THE GUN ON ICE PLANET ZERO (telemovie)

Written by Michael Sloan & Donald Bellisario & Glen A. Larson

Transcribed by Clay Arden for ByYourCommand.net

 

 

(Vipers are prepared for launch.)

 

RIGEL (over headsets)

Launch bay Alpha, stand by to launch fighter probe. 

 

(Vipers launch.)

 

STARBUCK

Hey, loosen it up, Boomer.  That man next to you’s about to fly up your tailpipe.

 

BOOMER

Cadet Cree?

 

CREE

Ah, yes, sir?

 

BOOMER

You come any closer, you’ll melt your front end off.

 

CREE

Our instructor ordered us to keep tight.

 

BOOMER

Your instructor is back at the base playing Seven-Eleven.  You are on a deep space probe.  It’s not like failing a simulation.  Overheat and you evaporate. 

 

CREE

Yes, sir.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

It was too easy, too easy. 

 

TIGH

What was too easy?

 

ADAMA

Our victory, the defeat of the Cylon attack force.  Their sudden retreat was much too easy.

 

TIGH

The Galactica was bearing down on them. 

 

ADAMA

Yes.  So it appeared, didn’t it?  

 

ATHENA

But what’s the truth?

 

ADAMA

I just have the feeling that we’re being carefully maneuvered, that we’re being herded into this safe passage ahead.

 

ATHENA

But why, father?  What’s out there?

 

ADAMA

I – I – I don’t know.  I really don’t know, but I think we should be sending out more patrol ships.

 

TIGH

Commander, we’ve pushed our star fighters around the clock.  We’re throwing in cadets from the academy now. 

 

(Vipers in space)

 

STARBUCK

Blue Leader to base.  We’re coming up on a small moon, dead ahead.  Can you give us a quick scan?

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Base to Blue Leader.  Scanner readout coming up.  Commander? 

 

ADAMA

Yes?

 

RIGEL

An object in sector Sigma. 

 

TIGH

What’s the structure?

 

RIGEL

Crystalline elements table M-1. 

 

TIGH

Surface?

 

RIGEL

Frozen seas, fields of ice, blizzard conditions marked by di-ethene storms.  Environment:  hostile. 

 

STARBUCK (from his Viper)

(sighs)

Nice place.  Want us to orbit the equator? 

 

TIGH

Stay out of its gravitational pull. 

 

STARBUCK

Will do. 

(to the squadron)

Now, move up ahead and lock in a holding pattern.  Boomer and I’ll pick up a closer scan of the surface.  Cadet Bow, you’re in command.  Okay, Boomer, let’s go. 

 

(On the planet, Cylons staff the pulsar command center.)

 

CENTURION

Long-range scan indicates unknown craft approaching. 

 

VULPA

Alert the gun crews. 

 

(Cylons report to pulsar control.)

 

CENTURION

Lens system aligned.  Pump system to speed. 

 

(command center)

 

CENTURION

Pulsar ready to fire.

 

VULPA

Fire as targets bear. 

 

CENTURION

By your command. 

 

VULPA

Lock on target.

 

CENTURION

Locked.

 

(Vipers in space)

 

BOW

Shields, Cree, keep visual contact.  Don’t cross into the day side. 

(pulsar is seen)

I’m picking up a flare.  A brilliant bead of light, like an eclipse.  I’m going to check it out. 

 

(command center)

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(Vipers in space)

 

STARBUCK

Bow, get out of there!  Bow!

 

(The pulsar destroys Bow’s Viper.)

 

STARBUCK

Cree, Shields, back off.  We’re coming up.

 

BOOMER

What happened?

SHIELDS

He was picked off.  Some kind of energy beam.  Like a pulsar, only bigger.  Much bigger. 

 

BOOMER

It can’t be!  We’re way out of range.

 

STARBUCK

Blue Leader to base.  We’re under attack.  We’ve lost a ship and we’re coming in. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Battle stations!  Flight officer.  All ships full stop. 

 

APOLLO

Fighter Control reporting.  All squadrons standing by. 

 

ADAMA

Starbuck’s probe ran into something.  He’s lost a ship.

 

(Vipers in space)

 

STARBUCK

Cree, come in.  Shields, where are you?

 

BOOMER

I got them.  They’re just inside critical gravitational pull. 

 

STARBUCK

Cree, Shields, come back.  You can’t go down there.

 

CREE

I saw where it came from.  I’m going after it. 

 

STARBUCK

Turn back.  Do not enter the atmosphere.  That’s an order.  Both of you, turn back. 

 

SHIELDS 

I’m locked on target.

 

CREE

Right behind you.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Two fighter craft, Colonial, entering defense perimeter. 

 

VULPA

I want one of them alive. 

 

(Vipers in space)

 

STARBUCK

Boomer, we can’t let them go down alone. 

 

BOOMER
They’re in the clouds.  We’ll never get a visual on ’em.

 

STARBUCK

Record their short-range telemetry.  We can at least see what they’re after. 

(image of pulsar appears on screen)

I got their visual. 

 

BOOMER

What is it? 

 

(Cylons activate pulsar)

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(Pulsar fires, destroying Shields’ ship.)

 

STARBUCK

Shields!

 

BOOMER

It’s too late.  He’s gone.  I’ve lost Cree’s signal, too. 

 

STARBUCK

No, it’s there, but it’s being jammed. 

 

(Cylon Raiders appear and pursue Cree.)

 

CENTURION

Invader, release control of your ship. 

(to the other Cylons)

Force him down. 

 

CREE

Starbuck, they’re forcing me down. 

 

STARBUCK

Hang on, kid, we’re coming.

 

(Cree makes a forced landing in the snow.)

 

CENTURION

Two more fighter craft entering.

 

VULPA

Destroy them as they come into range.  Fire as targets bear. 

