GALACTICA Saga of a Star World Written by Glen A. Larson -Please Note- THIS MATERIAL IS THE PROPERTY OF GLEN LARSON PRODUCTIONS AND UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. IT IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR USE BY STUDIO PERSONNEL. DISTRIBUTION TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS IS PROHIBITED. CAST ---- SILENT COMMANDER ADAMA ------ LIEUTENANT ZAC QUORUM OF THE TWELVE CAPTAIN SKYLER COLONIAL FIGHTER PILOTS OLD MAN/PRESIDENT ADAR CYLON CENTURIANS COUNT BALTAR GALACTICA BRIDGE CREW LIEUTENANT STARBUCK GALACTICA GROUND TEAMS GEMON ATLANTIA BRIDGE CREW FLIGHT SERGEANT BOOMER CAPRICA POPULACE FLIGHT SERGEANT JOLLY CAPRICA TV CREW ENSIGN GREENBEAN COLONIAL REPRESENTATIVES ATHENA REFUGEES COLONEL TIGH LANZER GALACTICA CREWMAN OVION SOLDIERS CENTURIANS #1 thru #15 OVION WORKERS IMPERIOUS LEADER FARMERS HUMANOIDS GALACTICA BRIDGE OFFICER EXTRA-TERRESTRIALS GALACTICA OPERATIVE FELINE WAITRESS LYRA COLONIAL WARRIORS BOXEY OVION JUGGLERS AND DANCERS GALACTICA DECKHAND OVION SECURITY GUARDS SANDELL OBESE PEOPLE LOBE NEW QUORUM OF THE TWELVE CYLON SENTRY PRISONERS IN CHAMBERS CYLON FLIGHT LEADER OBESE BUS PASSENGERS ANTON COLONIAL TOUR PASSENGERS JENSING JOSH SMITE ELDERLY WOMAN ANIMALS ON LIVERY SHIP DOCTOR WILKER MUFFIT TWO SEETOL LIVESTOCK LOTAY VOICE BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN ROBOT MACHINE LORNA TRIO OF TUCANAS DEALER OVION SECURITY GUARDS OVION HEAD SECURITY GUARD SETH GUIDE GROUND CREWMEN OBESE MAN #1 OBESE MAN #2 SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS --------- --------- FIGHTER COCKPITS STARFIELD COCKPIT OF CYLON ATTACK FIGHTERS COLONIAL FIGHTER PLANE GALACTICA: BATTLESTAR "GALACTICA PILOTS' READY ROOM BATTLESTAR "ATLANTIA" LANDING DECK OTHER BATTLESTARS BRIDGE TWO CYLON TANKERS CATAPULT DECK GALACTIC STORMCLOUDS ASSEMBLY ROOM CYLON WARSHIPS MAINTENANCE LAB SMALL SHUTTLECRAFT COUNCIL CHAMBER SKYFIELD ABOVE CAPRICA ATLANTIA: PLANET CAPRICA: DINING CHAMBER CITY BRIDGE DOWNTOWN AREA CIRCULAR CHAMBER SHOPPING MALL COCKPIT OF SMALL SHUTTLECRAFT HILL ROOM IN ADAMA'S HOUSE ADAMA'S HOUSE COLONIAL MOVING VAN: SMALL EMERGENCY VEHICLES ENGINE AREA PORTSIDE WING ON FIGHTER COMPANIONWAY PLANET IN FLAMES (AERIANA) TINY CUBICLE RAG TAG FLEET (ASSORTED) LIVERY SHIP: ANOTHER PLANET (GEMON) METAL CORRIDORS ANOTHER PLANET (VIRGON) CIRCULAR POD OLD SPACE VEHICLE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGEWAYS (MOVING VAN) OVION MINE LIVERY SHIPS CHOSEN CHAMBER PLANET CARILLON: GIANT SPHERE SURFACE CASINO LOUNGE CRATER EDGE OVION GUEST CHAMBER MEADOW AREA COMMANDER ADAMA'S QUARTERS PARSDEESE de FESTIVE EMPEROR'S ROOM CANYON HUMAN STORAGE CELLS FARMING AREA LARGEST OVION CHAMBER CASINO POOLS & GARDEN TRAM STOP AREA CASINO ENTRANCE CARILLON SHUTTLE ROCKY INCLINE FORBIDDEN CHAMBER SHUTTLE BUS TUNNELS ROCKY PLATEAU OVION MINING CORRIDOR FADE IN ON A STARFIELD A myriad glowing jewels of light...and a stillness that is both friend and enemy... Suddenly, a full-throated burst of a single chord played by a symphony orchestra as we see superimposed over the starfield, the words: GALACTICA Saga of a Star World Then as the lettering drifts off into space, the chord begins to diminish until it is only sustained by the ethereal high pitched strains of a muted string section and a voice speaks to us against the ever present stars... ADAMA'S VOICE Thousands of years ago, colonies were established throughout the universe by a mother race from the far reaches of space...This race of people was known as humanoid...human beings...An unsubjugatable, resourceful people who loved freedom, adventure... even conflict... Now, in the seventh millennium of time, a solemn and dramatic event is taking place...A peace envoy, representing the twelve known colonies of man, moves through space in hopes of bringing to a close a thousand year war tat has seen the humans embattled by an alliance of beings...bent on their destruction...The mission of the colonial fleet would bring the star world a new beginning...or... AGAINST THE STARFIELD superimpose the words: THE END A SLEEK FIGHTER PLANE blasts onto the screen ON THE SMILING FACE OF ZAC A bright, enthusiastic , young (23) fighter pilot closeted in the super modern, form-fitting cockpit of his sleek ship...the finest fighting craft in the Colonial Fleet... ZAC Two targets on my scanner...just above the old moon, Cimtar. INSIDE A SECOND SHIP ON ANOTHER FACE older (30)... a hint of cynicism as he glances at his scanner. SKYLER Probably a Cylon patrol... ZAC Awful long way from home...Where's their base ship... SKYLER No base ship...Long range reconnaissance craft... Strange, I'm not picking up anything but static beyond those guys... INSERT Two blips on the front side of a steady field of static interference... ZAC Me too...I thought it was my scanner... SKYLER Could be a storm...The fleet will be coming right through it... We'd better go have a look...Kick in the turbos... INSIDE ZAC'S SHIP ZAC Skyler...the standing orders on conserving fuel specifically forbid use of turbos, except under battle conditions... SKYLER Kid...You're on the front lines now...anything goes... SKYLER pushes three buttons and shoves his foot to the floor. The resulting blast drives him back against the seat. SKYLER'S FIGHTER bursts ahead, rolling over and out across the sky. SOMEPLACE IN THE SKY AMONGST THE STARS ON A FLEET OF WARSHIPS Five flying battlestars...As we draw closer, the scale and enormity of the machines becomes increasingly impressive... CLOSER raking along the bridge level of one ship until we come to a name emblazoned on the side of the graceful machine.. ATLANTIA INSIDE A DINING CHAMBER one half of which looks out on the most spectacular sight ever witnessed by man...the universe...a giant starfield in all its majesty...In the center of the room is a long table at which the center of attention is a bearded man whose face glows with the warmth and wisdom of the ages. He raises a silver chalice and the twelve gentlemen around him, clad in Roman-like toga and tunic tops over tighter fitting pants and boots, come to rapt attention... OLD MAN Gentlemen...I know you are all anxious to return to your ships before our rendezvous with the Cylons, but I think it appropriate to toast the most significant event in the history of man...I'd like to raise my chalice to you... We study the study, dignified faces of twelve men, flanking the old man...six to a side...their features betraying substantive differences...They are red, black, yellow, white...indeed, every variation... PRESIDENT Not merely the quorum of the twelve, representing the twelve colonies of man, but my friends...and the greatest leaders ever assembled...As we approach the seventh millennium of time, the human race will at last know peace...Thanks to you... As the are about to salute, each with his own chalice, another voice is heard... BALTAR Inappropriate... Faces swing Baltar's way...startled by his impudence... BALTAR I say we lift our cups to he, who has for the first time, brought the dissident races of mankind together to speak as one before the Alliance...To President Adar and to peace... Even the humble attempt at quelling the voices cannot deny these men their measure of gratitude...the cups are raised and the Old Man joins in... PRESIDENT To peace...at long last... POINT OF VIEW FROM A COLONIAL FIGHTER PLANE COCKPIT of a large space vehicle looming up ahead, floating above a layer of clouds... SKYLER'S VOICE What is it... ZAC pulling back on the throttle, slowing...He puts the vehicle on the scanner and punches up a combination... ZAC Tell ya' in a flash... ON ZAC'S SCANNER On one side of the screen, we see the Cylon space vehicle. On the other side of the screen, we see a series of airship profile silhouettes racing by. Finally, an image stops. It is a match. A great deal of printing appears below the silhouettes in an unfamiliar text. ZAC Warbook says a Cylon tanker. Scanner reads it empty. SKYLER What's an empty tanker doing out here? ZAC And where's the other ship? SKYLER Screened off by this one. Wonder what they're hiding? ZAC I don't know, but it's awfully close to that storm. SKYLER We came to look... ZAC Be careful, Skyler. I have a funny feeling about this... SKYLER You're not old enough to have funny feelings! Besides while we're stuck out on patrol, Starbuck's pulled a couple of those Geminis' into a card game. I want to get back before he cleans them out. SKYLER'S SHIP begins to peel off to sweep around the freighter... ON ANOTHER BATTLESTAR IN THE FLEET its name... "Galactica" INSIDE A PILOTS' READY ROOM A Spartan, standby area for fighter pilots. Camera moves past a young man in flight clothes, sleeping...another reading...and as we come to the end of the room, a group stand behind one side of a circular card table, forming a gallery for a handsome young man called Starbuck, who eyes his round playing cards with wily skill. STARBUCK (with feigned ease) Just to keep the game instructive, and because you're new to it, I'll only wager... Starbuck pushes half of his square cubits of gold in front of him. The two men look, then whisper. A confident smile passes amongst the gallery. GEMON Despite the humbleness of this hand...for the honor of our home colony, Gemini, we must challenge you. The young man pushes forth a measure of golden cubits, equal to the pot. The gallery tenses. GEMON And for the glory of our colony, another equal measure. Gemon pushes out another pile, in effect, doubling the stakes. The gallery holds its collective breath. Starbuck feigns continued ease. STARBUCK Well, in the name of our home planet, Caprica, and for her everlasting glory, I'll measure your increase and double it. The gallery gulps as Starbuck pushes in his remaining cubits and turns to them. STARBUCK (sotto voice) Come on, come on, guys, up with the rest of it... BOOMER Could we speak with you for a moment. In private? (To the Geminis) Only be a flash, fellas... Boomer, a trim-looking black man; Jolly, a hefty hunk of a guy, and Greenbean, a stringbean of a flyer next to him, face the now-standing Starbuck and speak to him through clenched teeth and heated whispers. BOOMER Are you crazy...? STARBUCK (sotto voice) Weren't you listening? This is for the glory of Caprica. Doesn't that mean anything to you? The gallery stares at Starbuck blankly. STARBUCK Look, have I ever steered you guys wrong? The gallery continues to stare blankly. STARBUCK (sotto voice) All right...look at it this way. We'll double our money! They're trying to buy the pot. JOLLY (sotto voice) You told us these Geminis didn't understand the game. BOOMER (sotto) They caught on fast. Now, come on, or we lose everything we've got in that game. Reluctantly, the gallery comes up with an additional measure of gold cubits. Starbuck pushes them out onto the table and turns his cards over. BOOMER Beat that. The Gemmon smiles and places his cards on the table. Boomer and the gallery stare at the cards, stricken as the Gemon rakes in the golden cubits. IN THE PRESIDENTIAL DINING ROOM The men have adjourned their meeting and now cluster in twos and threes, chatting amicably. THE PRESIDENT grips the arm and hand of Baltar. PRESIDENT This armistice conference would not have been possible without your tireless work, Baltar. You have secured for yourself a place in the history books. Baltar smiles humbly. BALTAR That the Cylons chose me as their liaison to the quorum of the twelve was an act of providence, not skill. The old man notices Commander Adama standing alone at the huge window to space. The Commander is a strong man with sharp features and penetrating eyes...still a softness in his bearing. ON THE COMMANDER looking out, a troubled look on his face, as the President moves up behind him PRESIDENT I see the party isn't a huge success with all my children. ADAMA It's what awaits us out there that troubles me. PRESIDENT Surely, you don't cling to your suspicions about the Cylons. They asked for this armistice. They want peace. ADAMA Forgive me, Mr. President, but they hate humans with every fiber of their existence. We love freedom. We love independence. To feel, to question. To rebel against oppression. It's an alien way of existing they will never accept. PRESIDENT But they have. Through Baltar, they have sued for peace. ADAMA swings a sober look back to the President ADAMA Yes. Of course, you're right. POINT OF VIEW A tanker in space. Moving around it, we see a second tanker appear just above the cloud layer. SKYLER'S FIGHTER sweeps around and slows SKYLER There's the other ship tucked in nice and neat. Now what is she, and what's she doing? Skyler punches the buttons. HIS SCANNER refusing to read the ship. Figures and symbols appear in a hopeless jumble. SKYLER I can't read anything inside. She's jamming us. ZAC Warbook says she's a freighter. SKYLER My foot. If she's jamming us, she's hiding something. I'm going around her. ZAC (alarmed) That'll put you smack in the storm. If it's asteroids, it'll rip us apart. SKYLER Not us, kid. You stay put. I don't want it said that I taught my kid brother bad habits on his first patrol. SKYLER swings his ship over and head directly into the cloud cover. ZAC'S VOICE The jamming is knocking out my scanner. Where are you, Skyler? SKYLER SCANS THE HORIZON obscured by clouds racing past him. SKYLER Nothing but a harmless cloud cover. Not heavy at all. I don't see why they'd send up all that electronic... Skyler looks down. His face freezes. His eyes widen in disbelief... ZAC'S VOICE Skyler? What's going on? SKYLER'S POINT OF VIEW He has flown into the middle of a Cylon staging area. Wall to wall warships as far as the eye can see. We push in close to one of the ships... INSIDE THE CYLON ATTACK FIGHTER a triad of Cylon Centurians. Two helmeted pilots sit side-by-side, a third between them, slightly higher and back. Their helmets are tubular shaped with a narrow aperture where one might have expected eyes. In their stead, a fine beam of light sweeps back and forth, an ominous, ever-aware presence. The Cylon swings a look o.s. He points... ZAC'S SHIP with the Cylon ships in pursuit. ON THE LEAD CYLON FIGHTER racing ahead, firing ON SKYLER SKYLER They're jamming our transmission, kid. We've got to get back. It's an ambush, and they've got enough fire power to destroy the entire fleet. ON THE FLEET as a small shuttlecraft approaches the Galactica from the rear. POINT OF VIEW of the Galactica from the shuttlecraft to establish two large carrier deck areas tucked into pods on either side of the immense ship. We are dipping down and to the left to land in the left side of the vessel. ON COMMANDER ADAMA seated beside a beautiful young woman wearing military clothes, who makes preparations to land the shuttle vehicle. She suddenly reacts to something in her headset. ATHENA Something's wrong. ADAMA What is it? ATHENA I don't know. They just put the ship on alert. CLOSER POINT OF VIEW of the landing deck with large, strobing lights arrowing the way in and affording a final stopping point on the deck's surface within the bowels of the battlestar. As we draw closer...closer EXPLOSIONS ROCK THE STARFIELD as the colony fighters cream through space under attack from behind ON ZAC frightened as he takes a hit ZAC Skyler...they knocked out my port engine. SKYLER We're not going to make it giving them our backs. How many of 'em can you make out? ZAC Four... SKYLER They only sent four after us? That's insulting. ZAC I don't know, Skyler. I think they're doing awfully well... SKYLER Only because they're behind us. When I count three, hit your reverse thrusters and maximum breaking flaps. We'll give them a little surprise. One...two...three... They hit their reverse thrusters. A roar goes off... ON THE CYLON FIGHTERS as they scream past the colony warplanes INSIDE THE LEAD CYLON CRAFT the three pilots crane in confusion to figure out what happened. They look all around the sky. ON SKYLER as he narrows his eyes and puts his finger on a fire control button on his steering column. SKYLER Right here, you creepy, crawly creature... He squeezes the trigger... POINT OF VIEW - AHEAD as Skyler's torpedo lasers streak off into the Cylon ship dead ahead, disintegrating it in a mighty fireball. ON SKYLER SKYLER Yaa Hoooo.... ON ZAC swinging back and forth, lining up his target. He fires. THE CYLON SHIP disintegrates. Ahead of it, the remaining two Cylon fighters divide and veer off. ON SKYLER SKYLER Not bad for a little brother. You go after the guys on the right. The two fighters split, swinging off after the two Cylon fighters. ON THE BRIDGE Commander Adama enters. Colonel Tigh is watching the scanners intently. ADAMA What is it? TIGH Our patrol ran into trouble. We picked up some signals, but they're being jammed. ADAMA What kind of trouble? TIGH Can't tell yet. Could be pirates, smugglers, or... Their eyes meet. The Commander walks to the large observation point looking out on the starfield. ADAMA Get me the President. IN A READY ROOM - CLOSE ON A CARD HAND Starbuck sits down at the card table, a small grin appearing on his face. He pushes a large stack of cubits out into the center of the table. STARBUCK Ok, guys, one hand. Sudden death. The gentlemen from Gemini consider the odds and push an equal amount of cubits to the center of the table. GEMON Sudden death!! Starbuck flashes a fiendish, child-like grin and begins to deal the cards. ON THE FLIGHT BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA ADAMA Our patrol is under attack, Mr. President. We're not sure by whom. The President appears on a monitor. Baltar is beside him. ADAMA As a precautionary measure, I'd like to launch intercept fighters... Baltar leans into the President, whispering to him. The President nods. PRESIDENT Quite right, Baltar. Commander, as a precautionary measure, I insist upon restraint. If this turns out to be an encounter with some outlaw traffic, we could jeopardize the entire cause of peace by displaying fighters when we are so close to our rendezvous. ADAMA Mister President, two of my aircraft are under armed attack. PRESIDENT By forces unknown. You are not to launch until the situation is more clear. ADAMA Sir, may I at least urge you to bring the fleet to a state of alert? PRESIDENT I will consider it. Thank you, Commander. The screen goes black. TIGH He'll consider it? Has he lost his mind? ADAMA Colonel... The Colonel looks quickly around at the hushed bridge, quite embarrassed at his own outburst. TIGH I'm sorry, Commander, it's just that...well... ADAMA Yes, Colonel? What is it? TIGH The patrol is under the command of Captain Skyler. ADAMA Well, if I can't have confidence in my eldest son, who can I depend on? TIGH Zac is with him. His first patrol. This news weighs heavy on the Commander. ON ZAC as he fires and misses a Cylon fighter veering off and falling behind him. Suddenly, he is the target. ZAC Skyler... ON SKYLER as he looks off, sees the confrontation off to one side of him SKYLER Keep them interested just a little longer... ON ZAC as the sky is exploding all around him ZAC Believe me, they're interested. An explosion rocks Zac's plane. ZAC There goes another engine... ON SKYLER He zeros in on the Cylon plane from the side, swinging his ship to come at the Cylon's plane on a perpendicular intersecting course. SKYLER Steady...steady...just don't look this way, guys... IN THE CYLON PLANE as they continue to focus on Zac. Suddenly, the pilot closest to Skyler's side chances to swing his look out to the right. POINT OF VIEW - THE CYLON'S A colony fighter plane is coming right for him THE CYLON chatters frantically. The other two pilots turn to look. ON SKYLER'S PLANE as he fires torpedo lasers THE CYLON PLANE disintegrates SKYLER sighs with relief SKYLER The day those guys can outfight us without a ten-to-one margin... ON ZAC He is looking across the sky ZAC Skyler...better look at your scanner. SKYLER looks... THE SCANNER shows a solid wave of targets coming from somewhere in the distance. SKYLER But a thousand-to-one is hardly fair... ZAC What does it mean, Skyler? SKYLER It means there isn't going to be any peace. There may not be anything if we don't warn the fleet. ZAC You go, Skyler. I'm short two engines. I won't be able to keep up with you. SKYLER I can't leave you, Zac. ZAC You have to...and I'll be all right. If I put my foot in that turbo, I'll make it back ahead of them. Now go on. You've got to warn the fleet. A sober mood descends across Skyler's face. SKYLER You can fly with me any time, kid. Good luck. Skyler punches the buttons and the roar of the turbo thruster responds. ZAC Come on, baby, give me all you can. He pushes the stick forward and moves off at a much slower speed. ON THE FLIGHT BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA TIGH Still nothing from the fighters, sir. Their transmission is being deliberately jammed. If we don't launch... ADAMA We cannot launch when it has been expressly forbidden... (on everyone's tense look) This might, however, be an appropriate time to order a test of our battle stations drill... The bridge command smiles... ADAMA Sound the alert, Colonel!!! IN THE READY ROOM On a hand as it is turned over. All one color, all one symbol. A pyramid. STARBUCK You may never see another one, fellas... A perfect pyramid. ON GEMON as he turns to his associate in sullen disbelief. Suddenly A CLAXON blares loudly through the room. A book reader jumps up...a sleeper wakes up...He slaps it to the top of the remaining deck, scattering the cards. GEMON Unfortunate. We'll have to replay hand at later date. Duty calls. Gemon whips a battle helmet from the floor and scoops half the pot on the table into it, takes off, his compadre right behind him. STARBUCK Come back here, you little...Somebody stop him...! But all hands charge for the doors, grabbing helmets and flight kits. ON THE CATAPULT DECK A vacuum tube races along the ceiling of a long, narrow chamber in which countless fighter ships sit side by side in powerful launching cribs. As the vehicle within the overhead vacuum tube progresses down the flight line, pilots emerge from chutes leading from the overhead tube, then race on foot for their individual fighter craft. Ground teams are already on hand preparing the lethal-looking planes for immediate launch. STARBUCK emerges from his drop and runs to the cockpit of his plane. A member of the ground crew looks up from where he is hurriedly preparing the cockpit. CREWMAN What's going on? STARBUCK Nothing to worry about. Probably some kind of aerial salute for the President as they sign the armistice. The crewman kicks a switch and Starbuck's plane beings to whine, the pitch getting higher and higher. ON ZAC racing against time as his ship limps back toward safety A WALL OF CYLON FIGHTERS closing the gap. They begin to open fire. ZAC reacts to the explosions around him ON SKYLER racing in from space SKYLER'S POINT OF VIEW The flight deck of the Galactica as his fighter makes its approach ON THE BRIDGE TIGH A single fighter approaching, Commander. The Commander turns and moves to the scanner board where several operatives sit watch. OPERATIVE Sir, long range scanner picks up large number of craft moving this way at high speed. The Commander and Colonel exchange rapid glances and hurry to the scanner. ADAMA Get that pilot up here as soon as he lands. Get the President back on the codebox. ON THE PRESIDENT ON THE BRIDGE OF THE ATLANTIA PRESIDENT Yes, Commander? ADAMA Mister President, a wall of unidentified craft are closing towards the fleet. Baltar leans towards the President BALTAR Possibly a Cylon welcoming committee. ADAMA May I suggest that at the very least, we launch a welcoming committee of our own? BALTAR Mister President, there remain many hostile feelings amongst our Warriors. The likelihood of an unfortunate incident with all those pilots in the sky at once... PRESIDENT A good point, Baltar. Did you hear that, Commander? Adama is beside himself. ADAMA No, Mister President, I can't possibly have heard correctly. Did Count Baltar suggest we allow our forces to sit here totally defenseless? PRESIDENT Commander, we are on a peace mission. The first peace man has known in a thousand years. ON ZAC Explosions charge the sky around him. He takes another hit. He pales... ZAC Come on, baby, not much further... ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA ADAMA Mister President... He is interrupted by Colonel Tigh with a report. TIGH A lone ship is coming under attack from the main force approaching the fleet. ADAMA Did you hear that, Mister President. Your welcoming committee is firing at our patrol. PRESIDENT Firing at our patrol? How do you explain that, Baltar? He looks around. PRESIDENT Baltar! Baltar! But Baltar has left the bridge. ZAC'S POINT OF VIEW The fleet is not far away now. ZAC smiles ZAC We made it... ON THE CYLON FIGHTERS closing in on Zac, three to one. POINT OF VIEW TO ZAC as they line up on him for the kill ON ZAC ZAC Blue flight two...in trouble. Request emergency approach. ON THE CYLON SHIPS as they fire ON ZAC'S SHIP as it explodes into infinity ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Athena comes out horrified ON THE BRIDGE OF THE ATLANTIA PRESIDENT What was that? ON ADAMA ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA as he suffers the implications of the shattered patrol ship ADAMA That was my son, Mister President. ON THE CYLONS as they streak towards the fleet, opening fire ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA as countless Cylon fighters streak by, firing salvo after salvo. Commander Adama looks out at the starfield suddenly alive with fires and destruction, as a large battle wagon explodes beyond the Galactica. ADAMA Launch fighters. INSIDE THE BOWELS OF THE GALACTICA ON THE LAUNCHING DECK as claxon blares ON STARBUCK as a red light goes on on his dash. He lowers the canopy. The ground crewman steps back, signaling a control tower high above. As he runs for cover, there is a hiss of steam and a blast as the ship roars out of its crib. ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GALACTICA as fighter after fighter begins to launch from the side of the huge ship, angling diagonally off into space and into the attack. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA TIGH Fighters launched, Commander. ADAMA Have any of the other ships gotten planes off? TIGH No, sir. ADAMA Lord help us. ON THE LANDING DECK OF THE GALACTICA Skyler is climbing hurriedly out of his ship. ATHENA moves to him on the dead run ATHENA Skyler, thank heavens you're all right. She tried to crush into his arms. He is sympathetic, but stoic, and in a hurry to report. SKYLER I've got to go back for Zac. It's an ambush. They jammed our communicators. You tell Commander Adama there were no base ships. He'll understand what I'm saying. ATHENA Skyler... SKYLER Athena, just listen and tell Adama that it's more than just an attack. The Cylon base ships are missing. That means they're up to something diabolical. Now I've got to go back for Zac. As he turns to charge away ATHENA You don't have to go back. Skyler spins around. His tone is positive, but his expression is uncertain. SKYLER You mean he's all right! One of the other ships picked him up! Tears begin to roll down Athena's cheek. ATHENA No... Skyler sucks in his breath and stares at Athena emotionlessly, then turns away as she cries. SKYLER I guess I can give my report to Adama himself He turns to move off ATHENA Your report? Is that all you can say? Zac's dead. Skyler looks back SKYLER We'll probably all be dead soon. Skyler steels himself against the pain, turns and exits up the metal staircase. ON THE LANDING DECK On Skyler as he enters the bridge of the Galactica. Adama is quick to move to him and embrace him. Skyler tenses up. ADAMA You didn't have any choice. Skyler pulls away SKYLER There were no base ships, only attack craft. Maybe a thousand, hovering over Cimtar. The Colonel moves up TIGH A thousand? You must be mistaken, Captain. Fighters couldn't function this far from Cylon without base ships. They don't carry enough fuel. The Captain looks off thoughtfully SKYLER We picked up an empty tanker on our scanner. It's my guess the Cylons used it to refuel for the attack after flying to that point from wherever their base ships are. The Commander ponders that as the Colonel shakes his head skeptically TIGH Why operate that far from base ships when it isn't necessary. They would have been well out of our range at the old moon. A grim revelations descends across Adama's face ADAMA Unless it was more important that the base ships be someplace else. Get me the President. We read an ominous, foreboding look in Commander Adama's eyes ON THE CYLON BASE SHIPS Three large, circular aircraft hover in the sky above the planet Caprica IN THE LARGE CIRCULAR CHAMBER lighted by very subdued, indirect sources. A door opens on a side and two large, armored men move in wearing Cylon scanning helmets. They cross until they come to a pedestal in the center of the chamber. There, a creature sits with its back to us. The two men stop. CENTURIAN By your command. IMPERIOUS LEADER Speak. CENTURIAN All base ships are now in range to attack the Colonies. ON THE IMPERIOUS LEADER A truly inhuman form sitting amidst robes and peering at the two figures standing at attention through a multiplicity of eyes IMPERIOUS LEADER The final annihilation of the life form known as man. Let the attack begin. ON A CYLON BASE SHIP as large doors begin to open along the circular ship's entire perimeter ON A CYLON WARSHIP as it launches from the aperture, and next to it, another and another A WIDER ANGLE ON THE STARFIELD to include three of the base ships, each launching her attack ships ON THE BRIDGE OF THE ATLANTIA fires raging all around. The President looks on, horrified as Adama comes on a monitor ADAMA Mister President, I request permission to leave the fleet. I've reason to suspect our home planets may face imminent attack. The President takes these words like a death blow. He suddenly leans against a bridge wall. PRESIDENT No. Pray you're mistaken. How could I have been so completely wrong. I've led the entire human race to ruin. ADAMA You didn't lead us to this disaster, Mister President. But we were led. PRESIDENT Baltar? No, Commander. I don't believe it. I won't... With that, an explosion rips the command bridge open, engulfing it in flame ON ADAMA as the monitor reflects the inferno, then goes blank ADAMA Mister President! Mister President! All eyes swing from the monitor to the starfield, where the flagship can be seen cruising a thousand yards away, its bridge aflame, its flight deck alive with fires. Suddenly, the entire ship bursts apart, disintegrating into a thousand torches hurdling through space. For an instant, there is stunned silence on the bridge of the Galactica, then as other Cylon ships roar by, firing at the Galactica, Colonel Tigh moves up. TIGH Our long-range scanners have picked up Cylon base ships here, here and here, putting them well within range of the planets Virgon, Sagitara, and Commander Adama, Athena, and Colonel Tigh look on as technicians plot the course of the Galactica and enemy base ships on a large translucent starfield map ADAMA Yes, Caprica. The impact hits Athena ADAMA Helm, bring us around. We're withdrawing. Colonel, flank speed for home. ATHENA Father, what are you doing? SKYLER You can't leave our Warriors! ADAMA (reluctantly) We have to leave them to defend the fleet. Those with enough fuel left will catch up. ATHENA And what about the others? TIGH At the very least, let us transmit our intentions. Give them a chance to conserve what fuel they can. ADAMA No. If we have any advantage left, it's surprise. ATHENA Father, you're killing them! ADAMA Skyler! Skyler moves to Athena to quell her mounting emotion. ON STARBUCK in his ship STARBUCK Boomer... ON BOOMER BOOMER I see it. JOLLY Where's she going? GREENBEAN Hey, you guys, what's going on? The Galactica's pulling out! ON STARBUCK STARBUCK There's got to be a good reason. GREENBEAN Sure, it's dangerous around here. Heads up, Boomer, you've got a pair on your tail. JOLLY Pull up, Boomer. I'll try to get him off. Starbuck looks back at the departing battle wagon, Galactica STARBUCK (introspectively) There's got be a good reason... ON THE GALACTICA moving off away from the embattled colonial forces, most of the big ships in flames THE BRIDGE OFFICER calls out from the communications board BRIDGE OFFICER Electronic jamming has stopped SKYLER They're clearing the air for their electronic guidance systems. TIGH That means the attack is under way. BRIDGE OFFICER No, sir, we're picking up long-range video satellite signals. Everything looks perfectly normal at home. All eyes swing to multiple monitors above the communications board. ON THE MONITORS An aerial view of Caprica with its pyramid-oriented architecture... modern, strong. A beautiful day, as seen from various heights; from a single downtown area, to a city, to an entire sector of the planet... BRIDGE OFFICER We have ordinary broadcast transmission coming up on four TIGH Commander, perhaps...perhaps we're in time. Perhaps the Cylon attack on our fleet was a dissident faction, a small, anti-peace movement ON MONITOR FOUR a handsome young woman speaks to a camera from a garden spot, just in front of an all-glass building set within a shopping mall LYRA Just ordinary people going to and from work, behaving not as if this were the most significant day in all history, but rather as they would on any other day. So far, details of the armistice meetings going on at this very moment on the Star Kobol are not coming in as hoped for because of an unusual electrical storm blocking out all interstellar communication. However, as soon as available, you will see the first pictures of what has been described as the most significant event... A loud explosion from far away thumps through in the background. People all around Orin suddenly turn and look, pointing, staring, some beginning to shout. LYRA Excuse me, something happened. Perhaps some of you heard it...an explosion of some kind... People are staring off in that direction. Let's see if we can... Lyra begins to move out across the garden, camera going with her... getting jostled by a growing crowd. CAMERA POINT OF VIEW sees a fireball rising from the horizon beyond the city. Suddenly, there is another... LYRA Oh, my God...a tremendous explosion...two of them... Are we getting it on camera? People are beginning to run in all directions... ON THE STREET WITH LYRA - LIVE Suddenly, a Cylon warship streaks across the sky, firing laser torpedoes. The buildings just beyond Lyra suddenly explode into fireballs, rocking the street and sending Lyra falling, crashing into the greenery. LYRA Ladies and gentlemen...it's terrible...someone is bombing the city... BACK ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Everyone on the bridge stares in shock at the visual and emotional impact of watching their homeland being destroyed. A bridge officer moves up with a report BRIDGE OFFICER Commander, the long-range scanners are picking up wave after wave of small ships heading towards all of the inner planets. Everyone on the bridge stares helplessly. BACK IN THE MALL on the surface of Caprice. Lyra reacts to a fighter swinging low over the city, firing in her direction. She looks all around for cover, is bumped and pushed, as people scramble in all directions. LYRA It's hopeless... People are dying all around me.. I see a small child...running for his...Look out! Lyra suddenly throws down her microphone...the camera being hand-held by an engineer, swings around on her as she streaks towards a small boy running with his dog from the path of a streaking attack fighter. Lyra dives, pushing the child out of the path of the laser blast which continues on up the street, devastating her camera crew. A second wave of fighters screams by, completing the destruction, sending columns and pillars of concrete crashing all around... ON THE RUBBLE as Lyra attempts to dig her way out, rising up with immediate concern for the small form concealed beneath her LYRA Don't try to move... The small boy pokes his head up, crying. Lyra comforts him, pulling him to her LYRA Everything's going to be all right... BOXEY Muffit. Where's Muffit? LYRA Who? BOXEY My daggit. My daggit. Where is he? LYRA Your daggit? Oh, I'm sure he's fine... Lyra swings her head around, looking. Suddenly, her eyes fix on something o.s. LYRA'S POINT OF VIEW A pillar lies broken amidst other fallen building material and, protruding from beneath the debris, a small dog lying motionless, not breathing. ON LYRA AND BOXEY Lyra turns Boxey around, screening him from seeing the animal. LYRA I think I saw him run this way. Let's go look. BOXEY I want Muffit! Is he all right? Lyra holds the boy close to her LYRA Sure...he's all right...everything is all right...everything is going to be just fine... She rocks the young lad in her arms, pondering the hollow lie that leaves her lips as she looks around the city which was proud and stately only minutes ago. BACK ON THE GALACTICA BRIDGE As the high level satellite pictures display the fire and aftermath of total and utter destruction of a planet. Commander Adama turns from the monitor in defeat. Athena appears almost comatose, in a dream state ATHENA First Zac, now this. They trusted us to protect them... Adama attempts to draw her to him. She pulls away. ATHENA How could you have let it happen... As she runs from the bridge, Adama looks to Skyler. He returns a stoic, emotionless gaze. SKYLER You had no choice. The two men momentarily share a common emotion, void of any satisfaction. ON ADAMA AND SKYLER Suddenly, both men are spared further agony by the excited intrusion of a voice. BRIDGE OFFICER Cylon base ships on long-range scanner...launching to all outer planets All eyes swing to the scanners, as pictures burst forth on all screens, each one displaying fighters sweeping in on bombing runs TIGH No hope, Commander... The Commander sinks with each devastating image from the colonies and turns to communications, a hint of desperation in his voice. ADAMA What about Sagitarias? Perhaps there's still time to save... BRIDGE OFFICER Sorry, Commander...the planet is in flames. The Commander pales, seems almost on the verge of collapse ADAMA Prepare my shuttle craft. The Colonel looks at the Commander, startled TIGH Shuttle craft? ADAMA I'm going down to the surface of Caprica. TIGH Commander, that's out of the question! If the Cylon scanners should pick you up... ADAMA You proceed to rendezvous with the survivors of the fleet. SKYLER I'll take you, Father, in my fighter. You're the last surviving member of the Council. If we run into a Cylon attack ship, at least you'll have a chance... TIGH As the man who'd have to fill your shoes, I insist on that, Commander. ADAMA Very well. Make preparations...and should I not return... The Commander and Colonel extend hands, clasping each others' wrists as they shake hands. SKYLER You will. ON THE GALACTICA as a single fighter roars from its launching crib and off across the starfield. On its departure, the Galactica banks and heads off to pursue its mission. ON THE GALACTICA BRIDGE STARBUCK'S VOICE (over intercom) Red leader one...in trouble...in trouble Colonel Tigh responds TIGH Surviving fighter ships rendezvousing, Commander! ATHENA We read you, Red leader. How can we assist you? ON STARBUCK IN HIS SHIP Sparks are flying all over the cockpit as a piece of instrument panel dangles from its mooring. Starbuck struggles to keep the wires apart and halt the dangerous electrical shorting, while at the same time maintaining his flight attitude. He looks out the window POINT OF VIEW - HIS PORTSIDE WING The short, stubby extension that sweeps out after blast-off and maintains this attitude through landing, is sweeping out and then back into the aircraft, intermittently. STARBUCK Battle damage. Power control circuits shot away.. Give me a systems analyst on the line ON ATHENA ATHENA I am on the line, Starbuck. What's your condition? STARBUCK This is no time from trainees, Athena. I'm in real trouble ATHENA You will be if you keep talking like that. What's your fuel? STARBUCK Dry. ATHENA All right...run the check with me. Alpha circuit, close and alternating to left servo circuit Starbuck reaches into the sparking circuit board dangling from beneath his instrument panel. He closes off a circuit switch. STARBUCK Alpha circuit closed and alternating to left servo circuit. No response. My throttles are still full open. ATHENA Omega "C" circuit, closed and alternating to Servo support circuit. STARBUCK Alternating to Servo support circuit... Starbuck is perspiring now. The throttle does not respond. STARBUCK Does not respond... ATHENA too, is now beginning to perspire TIGH Bring him in full throttle. There's no choice. STARBUCK I heard him. Get everyone out of the way. I'm coming in hot...ready or not... BRIDGE OFFICER You're cleared to land... STARBUCK Roger. I hope you guys aren't counting off for neatness... BACK ON THE BRIDGE BRIDGE OFFICER He'll be coming in like a missile. TIGH Clear the flight deck for an emergency landing. ON STARBUCK IN HIS SHIP He starts sweating profusely POINT OF VIEW -STARBUCK'S The rapidly approaching flight deck, racing up closer, closer ON ATHENA as she charges out of the elevator in time to see a plane coming in. Suddenly, she is held back. DECK HAND Stay back...He could lose it. ON THE SHIP as it careens down the flight deck, turning sideways and crabbing towards the superstructure ATHENA breaks from the deck hand's grip and charges off as we hear a long screech, followed by a resounding crash from o.s. ON STARBUCK'S SHIP impaled on the side of a wall as steam and smoke flood the area. Across the hangar beyond the ship, small emergency vehicles race out of pockets in the walls and towards the ship. ATHENA is first to reach the ship as Starbuck flips back the canopy and jumps down the side of the ship. Athena reaches him, throwing her arms around him. ATHENA Starbuck, are you all right? STARBUCK For a guy who just had a whole fleet shot out from under him, I'm fine... The support team comes pulling up. STARBUCK Give her a good wash, fellas... Starbuck streaks towards the elevators ATHENA It's been horrible. STARBUCK Yeah? You should have seen how we spent our day. We managed to single- handedly keep the Cylons off your necks while you took off on a little cruise... They reach steps and begin to climb ATHENA Starbuck, don't you know what's happened? STARBUCK Sure, I know what happened. You should see this baby from the air when she slips off across the sky. Beautiful sight, unless she happens to be your base ship. ATHENA The colonies are gone, Starbuck...all of them. STARBUCK What are you talking about? Gone...what'd they do, pack up and sneak away like the Galactica? ON THE BRIDGE as Starbuck storms into the chamber where the mood is subdued and his entrance goes unnoticed BRIDGE OFFICER Ships are coming in on both decks, sir. The Colonel leaves the map area. TIGH What's the count? BRIDGE OFFICER Sixty-seven fighters in all, sir. Twenty-five of our own. TIGH How many battlestars? There is a pregnant pause. BRIDGE OFFICER None. TIGH What??? BRIDGE OFFICER We're the only surviving battlestar... TIGH My God... Make the pilots from the other ships as welcome as you can... STARBUCK Little late for that, Colonel... All eyes swing to Starbuck moving in with Athena a few steps behind him. STARBUCK It was a toss-up whether those guys would land or send in a belly full of torpedoes. Unfortunately, no