The Ship

A Screenplay by Tuelo Segwai

Nuclear Family? If Only!

1. EXT – Dogfight Space – Space

On the edge of an asteroid belt The Lucifer, a highly advanced prototype space warship engages six ships of similar size. It’s dealing with them effortlessly.

2. INT – The Bridge Of the Tiberius – Day

On a large view screen at the front of the bridge, we can see The Lucifer fighting the ships. A dozen officers sit at control terminals. Half of them control the remaining ships on screen via input terminals on the palm of their right hands. Their eyes are closed. The officers no longer controlling sit back and watch the action on the big screen. The middle two still controlling are Bashir (29) and Tan (29). In the background Dr. Segwai (67) sits frowning.

Bashir

(Excited)

He’s about to pull the move, don’t let him pull

the move on you...

The Lucifer performs an amazing manoeuvre forcing two other ships to collide. Bashir and Tan laugh excited. Dr Segwai shakes his head in disgust.

Tan

(Laughing)

He warned you! He warmed you about the move!

Bashir turns to Ensign Rao (23).

Bashir

(Grinning)

That’s enough. End the simulation.

Rao presses buttons on the panel in front of him. On the screen the ships stop fighting each other. The officers disengage from the input terminal, their watery eyes opening. They stand and then leave in single file. Tan and Bashir walk over to Dr Segwai.

Tan

It’s safe to say that the Lucifer program

works, Doctor. Congratulations. Now

if you can only work out what the problem is

with the Khan program, life will be all smiles

and sunshine…

Dr Segwai

I still haven’t been able to find any bugs

in Khan’s system. In regards to the Lucifer

Program, you’ll forgive me if I don’t break out

the Moet.

Tan

(Chuckling)

Of course Doctor. Every now and again

I forget that your work for the Empress

isn’t actually voluntary. (Beat) How is

that young niece of yours?

Bashir coughs, shaking his head. Segwai looks at Bashir.

Tan

Don’t start…

Segwai nods thoughtfully.

Tan

You’re right. my apologises, Doctor.

Tan extends a hand. Doctor Segwai leaps from his chair, standing toe to toe with Tan, pure hatred in his eyes. Tan gives Segwai a goading look. After a couple of beats Dr Segwai turns and leaves.

Bashir

(Exasperated sigh)

That was clever…

Tan

(Smiling)

No, it wasn’t. Come, we should report the

good news.

Shaking his head and then smiling Bashir follows Segwai out of the room.

Bashir

(Smiling)

You’re not right in the head you.

3. Ext – Outdoor Market place - Day

Merchants from all over the galaxy come here to sell various goods and meet potential business partners. The two suns are shining, the birds are singing and Xanti (32) stops by a food stall. There are many different types of food on sale all of which resemble earth food. Irena (26) sits looking bored reading a tabloid newssheet. They speak in Terran, a language formed from those for the 14 key members of the united Earth Alliance.

Xanti

(In Terran)

What’s good here?

Irena doesn’t look up from her newssheet.

Irena

(In Terran)

The bullets in my gun.

Xanti

(In Terran)

Was it something I said?

Xanti picks up a bag of what looks like grapes. They look each other in the eye. She shrugs and he tries one.

Irena

(In Terran)

How about the words; I’m going to kill

You, you devious b…

Xanti

(In Terran)

Baby they were just jokes…

Xanti starts choking. After a while Irena passes him a bottle of water. He takes a gulp.

Irena

…For some reason someone thought the galaxy

needed spicy grapes. (Shrugs) you know how

it is.

Xanti takes another gulp of the water, nodding.

Xanti

Smooth, with a brimstone aftertaste.

He breaks into a slight coughing fit.

Irena

On the plus side they offer a slow but

constant release of adrenaline.

Xanti shrugs and eats a couple more.

Xanti

How’s Lenny?

Xanti quickly swallows the rest of the grapes and then has another sip of the water.

Irena

He’s acting funny.

Xanti

Funny ‘ha ha’ or funny strange?

Irena

You’ll see. He’s at the bar.

Irena leads Xanti to the rear of the market stall. Placing her right palm on a random section of the stall a transport booth appears.

Xanti

No. Hell no. I’ll walk. I’ll catch the

interstellar bus, I’ll drag myself through

the fiery infernos of hell…

4. Ext – The Underworld – Night

The Underworld club operates all day everyday. The lowest of the low reside here, where the booze is as mind numbingly powerful as the bass. Irena steps out of a nearby transport booth. Xanti stumbles out, rubbing his temples. On the outside of the booth Xanti reads a display. It reads; Distance: 7,800 miles. Time:0.00002

Xanti

(Breathing hard)

Ow.

Irena

Don’t worry. I don’t think he knows about

your condition and I wouldn’t tell him…

Xanti

Oh he knew. Or at least someone with him

knew. That was tuned nice and high. Normal

transports settings never disrupt my

memory core that much. Anyway enough about

me, lets go.

They walk up to the front door. Two very large Uboas are working the door tonight. They both have bandages on their left elbows. Xanti notes this walking up to one of the many security lockers on the wall. It slides open. One of the Uboas watches Xanti place his weapons into the locker one by one; Two pistols from the waist, one from the left ankle, a small blade from his right and then from behind his back a holoblade. He splits in into two halves. The Uboa nods satisfied.

Irena

Gentlemen you didn’t search him fully. He could

be concealing a weapon around his genitalia.

Don’t you need to check?

Both Uboas hang their heads in shame, shielding their bandaged elbows. They open the doors. Xanti and Irena walk inside.

Xanti

There are some places you just shouldn’t hit

a man. Regardless of species.

Irena

I didn’t punch them. I stabbed them.

Xanti winces.

5. INT – The Underground – Night

Its ‘Early 21^st century’ night. Two giant sheets of glass blast out music and hover to either side of the stage, which hangs over the audience. On the stage an eight-armed alien plays the drums at a impossible pace. With him a human plays a musical and a computer keyboard. Another alien plays a multi belled bass instrument. Others play different parts of the arrangement. Everyone is dressed in early twenty-first clothing century including Irena and Xanti. He looks down at himself.

Xanti

(Moving in close to Irena’s ear.)

Did we just step through a time warp?

Irena

(Shaking her head)

No. It’s just a themed night. I think they used

To call it Drum and Bass…

Xanti

(rubbing his head)

I can’t think why…

Irena takes Xanti’s hand and leads him around the edge of the dance floor. They end up in a private booth. They sit down in a booth and Irena presses a button on the table. Glass materialises sealing the booth and then tints to black. Inside the booth the music is near inaudible.

Irena

I’m serious. Something strange is going on.

Be careful

Xanti nods, putting a hand down the front of his boxers. In feels around and produces a small fusion grenade.

Xanti

Always balls your stash…

He offers the grenade to Irena.

Xanti

No thanks.

He places the grenade in his pocket. Irena places her palm on the table. The back wall dissolves, revealing Lenny’s office.