 

BOOMER

We don’t stand a chance against that thing.  We have to get back and warn the Galactica.  Besides, we’ll never spot them with all this jamming.  Starbuck!

 

STARBUCK

Frak! 

(heads away from planet)

 

CENTURION

Fighter craft retreating.

 

(Starbuck and Boomer land back on the Galactica and report to the bridge, where Starbuck delivers the telemetry recording.)

 

ADAMA

Thank you, Lieutenant. 

(to Athena)

Put up the video scan, please. 

(Athena puts scan of mountain on viewer)

Good Lord! 

 

ATHENA

I have a fix on the scale.  The ramparts are fourteen metrons high, destructive power infinite with two hectars. 

 

ADAMA

It’s incredible.  It could destroy the Galactica in a single pulse. 

 

STARBUCK

Tell that to Cadet Cree.

(Adama looks at him)

Sir.

 

ADAMA

You did the only correct thing.  You returned to the Galactica with these scans.  We now know why the Cylons have squeezed us into this course.

 

APOLLO

How long until their pursuit force catches up to us?

 

ADAMA

Oh, we have too much firepower for them.  They’ll hang back.  But you can wager it won’t be long before they bring up their base ship.

 

STARBUCK

Commander, Blue Squadron can take out that gun!

 

ADAMA

It would be mass suicide to send out a squadron of fighters.  You’ve seen what that weapon can do. 

 

TIGH

And we cannot turn back.

 

ADAMA

No, we cannot. 

 

BOOMER

Well, what’s left? 

 

ADAMA

Well, we can send out a small, highly-specialized task force down to the surface, probe for some weakness in their defense, destroy the weapon.  Colonel, program a computer research for qualified personnel, experienced in arctic survival, expert in mountaineering, highly specialized in heavy demolition. 

 

TIGH

Yes, sir.

 

(In the computer control room, Corporal Komma is on duty as Starbuck enters.)

 

STARBUCK

(whistles at equipment as Komma stands at attention)

Uh, what’s your name?

 

KOMMA

Corporal Komma, sir.

 

STARBUCK

Ah.  Well, ehm, relax, Komma.  Incredible.  You really understand this felgercarb? 

 

KOMMA

From Alpha input to Omega readout.  Mm, but you’re a Viper pilot.  You must understand some of it.

 

STARBUCK

Well, when I was at the academy, if it didn’t have a control stick, I didn’t bother. 

 

KOMMA

Is there something you want, Lieutenant?

 

STARBUCK

Oh, ehh, no, no, uh, Captain Apollo and I were touring the tech levels with the new Viper pilots.  I just thought I’d take a look in here.

 

KOMMA

The, uh, female Viper pilots?

 

STARBUCK

Ah, I believe they are females.  Uh, yes. 

 

KOMMA

(under his breath)

Um—

 

STARBUCK

Look, uh, i-if you’d like to meet them, I think they’re in the armament room. 

 

KOMMA

(shakes head)

 

STARBUCK

Uh, go on— I – I’ll keep an eye on the equipment for a few centons.  I mean, I don’t know what to do, but if something flashed red, I could just yell. 

 

KOMMA

Nothing can go wrong.  Right now it’s doing an automatic search for the task force to go down to the planet.

 

STARBUCK

Sure.  Go on.  That’s an order.

 

KOMMA

Well, since you put it that way—

 

(Komma exits and Starbuck begins typing at a computer terminal.)

 

(On the bridge, Athena brings up the computer readout.)

 

ATHENA

Four specialists and three support. 

 

TIGH

Lock it in.

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

Galactica to fleet.  Flight order five zero Tango X-ray.  Maintain minimum distance.

 

TIGH

Commander?

(hands Adama the list)

 

ADAMA

(reads it and sighs)

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

All communication channels clear for probe crafts.

 

ADAMA

Starbuck, you and Boomer get them and take them to the briefing room.

 

STARBUCK

Aye aye, Captain. 

 

BOOMER

Yes, sir.

 

STARBUCK

Uh, Commander, eh, uh, there must be some mistake.  Most of these people are criminals.  They’re, uh, they’re aboard the prison barge.  Are you sh—

 

ADAMA

You have your orders, Lieutenant. 

 

STARBUCK

Aye aye, sir. 

 

BOOMER

What’s the matter?  Somethin’ serious?

 

STARBUCK

Oh, no.  No.  We’re just handing the safety of the entire fleet over to a bunch of murderers and cutthroats. 

 

BOOMER

Well, as long as it’s nothin’ serious.

 

(In the briefing room, Starbuck reads out the information on the prisoners as they are brought in.)

 

STARBUCK

Croft.  Commander of the, uh, snow garrison on the ice planet Kalpa.  Four of ’em raided a Cylon outpost. 

 

BOOMER

Well, it’s nothing illegal about that.

 

STARBUCK

Not a military operation.  Armed robbery.  They plundered a Cylon platinum mine.  Wouldn’t, uh, surrender the bounty to their Colonial commander.

 

CROFT

He didn’t go in under Cylon guns, so he didn’t deserve any part of it.  Who are you?  I like to know who I’m dealing with when I’m traveling with bilge rats.

 

STARBUCK

Viper pilots, Blue Squadron.

 

BOOMER

Commander Adama’s strike wing.

 

CROFT

What’s the drill?

 

STARBUCK

You’ll find out soon enough.

(motions to have Croft taken aside as Wolfe is brought in)

 

BOOMER

That computer sure knows how to pick ’em.

 

STARBUCK

Holy frak. 

 

(Wolfe makes a violent move toward a man escorting him.)

 

BOOMER

Hey, hey.

 

STARBUCK

Wolfe.  Demolitions expert, snow garrison.  A one-man task force. 

(motions him aside)

Not real talkative.

 

(Thane is brought in.)

 

STARBUCK

Thane.  An expert in, uh, alien environments. 