one had any left. TIGH What's the meaning of this insubordination? ATHENA He doesn't know what happened, Colonel. I don't think any of them know. Suddenly, two more pilots are on the flight bridge STARBUCK Know what? That the old man turned and ran, leaving a dozen of our ships to run out of fuel? Boomer and Jolly come to a stop beside Starbuck. TIGH Put the transmissions we monitored back on the scanners, for our young patriots... STARBUCK If this is going to be a lecture on military protocol... SUDDENLY THE SCANNERS COME TO LIFE Four at a time, each displaying the attack bombing, the confusion, the devastation of the colonies SLOWLY PUSHING IN ON THE PILOTS' FACES as they are sobered and horrified by what they see CLOSE ON SKYLER as he stands on a hill. His fighter ship, a silent sentinel to his back. The glow of a myriad fires dance on his ashen face. POINT OF VIEW The flames from thousands of buildings burn far off in the distance. SKYLER turns as he hears what sounds like a mob approaching in the distance ON A DOZEN TORCHES FAR OFF DOWN THE HILL heading in the direction of the aircraft...voices shouting excitedly, desperately SKYLER turns and heads off, taking camera towards a family dwelling. Once a handsome structure laid out in half circles, now carved down the middle by some unseen evil. One half of the dwelling is charred remnants INSIDE THE DWELLING ON ADAMA He is illuminated across the darkened room by a rectangular candle with twelve wicks. He stands by a wall covered with photographs of himself, his two sons and a daughter. We recognize Athena, Skyler and a second son, Zac. A handsome woman is also pictured with the family and alone in several beautiful portraits taking her from a girl of seventeen to fifty years. Tears well up in Adama's eyes as he takes the oldest photo of his wife in hand ADAMA I'm sorry, Ila. I was never there when it mattered. Never. The tears begin to stream down his cheeks as the memories of a thousand lost moments and lost opportunities race through his mind. Suddenly, he turns to see Skyler standing across the room. ADAMA I didn't hear you come in. I was just gathering a few remembrances. You want this likeness of you and Zac? Skyler snaps back, his mood hardening against the hurt SKYLER No... (beat) Look, there are crowds coming. They probably saw our ship land... Adama stiffens ADAMA I'll be a few more minutes Skyler turns to leave, then seems to soften, turning back. SKYLER Maybe she wasn't here. Maybe... The Commander looks at Skyler with finality. ADAMA She was here... Skyler nods and slowly withdraws. OUTSIDE THE DWELLING - THE CITIZENS WITH TORCHES have approached to within fifty yards of the sleek fighter ship. Their voices are pitched and angular as they stride down the gentle incline towards Skyler, who moves out to meet them, warily gauging their hostile cries. SANDELL Where are they? Where're the rest of your fancy fliers? LOBE Where were you, lad, when they were killing everyone in sight? What were you doing, boy? As they close the gap to within a few feet of Skyler and seem bent on taking him apart, a woman's voice calls out LYRA Wait! For a moment, there is hesitation. The mob parts as Lyra steps forward, holding a small boy by the hand. LYRA Let him talk. She continues on out until she is face-to-face with Skyler. LYRA Before they do what they will with you, I'd like to know where you were. Where were all of you? We waited...we watched and prayed...but you never came... Skyler looks down at the small, innocent face looking up from beside Lyra, a child with dirt and confusion in his innocent eyes. SKYLER Most of us are dead. The crowd breaks into an undertone of awe... SKYLER The fleet is all but destroyed. The crowd breaks into cries of despair and anguish LYRA But you are here...where did you come from? SKYLER The battlestar Galactica LYRA Survived... SKYLER Yes... LYRA And what of the President and the Council of the Twelve...and the other colonies. Surely we can fight back. We have the will and at long last, after hundreds of years, we are united...all twelve colonies. They cannot possibly defeat our combined strength... A voice from offstage commands their attention ADAMA We became as one too late. The group is stunned to find so imperious a figure as one of the Council of the Twelve amongst them. LYRA Commander Adama... LYRA Miss Lyra. ADAMA Then it's true. We are defeated...doomed. Skyler and the Commander exchange looks. The little boy, Boxey, stares up at Skyler admiringly BOXEY Can I ride in your ship, Mister? Skyler bends down and picks him up. Skyler looks at the lad, then at Adama pointedly. SKYLER Fighter ships are no place for boys... LYRA They're going to have to be if our people are going to survive... Adama turns and walks off to the edge of the bluff overlooking the burning cities beyond. Lyra moves up behind him, beside Skyler who is carrying the young child. LYRA We are going to fight back...we can't simply give up. The Commander seems deep in thought as he looks out over the ruins. Then he turns and looks past Lyra and Skyler...past the boy ADAMA Yes, we are going to fight back. A cry of bravado goes up from the torch-bearing mob...cries of satisfaction, of frustration, of vented anger ADAMA But not here...not now...not in the colonies...not even in this star system. Let the word go forth to every man, woman and child who has survived this infamy. Tell them to set sail at once in every assorted vehicle that will carry them... SKYLER There isn't time to arrange provision, Father. The Cylons will be sending landing parties to eradicate the survivors. If we could send in our remaining fighters... ADAMA No. There are too many of them and too few of us. There is a time to fight, and a time to withdraw...to fight another day. SKYLER But there is no way to board the entire population on the Galactica. And we have no troop carriers, nothing that can make light speed. ADAMA We'll use what we do have. Every inner-galactic passenger liner, freighter, taxi...even inner colony buses...air taxis...anything that will carry our people into the stars... LYRA And when they have gathered in the stars...? ADAMA We will lead them...and protect them...until they are strong again... The group facing the Commander turn, exchanging curious looks. Either they are in the presence of a madman or a savior... A PLANET IN FLAMES with countless assorted vehicles rising from it, leaving it far behind SUPERIMPOSE THE TITLE EXODUS BACK TO ADAMA'S VOICE ADAMA'S VOICE And the word went forth to every outpost of human existence...and they came...The Aeries from Aeriana... ON ANOTHER DISSIMILAR PLANET with more ships rising into the stars ADAMA'S VOICE The Gemons from the planet Gemini... ON ANOTHER PLANET with multiple moons ADAMA'S VOICE The Virgos from Virgon...The Scorpios, the Picons...and the Sagitarians... ON THE RAG TAG FLEET assembling among the stars. As they move by camera, we see lettering of every description, color and text. A bulbous vessel, bearing the signet, "TRANS-STELLAR SPACE SERVICE"...an immense vehicle with the lettering "GEMINI FREIGHT"...a small space tram, "TAURON BUS LINES"... a long-range passenger liner with lettering and initials in a non-descript, unfamiliar text, dominated by three large symbols on its tail structure...as far as the eye could perceive, a fleet of vehicles of every assortment, size and shape... BACK TO ADAMA'S VOICE ADAMA'S VOICE In all, two hundred and twenty ships representing every colony, color and creed in the star system. The human race might have one more chance, but it would first have to survive the Alliance...the elements and the unknown dark and sinister threats that would lie ahead ON A CYLON BASE SHIP hovering over Caprica TWO CYLON WARSHIPS approach the Cylon mother ship INSIDE THE INNER CHAMBER a side door opens and two Cylon warriors cross towards the center pedestal with a human between them. He is Baltar. One of the two sentries beside Baltar speaks. SENTRY At your command. LEADER Welcome, Baltar. You have done well. Baltar looks as if he is about to attack the Leader...obviously an unwise move BALTAR I have done well...What have you done? What of our bargain? My colony was to be spared! LEADER The bargain was altered. BALTAR How can you change one side of a bargain? LEADER But there is no other side. You have missed the entire point of the war. Baltar's resolve, his anger, is replaced by a creeping concern that he has erred in his evaluation of the man before him. BALTAR I don't know what you mean. LEADER I mean, there could be no dominion over the species so long as man remained a power within the Universe. It was man or the Alliance. There could be no compromise. BALTAR But you have what you want...the threat no longer exists...I delivered my end of the bargain. My dominion was to be spared. LEADER There can be only one dominion...one power... one authority...there must be no exceptions. BALTAR But I have no ambitions against you! LEADER Could you think me so foolish as to trust a man who would see his own race destroyed? BALTAR Not destroyed, subjugated...under me. LEADER There can be no survivors. So long as one human remains alive, the Alliance is threatened. BALTAR Surely you don't mean me? LEADER We thank you for your help, Baltar. Your time is at an end... The Leader nods and the two ominous sentries on either side of Baltar lift him from the floor, one on each arm, and begin to take him away. BALTAR No...you can't...you still need me... ON THE LEADER LEADER Send the flight leader in. ON THE DOOR A sentry enters and stands aside as the flight leader enters. He moves directly to the center of the room. FLIGHT LEADER At your command... LEADER Report on the final assault on the human colonies. FLIGHT LEADER The ships all report similar circumstances. The initial attack was so effective, there were no survivors. LEADER (incredulously) No survivors!!! On any of the twelve colonies? FLIGHT LEADER That is correct, Imperious Leader. Slowly push into the Imperious Leader's knowing gaze... ON THE RAG TAG FLEET Countless ships of every description scattered across the sky behind the lone survivor of the Colonial Fleet. We slowly push into the lead vehicle and see its name "GALACTICA" IN A LARGE COUNCIL CHAMBER Commander Adama stands before a large, seated gathering, the starfield to his back ADAMA Long, long ago...whether thousand or millions of year is unimportant...our recorded history tells us that we descended from a mother civilization, a race that set out into the universe to establish colonies. Those of us here now represent every known surviving colony, save one. A sister world far out in the universe, only remembered to us through ancient writings. It is my intention to seek out that remaining colony, that last outpost of humanity in the universe. A civilization like our own, to ask their help in rebuilding...and perhaps, to warn them of an evil Alliance and their intention to eradicate all mankind. LIEUTENANT STARBUCK rises to his feet. All around him are other fighter pilots. ADAMA Lieutenant Starbuck, you have a question? STARBUCK Yes, sir. If we're talking about the same colony, I remember reading about it in ancient mythology. I don't think anybody even knows where it is, and if our own ship is any indication, we barely have enough fuel to get out of this galaxy. Starbuck sits as a surge of agreement sweeps through the room. ADAMA A very good point. It will be our plan to find a fuel source and extended provisions before we leave the star system. Colonel Tigh rises to his feet. TIGH Commander, I feel I speak for the vast majority when I say this is hardly a fleet of sturdy, well-equipped soldiers up to battling the universe. Most of these people barely got away with their lives. They're emotionally and physically unprepared for the kind of journey you propose. The crowd seems to agree as Skyler is now on his feet, as well. SKYLER And less than a third of the ships we're escorting can make light speed. It could take us generations to find this colony. ADAMA And we'll find it because we have no choice. If we stay in this star system, the Alliance will find us. We'll travel only as fast as our slowest ship. We'll be only as strong as our weakest brother. We are the only surviving battlestar, but the combined pilots that survived ours and the other ships are the best in all the universe. They are up to the task of protecting each and every one of you. LYRA rises to her feet. We recognize her as the newswoman from Caprica. LYRA Commander Adama...forgive the void in my education, but star mythology was never my best subject. This thirteenth colony... this other world...where is it? What is it called? Adama takes a long pause as he scans the audience, then turns to the starfield and gazes at it like a man searching the horizon for a glimpse of a sail beyond a sea. ADAMA I cannot tell you that I know precisely where it is...but it lies beyond this star system in a galaxy like our own. As for the planet's name... Adama looks back to the expectant throng... ADAMA It is called Earth. A long beat as excitement builds through the congregation. END OF HOUR ONE HOUR TWO FADE IN ON THE GALACTICA maneuvering ahead of the rag tag fleet IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM Adama stands before a translucent starmap, addressing a council of elders ADAMA Our course, while indirect and arduous, has successfully brought us to the outermost reaches of the star system without encountering Cylon patrols. If we can hold out for another eight or nine centons, we can reach the planet Carillon. Adama turns and moves back to face the main body ADAMA There, hopefully we can find fuel, water, and prepare fresh stores of food... ON ANTON ANTON Hopefully? My dear Commander, there is not one amongst us who is not grateful beyond words for your vision and resourcefulness in saving us all from certain death. Are we now to throw it all away... Anton rises ANTON As of this moment, we face a crisis no less lethal than the Cylon war machine. I would rather see my loved ones extinguished in the micron flash of a Cylon cannon than drift in fuelless vehicles while starvation, dehydration, and suffocation agonize us one by one. ADAMA Anton, it was hardly possible to adequately prepare ourselves for the journey we've had to undertake. We had to leave. We had no choice. Anton moves to the map. ANTON But we have a choice now. We can stop here on Borallus. We know that everything we need is here...food, water, fuel... There are waves of approval throughout the room ADAMA And undoubtedly a Cylon task force. A murmur races through the room ADAMA It is the most logical place for us to stop. Precisely why I believe it would be fatal to do so. ANTON Possibly fatal. Is it not surely fatal to continue towards Carillon... Colonel Tigh rises TIGH Commander...the situation has reached crisis levels. Rations have already been cut by two-thirds. How much more can we conserve? ADAMA As much as we have to, to reach Carillon. It is our only hope. ANTON The Cylons will be looking even unto those far reaches. ADAMA There is a path here, through the Nova of Madagon. Not patrolled, and a savings of some two centons in reaching Carillon. A gasp is heard throughout the council as Adama points to a course through the starfield. ANTON Commander, while I may not be a military expert, even I know that the Cylons avoid patrolling that area by mining it to make passage impossible. ADAMA Not impossible. We will do it. We have no other choice. ON THE BODY OF ELDERS Their faces are grim ON A CYLON BASE SHIP hanging ominously in the sky INSIDE THE INNER CHAMBER two Cylon Centurians enter with Baltar between them. Baltar is a different man than the one who strode arrogantly before the Imperious one. ON THE IMPERIOUS LEADER CENTURIAN By your command... LEADER The people of Cylon wish to offer you an opportunity to serve, Baltar. Baltar searches for deception in the Leader's words, but he is too resigned to death to challenge the unexpected words. BALTAR To serve...? LEADER It appears that a small band of refugee humans eluded the Alliance... Baltar seems to stand a little taller BALTAR I tried to forewarn you... The Centurians hurl Baltar to the flood and hold staffs against the back of his head. LEADER I offer you life, and you question my judgment? Dangerous.... BALTAR raises his head slightly BALTAR Kill me... The Imperious Leader stares at Baltar. The Centurians waiting for a sign to kill him. LEADER Let him rise The Centurians remove their staffs. Baltar climbs to his feet. LEADER I sense a bargain... BALTAR We bargained before and it left me a dead man. This time I will have my reward before I serve you. LEADER The entire Alliance serves me. Why do I need you? BALTAR Why do you spare me? Because you fear man. You do not understand him. When your forces had taken and put the entire nation of Tucana into slavery, man was there to break the chains. When you chose to dominate the people of Gaelon, man was there to make the Galics strong, to help them seek their own destiny. The Cylon is content to serve. Man is born to lead. But I can succeed where you have failed. LEADER What is your bargain? BALTAR When I find the survivors of the colonies...they are mine. LEADER And how to you propose to protect this bargain? BALTAR There are those who will follow me...away from your influence...away from your interests... LEADER All the stars interest me... BALTAR You can have no reign on tyranny. There is room for all... LEADER You appear as a man, but you think like a Cylon. BALTAR The better to serve you, while serving myself. LEADER You will need Centurians. BALTAR Two will be adequate. LEADER Only two...?? Baltar looks from the Centurian on his left to the Centurian on his right BALTAR These two... LEADER Your arrogance will destroy you. BALTAR I would rather die by my own hand, than yours. LEADER So be it...they are yours... Baltar smiles, nods and turns... BALTAR Come along, boys... As Baltar moves off, the Centurians stand stoically awaiting instructions from the Imperious Leader LEADER Go with him...Serve me!! CENTURIAN By your order... They turn and move off as we close into a very troubled Imperious Leader ON THE RAG TAG FLEET sailing through the sky at a slow pace ON AN ANTIQUATED VEHICLE pushing in to establish the lettering on its side... COLONIAL MOVERS "WE MOVE ANYWHERE" INSIDE AN ENGINE AREA Skyler crawls out from an access area beneath some mechanical gear... is hands and face soiled as his Captain markings on his shoulders are the only indications of military rank. He turns to a tool kit to put away some instruments, taking us to an older man... JENSING I understand two other ships have already broken down... SKYLER And twenty-two have run out of fuel. Skyler closes his tool his and rises...looking grim JENSING It's serious? Skyler looks at the man whose face bears the emotional scars of too many recent disasters SKYLER Until we stop for materials or find minerals to make our own, I just can't repair it...and you'll never be able to keep up with the fleet like it is. JENSING But what will we do...? SKYLER We'll have to transfer everyone off of this ship to one of the others. How many people on board? A beautiful young lady enters LYRA Twenty-nine... Skyler turns and smiles SKYLER Well, a celebrity. I would have thought you could have pulled a little space on one of the plush passenger liners. LYRA I have no interest in pulling space. This ship was assigned to me. JENSING She's being charitable. We asked her if she'd come with us to see if she could help us with the little boy. SKYLER Little boy? LYRA You remember the child found in the bombing? The Jensings lived in the same module as Boxey's parents who were killed in the first wave... JENSING He doesn't sleep and he doesn't eat...even emergency rations. In fact, Lyra is the only one he'll even talk to. LYRA That's about all I can get him to do. He lost a little daggit which apparently meant everything to him. I thought you might help. SKYLER If he won't eat for you, I don't know what I can do. LYRA He seemed to spark a little when you picked him up on Caprica. I got the feeling you were good with children. SKYLER (introspectively) I grew up with a kid brother... IN A NARROW COMPANIONWAY off of which countless cubicles have been formed as living quarters in the hold of this cargo vessel. Skyler looks into the faces and lives of the refugees occupying the rooms which are open, partially open, and in a few cases, entirely curtained off with makeshift draperies. They arrive at a room which is draped shut. There is only a night light on inside. Skyler looks at Lyra. She gestures inside. Skyler reaches into his back pocket and withdraws his military cap with its scrambled eggs and insignia of the Colonial Warriors. He enters... INSIDE A TINY CUBICLE Spartan in its furnishings, the night light illuminates the face of a young boy, who lies staring at the ceiling...wide awake SKYLER Excuse me...I hope I'm not interrupting anything... Boxey's eyes widen SKYLER I'm in charge of finding young men to try out as future fighter pilots. Your name is Boxey, correct? BOXEY Uh-huh... Skyler nods and moves to the bed and crouches beside it SKYLER Good. I've been looking all over for you. You should have made contact with the Commander. You know we're very short on pilots... BOXEY I'm too little to be a pilot... SKYLER Oh sure, right now, but how long do you think it takes to become a full Colonial Warrior? BOXEY I don't know. SKYLER You have to start when you're very small, or you won't get these until you have gray hair. Boxey lifts his head to see what Skyler is pointing to on his shoulders. The young lad's eyes show their first glimmer of interest as they see Captain's emblems. SKYLER You like them? Then as quickly as the interest