be gone before the Cylons can react. BOOMER And who will fly these lightning bolts? STARBUCK (slightly concealed pride) I'd suggest our best two pilots. The reference was to himself and Apollo, which the other pilots take a slight mock offense to. TIGH I agree, though we may consider experience in the new Viper over actual skills. A slight slam against Starbuck that removes Starbuck's smile but is quite pleasing to all the other pilots. TIGH Once the arrays are destroyed, we will employ the Ravishol pulsar canon against the basestar. We can not afford a war of attrition with our Vipers, and if the canon works, our odds of winning improve dramatically. SHEBA Will the canon be ready? TIGH Yes, (beat) providing the Cylons are not moving at full speed. You have your orders. May the Lords of Kobol grant you victory. The officer briefing is over. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL - MOON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT STAIRS BADJER) Badjer and Amaranth have gone deeper into the mysterious complex. They come to a moveable stairway, which Badjer moves to ascend without even stopping. AMARANTH Wait up. Why are you going this way? BADJER We need to find out what happened here. AMARANTH What makes you think you know where to go to find that out? Badjer turns on the steps, and then smiles. BADJER You haven't figured out where we're at? AMARANTH Some old base, on a moon of Mars. BADJER (beat) Come on. I'll explain it as we go. Just don't ask for 'why's'. Badjer starts to move up the stairs. After a moment Amaranth follows. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA - TRAVELING) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA Moving at flank speed on new course. TIGH Send a message to Pronus and the Council. We are moving to a better defensive position between the Cylons and the fleet. Inform him we will not attack the Cylons unless they move on the fleet before a peace is agreed to. (to Starbuck and Apollo) Just to make it official, you are both relieved of bridge duties and assigned to Viper operations until the conclusion of this engagement. (beat) Good luck to both of you. A very serious moment. Tigh extends his hand to Apollo, who shakes hands with Tigh. Tigh then extends his hand to Starbuck, but Starbuck draws back. STARBUCK Ah, I'm sorry, Commander, but that sounded too much like a 'good-bye' for me to be comfortable with it. TIGH (beat) Then what would be appropriate, Captain? STARBUCK How about us thanking him for allowing our dream to come true. APOLLO Our dream!?!? STARBUCK Sure. When you're as good as we are, these are the sort of odds you need to prove it. Though Starbuck spoke with a trace of humor to break the tension, Tigh and Apollo are dumbfounded that Starbuck could say what he did. TIGH (beat) Well then, Captain, make my eyes bug out, my jaw hit the deck, and prove how grossly I've under-rated your talents for all these many years. STARBUCK (smiling) That, Commander, would be a pleasure. Tigh and Starbuck now shake hands. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL - MOON (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT DARK ROOM BADJER) The room is sick bay. It contains a large number of bio-chambers. Badjer moves through the room to a table, with Amaranth close behind. There are some papers with notes on the table, but the papers are brittle with age. AMARANTH But why would the 13th tribe build a base here. BADJER I don't know. Here, hold this light up. Our own legends say that after the fleeing of Kobol and founding of the colonies, the people destroyed almost all of the space travel technology. It was an awful journey, probably like what we've lived through. Maybe it was as bad or worse for this tribe, and they blamed technology too. Amaranth is holding the light up, put her arms start dipping. BADJER Please, keep the light up high. These old notes are fragile. Amaranth, holds it up high for a few more moments, but she lets it fall again as she slowly crumples to the floor. BADJER Amaranth! Badjer puts the light on the table and assists Amaranth. AMARANTH I don't feel well. BADJER Stay still. I'm going to do a bio-scan. Badjer opens Amaranth's bio-suit. He then goes to his med-kit. BADJER I'll solve this. Don't worry. (INT CLOSE SHOT COMMUNICATION MONITOR PRONUS) Pronus is challenging Tigh and his action to move the Galactica. PRONUS Return the Galactica to the fleet at once. TIGH Council leader Pronus, I am exercising my discretionary authority as military commander. PRONUS The Council does not approve of your actions. TIGH We have not surrender ourselves yet. Until then, we will take any action I deem best to insure the safety of the fleet. PRONUS Your action will be the next issue that the council reviews. TIGH Good. Also consider that in peace, this is likely how things will be. Our fleet, Cylons near by, and no battlestar nearby to protect you. Include that in you deliberations, councilman. PRONUS (beat) Enjoy what little time you have left to command, Tigh. The monitor goes off. Tigh seems pleased with the exchange. TIGH (to himself) Aggravating you is one of the few pleasures available. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SICK BAY BADJER) Badjer has numerous instruments for testing out. Amaranth is alive, but not conscious. Badjer is waiting for the results of the last test. As they come through, he slowly smiles, looking relieved. BADJER (beat) I don't know if you can still hear me, but I found what's making you ill. It's the same virus that made our pilots ill just before the fleet found Kobol. More good news is, there is a cure. Badjer moves away from Amaranth, and begins to look around the room. He then speaks quietly, to himself. BADJER And I can synthesize the cure, if they have the right equipment, (beat) and it still works. (INT CLOSE UP COMMUNICATION MONITOR LUCIFER) LUCIFER Baltar, your Council has had a day in which to design their proposal for peace. How difficult can it be? BALTAR The difficulty, old friend, is that some wish to retain the Galactica. LUCIFER Hmmm. I'm afraid that that condition would not be acceptable. BALTAR An opinion we share. I have suggested that the only genuine sign of sincerity is destroying the Galactica. After all, as formidable as it is, it can not protect the fleet from three basestars. LUCIFER I agree with your conclusions, but unless you can persuade the Council of these realities I'm afraid indiscriminate destruction would be the only result. BALTAR Give me one more day, and I will give you the last battlestar. The last human threat to the Cylon empire. LUCIFER One more day is acceptable. After that, I can not guarantee the peace we both seek. BALTAR Until tomorrow. The monitor goes dead. Pronus steps forward to talk with Baltar. PRONUS Baltar, I'm afraid you promised to much when you offered the Galactica. BALTAR Pronus, I only stated the facts as you explained them to me. It is the Galactica that threatens the Cylons. Not individuals such as ourselves. PRONUS It's just that, well, even though the Council knows we have no recourse, actually dealing with the Cylons has reminded them of the past. BALTAR Remind them also that we had a fleet of battlestars then, and offered them no sign of our sincerity except for a piece of paper. PRONUS (dejected) You are right. I shall force the Council to face this reality. BALTAR You are doing the right thing, my friend. Pronus seems to retain doubts, while Baltar smiles. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL - MOON (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE SHOT SICK BAY TABLE) The shot is on the table where Badjer was looking for notes from the physicians who where attempting to solve the health emergency eons age. His light is still there, shining on some of his own equipment, on or two pieces which have been broken into for their power sources, and a large piece of equipment that had been in the sick bay. The power cells are attached to the large piece of equipment, which has indicator lights on. Movement noises and objects bumping against object noises can be heard, though the actual source of the noise is not scene. Badjer speaks quietly. BADJER (V.O.S.) This should work. (beat) It will work. (beat) It just needs a little time. More movement noises. (EXT SUN GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The sun fills the screen. the Galactica is only a speck at the center of the screen. (EXT SUN GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The sun still fills the screen. The Galactica, though still distant, is larger and more easily discernible. (EXT SUN GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) A side view, showing the sun on one half of the screen behind the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Only Tigh and Omega are at the command center. Cassiopeia enters and walks up to the center area. TIGH Is there something wrong? CASSIOPEIA No, it's just that everything is under control in the infirmary, and the waiting...for something to happen... I just needed to know what's going on. TIGH Nothing. (beat) Waiting like this is the hardest part. CASSIOPEIA (beat) You think it will work? You think this is the way the basestar will come? TIGH If prayers are answered. (INT CLOSE SHOT SICK BAY TABLE) The noises continue. BADJER (V.O.S.) By the gods, it's working. (INT MEDIUM SHOT SICKBAY DOORWAY) Position moves to just outside the sickbay. BADJER (V.O.S.) (shouting) It's working!! Whooo! (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER DIABLO) Several Cylons are at different stations. The commander, Diablo, is questioning a centurion about their progress. DIABLO Why are we moving at a reduced speed? We are behind schedule. CENTURION There is sensory interference from surface phenomenon on the surface of the star. Reducing speed was necessary to maintain optimum safety for our ship. DIABLO Our safety may be in greater danger from Lucifer if we are not in position at the appropriate time. Order out a patrol to sweep ahead of us, and resume full speed. CENTURION By your command. INT MEDIUM SHOT SICKBAY DOORWAY More noises of objects moving or being opened. A grunt is heard from Badjer, who can not be seen, as if he's exerting himself. BADJER (V.O.S.) Move that closer. AMARANTH (V.O.S.) Here? BADJER (V.O.S.) Perfect. Stand back. More noises follow. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Tigh is standing behind Omega, looking over Omega's shoulder. Cassiopeia is leaning against a rail. Nothing is happening. Tigh paces over to Cassiopeia. TIGH This is not good. CASSIOPEIA Could the basestar have taken a different route. TIGH Yes, but the safest route for them to approach Earth or our fleet would have lead them within our sensor range from this point. CASSIOPEIA Then they have different plans. TIGH Nothing else makes sense. I'm afraid we have to return to the fleet and wait. OMEGA Sir, we have something on scanners. Tigh and Cassiopeia move to Omega's station. TIGH Is it the basestar? OMEGA No sir. Appears to be Raiders. TIGH Then the basestar has to be following close behind. CASSIOPEIA Why would they launch raiders? Have they found us? TIGH No. We are emitting electronic signals that appear to be solar flares, and these signals are impairing their ability to see. They must have launched their Raiders to help them navigate. It won't be long now. The boredom is replaced with anxiety, especially for Cassiopeia. INT MEDIUM SHOT SICKBAY DOORWAY Someone walks through the door, but shadows and darkness do not reveal who. The camera follows the figure through the corridors, with an occasional dim emergency light adding shadows. The figure leaves the corridor after a while, entering a room. The camera follows to the doorway, but does not follow into the room. Rummaging noises are heard for a few moments, followed by a loud click and a steadily increasing whir sound. Lights come to life. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Tigh and Cassiopeia are still watching over Omega's shoulder. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) On Omega's scanner, the basestar finally appears. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH There's the basestar. Feed coordinates to Vipers and launch. OMEGA Information is transferred to Vipers. (INT MEDIUM SHOT LAUNCH CONTROL RIGEL) RIGEL All Vipers cleared to launch. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO) APOLLO That's us Starbuck. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK) STARBUCK Just like the good old days. RIGEL (COMM VOICE) Vipers be advised. The basestar has launched a patrol of Raiders. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO) APOLLO Still like the old days, Starbuck? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK) STARBUCK Now even more so. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO) Apollo smiles. It is not a nervous smile. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Thumbs push the thruster button on the joystick. (MULTIPLE SHOTS VIPER LAUNCHING) A series of shots show the experimental Vipers accelerating down the launch tubes, both Apollo and Starbuck thrown back launch tubes, both Apollo and Starbuck thrown back from the acceleration, and the Vipers finally breaking into open space. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO) Apollo has an expression of amazement and fear. APOLLO This thing is dangerous? STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) Isn't that the purpose of a high-speed fighter. APOLLO I mean it's dangerous to us! (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK) STARBUCK That's real re-assuring, coming from our best pilot. (smirk) (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO) APOLLO We can talk titles later. For now let's knock out those communication arrays. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK) STARBUCK I'm ready to battle test this beauty. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Thumbs go to the thrusters again. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING) The pair of fast flying Vipers accelerate even more. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR CONTROL ROOM DIABLO) CENTURION (to Diablo) By your command. DIABLO Report. CENTURION Sensor indicate two high velocity objects approaching. DIABLO What are they? CENTURION Unknown. Basic configuration is that of a colonial Viper, but velocity exceeds the colonial Viper's structural maximum speed. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) After a second, the Vipers appear and fly quickly and directly toward the basestar. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Making attack run. Slowing down to aid targeting computer. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Not a bad idea. These Vipers could out fly their computers. (MULTIPLE SHOTS BASESTAR VIPERS (OPTICAL)) The attack happens quickly. Shots of the Vipers firing lasers, the communication arrays being hit, CLOSE SHOTS of Apollo and Starbuck, and INSERT SHOTS of fire buttons being pushed. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR CONTROL ROOM DIABLO) DIABLO Launch all fighters at once. Attack the battlestar from where those Vipers came. CENTURION Launching fighters now. DIABLO Send a message to the other basestars. Lucifer must know that the humans have no intention to surrender. CENTURION Unable to comply with your last instruction. The Vipers limited their attack to our communication arrays. DIABLO Hmmm. This is not good. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Cassiopeia has backed away from Omega's monitor station. She doesn't want to watch the battle. Omega and Tigh, however, stare intently. TIGH The Vipers have made their strafing attacks and are moving off. We are within pulsar canon range of the basestar? OMEGA Yes sir. TIGH Prepare the pulsar for firing. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The angle of view is from below the Galactica looking up. On the underside of the Galactica along the center and pointing forward is a long cylinder, the same color as the hull. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA PULSAR (OPTICAL)) A closer shot of the cylinder shows that the front part is opening to reveal the end of the pulsar canon. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) (EXT SPACE BASESTAR LAUNCH BAY (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA Basestar is launching fighters. TIGH Order all our remaining Vipers to launch. Activate defenses. (INSERT SHOT DEFENSE CONTROLS) Omega's hand start to flip a bank of switches that are labeled 'laser turrets'. (EXT LASER TURRETS) 'All fire control stations manned and operational.' Shots of some of the laser turrets lifting barrels, becoming active. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH Target the pulsar canon on the basestar and fire when ready. OMEGA Basestar is targeted. Pulsar charge is fifty percent. Sixty percent. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Why hasn't the Galactica fired? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO They must still be charging the pulsar canon. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK They better hurry. The Cylons are getting their fighters out. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA Eighty percent. (beat beat) Ninety percent. (beat beat) One hundred percent. TIGH Fire! (INSERT SHOT FIRE CONTROL) Hand presses the trigger to the pulsar canon. (EXT SPACE PULSAR (OPTICAL)) The canon glows for a second, then emits a blast. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) A Cylon Raider passes over the camera position. Another is approaching when the pulsar blast appears from slightly above and behind, heading for the basestar. The basestar is hit, exploding immediately. The shock-wave catches the approaching Raider, causing it flip end over end. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Light from the explosion throws shadows on Apollo APOLLO Direct hit! INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING STARBUCK Too bad we didn't have that back at Caprica. Things might have been a little different. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Can't change the past, but we can determine the here and now. Let's help mop up those Cylon fighters. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Odds are a little lop sided, but it sounds like fun. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Thruster button is hit. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The Vipers bank and head back towards the Galactica. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) All lights normally on on the Galactica are off. The ship is dark. (EXT LASER TURRETS(OPTICAL)) The laser turrets which only a minute before were rising to the ready position are all now falling, as if deactivated. (INT FULL SHOT BRIDGE) Emergency lights are on, and the power to most of the stations is off. One station exploded and is still smoking. Cassiopeia rushes to aid the wounded crewman. The entire bridge is in Pandemonium. TIGH Get the ship's power back on. OMEGA The pulsar canon must have overloaded the energizers. All safeties will have to be reset first. TIGH (beat) (worried) That could take a minute more. Omega also looks worried. (EXT SPACE CYLON FIGHTERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The surviving Raiders are heading towards the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CYLON RAIDER) CYLON ONE Enemy ship located. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (P.O.V. CYLONS) (OPTICAL)) The Galactica, still powerless, is seen from the Cylon craft. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CYLON RAIDER) CYLON ONE It is the Galactica. CENTURION Prepare to attack the Galactica. CYLON TWO Should we not inform the other basestars that the human fleet is unprotected? CENTURION We can not communicate from this location. Our final instructions were to attack the battlestar that launched Vipers against the basestar. Carry out your orders. CYLON TWO By your command. (EXT SPACE RAIDERS(OPTICAL)) The Raiders turn and bank to attack the Galactica. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Apollo, something's wrong with the Galactica. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo strains to look through the Vipers canopy. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The Galactica is still dark. Laser blast from Vipers and Raiders begin to appear around the Galactica. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Your right. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) All Vipers form near the Galactica. Her lasers are not firing. APOLLO Boomer, what went wrong? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER Something with the pulsar canon. (INSERT SHOT DISPLAY) Boomer has a lock on a Cylon Raider (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Fire button is pressed. (EXT SPACE CYLON) Laser blasts track to the Raider and destroy it. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) The explosion throws light on to Boomer's face. BOOMER Get back fast and help. If they're suicidal, they could still do a lot of damage. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO We can get there and fast. Starbuck? STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) Right behind you. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING) The Vipers bank and turn towards the Galactica. (EXT SPACE CYLONS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) Four Cylon Raiders, still flying for the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CENTURION) CENTURION Fly to the Galactica's landing bays. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) Boomer is staring intently out through the canopy. (EXT SPACE CYLONS - TRAVELING (P.O.V. BOOMER) (OPTICAL)) The same four Cylon Raiders, seen from behind. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) Combat computer shows a Cylon Raider is targeted. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Boomer presses the fire button. (EXT SPACE CYLONS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) Raiders are seen from the front, with a Viper coming down on them from behind. The Viper fires destroying the trailing Raider. The others veer of breaking formation. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) Light from the explosion illuminates Boomer's face. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The Galactica is still dark and motionless. Vipers and Raiders can be seen around her. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Only the emergency lights are on. Smoke is still in the air. TIGH (to Omega) Report on the repair status. OMEGA Crews are almost finished with repairs to the energizers. TIGH Re-activate laser turrets the micron that power returns. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) Boomer is looking down at his scanner. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) A Cylon Raider drifts away from the center of the screen, and then the screen goes blank. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER I've got three Cylons heading for the landing bays that I can't stop. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO We have them, Boomer. Starbuck, take the one heading for Alpha bay. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK You sure you can get two of them? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO I have to. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck looks down at his attack computer. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) The Cylon craft is locked on to by the firing system. (EXT SPACE CYLON RAIDER(OPTICAL)) The Raider has Starbuck's Viper right behind it. The Viper's lasers fire, hitting and destroying the Raider. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) Got him. Coming your way to help, Apollo. Apollo looks down at his scanner. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) The Cylon craft is locked on to by the firing system. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Apollo presses the fire button. (EXT SPACE CYLONS) The two Cylon Raiders are being perused by Apollo's Viper. STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) Power back, Apollo. Your coming in on them too fast. The Viper's lasers strike and destroy the trailing Raider, but the lead Cylon is safe when the Viper speeds by him. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Frack! I overflew one. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK I don't think I can get there fast enough. (EXT SPACE LANDING BAY BETA (OPTICAL)) Shot is seen as from an approaching craft. (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CENTURION) CENTURION Fly into the landing bay. Discharge all weapons. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) Looking down, the Raider is still outside the landing bay, but it begins to fire it's lasers. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Suddenly, the power comes back on. TIGH (to Omega) (urgently) Reactivate all lasers now! Omega reaches for the controls using both hands. (INSERT SHOT CONTROLS) Omega is flipping all of the switches 'on' for the lasers. (INT FULL SHOT LANDING BAY CYLON RAIDER) From within the bay, the Raider can be seen approaching and firing. (EXT LASER TURRET (OPTICAL)) A laser begins to raise its barrels to an active position. 'All fire control stations manned and operational.' (EXT SPACE CYLON (P.O.V. LASER TURRET)) The camera swings to view the Cylon just before it enters the landing bay. The laser turrets barrels frame the sides of the shot. The Cylon is still firing when the laser turret fires. (INT FULL SHOT LANDING BAY CYLON RAIDER) The Raider is much closer than before, almost in the bay and firing. The blast from the laser turret hits the Raider, but does not destroy the Raider. (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CENTURION (OPTICAL)) Sparks and smoke fill the cabin of the Raider. It begins to spin. (INT FULL SHOT LANDING BAY CYLON RAIDER (OPTICAL)) The damaged Raider spins and crashes on to the Deck of the landing bay. It explodes near the entrance of the bay. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck is looking to one side at the Galactica. The explosion throws light on to his face. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo is looking to one side at the Galactica. The explosion throws light on to his face. (EXT SPACE LANDING BAY (OPTICAL)) The glow from flames within the bay can be seen. (INT FULL SHOT LANDING BAY BETA (OPTICAL)) The fire is raging all around the walls of the bay. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) APOLLO (COMM VOICE) Apollo to Galactica. TIGH Report, Colonel. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO A Cylon crashed into landing bay beta. What happened to the defense system? (EXT LANDING BAY BETA (OPTICAL)) TIGH (COMM VOICE) The pulsar canon overloaded our energizers. We lost all power. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK You still look better than the basestar. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH We came close to being no different then that basestar. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) TIGH (COMM VOICE) All vipers return to the Galactica. Use landing bay alpha. STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) Apollo, it looks like you were right. APOLLO Right about what, Starbuck? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK About these weapons being dangerous. (beat) Even to us. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo nods his head. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL MARS MOON) (INT MEDIUM SHOT SICKBAY DOORWAY) The corridor outside the sickbay is now well lit. The sick bay, while the interior is still shielded from view, is also well lit. There is a great deal more noise than before, and though there are voices, they can not be heard distinctly. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Tigh is standing near Omega's station. Starbuck and Apollo enter and approach Tigh. APOLLO (to Tigh) How seriously was the Galactica damaged? TIGH The damage was limited to landing bay beta. It will be at least three days before it can be brought back to service. APOLLO Alpha bay can handle all of the Vipers. TIGH It will have to. STARBUCK At least we have one less basestar we'll have to handle. TIGH At least the important part of our plan went right. APOLLO And we didn't lose any Vipers or pilots. TIGH And we'll need them all. The Cylons must have planned to attack soon. We're heading back to the fleet to prepare for battle now. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The Galactica is banking and moving. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL MARS MOON (OPTICAL)) (INT FULL SHOT DARK ROOM (OPTICAL)) This is the room Badjer and Amaranth first entered after the airlock. It's still dark. Their is a faint metallic noise. (INT MEDIUM SHOT STAIRS (OPTICAL)) The stairs that Badjer and Amaranth climbed. Still in the dark, but the metallic sound is louder. (INT FULL SHOT DARK (OPTICAL)) Nothing can be seen through the darkness. The metallic sound is much large than before. It goes on for several seconds. When it stops a whir/hum begins. The lights come on, and a huge chamber is revealed. It is filled with hundreds if not thousands of bio-chambers. (INT CLOSE SHOT MONITOR LUCIFER) LUCIFER That can not be your best offer, Baltar. Baltar is sitting in front of a communication monitor in the council chamber aboard the Rising Star. He is serious. BALTAR It is the Councils offer. I have tried to persuade them simply disarming the Galactica does not end the threat to the Cylon Empire, but they have grown more, (beat) apprehensive. LUCIFER We are prepared to impose our terms, which would mean total annihilation of all the humans. BALTAR Lucifer, perhaps they do not embrace our wisdom because they have forgotten the true destructive power the Empire possesses! LUCIFER (beat) Do I understand you, Baltar? BALTAR A good lieutenant always understands the orders of his superior. LUCIFER Hmmm. BALTAR A demonstration could be very persuasive. LUCIFER Yes. Tomorrow we will give you the demonstration you suggest. BALTAR Why tomorrow, Lucifer? (suspicious) Why have you listened to the Council's inadequate offers and not moved sooner. LUCIFER Ahem. (beat) I thought it was your wish that I negotiate. Baltar seems suspicious, but he convinces himself that Lucifer is telling him the truth. BALTAR Of course. Until tomorrow then. I must prepare the Council. LUCIFER By your command. The monitor goes blank, but Baltar continues to stare at it. (EXT SPACE BASESTARS (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) LUCIFER (to Centurion) Inform me when Diablo signals that his basestar is in position. We will attack the humans immediately thereafter. CENTURION Will it be a limited attack as suggested by Baltar? LUCIFER Ohhh, the limited programming given to you Centurions. While I suspect Baltar would like these negotiations to succeed, so he could personally oversee the destruction of the Galactica, I fear the humans are manipulating him. A limited show of force would only allow the humans to engage our forces at odds beneficial to them, not us. No. When we attack, we shall attack in full force. (INT MULTIPLE SHOTS HUGE CHAMBER MARS MOON) Shots are focused on the bio-chambers, in groups of five or less. Movement noises can be heard off screen, including multiple voices, though no single voice is distinct. Shots of the bio-chambers conclude with three overhead shots. The last bio-chamber focused in on is empty. (EXT SPACE RISING STAR (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT COUNCIL CHAMBER BALTAR) Baltar is standing, addressing Pronus and the Council. BALTAR The Cylons are willing to allow us to live, but we need to prove our sincerity that we wish never to attack them. COUNCIL PERSON ONE But surely our long flight from the Cylons we do not wish to fight. BALTAR Your long flight was seen by the Cylons as an attempt to find new forces with which to attack them. COUNCIL PERSON TWO But the thirteenth tribe is not an advanced civilization. They are not a threat to the Cylons. BALTAR You miss the point! (bangs table with his fist) You seek peace only after you can no longer wage a winnable war! (calmer) The Cylons still view you as preferring to destruction, while wanting to pursue war against them. (calmly) Destroy your weapon of war, and the Cylons will see you truly want peace and to live. Attempt to hold on to that which threatens them, and they can believe only that you still wish war, and to die. Silence. All members look to Pronus, who is reflecting on Baltar's words. PRONUS (beat beat) (weakly) And how can we know we can trust the Cylons? BALTAR You can't, (beat) but you have no choice. (smile) Oppose them, and will certainly die. Surrender, and you keep your only hope. All members look to Pronus again, who appears defeated. PRONUS (beat) Though reflection makes it difficult to accept, that has been the conclusion of the council from the beginning. (beat) Baltar, if you would excuse us, we need to discuss and decide this matter. BALTAR Of course. Ah, but one last thing. I would encourage you not to take long. I sense that the Cylons grow (beat) impatient. The council understands the Baltar's warning. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL MARS MOON(OPTICAL)) The huge metallic structure in front of the slab wall is also visible. Several shots examine different areas of the structure. A whirring- rumbling sound slowly increases. It crescendos to a huge roar. (EXT AERIAL SHOT METAL STRUCTURE MARS MOON (OPTICAL)) The structure seems to explode, but in reality it is the centuries of dust and sand that are being blown loose and away from the structure. For the moment though, it is lost in the cloud. (EXT LONG AERIAL SHOT METAL STRUCTURE MARS MOON (OPTICAL)) The view is from an even greater height. New clouds of dust begin to erupt like volcanoes from an area away from the wall and metallic structures. Closer shots on the surface show nothing but a dust storm. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Tigh is standing. Omega is at his station. Apollo and Starbuck enter and approach Tigh. TIGH We've just received a message from the council. APOLLO Is the fleet under attack? TIGH No. They have reached terms for peace. STARBUCK Well, that's worse than an attack. APOLLO It is no different than one in the end. TIGH It will be different than in the past, considering that the Galactica won't be there. Apollo and Starbuck both have blank expressions of surprise. They look at each other, and then back at Tigh. TIGH They have agreed that in return for the Cylons guarantee of peace and allowing us to live in this solar system, we shall turn the Galactica over to them, along with all our Vipers and weapons, including our capabilities to produce new weapons. APOLLO It can't be true. TIGH It is. I had Pronus repeat it to me three times. STARBUCK Did they forget to include us in the deal, or are you saving the best news for last? TIGH The Council wants to meet with us upon our return to the fleet. Maybe they'll give us Starbuck's news then. (EXT SPACE BASESTARS (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER Lucifer is entering the room. He approached a Centurion. LUCIFER Has there been any report from Diablo? CENTURION Negative. LUCIFER (beat) He is late. CENTURION All system have been examined and are operating properly. LUCIFER Have the colonial Vipers been continuously monitoring our basestars here? CENTURION Affirmative. LUCIFER Then the Galactica did not have the time to move off and intercept Diablo. We should assume that he has communication difficulties but will be positioned properly at the appointed time. Continue trying to contact him. CENTURION By your command. (EXT FULL SHOT SLAB WALL MARS MOON (OPTICAL)) The dust storm is clearing a bit, but there still seems to be some wind. A loud, vibrating warning beep begins to sound. After a few moments, the center slabs in the wall begin to draw apart, like a large curtain. What they shield can not be seen, however. (EXT SPACE RISING STAR (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT COUNCIL CHAMBER PRONUS) Pronus and the Council are seated around the table. Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck enter and go to their seat positions. When Tigh and Apollo are seated, Baltar enters the room, and moves to stand behind Pronus. PRONUS Commander Tigh, it is my duty as head of the Council of Twelve to inform you that dissolving our warrior force and surrendering all weapons and means of manufacturing tools to the Cylons in return for peace. Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck appear angry but confident. TIGH Is it the opinion of the Council that the Cylons can be trusted in this matter? BALTAR They can be trusted to want peace more than our own warriors. APOLLO The warriors at this table have good reason for not trusting the Cylons. PRONUS Do not give us your stale stories of our history. STARBUCK This tale you haven't heard before. The Cylons lied to you when they said they had three basestars that followed us to this system. They had four. BALTAR I don't believe you. Why would they lie? APOLLO So the fourth basestar could circle around the solar system and attack Earth while the other basestars destroyed our fleet. STARBUCK It would be Caprica all over. BALTAR (to himself) Lucifer... PRONUS The Cylons have a fourth basestar circling around us? TIGH Had. COUNCIL PERSON ONE You have threatened the peace agreement! TIGH (authoritatively) First, their actions prove they never intended to agree to peace. Second, how could our actions threaten peace, since the Cylons can not admit what they hoped to accomplish by their actions. PRONUS What does all this mean? APOLLO It means we fight for what we believe in. It means we can't surrender our hopes into the hands of those who have pursued and persecuted us. COUNCIL PERSON TWO But we can't defeat the Cylons! STARBUCK We can defeat them. (beat) The odds aren't exactly in our favor, but the best and only chance we have to survive is to fight them. PRONUS And if you fight and lose, every man, woman, and child would also lose, (beat) their lives. TIGH If humanity is to have any future at all, this battle must be fought and won. PRONUS You are usurping the power of the Council! TIGH The Council has no power over the Cylons! The only power it has is to doom humanity! Tigh's words silence Pronus. He realizes Tigh is right. APOLLO We are going to fight the Cylons. We will fight them for everything we believe in, and we will fight them for all humanity. Many brave men and women will soon be dead, but hopefully humanity will survive. TIGH We hope the Council will give us their blessing in this endeavor. STARBUCK And if you don't want to give us your blessing, at least don't help the Cylons to kill us. All Council People hang their heads. Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck exit the room. The Council begins to look to Baltar. Baltar has also seen the truth of Tigh's words. BALTAR (beak) (weakly at first) Our warriors are right. The Cylons only purpose has been to destroy us. (beat) All of us. PRONUS But what can we do? BALTAR Help our warriors. Help them however we can. (EXT SPACE BASESTARS (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) Lucifer enters and goes to the centurion. LUCIFER Still no report from Diablo? CENTURION He has not reported. LUCIFER Hmmm. (beat) We can not wait indefinitely. Order the other commanders to move their ships forward and prepare for launch. CENTURION By your command. (EXT AERIAL SHOT MARS BASE DAY (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CONTROL CENTER MARS BASE COMM OFFICER) The comm. officer is sitting quietly, doing nothing. He looks anxious and bored at the same time. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT PILOTS LOUNGE PILOTS) Pilots are sitting around or pacing slowly. Some play cards silently. They are waiting for the attack to come. (INT MEDIUM SHOT LAUNCH BAY CREWS) The crews are standing around the Vipers. A few are pacing, but all are waiting. (INT FULL SHOT BRIDGE) The bridge is still and quiet. All stations are manned, but there is no movement or talking. Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck wait in the command area. APOLLO It won't be long now. The basestars have moved forward to launch. TIGH Maybe we recalled our long-range patrol too quickly. STARBUCK The Galactica's scanners work as well as those on a Viper. Besides, they had to refuel. APOLLO We're going to need every Viper we have. TIGH The fleet is holding position where we want it. All squadrons are ready, the pulsar canon can be used again if needed. The only thing not ready is landing bay beta. STARBUCK Now all this party needs is Cylons. Omega is watching his screen. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER (OPTICAL)) Triangular targets enter the screen from the edges. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA (to Tigh) Sir, sensors show waves of small crafts, heading towards the Galactica. STARBUCK Are you going to ask if they're Cylons? TIGH (to Omega)Sound battle alert. (INT MEDIUM SHOT PILOT LOUNGE PILOTS) The battle klaxon begins to sound, and all the pilots immediately run to get to their Vipers. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH (to Omega) Warn the fleet. (EXT SPACE RISING STAR (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE SHOT COMMUNICATION STATION BALTAR) BALTAR Explain yourself, Lucifer. LUCIFER Just following my instructions, Baltar. BALTAR Then follow these instruction. Recall the attack. LUCIFER I'm afraid that is impossible. BALTAR It is not impossible. You risk the success of your mission if you attack the humans now! LUCIFER I doubt that, Baltar. BALTAR The humans have developed new and powerful weapons, Lucifer! LUCIFER That remains to be seen. BALTAR It has been seen! By the fourth basestar that you had with you! Lucifer says nothing. BALTAR Recall your attack! LUCIFER Baltar, in all the time that I have known you, I've never determined whose side you are really on. (beat) The attack will proceed. Communication ends. Baltar glares at the blank screen. (EXT SPACE CYLONS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) A huge number of Raiders can be seen heading for the Galactica. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE SHOT BRIDGE RIGEL) RIGEL All Vipers cleared for launch. (MULTIPLE SHOT VIPERS LAUNCHING) Numerous shots of Vipers launching, to give the effect of large numbers flying out to meet the Cylons. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA All Vipers are launched. TIGH And the Vipers from our Mars base? OMEGA Mars base report all of their Vipers have launched. They should reach and flank the Cylons before the Cylons reach the Galactica. TIGH Hopefully that will reduce the strength of their attack. STARBUCK Commander, I know this is not a good time, but I'd like to request to leave the bridge. TIGH Leave the bridge for where? STARBUCK For the Experimental Viper, Sir. APOLLO I would like to make the same request. TIGH Those Vipers are not safe. STARBUCK No ship around here is safe right now. APOLLO Sir. I don't feel two more officers on the bridge can make as big a difference as two more Vipers out there. Tigh knows they are right. He doesn't speak, but after a moment he reaches out and shakes both of their hands. He then turns and concentrates his attention on Omega's monitor. Starbuck and Apollo leave. (EXT SPACE CYLON RAIDERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CENTURION (OPTICAL)) (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (P.O.V. CYLONS)) The Galactica is still off in the distance. (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CENTURION) CYLON ONE Vipers have launched and are deployed around the Galactica. CENTURION Engage the humans. (EXT SPACE VIPERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE UP VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA The Cylons aren't turning to meet us. Mars squadron, attack before they try to evade. (EXT LONG SHOT GALACTICA) The Galactica is still small in the distance. One end of the Cylon wave can be seen heading towards the Galactica. Just behind the Cylons a squadron of Vipers descends upon them from behind. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA The Mars squadron was not detected. They have engaged and disrupted the Cylon flank. (EXT SPACE BATTLE (OPTICAL)) Vipers inflict casualties quickly, but after a few moments the Cylons begin to respond. While the Vipers can still out fly the Raiders, the Raiders are just as deadly. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER All Galactica squadrons, focus your attack on the left center of the Cylon formation. Mars squadron is creating Hades on the right end of their formation. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA All squadrons have engaged the Cylons. There are inflicting damage on the Cylons, but our Vipers are well out-numbered. TIGH They have always fought against superior numbers. Activate defensive systems. (INSERT SHOT CONTROLS) Omega flips the switches that activate the laser turrets. 'All fire control stations manned and operational.' (EXT SPACE BATTLE) Several shots of Vipers and Raiders fighting. The dogfights slowly move to swirl around the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH Positive shields! Shields are raised over the large bridge portal. OMEGA Sir, new contacts. TIGH Describe them. OMEGA Unknown. Two, possibly three squadrons. They are rising from the near moon on Mars. Computer can't identify them. TIGH Bridge to Apollo (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - STATIONARY) Apollo and Starbuck are still in the launch bays. They are moments from launching. APOLLO Go ahead, Commander. TIGH (COMM VOICE) Go to the near moon of Mars. Scanners show additional craft heading toward us. APOLLO Cylons? TIGH (COMM VOICE) We can't tell. You and Starbuck have to find out. APOLLO Will do. (to Starbuck) Ready? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - STATIONARY) STARBUCK Been ready all my life. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Thrusters buttons are pressed. (MULTIPLE SHOTS EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS LAUNCHING) The Vipers launch from the Galactica, and then bank and turn toward the moon. (EXT SPACE BATTLE) Although Raiders are being destroyed, so are Vipers. One of the Raiders crashes into landing bay alpha. (INT FULL SHOT LANDING BAY ALPHA RAIDER) The Raider crashes into the deck with a thunderous explosion. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) They feel the Galactica shudder from the impact. TIGH Damage report. OMEGA Landing bay Alpha. Showing fire indicators almost to the launch bays. Tigh slowly closes his eyes. He seems to look defeated. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING) (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO) APOLLO Turn on battle computers. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK) Starbuck looks down, moving his arm as to reach for a switch. (INSERT SHOT BATTLE COMPUTER) The battle computer flashes through several configurations stopping finally on a craft called the Scorpion. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK) STARBUCK I think there's a problem with my computer. It says that these aren't Cylon. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO) APOLLO My computer says that they're being flown by humans. STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) It must be a trick. APOLLO The Cylons have no need for deception now. (beat) Stay close, Starbuck. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING) APOLLO (COMM VOICE) Attention unidentified craft. You are approaching a combat zone. (EXT SPACE SCORPIONS) Dozens of older looking fighters, flying more slowly than normal Vipers, are seen, with the moon behind them. APOLLO (COMM VOICE) State your identity and intent, or risk being fired upon. There is no immediate response. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA) The battle continues. The Galactica continues to be damaged. A Raider dives straight into the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT RAIDER CENTURION) CENTURION The Galactica is losing it's ability to defend itself. Order that the attack be spread to the human fleet. No humans are to be spared. (EXT SPACE BASESTARS (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) LUCIFER (to centurion) What reports do we have of the battle? CENTURION A high number of our Raiders have been destroyed, but the Galactica is showing a decreased ability to defend itself. LUCIFER Ohh, this is good news. Send orders to the other commanders. We are to move the basestars up to support our Raiders. CENTURION By your command. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA BATTLE (OPTICAL)) There are fewer Vipers and Raiders, but the Galactica is burning in spots. (INT MEDIUM SHOT PASSAGEWAY FIRE CREW) Fire fighters are manning their hoses, but they are giving ground. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) The bridge is in Pandemonium. Crewman are running about and yelling. OMEGA Damage reported on all decks and sections. TIGH Priority is to the defensive systems. OMEGA Sir, scanners show the Cylons are spreading out to the fleet. TIGH (beat beat) Warn them. (beat) It's all we can do. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Computer says they're human, but they aren't responding to your challenge. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Can't take the chance it's a Cylon trick. Prepare to fire. Before Apollo can maneuver to attack, a voice answers his challenge. TIGRE (COMM VOICE) Fighters, this is Commander Tigre, Thirteenth Fleet Defense Wing. We are on an intercept to engage interlopers in our defense sphere. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK (beat) (puzzled) Apollo? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO (beat) I heard. Unidentified craft, repeat your last message. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) The Scorpion is more austere than a Viper. The uniform and helmet are similar to colonial warriors garb, but plainer. TIGRE You heard my message, young man. We heard that sons of Kobol are being attacked, and we intend to aid our brothers. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Apollo, I still think it sounds like a trick. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Warrior, at fifty to one, we don't need to use tricks. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Defense Wing, Commander Tigre. Stay on your current heading. We are going to check you out visually before directing you to our people. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Warrior, we can find your people without directions. We just don't want everyone shooting at us when we get there. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO (smiles) I understand. We'll be next to you in a few seconds. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE) TIGRE A few what? APOLLO (COMM VOICE) Microns. TIGRE (nodding affirmative) Oh. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The Vipers bank and loop downward. APOLLO (COMM VOICE) Apollo to Galactica. The fighters rising from the moon may be friendly. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA BATTLE (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) Omega turns in his chair and faces Tigh, removing his headphones. OMEGA It must be a trick. TIGH The Cylons have no need for tricks. Tell Apollo I trust his judgment. (to himself) And let's hope this is the miracle we prayed for. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING) The Vipers are viewed from an angle that makes them appear to be descending. (EXT SPACE SCORPIONS - TRAVELING) The Scorpion fighters are flying in a rough formation. The view is from above and behind them. The experimental Vipers come into view, flying on an angle to rendezvous with the lead Scorpion. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck is looking to one side. (EXT SPACE SCORPION PILOT - TRAVELING) A side shot of one of the old Scorpions. The pilot is looking back at Starbuck. The Viper is pulling slowly ahead of the Scorpion. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo is peering to the side opposite of where Starbuck was looking. STARBUCK Apollo, you see this? (EXT SPACE SCORPION PILOT - TRAVELING) A side shot of one of the old Scorpions. The pilot is looking back at Apollo. The Viper is pulling slowly ahead of the Scorpion. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO I see them. (beat) Humans. TIGRE (COMM VOICE) Not just any humans. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Warriors of the planet Kobol. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Kobol died millennia ago. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Judging by your ships, you guys are old, but not that old. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) Tigre looks left, then right. TIGRE We are that old. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) TIGRE (COMM VOICE) We just haven't been alive all that time. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) TIGRE (COMM VOICE) But we are alive now. Our duty, (beat) our mission, hasn't changed. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Do we pass your test? May we join the fight? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO We need help defending our civilians. Maintain your present course. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Thank you. (EXT SPACE RAIDER AND VIPER) A Viper gets behind a Raider and blasts it. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA) SHEBA They're moving away from the Galactica. (INT LANDING BAY GALACTICA) Flames and explosions. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA) Effervescent flames are seen in several locations (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER There's no fight left in the Galactica, Sheba. The Cylons are after our fleet. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA The Galactica isn't dead yet! She banks her Viper roughly. (EXT SPACE RAIDER AND VIPER) Sheba destroys another Cylon Raider. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) The bridge is shaded with smoke. OMEGA Sir, crews are not able to control all the fires. TIGH Can we launch any of our shuttles, to evacuate the wounded? OMEGA Fires in the bays are the ones that are moving forward. We can't launch any shuttles. Tigh and Omega look at each other. There is no escape for anyone. TIGH At least there is hope for the fleet. Omega looks down at his scanner. OMEGA (hoarsely) Sir... (EXT SPACE BASESTARS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) LUCIFER Report, Centurion. CENTURION The Galactica is burning. Both other landing bays are damaged. Her Vipers have no place to land. LUCIFER And the human fleet? CENTURION Our Raiders are now engaging the human fleet. LUCIFER I think it's time we assist our fighters. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPER - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) Scorpion fighters are in the background. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Starbuck looks down at his scanner. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) The scanner shows the basestars. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Apollo, check your scanner. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) Basestars. APOLLO Three of them. TIGRE (COMM VOICE) Is that the enemy fleet? APOLLO Yes. The Cylon Raiders ahead of us fly out of them. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK But the basestars don't need to launch a single fighter to still have enough firepower to destroy the fleet. TIGRE (COMM VOICE) And there are only three of them? STARBUCK (incredulous) Only three? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Commander Tigre, you don't understand how deadly they are. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Colonel Apollo, all I need to know is that their fighter cover is away from them and engaged. In a few microns we will join the fight and make sure those fighters don't get back to their bases. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO They'll gladly sacrifice all their fighters to destroy our fleet. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Apollo, There is little time here. You're not under my command but I have an order for you. I hope you agree to follow it, because if you don't many may die today needlessly. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo looks puzzled. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The battle around the Galactica has stopped, but fires caused by the battle can still be seen. (INT MEDIUM SHOT PASSAGEWAY FIRE FIGHTERS) The fires are slowly advancing. (INT BRIDGE MEDIUM SHOT TIGH) OMEGA The basestars are still approaching. TIGH What of the fighters from Mars's moon? OMEGA They are just engaging the Cylons. How could we have not detected them? TIGH I don't know. I'm just thankful they appeared when they did. (EXT SPACE FLEET BATTLE (OPTICAL)) Cylon Raiders are flying among the ships of the fleet, firing lasers. Vipers are in pursuit. Some of the fleet ships are firing back. (EXT SPACE SCORPIONS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The first wave of Scorpions approaches. They begin to fire lasers. (EXT SPACE FLEET BATTLE (OPTICAL)) A full view showing a Scorpion firing and destroying a Raider. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA) She is looking to one side, apparently watching the Scorpions. SHEBA Where did they come from? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER) Also watching. BOOMER I'm guessing from the heavens. Isn't that where all miracles originate? (EXT SPACE CYLON RAIDER - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE SHOT RAIDER CENTURION (OPTICAL)) (EXT SPACE BATTLE SCORPION (P.O.V. CENTURION) (OPTICAL)) Through the front windshield of the Raider the Centurion can see a Scorpion firing on another Raider. (INT CLOSE SHOT RAIDER CENTURION (OPTICAL)) (EXT SPACE BASESTARS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) CENTURION By your command. LUCIFER Report. CENTURION Our fighter have encountered new colonial fighters. LUCIFER New fighters? CENTURION Affirmative. Possibly four squadrons in force. LUCIFER (beat) This is unfortunate. We must increase our speed to join the battle. Our fighters are at a disadvantage facing fresh fighters. Order the other basestars to full speed. CENTURION By your command. (EXT SPACE BATTLE (OPTICAL)) A Cylon Raider destroys a Scorpion. A viper is swinging behind the Raider. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) (EXT SPACE BATTLE (OPTICAL)) The Raider that just destroyed the Scorpion is itself destroyed by the Viper. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA Boomer, those fighters are outclassed by the Cylons. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER They're Scorpion fighters. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA Scorpions? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER Remember your history, Cadet Sheba. The fighters that battlestars first launched were Scorpions. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) Sheba seems to remember. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) They're old. Very old. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA Basestars are still approaching. TIGH Are they within range of the pulsar canon? Omega turns and looks at Tigh. TIGH I know what you're thinking, but it's the only weapon we've got. OMEGA They are just coming into range. TIGH Prepare the pulsar to fire. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The angle of view is from below the Galactica looking up. On the underside of the Galactica along the center and pointing forward is a long cylinder, the same color as the hull. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA PULSAR (OPTICAL)) A closer shot of the cylinder shows that the front part is opening to reveal the end of the pulsar canon. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA Pulsar canon is charging. Sir something just appeared on the scanners. TIGH What is it? (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER CENTURION) CENTURION A battlestar. LUCIFER A battlestar? Are you certain? CENTURION All scanning system are operating properly. LUCIFER Where did it come from? (INT MEDIUM SHOT GALACTICA BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA From the near moon of Mars. It is between the moon and the planet. TIGH What is it doing? (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER CENTURION) CENTURION It is on an elliptical course for the Galactica. LUCIFER We must stop it from assisting the Galactica. CENTURION What are your orders? (INT MEDIUM SHOT GALACTICA BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA Two of the basestars are moving to intercept the battlestar. The third is heading towards the Galactica. TIGH Warn the fighters that their battlestar is about to be attacked. OMEGA What about our Vipers? Recall them and leave the fleet unprotected? TIGH (beat) No. Continue to prepare the pulsar canon. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) OMEGA (COMM VOICE) Fighters of the Thirteenth Fleet. Your battlestar is about to be attacked. Return and defend it. TIGRE All Scorpion fighters, this is Commander Tigre. Your orders are to engage the enemy fighters. Do not, I repeat, do not break back to the Cerberus. (INT CLOSE SHOT GALACTICA BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH This is Commander Tigh of the Galactica. You don't understand the situation, Tigre. We can't allow the Cylons to destroy the last battlestars. Return and defend your ship. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Negative. TIGH (COMM VOICE) You must, or it will be destroyed! TIGRE That's why we must stay away. (INT CLOSE SHOT GALACTICA BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH Are you insane!? (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE No. We must let the Cylons think they can destroy the Cerberus. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER CENTURION) CENTURION Second battlestar is altering course. LUCIFER Is it attacking? CENTURION Negative. It is moving to avoid us. LUCIFER Continue to pursue it. Without its fighters, which are defending the human fleet, it will not survive our attack. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH (wrathful) Fools! The Cylons win if they destroy our battlestars! OMEGA The Cerberus is changing course. It is heading closer to the planet, and away from us. TIGH This is insane! There is a slight shudder and the sound of a blast. OMEGA The third basestar is firing on us. TIGH Is the pulsar canon ready to fire? OMEGA No. Charge is sixty percent. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) Laser fire comes from the basestar. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) The Galactica shudders from the laser blast, and the explosion can be heard. TIGH We can't wait for one hundred percent. Another shudder and blast from basestar lasers hit the Galactica. OMEGA Ready to fire on your command. TIGH (beat) One other thing first. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER CENTURION) CENTURION The battlestar is continuing to retreat towards the planet. LUCIFER This is most peculiar. Why would it present itself if not to fight? Centurion, scan to the limits of our sensors. CENTURION For what should I scan? LUCIFER (beat) I'm not sure. (EXT SPACE FLEET BATTLE (OPTICAL)) The battle between the ships of the fleet continues. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) All appears normal, until a bright flash of light forces Boomer to shield his eyes. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) Sheba is also shielding her eyes. SHEBA What was that? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER The Galactica. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA No. No! (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER The Galactica is still there. It must have used the pulsar. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA Thank the lords. BOOMER (COMM VOICE) You may not thank them for long. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER The Pulsar canon knocked out her power again. Without energizers, she can't power the pumps needed to fight the fires. (EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The Galactica is stationary and dark. A basestar is a short distance away. Electrical charges are dancing around it, and flame effervesce from numerous areas. The basestar looks dead. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) The bridge is dark. After a moment, the lights come on. OMEGA It worked! Isolating the back-up energizers until after the discharge protected them from the pulse. TIGH We still need the main energizers. I also need to know what the other basestars are doing. Scan and report. Omega takes a few moments to work the scanner. OMEGA Sir, you won't believe this. TIGH I hope it's good. (INT CLOSE SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) LUCIFER (beat) This is bad. CENTURION There is more. LUCIFER More than the Galactica destroying one of our basestars? CENTURION Affirmative. There are additional battlestars coming into range. LUCIFER More battlestars?!? How many? (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) OMEGA Three. Possibly a fourth. (EXT SPACE BATTLESTARS (OPTICAL)) Three battlestars are fanning out from the spaceward side of the moon. Behind them the giant metal frame that stood before the slab wall is moving. It is heading around them. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH Where are they? What are they doing? OMEGA There are coming out from behind the near moon, on the side away from Mars. They have the basestars boxed in. TIGH The Cylons do have some options. They can attack one of the battlestars and try to break through, or they can try to break through our way. (INT CLOSE SHOT BASESTAR COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) LUCIFER We can not go towards the Galactica. It seems that Baltar was telling the truth about the humans developing new and powerful weapons. CENTURION What are your orders? LUCIFER We attack the battlestar closest to the planet, and then retreat past it. Recall our fighters. We may need them. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) (INT CLOSE UP VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO The Cylons are attacking the Cerberus. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK The Galactica fired the pulsar at the right time. I think it frightened the Cylons. (INT CLOSE UP VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO That canon frightens me more than these Vipers. STARBUCK (COMM VOICE) Speak kindly of them, (beat) at least until you've landed. Apollo smiles. APOLLO Apollo to Cerberus. (EXT SPACE CERBERUS (OPTICAL)) (INT MEDIUM SHOT CERBERUS BRIDGE CHANG) The bridge is much like the Galactica's. The uniforms are slightly different, and all computer monitors are monochrome. The Cerberus is commanded by Chang. CHANG This is Commander Chang. Report. (INT CLOSE UP VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO The basestars are heading towards you. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CERBERUS BRIDGE CHANG) CHANG Excellent. I was afraid they would retreat toward your fleet, but they're going to make it easy for us instead. APOLLO (COMM VOICE) I don't think they realize how damaged the Galactica is. CHANG If it can still kill basestars, it wouldn't look damaged to anyone. Get the Galactica to move towards the moon. We may still be able to assist her. (EXT SPACE FLEET BATTLE (OPTICAL)) The battle continues. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA What are the Cylons doing? (INT CLOSE SHOT BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER They're retreating from the fleet. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE No. They're regrouping to help save their base ships. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER Save them from what? (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Why don't you come along and see? It will be quite a sight, and you can torch Cylons along the way. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA I'd love to see the Cylons have a bad day. Sheba looks down at her instrument. (INSERT SHOT FUEL GAUGE) Fuel levels are low, in the red. INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING SHEBA I'm afraid I won't make, though. Fuel levels are critical. TIGRE (COMM VOICE) If I offered a place to land and had your fuel cells refilled when you got there, would you come? Sheba looks puzzled. Slowly, she begins to suspect. SHEBA Boomer, do you think he means that they have... BOOMER (COMM VOICE) (interrupting) Don't say it! Don't say it! (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER I hate to sound like Starbuck, but don't say anything to jinx our luck. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Our luck won't change to stale today, warrior. I do have one request to make. May I speak to the Galactica? (EXT SPACE BASESTARS (OPTICAL)) The two basestars are moving toward the Cerberus. A couple laser blasts fly toward the Cerberus. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CERBERUS BRIDGE CHANG) BRIDGE OFFICER Enemy is attacking. CHANG Positive shields. Activate laser turrets. Release fighters. (EXT SPACE CERBERUS LAUNCH PORTALS (OPTICAL)) Several shots of Scorpions launching out of the Cerberus and flying into space are scene. Shot progress from single ship to groups of three or more. (INT MEDIUM SHOT CERBERUS BRIDGE CHANG) BRIDGE OFFICER First wave launched. CHANG Launch second wave fighters as ready. (EXT SPACE CERBERUS (OPTICAL)) View is from behind the Cerberus. Scorpions can be seen heading towards the basestars. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Think those basestars are surprised? (EXT SPACE CERBERUS (P.O.V. STARBUCK) (OPTICAL)) View is from behind the Cerberus. Scorpions can be seen heading towards the basestars. Same as before, but from further away. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Yes. Let's throw the experimental, high-speed Viper surprise at them too. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Always save the best for last. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo smiles. (INSERT SHOT JOYSTICK) Thruster button is engaged. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The two Vipers bank and accelerate. (EXT SPACE CERBERUS (OPTICAL)) View is from behind the Cerberus. Scorpions can be seen heading towards the basestars. The experimental Vipers appear at the top of the screen quickly rushing toward the basestars. (EXT SPACE BASESTARS (OPTICAL)) View is from between the two basestars, with the Cerberus in the distance and the Scorpions approaching. The basestars fire lasers. (EXT SPACE SCORPIONS (OPTICAL)) The Scorpions are spaced apart while heading for the basestars. The Cylon laser blasts explode near the ships. At least one Scorpion is destroyed. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO All Cerberus squadrons. Move as planned, getting in between the two basestars. They will hold down their fire to prevent hitting each other with their own laser blasts. (EXT SPACE SCORPIONS (P.O.V. CYLON LASERS)) A Cylon laser turret tracks and fires on the Scorpions. It kills two Scorpions. While turning to another, the third fires first hitting the turret. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Apollo can be seen behind the canopy. The Viper fires lasers. (EXT SPACE CYLON LASER TURRET) The turret is hit be a laser blast and explodes. (EXT SPACE SCORPION - TRAVELING) From behind, a Scorpion is seen firing on a Laser turret, hitting and destroying it. (EXT SPACE LASER TURRET AND SCORPIONS) A laser turret stands idle as two Scorpions come down and fire on it at the same time, destroying it. (EXT SPACE THREE BATTLESTARS - TRAVELING) Viewed from behind. The three battlestars are heading toward the basestars, which are still a ways off. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR) Scorpions are still flying near it, and a number of small effervescent fires can be seen. (INT MEDIUM SHOT COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) LUCIFER Where are our fighters? CENTURION They are still attempting to disengage from the Galactica's fighters. LUCIFER Move towards them. We can not survive without fighter support. CENTURION By your command. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR - TRAVELING) (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Apollo, one is trying to run away towards our fleet. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO I see it. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK What should we do? CHANG (COMM VOICE) Leave it to us. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE CERBERUS CHANG) CHANG This is Chang of the Cerberus. Druidica and Chimera, pursue the fleeing basestar. Republica, please assist us with the assault on the remaining basestar. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Apollo, this is incredible. I've only dreamed of having this sort of superiority over the Cylons. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO I know what you mean. All these battlestars. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Battlestars. The Galactica. Cassiopeia! (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Starbuck, stay clam! (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK But Cassiopeia... (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO The Galactica and everyone on it is threatened by that last basestar. If you want to do something, help the Druidica and Chimera by knocking out that basestars remaining lasers. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Then let's go. (EXT SPACE EXPERIMENTAL VIPERS - TRAVELING) The Vipers thrusters erupt and they rush forward. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE CERBERUS CHANG) CHANG Scorpions, pull back from the basestar. Begin laser fusillade. Republica, open fire. (EXT SPACE BATTLE (OPTICAL)) The basestar, laser turrets destroyed, is between the two battlestars. (EXT SPACE CERBERUS (OPTICAL)) Laser blasts are emitted from the Cerberus. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) Blasts hit the basestar, a few cause secondary explosions. (EXT SPACE REPUBLICA (OPTICAL)) Laser blasts come from the Republica (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) Blasts hit the basestar, a few cause secondary explosions. The hits and explosions are on the opposite side of the basestar from the first hits. (EXT SPACE BASESTAR (OPTICAL)) Longer view. Shots continue to hit the basestar form both sides. Secondary explosions become more frequent and powerful. The basestar finally explodes. (INT MEDIUM SHOT COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) CENTURION The other basestar has been destroyed. LUCIFER Where are our fighters? (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) She looks down at her scanner. (INSERT SHOT SCANNER) A Cylon is centered and locked on to. (EXT SPACE RAIDER AND VIPER) Sheba's Viper is behind a Raider. She fires, destroying the Raider. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) Boomer is concentrating on his target. (EXT SPACE RAIDER - TRAVELING (P.O.V. BOOMER'S COCKPIT)) The Raider can be seen through Boomer's canopy. The Viper fires, destroying the Raider. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) Tigre is concentrating on a target. The sounds of laser fire is heard. (EXT SPACE RAIDER - TRAVELING) The Raider flies for only a short distance before exploding. (INT MEDIUM SHOT COMMAND CENTER LUCIFER) CENTURION They can not disengage the colonial fighters. BALTAR (V.O.S.) Oh Lucifer. Lucifer turn towards a communication monitor. Baltar is there, gloating slightly, though not entirely happy. LUCIFER (to himself) Just when I though things could not become worse. BALTAR I heard that, Lucifer. I've also heard that, through an immense effort on your part, you've managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory! LUCIFER All is not lost, Baltar. An explosion or two is heard, and the command center seems to shudder a little. The Centurion reports. CENTURION High speed colonial fighters are strafing us. Two battlestars are approaching weapons range. Two other battlestars are moving to intercept. BALTAR All is not lost? (beat) Well, since you seemed determined to fight to the last, you wouldn't be interested in what I've been asked to offer you. Another blasts causes a shudder. LUCIFER Baltar, we can not surrender to humans. BALTAR I prefer to think of it as acting to survive to fight another day, but if you prefer death... LUCIFER Not so hasty. I can see some merit to your (beat) strategy. BALTAR (beat) Of course. EXT SPACE GALACTICA (OPTICAL) Fires are still burning. (INT MEDIUM SHOT PASSAGEWAYS FIRE FIGHTERS) Fire fighters still battle the blazes. The fires continue to advance. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) The bridge is smokier than before. OMEGA Commander, sensors still show that large ship moving toward us. TIGH The computer still can't identify it? OMEGA No sir. (beat) I'm receiving a message to us. TIGH On monitor. Just audio. No picture. CRADLE (COMM VOICE) ...cradle, over? Galactica, this is cradle, over. TIGH (to monitor) This is the Galactica. Please identify yourself, cradle. (EXT SPACE CRADLE - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) Cradle is the huge metallic frame structure that was on the moon. It is moving forward to the Galactica. CRADLE (COMM VOICE) We are a battlestar tender, Galactica. We've been informed that you have taken heavy damage, and we are here to assist you. State your condition. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) TIGH A battlestar tender? CRADLE (COMM VOICE) We can explain as we go along. Right now, we need to know how you've been damaged. Are your fires controlled? TIGH No. Fires are still burning and advancing into the ship from the landing bays. (EXT SPACE CRADLE (OPTICAL)) The cradle turns and maneuvers so it is above the Galactica. Some thruster fire, and it descends down on the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) CRADLE (COMM VOICE) We are going to lock on to you. Loud metallic thuds can be heard, and small shudders are felt. (EXT MEDIUM SHOTS CRADLE CLAMPS) Sections of the cradle come down around different areas of the Galactica like giant claws. In only a few moments, the cradle is securely holding the Galactica. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) CRADLE (COMM VOICE) Galactica, we are prepared to move you to an emergency area. (EXT SPACE CRADLE - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) Thrusters on the cradle ignite, and the two ships begin to move. CRADLE (COMM VOICE) We need four centons minimum to transport you to the emergency area. (INT MEDIUM SHOT BRIDGE TIGH) CRADLE (COMM VOICE) Can your fire crews keep the flames contained that long? TIGH Yes, but not much longer. (EXT SPACE CRADLE - TRAVELING (OPTICAL)) The two joined ships accelerate. The moon comes into view, which is where they are heading. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) Looking out of the canopy, watching. BOOMER (quietly) By the gods. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) Looking out of the canopy, watching. SHEBA It's huge. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) Looking out of the canopy, watching. STARBUCK I thought battlestars were big, but this thing just engulfed one. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE We call it cradle. Holds a battlestar like a mother holds a child, only much more securely. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) Looking out of the canopy, watching. APOLLO Where are they taking the Galactica? (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE You're welcome to come and see. My fighters can handle the escort of all the surviving Cylon fighters to the planet. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER STARBUCK - TRAVELING) STARBUCK Apollo, if we're not needed here,... (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER SHEBA - TRAVELING) SHEBA ...And since we are attached to the Galactica. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO I know what you're asking. I suppose I couldn't keep you away if I ordered you. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER BOOMER - TRAVELING) BOOMER Your signal is starting to break up, colonel. Just in case you try that order. (INT CLOSE SHOT VIPER APOLLO - TRAVELING) APOLLO Well, to avoid mutiny, all Vipers follow the cradle. I want to see this too. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - TRAVELING) TIGRE Follow me instead. I can get you down safely and ahead of the cradle and the Galactica. APOLLO (COMM VOICE) Sir, you have the lead. (EXT SPACE CRADLE (OPTICAL)) The cradle with the Galactica are still heading towards the moon. A flight of two Vipers, two experimental Vipers and a Scorpion leading them move into view, flying parallel to the cradle. The fighters will easily pass the cradle. (EXT SLAB WALL (OPTICAL)) The doors to the battlestar base are partially open. Very large vehicles come speeding out the door. They are to fight fires. Two vehicles carry smaller fire-fighting vehicles which they will lift up to the landing bays. Individuals are also running everywhere. A large wheeled transport is in the middle of the area in front of the slab wall. This is where the Galactica will be placed. (INT CLOSE SHOT SCORPION TIGRE - ATMOSPHERE) TIGRE Follow me into the recovery area. The cradle is not far behind. (EXT ATMOSPHERE FIGHTERS - TRAVELING) The fighters are spread out in a single long line. They all will land very close to the slab doors. All five are followed in individually. By the time the last fighter is landing, Tigre has dismounted his Scorpion. He points toward the sky, directing the others gaze to the approaching cradle and battlestar. (EXT ATMOSPHERE CRADLE - TRAVELING) The cradle with the Galactica slowly descends toward the landing area. Expressions of awe and amazement are on everyone's face as the cradle comes closer. (EXT SLAB WALL CRADLE - LANDING) The cradle sets the Galactica on the transport, and after releasing the clamps, the cradle lifts off, leaving the Galactica. (EXT FIRE VEHICLES) The fire fighting vehicles immediately advance toward the landing bay entrances of the Galactica. Two huge foam generators begin to flood the bays. The lifts with the special vehicles move into position. (EXT GALACTICA NACELLES) Steps have been rolled up to the launch portals, and the crew of the Galactica is escaping from the front while fire fighters enter through the back. Wounded are being carried out. (EXT LANDING BAY FIRE VEHICLES) The small vehicles have been lifted up to the landing bays. They advance into the bay, shooting foam from two canons. The foam is supplied via an umbilical from the vehicle below. (EXT GALACTICA NACELLES) Cassiopeia is among the last out, helping with the wounded. Starbuck rushes up to assist here. They wounded person is turned over to other med-techs, and Starbuck and Cassiopeia embrace. Colonel Tigh is the last one to leave. (EXT FULL SHOT GALACTICA (OPTICAL)) The Galactica is still producing a great deal of smoke, but none of the fires can bee seen. (EXT MEDIUM SHOT TIGH) Apollo, Sheba, Boomer, and Tigre approach Tigh. TIGH It's a miracle. Everyone is out but our fire crews. TIGRE The bases crew reports that it looks promising. We should be able to save the Galactica, though it will be a while before she returns to space. A noise causes them all to look up It is a shuttle landing. TIGH (looking around) How did all of this get here? How did we not see it. APOLLO And the atmosphere? There wasn't any when we surveyed this moon. TIGRE We generated the atmosphere when we were revived. The oxygen plants worked quickly. BOOMER Revived? From what. CHANG (V.O.S.) From our deep sleep. Chang walks up to the group. The shuttle is in the background. CHANG We encountered a disease that forced us into bio-chambers. This happened roughly 6000 jarhens ago. SHEBA 6000 years? TIGRE Years. Whatever. CHANG After finding Earth, Our people wanted nothing more to do with space travel or technology. I believe the journey has been even more demanding on your people? TIGH Many have lived in conditions not fit for animals, but we had no choice. CHANG Our people chose to blame the military for their hardships. They ordered us to destroy our battlestars. TIGRE Our people forgot that it was our ships that saved them. We were banished from Earth when we did not follow their orders. CHANG We built a base on this moon. We were just to the point of creating an atmosphere when the plague hit. It was something viral we created without knowing. TIGRE We could not find a cure. All we could do was intern ourselves in bio-chambers. APOLLO Bio-chambers? How could anyone survive 6000 years in a bio-chamber? CHANG (solemnly, sadly) Many did not. The chambers were never intended to function for as long as they did. TIGRE Almost half our people died without waking. CASSIOPEIA You had enough bio-chambers for all you people? CHANG No. There were three battlestars not in our base. They manufactured and shuttled down the bio-chambers. They tried to find a cure too, but couldn't. TIGH So how did you cure this? Why now? Chang motions back near the shuttle Two people approach Badjer and Amaranth. CHANG These are your people. The girl, Amaranth, found our base with a stolen shuttle. The boy, Badjer, is a med-tech. He identified our disease, and he synthesized the cure. He woke us from the sleep, and gave us back our lives. All regard the two. TIGH (beat) This will take a great deal of time to straighten out. CHANG You and your people are welcome to stay for as long as wanted. I hope you don't leave too soon. APOLLO Would you have space for some of our people? CHANG Yes. This isn't an appropriate time, but we hope that some of your people would join us, if they are of the same quality as these two (refers to Badjer and Amaranth). TIGH I don't understand. TIGRE We hope our peoples might unite. STARBUCK You haven't learned about our Council of Twelve, have you? CHANG We both have much to learn. We have defeated the Cylons this time, but the future... TIGRE We surprised them, and we have one of their basestars. It had a lot to do with luck. We were able to launch only four of our battlestars. BOOMER Only four?!? CHANG With your help and the help of your people, we could again sail our fleet. I would prefer not to wait for the Cylons to return. APOLLO If you have more than four battlestars, we could reclaim the colonies. TIGH Perhaps. In time. For the moment, there is no war. We have found our new home, and our lost brothers. First, we give thanks for our fortune, resettle our people, and celebrate. The group turns and walks toward the base, many arms around shoulders. STARBUCK So, Commander, exactly how many battlestars you have hidden in there? Camera pulls back, going to an aerial shot that shows the entire Galactica, still smoking. FADE OUT THE END