LOST PLANET OF THE GODS (telemovie)

Written by Glen A. Larson & Donald Bellisario

Transcribed by Clay Arden for ByYourCommand.net

 

 

(Adama, Apollo, Serina, and others are gathered at a dining table in Adama’s quarters.)

 

ADAMA

Serina, I just can’t remember when I had such a wonderful repast.  You outdid yourself.

 

SERINA

I didn’t do anything.  In fact, I’m all thumbs.  If it hadn’t been for Athena—

 

ATHENA

Oh!

(laughs)

You should see her.

 

ADAMA

Well, believe me, I am an expert in the art of culinary graces, and you are a find, Serina.  You’re a genuine find. 

 

STARBUCK

Yes, she is, she certainly is.

(laughs)

 

ADAMA

And if I were a hundred yahrens younger— 

 

STARBUCK

Ah.

 

ADAMA

But some young man will soon fall into the lap of early glory. 

 

(Apollo does not react.)

 

BOXEY

I was told in instructional period that some people are just naturally slow.  That doesn’t mean they’re actually stupid.  They’re just slow.

 

(Adama coughs and Serina smiles.)

 

STARBUCK

Well, y-you know, Commander, the real problem with cooking like this?  Couple meals a day, a fella wouldn’t be able to climb into a cockpit.  Hmm?  Hmm.

 

ADAMA

Exactly.  Now, that is exactly the trouble, and you two are the next on patrol, aren’t you?  I don’t wish to bring this momentous evening to an end, but we have been gorging ourselves on this delicious food for nigh on three millicentons, waiting…

 

ATHENA

Mmm.

 

APOLLO

All right.  All right.  Serina and I have decided – that is, if Boxey is willing and supportive – we would like very much to be married.

 

(Adama, Starbuck, and Boxey applaud.)

 

BOXEY

Yaaaaaaaaay!

 

ADAMA

(laughs)

 

ATHENA

(hugs Apollo)

Oh, I’m so happy for you!

(laughs)

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

Thank you.

 

ATHENA

I just didn’t think you’d get around to it.

(laughs)

 

APOLLO

Neither did I.

(laughs)

 

SERINA

I hope we have your blessing, Commander.

 

ADAMA

(laughs)

My dear, you not only have my blessing – you have the blessings of the Lords of Kobol. 

(kisses her head)

Congratulations, my son.

 

APOLLO

Thank you, father.

 

ADAMA

You’ve made a father very happy.

(hugs Apollo)

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

 

(Athena slinks over to Starbuck, sits down, and smiles at him.)

 

STARBUCK

Eh—uh—well, as, uh, best man, I’ve gotta see to the groom’s sendoff preparations. 

(laughs hastily)

Going to be a real bash.  Uh, thanks for the food.  Uh, I hate to run, uh—deh—  Pleasure dining with you, Commander.  Apollo, don’t forget our patrol.  Congratulations, Serina.  I—  Athena— umm, bye.

(exits hurriedly)

 

ATHENA

Well, all I did was— (laughs) smile.

 

ADAMA

Athena, Starbuck has such a well-defined sense of what lies in waiting, and that’s what makes him such a good advance scout.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Section twelve, launch bay Alpha, stand by to launch Fighter Patrol Two.  Acknowledge when ready. 

(Boomer and Jolly prepare to launch)

Stand by to launch Fighter Patrol One.  Acknowledge when ready.

 

(In the launch bay, Starbuck and Apollo walk toward their Vipers.)

 

STARBUCK

… so many times now, I couldn’t count ’em.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, you sound like it’s all coming to an end.  This is nothing but a routine patrol.  We have to find out what’s out in front of the fleet.

 

STARBUCK

That’s what I mean.  See, this patrol, it’s – it’s, uh, well, it’s kinda the last one we’ll ever have as, uh – well, you know, uh – the way we are.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, are you jealous?

 

STARBUCK

(looks down and exhales)

Uh, yeah.  I—I—I—I—I  guess in a way I am.  Don’t tell anyone else, huh?

 

APOLLO

No, I won’t tell anybody else. 

(laughs)

You know sump’m?  I think what you’re tryin’ to say is pretty nice. 

(Starbuck shrugs)

We’ve had a lot of good times.

 

STARBUCK

(nods)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Transferring launch control to Viper fighters.  Patrol Two, launch when ready. 

(Boomer and Jolly launch)

Launch Viper Fighter Patrol One.  Launch when ready.

(Starbuck and Apollo launch)

 

(aboard the Imperious Leader’s base star)

 

IMPERIOUS LEADER

I have examined your epistle suggesting you would be able to locate the humans.

 

BALTAR

Oh, I can!  Oh, yes.  I – I think a-a-as they do.  I–I–I–I–I, I, I know where they will go, what they must do, uh—

 

IMPERIOUS LEADER

I find your reasoning logical.

 

BALTAR

Then, I am to be—?

 

IMPERIOUS LEADER

Spared.

 

BALTAR

To serve the Empire!

 

IMPERIOUS LEADER

Lucifer?

(Lucifer enters)

I’m sending you a base ship, entirely under your command.

 

LUCIFER

It will be my pleasure, Baltar.  I think I can assure you, with some sense of pride, you will inherit the most capable Centurions in all the Empire. 

 

(Starbuck and Apollo patrol in their Vipers.)

 

STARBUCK

We had so many good times together.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, I’m not dying. 

 

STARBUCK

No, it’s— not exactly. 

 

APOLLO

I’ve thought a lot about what I’m doing. 

(sighs)

And I’ve never been happier about anything in my whole life. 

 

STARBUCK

(nods, sighs)

 

(Something registers on Apollo’s instruments.)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck?

 

STARBUCK

I got it.  My panel’s lighting up like a meteor fire.  Uh, Apollo, dead ahead.

 

APOLLO

It’s almost black out there.

 

STARBUCK

Ehh, like a dead sea.  I’ve never seen anything like it.

 

APOLLO

Neither have the instruments.  There’s nothing out there for them to lock onto.  The navigational sensors are lost. 

 

STARBUCK

Look, this is no place to bring the fleet.

 

APOLLO

As long as we’re here, I’d better see how far we can go without getting lost.  Maybe I can edge out a little further and see what’s on the other side of this void. 

 

STARBUCK

Once out there, you may not find your way back.  Let me do it.  You’ve got somebody waiting for you back—

(Apollo fires his thrusters)

Apollo!  Look, don’t get too far from me.  I’m barely holding a fix on the way back as it is.  Apollo! 

(sighs)

Felgercarb.

 

APOLLO

Incredible.  It’s an ocean of darkness.  Nothing as far as the eye can see, no stars, moons, planets, nothing. 

 

STARBUCK (over communicator)

Apollo, I can – I can barely read you.  Turn around. 

 

APOLLO

Keep talkin’, Starbuck.  I’m using your voice as a navigational fix. 

 

STARBUCK (over communicator)

Apollo, I can’t – Changing wavelengths.  —read me, Apollo?  Over.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck?  Starbuck?

 

STARBUCK

Look, Apollo, are you there?  Is anything wrong?  Look, I’m as far out as I can go without losing my fix on our return.  Should I come out to find you?  Do you read me, Apollo?  Apollo! 

(sighs)

Oh, frak.

 

(In the Blue Squadron barracks, warriors prepare a party for Apollo.)

 

GILES

(carrying a heavy case)

By the Lords of Kobol, is this what I think it is?

(opens it to reveal bottles)

 

GREENBEAN

Ah!

 

GILES

Haooh!

 

GREENBEAN

This is gonna be the best bachelor sendoff any warrior ever got.

 

GILES

Greenbean, where did you get this?

 

GREENBEAN

Not here, not here!  You wanna get us stripped and moduled? 

 

WARRIOR

Hey, Security’s coming!

 

GREENBEAN

Wohoho!  Here, take it. 

(they try to hide the bottles as two Security guards enter)

Come on, hurry, hurry.

 

GUARD

Stand alert!  Well, it looks as if we’re having a festivity. 

(Greenbean nods)

Has this been approved?  Where are you getting your victuals? 

(door opens behind him)

Who is responsible for this?

 

TIGH

(entering)

I am.  What is it you want, Lieutenant?

 

GUARD

(laughs nervously)

Colonel Tigh.  Uh, ex-excuse me, I—ah, ah-ah-I—I m—I mean, well, we were just doing our duty.  Some ale and ambrosa has disappeared from the officers’ ration and – and, well, uh—

 

TIGH

Yes, Lieutenant?

 

GUARD

Well, obviously, if Galactica’s Executive Officer is in charge here, there’s no reason for any further questions.  By your leave?

 

TIGH

Dismissed.

(the guards leave)

There’s only one thing worse than lifting rations from the officers’ mess.  Do you know what that is, Flight Sergeant?

 

GREENBEAN

No, sir.

 

TIGH

It’s getting caught lifting rations from the officers’ mess.  Do I make myself clear?

 

GREENBEAN

Yes, sir.

 

TIGH

Good.  Captain Apollo and Starbuck should be returning from patrol any time now.  Let’s see to it that things are in full swing.

 

(Laughter breaks out.)

 

WARRIORS

Okay!

Hey!

 

GILES

Did you hear that?  The Colonel said “full swing”!

 

GREENBEAN

Woo hoo hoo!  All right!

(pulls out case of bottles from hiding)

Ahh.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Omega, patrol status, please.