 

THANE

When people talk about me, I like to see their eyes. 

(Starbuck looks at him)

I work with breathing gear, rare gases, chemical blends.  I can take you through land, air, fire, and water.

 

STARBUCK

Says here you’re in for murder.

 

THANE

Hmm.  That too.

 

(Starbuck motions Thane aside and Leda is brought in.)

 

BOOMER

She looks like she could take us all on, with or without chains.

 

STARBUCK

Leda.  Medic first class.  An expert in laser wounds, and arctic-experienced.

 

LEDA

What’s the mission?

 

BOOMER

Commander’ll brief you.

 

LEDA

To have Croft and myself in the same place at the same time invites disaster.

 

STARBUCK

You don’t like him?

 

LEDA

I’m married to him.

 

CROFT

(laughs)

 

LEDA

And no, I don’t like him. 

 

(Starbuck motions her over with the others.)

 

BOOMER

Wheeeeee, a cozy little group.  Well, this is one mission I know that you are not gonna volunteer for. 

 

(Adama is writing in his quarters as Apollo enters.)

 

ADAMA

Oh, Apollo. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

ADAMA

You look troubled.

 

APOLLO

Not troubled, angry.

 

ADAMA

Angry about what?

 

APOLLO

The computer search for members of the landing party? 

 

ADAMA

Yes?

 

APOLLO

Well, it’s my feeling the computer was influenced.

 

ADAMA

Now, that’s a rather serious charge. 

 

APOLLO

I’m aware of that.  You don’t want me to go, do you?

 

ADAMA

Are you suggesting that I would spare a member of my own family?

 

APOLLO

I’m suggesting the selection was biased, or I would have been chosen.  I’m qualified in survival techniques, I’m single, I have the correct endurance rating, weapons capability, command factor—

 

ADAMA

You’ve never had experience in subzero temperatures or—

 

APOLLO

None of our warriors has arctic training.  

 

ADAMA

If the computer passed you over, there must be a reason for it.

 

APOLLO

Yes, and I know exactly what that reason is.  You are the sole judge of who is expendable and who isn’t, and according to Colonel Tigh, I am rated as non-expendable. 

 

ADAMA

You’re the highest-rated warrior we have. 

 

APOLLO

Father, don’t you think I understand?  You’ve lost so many members of the family, Zac, mother—

 

ADAMA

I will not reprogram the search.

 

APOLLO

You don’t have to.  Let the selection stand, but expand the party by one.  If I’m your highest-rated warrior, you need me on this mission, because if it fails, no one will survive, and you know it. 

 

ADAMA

Tell Colonel Tigh it is so ordered. 

 

(On the bridge, Athena reviews the printout of the mission roster.)

 

STARBUCK

Uh, uh, Athena!  Hi.

 

ATHENA

Hi.

 

STARBUCK

Oh, is that the, uh, revised list for the mission?

 

ATHENA

Yes.  I wanted to be on it, but the computer chose Leda.  She’s a convict.

 

STARBUCK

Feel lucky.  It’s a one-way voyage.  Uh, you – mind if I—? 

(takes the list and looks it over)

 

(In the briefing room, the mission team is assembled.)

 

ADAMA

The shuttle will carry a snow vehicle, ram class, armed with lasers.  Sergeant Haals is senior gunnery master.  Vickers is from the gun crew which held the rear guard at the Battle of Caprica.  You will need a laser technician.  Voight is chief of Weapons Repair Section.  You’ve met the demolition unit, which will be led by Colonel Croft. 

 

CROFT

Does that mean I’m reinstated to full rank?

 

ADAMA

Temporarily.  Full reinstatement will depend upon the outcome of the operation. 

 

CROFT

Reinstatement on one hand, death on the other, huh?

 

ADAMA

There’s not all that much difference between you and your fellow convicts and us.  We are all living for the promise of freedom, and we’re all threatened by a similar death. 

 

WOLFE

Perhaps it was the chains that made the difference, huh?

 

CROFT

Am I in full command?

 

ADAMA

Of the demolition unit, yes.  Of the expedition, no.  Three warriors will command you.  The officer in full command will be Captain Apollo, supported by two of our finest officers, Lieutenants Boomer and Starbuck.  Now, we’ve picked up Cylon battlestars approaching on the long-range scan.  They should reach our position in eight or nine hundred centons.  Now, whether the pulsar is destroyed or not, this fleet will move in exactly seven hundred centons.  Good luck – to all of us.

 

(Blue Squadron barracks)

 

BOOMER

I just don’t understand how that computer picked you for this mission.  Now, I pulled a tour on Ice Station Thula.  It makes sense that I got chosen, but you – you get dizzy when your drink’s too cold, m’friend.

 

STARBUCK

Mm – I w-wish you’d have told the Commander that.  I’d like to figure some way to get out of—

(notices Giles by the bunks)

Hey, uh, eh, Giles, what are you doing?  Giles!  What are you doing?

 

GILES

It’s Colonel’s orders.  He told me to pack up all of Cree’s personal effects.

 

STARBUCK

Wait, wait, wait, he’s not dead.  You don’t stow a man’s gear until he’s dead, and he’s not dead!

 

GILES

Okay, okay, he’s – not dead.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

Eh, Giles, I—I—I’m sorry. 

 

GILES

Hey, just – just forget it, Starbuck, um – I know how you feel. 

(exits the barracks)

 

BOOMER

Hey.  Why don’t you just tell the Commander that you’re not qualified for this mission?

 

STARBUCK

Boomer!

(sighs)

You – you talk like I’d, uh, programmed that computer myself. 

 

(On the surface of the planet, Cree regains consciousness in his cockpit as a Cylon patrol approaches.  He shoots one Centurion, but then his laser fails and he is captured.)

 

CENTURION

Take him to Vulpa. 