appeared, it vanishes and the youth withdraws to his pillow BOXEY I want Muffit... SKYLER Well, I don't know. There isn't much room for a daggit in a fighter plane. BOXEY He's gone. He ran away. SKYLER Oh? Well, maybe we can find one of Muffit's friends? BOXEY There are no daggits...I asked... Skyler steals a helpless look at Lyra, who looks back, both appreciatively and sympathetically. SKYLER Well, I'll tell you what... Skyler removes an emblem from his shoulder and places it on Boxey's night clothes SKYLER As Colonial Warrior First Level, you are entitled to the first daggit that comes along Skyler rises and starts out of the room, then hesitates at the door SKYLER But only on the condition that you get your rest, eat all of your primaries, and stop chasing girls. Good night, Officer... Skyler salutes and exits with Lyra. Behind them, Boxey steals a peek at the emblem on his pajamas. He clutches it in his hand and stares at the darkened ceiling as we move to see the far off look which windows the confused world of a six year old boy. IN THE CORRIDOR Skyler waits as Lyra moves up to him LYRA Thank you. I was right; you are good with kids. You and your brother must be very close. Skyler steps away SKYLER We were. LYRA I'm sorry! The war? SKYLER I suppose... LYRA Look, if you'd rather not involve yourself... SKYLER (interrupting) Don't be silly. What's a Warrior to do after he's lost the big one... win a few of the little ones... LYRA That's not a little one in their, Captain. You win that one, you've accomplished something. ON A LARGE SHIP WITH THREE GIANT PODS The livery ship. Three large circular compartments, connected by long, narrow metal corridors. Skyler walks with Starbuck down a corridor. STARBUCK I don't think I can help you, Skyler. Other than fixing the landing servos on this livery machine, the only thing I know about livestock, which includes daggits, is that they've run out of food to feed them. Let me show you... They have entered one of the large circular pods, taking us to a ring of animals all facing into a central feeding device. The animals are in pairs, each pair representing a different species. Starbuck leads Skyler to one of the stalls where we find two unicorns, one lying on its side. SKYLER How long has he been like that? STARBUCK He collapsed last night just after I was brought on board. You know unicorns are very monogamous. His lady's in foal. They think he's been letting her have his share of the food ration. If we could have stopped at Borallus... Skyler storms away SKYLER We couldn't stop. The Cylons would have been there...waiting... STARBUCK Well, when these animals are gone, they're gone. We'll just have to accept the fact that generations will grow up without ever having seen a unicorn... or a tagon...or a... SKYLER There wouldn't have been any generations of anything if we'd stopped. I would have made the same decision as my father. Starbuck moves after Skyler STARBUCK Okay...okay...it's just rough to have to watch them slip away, one at a time... SKYLER I'll tell you what's rough...We've got a little boy in the same condition. Are you sure no one brought any daggits along someplace in this whole fleet? STARBUCK No. We're both out of luck...I already checked. SKYLER Both out of luck! You checked for daggits? Why? STARBUCK Daggit racing... SKYLER What? STARBUCK What's one of the most awful things that can happen to people on a long voyage? SKYLER They die... STARBUCK Not that awful. I'm talking about things to do for excitement. Skyler's interest plunges into disgust SKYLER Fifty million Cylons chasing us all over the stars...our ships are falling apart...there's nothing to eat...and you're worried about excitement. STARBUCK Well, when you put it like that...Anyway, I got the idea before it began to look like we weren't going to make it at all... SKYLER We're going to make it...the animals, too. STARBUCK Tell him... Starbuck and Skyler have arrived at a droid whose front is open, exposing its workings. There are tools in front of the machine, suggesting that Starbuck has been working on it. STARBUCK How's it going this morning, Zeus? A slightly effete but benevolent voice responds ZEUS Not well... All species receiving inadequate food supplements to survive the voyage to the planet Carillon... STARBUCK You're wrong, Zeus. Commander Adama has just decided to take a chance through the Nova of Madagon. That'll cut two centons off of the journey... ZEUS The Nova of Madegon is mined by the Alliance. The percentile risk of successfully traversing the strait makes it statistically impossible. STARBUCK Is that right? ZEUS Yes, that's right. STARBUCK Thank you. ZEUS Thank you. STARBUCK Thank you. ZEUS Thank you Starbuck shakes his head STARBUCK Idiot... ZEUS I beg your pardon... Now it's Skyler's turn to react. His face lights up. He, too, has seen the light. SKYLER Starbuck...that's the answer...You've saved a life... STARBUCK What? SKYLER Never mind...Thanks...I owe you one... Skyler turns and hustles out. Starbuck looks after him STARBUCK Malnutrition...it's getting to everyone. All right, Zeus, now we have to reprogram some of your circuits for landing on a planet. Do you understand? ZEUS Why did you call me an idiot? STARBUCK Oh, for crying out loud... ON A STARFIELD so bright, it defies the unprotected eye to scan it ON TWO PILOTS IN THE BRIEFING ROOM Starbuck and Skyler viewing a monitor ADAMA The Nova of Madegon is not a Nova at all, but a starfield so bright your cockpits will be sealed to prevent blindness. You will navigate by scanner and sweep everything out of your path with turbolasers. Any questions? STARBUCK Yes, sir. Would this be an appropriate time for me to take my sick leave? A small, nervous laugh. Adama smiles the longest and seems to take his time answering the quip. ADAMA It would, but request denied. I didn't arrive at you two to lead us through without a great deal of anguish. If it will do any good, let me assure you that should you fail...no one will survive. Therefore, you have the advantage of controlling your own fate. The rest of us must sit in anticipation of your skill... Skyler rises SKYLER Or lack thereof... IN AN OUTER CORRIDOR Adama exits a room and is accosted by Athena. Adama does not stop ATHENA Father...I can't believe you're doing this! Why couldn't you have listened to the others. We should have stopped at Borallus. We wouldn't have to be taking this awful chance with their lives... Adama stops and looks at Athena. ADAMA Whose lives? ATHENA Starbuck's and Skyler's. A knowing look crosses Adama's face ADAMA You place Lieutenant Starbuck's name ahead of your brother's. Curious... She turns away ADAMA And here I'm supposed to be all-knowing ATHENA I didn't know myself until I heard he was going. It's all so hopeless...If they survive this... if any of us survive...What next... How long before we find Earth? ADAMA Perhaps never. ATHENA That's what I was thinking, Father. We could grow old waiting. I mean, we may never have the chance...to... ADAMA To get married and have children and a home... ATHENA Yes... ADAMA Well, I think it's premature for you to be worrying about old age. I, on the other hand, ought to give a great deal of thought to this voyage...If it should go on and on... ATHENA But you have to lead them. You're all that's left. ADAMA No, you're left...and Skyler and Lieutenant Starbuck and Colonel Tigh and...well, so many more good people. That's why the journey is worth any sacrifice. There are so many people worth saving... and beginning again... Athena hugs her father ATHENA I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn before...I've never faced death before. ADAMA You faced senseless killing as you should have... with horror. That's the difference between humans and the Alliance. We don't waste life, we only risk it when there is no other choice...as in this case, where the very survival of the human race may ride on three young men... ON SKYLER in his cockpit SKYLER Ready... ON STARBUCK in his cockpit STARBUCK I'm not ready...But let's get it over with anyway... ADAMA ON THE BRIDGE ADAMA Launch... ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GALACTICA'S LAUNCHING TUBES as two ships blast into space ON THE BRIDGE TIGH Nova starfield ahead, sir... Adama says a silent prayer ON TWO COLONIAL FIGHTERS sweeping through space and approaching a bright field of light INSIDE SKYLER'S COCKPIT SKYLER I may not be able to see anything, but it's sure getting hot. You picking up the field on your scanner? STARBUCK STARBUCK Negative...my scanner's burning up... SKYLER'S VOICE I was afraid of that. It's too bright for the scanner... STARBUCK And a little too late to turn back, I'd say. What do we do? SKYLER'S VOICE Only one thing I can think of...hold positions and blast away... STARBUCK What if we miss a mine? SKYLER'S VOICE One of us will be the first to know it. Let's go. ON THE COLONIAL FIGHTERS as the two sleek ships angle through the brightly-lighted starfield firing everything they have ON THE MINEFIELD as mine after mine detonates ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA a tense crew watches the scanners. Suddenly, a cheer goes up TIGH It's working, Commander... They're clearing a path a hundred maxims wide. ATHENA Now that's precision flying! Starbuck really knows what he's doing. ON STARBUCK STARBUCK Are we hitting anything? I can't see a blessed thing. SKYLER Be hanged if I know...but it's cooling off...I believe we made it... STARBUCK Yaaaahooooooo... ON A PLANET suspended in space ADAMA'S VOICE The planet Carillon... IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOM from which the Planet Carillon is clearly visible through the window to space ADAMA Landing operations will begin at once. Adama turns to address the gathering of military officers ADAMA Our mineral scanners have located what we believe is the approximate site of the old mining expedition. Captain Skyler will lead a military sortie to the surface. SKYLER Will any civilian personnel be allowed to land? ADAMA Only those responsible for the farming operation. We will make exceptions only for extreme cases, medical or otherwise. IN A CORRIDOR ABOARD THE MOVING VAN Lyra moves along with Skyler LYRA Still won't eat...doesn't sleep. Commander Adama even granted permission for him to go down onto Carillon and help care for the livestock. It would do him a world of good. SKYLER I think I have something that'll interest him. IN A MAINTENANCE LABORATORY in which we find a row of droids staring at us. WIDEN to see Doctor Wilker leaving a bench at which a scope is connected to a droid and sending out pulses which make a hand function up and down. The o.s. sound of a door opening automatically brings the Doctor around. SKYLER, LYRA AND BOXEY enter. Doctor Wilker leaves his bench and walks up to greet them WILKER Ah, Captain Skyler. Right on time. We've been expecting you. Is this the young officer who's been put in charge of the new project? Skyler swings a look down to Boxey, who is now half-hiding behind him SKYLER Well, I haven't had time to fully discuss the project with him. It's our hope that he'll accept. Boxey pulls on Skyler's leg. Skyler looks down BOXEY (whispered) I want to go back to my cubicle. SKYLER Boxey, this is a military order. We have to at least hear the Doctor out. Tell us more about the project, Doctor. WILKER Well, as you know, we will soon be landing on various alien planets. It's important that we be safe. Ordinarily, we'd have trained daggits to stand watch at night when our Warriors are asleep in their encampments, but we don't have any daggits. So, we had to see what we could come up with. We'll call the first one, Muffit Two. Boxey looks up at Skyler BOXEY What'd he say? SKYLER I didn't really get it all, Doctor. Maybe you'd better show us. WILKER Right. Oh, Lanzer... A young man moves from the back of the lab holding something in his arms. It is large and friendly-looking. It has curly hair implanted all over it and as Lanzer puts it down on the ground, it begins to bark in a high-pitched, friendly tone and move towards Boxey. When it gets there, it stops. Its tongue comes out; it begins to pant, and its tail wags frantically from where it protrudes through a hole at the back of the droid's silver skin. WILKER Naturally, the first one will have to be looked after very carefully. Boxey stares at the small droid incredulously BOXEY That's not Muffit. It's not even a real daggit. WILKER No, but it can learn to be like a real one. It's very smart. If you would help us, he'll be even smarter. Boxey continues to stare at the daggit. The daggit, in turn, continues to pant BOXEY Stop that. The daggit stops panting and cocks its head quizzically BOXEY begins to show the hint of a smile. He turns and takes a step away from the small droid. The droid stares. Boxey moves a few more feet, then moves off down the corridor. The daggit rises and follows after him DOCTOR WILKER turns to Lyra and Skyler WILKER (sotto) We used the image of Boxey you gave us to train the droid to respond to him ON BOXEY as he stops at the end of the corridor and turns to look at the daggit. He opens his arms. The small droid moves forward, sits up on his hind legs and puts his paws on Boxey's small chest. Boxey turns his cheek against the small companion and smiles back up the corridor at Lyra and Skyler and the Doctor. It is love at first sight. ON SKYLER, LYRA AND WILKER SKYLER That's one I owe you, Doc... He smiles WILKER Any time... As he leaves, Lyra turns to Skyler with a warmth she hasn't felt since before the holocaust...when the world turned dark. LYRA That's one I owe you, Skyler. SKYLER Any time... ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON Pushing in as we see colonial fighters streaking close over its surface STARBUCK Surface cleared to land... ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA ADAMA Proceed to land the livery ships ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON as he livery ships soar by on their way to the surface INSIDE THE CYLON BASE SHIP IN THE INNER CHAMBER on the Imperious Leader LEADER It has been seven centons, and not one word of the humans. What have you to say, Baltar? Baltar stands before the Leader, confident and illusive BALTAR Their doom is imminent. LEADER You know where they are... BALTAR I know where they will be. Baltar smiles confidently and turns to leave LEADER I have not dismissed you. Baltar stops...looks back BALTAR You want them...Then I must go LEADER You know that when you have found them, you will yet have to deal with me for your arrogance. BALTAR Yes...but this time, I will be prepared. As Baltar turns and exits, we push in on the Imperious Leader, his hatred for Baltar growing with every centon. ON STARBUCK, BOOMER, SKYLER AND JOLLY standing on the surface of Carillon, their fighter ships in the background. It is not day; it is not night. An odd illumination from two moons gives the planet a midnight sun effect BOOMER I wonder what it's like in the daytime. SKYLER This is the daytime... STARBUCK Lovely. I can't imagine why it isn't overpopulated. SKYLER My scanner reads life forms beyond that hill. Either it's some high- energy-yielding substance or they left some kind of caretaker operation behind when they abandoned this place. Starbuck and Boomer, you take the shuttle and check it out. Jolly, you go to work on the livery detail with your squadron. I'll use mine to start checking out this area for signs of the old mine. Everybody sync your chronometers. I want a check in every four millicentons on the security frequency. Understood? Everyone nods and pressed their wrist chronometers which emit random, out-of-sync tones at odd intervals at first, then come into sync, so that in effect we hear a pattern of steady, rhythmic pulses. SKYLER Let's go. The men all turn and head off in varying directions. As they do, we pan and move into one of many formations in the area that look like the edge of a crater or giant ant hill or... REVERSE ANGLE To Starbuck and Boomer moving off, we are looking down the sights of a strange-looking weapon. Suddenly, a hand moves in and pushes the barrel down CLOSE ON TWO SMALL CREATURES They are insect-like, approximately five feet tall, large, bulbous eyes and four arms. Seetol turns and nods, taking camera to a third creature who also carries a weapon with two hands and turns to work a machine device with a third and fourth hand. A faint whine can be heard and the three creatures slowly begin to submerge down into the crater ON A SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGEWAY the pod appears in a cell-like opening. The three creatures step off. One remains at the elevator-like structure; the other two move off down the passage, which is alive with a pulsating golden light coming from the cell-like panels ON ANOTHER CELL-LIKE OPENING As the two creatures move up a passageway towards it. They arrive and we pan with them, taking camera to an immense chamber deep beneath the earth THE MINE is a giant, beehive-like structure with countless levels and honeycomb-like compartments. We ca see workers busily poking at walls and withdrawing ore, which is, in turn, placed in small vehicles which other workers are maneuvering throughout the multicorridored structure INSIDE A CHOSEN CHAMBER Very plush. A creature sits on a cushioned floor, surrounded by slaves serving all manners of personal needs, from playing a sitar and a bee's hum, pruning or manicuring two of the chosen creature's limbs, and providing some kind of smoking device for occasional puffs... SEETOL enters SEETOL They have come. The voice is that of a girl...soft and pleasant. The next voice is that of the Queen of the hive...deeper, just as soft, but infinitely more refined LOTAY Don't disturb them. It will only stir them up. They'll be perfectly harmless unless angered or frightened. Seetol nods, bows, and withdraws as Lotay draws on the strange pipe ON THE LIVERY SHIP sitting far in the background as animals are being led into the foreground ON SKYLER as he points out a meadow area bordered on all sides by short, rocky hills. Jensing looks on with several other farmer. SKYLER We'll use nitrogen injection in that area. It looks level enough that we won't have to bring down soil movers The ranchers nod and move off as Boomer and Jolly come running up JOLLY Captain, we aren't alone on this planet. You'd better come right away. Skyler gives Jolly a worried look and follows after him ON GREENBEAN with his sidearm in hand, his shaking hand extended in front of him with the weight and fate of his people dispersed on his nervous face. Skyler and Jolly charge up GREENBEAN No doubt about it, Captain. Someone's here besides up. Look at that... Skyler swings his look over to some rocks. He sees nothing at first, then looks down and sees a snarling face. It is Muffit Two SKYLER All right, Ensign, I'll handle it. Put up your weapon. Skyler moves forward as Greenbean and Jolly watch warily SKYLER Come on, Muffy...here boy. The robot dog prances out from behind the rocks, his tail wagging. Skyler bends down and pats the droid on the head SKYLER Where's Boxey? Go find Boxey. The droid takes off towards the livery ships SKYLER It's obvious you guys haven't boned up in your manual on dealing with natives on friendly planets. Skyler turns and moves off, leaving Greenbean and Jolly in confusion SOMEPLACE ELSE ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON The shuttle can be seen resting far in the b.g. as Starbuck climbs over the rocky crest of a hill and looks down. His face suddenly reflects an awesome find STARBUCK Boomer... ON BOOMER climbing up to the crest over jagged rocks BOOMER Yeah...yeah...what is it now... STARBUCK (stunned) You aren't going to believe this, Boomer... Boomer nears the top BOOMER Feeling is believing... STARBUCK (dazzled) No, I mean really... Boomer reaches the crest and looks. His mouth falls open BOOMER I don't believe it... POINT OF VIEW - PARADEESE de FESTIVE' Far down a steep, rocky incline within the walls of a canyon, a carnival of color and lights and spherical glass set amidst greenery and pools of water, in a narrow valley of cliffs. People and creatures come and go amidst laughter and song. BOOMER AND STARBUCK exchange blank stares BOOMER What is it? Starbuck shakes his head dumbfounded STARBUCK I don't know. Starbuck rises up, drawing his sidearm, and carefully starts down the steep incline ACROSS A CLEARING AMIDST THE POOLS OF WATER AND GARDENS creatures and people move up and down the paths, laughing gaily. Beyond them, Starbuck and Boomer appear, still completely disoriented STARBUCK It sure is pretty...and it sure sounds friendly... A scream from o.s. They wheel around A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN is staring at Starbuck and Boomer WOMAN Don't shoot!! What do you want? Starbuck embarrassingly looks at the weapon in his hand and quickly puts it away, smiling STARBUCK I mean no harm. You're from Taura... WOMAN Yes, I'm a Taurus. How'd you know that? STARBUCK The dialect...What is this...What are you doing here? WOMAN What am I doing here??? What are you doing here??? Why are Colonial Warriors sneaking around a resort with their weapons drawn? Everything is perfectly legal. Starbuck and Boomer exchange looks WOMAN Isn't it...? STARBUCK Would you mind telling us how you got here? WOMAN On the bus. Another exchange of looks between Starbuck and Boomer BOOMER Must've been sniffing plant vapors... STARBUCK Would you tell us about this bus? WOMAN It was all handled through my travel agent. This place is fabulous... I just can't believe they can give you all this for so little money... (she hurriedly starts to open her purse) Look, I won over a thousand cubits... Her purse burgeons with gold STARBUCK You won those cubits...here???? WOMAN