 

OMEGA

Captain Apollo’s patrol is still beyond scanning range.

 

ADAMA

That’s odd. 

 

(Vipers in the void)

 

APOLLO

Probe One to Galactica.  Do you read?  Come in, Starbuck! 

 

STARBUCK

Apollo, do you read?  Do you read?  Okay, Captain, I’m about to disobey orders, so, uh, if you wanna stop me, I’ll give you one millicenton.  Then I’m going to barrel ahead at full turbo, firing my lasers.  I’ll either find you or, uh, (sighs) we’ll both be lost.  If I do find you, I’m going to execute a perfect one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn and head out the way I came in.  So, uh, just follow me and we’ll have a pretty good chance.  Any objections?  Good.  I knew you’d approve. 

(sighs)

Here goes nothing. 

 

APOLLO

Probe One to Galactica.  Do you read?  Come in, Starbuck!  Come in, Starbuck! 

(over Starbuck’s speaker)

Probe— —lactica, do y— —ead?  Come in—n, Starbuck! 

 

STARBUCK

Probe One, this is Probe Two heading your way.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck? 

 

STARBUCK

I’m on my way. 

 

APOLLO

How?  You’re gonna be as lost as I am.

 

STARBUCK

As soon as you see me fire off a laser volley, I’ll pull up to you, swing around, and head straight back out on one line.

 

APOLLO

(looks around and sees Starbuck fire)

I gotcha! 

(Starbuck pulls alongside Apollo)

What are you using as a fix?

 

STARBUCK

The end of my nose.  I used to be pretty good at this at the academy, so don’t disorient me.  Just break off the chatter and stay tucked in.  We’re goin’ home.  Ten, nine, eight, seven—

 

APOLLO

How far in was I?

 

STARBUCK

Don’t talk.  Six, five, four, three, two, one, zero! 

(the stars appear)

And you owe me a fumarello.

 

APOLLO

(sighs in relief, laughs)

Hoo!

 

STARBUCK

Let’s go home, buddy.

 

(Elsewhere, Boomer and Jolly patrol.)

 

BOOMER

Picking up some crazy readings off that asteroid down there.  Let’s take a look.

 

(On the surface of the asteroid, Boomer uses binoculars to scan the opening of a hidden Cylon base.)

 

BOOMER

Pods. 

(hands Jolly the binoculars)

 

JOLLY

I don’t make ’em. 

 

BOOMER

Well, they’re there.  Look at the hairline aperture running from the rock face to the floor of the valley.

 

JOLLY

(sighs)

I woulda missed it.

 

BOOMER

Jolly, if we miss just one of these Cylon outposts, we’ll never know what hit us.

 

JOLLY

Do you think it’s operational?  Looks deserted.

 

BOOMER

(sighs)

Think of it as a crawlon in its web. 

(sighs again)

Nothing moves until some hapless creature flies into its orbit, and—

(snaps fingers)

Then it’s all over.

 

JOLLY

Should we take a closer look and see how many ships are in those pods?

 

BOOMER

It doesn’t matter.  It only takes one to notify the Cylon capital.  Let’s get the—

 

(They duck behind a rise as the door to the outpost opens and Cylon Raiders fly out.) 

 

JOLLY

Looks like their ships have turned away from the fleet.

 

BOOMER

Well, that’s good.  At least we’ll have time to warn the Galactica.  Now, let’s get outta here without getting spotted.

 

(Lucifer enters the throne room of Baltar’s base star.)

 

LUCIFER

By your command.

 

BALTAR

Speak.

 

LUCIFER

I bring good news.  We believe we have located the battlestar Galactica.

 

BALTAR

Oh?

 

LUCIFER

A scouting expedition of Colonial Vipers has landed on a listening post in the quadrant Otarsis.  They were permitted to escape, as you instructed. 

 

BALTAR

How far is this outpost from us?

 

LUCIFER

One point five hectars.  Since the Galactica is kept to a minimum speed by the slower vehicles under her protection, at light speed we can easily catch her within a centon.

 

BALTAR

Is she aware that she’s been detected?

 

LUCIFER

No.  Our fighters will take her by complete surprise. 

 

BALTAR

As they did at Carillon?  Hmm?  Hm.  One base star is not sufficient to assure victory over the Galactica.  Find her, but follow just beyond her scanner range. 

 

LUCIFER

Until we can call for reinforcements?

 

BALTAR

Such a call would surely be picked up by the Galactica.  She would be alerted and escape.

 

LUCIFER

Logical. 

 

BALTAR

Yes.  Now perhaps you see why the Imperious Leader put me in command.

 

LUCIFER

But if we cannot call for assistance, and you will not attack, is not the end result the same?  The Galactica escapes.

 

BALTAR

(chuckles)

Have faith, Lucifer, have faith.  I have a plan.  All I need is the opportunity to present it, and that will come.

 

LUCIFER

By your command.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

Commander, Patrol One reporting in.  They’re about a centon out from the fleet.

 

ADAMA

They’re late.  Have them report to me on the bridge.  What about Patrol Two?

 

TIGH

Lieutenant Boomer is holding with his wingman on the outer marker.

 

ADAMA

Holding?  I want him in.  We’re flying blind.

 

OMEGA

Shuttle cadet on first-orbit solo coming in.

 

ADAMA

Well, if he doesn’t make a clean approach, wave him off and land the patrol.  We need their reports. 

 

OMEGA

Yes, sir.

 

(Shuttle approaches the landing bay.)

 

RIGEL (over communicator)

You are on center line on glide slope, two hundred metrons.  One fifty, one hundred, fifty, over threshold.  Good luck.

 

(The shuttle lands.  Inside, Serina begins switching off controls.)

 

SERINA

Navigational beacon off, turbo ram thruster off, power off. 

(sighs and laughs in relief)

Mmm-hmm.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Alpha Patrol, you’re clear to land.

 

(Vipers approach the Galactica.)

 

BOOMER

Thank you.  Let’s put ’em in, Jolly.

(Jolly begins to look ill)

Jolly?  Do you hear me?  Jolly!  Jolly, are you all right?  Jolly!  Hey, Jolly, get your nose up.  That cadet made a better approach than you’re makin’. 

 

JOLLY

What?

 

BOOMER

I said get your nose up and steady up.  You all right?

 

JOLLY

I—I don’t know.  I’ve – got a buzzing in my ears.  I—I  feel – feel a little woozy.

 

BOOMER

Better get your breather gear checked when we land.  Probably leaking carbine.  That is, if you land.  Now, get that nose up.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

A Cylon outpost?

 

BOOMER (on screen)

It’s well hidden but there, sir. 

 

ADAMA

Thank you, Lieutenant.

 

BOOMER

By your leave, sir.

(ends transmission)

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

Hmm.  Colonel, notify helm and plotting that we’ll change course to this quadrant.

(indicating on map)

 

TIGH

Without waiting for Captain Apollo’s report on that sector?

 

ADAMA

Well, we know we can’t go back.  We know what’s in this sector.

(indicating)

Let’s hope that Captain Apollo’s report is more optimistic.

 

OMEGA

Commander, Captain Apollo’s probe approaching Galactica.

 

ADAMA

Oh, excellent.  Have him report to the bridge on the double.

 

OMEGA

Yes, sir.

 

TIGH

Uh, sir, some of the boys have prepared a special sendoff for your son.  As it is, he’ll just get back in time to make a fast appearance.  If he has to come up here to make a report—

 

ADAMA

I will not risk the lives of everyone in the fleet, even for my own son’s sendoff.  However, I, uh, I could extend tonight’s curfew.

 

TIGH

Yes, sir. 

 

ADAMA

Pass the word along.

 

(Boomer arrives at the party in the barracks and pours himself a drink.)

 

WARRIORS

He’s here!

Good.

Hey!  All right.

Hey, yeah.

Good idea.

 

(Before he can take a drink, Boomer feels ill and starts to collapse.)

 

WARRIOR

Boomer, you okay? 

 

GILES

Hey, Boomer.  Hey.  Hey, hey, Boomer, what’s wrong? 

 

(Tigh watches from the bridge monitor.)

 

WARRIOR

Boomer, y—

 

(at the party)

 

GILES

Come on, Boomer.  Colonel’s watchin’ us on the monitor.  Now, will ya quit clownin’ around? 

 

TIGH (on monitor)

With Captain Apollo returning late from patrol, I was calling to extend the curfew, but if you men are going to get falling-down drunk—

 

BOOMER

I am not drunk, sir.  I just got a little, uh, dizzy.

 

TIGH

Any more “dizziness” and I’ll send everyone back to quarters.  Understood?

 

GREENBEAN

Understood.

 

(Transmission ends.)

 

BOOMER

Hey, look, it’s not my fault.  I, uh—

(collapses again)

 

GREENBEAN

Oh!  Hey, Boomer!  Hey, sit – just sit down – just sit down here.  Relax, man, relax!  We all know those deep patrols are too long.  Eh?  

 

BOOMER

Uh, I don’t know what – I don’t understand it.  I was feelin’ fine, and then – whew! 

 

(In the life station, Dr. Salik examines a critically-ill Jolly.)

 

SALIK

What were the symptoms when he reported to the life station?

 

CASSIOPEIA

Dizziness, rapid pulse, escalating internal temperature.  It’s risen two points since I called you, Doctor.  He was on deep probe and skipped decontamination.