6. INT – Lenny’s Office - Night

The room is shrouded in darkness. Lenny (67) sits behind his desk and is illuminated by a large screen behind him. It switches from multiple security images to one large image of The Underground logo as Xanti walks in.

Xanti

Where’s my money, Len?

Lenny

That’s Mister Oxford to you.

Xanti takes a step closer.

Xanti

Your boy missed the rendezvous, I think

I’m well within my rights to feel a miffed…

Lenny waves a hand. His eye flick from contact with Xanti and then to the left and the right.

Lenny

Don’t make me laugh son. Coming in here

acting the big man. You’ll get what’s

yours, but the buyer’s been acting funny.

Xanti sighs, thrusting his hands in his pocket.

Lenny

Causing no end of grief I can tell you.

Just tell me what happened.

Xanti

Funny; rapidly becoming my least favourite

word. (sigh) The entry went as planned.

7. Ext – The Julia – Space

The spacecraft ‘Julia’ is attached to the ‘Tiberius’ by metal harpoons. In terms of scale, it looks like a flea riding a dog’s back. The Julia is running completely silently. Xanti is wearing a thin space suit with a smaller harpoon attaching him to the ship. His foot is wedged against the open airlock of the Julia. He pushes off and the harpoon cable pulls him the twenty-foot distance to the Tiberius’ exterior airlock.

Cut To

Xanti in Lenny’s office.

Xanti

(shrugs)

I didn’t really many any have trouble getting

to the objective.

8. INT – Airlock - Space

Xanti’s space suit morphs into a lightweight armour. The visor slides up to reveal Xanti’s eyes and then slides down again. His two pistols are at his waist and the holoblade handle is in his hand. He presses a button on the handle and a katana blade materialises. He walks off camera and we hear the sounds of blows being landed, bones being broken and people being sliced.

9. INT – Corridor - Space

Xanti drags a dead guard along a corridor. He stops by a door, placing the guard’s palm on the door. It slides open. The room is a cleaning locker. On the wall a is a poster of an alien model posing seductively. Xanti stuffs the guard inside and the door closes behind him. Xanti walks away.

10. INT – Dr Segwai’s Office/Lab - Space

Computer workstations line the walls. In a sectioned off corner of the room there’s a marble desk, on which there is a computer. Xanti sits accessing the computer with his input terminal. His eyes are closed. A bar runs across the screen. Once it has completed Xanti’s eyes open. He looks dazed.

Xanti (v.o.)

..And I acquired the item. Admittedly the

exit didn’t go exactly to plan…

Xanti gets up and walks out of the office rubbing his temples. He heads towards the exit. After a while he hears the sound of boots stomping.

11. INT – Lenny’s office – Night.

Lenny

Alarms?

Xanti nods, annoyed.

Xanti

Silent ones.

Cut To

Xanti fights against several guards. These guards weld a variety of different swords. They fight well but Xanti wins. A door slides down in front of him. Xanti turns and runs, sliding under the door behind him. Flipping up from the slide he runs and dives through the next door, reaching the airlock.

12. INT – Julia’s cockpit. – Space

Xanti slumps into the pilot’s seat and powers up the most basic of Julia’s systems. He releases the harpoons, disconnecting Julia from the Tiberius. She floats dead for a while before disappearing into subspace.

Lenny (v.o.)

And our roguish hero survives. to steal another

day…

13. INT – Lenny’s Office – Night

Lenny in on his feet. He walks round to the front of the desk and leans back against it. He smiles.

Lenny

How have you been son? You feeling alright

yeah?(Beat) Sleeping alright?

Xanti looks confused

Tan (o.s.)

…Because the file you stole has been known

to cause a few sleepless nights.

Tan and Bashir step out of the shadows.

Bashir

Lucky for us, Mr Oxford here values his sleep

greatly…

Tan sits next to Lenny putting an arm around his shoulders.

Tan

Which is always a lot easier when you have

a head. Don’t you reckon Len?

Lenny nods feverishly.

Lenny

Yes, Mister Tan, General Tan,

Sir…

Tan lightly punches Lenny’s cheek.

Tan

Good boy… Do you like having a head Mr

McPherson?

Bashir

Or would you rather we called you mister

Porter?

Tan

Or mister Carter…

Bashir

Or Mister Kobayashi or even…

Xanti holds the grenade up for all to see.

Xanti

Why don’t you call at the office, you can

Speak to my sectary, we’ll set up lunch…

Bashir nods thoughtfully.

Bashir

He has a better plan…

Tan whips a pistol from inside his jacket and shoots Xanti in the arm holding the grenade. Xanti falls to his knees, dropping the grenade.

Bashir

A man does not pull off a job like the one you

just pulled on his own. Who were you working

with?

Xanti doesn’t answer. Tan shrugs.

Tan

Not going to tell us?

Xanti spits at Bashir but misses. Tan gun butts Xanti.

Bashir

We’ll do it the fun way then…

Xanti falls to the floor unconscious. Xanti’s POV. Bashir stands over him.

Tan (o.s.)

Len it’s been a pleasure as always…

Bashir puts the boot in.

Xanti’s eyes close as we fade to black.

14. INT – Dr Segwai’s Office/Lab – Space

Dr Segwai sits behind the marble desk accessing the computer. A transfer box is connected to the computer’s input terminal. A bar travels across the box and then is replaced with a message saying ‘transfer complete’. Dr Segwai removes the box, putting it in his pocket.

Dr Segwai

For you, my beloved. For you always.

Dr Segwai places his own hand on the input terminal, closing his eyes. On screen a message appears saying; 'Upload Core OS now?’ Another bar runs across the screen as a tear runs down Dr Segwai’s cheek.

15. INT – Tiberius Torture Chamber – Space

Xanti is strapped to a table being electrocuted. There is a single light in the middle of the room above the table. Bashir and Tan stand next to it. Tan raises his hand and Xanti stops shaking. He laughs like a mad man, spitting blood.

Segwai

So you were saying something about who you

were working with?

Xanti laughs. It starts out as a whisper, rising to a belly laugh breaking down into a fit of coughs.

Segwai

I couldn’t even break into this place on

own. Even the pair of us would have trouble.

You had help…

Bashir

Kill him. Lunch is in fifteen…

Pando (o.s.)

Commander Pando to senior staff.

Tan taps a spot behind his ear.

Tan

Come in Pando.

16. INT – Tiberius Hanger bay 4 – Space

Commander Pando (32) stands in the hanger’s control room. Through a glass panel she can see chaos unfolding down below. The Lucifer is hovering in the hanger bay firing randomly. One shot hits a crate, which implodes violently.

Pando

Um, we’re having a little trouble

with the Lucifer program down here, sir.

Tan(v.o.)

Why are you bothering me with details. Send

in the engineers.

A barrel explodes.

Pando

I don’t think that’s wise at this juncture

sir.

17. INT – Tiberius Torture chamber - Space

Tan’s POV. In his right eye he has a monitor showing the hanger bay. When Lucifer hits another crate it explodes ending the video feed.

Tan shakes his head, tapping his eyebrow.

Tan

We’re on the way.

He taps the same spot behind his ear.