 

(In Apollo’s quarters, Boxey is training Muffit as Apollo enters.)

 

BOXEY

Wave.  Wave.  Wave.  Wave.  Wave.  Wave.  Wave. 

 

APOLLO

You got him trained. 

 

BOXEY

Muffit’s very intelligent for a daggit. 

 

APOLLO

Come here, you little monster.  Come here!

(picks up Boxey, spins him around and laughs)

Hey, Muffit, you want to see Boxey do a trick?

(turns Boxey upside down)

 

BOXEY

Lemme up!  Lemme up!  Lemme up!

 

APOLLO

Whoooo!  What do you mean, let you up?  I won’t let you up.  What a baby!  What a baby!  Come here, I have to talk to you.  I’m goin’ away for a while. 

 

BOXEY

We don’t want you to leave us.

 

APOLLO

It won’t be for long, I promise. 

 

BOXEY

Where are you going?

 

APOLLO

I’m going down to an ice planet with Starbuck and Boomer.

 

BOXEY

An ice planet?  Can Muffit and I come with you?  We never seen real snow.

 

APOLLO

Well, not this time.  This is a very important mission for the Galactica. 

 

BOXEY

But I’m a warrior!

 

APOLLO

Yes, you are.  And as one of our best, we need ya right here to protect the ship.  Now, your orders are to do everything Commander Adama tells you to do. 

 

BOXEY

And say my prayers?

 

APOLLO

And say your prayers.  Listen, I have a very special mission for you.  You see this medallion?  My father gave this to me when I graduated from the academy.  It’s very important to me.  Do you think you could hold on to it for me? 

 

BOXEY

(salutes)

Yes, sir. 

 

APOLLO

“Yes, sir.” 

(gives Boxey a kiss and lifts him off his lap)

Okay, upsy-daisy.  I’ll see you later, okay? 

(leaves)

 

BOXEY

Too bad we can’t go on the ice planet, Muffit. 

 

(In the shuttle, the mission team members secure the equipment.  Vickers trips over Thane’s foot and falls into Wolfe.)

 

THANE

Watch who you’re steppin’ on!

 

HAALS

Get out of the way here.  I’m comin’ through.

 

THANE

Not through here!

 

HAALS

Hey! 

(grabs Thane’s arm)

 

THANE

Take your hands off!

 

(Wolfe attacks Vickers; Thane and Leda join in the skirmish, then Haals enters the fray.)

 

APOLLO

Wolfe!  Break it up!  Haals!  Wolfe! 

(pushes Wolfe off Haals)

 

CROFT

Wolfe!  Back off.

 

APOLLO

(bending over Vickers)

How is he?

 

LEDA

He’s all right.  It’s a temporary paralysis. 

 

APOLLO

(to Thane)

What did you use on him?

 

BOOMER

(seizes an instrument from Thane)

Look at this.

(hands it to Apollo)

 

THANE

Don’t touch that switch!  It’s a hand mine.

 

APOLLO

You don’t use this on your own troops! 

 

WOLFE

We’re not barge lice.

 

THANE

Or grid rats.

 

CROFT

Yes, we are.  We were picked for this drop because we’re expendable. 

 

APOLLO

Nobody’s expendable.  You’re here to do a job on the Cylons, not on each other.  Stow your gear and fasten your harness; we’re on countdown. 

 

RIGEL

(over communicator)

Section twelve, launch bay Alpha, stand by to launch probe. 

 

KILLIAN

(in Viper cockpit)

Acknowledge; ready to launch.

 

RIGEL

Core systems transferring control to probe craft.  Launch when ready. 

 

(Killian’s Viper and the shuttle launch.)

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Entry tracks. 

 

VULPA

How many?

 

CENTURION

Two.

 

VULPA

Order the patrol to intercept.  Engage the pulsar.

 

(pulsar control)

 

CENTURION

Pulsar ready to fire.

 

VULPA

Fire as target is there. 

 

(inside the shuttle)

 

APOLLO

Get a navigational fix before we penetrate the cloud cover.  We don’t know what to expect on this surface.  Could be pitch black, snow powder, pack ice…

 

(Raiders approach.)

 

STARBUCK

Cylons.

 

KILLIAN

Dive for the cloud cover! 

 

STARBUCK

Ah, they’ll outrun us.

 

KILLIAN

I’ll block for you.

 

(Shuttle dives toward the surface.)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, this isn’t a fighter.  You’ll overrun the turbines. 

 

STARBUCK

Tell that to the Cylons. 

 

(Killian destroys one of the Raiders.)

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(The pulsar destroys Killian’s ship.  One of the Raiders fires at the shuttle and causes a hull breach.)

 

APOLLO

Put on your breathing gear! 

 

STARBUCK

We’re goin’ down!  Visibility zero!  Surface coming up on the instruments.  Counting down, four!  Three!  Two!  One!  Zero!

 

(The shuttle crash-lands in the snow.)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

We’ve lost signals from both ships.

 

ADAMA

No reception?  None?

 

TIGH

Not on the Viper channel; it’s dead.  No lights.  Telemetry indicates total destruct.

 

ADAMA

Who was it?

 

TIGH

Killian.

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

And the shuttle?

 

TIGH

The emergency channel kicked in.  All reds.  Telemetry indicates heavy structural damage.  We could reach for them on high band. 

 

ADAMA

No.  No, maintain silence.  We cannot reveal our position. 

(sighs)

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

One ship destroyed.  One probable.

 

VULPA

Contact patrol leader. 

 

(Cylon Raider in space)

 

CENTURION (over communicator)

Garrison command to patrol leader. 

 

PATROL LEADER

Patrol leader.

 

VULPA

This is Vulpa.  Tracking reports one invader destroyed, one probable. 

 

PATROL LEADER

The probable dropped into cloud cover, sector Hekla. 

 

VULPA

Search for wreckage.  Leave no survivors.