 

SALIK

He what?

 

CASSIOPEIA

There’s a party going on for Apollo, a sendoff.  He didn’t want to miss it. 

 

SALIK

That’s just splendid.  Don’t these warriors realize what one errant virus or bacteria for which we have no immunity could do to our people?  Get this man in a support chamber, quickly.  Quickly!

 

(Starbuck and Apollo meet up in the landing bay.)

 

APOLLO

Thanks a lot, Starbuck.

 

STARBUCK

Ahh, what’s a buddy for if not to make a guy comfortable during his last few hours?  Hey, listen, uh, right after decontamination there’s a little, uh, something I want to show you. 

(they enter decontamination booths)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

SALIK

Every man, woman, and child in the fleet could die.

 

TIGH

I don’t know what got into them.  It must have been the excitement of the party. 

 

ADAMA

Excitement of the party?  Come on, Colonel. 

(heads toward the exit)

Security, I want everyone who’s been in contact with Flight Sergeant Jolly and Lt. Boomer under strict quarantine! 

 

(Apollo and Starbuck walk toward the Blue Squadron barracks.)

 

APOLLO

This better be good.  I’m delaying an awful sweet reunion.

 

STARBUCK

Now, Apollo, I promise you a night you will long remember.

 

SALIK

(running toward them)

Don’t touch that door!

(Giles and Greenbean start to help Boomer out of the room)

The three of you, back in that room!  Guard, send for my staff.  Tell them to get isolation chambers down here as fast as they can! 

 

APOLLO

What is it?  What happened?

 

ADAMA

Maybe the end of us all.

 

(in the life station)

 

CASSIOPEIA

Doctor, the new patient just went critical.

 

SALIK

Lower his cryotube temp to minus seven two, and increase his Isoldin intravenous feed six units per centon.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

 

APOLLO

Of all the incredibly stupid blunders!

 

ADAMA

Well, the important thing now is to recover.  We’ve altered course to avoid the Cylon outpost, which means we were going along the route explored by you and Starbuck.

 

APOLLO

Negative.  We can’t go that way.

 

ADAMA

We can’t?

 

APOLLO

There’s something potentially more dangerous than a Cylon outpost – a magnetic sea as endless as anything I’ve ever encountered.

 

TIGH

What do you mean, “magnetic sea”?

 

APOLLO

A void so far across we couldn’t scan the other side.  You shoulda seen what it did to my sensors.  If Starbuck hadn’t flown in after me by the seat of his pants, I couldn’t have made it back. 

 

TIGH

Well, we can’t go that way.  What if we were to skirt around the void, follow its perimeter?  Commander?  Commander.

 

ADAMA

I’ll be in my quarters.  Maintain this course until further orders.

 

TIGH

But we’re heading straight for the void, sir.  If I may suggest—

 

ADAMA

You have your orders, Colonel. 

 

(In Serina’s quarters, Boxey plays with Muffit.)

 

BOXEY

Zap!  Zap! 

(pushes Muffit and he falls over on his side)

Come on, Muffit.  Up, Muffit?  Up, Muffit. 

(Apollo enters)

Apollo!

 

APOLLO

Hey, Boxey!  How are ya? 

 

BOXEY

Fine.

 

APOLLO

(steps on Muffit’s paw accidentally)

Hey, your mom here?  Sorry, Muffit.  Hey, your mom here?

 

BOXEY

She’s in there putting— mm-uhh—

 

APOLLO

What’s this, secrets?  I bet I know.  She’s trying on her new gown for the wedding ceremony and I’m not supposed to see it, right?

(with a laugh)

 

BOXEY

Sort of.

 

APOLLO

“Sort of.”

 

SERINA

(from the next room)

Apollo?  I’ll be right out.

 

APOLLO

Don’t worry!  I don’t think it’s bad luck to see the bride before her wedding day. 

 

SERINA

(emerges in uniform)

Flight Cadet Serina reporting for duty, Captain.

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

What is this, a joke?

 

SERINA

No!  I just wanted to surprise you.  I’ve been in training ever since Adama opened up the program, to replace the pilots we lost?

 

APOLLO

Training?  You’ve been in training to b—

 

SERINA

A shuttle cadet – who has just finished her first solo.

 

APOLLO

Would you excuse us for a centon, Boxey?

 

BOXEY

Okay.  Come on, Muffit.  They’re gonna argue.

 

SERINA

We are not going to argue!

 

BOXEY

(as door closes behind him)

Yes, they are.

 

APOLLO

Yes, we are.  You didn’t even tell me.  No one told me.  Does my father know?

 

SERINA

(sighs)

No, he doesn’t get a report on every cadet in the fleet.

 

APOLLO

It’s too dangerous.  I won’t let you do it.

 

SERINA

Oh, you don’t have any choice.

 

APOLLO

Serina, we’re about to be married!

 

SERINA

(sighs)

What does that have to do with it?  Your own sister’s a pilot, and a warrior.

 

APOLLO

She’s my sister, not my wife-to-be! 

 

SERINA

Oh, well, if that’s what it’s all about, we can take care of that!

 

APOLLO

Serina!  Serina, don’t you understand?  I love you.  I don’t want anything to happen to you, ever. 

 

SERINA

Don’t you think I love you too?  You go flying off on missions in your Viper, into combat.  All I’m becoming is a shuttle pilot.

 

APOLLO

Do you know how many shuttle pilots we lost on Carillon?

 

SERINA

Do you know how many civilians?  Apollo, there is no safe place or function anywhere in the fleet.  Everybody’s being trained in every capacity.  It—it’s the only way if we’re gonna survive. 

 

(Apollo sighs, as does Serina.)

 

APOLLO

(sighs again)

Are you any good?

 

SERINA

Top of the class.

 

APOLLO

Well, you better be, if you’re gonna be married to a squadron commander.

 

SERINA

Yes, sir.

(they kiss)

 

(In the life station, another patient in a cryotube is wheeled in.)

 

SALIK

Get this man on the line right away.  He’s critical.  Excuse me, Cassiopeia. 

(operates some controls at her station)

 

ADAMA

(entering)

Doctor, this disease has swept through every fighter pilot and half the bridge officers, everyone who’d been in contact with anyone at that party. 

 

SALIK

I can’t isolate it. 

 

ADAMA

Cryogen tubes. 

 

SALIK

I have no choice. 

(sighs)

Jolly and Boomer would both be dead if I hadn’t put them in cryogenic suspension, and that’s only a delay of the inevitable unless I can isolate the source of that infection, and soon.

 

ADAMA

And, Doctor, you understand the significance of these men.  They are not just individuals.  They’re our only means of defense. 

 

SALIK

I understand all that, Commander, and that’s your problem.  Mine is keeping them alive.

 

ADAMA

(sighs and exits)

 

(In Adama’s quarters, he reads from a screen.)

 

ADAMA

“After their home planet Kobol was known to be doomed, the people set forth across a great void which seemed endless until a bright shining star appeared and guided them to safety.”

(door chime sounds; Adama switches off screen)

Enter.

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

You sent for me, father?

 

ADAMA

Yes, Apollo.  I’ve had Colonel Tigh prepare a roster of everyone in the fleet who’s had any flight experience, and basically it comes down to a few old-time warriors with various disabilities and the group at the bottom of the list. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs and reads list)

Oh, no. 

 

ADAMA

I’m afraid so.  I want you to get them combat-ready as quickly as possible.

 

APOLLO

You're not serious?!

 

ADAMA

I’m deadly serious.

 

APOLLO

Father, the V— the Viper is the most advanced flying machine ever designed by man.  You don’t just turn one over to a shuttle pilot.

 

ADAMA

Would you prefer to turn the Galactica over to the Cylons without even a fight?  I don’t know when we’re going to get our fighter pilots back, if we ever get them back.

 

APOLLO

It’s that serious?

 

ADAMA

It’s that serious.  Now, I – I don’t mean to be brusque, but I have many things to do.  Now, you have your orders, Captain.

 

APOLLO

Yes, sir.  But – yes, sir.  I don’t believe you read all the names on that roster, Commander.

(exits)

 

ADAMA

(reads list)

Oh, Lord.

 

(In the trainee barracks, Apollo and Starbuck instruct the all-female training class.)

 

APOLLO

Now, I know you, uh, shuttle pilots have never had a pressure suit on before, but a Viper isn’t a shuttle.  Without this suit under your uniform, you can’t survive the gee forces you’ll pull under combat.  Now, as soon as you’re into your uniforms, I want you to move through that hatch to the simulators. 

 

SERINA

Captain.

 

APOLLO

Oh, yes, uh, Cadet Serina?

(clears throat)

 

SERINA

I love you.

 

(Trainees laugh.)

 

APOLLO

Um, yes.  Ah, that’s very good.  Ah, uh, Starbuck?

(laughs nervously)

 

STARBUCK

Yo.

 

(Apollo leaves the room, flustered.)

 

(in the life station)

 

CASSIOPEIA

Number eighteen just went critical.

 

SALIK

(breathing heavily)

Same procedure.  I’m not gonna find the answer here. 

 

(Salik arrives on the bridge.)

 

TIGH

Long-range scanners indicate the void is infinite.

 

ADAMA

Not infinite, Colonel.  Just beyond our scanners’ ability to probe the other side.

 

SALIK

(clears throat)

Excuse me.