In there, sure...Look, they said it was all legal, so if it isn't, you'd better take on the whole star system because everyone is doing it. Look, I'm late. Talk about meeting people, they weren't kidding. We're going on a moonlight cruise. Two moons. How can you go wrong? She giggles and hurries off. Boomer looks after her BOOMER I don't get it. How cut off can they be. She didn't act like she'd even heard about the war. STARBUCK There's something even more peculiar. Why haven't we heard about this place? BOOMER I suppose you know every gambling den in our star system... Starbuck slowly turns to look at Boomer. Boomer nods. BOOMER You're right. If there's a game going on, you know about it. Starbuck turns and starts moving towards the lavish sphere. STARBUCK But this isn't back room cards! This is the biggest splash I've seen outside of Orion. Starbuck stops in his tracks and looks at Boomer as if seeing a light flashing STARBUCK Which colony did the mining exploration on this planet? The light begins to glow for Boomer BOOMER Orion... STARBUCK Count Baltar's private little empire. It was his engineers that reported back to the Colonies that mining on this planet was financially unfeasible BOOMER So he sets up a gambling resort. Why? Why put something like this together and keep it a secret? STARBUCK To avoid paying Colonial taxes...his share of the war... BOOMER Yeah, but if you don't tell anyone about a place like this, you don't do any business. STARBUCK Does this place look empty? BOOMER It just doesn't make any sense... STARBUCK It'll make sense when we ask the right questions... INSIDE THE GIANT SPHERE a circus of gambling games, attractive females, humanoid and extra- terrestrial. A lovely, feline-looking cocktail waitress moves up to Starbuck just inside the entrance. She is dressed very modestly, revealing little but the shape of four handsome breasts and a furry tail which removes a soiled glass from a chrome railing as she extends a tray to Starbuck. STARBUCK No...thank you. She moves off as Boomer moves up, his eyes on the waitress STARBUCK Did you see that tail... BOOMER Sure did... A scream goes up from a gaming table nearby. Starbuck and Boomer take a look. As they do, a cry of joy goes up a few feet away...and another further across the room... STARBUCK The odds must be incredible here. People are winning a fortune... BOOMER And they are obviously well fed. Let's get a hold of whoever's in charge and see about getting some food back to the fleet. STARBUCK Hold it...slow down...The last thing these people may want to find is a Battlestar sitting on their front door... BOOMER Then you think this set-up is illegal? STARBUCK It wasn't exactly listed in the Colonial Concordance of places to go...things to do... Boomer starts looking around a little more nervously BOOMER Then they may not be too happy to see us, either. STARBUCK I've never been in a crooked gambling den that didn't depend on military pay vouchers to keep their doors open. Suddenly, a pit boss is on them PIT BOSS Welcome, gentlemen. Is that an emblem of the Colonial Fleet that I see? STARBUCK Yes...it is... PIT BOSS I didn't realize they were in the area. STARBUCK As a matter of fact, we're kind of here on our own. PIT BOSS Little out of the way, aren't you? BOOMER Secret mission. STARBUCK He likes to be dramatic. Just a reconnaissance flight...see that the armistice is being observed... The ensuing moment seems like an eternity to Boomer and Starbuck. Does the pit boss seem to be grinning at their naive lie, or is he being genuinely hospitable? PIT BOSS How worthy...and how fortunate to have you with us. Consider yourselves guests of the establishment. Food and drink are on the house. The pit boss smiles once again and moves off BOOMER Well, how do you feel now, sport? We have the run of the place while our people are starving to death, and it'll be at least two centons before we can raise crops. STARBUCK What did you expect me to do, ask the guy for twenty thousand quantums of food for a couple of straggler pilots on a reconnaissance flight? BOOMER Maybe we could kinda' confide in him... STARBUCK Boomer, until we know who these people are, just keep in mind it'll only take one informer to have the whole Cylon war machine on its way. BOOMER So what do we do? We've got to get fuel and food back to the ships. STARBUCK First thing we do is check in with the fleet and tell 'em what we've found. Meanwhile, I'll try to find out who's behind this place. How many cubits do you have with you? BOOMER Cubits!!! There are people back in our fleet half-starved and you're going to gamble? STARBUCK Boomer, this time it's in the line of duty. We've got to start asking some questions, but carefully, very carefully. Now go...check in... BOOMER All right, but you'd better make this last...that's all there is... Boomer drops three cubits into Starbuck's hand ON A HI-LO TABLE Three people are seated at what might be a space-age blackjack game. Starbuck heads for an open chair beside a woman, who, but for a few pounds, might be extremely attractive. The other two at the table are male, both approaching obesity STARBUCK This chair taken...? The girl eyes Starbuck appraisingly. She likes what she sees. LORNA Well!!! The fleet's in...Sit down... (She checks his shoulders for an insignia; looks impressed) Lieutenant...you've come to a lucky table. STARBUCK That right...? ON THE GAME Hi-Lo or 7/11 as it is known throughout the star system, is a game played with cards or electronic extensions of cards between any number of players and a dealer. The object of the game is to draw a hand as close as possible to either 7 or 11. It is the players' choice, a judgment the player makes after viewing his first card, or 'up' card... ON THE SHUTTLE CRAFT standing ominously still where Boomer and Starbuck left it on a volcanic rock plateau ON A ROCK FORMATION as Ovion faces begin to rise from concealment and move towards the ship IN FRONT OF THE PARADEESE de FESTIVE' Boomer ambles to a position of seclusion near some lush landscaping. He withdraws a pocket communicator and talks into it in hushed tones BOOMER Land probe to Galactica...land probe to Galactica... Come in... There is no response BOOMER Galactica...come in Galactica... Boomer taps the small hand device and holds it up to his ear. He can hear static, but no signal BOOMER Land probe to Galactica BACK UP ON THE VOLCANIC ROCK PLATEAU The Ovion leader raises his hand. A platoon of Ovion soldiers level their hand weapons on the silent ship. He drops his hand THE WEAPONS fire multiple bursts of flame THE SHUTTLE CRAFT erupts into a pyre that reaches high into the sky THE OVIONS turn and begin to back away THE SHUTTLE CRAFT explodes into a fireball which rises high into the night sky ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON in another place THREE OVION FACES appear at ground level and continue to rise into frame. They stare off... POINT OF VIEW Boxey moving along with Muffit Two behind him. Suddenly, Muffit Two stops and looks towards camera and growls THE OVION CREATURES lower back beneath the ground BOXEY moves off towards Skyler. Muffit continues to start at the mound ON BOXEY as he moves up to Skyler who is scanning the area with an electronic probe BOXEY How soon before things begin to grow? SKYLER Morning. By the end of the day tomorrow, we'll have a whole crop of fresh food instead of comrations. Won't that taste better? BOXEY I'd rather go home. Why'd we have to leave? Why'd those people want to hurt us? SKYLER Oh, because there are and have always been living beings who cannot accept anything they don't understand...anything different BOXEY What do you mean, different? SKYLER Just about anything at all...the shape of your eyes, the number of limbs, the color of the outer layer of your skin...even thoughts and ideas. They just aren't equipped to deal with difference. BOXEY You mean they're stupid. SKYLER I guess by our standards. How can it be anything but stupid to kill what you don't understand? BOXEY Why don't we kill them back? SKYLER Then we'd be changing what we are...to be like them. It's better for us to go someplace else. BOXEY What if they come after us? SKYLER We might have to defend ourselves. BOXEY You mean kill them. SKYLER Possibly. BOXEY Then we'd be like them. SKYLER Boxey, you're beginning to see how complicated life is. We don't believe in war, but the opposite of war isn't necessarily peace. What we want is freedom...the right to be left alone, but there's always the chance someone will come along and spoil everything. BOXEY So you kill them. SKYLER No...you try to establish penalties. Something that makes spoiling someone else's way of life unrewarding. BOXEY You kill them. SKYLER Boxey, you have a way of reducing everything to very simple terms. I don't know...maybe you're right...in the end we're talking about life and death. Life is precious. No one has the right to tamper with another's, without the risk of forfeiting their own. I think maybe we're getting a little deep for a boy your age. BOXEY Why? You can die at any age, can't you? SKYLER Yes, Boxey, you can...Where's Muffit? BOXEY Right here... Boxey turns to look. Muffit is not to be seen. Then from beyond the mound, we hear barking BOXEY There he is. SKYLER Better get him. If he wanders off, he could fall into an old mining probe and we'd never find him. And be careful...stay in plain view of the livery ships. BOXEY I will. As Boxey turns and moves off, Greenbean hurries up ON GREENBEAN GREENBEAN Captain, I think we've got problems. SKYLER You've found another droid... GREENBEAN No...we lost Jolly... Skyler gives Greenbean an impatient look SKYLER How could anybody lose Lieutenant Jolly...there's so much of him, he almost qualifies as a planet. Let's check it out. Skyler moves off with Greenbean ON BOXEY walking along amidst the mounds, scanning in all directions BOXEY Muffy...Muffy...Darn you daggit...Where are you... Suddenly, a hand appears on Boxey's shoulder. He spins around. He starts to scream. ON AN OVION As one hand reaches out to cove Boxey's mouth while two more hold his arms to his side. INSIDE THE OVION CHAMBERS Boxey is being led down a corridor by two Ovion creatures. He is both dismayed and frightened by the strange new world he has entered. Suddenly, he hears barking. He takes off on a dead run. BOXEY Muffy!!! AN OVION SOLDIER raises his weapon. The other stops him from using it. They start after Boxey. ON THE ENTRANCE TO THE CHOSEN CHAMBER Boxey charges up and through the legs of the Ovion guard as she attempts to stop him. The guard begins to pursue him. INSIDE THE CHOSEN CHAMBER Boxey charges in, sees Muffy standing beside Jolly, barking at the Chosen Leader. Her name is Lotay. As the Ovion guard is about to grab Boxey, Lotay raises a hand. LOTAY Leave him. Boxey crouches beside Muffy, holding him close. Muffy licks his face. Lotay scans the odd assemblage before her -- an obese flyer, a small child, and a peculiar-looking droid. LOTAY A curious group... (after a thought, a pleasant smile) But they will do nicely. Take them to a cell and prepare for the others as quickly as possible. Jolly edges over, grimly putting an arm around Boxey IN THE PARADEESE de FESTIVE' CASINO AT STARBUCK'S TABLE another cheer goes up as Starbuck rakes in more cubits STARBUCK Let 'em ride again. LORNA Hey, you're fine. Where've you been all week? Where're you from? No, let me guess, you're a Capricorn... STARBUCK What gave me away? LORNA Your tenacity...I mean you get what you want and you're aloof...All you people from Caprica are alike (she giggles) And also your insignia says your unit is from Caprica. STARBUCK How'd you find out about this place? LORNA A girlfriend at the office told me about three of her roomates coming here. They had such a good time, they stayed over...wrote us to come. It was too good a deal to pass up. STARBUCK What's a good deal? LORNA Five cubits round trip, all meals included for one centon. I don't know how they do it. The food is so good, I've gained ten pounds, and my girlfriend...if she doesn't stop eating, they'll never get her back off the planet. Starbuck looks around at the capacity crowd STARBUCK I guess they make it up on the gambling... LORNA Except that I'm ahead fifty cubits. Starbuck watches as the dealer punches up a card...A cheer from the table...Lorna giggles. LORNA You win again. Boomer returns with a serious look on his face BOOMER (sotto) We'd better talk. Starbuck reads Boomer's expression...rises STARBUCK Thanks for the company. LORNA (invitingly) Any time...hurry back. Boomer and Starbuck cross the casino into a lounge area from which music is pulsating STARBUCK Where are we going? I'm finding out all sorts of things, like the fact that these people are completely cut off rom ews of the outside world. BOOMER I'm not surprised. Be careful what you say, we're being watched. As Starbuck starts to look around STARBUCK Who by? Boomer slaps a hand on Sarbuck's back and grins broadly for effect BOOMER Right...Let's have a drink and listen to some music...loud music. IN THE LOUNGE A trio of female Tucanas are performing in what can best be described as a spaced-out Supremes style of music. Tucanas are unusual beings, in that while they are not totally unattractive in a feline sort of way, they do have two mouths, which in a woman can be devastating, unless they happen to be singers... STARBUCK AND BOOMER sit into a table combination for two and Starbuck is immediately taken by the group BOOMER They can't try to read our lips in here. STARBUCK The place is full of lips. Look, are you sure you aren't imagining things? This place is all right. Starbuck places a cubit in a slot on a small pedestal in the middle of the table. A cup drops down and amber begins to stream into it. He then places a large stack of cubits in front of him, to Boomer's amazement. BOOMER Where'd you get all those? STARBUCK Hi-lo. One thing this place isn't, is crooked. Would you listen to those girls? They're great. BOOMER Forget the girls. Talk to me. What else did you pick up at that table! Starbuck continues to stare at the girls STARBUCK Like what? BOOMER Like why they might need to watch us. STARBUCK Who? He follows Boomer's gaze TWO OVIONS standing by a dapery partition are looking towards Boomer and Starbuck. One turns and moves off STARBUCK AND BOOMER BOOMER Ovions. STARBUCK Who? BOOMER Ovions. They're all over the place. My section got a briefing on them from Intelligence. STARBUCK Where do they come from? BOOMER No one seems to kow much about them. They just started showing up on a few outposts, mostly as migratory workers STARBUCK Looks like they're well-equipped for that... BOOMER It's their politics that are in doubt. STARBUCK I don't see how that's too important any more. BOOMER Why not? STARBUCK How can we worry about subversion when we don't have a planet left to subvert? Hey, would you listen to those girls? They're incredible. ON THE GROUP The middle lady belts out a song in a fashion not dissimilar to Bette Midler. The two ladies flanking her belt out 'oo's' and 'ah's,' singing four-part harmony, with both mouths cranking out decibles of music while the lead singer only seems to be using one of her two orifices. The upper mouth is definitely doing all the work, but effectively...very effectively. STARBUCK is mesmerized STARBUCK We could make a fortune if we could put those girls on the star circuit. I mean big money, Boomer. BOOMER I don't believe you. Every creature in the universe is out to exterminate us, and you want to hire a vocal group. STARBUCK Have a little vision, will 'ya. The war can't last forever. Someday, it'll be over and what'll we be...antiquated, burned out fighter pilots. THE GIRLS go for their big finish. The two outside ladies hitting a sustaining chord only missing one element. We somehow feel it's forthcoming. THE MIDDLE LADY soars for a high note with her upper mouth and just as we reach the final few beats in the melodious piece, we see the lower mouth, silent for the entire song, open. We know it's coming...and it does...a low resounding bass note on the final beat of the song that breaks the glass in Starbuck's hand. The room breaks into tumultuous applause STARBUCK is flabbergasted. He rises STARBUCK I gotta' talk to them... Boomer pulls him back down BOOMER You aren't going to talk to anybody. We're here on a mission. STARBUCK And I'm doing everything I can to find out what's going on. What did the Commander tell you to do? BOOMER I couldn't reach the fleet. STARBUCK Why not? BOOMER We're in some kind of communication void. Probably the canyon walls. STARBUCK Well, hike up to the shuttle and call in (rising with some consternation) I'm telling you, we're sitting on top of a gold mine with these girls, and all you can see is danger behind every rock. BOOMER It's a Tylium mine we're suppose to find and... where're you going...? STARBUCK It doesn't matter where I'm going. You're going up to the shuttle to heck in. And the sooner you do, the sooner we'll be getting food and suppliess back to our ships. I'm telling you, these are nice people. You can tell Commander Adama I said so. As Starbuck moves off towards the casino, Boomer shakes his head worriedly, then moves off. OUTSIDE THE CASINO Boomer exits and starts away. Suddenly, he finds he isn't alone. Moving to one side of him through the shrubbery is an Ovion. To the other side, another Ovion. He stops, looks back. Guarding the door behind him, another Ovion. Boomer suddenly runs towards the rocks, a laser blast streaks out. Boomer dives for cover. His hand reaches down to his belt. He pushes an armature. As the Ovions slowly move up to him and level their weapons on him BOOMER Easy fellas...nice bugs... ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Skyler appears on a monitor SKYLER First Sergeant Jolly...then the boy and his droid... Adama greets the news with every possible defense ADAMA The surface is covered with mining probes. They may have both fallen in some similar crevice. ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON Skyler speaks into a scanner SKYLER Two disappearances possibu...but now our patrol beyond the ridge is centons overdue, and we've just picked up the Flight Sergeant's emergency beacon. ADAMA nods, concedint the weight of evidence ADAMA All right, Captain Skyler. Dispatch an immediate rescue mission beyond the ridge. SKYLER I'd like to command it myself. ADAMA No, you've vital where you are. SKYLER Commander, Starbuck and Boomer are the best we have. If they're in trouble... ADAMA Very well. Report in as soon as possible. Galacica out. Adama signs off and turns to Tigh ADAMA I don't like the feel of it. I think it's time for an on-site inspection. Prepare my shuttle and a squad of your best Warriors. TIGH Right away TWO COLONIAL WARRIORS streak over the edge of the mountain and across the sky IN SKYLER'S SHIP He is scanning the ground...searching SKYLER We'll follow the vector heading of the life signs Lieutenant Starbuck was checking out. Skyler galnces over to the next ship ON JOLLY as he nods his understanding ON SKYLER SKYLER Let's go down on the deck... ON SKYLER'S SHIP as he peels off and rakes down closer to the surface, followed immediately by the other ships, in flights of three. AT THE LIVERY SHIPS A cluster of Colonial Warriors are lined up in military formation ADAMA We'll divide into teams of two and criss-cross the area from the point Flight Sergeant Jolly disappeared. We don't have much time, so cover your quadrants as quickly as possible. All right... disperse... Suddenly, a woman's frantic voice calls out LYRA Commander... The men step out of formation to depart. Lyra rushes up to Adama LYRA Commander, the boy...Boxey...I just heard he's missing. May I join the search? I've grown very attached to that little waif. ADAMA This isn't easy terrain. LYRA I've been to places in the star system that make this look like a stellar lounge. ADAMA I'd be honored to have you aboard. She returns Adama's ingratiating smile ON SKYLER IN HIS FIGHTING SHIP as he soars along at tree-top level, scanning the ground SKYLER I don't know where Starbuck's shuttle is, but it's sure not on these coordinates GREEBEAN He must've decided to... Suddenly, Greenbean's mouth flies open GREENBEAN Captain!!! SKYLER already aware ofwhat Greenbean sees SKYLER I see it... GREENBEAN What is it? SKYLER I haven't got the slightest idea, but that's where Boomer's distress signal is coming from. GREENBEAN What do we do about it? SKLER Find a place to land and have a look. THE TWO FIGHTERS peel off in search of a landing spot ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON Colonial Warrior criss-cross a segment of land which appears as a slightly angled plane of black, volcanic rock ON TWO WARRIORS as they move past camera, we pan back to see the ground open up to reveal to Ovion warriors moving up out of the ground IN ANOTHER AREA Greenbean and another Warrior move past camera. Once again, they are no more than a few feet away when two more Ovions appear behind them. ON ADAMA He stops with Lyra at his side to allow her to catch her breath. A cold wind chills them LYRA Getting very cold... ADAMA We won't be able to continue the search much longer. The temperature's dropping too fast Lyra looks off to one side LYRA That's odd. We seem to be the only ones on the summit. ADAMA Must've been moving a little faster than everyone else. I'll admit I'm worried. Lyra turns and moves back past a rock formation on this high plateau LYRA Commander, you'd better have a look. Adama turns and moves back around the rock formation POINT OF VIEW A long sweeping vista of black volcanic rock anglingdown to a small meadow where the livery ships stand ominously alone and still ADAMA turns back to Lyra LYRA They're all