 

PATROL LEADER

No survivors. 

 

(Inside the crashed shuttle, the crew remove their breathing gear.)

 

STARBUCK

(holding his head)

Ohh!  Ah!  Boomer, you okay?  Ah!

 

BOOMER

Yeah.

 

STARBUCK

Ah, hit the emergency lights. 

 

BOOMER

(turns on lights and sees Starbuck’s head is bleeding)

Starbuck, your head.

 

STARBUCK

Ah, it’s nothing.  Let’s get outta here. 

 

(The team members scramble for the survival gear.)

 

THANE

Yeah. 

 

LEDA

(lifting breathing gear off the unconscious Vickers)

Okay? 

 

STARBUCK

Gosh, you did a really great job, Starbuck.  This is the kind of landing you always dreamed of.  No engine, no instruments, no field. 

 

BOOMER

(to Apollo)

Grab a light!

 

STARBUCK

(sighs, still to himself)

You’re one fine pilot. 

 

(Apollo goes back to where Thane and Wolfe are checking on the injured Voight.)

 

VOIGHT

Uhh.

 

APOLLO

How is he?

 

WOLFE

Just a rap on the head.  He’ll be around in a minute.

 

BOOMER

(to Starbuck)

Look, don’t feel so bad.  Anybody else woulda lost it all. 

 

LEDA

(still tending Vickers)

Apollo, can you get me the medical analyzer?

 

APOLLO

Yeah.

 

VOIGHT

(still unconscious)

Mmm.

 

APOLLO

What’s it look like?

 

LEDA

Broken arm, couple of ribs. 

 

APOLLO

(under his breath)

Oh, gee. 

 

(Meanwhile, Wolfe relieves Voight of his laser and tucks it into his coat.)

 

LEDA

Some internal bleeding.  Anybody else hurt? 

 

THANE

Yeah.  I am.

 

LEDA

What’s the matter?

 

THANE

I’m lonely.

 

LEDA

Stay out of my way.  And out of my light.  I have work to do.

 

THANE

Don’t waste your time on him.  We’re just gonna have to leave him behind to die anyway.

 

APOLLO

We’re not leaving anybody behind. 

 

THANE

(when Apollo is out of earshot)

We’ll see, Captain.  We’ll see.

 

(Apollo and Boomer check out the exterior of the shuttle.)

 

BOOMER

It doesn’t look good.  She’ll never fly again.

 

APOLLO

Worse – she can’t sustain life inside.  All her systems are purged. 

 

BOOMER

Looking on the brighter side, Captain, I think the snow ram is operable.

 

APOLLO

Let’s get her out fast so we can move the wounded into her. 

 

BOOMER

(nods, then spots a Cylon Raider passing overhead)

 

APOLLO

He’ll be back!  Get everybody out of the shuttle!  I’ll get the snow ram. 

 

BOOMER

(runs into shuttle)

Everybody out!  Cylon patrol overhead. 

 

(Croft stumbles over Leda, causing her to grunt.)

 

LEDA

I might have expected you to trample me on your way out.

 

CROFT

I didn’t see you there in the dark.

 

LEDA

You never did.

 

BOOMER

I’ll take Voight.  Starbuck, give me a hand! 

 

STARBUCK

I’m tryin’ to remove the communicator.  We’re gonna need it!

 

BOOMER

You don’t have time.  He’s spotted us!  We got about ten microns before he makes another pass. 

 

(Apollo enters the snow ram and starts powering it up.  Then a low growl is heard.)

 

BOXEY

(from rear of snow ram)

Muffit, shh.

 

APOLLO

Boxey!

 

BOXEY

Muffit wanted to see snow.

 

CROFT

(to the occupants of the shuttle)

Here he comes!

(all exit and the Raider begins strafing the shuttle)

Get down!

 

(Apollo drives the snow ram out of the shuttle.)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck!  Get up on top! 

 

(Starbuck mans the gun turret and destroys the Raider.)

 

STARBUCK

Yeeeeeeahaaaa! 

 

BOXEY

(opening a door of the snow ram)

Great shootin’, Starbuck!

 

STARBUCK

Hey! 

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Patrol leader was destroyed. 

 

VULPA

Send out foot patrols.  Hunt the survivors down. 

 

(Cylon interrogation chamber)

 

VULPA

What are the coordinates of the battlestar Galactica?

 

CREE

I’m from the Columbia.

 

VULPA

The Columbia was destroyed at the peace conference.

 

CREE
(laughs sarcastically)

Peace conference. 

 

VULPA

You have a nervous system that carries impulses, impulses from your brain that can be tapped.  What is the exact position of the Galactica?

 

CREE

Go rust yourself.

 

VULPA

Connect his cortex to the brain probe. 

(probe is lowered around Cree’s head)

Begin the probe.

 

(outside the snow ram)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, light the other snow lamp.  Keep it shielded.  Let’s go! 

 

CROFT

Come on, Wolfe!

 

THANE

(drawing Croft aside)

You’re not gonna guide ’em across the mountain?!

 

CROFT

We’ll make it. 

 

THANE

It’s our chance to make a break.

 

CROFT

To where?  We’re stuck on this ball of ice. 

 

THANE

We can hunt, build shelter.  We’ve been in a lot worse.

 

WOLFE

Look, maybe we can hijack a Cylon transport, make a run for a sun system.

 

CROFT

We’re not running anywhere!  We signed on to blow up that pulsar cannon.

 

THANE

You’re sayin’ you’d crawl up that mountain to get your rank back.  They broke you, Croft.  You used to have bite, but now you’re toothless.  Well, you can stay and wear their choke chain.  We’re cuttin’ loose the first chance we get. 

 

APOLLO

Let’s go!  We have a lot of loading to do!

 

CROFT

All right! 

 

APOLLO

How are they?