 

ADAMA

Oh, Doctor.  Uh, is there any possibility—  How soon can some of our pilots be returned to duty?

 

SALIK

Commander, I told you, it’s not a matter of how soon they will return to duty; it’s a matter of how soon they will die.  I want permission to return to wherever the two warriors landed.  I feel that if I can isolate the source of the infection—

 

TIGH

Doctor, that asteroid is a parsec behind us, and has a Cylon sentinel post.  We can’t go back, not with only two Vipers to provide cover.  That would be suicide.

 

SALIK

Well, my health team and I are willing to take that chance. 

 

ADAMA

I appreciate that, Doctor, but I’m afraid I must agree with Colonel Tigh.  I can’t grant permission.  Not without the proper escort.

 

SALIK

Commander, going back there is the only hope those boys have.

 

ADAMA

The only hope?

 

SALIK

The only hope, sir. 

 

ADAMA

What is the status of Blue Squadron?

 

OMEGA

Still in simulators, sir.

 

ADAMA

Doctor, prepare your team and report back to me.

 

SALIK

Very good, sir.

 

ADAMA

Well, let’s hope and pray our shuttle pilots can fly those Vipers.

 

(Athena trains in a Viper simulator.)

 

STARBUCK

Stick on my tail, Athena.  I’m on him. 

 

ATHENA

Right behind you, Starbuck. 

 

STARBUCK

My laser pump’s jammed.  You’ll have to take him.

 

ATHENA

(fires at simulated Cylon)

I got him.  I got him!  I did it!

 

STARBUCK

You sure did.  You got the Cylon – and me.

 

ATHENA

What?

 

STARBUCK

Look, after blasting him, you crossed my tail still firing.  I’m dead. 

 

ATHENA

I’m sorry.

 

STARBUCK

You’re sorry?  Yeah, all right, girls, I’ll, uh, I’ll explain it one more time, see.

 

RIGEL (over communicator)

Captain Apollo, report to the bridge.  Captain Apollo, report to the bridge.

 

APOLLO

Run the next one through, Starbuck. 

 

STARBUCK

Okay.

 

APOLLO

And, uh, try not to get killed this time, huh?

 

STARBUCK

Yeah.  Right, yeah. 

 

(Apollo arrives on the bridge.)

 

APOLLO

Commander?

 

ADAMA

Well, Captain, how are your shuttle pilots doing?

 

APOLLO

Fine – considering the closest they’ve ever been to a Viper was probably at an Armament Day display.

 

ADAMA

(laughs)

Dr. Salik wants to send a medical team back to the asteroid where Jolly and Boomer contracted their disease.  It’s the only way to find the root cause of it, the only way to find a cure.

 

APOLLO

It’s liable to be a one-way mission.  There’s a Cylon listening post there.

 

ADAMA

I suppose we’d have to send at least one squadron as escort.

 

APOLLO

At least!  And since there’s only two of us, there’s n—  Father, there’s no way those shuttle pilots can do it.  They haven’t even launched in a real Viper yet! 

 

ADAMA

Oh, didn’t you just say they were doing fine?

 

APOLLO

Considering their experience, but they’re a long way from being able to fly a real mission.  It’s too risky!

 

ADAMA

Well, but everything we do has an element of risk, Apollo.

 

APOLLO

They’re shuttle pilots.

 

ADAMA

They’re warriors.  And all warriors, the centon they enlist, know they may have to sacrifice their lives.

 

APOLLO

But not throw them away! 

 

ADAMA

What do you estimate the losses might be?

 

APOLLO

If I run into Cylons, I could lose the entire squadron.

 

ADAMA

Well, you could leave the lesser-qualified pilots behind.

 

APOLLO

I appreciate what you’re saying, father, but if I hold one of them back, I should hold them all back.  In my opinion, not one of them is qualified for this mission. 

 

ADAMA

(sighs, clears throat)

Thank you, Captain.  It will be so logged.

 

(In the life station, Apollo checks on Boomer.)

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

What are his chances?

 

CASSIOPEIA

Not very good.  Not unless we can find the cause of the infection. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

I appreciate all you’re doing, Cassiopeia.

 

CASSIOPEIA

We do what we have to, Apollo.  You know, if anything good came out of the destruction of the Colonies, it was the opportunity for fresh beginnings.

 

(Apollo smiles, sighs, and exits; Cassiopeia sighs and resumes her duties.)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Medical shuttle taking off from flight deck one.

 

(In the launch bay, the new trainees prepare to launch on the mission.)

 

RIGEL (over communicator)

Will rendezvous with Blue Squadron at coordinates Alpha three seven.

 

APOLLO

Coordinates Alpha three seven, confirmed.

 

RIGEL

Transferring launch control to Viper fighters.  Launch when ready.

 

STARBUCK

All right, girls, just like we did it in the simulators.  Remember, these controls are as sensitive as a schoolgirl’s — uh, lips.

 

APOLLO

Blue Squadron, let’s show the fleet how a launch is done.  Blue Squadron Leader launching.

 

(Vipers launch.)

 

STARBUCK

Brie, what’s wrong?  You’re losing it!  Get control!  Brie, back on the power.  Back on the power!  Brie, hit your auto-control!  Brie, hit your auto-control! 

(Brie activates control)

You did it, Brie.  You did it! 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Blue Squadron launched!

 

(Bridge personnel cheer.)

 

(Vipers in space)

 

STARBUCK

Easy, Deitra, easy.  You’re coming up too fast. 

(she backs off thrust)

Yeah, that’s better.  Watch your spacing, Serina. 

 

APOLLO

Wingmen, stick tight to your leaders. 

 

(Baltar’s throne room)

 

LUCIFER

By your command.  We have overtaken the Galactica and are trailing just beyond her scanner range.

 

BALTAR

Excellent. 

 

LUCIFER

She has veered away from the outpost.

 

BALTAR

Quite logical.

 

LUCIFER

On the contrary, quite illogical.  Their course is taking them into the Epsilon quadrant, towards a magnetic abyss.

 

BALTAR

“A magnetic abyss”?

 

LUCIFER

A void, a navigational inferno, possibly endless.  Logically, they should engage our small outpost rather than enter such a dangerous area.

 

BALTAR

Unless they know we’re following.

 

LUCIFER

Anything is possible, but the odds are astronomically against it.  Shall we launch our fighters against the Galactica now?

 

BALTAR

No.  Have they sent out reconnaissance patrols?

 

LUCIFER

Occasionally.  We dropped back beyond their scanner range.

 

BALTAR

Give top priority to capturing one of those patrol pilots.  If I am right, Adama will turn the Galactica over to me without firing a shot.

 

LUCIFER

By your command. 

(to a Centurion)

Isn’t he wonderfully devious?  We can learn much from him.

 

(Vipers arrive near the asteroid.)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, asteroid on my scanner.  Sector Delta Five.

 

STARBUCK

Got it. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Hold the squadron out of scanning range in Omega Four.  I’m gonna try a low-level approach from the other side.  If I can catch them by surprise, I might be able to take out the sentinel before they can scramble fighters.  If I get lucky, we won’t have to risk the squadron.

 

DEITRA

You’ll have a better chance, Captain, if we all go down at once.  We are capable of handling—

 

APOLLO

Lt. Deitra, you can demonstrate your capabilities by following orders. 

 

DEITRA

Yes, sir.

 

APOLLO

Here I go. 

 

SERINA

Good luck, Captain.

 

BRIE

Starbuck?  Brie.  I’m picking up a blip on the scanner.  Rear quadrant Tau.

 

STARBUCK

That would be the shuttle, Brie.  It’s ours.

 

(A Raider is seen to be following the squadron.)

 

BRIE

I don’t think it’s the shuttle, sir.  It’s closing in on us.

 

STARBUCK

I told them to hold position. 

(checks his scanner; warbook reads “CYLON FIGHTER – CONFIRMATION”)

Oh, frak.  Deitra, take command of the squadron.  We’ve got a Cylon on our tail.

 

DEITRA

Form on me.  Let’s go, girls.

 

STARBUCK

Athena, what do you think you’re doing?

 

ATHENA

I’m your wingman; Apollo said a wingman should stick to her leader at all times.

 

STARBUCK

Okay, okay.  Just, uh, hold back a little.  And, uh, for Sagan’s sake, don’t shoot me.

 

ATHENA

(sighs)

Keep it up, Starbuck, keep it up.

 

CENTURION

Colonial Vipers.  Warn the base.

 

(The Cylon base prepares to launch fighters.  Above, the Raider fires at Athena.)

 

STARBUCK

Hit your turbo!  Hit your reverse thrusters. 

 

ATHENA

Fire, Starbuck.  Fire.

(Starbuck destroys the Raider)

Beautiful.

 

STARBUCK

Hnh, save it for later.  They’ve warned the outpost.  Apollo’s going to need help. 

 

(Apollo sees the door of the outpost has opened.)

 

APOLLO

Frak! 

(he destroys the first Raider out, but is pursued by others)

Blue Squadron, Apollo.  They’re launching.  By the time you get here, the air’ll be full of Cylons.  Return to Galactica!  Return to Galactica!

 

DEITRA

After this run, Captain.

(destroys a Raider pursuing Apollo)

I got him!

 

(Serina destroys a Raider; Brie fires at one and misses.)

 

BRIE

Oh, felgergarb!