Bashir

Bloody scientists.

They walk out of the room. After a long time the electricity resumes, then is stops

Lal (o.s.)

Please hold on. Please hold on.

Xanti blows a raspberry…

18. INT – Hanger Bay – Space

Lucifer stops firing.

Lucifer

(scrambled)

Core OS corruption, end Program…

Lucifer straightens up, lands and then shuts down all systems.

19. INT – Hanger Bay Control Room – Space

Commander Pando watches the scene below confused. A guard holds Dr Segwai at gunpoint. Segwai and Bashir walk in and Dr Segwai smiles. They inspect the hanger.

Bashir

Did he fix it?

Panda.

No sir. It just shut down by it’s self.

engineers are going head in as soon as we

can verify safety.

Bashir takes out his pistol and shoots Dr Segwai in both knees.

Tan

Bloody Scientists.

20. INT – Tiberius Torture Chamber – Space

The torture has started again. Xanti passes out and the current eventually stops. He’s not breathing.

Lal (o.s.)

Please hold on…

21. INT – Hanger Bay 4 – Space

The Lucifer keeps powering up and down.

Lucifer

(Distorted)

Core OS Corruption…

Lal

(screams)

Stay away…

The Lucifer powers up. Lal is in control. She takes off and starts firing, this time with pin point precision forcing the engineers out of the room without killing them. In the control room Bashir turns to Pando.

Bashir

You call this safe?

Keeping his eyes on Pando he aims his gun and shoots Dr Segwai in each arm. He walks up and presses the barrel between Dr Tan’s eyes.

Bashir

And it was all going so well for you

doctor…

Lal screams again. Bashir joins Segwai by the window.

Bashir

(Raised voice)

Take him to an infirmary and then find out

what he’s done.

The guard picks up Dr Segwai who writhes in agony.

Segwai

Do. Not. Kill. Him.

The guard carries him out.

22. INT – Tiberius Torture Chamber – Space

Xanti’s is being shocked every few seconds. Eventually he wakes up chocking. He takes deep breaths. The restraints that held Xanti to the table dissolve. He rolls and falls off of the table.

Lal (o.s.)

You’re alive. Oh thank the gods, you’re alive!

The door slides open.

Xanti

(Dry mouth)

Spicy grapes…

Lal (o.s.)

What? We have to leave now!

23. INT – Tiberius Corridor – Space

Xanti limps down a corridor leaning heavily on the walls for support.

Lal (o.s.)

Hide, in the next alcove. Go.

Xanti ducks into the alcove keeping his back pressed to the wall. After some time, a squad of guards run past.

Lal (o.s.)

Next left. Go.

Xanti limps on down the corridor.

24. INT – Hanger room - Space

Xanti limps into the Hanger bay, sees the chaos and turns and leaves. Outside the door is a T-junction. Guards stand at either end. Xanti raises his hands.

Xanti

I surrender…

A bullet flies past his head. He jumps back into the room. And the doors close just before the guards could get in. Lal’s voice comes from inside Lucifer.

Lal

Get in, hurry up!

Xanti shrugs, looking up at Tan and Bashir as he does, entering through the rear ramp. The ramp closes and Lal takes off, hovering in front of the outer hanger door.

Segwai

Tell the guards not to blow that door.

Pando presses buttons but nothing happens.

Pando

The local communication system is down sir.

Bashir rubs the bridge of his nose. Tan nods unsurprised.

Tan

She’s not going to be impressed is she?

Bashir

Do you want a slap?

Tan

What? You trying to say this are my fault?

Bashir

You were the one always messing with his

lovely young granddaughter…

Down in the hanger Lal continues to hover in front of the outer door. Outside the guards blow the inner door open. Just as they do Lal destroys the outer door. The whole squad is sucked outside.

25. INT – The Lucifer cockpit.

The are five seats each one with a input terminal attached to the right hand armrest. Xanti slumps down in the front most seat watching bodies bounce off of the view screen.

Lal

Just relax, your safe. I know what I’m doing.

Xanti passes out.

Lal

I think.

26. EXT - Tiberius outer hull - Space

Lal moves out of the hanger. Though larger than the Julia Lal is still dwarfed by the Tiberius. As she leaves lasers fire from Tiberius’ exterior hull. A few hit her as she escapes into subspace.

27. INT – Tiberius Prayer Room - Space

A massive room decorated with Imperial Seals. At the front of the room Segwai and Bashir kneel before a huge screen.

Empress Hugo (o.s.)

…So you managed not only to flush twenty-four

years of scientific research down the toilet

but you’ve also misplaced all of the

documentation needed to reproduce the

experiment. All of this all inside the

space of what? Fifteen minutes?

On the screen Empress Hugo (22) the empire’s second post- op transvestite ruler looms over the officers. Lavish would not even begin to describe her throne room. They shuffle uncomfortably.

Empress Hugo.

That was how long ago you called in to report

the good news wasn’t it…

Tan

(muffled)

Closer to sixteen…

Empress Hugo

WHAT!

Segwai raises his head.

Tan

I was merely wondering what we could do

to redeem our selves.

Empress Hugo

Retrieve the ship or I’ll kill you.

Retrieve the research data or I’ll

kill you. If fact, even if you do manage

both of these minor tasks in a prompt

and direct fashion, there is a distinct

possibility that I may just kill you.

(beat) But then again I might not. (Grins)

Okay?

Tan and Bashir salute. Empress Hugo blows them a massive kiss.

Empress Hugo

Delicious. Bye, Darlings!

The screen goes blank.

Tan

That went well.

The screen flicks back on again.

Empress Hugo

(screaming)

And if you ever mutter under your breath

at me again General, wondering which new

hat to buy will suddenly fall several places

on you list of priorities, are we clear?

Tan

(nodding, heading bowed)

Yes Empress.

The screen goes blank.

Bashir

She likes you.

They stand and walk towards the exit.

Tan

When have you ever seen me wearing a hat?

28. INT – Lal’s cockpit – Space

A visor has come down over the main screen to protect Xanti from the effects of Subspace travel. Xanti sleeps in a chair.

Lal (o.s.)

Morning sleepyhead.

Xanti jumps up sharp. He quickly scans the room. The are no screens or physical controls other than the input terminals on the right arm rest of each chair.

Lal (o.s.)

It’s me, Lal the talking ship, the one who

Saved your life.

Xanti looks baffled.

Lal (o.s.)

The word you’re looking for is ‘Thanks’.

Xanti

That was you? I assumed I was going mad. I’m

not dead then?

Lal (o.s.)

Yes you’re dead. This is what hell looks

Like; the inside of a space ship…(sighs)

Xanti

Are we in subspace?

Lal. (o.s.)

Yep. I’ve just been jumping around randomly.

I need repairs.

Xanti

I have… a friend…

Lal (o.s.)

Download the co-ordinates and then go get

Something to eat. You look hungry.

29. INT – Lal’s Galley – Space

The Galley contains both food preparation and consumption areas. Xanti sits at the main table eating.

Xanti

How long was I out for?