 

LEDA

They’ll survive if we can get them to shelter. 

 

APOLLO

Get them into the ram.  We’ll rotate riding on top.  Haals and Wolfe go first! 

 

WOLFE

I’m not riding on top!  I’ll freeze to death.

 

APOLLO

I said you ride on top!  That’s an order!  Let’s go. 

 

(The snow ram travels across the planet surface as darkness approaches.)

 

WOLFE

Get over!

 

HAALS

It’s frozen on that side.

 

WOLFE

Get over before I push you over!

 

HAALS

Take it easy, Wolfe!

(draws laser and they struggle over it)

Uhh!  Oof!  Aaaah!

 

(The laser discharges, striking the rear of the snow ram, which comes to a sudden stop just as Wolfe pushes Haals off the top.)

 

STARBUCK

We’ve just lost power.

 

(Apollo exits the snow ram and finds Haals on the ground.)

 

APOLLO

Leda!  Haals, are you okay? 

 

LEDA

He’ll be all right. 

 

APOLLO

What happened?

 

WOLFE

That clumsy warrior of yours shorted out the power cells.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, I’ll bet he did! 

 

(Wolfe lunges at Starbuck.)

 

APOLLO

Hey, stop it!  We got enough trouble! 

 

CROFT

(separating Wolfe from Starbuck)

Aahhh!  We’re gonna have more trouble if we don’t go on breathers.  There’s a di-ethene wave building in this storm.

 

(The group huddles inside the disabled snow ram, wearing breathing gear.)

 

APOLLO

Are you all right?

 

BOXEY

Just a little cold. 

 

STARBUCK

What are our chances?

 

THANE

Depends upon how long this storm lasts.  If the di-ethene reaches death point—

 

BOOMER

What’s death point?

 

THANE

The air turns to liquid. 

 

BOXEY

Muffit, Muffit!  Come back! 

 

(Muffit exits the vehicle and starts out across the snow.)

 

APOLLO

He’ll be all right.  Muffit isn’t like us.  He can survive di-ethene.

 

BOXEY

Will he be back?

 

APOLLO

He’ll be back.  I just hope he doesn’t bring a Cylon patrol back with him. 

 

(Cylons discover the abandoned shuttle.  One finds a backpack with telltale markings.)

 

CENTURION

Galactica. 

 

PATROL LEADER

They are heading toward the plateau.

 

(inside the snow ram)

 

APOLLO

(struggling to breathe)

The Galactica will be moving forward soon. 

 

BOXEY

Muffit will find help. 

 

APOLLO

At least this storm will cover his tracks. 

 

STARBUCK

What do you think they’re doing to Cree about now?

 

BOOMER

We’ve got two hundred twenty ships up there.  You’re worried about one pilot?

 

STARBUCK

It’s not just one pilot.  It’s a pilot I was responsible for. 

 

BOOMER

It’s not your fault, Starbuck.

 

STARBUCK

(laughs dismissively)

Tell that to Cree.

 

(As the Cylons continue their search, Muffit spots a party of humans with torches.)

 

(Later, the Colonials wake up inside a well-lit cavern.)

 

WOLFE

I think…

 

THANE

Where are we?  What is this place? 

 

WOLFE

I don’t know.  I’ve never seen anything like it. 

 

BOXEY

Muffit, you came back! 

 

APOLLO

Boxey? 

 

BOXEY

You okay, dad?

 

APOLLO

Yeah, I’m okay. 

 

SER

You are fortunate your daggit found our hunting party.  You were on Deathpoint Plateau.  Nothing survives there for long. 

 

APOLLO

We’re very grateful.  Who are you?

 

SER

Simple hunters. 

 

APOLLO

Then I assume you will return our packs and weapons and then we’re free to go.

 

SER

Go?  Where would you go?  The storm continues.  The di-ethene has left you dehydrated.  I will see that you receive liquids.  Then we will talk of your going. 

(exits into an adjoining cave)

 

STARBUCK

I don’t like the way he said that. 

 

APOLLO

Something’s very strange about all this.  Humans surviving on a Cylon outpost?  Doesn’t make sense.

 

CROFT

And something else doesn’t make sense.  These people aren’t just simple hunters.  Look at this place. 

 

BOOMER

Look at all this wreckage.  That’s Cylon armor.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, with scorch marks from combat lasers. 

 

WOLFE

I say we jump them and get outta here. 

 

LEDA

I agree. 

 

APOLLO

If they fight Cylons, they’re on our side.  We might be able to use their help.

 

BOXEY

I’m thirsty.

 

(Another Ser enters through a different cave opening.)

 

STARBUCK

Hey, how’d he get over there?

 

APOLLO

Water.  Could we have some water?

 

SER

Silence.

 

STARBUCK

Look, our boy and the wounded need water.  You said—

 

SER

I said silence! 

 

(He exits the cave just before the original Ser appears on the opposite side.)

 

SER

Here is the liquid I promised, and some food.

 

STARBUCK

Didn’t we just talk to that guy?

 

(Numerous Sers enter and distribute food and water.)

 

APOLLO

(laughing)

They’re clones!

 

TENNA

We prefer the name “Theta class life forms.”

 

(Cylon command center)

 

PATROL LEADER
We found the wreckage. 

 

VULPA

And the humans?

 

PATROL LEADER

They escaped in a snow ram.  We found it abandoned on the plateau. 

 

VULPA

You hunted them down?

 

PATROL LEADER

No.  Humanoids cannot survive the plateau. 

 

(inside the cave)

 

SER

You came to destroy the Ravashol pulsar? 

 

APOLLO

Ravashol?

 

TENNA

Doctor Ravashol.  He is human.

 

STARBUCK

A human created that monster up there for the Cylons?

 

TENNA

If it were not for Ravashol, we would not exist. 

 

SER

He is the Father Creator. 