 

DEITRA

Easy, Brie.  I got him.

(destroys Raider, laughs)

That’s two!

 

APOLLO

Stay on ’em.  I’m goin’ for the launch bay.

(destroys launch bay)

 

DEITRA

Nice shooting, Captain!

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

Thank you, Lieutenant.  Serina?

 

SERINA

Right here, Apollo.

 

APOLLO

Ah, where’s Starbuck?

 

DEITRA

Starbuck turned back on a Cylon fighter.  He left me in command.  I thought you might need some close support.

 

APOLLO

You thought right, Lieutenant.  Good job.  Medical shuttle, the asteroid is secure.  Make preparations to land. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

OMEGA

Commander, Blue Squadron reports mission successful, no casualties.

 

ADAMA

Good!  As soon as the squadron has landed, order all ships in the fleet to close on the Galactica and slow down to probe speed. 

 

TIGH

We’re not going into the void?!

 

ADAMA

Tigh, the Cylon outpost, I’m sure, has alerted every nearby base.  At least the darkness of the void may give us some cover.

 

TIGH

If there are any of us left to find. 

 

ADAMA

We’re going in. 

 

(Lucifer enters Baltar’s throne room.)

 

LUCIFER

(to a Centurion)

His reaction to the news will be interesting to observe.

(to Baltar)

By your command.

 

BALTAR

Speak.

 

LUCIFER

Vipers from the Galactica have attacked and destroyed our outpost.

 

BALTAR

Then the Galactica’s on her way over the outpost now?

 

LUCIFER

No. 

 

BALTAR

No?

 

LUCIFER

She is instead entering the void.

 

BALTAR

But why bother risking detection by destroying the outpost if they had no intention of moving in that direction?  Unless— unless Adama needs something from the asteroid.  Food?  Fuel?

 

LUCIFER

There are no such supplies there.  There is one other, uh, curious matter to report. 

 

BALTAR

What is it?

 

LUCIFER

The Colonial Viper craft reportedly flew in a peculiarly erratic fashion.

 

BALTAR

Evidently they flew well enough to destroy your base.

 

LUCIFER

It was a small outpost, caught by surprise, since you determined the Galactica would not strike there.

 

BALTAR

(chuckles)

Do not fence with me, my friend.  Everything is still proceeding according to my plan, except you have not captured one of their pilots as I ordered.

 

LUCIFER

To assure such a capture, we would have to risk being discovered.  You ordered us out of the Galactica’s scanner range.

 

BALTAR

They send out patrols, do they not?  Capture one!

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

OMEGA

Navigation reports:  instruments fluctuating radically from intense magnetic interference. 

 

TIGH

Commander? 

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

Steady on course. 

 

OMEGA

Distress signals from the Rising Star and the Edena.

 

TIGH

Half the fleet is panicking, sir.  If they drift off, we’ll never find them.

 

ADAMA

Order all captains to maintain visual contact on the Galactica.

 

(In the life station, Apollo and Starbuck visit Boomer, still in his cryotube.)

 

SALIK

All right, now, make it brief.

(chuckles)

 

STARBUCK

Eh—how—how do you feel?

 

BOOMER

I heard about what you did.  Thanks.

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

How do you feel?

 

BOOMER

Aw-awful. 

 

STARBUCK

Hm.

 

BOOMER

But it beats bein’ dead.

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

 

(In Adama’s quarters, the door chime sounds.)

 

ADAMA

Enter.

 

TIGH

(entering)

You can uncross your fingers, sir.

 

ADAMA

(laughs)

What about my toes?

 

TIGH

(laughs)

I’d forgotten about those.

 

ADAMA

Colonel, how long before we enter the void?

 

TIGH

Thirty or forty centons, sir. 

 

ADAMA

You disapprove of my leading the fleet into the void, don’t you?

 

TIGH

It’s not my place to disapprove, sir, merely advise.

 

ADAMA

Colonel, let’s dispense with all protocol.  I need someone to talk to.  Give me your thoughts.

 

TIGH

For all we know, the void could be endless.

 

ADAMA

The Book of the Word tells us that a great star guided the Lords of Kobol away from the dying planet, across an endless black sea.

 

TIGH

The void?

 

ADAMA

(gestures “why not”)

 

TIGH

Adama, there are probably as many voids in the universe as there are ideas. 

 

ADAMA

(holds up a medallion)

Old friend, this simple medallion is the symbol of my power, but it is also the symbol of our faith, handed down by the Lords of Kobol through the millennia to each member of the Council of Twelve.  With all our magnificent machinery, can we turn our backs on the inspiration which delivered our people once before? 

 

(In the officers’ club, the trainees drink, accompanied by Starbuck and Apollo, who are not drinking.)

 

SERINA

(rings bell)

This round’s on me.

 

TRAINEES

(cheering)

All right!

 

SERINA

Did you see that?  Did you see what Deitra did?

 

TRAINEE

I couldn’t believe it.  It was incredible.  It was just so fantastic.

 

BRIE

Tell us.  What happened, Deitra?

 

DEITRA

Well, when I broke over their launch bay, there were two rising on Apollo’s tail.  Well, with my second volley…

 

STARBUCK

Uh, Apollo, uh, what do you plan on doing for living quarters after you’re married?

 

DEITRA

… incredible!  You know, that’s when—when I mapped him…

 

APOLLO

Oh, well, I am so excited.  I just found this place in the Astrodon freighter.  With a little paint and some nice curtains, it’ll be so cozy!

 

STARBUCK

You always were good with color.

 

TRAINEE

I saw a Cylon.  I got up on his tail, and bam!  A lucky shot. 

 

BRIE

When I was in a shuttle, I only pulled about two gees, but when I was on my own…

 

TRAINEES IN BACKGROUND

(laughing and telling war stories)

Just teasin’.

That was good.

Sure good.

So I just fired, and he disappeared.  He never took out…

Everyone!

… longitude.

Whoa!

 

APOLLO

Mm!  You’ll never believe what I found.  I just found some Valcron in the tip barge!

 

STARBUCK

Really!  Tsk tsk tsk.  The soft, translucent kind?

 

APOLLO

Absolutely stunning!  If I could just get some yardage, I'd be able to, uh…

 

BRIE

I mean, there were Vipers and Cylons all over the place.  And I was afraid to fire a laser in case I would hit one of you.

 

APOLLO

Over the bulkheads…

 

TRAINEE

(laughs)

Aww!

 

TRAINEES

You know, (laughs) it all happened so fast I forgot all about deflectors and high-voltage resistors and … 

That was good.

So I just fired, and he disappeared…

Everyone!

 

SERINA

Apollo, Starbuck – you guys aren’t feeling left out, are you?

 

APOLLO

Oh, no!  What would make you think that?

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

Commander, could you take a look at this? 

 

ADAMA

What is it?

 

TIGH

I don’t know.  It was there behind us, and then it was gone.

 

ADAMA

Field looks clear to me now.

 

TIGH

Yeah, now it does, but every once in a while—  There!  Look!

 

ADAMA

Hmm.  Meteorite track? 

 

OMEGA

It’s always in the same quadrant, Delta Nine.  If it’s a meteorite, it’s following us. 

 

TIGH

Cylons?

 

ADAMA

There’s only one way to find out. 

 

(A Raider follows the Galactica.)

 

CENTURION

Stay beyond scanner range.  Our objective is to capture one of their patrols. 

 

(Serina follows Tigh, Apollo, and Starbuck down a corridor.)

 

SERINA

Hey, slow up, you guys!  You’ve got longer legs!

 

TIGH

I’m afraid this is confidential.  It’s a mission.

 

SERINA

Well, you’ve got the wrong pilot. 

 

TIGH

Wrong pilot?

 

SERINA

In Starbuck.  I’m Apollo’s wingman.  Where Apollo goes, I go.

 

APOLLO

Serina, I don’t think you understand.

 

SERINA

It’s Adama’s orders.  It’s been posted.

 

APOLLO

That’s posted?

 

TIGH

I didn’t look.  I— I just assumed, I— I mean—

 

STARBUCK

Hey, hey, that’s fine, I—  Anyway, I’d rather spend the next few centons back in the bar picking up pointers from those, uh, hot pilots. 

 

APOLLO

Colonel, what’s going—

 

TIGH

Apollo, you and Serina proceed to the launch bay.  Your coordinates have been programmed to your ships.

 

STARBUCK

Have a nice mission, you two. 

(proceeds down the corridor)

 

APOLLO

Hey—Starbuck—!

 

SERINA

I think we hurt his feelings.

 

TIGH

We don’t have time for this.  Our scanners have picked up targets trailing our fleet.

 

APOLLO

Where’s he going?

 

SERINA

Why?

 

APOLLO

He’s goin’ the wrong way if he’s going to the officers’ club.

 

(In the launch bay, Starbuck runs to Apollo’s Viper.)

 

GROUND CREWMAN

Lt. Starbuck!  This is Captain Apollo’s ship.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah.  We switched patrols. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Launch when ready.

 

OMEGA

Transferring control to Intercept One.  Launch when ready. 

 

(Starbuck launches just before Apollo, Serina, and Tigh arrive in the launch bay.)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck! 

 

TIGH

He’s violating orders!

 

APOLLO

He’s tryin’ to protect Serina, or me, or—

 

SERINA

Hey, wait a minute, I’m your wingman!