Lal (o.s.)

A couple of days.

Lal materialises at the end of the table.

Lal

Holographic emitters embedded in the walls.

Not all of them work yet though. I can’t

go everywhere, yet…

She walks through the table.

Xanti

So what? You’re some new type of interface?

Lal

The newest type. I used to be human, now I’m

an interface.

Xanti

Just like that?

Lal

The empress’s new toys. That’s pretty much all

know…

30. INT – Medical Ward - Night

Doctor Segwai sits on the edge of Lal’s bed. She is pale and can barely move. He kisses her forehead and she awakes terrified. Dr Segwai holds transfer box into her right palm. She goes limp against his body. Dr Segwai breaks down into tears.

Lal (v.o.)

My grandfather saved me. He’s the only one

who could. He was working on something for

the Empire. Biomechanics or something…

Fade To

31. INT – Hanger bay – Space

Lal randomly fires at the walls screaming.

Lal (v.o.)

It felt like I was trapped in a nightmare…

I just kept going back to the same place

32. INT – Lal’s mainframe – Day

The digital world Lal inhabits inside the computer. It currently looks like Satan’s Bedroom as viewed by someone tripping on MDMA. Lal lies on the bed. Lucifer pins her down.

Lucifer

Core OS corruption, End program…

Lal struggles and but he holds her firm.

Lal

(screams)

Stay away!

She throws Lucifer aside. He slams into a wall. Lal gets of the bed and runs out of the door.

33. INT – Mainframe – Corridor

Lal slams the door behind her, locking it then sliding a massive wooden bolt across and nailing it shut. The corridor looks as equally demonic as the room. Lal runs down the corridors at hypersonic speed. As she runs the corridors brighten, losing their demonic feel.

34. INT – Lal’s Galley – Space

Xanti

You’re taking it better than most? That was

only a few days ago?

Lal

We’re in orbit of your friends’ colony. You

might want to consider washing.

35. INT – Lal’s hanger room – Space

Xanti walks into the hanger clean and dressed holding a Comm. unit in his hand. He flips it open and closed. He looks around impressed. Anchored near the rear wall are two dirt bikes. The room’s centrepiece is the All Terrain Vehicle. Xanti jumps inside and powers it up, revving the engine. Lal appears next to him. The hanger door opens.

Lal

(shouting over the engine)

Don’t forget the Comm. unit…

Xanti holds up the comm. unit waving it. He Burnout’s out of the hangar.

36. EXT – Bentink – Day

The sun is out but it has rained recently. Xanti walks down the street. Children play and people go about their business. He stops outside Zuri’s house. There is a closed satellite dish on the roof.

37. INT – Zuri’s house – Day

Zuri (29) dances around the kitchen in her pyjamas. Pop music blasts out. As she dances around the room, she cooks dinner and writes advanced algebra on digital paper, pinned to the wall. The music fades out as a computer voice reports ‘You have a visitor.’ Putting down her pen and cooking utensil she wipes her hands on her apron and heads to the front door. she walks past a paper photograph on the mantelpiece in a black frame. It shows Xanti, Zuri and Paul (28) smiling together. The door slides open and Xanti is standing there.

Xanti

Hi…

She thumps the close button and the door slides shut. The computer announces Xanti once again.

Zuri

Computer; Mute visitor announcement.

The music fades back up. Zuri returns to the kitchen. Xanti is standing the outside window.

Xanti

Zee, I need your help. Please…

Zuri taps a button next to the window. They tint to black. As they do the lights in the room fade up. Zuri continues cooking, distracted. After a few moments, she taps the button on the window again and goes to the front door. She opens it and Xanti is standing there.

Xanti

I’ve been tortured by imperial officers, I have

The most highly encrypted package in my head

That I’ve ever seen and I’ve stolen one of the

empire’s most coveted ships.

The door slides shut.

38. EXT – Bentink– Day

Despite poor ground conditions Xanti pushes the ATV to its limits. He stops at a clearing.

Zuri

Am I supposed to be impressed?

Lal fades into view.

Xanti

Assisted breaking, holographic emitters and

and of course a light refraction system.

39. INT – Lal’s Engine Room – Day

The walls are bare. In the middle of the room the engine sits in a raised pedestal. It hums gently. Xanti and Zuri walk in. The engine is the first thing that catches her eye. She walks over to it amazed.

Lal (o.s.)

It’s broken. Misaligned. Out of sync.

Lal appears from nowhere, surprising Zuri.

Xanti

Lal meet Zuri, Zuri Lal.

Lal Zuri

Hi. Hey.

Lal gestures to the engine.

Lal

We’re leaking ion particles…

Zuri

…that could be tracked through refraction

field. Why can’t you fix it?

Lal passes a hand through the engine.

Lal

Even then I don’t have the parts onboard…

Zuri

You’ve put my entire colony at risk, did

you know that? Did he tell what would happen

if the empire find you where?

Xanti

Zee...

Zuri

I’ll help correct the error and then you

can get the hell off my home. You’ve

already ripped my life apart once, I won’t

let you do it again.

She storms out.

Xanti

(Beat) She’s gone to get her tools…

Lal nods unconvinced.

Xanti

…her tools.

40. INT – Medical Ward – Night

DREAM SEQUENCE – Xanti walks through a medical ward. Rows of patients lie in beds, wires protruding their bodies. He walks up to one. None of them have faces.

41. INT – Zuri’s living room – Day.

Xanti sleeps on the sofa. He bolts up straight. He breathes hard, soaked in sweat. Zuri walks in covered in grease.

Zuri

What’s the matter?

She sits down next to him. Xanti shakes his head, catching his breath.

Xanti

Nothing.

Zuri

Fine.

Zuri gets up to leave. Xanti grabs her arm. He pulls her back down.

Xanti

I’ve been having these dreams. Strange

dreams.

She gives him a weird look.

Zuri

How do you mean?

Xanti

I really don’t know, but ever since I

downloaded this file into my head. I’ve

getting no more than a few hours every

night.

Zuri

Did you know about the particle leak?

Xanti

Lal said we needed repairs.

Zuri shakes her head.

Zuri

You’re lying.

Xanti

I’m not an engineer…

Zuri gets up to leave, Xanti grabs her arm again but she shakes him off.

Zuri

Your engines are realigned. You can leave now.

She storms into the bedroom. Xanti scratches his head.

Xanti

Zee? Zee? (sigh)

42. INT – Tiberius Bridge – Space

Bashir and Tan sit in chairs in the centre of the bridge. We can see Zuri’s Colony in the main view screen.

Segwai

So this is where Rao’s ion trails leads?

Tan checks his PDA.

Tan

He was actually stupid enough to go to his

ex-girlfriends place.

Bashir

It’s like people don’t watch movies anymore.

Scan for residual particles on the surface.

Rao

Aye sir.

He is hooked into the system, his eyes are rolled back.

Rao

Pattern detected.

Tan

Send in the clowns…

43. EXT – Outskirts of the Colony – Day

Colin (15) walks down the street whistling. He seems to be in another world. In the distance he hears a sound.