 

BOXEY

Is Ravashol God?  I’d like to meet him.

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

No, he’s not God.  Not if he’s with the Cylons. 

(to Ser)

Why does he work for the Cylons?

 

SER

They let him live to experiment, to create.

 

STARBUCK

To create a weapon that destroys other humans.

 

SER

The mountain is filled with Cylons, and even if you could get by them, the pulsar is constructed of magna, practically indestructible.

 

CROFT

We have solenite.

 

SER

Solenite? 

(whispers to Tenna; she nods)

The injured members of your party will stay here.  They will be tended to.  We will guide the rest of your party to the village. 

 

APOLLO

And then?

 

TENNA

You will see when you get there. 

 

APOLLO

(to Haals)

I want you to stay here with Vickers and Voight. 

 

HAALS

I’m fine, Captain.

 

APOLLO

I know you are.  I just want somebody here who can defend himself, just in case.

 

HAALS

Right, Skipper.

 

APOLLO

We’ll be back for you.

 

(The party goes outside the cave.)

 

LEDA

Ready, Captain.

 

APOLLO

Good.  Where’s Starbuck?

 

BOOMER

He took off with Tenna on the point. 

 

(Ahead of the group with Tenna, Starbuck momentarily stumbles.)

 

TENNA

Are you okay?

 

STARBUCK

Yes.  Listen, have you seen any others like us? 

 

TENNA
You mean humans?

 

STARBUCK

Yes, warriors, da – uniformed, you know?

 

TENNA

No, you’re the first we’ve encountered. 

 

STARBUCK

Where would the Cylons take a warrior prisoner if they had one?

 

TENNA

I thought you were concerned about the gun.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, I am.  Uh, just curious. 

 

(The storm continues to rage as the party advances.)

 

WOLFE

When are we gonna make the break?

 

CROFT

Wolfe, don’t push it. 

 

WOLFE

(reveals the stolen laser tucked into his coat)

I just want to let you know that I’m ready.

 

CROFT

Where’d you get that?

 

WOLFE

It doesn’t matter where I got it.  I can use it on the Cylons, or anyone else who gets in our way.

 

SER

This is the edge of the ice field.  We will have to follow the ravines from here. 

(they proceed through a ravine)

We are now close to the village.  The entrance hatch is at the end of this ravine.  Wait here.  Tenna, come.

(he and Tenna move ahead)

 

CROFT

Do you think they’ll turn us in to the Cylons?

 

APOLLO

No.  I don’t know why, but no. 

 

(Ser spots a Cylon foot patrol passing above the ravine.)

 

SER

(to Tenna)

Warn the others.

 

TENNA

Starbuck!  Shh.  Cylon patrol.  Pass the word. 

 

STARBUCK

Cylon patrol!

 

APOLLO

Everybody down.

 

(Muffit growls as they watch the Cylons pass by.)

 

BOXEY

Shh.

 

(Muffit makes a sound as the last Centurion passes; the Centurion turns and looks around.)

 

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

 

LUCIFER

By your command.  We have news from our outpost on Arcta. 

 

BALTAR

They have encountered probe fighter craft from the Galactica.

 

LUCIFER

Yes.  But how did you know?

 

BALTAR

(laughs)

Why do you suppose I have been gently herding them to this quadrant?  Put out a call for additional base ships.  Resume pursuits at flank speed. 

 

LUCIFER

We have lost many fighter craft in our recent encounters.  We do not have enough to overwhelm the Galactica.

 

BALTAR

Adama does not know that.  In any case, he cannot retreat in our direction with additional base ships coming up.

 

LUCIFER

You are correct – of course.

 

BALTAR

(laughs)

Yes.  You have your orders.

 

LUCIFER

By your command.

(bows and exits the throne room)

 

BALTAR

Soon, Adama.  Soon.

 

(Above the ravine, the final Centurion finally resumes his patrol.)

 

SER

The way is clear now. 

 

CROFT

So you’re not turning us in to the Cylons.

 

TENNA

No.  We hate the Cylons. 

 

SER

We are Theta class life forms, considered by the Cylons to be subhuman. 

 

TENNA

We were created for slave labor.  Most of our brothers and sisters are still slaves in the village. 

 

APOLLO

But you revolted. 

 

SER

Evidently we are not perfect. 

 

APOLLO

No.  Just human.

(Tenna and Ser exchange a smile and a laugh)

As humans, will you help us destroy the pulsar?

 

SER

First we must get into the village.  Come.

(they proceed to the hatch)

This is the entrance to our underground city. 

(they stealthily enter the city)

This passage leads to the base of the research station. 

 

APOLLO

Now, we have to get to the top of that mountain.

 

SER

There is one who can help. 

 

APOLLO

Who?

 

SER

Father Creator.  Ravashol.

 

APOLLO

He’s here?  In the village?

 

SER

He lives at the base of Mount Hekla. 

 

APOLLO

You’ll take me to him?

 

SER

To free my people, yes.  But first I’ll take your people to safety. 

 

(Baltar paces in the throne room as Lucifer enters.)

 

BALTAR

The probe that landed on the planet’s surface, it was destroyed?

 

LUCIFER

Not exactly.

 

BALTAR

(enraged)

“Not exactly”?!?

 

LUCIFER

Control yourself, my friend.  You’ll blow a circuit, or, I believe you call it a blood vessel.  Really quite flimsy compared to—

 

BALTAR

I do not need a lesson in human anatomy!  Where are our fighters?

 

LUCIFER

Close to the point of no return, still hectars from the Galactica.

 

BALTAR

Have them attack the Galactica.

 

LUCIFER

But then they will not have enough fuel to return.  That’s suicide.

 

BALTAR

They’re machines! 

 

LUCIFER

We are all machines.  Even you, of a sort.

 

BALTAR

With a probe on the surface and possible survivors, I must push the Galactica forward.  Even if they were human pilots in those fighters, I would give the same order.