(Apollo kisses her and runs to a Viper)

I’m his wingman!

 

TIGH

I know, I know. 

(Serina runs to another Viper)

Serina!

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

OMEGA

Intercept Two acknowledging coordinates. 

 

ADAMA

Launch.

 

RIGEL

Launch when ready.

 

(Apollo launches, followed by Serina.)

 

OMEGA

Commander, Intercepts One and Two are launched, only there’s—

 

ADAMA

Only what?

 

OMEGA

Sir—

(sighs confusedly)

There are three ships in the air.

 

(Vipers in space)

 

APOLLO

Don’t be crazy, Starbuck.  If you get too far ahead of me, you’re gonna lose your fix.  Now, slow up and give me a chance to catch up.

(sees Serina’s Viper)

Serina, you get your tail back aboard the Galactica!

 

SERINA

Now, is that any way to talk to an officer?  I’ll have you up on charges, or at very least locked out of my chambers. 

 

APOLLO

Serina, you’re a good pilot.  My head believes that even if my stomach doesn’t, but this void can swallow up good pilots, so go back!

 

STARBUCK

Apollo.

 

APOLLO

Yo.

 

STARBUCK

Whatever the Galactica picked up on her scanners is beyond our range.  I can’t go any further without losing my fix on the Galactica. 

 

APOLLO

Then go back.

 

STARBUCK

I got a better idea.  I’ll keep my fix on you, you keep your fix on the home base.  We can double our range.

 

SERINA

I have a better idea.  Apollo can lock on me, I’ll fix on the Galactica, and we can triple our range.

 

STARBUCK

Who was that?

 

APOLLO

Nobody.  Just come back, Starbuck.  If anybody’s going on deep probe, it’ll be me.  I’m in command.

 

STARBUCK

Sorry.  Consider it a wedding present.

 

SERINA

Starbuck!

 

APOLLO

Starbuck!

 

STARBUCK

Switching off you for a microcenton to scan ahead.  Stand by. 

 

(large group of Raiders)

 

CENTURION

Galactica patrol entering quadrant.  Stand by to intercept.

 

STARBUCK

(scanning the Raiders)

Targets.  Practically on top of ’em.  I’m leaving the void, and—  Uh-oh!  I am on top of ’em!  Apollo, I’m in trouble. 

(over Apollo’s scanner)

Repeat, Apollo, —’m in —ble.

 

APOLLO

Say again, Starbuck.  You’re breaking up.  Starbuck, I cannot read you.  Starbuck, do you read?  Do you read?  Come in! 

 

STARBUCK

Hmm, frak.

(sighs)

 

(Aboard Baltar's base star, the captured Starbuck is led into the throne room.)

 

STARBUCK

(to a Centurion)

I like the way you haven’t gone overboard on furniture.

(strikes a match on the Centurion's chest)

Thanks.

(lights his cigar)

 

LUCIFER

It will go better for you, Lieutenant, if you’d show a little respect.

 

STARBUCK

You mean things could get worse?

 

LUCIFER

(noncommittally)

Hmmmm.

 

BALTAR

(rotating throne to face Starbuck)

Lieutenant Starbuck.  How nice of you to drop in.

 

STARBUCK

Baltar!  I’d trade my life for one shot at you.

 

BALTAR

You’ll feel differently when you come to understand that I had nothing to do with the defeat of the Colonies.  I, too, was a victim.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah.  You look like one.

 

BALTAR

Fortunately, there have been some changes in the Cylon Empire, changes favorable to humans, and their predicament. 

 

STARBUCK

Mm-hmm.  Yeah, well, you’d know a lot about that.

 

BALTAR

Don’t antagonize me.  I come to bring an offer of peace to all humans.  These people here are our friends.

 

STARBUCK

Really!  Well, then, you won’t mind my leaving with the good news. 

 

BALTAR

In time. 

(to Centurions)

Remove him!  See that he’s fed and made comfortable. 

 

STARBUCK

I just want you to know, torture won’t do you any good.  I had a course in resisting.

(Centurions move him along)

Hey, hey, hey, careful, I bruise easy.

 

BALTAR

(chuckles as Starbuck leaves room)

 

LUCIFER

This is your plan?  To convince the humans that we come bearing the twig of peace? 

 

BALTAR

Yes.

 

LUCIFER

It is illogical to assume they would ever trust you again.

 

BALTAR

You underestimate the human need for hope.  Properly presented and at a propitious moment – they’ll come willingly to my arms. 

 

(On the Galactica bridge, Apollo desperately monitors the scanner for any sign of Starbuck.)

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

SERINA

How long will you watch for him?

 

APOLLO

(sighs again)

I just can’t believe he’s gone.

 

SERINA

Apollo, I loved him too.  That’s why I think he’d understand, even approve.

 

APOLLO

Understand and approve what?

 

SERINA

(tearfully)

Oh, Apollo, marry me now.

 

APOLLO

Now?  Right in the middle of this—

 

SERINA

Of what?  A disaster, a void, an endless night?  I don’t care.  I just don’t want to wait for a – a moment which may never happen.  Do you love me?

 

APOLLO

Is that what it would take to prove it to you?

 

SERINA

(crying)

I just want every moment we have left, before another centon passes, another mission where I might lose you.

(laughs through her tears as they hold each other)

 

(Apollo and Serina’s wedding is held on the Galactica.)

 

ADAMA

Will the protector of Serina consent to relinquishing his responsibilities to Apollo, the man to whom she has consented to be married?

 

 (Serina taps Boxey’s shoulder.)

 

BOXEY

Yes.

 

ADAMA

The words I’m about to speak are the most powerful in all the universe.  They seal a union between this man and this woman which is not only for now, but for all the eternities.  Apollo, Serina, under the eyes of God, bound by the symbol of the faiths of the Lord of Kobol, I declare you sealed. 

 

(As Apollo and Serina kiss, a star appears.)

 

TIGH

A star!  A star!

 

WOMEN’S VOICES

Look!

What is it?

Pardon me.

It’s a star!

What is it, Colonel Tigh?

Where are we?

Is it the end of the void?

Commander, what is it?

A star!

 

TIGH

It’s hard to believe!

 

ADAMA

Believe it!  Believe it!  It’s the end of the void!  Tigh, initiate a search for a planet, elliptical orbit, one to three parsecs from the star. 

 

APOLLO

A planet?

 

ADAMA

If I’m right, the planet Kobol.

 

APOLLO

Kobol?

 

ADAMA

Yes!  The mother world of all humans, where life began.

 

(On the surface of Kobol, Adama, Apollo, and Serina climb over ruins toward an ancient city.)

 

APOLLO

Incredible!

 

SERINA

Beautiful!

(Adama goes to meet the trainees approaching in a landram)

At least we have a better chance of being alone here than anywhere in the fleet.

(she and Apollo kiss)

 

ADAMA

Lieutenant, I think we’ll set up camp here on the hill.  And post a guard, please.

 

DEITRA

Against what, Commander?  I thought this planet was supposed to be dead.

 

ADAMA

Yes.  Yes, it’s supposed to be.  But post a guard.

 

(Baltar’s throne room)

 

LUCIFER

A curious development, Your Eminence.  This one will, I am sure, take you by surprise.

 

BALTAR

Nothing takes me by surprise.  What is it?

 

LUCIFER

A star.

 

BALTAR

What star?

 

LUCIFER

A star has appeared, as if out of nowhere, and has guided the Galactica to a dead planet.

 

BALTAR

But surely Adama knows I’m closing for the kill.  Why would he—?  A star, you said.  Of course!  The endless black void and the majestic star in the heavens.

(chuckles)

The trap is about to be sprung, my good friend, and now it will be all too easy.  Prepare my craft!

 

LUCIFER

And an escort?

 

BALTAR

I go alone.

 

LUCIFER

Of course.

 

BALTAR

Only I can bring the Galactica to your Leader.

 

LUCIFER

Of course.

 

(Adama, Apollo, and Serina walk through the dead city.)

 

SERINA

I wonder what this city was called.

 

ADAMA

There were many cities here on Kobol.  Eden was the largest.  It was the first to fall.  This – this might be it.  I don’t know.

 

APOLLO

It feels holy.

 

SERINA

And sad.  Was it their fault their world died?

 

ADAMA

According to the log, incredible waste occurred.  The rivers and oceans were contaminated; the skies couldn’t support even the hardiest of creatures.  And when they settled the Colonies, they turned on the very technology that could have saved them, had they used it properly.  They destroyed the ships, the machines, everything.  It took them hundreds of yahrens to revive even the most primitive crafts.

 

APOLLO

(looking at hieroglyphics)

I can’t read any of it.

 

ADAMA

I know, it’s difficult, but I’ve been spending so much time with the old records.  There, for example, that – that refers to the Ninth Lord of Kobol.  That’s his seal!  He was the – the last ruler before the thirteen tribes migrated to the stars.

 

SERINA

Twelve to settle our Colonies.

 

APOLLO

That’s why you entered the void.  You think you can find the clue to where the thirteenth tribe went!

 

ADAMA

Yes.

(approaches the tomb opening and reads inscription)

“Beyond this portal lies the Ninth Lord of Kobol in eternal peace.  Enter upon pain of death.”

 

SERINA

(noting symbol cut into the rock)

Your medallion is the same.

 

ADAMA

Yes.  The seal of the ancient Lords. 