Lal (o.s.)

Hello, Xanti, um I need to talk to you…

Colin stops whistling, distracted by the sound.

Lal (o.s.)

Hello, big imperial warships are about to

attack…

He sees the ATV parked up ahead. He approaches. He takes the Comm. unit out of the glove box and presses a button.

Colin clears his throat.

Colin

Hello…

44. INT – Zuri’s living room – Day

Xanti stands, putting his coat on.

Xanti

(Shouting)

Why would I bring this down on you on

purpose? I’m no engineer. she said we’d

repairs and I thought of you.

Xanti slumps back down onto the sofa.(beat) Zuri walks back out from the bedroom and sits down next to Xanti. She has been crying.

Xanti

Look, they probably don’t know about the

problem. She’s a prototype, riddled with

bugs.

The room shakes and then the computer announces a visitor.

Xanti

That’s one loud knock.

He gets up and answers the door urging Zuri to stay back. Colin stands there, hair out of place, looking very excited.

Colin

(breathing hard)

You must be Xanti? Rugged space pirate man?

Garr! Cool. Yeah, you’re talking car

wants a word. Don’t know which one, ha. Hmm…

Xanti looks out over Colin’s shoulder. He sees the ATV parked with its bumper against the front of the house. He looks back at Colin who shrugs. Xanti shakes his head walking over to the ATV.

LAL (o.s.)

(mimicking Xanti)

Yeah of course I’ll remember the radio. I’ve

Got a good memory for these things, a mind

For detail…

Xanti

You said the message was important?

Lal (o.s.)

The Tiberius is in the system and about to

attack.

Xanti

If we leave now we might be able to draw

Their attention from the colony.

Colin

Nah, too late for that.

Xanti turns to face Colin who is looking up into the sky. The satellite dish on Zuri’s roof opens up.

Xanti

Why?

Colin points at the sky and then moves his arm in a ark, pointing at a field a few hundred meters away.

Colin

Because the second missile of their bombardment

is about to land in that field over there.

Xanti turns back to the ATV

Lal (o.s.)

Oh it’s true. But it’s the third missile you

should be worried about.

Xanti

Where’s the third missile going to hit?

Colin

Three guesses mate…

45. INT – Zuri’s bedroom – Day

Zuri is sat in front of a multiple screen display, typing furiously into a keyboard. Occasionally she taps information directly into each screen. Xanti bursts in.

Xanti

Zee, we need to leave now.

Zuri

And so do the other colonists. The empire

attacking hundreds to catch one man? The

Galaxy’s going to hear about this.

She taps a few more buttons. Xanti looks out of the window at the field. There is a massive explosion outside that shakes the whole house. He looks back out at the smoking hole in the ground that used to be the field.

Xanti

Seriously though Zee, speed and haste on

This one yeah?

A squad of Imperial Attack fighters fly over the hole. Lal pursues them, firing.

Zuri

Launching defences systems… okay.

She jumps out of her chair, grabbing a hold all from the floor beside her. They run out.

46. EXT – Zuri’s house. – Day

Imperial Attack Fighters (I.A.F.’S) attack anything that moves. Anti-Aircraft guns sprout from the roof of buildings and attack the fighters. The ATV sits with the engine running ready to leave. People run frantically through the streets. Colin mans the rear gun trying to figure out how it works. Zuri slaps him out the way taking his place as Xanti jumps in the drivers seat. He guns the throttle as Zuri begins to fire at the I.A.F’s. They get some distance from Zuri’s house before it explodes in a cloud of dust. Above Lal destroys squadrons of the I.A.F’s at a time. Civilian ships are now taking off and try to engage the fighters.

47. INT – The Serenity cockpit – Day

Nathan (78) attempts to engage the I.A.F.’s but is struggling. Behind him Gina (76) mans the weapons. She lands several direct hits but does little serious damage.

Lal (o.s.)

You’re no match for these fighters. You

need to defend the innocent, get them to

safety!

A slow beeping sounds starts.

Gina

We’ve dealt with pirates before, we’ll deal

With them again…

The beeping gets faster.

Nathan

Gina, honey what’s that noise?

It gets faster still.

Gina

Nate , you just keep us dodging and

weaving.

Nathan keeps the cargo ship out of trouble for a few more seconds. Gina lands a few more shots but in the end the missile chasing the serenity reaches its target. Their ship is badly damaged.

Lal (o.s.)

These aren’t pirates…

Inside the cockpit Nathan lies forward, dead. Through the broken cockpit window we can see the serenity screaming towards the ground. Gina drags herself towards Nathan. She holds him tight, staring out of the window. 300 feet off the ground they pile drive into the top of an I.A.F. and explode. Other civilian ships suffer the same fate. Even after the fighter squadrons have been destroyed, the Tiberius continues to bombard the colony from space. Xanti’s ATV only just manages to escape the colony in time. They are still being pursued by the bombardment. Zuri stops firing and sits down in the back. Lal flies overhead, heading towards a small cliff. Her rear hanger opens. At the cliff edge Xanti spots a natural ramp, which he aims for. He miss-hits it sending the car into the spinning through the air laterally. It spins 180 degrees through the air and lands in the hanger backwards, skidding to a halt inches way from the rear wall.

Colin

So, just to recap? What the hell is going on?

48. EXT – Lal – Day

Lal heads up towards the atmosphere before cloaking.

49. INT – Tiberius Bridge – Space

Tan and Bashir are sat in their chairs both have their Holoblade handles sitting on their laps . Segwai jumps out of his chair and the blade materialises..

Tan

Well kill them then?

Rao

I can’t sir, they’ve cloaked.

Bashir’s switches his blade on.

Bashir

So? What about the particle leak?

Tan brings his holoblade very close to Ensign Rao’s head. Rao gulps.

Rao

It’s gone sir. It looks like they fixed it.

Bashir

So we’ve burnt an entire agricultural

community to the ground…

Tan waves the holoblade near Rao’s hairlines, sculpting Rao’s sideburns with the blade.

Tan

Which is always fun…

Bashir

…But otherwise we’ve achieved nothing.

Tan examines Rao’s temples. He closes right up to Rao’s ear. He breathes into it.

Tan

Never mind eh...

Tan backs away and returns to his seat.

Tan

You did well today Rao. More ideas like

that and you’ll have that promotion in no

time.

Rao takes a breath, stands and salutes.

Rao

Yes sir. Thank you sir. Sirs.

Bashir

Don’t thank us yet. If we don’t get that

ship back soon…

Tan runs a finger across his neck. Then he stabs it to his stomach and runs it up.

Bashir

And that’s if she’s in a good mood.

Tan

We need more firepower.

Bashir nods turning to Lt Arnold (25) who has just walked in with a PDA in his hand.

Bashir

Is the propaganda report ready?

Arnold

Yes sir. (reading the report) The broadcast

states that space raiders marked their

return to this highly unstable area by

pillaging a peaceful scientific community.

Segwai nods.