gone...we're alone. ADAMA quickly drwas his weapon ADAMA It's impossible. LYRA Commander, I'm frightened. What's going on? ADAMA I don't know, but let's... Adama half turs...his look freezes. Lyra turns and screams ON TWO OVIONS their weapons extended towards the two humans ON SKYLER AND GREENBEAN as they approach the burned-out remains of two Viper War ships. Both men have their weapons drawn as they move up cautiously GREENBEAN If Boomer and Starbuck were in those birds, sir... Skyler...looks down at his communicator. It continues to flash. SKYLER It would have been destroyed their distress beacon. No...Boomer's signal is still loud and clear. GREENBEAN What do we do? SKYLER You stand guard on the ships. We can't afford to lose two more. I'm going to follow Boomer's beacon. It seems to be coming from down there. Whatever it is... Skyler moves with Boomer to look down on the Casino de Festive' INSIDE THE OVION CHAMBERS Adama and Lyra are being escorted by guards. As they reach the main chamber, Adama and Lyra look around in amazement. LYRA What is it? MOVING POIINT OF VIEW The large main chamber where countless Ovion workers mine Tylium around the clock ADAMA It may be the largest underground Tylium mine in the star system LYRA To run our ships... ADAMA (ominously) To run somebody's ships They arrive at the Chosen Chamber. The guards stand aside. Adama and Lyra enter INSIDE THE CHOSEN CHAMBER Lotay looks up from her perch. LOTAY You are Commander Adama? ON ADAMA AND LYRA ADAMA I am... LOTAY Welcome to Carillon. You are impressed? ADAMA Outraged is more like it. Where are my men and the boy? As easy smile crosses Lotay's face LOTAY Would you care to join them? ADAMA You bet I would...and if anything's happened to any one of them, you'll answer to the Colonies. The Chosen Leader smiles non-committally and rises. We find that she is taller than the worker Ovions. She leads the way as the Ovion guard move in behind Adama and Lyra. IN A CORRIDOR LYRA (sotto) Did that smile mean she knows the Colonies don't exist? ADAMA (sotto) I don't know... They arrive at another entry. The Leader stands aside. LOTAY Enter... Adama and Lyra exchange wary looks and pass through the door. INSIDE THE GUEST CHAMBER Adama and Lyra stop in their tracks and stare incredulously POINT OF VIEW -- THE CHAMBER alive with music and entertainment...four-armed jugglers, dancing Ovions...and a banquet befitting kings with succulent victuals of every dimension, proportion and manner JOLLY JOLLY Commander!!! Everyone turns to look. Boxey jumps down from the knee of an Ovion workers and runs to Lyra. Jolly moves hurriedly, food in hand...a drumstick and an odd-looking piece of fruit JOLLY It's like nothing we could have dreamed of. They've got plenty of everything we need, and they want to share it. LYRA Sounds like paradise... Adama gazes around the room warily...a troubled look on his face. ADAMA Yes, it does... LOTAY We are a communal order from birth. We all work...We all share... There is no competition, no jealousy, no conflict...only peace and order. ADAMA Perpetual happiness. LOTAY Happiness is the goal of an immature order. All pursue it. Few have it. None can sustain it. The Ovion is content. It is better. Adama and Lyra exchange cautious looks LYRA It seems to work for you. LOTAY For millenniums it has been so. Now, join us... Be our guests...be well fed, well entertained... Be content. The Ovion Leader smiles that strange, bewildering look that suggests a private meaning. Adama can't help feeling it's more than a benign suggestion. IN THE CASINO ON TWO OVION SECURITY GUARDS watching Starbuck and looking anything but benign ON STARBUCK AT THE HI-LO TABLE A cheer arises from the gallery which by this time is substantial. They watch with vicarious fear as Starbuck presses his entire accumulations of cubits out on the wagering table. ON LORNA LORNA What're you going to do with all that money? STARBUCK Let it all ride... A small cheer from Lorna and the two obese gentlemen. As we pan off to the main door as a figure enters. SKYLER looks around incredulously. He hears a resounding cheer...looks... POINT OF VIEW A narrow aperture through the gallery reveals the image of a Colonial Warrior as the center of attention. THE DEALER seems to be looking for help. He is perspiring. DEALER I will have to see if they will remove the limit. The dealer signals o.s. as Skyler moves up and stares in utter disbelief at the pile of golden cubits in front of a cigar-smoking Starbuck. SKYLER Lieutenant, do you mind telling me what you're doing? Starbuck turns, somewhat startled and embarrassed STARBUCK Winning...I mean (he struggles to his feet, rising awkwardly from his stool) Sir... SKYLER What is this place? What's going on here... Starbuck turns to Lorna STARBUCK Uh, excuse me, dear...Watch my cubits? Starbuck hustles Skyler a few feet away to talk conspiratorially as a few yards away, the pit boss gestures in pantomime to the dealer. STARBUCK Oh, sir...as near as we can figure, this is a resort. These people are here from all over the star system. SKYLER That doesn't make any sense. This place is a desolate rock. STARBUCK Maybe...but everyone's having a great time. SKYLER Not everyone. STARBUCK Everyone that I've seen. SKYLER How long since you talked to Boomer? STARBUCK Boomer??? SKYLER Somebody blew up his ship...yours, too. STARBUCK Blew up our ships? Boomer went there to use the long-range communicator. If someone did something to Boomer... SKYLER He never reached the ship. His distress beacon is still working... that's what bothers me. STARBUCK It can't be working. I didn't pick it up. SKYLER I'm not picking it up now, either...but my flyover pointed right to where you're standing. STARBUCK Captain...Boomer isn't here...he left. SKYLER If he isn't in this building, he's under it. Skyler and Boomer exchange ominous looks as the pit boss moves up. PIT BOSS Sir, as a special courtesy to our Colonial Warrior guests, the limit has been removed. Starbuck looks at Skyler questioningly as a cheer of anticipation rises from the gallery. Skyler nods. SKYLER Go ahead, Lucky. Break the bank. I'd like to see what happens when you try to walk out of here with their money. Starbuck pales. STARBUCK Look...maybe we've learned all we can here... SKYLER No...no...you go right ahead. I'll just look around for a bit... STARBUCK I'd feel better if you were watching my flank. SKYLER You were doing fine before I got here. Good luck. Skyler moves off, leaving Starbuck alone as Lorna moves to him and takes his arm and pulls him to the table. LORNA Come on, sport. You're going to bring the house down. STARBUCK That's what's worrying me. MOVING THROUGH THE CASINO WITH SKYLER as he edges past more games of chance as cheers rise from each table. Finally, Skyler reaches a bank of elevators. He notices a large group of rather obese people being escorted by Ovions into an elevator. Skyler moves up to join the group. An Ovion's hand bars the way. OVION You have a voucher? SKYLER I just wanted to browse. Where does this go? OVION It is the chamber of the Living End. You must have a voucher. SKYLER I hope it's a reducing salon. Looks like some of these boys have been having too good a time. Can I look around? OVION When you have a voucher. It comes at the end of your two week stay. The people have all entered the elevator car, and the Ovion who has been speaking with Skyler now steps back into the car himself. SKYLER Two week stay...Look, I don't plan on sticking... The door whisks closed in Skyler's face and whisks downward, out of sight. He finishes the statement to himself..."self"... and turns to head back through more cheering guests taking curious and troubled note of what he is seeing. Suddenly, he turns and heads towards the front doors at an easy gait. As he closes to them, he is aware that Ovion Guards are following his progress. AT THE FRONT DOORS Skyler pauses as he is about to start outside. Quickly, he looks back into the room. POINT OF VIEW One of the Ovions who has been tracking him has a transceiver in his hand and is talking into it. Finding himself caught by Skyler's gaze, he lowers the transceiver. SKYLER swings his look back out the door. POINT OF VIEW TO THE VEGETATION OUTSIDE Two shadows ducking back behind some shrubbery. SKYLER turns and moves back across the casino towards Starbuck. AT STARBUCK'S TABLE a cheer from the gallery as Starbuck's winnings mount. The game now watched closely by a pit boss and several guards, who begin to press in more closely. Skyler eyes them behind Starbuck warily. Lorna leans in, pawing Starbuck admiringly. LORNA You are the luckiest man I've ever... Suddenly, she stops in mid-sentence, her jaw hanging open as she sees Skyler slowly raising his sidearm from its holster to bring it directly to bear on the dealer's chest. A gasp from the crowd. STARBUCK What are you doing? SKYLER I'm going to see if I can put a hole through him. The dealer's eyes flare wide with alarm. In an instant, the head security guard is at Starbuck's side. HEAD SECURITY GUARD Sir...you'll have to... As he starts to draw his weapon, he finds Starbuck's sidearm quickly in his side. Starbuck quickly moves an arm around the Ovion's head, turning him towards the other security guards moving up, transforming him into a shield. STARBUCK Let's keep our hands out where we can see 'em, fellas. All of them. Now, you mind telling me what we're doing, sir! THE APPROACHING SECURITY GUARDS stop in place and refrain from any movement towards their weapons SKYLER unflinching...his weapon leveled at the dealer HEAD SECURITY GUARD If I may ask...what seems to be your complaint? SKYLER This man is cheating my friend. STARBUCK What??? An incredulous remble moves through the gallery. Skyler is beginning to lose their support. Obviously, he's a military psychopath. HEAD SECURITY GUARD But he is winning. SKYLER No. He appears to be winning. The dealer is cheating. STARBUCK Ah, look, Skyler...Captain...I'm pretty good, you know... HEAD SECURITY GUARD Sir, if you doubt his good fortune, I suggest he pick up his cubits and leave. STARBUCK Sounds like a real good idea, Skyler! Why don't we just be on our way... SKYLER Not until somebody explains why he was letting him win. HEAD SECURITY GUARD Nothing could be more absurd... STARBUCK Does sound a bit odd. Look, maybe these fellas'd be willing to help us get to our ship if we just give back the winnings and forget the whole thing! SKYLER They don't mind winners, Starbuck. There isn't a loser in the house. They see to that. HEAD SECURITY GUARD A human weakness...momentous judgements on miniscule perspectives... As the people begin to grumble at Skyler's destroying heir party OBESE MAN #1 Look, fella, why don't you tell your friend to go back to his ship and sleep it off, huh? LORNA Right. You have something against people having a litle fun...winning a little money? STARBUCK Captain, come on. You're going to have everyone at our throats. SKYLER Just ask yourselves, have you seen a loser here? Doesn't that strike all of you as odd? OBESE MAN #2 What is it, boy? You worried about the taxes on our winnings? That why you're here, boy? You a tax collector? OBESE MAN #1 You come to close this place down, fella? The room is turning angry. Skyler raises his weapon. SKYLER He was letting you win. LORNA Why? SKYLER Maybe to keep you here, or content. I don't know. OBESE MAN #1 Put your weapon away, son, or I'm going to take it away from you. The man moves off his chair towards Skyler STARBUCK Captain, with all due respect... Skyler realizes the contrantation's quickly going to get out of hand. He starts to back away, his weapon in front of him. OBESE MAN #1 Maybe you can explain what you're doing here, boy. You come for a vacation, or for trouble? The people continue to move towards Starbuck and Skyler, the security guards amongst them, waiting for an opportuity. Starbuck and Skyler find themselves with the front doors cut off from them by the guards. SKYLER There's trouble, all right. The war with the Alliance is over. We lost. OBESE MAN #2 Lost! You poor fool. You've been on patrol too long. There's been an armistice. Didn't you hear? The crowd begins to laugh at Skyler OBESE MAN #1 Course they didn't tell 'im. Have to keep morale up. If they don't have a war, they don't have jobs. The laugh turns to jeers. The noise becomes deafening. Skyler edges towards the elevator. STARBUCK The front doors are that way... SKYLER So is their reception party. We've got to make a run for it, Starbuck. STARBUCK The minute we do, the Ovions'll start shooting. SKYLER The old duck and roll... STARBUCK Right... Starbuck quickly scans the area. He looks up... POINT OF VIEW an ornate chandelier high in the ceiling in front of the elevators. STARBUCK shifts the barrel of his sidearm upward and in one deft movement, sends a laser blast streaming from the ceiling and turns and ducks for an open elevator with Skyler right behind him. ON THE CEILING as the ornate chandelier is blasted out of its moorings and starts for the floor THE CROWD starts forward, then jumps back as the fixture crashes in front of the doorway, sending a pillar of debris and electrical shorting... END OF HOUR TWO HOUR THREE FADE IN ON ELEVATOR DOORS IN A SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE They open, emitting a covey of Ovions who run from the car and stand looking off down two intersecting corridors which range off into complete blackness. The Ovions raise their sidearms and fire resounding laser blasts off into the black abyss. Quickly, aother team of Ovions move up in two land vehicles. Two Ovions climb on one vehicle, two more on the other, and the machines whine off in opposite directions. Momentarily, all is still. We pan back to the elevator car and find two pairs of legs descending from the top of the car. SKYLER AND STARBUCK drop to the floor and ease cautiously out into the passageway. STARBUCK On reconsidering...I believe there may be something to your suspicions about this place. Let's move. One of these tunnels must lead out of here. SKYLER They also lead to those fellas who were firing full charges at what they hoped was us. That isn't nice, Starbuck. STARBUCK I don't see how we have any choice, unless you're suggesting we go back the way we came in. You wouldn't suggest that, would you? O.S. a whine can be heard. Both men turn and look. STARBUCK I'm not real crazy about the sound of that... SKYLER I'm not, either. POINT OF VIEW an eerie light approaching from down the dark passageway SKYLER AND STARBUCK reach in unison...turn and scamper for the elevator car...raise their hands over their heads, jump, and pull themselves up out of sight. Panning back, we find a tram pullung up to a stop beside the elevator. From the front of the tram, three Ovions exit and move into the elevator car. FROM UP ABOVE THE CAR we find Skyler and Starbuck watching helplessly as the Ovions, conversing in high-pitched chatter. The car stops. They exit and move into the Casino, leaving Starbuck and Skyler trapped. STARBUCK This isn't turning out to be as much fun as I'd hoped. Now what? SKYLER Now we wait. STARBUCK What for? SKYLER For someone to take us back down STARBUCK I'm not too crazy about that idea, either. At least up here there are people we could talk to. SKYLER These people are no better off than we are. You saw that shuttle down there. I figure it just came back from taking a load of these people someplace. STARBUCK Where? SKYLER That's a good question. I've got a hunch the answer is the reason for this place's existence. ON THE GALACTICA hovering amongst the fleet above the planet Carillon. A space shuttle approaches from the rear. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Colonel Tigh receives a courier, reads the information, and looks up, troubled. TIGH I'm leaving the bridge. I'll be with Commander Adama if I'm needed. ON COMMANDER ADAMA IN HIS QUARTERS He sits at a desk dictating into a device ADAMA The Ovion people have extended to the survivors of the colonies every measure of goodness and support we might have hoped for. It is now possible to foresee the entire fleet able to resume our voage within a centon. CLOSE ON AN AUTOMATIC WRITING DEVICE A small, tube-like extension which focuses a small measure of light on a roll of paper. As the light moves by, lettering is placed silently and nearly on the paper. There is a knock at the door. ADAMA Come in. Colonel Tigh enters. Adama glances at him, ADAMA Nothing can be that bad. We've found supplies, adequate to carry our people far out of this star system. We couldn't have fallen on better fortune. TIGH No, sir. In fact, things are too good. Adama gives Tigh a curious look. ADAMA Too good? TIGH Most of our people are still on comrations. As tasty as I'd like to say they are, they just don't measure up to thestories coming back from the surface of Carillon. There's a lot of talk going around... ADAMA What kind of talk? TIGH That you're exceedig your authority by keeping people in the ships instead of allowing them some time on the planet. Adama rises in a state of shock. ADAMA Exceeding my authority! This is a voyage of survival. We could be under attack at any time. The crews on Carillon are down there to work, not party. TIGH Sir, all of our people have been through a debilitating shock. I'm sure some of them are getting a little of it our of their systems. ADAMA Just what is it you're telling me? I dispatched two of our elite squadrons to harvest food and obtain fuel for our survival. Now what's going on down there? Tigh says nothing, but his expression sends the Commander toward the door. ADAMA Prepare my shuttle ON THE FLIGHT DECK Adama exits an elevator and heads towards his shuttle. As he does, he sees a group of twelve men disembarking a second craft. They form a grim barrier as he moves up to them, sensing an uneasy confrontation. ADAMA Anton...Seth...and Seppy. So good to see you all. ANTON You appear to be leaving. Adama will need more than a smile. He knows this is not going to go well. ADAMA I have to go down to the surface of Carillon. ANTON (caustically) Of course! We understand! ADAMA I'm not sure that you do. ANTON Adama, we want to discuss an orderly rotation of all our people down to Carillon. ADAMA I don't think that's wise. SETH The Quorum does. ANTON Adama, we took the liberty of holding a council to elect new leadership. ADAMA I see. And what was the outcome? SETH Each of us here has been elected to represent out respective colonies. We are the new Quorum of the Twelve. ADAMA And have we a new President? ANTON Why, of course, Adama. You. The men applaud and backslap Adama with nervous affection. ADAMA Thank you. It will be my pleasure to serve you. However, I cannot permit... LOBE Adama, you have run a ship as big as a sun center. Some of our people are cramped up in cubicles no bigger than a cubit. ANTON And it may be a long time between stops. LOBE It's only fair our people share in the fruits of Carillon. ADAMA Anton, surely you understand that we are still at war. An Alliance has dedicated itself to our extinction. You must recognize a need for extraordinary measures. I cannot allow our people down on Carillon before inspecting the conditions and its possible risks. ANTON Of course. We all understand that, so why don't we accompany you and see for ourselves, shall we? Enthusiastically, they all start for the shuttle ship as Adama's expression turns grim. IN A DARK TUNNEL Ovions approach on a surface craft and enter the elevator pod STARBUCK We could have been far away from here by now. SKYLER They've got scanners and vehicles. They didn't expect us to stay around. STARBUCK Because they were under the impression we were intelligent beings. No offense... SKYLER As always, I'll involve your youth to save your aresford. This is the last place they'll be looking for us. Starbuck gestures to a long, tram-like vehicle parked in the tunnel STARBUCK Why not take that vehicle? SKYLER Because it looks like it moves slowly and makes a lot of noise. STARBUCK I'd still feel better than sitting here, waiting... for what! SKYLER For that vehicle to move? STARBUCK Where? SKYLER Where I think we want to go! STARBUCK Skyler, sir...would you mind sharing a few pieces of the magic puzzle. I mean, I've seen... SKYLER Well, I think I know how someone can run a casino that gives away money. STARBUCK What is it? SKYLER I'm not sure you want to hear it. STARBUCK Try me. SKYLER Suppose there's a very rich mine on this planet. STARBUCK Yeah... SKYLER I mean, it's rich if you have somebody to mine it. STARBUCK Which they don't. SKYLER What if they do? What if those Ovions are bringing in people from all over the star system to visit this wonderful casino resort where you can't lose... except in the end. STARBUCK Ahhh, Skyler, that's ugly. SKYLER Yes, it is...if they wind up as slave labor down in a Tylium mine. STARBUCK That's a long shot. Some of those people were so fat, they couldn't touch their shoes, let alone mine Tylium. That's hard work. SKYLER Doesn't take long to work off weight in a Tylium mine. STARBUCK You know something? SKYLER What? STARBUCK I felt better about those Ovions when I didn't understand them. SKYLER The next load of people they move out in that thing, probably in the morning...we're going to climb on and find out if I'm right. STARBUCK Uh...uh...on the chance that you are right, whichever way that thing goes, I go the other way. SKYLER I could order you to go with me. STARBUCK Are you ordering me? SKYLER No. It's liable to be a one-way trip. STARBUCK Right. SKYLER Helping to save humanity is going to have to be a personal decision, Starbuck. Goodnight. Skyler tucks his head down on top of the elevator and closes his eyes. Starbuck watches him for a long beat, then looks off with a totally disgusted look on