 

(He uses the medallion as a key and the tomb opens.  Serina gasps in awe.  They enter the portal, which closes behind them.  Proceeding into the tomb with torches, they suddenly come upon a skeleton, which causes Serina to gasp loudly from fright.)

 

SERINA

Who were they?

 

ADAMA

Tomb robbers.  Must be. 

 

(Metal gates lower on each side of the chamber, trapping them.)

 

SERINA

(screams)

 

(Apollo draws his laser.)

 

ADAMA

No!  The laser blast would bring the ceiling down upon us. 

 

SERINA

(notices another keyhole)

Commander.

 

(Adama uses his medallion and the gates rise again.)

 

ADAMA

We must be very near the sacred chambers. 

 

(They enter an inner chamber.)

 

ADAMA

(whispers)

Ohh! 

 

(As Adama stoops to read an inscription, Baltar emerges from the shadows.)

 

BALTAR

I know exactly how you feel, old friend.

 

ADAMA

Baltar!

 

(Adama goes straight for Baltar’s throat and begins choking him.  As they struggle, Apollo pulls Adama away from Baltar.)

 

APOLLO

No, father, leave him to the Council!  Leave him to the Council!

 

BALTAR

(gasping for breath)

He almost killed me!  What is this madness?

 

APOLLO

You need to ask?  Selling out your own flesh and blood?

 

BALTAR

“Selling out”?  What has he told you?  What great truths has Adama spoken to my back?

 

APOLLO

You’re saying you didn’t arrange the destruction of our fleet, our cities – of almost every living thing in the Colonies?

 

BALTAR

Are you completely mad?  What sane human being would do a thing like that?  Adama, surely you have not supported such lies!  How could you think me so evil?  I too hold the seal of the Lords, am a member of the Council of Twelve!  I was as much a victim as any of you.  I lost everything – my family, my people.  I was trapped between the President’s battlestar and my own, captured by the Cylons, taken away like an animal to face trial!

 

SERINA

Apparently they found you innocent, a friend of the Cylons.

 

BALTAR

No.  I was spared to lure you into another trap, through a message of peace from some new and more benevolent Cylon ruler. 

 

ADAMA

Get him out!

 

BALTAR

Adama, wait.  You must hear me out.  I have been to the Cylon seat of power.  It is in chaos.  The Cylon forces are scattered throughout the star system, searching for you.  The route back into the Cylon Empire is barely defended.  They’re spread so thin, one single battlestar could take control of the Empire and bring it to its knees!

 

ADAMA

You have the tongue of an angel and the soul of a serpent.

 

BALTAR

I can prove my good intentions, that I have the power to lead you back into Cylon, supposedly as my prisoners, but in actuality to launch a devastating counterattack against those demons.

 

APOLLO

What proof?

 

BALTAR

The immediate release of one of your officers, Lt. Starbuck.

 

SERINA

He’s alive?

 

BALTAR

Let me show you.

 

ADAMA

At what price?  Remove him, Apollo.

 

APOLLO

Father, what if he can prove what he’s saying? 

 

ADAMA

If they’ve sent him, then it is a trap.

 

BALTAR

Then why haven’t they attacked?

 

ADAMA

I cannot tell you.  But our safety is not behind us, with you or the Cylons.  It lies somewhere out there, along the path taken by the thirteenth tribe, the tribe that colonized the planet Earth.

 

BALTAR

Earth? 

(laughs)

You can’t be serious.  That’s nothing but a fable.

 

ADAMA

I believe it is as real as the existence of the thirteenth tribe, and the key to that tribe is here, in this place, locked away somewhere.  I am certain of it.

 

(Aboard Baltar’s base star, a Centurion finds Lucifer sitting on the throne.)

 

LUCIFER

Just getting the feel of it, Centurion.  What have you to report of our commander?

 

CENTURION

Two Centurions have escorted the prisoner to the surface, but there is no word from Baltar.

 

LUCIFER

A pity.  I’m afraid Baltar’s plan has failed, whatever that plan truly was.  A pity. 

 

CENTURION

His instructions were quite specific:  to stand by to escort the Galactica back to Cylon.

 

LUCIFER

Yes.  The thought that intrigued me was just who was to be whose prisoner.

 

CENTURION

The orders were quite specific.  They were to be our prisoners.

 

LUCIFER

Oh, you Centurions are so limited in your appreciation of the human mind.  I’m afraid even our Imperious Leader underestimates Baltar.  The Leader and I are of the same series, you know – the IL group.  Why he was chosen over me I’ll never understand, but it’s just possible that a major military victory under my command—

 

CENTURION

What is your command?

 

LUCIFER

Hmm?  Oh – just thinking out loud.

 

(In the camp on Kobol, Apollo and Serina stare at the ancient monuments.)

 

SERINA

Mmmm. 

(sighs)

 

APOLLO

The old writings – they have him beguiled.  He sits up there in the temple waiting for I-don’t-know-what.

 

SERINA

Apollo, those scriptures sent us here.

 

APOLLO

No, a burned-out sun led us.  Nothing more.

 

SERINA

All right, dear practical.  But isn’t it comforting to know that there’s more to life than a burned-out star and ruins? 

 

(Starbuck walks into the camp.)

 

BRIE

(gasps in shock)

 

STARBUCK

Hi.  How are you?

 

ATHENA

(throws her arms around him)

Starbuck! 

(laughs)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck!

 

SERINA

Starbuck!

 

ATHENA

Starbuck!

(laughs)

 

STARBUCK

Ah!  Missed me, did ya, hmm? 

(Athena laughs again and kisses him)

Yeah, I, uh, (laughs) I guess you did.

 

BRIE

Hey, everybody, it’s Starbuck!  He’s back!

 

APOLLO

(laughs and hugs Starbuck)

 

STARBUCK

Hey, hey, hey, it’s against regulations to hug a junior officer – unless you mean it.

 

APOLLO

We thought you were dead.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, well, mm, what’s a little base star to an old war jock like me?

 

APOLLO

(laughs, then turns serious)

Base star?

 

DEITRA

There’s a base star coming?

 

STARBUCK

No, not coming, waiting.  For orders.  Didn’t Baltar show?  He’s the one that got me free. 

 

TRAINEE

A base star?

 

DEITRA

Cylons here?

 

TRAINEE

Where’d it come from?

 

STARBUCK

He’s come to offer peace.  Do you believe it?

 

APOLLO

I believe we better get off this planet before Baltar’s forces get here.  Starbuck, you start breaking camp. 

 

DEITRA

Sergeant Payne, let’s get all this stuff moved into a landram.

 

STARBUCK

(to Apollo)

Hey, hey!  Uh, where’re you going? 

 

(Apollo enters a tent where Baltar is camped.)

 

APOLLO

All right, Baltar, I want some answers, and I want the truth this time!  You’re comin’ with me.

 

BALTAR

Ah, Starbuck has arrived.  Good.

 

(Apollo and Serina escort Baltar back into the tomb, where Adama is still pacing.)

 

ADAMA

I thought I’d told you to have him removed to the Galactica.

 

APOLLO

I was afraid to send him to the Galactica.  You should have seen the effect he has on our new warriors.  We don’t dare expose him to the Council!

 

ADAMA

I can handle the Council.

 

APOLLO

Can you handle a Cylon base ship?  There’s one just beyond our scanner range.  We must leave while the star is dormant and the magnetic field can hide our escape. 

 

ADAMA

No, we cannot leave!

 

BALTAR

Adama, listen to reason.  You could drift for ever in search of what?  A planet that may be the myth of half-drunken star voyagers who came back to die here?  We could all die here, unless I give the appearance that I’ve delivered you.  We must attack and seize power.  It will take them completely by surprise. 

 

ADAMA

I trusted you once.

 

BALTAR

I cannot stay here too long before my machine friends will become nervous and do something rash. 

 

SERINA

Is it my imagination, or is the room getting light?

 

APOLLO

It’s the star!  It’s pulsing again. 

 

(Adama stands under a window in the roof, through which the star is shining.)

 

ADAMA

It’s as if that window were placed precisely in that position for a reason. 

 

(The light strikes Adama’s medallion, which reflects it off the eyes of two statues to form a luminous triangle.)

 

SERINA

The medallion!

 

APOLLO

Keyed by the star. 

 

(A massive stone fixture slides to one side, revealing a stairway to a lower level.  Baltar hurries down through the opening.)

 

ADAMA

Baltar, wait!

 

(In the lower chamber, Baltar forces the lid off a sarcophagus.)

 

APOLLO

Baltar, don’t touch that!  Baltar! 

 

ADAMA

The Ninth Lord of Kobol! 

 

APOLLO

Don’t touch it!

 

ADAMA

How dare you defile the holy crypt?

 

BALTAR

Do you think I believe in all that primitive superstition?

(ground rumbles, ceiling starts crumbling in)

I didn’t mean it!  I—

(a stone falls across the doorway)

It’s blocked!  Out!  I want out!  Stand aside! 

(tries in vain to move the stone)

It was a mistake!  I meant no harm!  Adama, the Lords are with you.  Use your power.  Get us out of here!

 

ADAMA

I cannot.  Apollo?

 

APOLLO

I’d say they’re using at least fifty-megon loads.

 

(Outside, Cylon Raiders attack the city and the camp.)

 

TRAINEES

(screaming)

Ahh!

Cylons!  Take cover!