Arnold

The report closes by stating how local

Imperial forces are doing everything in

Their power to…

Segwai

…Blah blah blah… He asked whether the

report was ready publish, not Pulitzer

material. People don’t really care either

way, they just want a plausible explanation…

50. INT – Medical Lab – Night

DREAM SEQUENCE – Xanti walks through a series of corridors. He ends up in a medical ward. Rows upon rows of faceless patients lie in beds. Wires protrude from the patient’s bodies. Two orderlies jump him. They drag him through the ward and into a different room.

51. INT – The Operating Room - Day

Xanti stands watching being himself being strapped into a chair. The Xanti in the chair’s giggles. Spit dribbles from his chin. Wires being to drop down from the ceiling. He screams…

52. INT – Xanti’s Bedroom – Space

The lights are off. Xanti bolts up sweating, breathing hard. He reaches over and taps a panel next to his bed. The lights fade up and he has a glass of water.

53. INT – Lal’s cockpit - Space

Lal travels through subspace. Colin and Lal sit slumped in the pilot seats. Colin eats ice cream Lal stares at it longingly.

Colin

What’s it like? being a spaceship I mean?

Lal

I’m constantly aware. I can everywhere for

Light years away all at the same time.

Everything’s detailed, everything’s precise

Colin

You must be ultra intelligent, having a

computer for a brain…

Lal

You calling me a nerd?

Colin

No! of course not! Never. No. No. I’m calling

You a geek!

Lal goes to hit Colin but stops. She puts her hand back down.

Lal

How can I still feel hungry? I don’t even have

A stomach?

Colin shrugs.

Colin

Force of habit I suppose.

Lal

I feel tired but can’t sleep, I’m hungry all of

The time but can’t eat. It’s weird.

Colin shakes his head.

Colin

Nah. Weird would be being able to calculate

by eye the trajectory of an incoming missile

over 30,000 feet away… (smiling) Weird would

being able to recite ‘Grays’s Anatomy’ word

for word having only read it once.

Lal nods confused.

Lal

Weird would have your picture next to it in

The dictionary…

Colin

…Weird would be having no belly button.

Lal

You what?

Colin

(Straight faced)

I said that weird, would be having no

belly button…

Lal

That’s nasty. That disgusting

A couple of moments pass.

Lal

Let me see.

54. INT – Lal’s Galley – Space

Zuri has just finished cooking dinner. Her eyes are red and puffy. Xanti walks in pulling on a shirt. Zuri has her back to him. Xanti drops a tablet into mug of water. It dissolves, bubbles and then turns into fresh tea.

Xanti

Hey…

Zuri wipes her eyes and then turns round.

Zuri

Hey… How are you feeling?

Xanti sits down at the table, rubbing his head. He sighs, noticing her eyes.

Xanti

Are you going to be okay?

Zuri joins him at the table. She nods, brushing hair out of her face.

Zuri

Bentink’s destruction wasn’t your fault.

Xanti

I wasn’t thinking straight, I should have

known better than that. All of those people

are dead because of me. Zee, we’re going

to find the people responsible for destroying

your village and were going to get them.

I promise you that.

Xanti tries to place a hand on Zuri’s but she retracts hers.

Zuri

Your promises don’t mean much around here

Xanti.

She gets up and returns to her cooking.

Zuri

The only way to repay the empire is to get

that information out of your head and find

out what your dreams are supposed to

signify. We’ll go to Saxa, Danni will work

out what’s wrong with you and then we’ll

part ways…(icy) before your actions condemn

anyone else I care about.

Xanti gets up to leave.

Xanti

He was my best friend too! Don’t treat me

like I don’t hurt every single day…

Zuri returns to her cooking. Xanti walks out.

Xanti

Let me know when we arrive…

55. EXT – Saxa City – Dusk

Saxa is a beautiful sunny utopia, filled with nature and clean buildings in equal measure. Lal lands cloaked some distance from the city. The reach hatch opens and Xanti and Zuri walk out of the rear.

Xanti

Pulling up in marked imperial vehicles isn’t

A good idea. I’ll have to do something about

that at some point…

Zuri

You want me to take a look at it?

Xanti

I thought you were leaving after this. Picked

out away where nice yet?

Zuri

Come on, we’re running late.

56. INT – The Ship – Dusk

A wine bar. Men in suits stand in groups preening, being ignored by ladies in dresses. Xanti’s and Zuri’s clothes morph to fit the occasion.

Xanti

I’ve got to stop wearing this outfit…

Zuri pulls his arm.

Zuri

There she is, by the bar…

Danni (29) sits on a stool by the bar checking her watch nervously. The glass in front of her is nearly empty. Xanti and Zuri approach.

Zuri Danni

Hey. Hey.

They embrace excitedly.

Danni

How you been girl?

Zuri

Ha, that is a very long story.

Zuri gestures towards Xanti.

Zuri

This is the sociopath friend I was telling

you about.

Danni waves. Xanti nod smiling.

Danni

The one with the dreams?

Zuri nods. Danni turns to Xanti. She looks him up and down.

Danni

I’ve heard a lot about you.

Xanti smiles.

Xanti

It’s all lies.

Danni

So you’re not a self-centred thrill-

seeking adrenaline junkie with little to no

regard to the well being of those around

you?

Xanti clears him throat and scratches his head.

Danni

That’s a shame.

Danni stands, finishing off her drink.

Danni

That would have been a hell of a lot easier

to diagnose than the dreams Zuri told me

you’ve been having. Shall we?

She points to the door and they leave with Danni and Zuri chatting like old friends. At the far end of the bar Reynolds (35) finishes his drink and sets down his glass. Covertly he taps a spot behind his ear.

Reynolds

Send me that security bulletin we received

the other day.

Reynolds POV. Whilst pretending to check out women in the bar, a file opens showing a spinning picture of Xanti’s head. The file contains Xanti’s personal information.

Reynolds

Yeah. It’s defiantly him. He’s with two girls.

One’s a regular, the other I don’t recognise.

Am in pursuit.

He crosses the bar and then leaves. Kamal (34) steps out of the shadows from near where Reynolds was standing. He follows Reynolds out of the bar.

57. INT – Medical lab – Night

DREAM SEQUENCE - Xanti walks through the ward again.

Danni (o.s.)

What can you see.

The faceless people lie in the beds motionless. They have wires protruding from all over their body.

Xanti

People. People with no faces. There are

cables coming out of them.

At the same time the people in the beds sit up. They scream.

Xanti

So much pain. So much anger. They’re confused.

Xanti tries to calm one young girl down. She fights against him. The orderlies grab Xanti and drag him away. He resists.

Xanti

(screaming)

NO! Help! I’m sorry! Please!

Danni (o.s.)

You have to focus. Forget what you can feel,

Concentrate on what you can see.

Xanti calms down. He stops fighting.

Flash TO

58. INT – The Operating Room – Night

Xanti watches himself strapped to the chair. The Xanti in the chair flails frantically. From above wires lower down, enveloping the chair.

Xanti

I’m becoming one of them.

The wires retract revealing the chair. The Xanti is the chair now has no face. He has wires protruding from his body.