his face. STARBUCK Ahhhhhh Feljurcreb!!! IN THE OVION BANQUET ROOMS continued merriment, laughter, food and drink. Only Boxey is moving about, looking worried. BOXEY Muffy...Muffy He can't seem to find the droid. He wanders towards the door where an Ovion guard stands watch. The guard is talking to a second guard in the corridor. He doesn't notice Boxey move off down the corridor. ON THE LARGE MINE The cavernous room from which the mining operation can be observed. LOTAY ...the largest Tylium mine in all the star system... Panning off, we find the Quorum of the Twelve being guided on a tour ANTON It's a testimony to communal order... LOTAY Thank you IN THE OVION LEADER'S PRIVATE CHAMBER They enter to find a large feast prepared for them on floor mats and pillows in the center of the room. On one side, gentle music is emitted from two stringed instruments in contrast to the rousing melodies indigenous to the more public dining area. ANTON This is too much to expect. LOTAY We have plenty. As many of your people who desire it are invited to be our guests. Anton turns to Adama ANTON Can you in good conscience deny our people such an invitation? ADAMA Well, perhaps a very carefully organized small rotation. SETH But I thought time was our greatest consideration. The more we bring here at once, the sooner we can be on our way. Adama turns to the Leader ADAMA May I ask how our request for Tylium is being received? LOTAY We have already prepared the first shipment for you, have we not? ADAMA Yes, we boarded it. However, I understand there is to be a delay in obtaining any more. LOTAY Unfortunately, we were not prepared for your request. Only two centons ago, we dispatched almost all that was on hand. What we gave you this day was what we were able to mine yesterday. We are industrious, Commander, but we are also small. Lotay smiles ingratiatingly. ANTON I think we press our luck, Commander. Let us not be rude in the face of such hospitality. LOTAY Please begin. Be our guests. Be well fed, well entertained. Be content. As the Ovion leader is about to step away, Adama brings her to a stop. ADAMA You aren't joining us? LOTAY (a vague smile crosses her face) No...I am afraid not. She simlply moves off. On her exit... ANTON Well, I don't think there can be any doubt as to our decision. It will take time to obtain the Tylium. We will give every person an opportunity to share in our bounty down here on Carillon. IN A CORRIDOR Lotay moves briskly along, escorted by four Ovion guards. They reach a chamber. Lotay stops, looks up and down the corridor, and enters alone. ON THE BACK OF AN EMPEROR'S CHAIR Lotay moves forward until she has come to a point just in front of the chair. She bows her head. LOTAY By your command... ON THE THRONE Baltar sits draped across the chair, a smug smile on his face. On either side of him are the two Cylon Centurians. BALTAR I see you're entertaining these days. LOTAY The Colonials have only allowed a few of their Warriors to land. BALTAR I knew your hospitality would be impossible to refuse. After all the experience you've had dining with humans... Baltar cannon resist laughing at his private joke. BALTAR And what of Commander Adama LOTAY A brief visit. He is with the fleet now. BALTAR I want him here! When he is in our grasp, we have won! ON BOXEY EXITING A DARK STAIRCASE INTO A FORBIDDEN CHAMBER filled with Ovion workers slaving in a mine shaft, lighted by eerie, subdued, pulsating light. Here the mood is not one of showcase industry, but rather of endless, mindless obedience to a cruel taskmaster. The Ovions dig at the walls with small utensils, some of them turning to steal glances at the small waif of a lad walking up their forbidden ocrridor. A high-pitched, insect-like chanting reverberates throughout the sub chambers. Suddenly, a high-pitched whine. AN OVION WORKER falls from a pinnacle, crashing to the ground not far from Boxey. Two sentry Ovions move efficiently up and remove the fallen worker, dragging the hapless form of to a pit where it is hurled out of sight. Having completed their task, one of the two sentries turns its attention to Boxey. The first sentry exchanges high-frequency communication with the second and the pair start towards Boxey. BOXEY isn't so young that he cannon sense imminent danger. He turns and runs. The Ovions continue towards him as Boxzey turns off ito another corridor. SOMEPLACE ELSE IN THE DEPTHS OF THE CHAMBERS -- ON MUFFY prancing along a deep, foreboding, dark corridor. Suddenly, a moaning sound brings him to a stop. He cocks his head to listen. The moaning continues. An anthem to human suffering. Muffy prances up a corridor darker than the one he was in. ON MUFFY AS HE STOPS AND LOOKS his ears and hairs suddenly stand on end A YELLOWISH WINDOW octangular in shape as it seals off an insect-like cell. Pressed against the plastic-like window, countless humans, intermingled with other interstellar beings, crammed, jammed, wedged together into a butcher's shop display case of living flesh. An obese human sees Muffy and claws at the window with desperation...tracking sweeps of blood where his fingers have cruelly yielded to the abrasive sealing glass. BOXEY'S VOICE Muffy...Muffy...Where are you? Muffy turns and barks, taking us to Boxey standing at the end of the corridor. He sees Muffy and runs to him, bending down to cuddle him close. Suddenly, he is aware of the strange moaning. His little face looks up from the furry droid in his arms and freezes in disbelief. He lets out an involuntary cry and jumps up and turns to run. He moves no more than a few feet when he collides into TWO OVION SENTRIES who look down on Boxey and Muffy with cruel, cold, programmed intent ON COLONEL TIGH AND ATHENA ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA TIGH But we can't shuttle everyone to the surface of Carillon...the fuel and the pilots... ATHENA (adding her voice) There'll be no one left to stand alert. COMMANDER ADAMA paces away from Athena and Tigh. He looks out the vast window to space with the ships of the fleet scattered across the sky above Carillon. ADAMA Have we heard from Captain Skyler yet? TIGH No, sir. He's been out of contact a full centon. ADAMA Does something feel very wrong to you, Colonel, of am I just hopelessly paranoid? TIGH I once read a book on tactical survival in an alien world. It said a little paranoia was good for you. Adama nods, heading out. ADAMA I'm familiar with that book. I wrote it. Prepare my shuttle. I'm returning to the surface. TIGH Commander, about your book. ADAMA Yes. I've prepared a set of orders to cover that contingency. In them, you will find my instructions for what to do to save the Galactica and her fold, should the unhappy need arise. Adama withdraws an envelope from his tunic and passes it to Tigh, who examines it carefully. TIGH You can't be serious. ADAMA Deadly serious. The two men exchange grim looks born of years of service together in the face of a ruthless enemy. ON TOP OF THE ELEVATOR WITHIN THE CASINO CORRIDOR Starbuck lies facing up into the darkness, his eyes open STARBUCK Skyler... SKYLER Mmmm... STARBUCK You awake? SKYLER Yeah... STARBUCK You hear something? SKYLER No... STARBUCK Sounded like a door opening above. SKYLER Must be almost morning by now. Could be another one of their health tours. STARBUCK You really intend to see where they go? SKYLER Uh-huh. STARBUCK Just like your father... Skyler seems to care about the conversation for the first time. His eyes shift over to the form sharing the claustrophobic space beside him. STARBUCK No offense meant. I guess I have a reputation for taking things kind of loose and easy. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate it whem someone sticks his neck out for me. You, I mean... SKYLER (embarrassed) I thought we were talking about my father. STARBUCK I was...in a way...I mean...we wouldn't have survived if he hadn't done what he did...and what you did...what you had to do. That took a lot of courage, too. SKYLER This isn't courage, Starbuck; it's reflex. You know you're a complete Warrior when you find you can leave your own brother behind to die... STARBUCK To save how many more brothers? You can't feel responsible. SKYLER Starbuck, you're a naive young boy. Let me tell you what I feel... what's really bothering me. It's how long it's taking me to feel anything at all. Only now, two centons after he's gone, do I begin to ache..to start to hurt...to want to cry. That's how programmed I've become. So which one of us is the lesser living creature? The one that's gone on or the one who is left behind and feels nothing? Starbuck finds he's opened up a floodgate he isn't equipped to handle STARBUCK I don't know... SKYLER Now you sound like a leader. I don't know, either. Suddenly, the elevator begins to move downwards. Both men freeze with cautious anxiety as the car stops. POINT OF VIEW The shuttle vehicle begins loading passengers in front of the elevator. They are all large, almost obeses creatures, some human, some not, but all in a condition to necessitate waddling aboard the bus. STARBUCK (sotto) Maybe it's going home time! SKYLER Uh-uh. I'm willing to bet it's the great big payoff to the free trip to Carillon. Oh, I forgot. You won't be around to see who wins. STARBUCK Well, now, if you want to make a wager out of it...I mean, a real man's wager... Starbuck looks at Skyler with growing significance SKYLER It could be the most important bet you've made, Starbuck. It could save a lot of people or it could cost you big... Starbuck looks at Skyler with affection STARBUCK It won't be the first time I rode everything I had on a long shot. SKYLER Thanks... ON THE TOUR TRAM as it moves out ON STARBUCK AND SKYLER as they drop off he top of the elevator onto the tram INSIDE THE OVION CHAMBERS The largest chamber. A tour is in progress, festive in mood, Seetol, the Ovion guard, pointing out the wonderful ways of their world. Amongst the gallery, Lyra and Athena. SEETOL ...star system's largest Tylium mine, with a per annum capacity equal to the needs of the entire galaxy. ATHENA (sotto) I wonder why it is, then, thay they've only managed to ship us one token load? LYRA I've noticed another curious thing... (louder) May I ask a question? The group stops and turns to Lyra, as Seetol displays a public relations smile. SEETOL You are our guests. Of course. LYRA I am fasciated by the order of your society and I cannot help but be impressed by your industry...your complete dedication...I mean, one gets the feeling that these people work until they simply drop... SEETOL We know no other way... LYRA Well, what of family institutions? I somehow sense that something is missing. SEETOL We are very complete. LYRA What about males? SEETOL Males? LYRA Well, I don't mean to pry, but this is a female culture. Surely, there must be males someplace. Perhaps you keep them at home, where they belong... A laugh from a group dominated by males. SEETOL We don't keep them at all. LYRA I beg your pardon? SEETOL You are correct. Males have their place until they have served their purpose, and then they have no place in our society. As the implications become clearer, Lyra is torn between lividity and a gulp LYRA Well, there certainly are value systems in your order worth looking into... Another small, nervous laugh and Seetol leads the group on. Lyra and Athena quickly lean their heads together as they move on. ATHENA She didn't mean what it sounded like... LYRA Remind me not to ask any more questions until we're out of here. Suddenly, there is a commotion coming towards the tour group. FOUR OVION GUARDS are running up the corridon in pursuit. What they are pursuing is not clear at first, as the countless Ovion workers begin chattering their high-pitched network of communications which drowns out an equally high-pitched series of cries. Suddenly, it is clear ANOTHER ANGLE to reveal a small, barking droid racing along the corridor, desperately trying to avoid its pursuers LYRA is the first to recognize the situation LYRA Muffy... Muffy quickly stops in its tracks...looks...runs to Lyra and begins a frantic barking LYRA Muffy...it's me. Now what are you doing? Stop that. The Ovion guards rush up and begin to reach for Muffy, but he quickly takes asylum between Lyra's legs and the wall. LYRA It's all right...he's just a droid...I'll take care of him The Ovion begins to push Lyra out of the way LYRA Now stop that. I told you to leave him alone. What are you doing? Seetol quickly moves up and communicates to the lead guard in high- pitched chatterig. Seetol turns a frozen smile to Lyra SEETOL You will have to allow them to take the droid. LYRA I will not. He belongs to a little boy. The significance of this strike her. She turns to Seetol. LYRA The little boy...have they seen him? SEETOL No... LYRA How do you know? You haven't asked them. (She turns to the guard) A small child...he's always with the droid. Did you see him? The guard turns quickly to Seetol...says nothing SEETOL They did see a child. It might be better if you went with them, rather than delay the tour. ATHENA I'll go with her. SEETOL If you wish. The rest of the group must follow me. Seetol leads them off. As they depart, a sense of emptiness befalls Athena and Lyra LYRA Maybe you should stay with them. I don't like the feel of this. ATHENA At least I'm a trained Warrior. LYRA A little outnumbered, don't you think? ATHENA Well, we're only goig to look for a small child. Let's not let our imaginations run wild. LYRA Exactly. Well, gentlemen, after you... The Ovion guards gesture for them to lead off in another direction, exchanging quick personal looks. They start to lead, Muffy running along beside them. ON THE TOUR TRAM racing along its course ON ITS ROOF Starbuck and Skyler hanging on SKYLER You all right? STARBUCK Beat walking back...maybe. SKYLER One thing's bothering me. STARBUCK Now you tell me. What is it? SKYLER You notice those people getting on this thing... STARBUCK How could I help it? They must average three hundred pounds. SKYLER Something that girl said. They're all putting on inordinate weight. If you're importing people for slave labor, why bother letting them get fat? It's a waste of food. STARBUCK And why let 'em win money? It's a waste of time. A heave look crosses Starbuck's face SKYLER Starbuck... STARBUCK Yeah...? SKYLER Skip it...it's too ugly... On Starbuck's worried face as the vehicle rolls off through the canyon towards its curious destination AN OVION CORRIDOR Athena and Lyra are being escorted up to a cell block. They begin to hear the eerie, dsiquieting moaning ATHENA What's that awful sound? LYRA I wouldn't ask, if I were you. Suddenly, Lyra turns and stops dead in her tracks, startled beyond belief. Athena screams... POINT OF VIEW The cell containing a crush of living beings packed together. Muffy beings to bark. The Ovions shove the two ladies ahead and past the cell window as we hear a small voice barely discernable BOXEY Muffy... They have reached another cell. Boxey stands at the window. The room is obviously identical to the one adjacent to it, save for Boxey. An aperture in the wall beside the window is opened. Muffy charges in and jumps up on Boxey. SEETOL Inside... LYRA Look...I have no intention... She does not finish the sentence. She is hurled into the aperture and catapulted into the glass room through some kind of vacuum device in the aperture. Athena begins to scream. It is lost in a hiss of steam as she is pushed into the aperture. SEETOL nods for the Ovion guards to close the aperture. As the nearest guard is about to do so, Muffy turns his head, looks, and streaks through the opening, out of the cell, between the legs of the guard, and up the corridor SEETOL (a high-pitched, frantic demand) The guards streak up the corridor in pursuit of Muffy IN ANOTHER OVION CHAMBER the tram has come to a stop inside a large, dark area. A row of Ovion guards, well-armed and moving in a most businesslike fashion, move up to form a rank just ooutside of the tram. A device is attached to the door of the tram, opening it with a hiss. The first of several hefty passengers step out into the room, gazing around in wonder and some consternation. SEETOL Please move quickly. Seetol gestures towards a moving ramp which disappears into a cell- like entrance. OBESE MAN #1 Look, fella, up 'til now, this has been a pretty nice trip, but that bus was as hot as anything I've ever been in... SEETOL Please move along... OBESE MAN #2 No, now you just hold on. We don't intend... Suddenly, two Ovion guards shove the two men onto the ramp, sending them flying unceremoniously into a heap. Behind them, the other Ovions pick up the signal and abandon all decorum and pretense, shoving the next people along with the barrels of their weapons. The women immediately begin to scream, as they find themselves hurled into the loading mechanism which carries the frightened, scrambling visitors through the wall towards the unknown... ON THE TOP OF THE TRAM Skyler and Starbuck stare in amazement at the spectacle SKYLER (sotto) The party's over... STARBUCK We gotta' do something... SKYLER There's an army of them...we've gotta' keep from getting caught... Skyler begins to edge back away from the side of the bus used for unloading. He peers over the edge... POINT OF VIEW Two Ovion guards...preoccupied CLOSER ON THE GUARDS chuckling in high-pitched frequencies over the way the living cargo is being unloaded. To their backs, Starbuck and Skyler slide off of the roof, down the side of the tram, and slip stealthily vack into the darkened recesses of the chamber. ON MUFFY racing through the corridor with Ovio guards chasing him ON THE MAIN MINING CHAMBER as Starbuck and Skyler step out of the shadows of a tributary corridor and gaze around the immense digging in amazement STARBUCK It's huge... SKYLER And this is just one level. You notice something else...? STARBUCK Ovions are doing the mining. SKYLER Right... STARBUCK Which means...? SKYLER It's awful, Starbuck. That casino is a feedlot. Starbuck contemplates what Skyler is saying STARBUCK Come on... SKYLER They're a race of cannibals. They're drawing in creatures from all over the star system, fattening them up with indulgences, then... STARBUCK I thought I'd run into just about everything... Now what do we do? We've got to tell the fleet about this place. SKYLER (onimously) They know about it. Look. ACROSS THE MINE a group of tourists from the fleet are being escorted GUIDE ...largest Tylium mine in the star system... STARBUCK What are they doing here? SKYLER Whatever it is, it look voluntary. Come on... Skyler steps out ito the light of the corridor and starts towards the tour STARBUCK Where are you going now? They're going to see... Seetol and two Ovion guards round the corner, almost colliding with Skyler and Starbuck. The guards raise their weapons. SKYLER Excuse us...we just got separated from our group. Skyler gracefully oushes the muzzle of the closest guard's weapon out of the way as he points after the tour just about to move out of the main room STARBUCK (to Seetol) We'd better hurry along or there's no telling where we'll end up... Skyler and Starbuck nerve their way past the Ovions who stare after them, not quite sure what to make of the situation. As Skyler and Starbuck rapidly approach the distant tour, their story beings to make visibile sense, and Seetol turns from the tour and continues on her way with the guards on either side of her. ON THE TOUR As Skyler and Starbuck catch up, stealing a look back over their shoulders. As the tour moves into an elevator... JENSING Where'd you boys come from? You've missed most of the tour. STARBUCK We've seen quite a lot, actually. IN THE ELEVATOR JENSING You're lucky you didn't miss the next stop. We're guests of honor at a banquet Skyler and Starbuck exchange knowing looks INSIDE THE EMPEROR'S ROOM Lotay kneels before Baltar, who is flanked by the two Centurians LOTAY A mere token force remains in the fleet of ships above Carillon, and Commander Adama is now our guest. BALTAR Where? LOTAY Where he will not be disturbed. BALTAR Excellent, Lotay. As to the Warriors, until we've disarmed them, I want as many of them relegated to a single chamber as possible. A Centurian steps forward. CENTURIAN By your command, Baltar. It is time to call in the Cylon war machine. Baltar thinks about it BALTAR Yes, you are right...but only on my terms. CENTURIAN And what are your terms? BALTAR An arangement I have worked out very carefully ON A CYLON HOME BASE somewhere in deep space INSIDE THE IMPERIOUS LEADER'S INNER CHAMBER a Centurian enters the large oom and crosses to the throne CENTURIAN By your command... IMPERIOUS LEADER Speak... CENTURIAN Baltar sends a demand for the Base Star stationed at Quasar 47 for immediate assault on the Human Fleet. IMPERIOUS LEADER I will send him ten Base Stars. CENTURIAN He will accept only one. IMPERIOUS LEADER Indeed...and what is this bargain that I must accept...? IN THE BANQUET ROOM The tour arrives with Starbuck and Skyler. Music and a general air of decadence, dissipation, the order of the day STARBUCK Would you look at this...they're having a party... Skyler moves to Anton, who appears to be slightly drunk. He laughs robustly, a golden goblet in one hand, a large fowl leg in the other SKYLER Count Anton...what's happened? Why are all these people here? Carillon was supposed to be a work stop. ANTON Ah, Commander Adama's elite corps. Of course you boys wanted all this to yourselves. Well, I'm afraid this is a democracy... SKYLER It's going to be a debacle if you don't get these people out of here. An Ovion servant seems to be taking an inordinate amount of time refilling the wine glasses around Anton. Skyler turns from him, placing an arm around Aton to lead him off. ANTON Lieutenant, in case you hadn't heard, you are draping yourself all over a member of the Quorum of the Twelve SKYLER Unless you want the shortest term in history, we'd better talk. ANTON I don't like your tone. STARBUCK You aren't going to like what we're going to tell you, either... Anton studies Starbuck's deliberate and penetrating gaze. He cannot dismiss this most celebrated young Warrior. ANTON Lieutenant Starbuck, I've never been particularly fond of your bravado escapades. This had better be important. They move off together. In their wake, the Ovion servant moves quickly off to speak to a guard at the door. The guard immediately departs. IN THE CORNER OF THE ROOM ANTON Now, then...what's this all about? SKYLER Starbuck and I just returned from a patrol. What we've seen convinces us that the Ovions will never allow a single human to leave here alive. ANTON You're not serious. What possible motive could they have for wanting us all dead? I suppose you're going to tell me they're part of the Cylon Alliance. SKYLER Worse... ON SKYLER AND STARBUCK FROM ACROSS THE ROOM As Skyler's lips blurt out the rest of the story, we can see Anton pale as the details are revealed IN THE EMPEROR'S ROOM Seetol confronts Baltar BALTAR Who are these two Warriors who are causing the disturbance? Describe them to me. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA BRIDGE OFFICER The livery ships have returned to the fleet, sir, and we've all but completed boarding the food stores. TIGH Very good. What about Tylium? BRIDGE OFFICER Nothing. The Ovions are definitely stalling us on that. TIGH It's as if they wanted to keep us here as long as possible. Did you see Commander Adama? BRIDGE OFFICER No, sir. I didn't realize he'd gone down to the surface. TIGH That's odd... VOICE Sir, long-range scanners are picking up a large number of ships entering our vectors. TIGH How long will it take them to reach our coordinates? VOICE They're traveling very fast...no more than a milliton. TIGH Recall all personnel from the surface. Connect me with Commander Adama. IN AN OVION CORRIDOR Skyler moves hurriedly along with a large party from the banquet. As they appraoch another chamber, another group exits with Starbuck, and from across the corridor, a thrid group exits. The entire cluster moves increasingly faster up the corridor SKYLER Don't panic, people. Starbuck, hold them back. They're going to get hurt. But there is no containing them as they begin to hurry towards the elevators, pushing and shoving. ANTON Please, please, ladies and gentlemen. If we just keep together and don't push... But Anton is pushed down, submerged into a gaggle of humanity crushing towards the elevator. SKYLER to Starbuck caught up in the traffic SKYLER It's no use, Starbuck. Let 'em go. Let's round up all our pilots. CLOSE ON LOTAY IN THE EMPEROR'S ROOM LOTAY We have monitored the Colonial frequencies. The Warriors are being recalled. BALTAR Then they know. Seal the chambers at once. No one is to leave. LOTAY turns and exits hurriedly ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Close on a scanner read-out, revealing he silhouette of a Cylon fighter BRIDGE OFFICER Scanner reads approaching ships as Cylon Class C. Three-man fighter/bombers designated TIGH Range... BRIDGE OFFICER Less than a micron Tigh pounds his fist in frustration TIGH Why haven't we heard anything from Adama? Tigh looks troubled IN THE OVION CHAMBERS people run in all directions. Screaming as laser shots blast the walls all around them ON STARBUCK firing at the Ovion guards ON THE GUARDS as several plummet off the walkways into the mineshaft in the center of the large room STARBUCK surrounded by people at the elevators STARBUCK Come on, come on...let's move... PILOT It's no use...the elevators aren't working. A fighter pilot runs up beside Starbuck PILOT #2 Starbuck, I found most of the guys from Red Squadron STARBUCK Well, where are they? PILOT #2 Sealed in a chamber and they've cut off the power to the doors Suddenly, a single cell, high up in a corridor comes to life, revealing an image of Baltar. The image is repeated in countless cells down the corridor and the voice seems to reverberate from throughout the entire complex BALTAR People of the Colonies...throw down your weapons... BALTAR in his Emperor's room, addressing a scanner BALTAR I offer you salvation. Surrender or perish. Your Commander has made his choice... Adama strains against the shackles that imprison him. ADAMA Baltar...you dare to live...to walk amongst men... BALTAR My dear Adama, provincial to the end. I offer your people life. You have but a few microns to decide. Even I couldn't call off the Cylon destroyers -- once they reach your people huddled in those helpless, miserable ships. ADAMA What trahery have you in store for your race this time? BALTAR My dear man, treachery is a matter of perspective. It is the Cylons who wish us dead, not I. ADAMA How long have you been supporting their war machine by selling them Tylium? BALTAR If not from me, then some other source. They would not be denied. ADAMA Are you so much a fool that you believe you can trust them? BALTAR I am prepared to continue to offer them Tylium from the planet Carillon in return for your lives. If they reject my offer, I will destroy the planet. Not difficult, considering it's largely composed of the most combustable material known to man. ADAMA You expect me to accept slavery for our people... BALTAR You are not alone amongst my prisoners. Your daughter... Baltar looks off as Athena and Boxey are escorted by two Cylon guards. Athena runs from them into his arms ATHENA Father... Adama's hopes sink in response to the omnipoent threat BALTAR You must make the choice. Life...or death for her and the boy...and for your people. You haven't much time. If you have ot chosen to live by the time the Cylons reach you, I will let you die. All of you. ON THE CYLON WARRIORS as they streak ever closer ON STARBUCK AND SKYLER at one end of the tunnel barriers leading out, countless Colonials, men and women, surrounding the pair, pressing to escape STARBUCK Stay back... Starbuck raises his sidearm, directing it towards the door SKYLER Back, everyone... Starbuck fires. Sheets of fire streak for the door, erupting in explosive direct hits. Skyler runs forward and tries the door to no avail. It remains impenetrable SKYLER It's no good... Cries of anguish and dispair engulf the desperate humans as they realize they are hopelessly trapped. ON ADAMA ADAMA All right...we'll surrender ATHENA Father...no... Adama directs a lethal tone at Athena ADAMA We have no choice (he turns to Baltar) What do you want me to do? BALTAR Communicate with your fleet to send the remaining Warriors to the surface. ADAMA Very well... ATHENA No, Father...I can't let you do it... ADAMA Athena, your mother's life, and Zac's...and how many millions more already crush me with their unholy weight. I cannot accept responsibilitiy for one more soul. (back to Baltar) I will do as you ask. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Adama's image appears on the scanner ADAMA Dispatch the last of our Warriors to the surface, Colonel... Tigh looks at Adama in dismay TIGH But, Commander, that will leave us without any defenses whatsoever. ADAMA Colonel, it is only for a matter of microns. We will rotate Blue and Green Squadrons back upon their arrival. TIGH But I really... ADAMA Colonel, that is an order. Adama out. ON ADAMA IN THE CYLON CHAMBER Athena cannout believe her ears. She breaks into tears. BALTAR breaks into a smile ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Tigh paces uneasily away from the Bridge Officer who looks after him with anxious anticipation. Tigh opens an envelope and reads its contents. BRIDGE OFFICER At least the men will appreciate a chance to get in on the party down there... TIGH There ins't going to be any party, Ensign. Tell the squadrons to prepare for full battle attack. BRIDGE OFFICER But the Commander... TIGH Was merely giving me the code operative for these sealed orders. He passes them to the Bridge Officer, who reads them and pales BRIDGE OFFICER He can't mean it... TIGH He means it. We're to attack his position with everything we have. ON THE READY ROOM as the battle claxon sounds. Pilots jump to their feet and scurry out IN THE LAUNCHING BAYS as pilots and crewmen scramble for the standing ships ON THE LAUNCH TUBES as wave after wave of fighters streak out to their appointed target ON ADAMA AND BALTAR as a Centurian enters CENTURIAN Prisoners have been freed from their detention cells by two Colonial Warriors. Baltar turns quickly BALTAR Nothing they brought with them will penetrate the outer locks. We'll deal with our two heros later. First, we will need all of or forces on the surface to give our arriving Warriors a surprise reception. Baltar exits, leavig Adama and Athena alone with the Ovion Guards. ATHENA Two heroes...risking their lives to free the prisoners. It has to be Starbuck and Skyler... and for what? To be sold out? I don't believe it. I know you too well. Adama says nothing, his eyes shifting to the watchful Ovions IN THE TUNNELS Starbuck and Skyler lead their band of Colonials down a corridor. Suddenly, they stop as they reach an intersecting corridor and duck back. Momentarily a group of Ovion soldiers rush by. SKYLER Where are they going in such a hurry? STARBUCK To look for us... SKYLER Uh-uh. I gotta believe they know right where we are. STARBUCK What else could it be? IN THE AIR a squadron of Cylon Fighters approaching the surface of Carillon ON GREENBEAN IN HIS COCKPIT GREENBEAN Ready attack formatio. Lock and load weaponry. He pushes a series of buttons in his cockpit INSERT Lights turning red on several panels displaying weapon indicators ON THE SURFACE OF THE PLANET waves of Ovions leave the security of their subterranean chambers to take up positons of ambush in and among the rocky terrain ON BALTAR as he enters the cell where Athena and Adama are held captive BALTAR Your last defenses now approach out surface like lommons marching to their own demise. An unfitting end to the great Adama's reputed military genius. Adama says nothing as, on the surface... THE FIRST OF THE WARRIORS TO REACH THE LANDING AREA AND STREAK IN AS IF TO LAND but instead, deliver full thruster torpedos ON THE SURFACE as it erupts with resounding explosions, sending Ovions flying in all directions IN BALTAR'S DETENTION CELL He spins around in horror as he feels the earth tremble above him ON THE CEILING as it dances, its assorted fixtures crashing to the ground BALTAR swings his look back to Adama. Unbelieving shock fills his face BALTAR How? ADAMA I led my people into your hands once...not again... IN THE CORRIDORS on a door leading out as it is blown off of its moorigs by the outer explosions. Starbuck races up. STARBUCK Captain...this way...the seals are broken. ON SKYLER SKYLER All right, everyone! Let's go! ON THE CYLON FIGHTER FORMATION screaming across space ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Tigh and an anxious crew watch the scanners BRIDGE OFFICER Cylon attack force closing fast... TIGH Stand by all defense batteries...Battle stations... As the claxon goes off TIGH How many pilots left on board? BRIDGE OFFICER Less than a squadron. TIGH They won't last a milliton, but they're all we have. IN THE READY ROOM A handful of pilots wait nervously. Their scramble claxon blares. PILOT #3 Come on...they're kidding. Where is everybody? Why aren't they back? A second pilot grimly tosses a helmet to the first. PILOT #4 Looks like we're it, kid. They exit. ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON as Skyler and his men race through the confusion of smoke and flying debris ON THE OVIONS recovering and taking pursuit ON SKYLER'S PEOPLE as they streak for the shuttle ON GREENBEAN'S SHIP sweeping across the sky, turning THE OVIONS begin firing at Skyler's people GREENBEAN smiles as he sweeps around and takes aim ON GREENBEAN'S SHIP as it streaks down for the cannon run, all weapons firing ON THE OVIONS lost in erupting soil SKYLER AND HIS MEN resume their dash, streaking for their ships. One by one, they reach them. THE OVIONS rise up to take pursuit. This time, they are outgunned SKYLER'S SHIP faces the Ovions. He fires his cannon from the ship's standing position THE OVIONS haven't got a chance. The firepower overwhelms them. SKYLER Let's get out of here. He punches some combinations. His rocket engines roar to life ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA VOICE Thirty millitons and counting...Twenty-nine...twenty-eight... Tigh turns to Adama BRIDGE OFFICER I'm afraid there's no hope, COlonel...Six against a hundred... TIGH Order them out to engage the Cylons... BRIDGE OFFICER Launch fighters... ON THE GALACTICA as her six fighters blast out of their tubes into the sky ON THE CYLONS streaking in INSIDE THE CYLON CRAFT three Centurians CENTURIAN Six Colonial fighters approaching...engage and destroy... ON SKYLER'S SQUADRON Lifting up from Carillon JOLLY Captain...picking up fighters from the Galactica. They're under attack. ON SKYLER SKYLER Kick in your turbos, boys, and let's goooooooo...... Skyler punches up the combination...a mighty blast rocks the ship... ON SKYLER'S SHIP as it streaks off at flank speed, the other eight ships hard on his tail ON A MASS OF SURVIVORS as they scramble for the access. Lyra moving up. LYRA No sign of Commander Adama, Athena, the boy, or Boomer. STARBUCK We can't wait. We've got to get these people off the planet. Suddenly, Lyra reacts LYRA Do you hear that? A small droid dog is barking in the middle of the crush. STARBUCK Hear it...I feel it... Starbuck looks downo to find the small droid pulling on his leg STARBUCK What in the... The small droid releases Starbuck's leg and moves off, stopping to bark back at Starbuck. LYRA It's Muffit. He wants us to follow him. STARBUCK We don't have time. Someone has to get those people shuttled out of here. LYRA You go on ahead. I'm going to follow him. STARBUCK No --- you're not. LYRA Yes, I am. He knows where the boy is. He's programmed to protect him. Starbuck starts after Muffy. STARBUCK All right, I'll follow him. You get these people out of here. This had better be good, Pal... ON THE CYLON CENTURIANS as the Colonial fighers race ahead of them CENTURIAN Flight Zebet engage fighters...remaining flights continue on to destroy the fleet... ON THE CYLON FIGHTERS as they break off from the main body and begin firing on the approaching Colonial fighters TWO OF THE COLONIAL FIGHTERS explode into infinity on the first pass. The remaining four streak off and divide for a second encounter ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA BRIDGE OFFICER Fifteen microns...ten...nine... TIGH Sir, Blue Squadron approaching the fleet. All eyes swing to the large window to space BLUE SQUADRON sweeping up to meet the invading Cylons SKYLER Bandits at twelve o'clock, boys. Let's go get 'em... JOLLY scanning the horizon. The sky starts to explode with fireballs. GREENBEAN My favorite odds...impossible...Yaaahooo... ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA BRIDGE OFFICER Can they stop them? TIGH They can slow them down..until the others get here. ON THE SURFACE OF CARILLON people run frantically for the shuttle craft. Pilots, civiliains... all manner of survivors IN THE EMPEROR'S ROOM Baltar stands amidst his two Cylon Centurians, admiring the sounds of war, and the sights on his long-range scanners. BALTAR Adama, you have won the battle, but now you must lose the war. The Centurian raises his laser pistol, directing it at Adama and Athena. IN THE SUB CHAMBERS Muffy streaks around a corner, pulling away from Starbuck, who desperately attempts to catch up. STARBUCK Would you slow down a little? ON AN OVION GUARD moving hurriedly along a corridor. He spots Muffy...takes dead aim, and fires. MUFFY as the shot misses, but scares the little droid into doubling his speed STARBUCK stops and fires at the Ovion. The Ovion explodes, his many arms flying as the creature spills off the walkway into the deep mine shaft. Starbuck resumes his chase. INSIDE THE EMPEROR'S ROOM -- BALTAR BALTAR Remove her...and the others... The two Centurians begin to remove Athena, Boxey and Adama. Suddenly, the small droid charges into the chamber, barking. BOXEY Muffy!!! BALTAR Get him... As the Centurians start for the little droid, the droid wheels around and races back out the door, Baltar and the Centurians in pursuit. ON MUFFY as he races up the corridor ON BALTAR as he races out of the chamber, raises a sidearm and fires ON MUFFY as the blast ignites under him, sending him flying into the air STARBUCK is startled to see what's happened. He races towards Muffy. ON BALTAR He takes dead aim ADAMA lunges at Baltar, deflecting his shot ON STARBUCK as the blast from Baltar's laser destroys the wall beside him. Starbuck is jolted back into action. BALTAR raises his weapon at Adama and is suddenly blasted off his feet. The two Centurians raise weapons. ON STARBUCK as he fires into the Centurians, sending them flying into the pit ON ATHENA as she charges into the arms of Starbuck and begins to sob STARBUCK It's all right...it's all right... ON BOXEY as he runs from the door to the crushed form of Muffy BOXEY Muffy... Starbuck turns to look BOXEY Muffy... As the boy starts to cry, Starbuck pulls him loose STARBUCK We have to leave him... BOXEY No... ADAMA Lieutenant, there are other prisoners up that corridor. We have to let them out. STARBUCK You go on ahead, sir. You're needed on the Galactica. We've got to go, son. This Tylium mine is on fire. It's like a giant bomb... BOXEY I won't leave Muffy. STARBUCK All right, tell you what. You take this pretty lady out to safety! I'll bring Muffy when I'm finished. Deal? BOXEY Deal! Boxey takes Athena's hand and leads her off as Starbuck picks up the limp form of Muffy. ADAMA Don't be long, Starbuck. It's going to blow up. STARBUCK I'll be all right. Starbuck races back up the corridor ON SKYLER in his cockpit SKYLER Look out on your wing, Jolly. ON JOLLY JOLLY Which one? They're coming in from all over the place. A blast rocks Jolly's ship SKYLER So are we... He turns and looks POINT OF VIEW - OF THE GALACTICA launching countless more ships THE FLIGHT DECK as countless pilots streak from the shuttles ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Tigh is monitoring all the radio traffic - as Adama enters and gives him a grim look. The two men embrace. THE BRIDGE OFFICER suddenly turns, excited BRIDGE OFFICER Two more shuttles just reaching the Galactica, sir. The look of hope from everyone as: ADAMA I think the odds are turning in our favor now. ON A WALL OF FLAME as Starbuck stops and listens. He hears cries of anguish beyond the flames. He raises his hands over his face and charges through. ON THE WINDOWED CELL containing the mass of people from the Casino de Festive. Boomer's face is pressed agaisnt the front of the glass. He seems almost comatose. STARBUCK stops dead in his tracks as he sees the sight before him. He stares in disbelief as Boomer fails to respond. Starbuck moves to the locked entry beside the window and raises his laser gun, firing a blast into the lock. The door springs open and people flood out. Starbuck moves to Boomer's side. STARBUCK Boomer...Boomer... BOOMER looks up, sees Starbuck's face...and smiles BOOMER How much did you win? Boomer passes out. Starbuck picks him up and puts him over his shoulder and moves him off in the fireman's carry. OUTSIDE THE GALACTICA as more reinforcements scream into the sky ON A CYLON COCKPIT as they turn to see a Viper ship. It's the last thing they do see. ON THE CYLON FIGHTER as it explodes into smitherines ON THE GALACTICA FLIGHT DECK ADAMA Any word from the last of our people down on Carillon? TIGH Last shuttle just left the surface, sir. Adama braces himself hopefully. ADAMA I hope he made it. IN THE CATAPULT DECK as countless pilots scramble to their ships OUTSIDE THE GALACTICA FLIGHT DECK as three more ships fire off into space, rolling off into battle ON SKYLER firig ON A CYLON SHIP blowing up ON GREENBEAN firing ON A CYLON SHIP BLOWING UP ON A CYLON CENTURIAN CENTURIAN Return to base...return to base...all ships... But he does not finish the phrase as his ship explodes into a billion fragments SKYLER We've got 'em on the run, boys. Don't let 'em get away this time... ON THE CYLONS turning for home ON THE COLONIAL WARRIORS taking up pursuit ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Tigh moves up tp Adama TIGH Word from the last shuttle, sir... (he breaks into a grin) Lieutenant Starbuck is aboard... ADAMA smiles ADAMA We're going to make it, Colonel. We're going to make it. ON THE SHUTTLE leaving the surface o Carillon...far below INSIDE THE SHUTTLE many of the survivors from the casino. At the controls, Starbuck. With him, Boomer and, oddly enough, panning back to the far corner, a female singing group with multiple eyes and mouths. BOOMER You didn't!!! STARBUCK (innocently) I couldn't very well leave them behind... Starbuck glances out the window ON CARILLON as it explodes into billions of tiny torches which quickly spin off through space and dissipate into blackness. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA TIGH Commander... Adama looks out into the starfield, nodding his comprehension... ADAMA I saw it. TIGH The final end of Count Baltar and his treachery Adama shakes his head grimly. ADAMA No...I'm afraid his treachery will haunt the human race for millenniums. But out of it, perhaps there will come some good. A place for us out there in the Universe where we can seek after man's potential for good, for peace, for love. A place for us with our brothers and sisters...on a planet called...Earth. ON THE FLEET as it moves by and we superimpose the legend: "THE BEGINNING" FADE OUT