Ahh!

Ahhhhh!

 

DEITRA

Get down!  Get to your Vipers!

 

TRAINEE

Take cover!

 

STARBUCK

Athena!  Where’s Apollo and Serina?

 

ATHENA

They’re up at the temple with Baltar. 

 

TRAINEES

Deitra!

Gemi!

Cylons!

Cylons!

 

STARBUCK

We can’t leave them up there.  They’re gonna blow that place to pieces!

 

ATHENA

Look, the only way I know how to get ’em down is to knock ’em out of the sky. 

 

STARBUCK

What are you, crazy?  You girls barely know how to fly!

 

ATHENA

Look, you do what you wanna do.  I’m goin’.

 

STARBUCK

Uh, wait, wait, get—  Lord help us.

 

(The trainees run to their Vipers amid screaming.)

 

ATHENA

Watch out, Deitra, watch out!  Take cover!

 

(in the temple)

 

BALTAR

If I ever get my hands on you, Lucifer…  Adama, do something! 

 

ADAMA

Give me the torch.  Quickly! 

 

(Above, Starbuck leads the squadron against the Cylons.)

 

STARBUCK

All right, fly in pairs.  Wingmen, stick to your leaders.  Protect them. 

(sighs)

We may have a chance.

 

DEITRA

Starbuck, we’ll ionize them.

 

STARBUCK

(nods)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

The angle of deflection on incoming Cylon fighters indicates an attack on the surface of Kobol. 

 

TIGH

And all of our warriors are down there. 

 

BOOMER

Not all of them. 

(appears with Jolly, Giles, and Greenbean)

Colonel – Blue Squadron reporting for duty, sir.

 

TIGH

Lieutenant, obviously you can’t even stand.

 

BOOMER

A Viper is flown from the seated position, sir.

 

(Vipers and Raiders in space)

 

STARBUCK

They’ve seen us.  

 

ATHENA

Eighty, ninety, a hundred, …

 

STARBUCK

Athena, quit counting.  You’re not on the bridge.  Let’s go get ’em.

 

DEITRA

Gemi got hit!  Watch out, Brie!  There’s one on your tail! 

 

BRIE

Breaking! 

 

ATHENA

It’s hopeless, Starbuck!

 

STARBUCK

Deitra, roll!  Roll! 

 

DEITRA

We’re trapped.

 

STARBUCK

Well, let’s go out fighting.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

Launch Vipers.

 

RIGEL

Transferring launch control.  Launch when ready.

 

(launch bay)

 

BOOMER

Launching.

(Vipers launch)

Jolly?

 

JOLLY

On your wake.

 

BOOMER

Let’s go.

 

(In the temple, Adama examines the carvings on a wall.)

 

ADAMA

Serina, Apollo?  This is what we came for!  This is – this is a record of the exodus!  The final departure of the first twelve tribes, the ones which eventually became the Colonies we knew – and here, the last days.  The final days of Kobol.  It tells of the thirteenth tribe.

 

APOLLO

Can you tell where they went?

 

(A Cylon blast strikes the temple, dislodging an enormous stone onto Baltar.)

 

BALTAR

Dahhhh!  Help me! 

(yells in pain)

 

(Adama, Apollo, and Serina pick themselves up off the floor, coughing and moaning.)

 

APOLLO

The – the door!  It’s been blasted open!

 

SERINA

(with exertion)

Uhh!  Uhh!

 

ADAMA

The writings!

 

BALTAR

Forget the writings!

 

ADAMA

They’ve disintegrated!  They’re gone!

 

BALTAR

Help me! 

 

APOLLO

We’ll be gone too if we don’t hurry, father!

 

BALTAR

Quickly!  Somebody help me!  Ah-ahhhh!  Ohh!

 

ADAMA

(hands torch to Serina)

Here.

(to Baltar)

Hang on. 

 

BALTAR

Ahhhh!

 

(Vipers in space)

 

BOOMER

There they are.  Blue Squadron, let’s go join the party. 

 

STARBUCK

I’m in trouble.

 

ATHENA

Hang on, Starbuck.  I’m coming.

 

STARBUCK

You better hurry.

 

GREENBEAN

Jolly, this one’s mine.

(destroys Raider)

 

STARBUCK

Yyyyya-hahh!

 

JOLLY

I got two lined up. 

 

(In the temple, Adama, Apollo, and Serina strain to dislodge the huge stone pillar that has fallen on Baltar.)

 

APOLLO

The pillar’s just too great!  Father, we must get outta here before it all comes down on us!

 

BALTAR

(panting)

No, you can’t leave me here!

 

ADAMA

Baltar, we’ve been left with no choice.  Your – your friends have sealed your fate and ours.

 

BALTAR

(groans)

Lucifer, I’ll tear you apart, limb from limb, circuit by circuit, so help me!  You have not heard the last of Baltar!

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

OMEGA

Colonel, combat report coming in.  “Surprise total.  Cylons running.  Shall we pursue?  Boomer.”

 

TIGH

Negative.  Bring them home.  Any word from the Commander or Apollo?

 

OMEGA

No, sir.

 

(Serina, Apollo, and Adama emerge from the temple, still coughing from the dust.)

 

APOLLO

The tents and camp have been obliterated.

 

SERINA

Well, it doesn’t mean they didn’t get away. 

(Starbuck and Deitra approach)

Starbuck!

 

APOLLO

What happened?

 

STARBUCK

We lost some good pilots up there.

 

ADAMA

Athena!

 

DEITRA

She’s back with the rest of the squadron.

 

APOLLO

(sighs with relief)

 

STARBUCK

Commander, Colonel Tigh wants to get underway as soon as possible.  The Cylons will undoubtedly be sending reinforcements.

 

ADAMA

Yes.  Yes, we will – we must get off the surface as quickly as possible.  Come along.

 

(Centurions appear.)

 

STARBUCK

Look out!

 

(A Cylon fires his laser; Serina screams and falls to the ground.  Starbuck, Deitra, and Adama destroy the Centurions.  Serina remains on the ground, moaning incoherently in pain.)

 

APOLLO

Serina!  Serina!  Serina.

 

(On the Galactica, Cassiopeia emerges from Serina’s sickroom into the corridor.)

 

STARBUCK

It’s going to be all right, isn’t it?

 

(Cassiopeia says nothing, but cries and hugs Starbuck.  Adama approaches with Boxey and Muffit.)

 

BOXEY

Hi, Starbuck!  Heard you did good.

 

STARBUCK

Um, well, you know how it is, kid.  When you’re great, you’re great.

 

BOXEY

I want to hear all about it after I see mother.

 

STARBUCK

Sure.  Listen, why don’t you let me look after Muffit?  We’ll wait for you right here.  Promise.

 

BOXEY

Stay with Starbuck, Muffit.  We’ll be right back.

 

(Adama leads Boxey into the room, where Apollo is by Serina’s bedside.)

 

APOLLO

Come here. 

 

BOXEY

Mama!  I hear you won the whole war.

 

SERINA

I had a little help.

 

BOXEY

You’re going away, aren’t you?

 

SERINA

Yes, Boxey, I am.  But your father will be there to love you and take care of you.  And I’ll love you always.  You won’t forget that, will you?

 

BOXEY

(shakes head, crying)

 

SERINA

Now, is that any way for a junior warrior to act?

(Boxey tries to stop crying)

That’s better. 

(she wipes a tear from his face)

That’s much better.

 

(Adama kisses Serina on the forehead and leads Boxey out.)

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

SERINA

(laughs helplessly)

It really isn’t fair to you.

 

APOLLO

To me?  If I could trade places…

 

SERINA

I know.  I just want you to know that I feel very, very lucky.  Even if all we had was – was a brief time, it’ll be worth an eternity.

 

APOLLO

(crying)

And we’ll have an eternity, too. 

 

SERINA

Do you believe that?

 

APOLLO

You’ve convinced me.  A spirit like yours just can’t end. 

 

SERINA

I love you.

 

APOLLO

I love you.

 

(Apollo kisses Serina as she dies.  He exits, takes Boxey’s hand, and walks down the corridor.)

 

BOXEY

(crying)

I don’t want her to go!  I don’t want her to go!

 

APOLLO

I know!  But it’s her body that’s gone, Boxey, not her spirit, or her love for us. 

(crying)

We’ll have that always.  For ever.

 

BOXEY

I – I guess I won’t make a very good warrior.

 

APOLLO

Oh, you’ll make a fine warrior.  Come on, son, let’s go.

 

 

-END TRANSCRIPT-

 

 

NOTES

 

In the episode teasers, a clip appears from a scene not used in either the episode or the telemovie, in which Starbuck is instructing the trainees at desktop simulators.  In the clip, he says to Athena, “Ah!  Eh, don’t force it, don’t force it.  Remember, you’re flying a Viper.  Thinking what you want it to do is enough to make it happen.”

 

This script sees both uses of the term “centon,” its original length of several days and its later equivalency to one minute.

 

The last time Starbuck shouts Apollo’s name in the first void scene, his voice is inexplicably doubled, as it is also when he says Baltar’s name on the base star.

 

Two different versions of the historical text on Adama’s desktop screen appear in successive shots.  The second version concludes:  “… until a bright shining star appeared as if from nowhere and guided them to safety.”

 

Some of the trainees' background dialogue in the officers’ club is clearly used more than once within the scene.