Xanti

I am one of them.

59. INT – Danni’s Apartment – Night.

Danni’s living room has a beautiful view of Saxa City’s skyline. In the corner Xanti lies back on a sofa with two devices attached to each temple. He opens his eyes, breathing a little faster than normal. Danni is sitting at the foot of the sofa in a big leather chair. She gives Xanti a glass of water.

Danni

How do you feel?

Xanti yawns, stretching his arms and rubbing his face.

Xanti

Like I’ve had my first decent nights sleep of

the decade…

Danni

Those synaptic dampeners should help during

the first couple of months…

Xanti

(shocked)

Couple of months!

Danni

At the very least. Whatever it is you decided

to stick in your head it is very dangerous.

Even if we could consult with my colleagues

at work In this case, they would tell you

the same thing…

Xanti

(frustrated)

Which is what exactly?

Danni

Exactly, I don’t know. Roughly I shouldn’t

even be hazarding a guess and claiming to be

a professional at the same time…

Xanti gestures for Danni to cut to the chase.

Danni

Let me put it to you this way. That file

will kill you. It will shutdown your

synaptic pathways one by one. Unless I can work

out exactly what were dealing with here, you’ll

slowly go insane, turn into a vegetable and

then die.

Zuri walks back into the room wiping her hands on her apron.

Zuri

Finally you’re awake. Good news?

Xanti looks up at her and shakes his head.

Xanti

Anything else I should know about?

Danni nods. Xanti sighs.

Danni

I’ve only ever heard about cases like this

in passing, break room stuff you know.

The therapists treating the patient noticed

some something unusual about the pattern of decay.

Zuri

What decay? What happened?

Xanti raises a hand for Zuri to be quiet.

Danni

It was systematic. The file was targeting

specific areas of the brain, making sure

the victim died.

Xanti stands up and goes to the window.

Xanti

The file completely formats its container vessel,

Making sure making sure the data cannot be

Retrieved afterwards.

Danni nods.

Danni

I’m sorry. Bio-mechanical psychology isn’t an

exact science. Even with access to my lab it

would takes weeks even a find definite link

between these two cases.

Xanti paces in front of the windows

Zuri

There may not even be one.

Danni nods.

Danni

It’s true. I could have made a mistake,

Misinterpreted the data.

Xanti

I understand. Thank you. Just out of

interest, how secure is your labs?

60. INT – Residential corridor - Night

Row upon row of uniform doors. The only distinguishing feature is the door numbers that rotate on screens next to the door. Reynolds walks past Danni’s house and then doubles back, stopping outside.

61. INT – Danni’s Apartment – Night

Xanti and Danni sit opposite each other at the dinner table. Zuri serves a simple meal.

Danni

Okay so even if we could get you in, where

would you live? How would we run tests? How

would I explain… anything if we to get caught?

Zuri smiles dishing up Danni food.

Xanti

These are just technicalities. Minor issues

just waiting to swept to the wayside. We’ll

worry about the details…

He points at Zuri.

Zuri

Anything to help bring down the empire…

Xanti smiles.

Xanti

So it’s settled then. Tomorrow…

Danni slams down her fork.

Danni

No! It is not settled. Zee, if you say the

Empire destroyed your home and not pirates, I believe you. If you bring a man I don’t know

into my home and say he can be trusted then I

believe you…

Xanti looks around the room confused.

Zuri

I didn’t actually use the word trust…

Xanti nods understanding.

Danni

But this is my home. My life that I’ve built

here. Not you, not the empire, me. (sighs)

You’re asking for a lot. I need time.

After a couple of beats the door chime rings. Danni gets up and leaves to answer it.

62. INT – Danni’s Hallway - Night

Danni looks at the security screen but doesn’t see anyone. She presses a button and the door slides open.

Danni

Hello?

Reynolds

Good-bye.

Reynolds plunges his holoblade into Danni’s stomach. He pushes her off the blade and onto the floor, where he leaves her to die. Zuri walks in. She sees Danni lying on the floor. Reynolds points a gun at Zuri putting his blade to his lips.

Reynolds

Do you have any idea how much that woman’s

life meant to me?

Zuri shakes her head, fighting back tears.

Reynolds

Paperwork. A couple of paragraphs summarizing

The reason and cause of death, two signatures

And three duplicates.

Reynolds takes a step closer, waving his blade close to Zuri’s face.

Reynolds

Three duplicates. THREE! And I wasn’t even

looking for her. Or you for that matter so

before we continue I have but one question

To ask…

Kamal stands behind Reynolds. Reynolds’ expression contorts and then he falls over dead.

Kamal

Is there anyone else in the house I should

know about?

63. INT – Danni’s living room – Night

Xanti sits at the table eating. Zuri and Kamal carry in Danni’s body.

Xanti

I leave you alone for two minutes…

Kamal

Set her down on the table.

Xanti clears space and they set her down.

Xanti

Who are you? What happened?

Kamal rips open Danni’s blouse examining the wound and then applying pressure. Zuri cradles her Danni’s head.

Kamal

A man came to kill you all. I killed him

But not before…

He points down at Danni. Xanti nods.

Xanti

Is the front door secured?

Kamal

For now yes. We should have a few minutes

Assuming you have an alternative escape route.

Xanti reaches into his pocket retrieving the Comm. unit. He looks at the window.

Xanti

I’ll see what I can put together.

64. EXT – Residential Hallway – Night

A Saxan police force stand outside the door poised to enter. Policeman taps at the panel beside the door but it keeps coming up ‘Access Denied’

Police Captain

Is it sealed?

Police Man 1

I’ve never seen encryption like this.

Even the boys back at HQ saying it’ll

Take more than 30 minutes…

The captain nods.

Police Captain

Go to plan B.

65. INT – Danni’s living room – Night

Xanti paces in front of the window. Kamal and Zuri tend to Danni’s wounds. Danni looks pale.

Kamal

We’re losing her.

Zuri

No!

Danni pulls Zuri in close. Zuri urges Danni to save her strength.

Danni

Segwai. Doctor Thorn…

Xanti

Lal, you need hurry...

66. EXT – Saxa City – Night

Lal speeds through the city at break neck speeds, cutting corners ridiculously tight with laser accuracy. The odd window shatters as she flies past.

67. INT – Danni’s living room.

Lal (o.s.)

Almost there...

Xanti puts the Comm. unit away, taking a chair from the dinning table. Judging its weight Xanti takes a few practice swings.

68. INT – Residential Hallway – Night

Policeman 2 attaches a small box to the front door. Policeman 1 checks over his work and then gives a thumbs up. Policeman 2 activates the box and a small green light flashes twice and then turns red. The two policemen back away.

69. INT – Danni’s Living Room – Night

Lal arrives outside with her rear hanger open. Colin stands by with a med kit ready. Xanti swings the chair at the glass. The chair explodes into splinters, leaving Xanti holding the one remaining leg. Zuri jogs over and taps a control next to the window.

Zuri

Alternatively…

The glass dematerialises. Zuri returns to Danni’s side. Danni’s front door explodes in a cloud of dust.

70. INT – Residential Hallway – Night

Police Captain

Flash and clear, move!

The police force enter Danni’s apartment, securing every room.

71. INT – Danni’s Living Room – Night

The Police Captain looks out the window and sighs. His men are still checking the apartment.

Police Captain

I assume they didn’t jump.

Police Man 1

No sir, report indicate that a ship was

detected speeding inside the city perimeter at

more than sixteen times the international

speed limit, sir.

Police Man 1

Sixteen? This shouldn’t be too hard to

narrow down. How many people are there in

the galaxy capable of handling those speeds?

Police Man 1

Devi Hardy broke the record travelling

at just under half that speed just last year

Sir.

The Police Captain scratches his chin, nodding thoughtfully.

Police Captain

I remember. Lovely funeral.

72. INT – Lal’s cockpit. – Night

Lal’ weaves through building at the same break neck speeds as before. Everyone expect Colin clutches their respective armrests, screaming at what look near misses. Colin whistles to himself.

73. INT – Tiberius Bridge – Space

Tan walks onto the bridge and slumps down in his seat next to Bashir.

Bashir

Any luck on Saxa?

Tan

They’ve already left the surface. Reports say

people died.

Bashir shrugs uninterested.

Bashir

Lots of people?

Tan shakes his head.

Tan

I’ve send local attack squadrons in but

you now how much good they’ll do.

Bashir

Hmmm. Still as already they’re there…

74. INT – Lal’s cockpit – Space

Lal fights against dozens of dozens of Attack fighters. Everyone except Colin clutches their respective armrests, screaming at what look near misses. Colin whistles to himself, reading a book. Eventually Lal wins and slips into subspace.

75. INT – Lal’s Gallery – Space

Everyone sits around the main table in prayer. There is a bowl of red wine on the table. Chucks of bread sit in a bowl next to it.

Zuri

(Speaking in Terran)

I call on the god’s of our forefathers,

to bless and take care of those who have

transgressed into your realm, and taken

the next step in the journey.

She takes a piece of the bread and dips it into the wine.

Zuri(Cont.)

With the eating of this bread, we praise

The cycle of life.

Zuri spills some wine on the table.

Zuri(cont)

Consumption and Rebirth.

She eats the wine soaked bread.

Lal

(In Terran)

Peace and acceptance.

Everyone

(In Terran)

Peace and acceptance.

They each in turn take a piece of the bread and dip it in the wine, making sure some is split on the table. They then eat the bread in one mouthful. Lal takes her turn.

Colin

Holographic crumbs…

Xanti

Shh...

Lal gives Colin a dirty look.

Zuri

Thank you children, you can leave now.

Lal and Colin sigh. Colin puts his plate in the pile. He then back flips out of the room.

Lal

I remember a time in my life when things

like that happening would seem strange…

Lal dematerialises. Zuri shakes her head.

Zuri

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Xanti

I need to start from fresh. The empire now

who I am and have no doubt frozen all of my

accounts. Assuming this file doesn’t get me

first the Empire is going to kill me…

He looks Zuri.

Xanti

…Or anyone who even vaguely looks like they're

helping me. (beat) With all this in mind,

I’ve located a small planet I can drop you

off and we can head our separate ways...

Lal raises a hand. She is back in the room.

Xanti

I’m serious, this isn’t question and answer

time…

Lal

…And this isn’t even your ship.

Lal crosses her arms.

Lal

It’s mine. They’re looking for me just as

much they are you. Probably more so and lets

be honest; you need me, not the other way around,

so don’t get ahead of yourself Captain, This is

my ship and I’ll say who comes or goes, okay?

Lal and Xanti stare at each other.

Xanti

I stand corrected. Take a seat.

Lal smiles, satisfied. Colin walks back in on his hands.

Xanti

Not you, flippy…

Ziyi

(Sighing)

As if she’s not going to tell him everything

later anyway.

Colin and Lal sit down at the table.

Kamal

The data file in your head? Are you able to

Directly access it?

Xanti looks suspicious. He shakes his head. Zuri recognises the look.

Kamal

As I mentioned earlier my brother has been

missing for several years now.

Xanti nods.

Kamal

He was captured by Imperial forced during

a job that went wrong. Very wrong...

The sound of Gunfire fades in. Tan and Bashir can be heard shouting orders. We hear the sound of blades clashing and then metal cutting flesh. We hear Kamal shout out ‘Khalid!’

Kamal

We didn’t even need the money, we were just

stupid children, loving the thrill…

Xanti catches Zuri looking in his direction. He clears his throat. Kamal hides his face for a moment and takes a sip of water.

Kamal

At the time I thought him dead. However a

few months ago I received a message, in a

private code he and I created alone.

Zuri

He’s alive.

Kamal nods.

Xanti

I feel for you, I really do but getting

back on subject slightly…

Zuri looks at Xanti harshly… He ignores her.

Kamal

If you are having dreams about people covered

in wires than a minor mystery has been solved.

Xanti

What are you, a reader?

Kamal shakes his head, reaching into his pocket. He pulls out a PDA. He hands it to Xanti. Xanti looks surprised and hands it to Zuri. In one corner is a headshot of Xanti. It looks like it was drawn in crayon but is highly detailed the message reads’:

Xanti McPherson; The man with the wired people

in his head. Tell him to remember. Look

in the Ship. He must remember.

Zuri

Is this the whole message?

Kamal

There are co-ordinates to Saxa attached.

As well as a time and date.

Zuri checks this, then hands the PDA back to Kamal who pockets it.

Kamal

You two appeared in the bar on Saxa roughly

Four minutes after the message predicted.

Kamal gets up taking his plate to the sink.

Kamal

I take it your surname is McPherson?

Kamal washes the plate.

Kamal

Whatever happened to my brother is connected

to that file inside your head. I don’t know

how or in what way, but you were half right

earlier.

Xanti c***s his head

Xanti

How so?

Kamal

The Empress wants you so you are already dead.

It’s just a matter of How long it takes and who

she lets do the job…

76. INT – Tiberius Torture Chamber – Space

Doctor Segwai stumbles around a darkened maze. He is blind folded with his hands tied behind her back. He moves in slight increments. The walls hum when he gets too close.

Dr Segwai

Marco…

Bashir (o.s.)

(whisper)

Polo…

Dr Segwai spins around just brushing a wall. He is electrocuted and falls to the ground in a heap, where he lies shaking.

Tan (o.s.)

Hurry up, time’s running out…

Tan and Bashir sit back watching the action from a hidden alcove above the room. Dr Segwai struggles to his feet. Red tears run down his face. Tan is eating spicy grapes. Bashir takes some. The doctor in steels himself.

Dr Segwai

(whispers)

Marco...

Bashir whispers into a microphone.

Bashir

Polo…

Dr Segwai, hearing the sound behind him. Slowly he walks off in the direction he heard it from, a dead end.

Tan

You enjoy this job far too much.

Bashir nods grinning.

THE END