 

LUCIFER

Yes, I believe you would.

 

BALTAR

(sighs impatiently and waves him away)

 

LUCIFER

By your command.

 

(In the Theta village, a Cylon patrol enters, causing general panic and screaming.)

 

THETAS

Cylons!

 

(In the cave where the Colonials are hiding, a Ser announces the arrival of the patrol to another Ser.)

 

SER

The Cylons are searching the village!

 

SER

Tenna, take the others and hide them.

 

TENNA

But where?

 

SER

With the children. 

 

BOXEY

Hear that, Muffit?  There’re children! 

 

STARBUCK

Children?

 

TENNA

We were thought to be sterile.  It was a Cylon mandate to maintain the purity of the Theta life form. 

 

SER

But we have been bearing children. 

 

BOOMER

And hiding them.

 

TENNA

Yes.  We love them. 

 

SER (at doorway)

We must hurry! 

 

(The Colonials exit the cave, Apollo going with Ser and Tenna escorting the others to safety.)

 

(Ser and Apollo enter Ravashol’s laboratory.)

 

SER

Father Creator, please do not call for help.

 

RAVASHOL

You are not permitted here.  Only planners. 

 

SER

Uh, Father Creator, we are in need of your help. 

 

RAVASHOL

You are one of the Five series.

 

SER

Yes, Series Five, Culture Nine.

 

RAVASHOL

(to Apollo)

You are not one of mine.  You are human.

 

APOLLO

(extending his hand)

Flight Captain Apollo from the battlestar Galactica.

 

RAVASHOL

The Galactica is a vessel of war.  I have no use for war.  Violence in any form.

 

APOLLO

You have a strange way of showing it.  What do you call that monstrosity on the mountain – a weapon of peace? 

 

RAVASHOL

It is an energy lens system designed to transmit intelligence across the galaxy.

 

APOLLO

Your energy lens system has fried two of my fighters, and is holding the Colonial fleet at bay until the Cylon battlestars can reach and destroy it.

 

RAVASHOL

Impossible!  My system is maintained by Series Five Theta life forms.

 

SER

With all reverence, Father Creator, they are whipped if they come near the pulsar.

 

RAVASHOL

You are wrong.  I make adjustments, repairs.  I transmit.  My helpers are Series Five.

 

APOLLO

That may be so, but right now your pulsar is manned by Cylon gunners, as a weapon of war.

 

RAVASHOL

A temporary misuse of its true function.  A temporary abuse!

 

APOLLO

So you do know how it’s being used! 

 

RAVASHOL

I have no control over the use of my creations, no responsibility! 

 

APOLLO

Then who does?

 

(The door chime sounds.  Apollo draws his laser as Ravashol activates a screen, on which three Cylons appear.)

 

CENTURION

Doctor Ravashol, permission to enter.

 

RAVASHOL

Cylons! 

(to Ser)

Behind the research stacks, in the equipment cases.  Hide him!

(Ser hides Apollo)

Enter!

 

CENTURION

(entering the room)

Why did you keep us waiting?

 

RAVASHOL

Would you be happier that I ruin my work?  These are delicate compounds. 

 

CENTURION

(to the other Cylons)

Search.

 

RAVASHOL

What do you think you’re doing?  The garrison commander will hear that you have intruded upon my time.

 

CENTURION

We have orders to search. 

 

RAVASHOL

We’ll see about that. 

(goes to screen)

This is Dr. Ravashol.  I want to speak to the Command Centurion. 

 

VULPA

(appearing on screen)

Dr. Ravashol.

 

RAVASHOL

Why is my work being disrupted?  There is a patrol here in my laboratory.

 

VULPA

We are searching for humans.

 

RAVASHOL

I know nothing about humans.  My work is waiting upon me.  Please order your Centurions to go so that I may continue. 

 

VULPA

Only planners are permitted to visit you.

 

RAVASHOL

He’s here because I need a strong back to move some equipment at short notice.

 

VULPA

Leave Dr. Ravashol to his research.  Punish the worker clone.

 

RAVASHOL
He’s here at my orders!  You can’t—

 

(The Cylons remove Ser from the room.)

 

(Elsewhere, Centurions roam through the village searching and ransacking.)

 

FEMALE THETAS

Ohh, Cylons! 

Cylons!  Help!  Oh!

What’ll we do?

 

(Tenna leads the Colonials toward the chamber where the children are secreted.)

 

TENNA

(motioning others to stop)

Shh.

(sees Cylons overturning things in adjacent chamber and motions all in another direction)

 

THANE

This is our chance to go.

 

LEDA

We’ll have a better chance on the mountain. 

 

(As the Cylons move on, Tenna motions the others to follow her.  Meanwhile, Thane slips off and overpowers a Theta worker.)

 

(Ravashol’s laboratory)

 

RAVASHOL

Why couldn’t you have left us alone?  If you and your battlestar hadn’t intruded upon this quadrant, all would still be peaceful.

 

APOLLO

We didn’t have a choice.  The Cylons forced us here.  Don’t you understand?  The Cylons are out to exterminate every human in the universe.  Eventually even you will go.

 

RAVASHOL

They let me live.  They understand my work.  All you want to do is to destroy everything I’ve created.  Before you came, everything was in its proper place.  Planners to think, workers to work.

 

APOLLO

I’ve got news for you, Doctor.  Your workers are thinking – and breeding. 

 

RAVASHOL

Impossible.

 

APOLLO

Tell that to the children they have hidden in the village.

 

RAVASHOL

Children?

 

APOLLO

If you won’t help me to save the lives in the fleet, do it for the Thetas.  In a sense they’re all your children. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

Scanners have picked up a Cylon fighter squadron.

 

ADAMA

How many?

 

TIGH

An attack phalanx.  They’re beginning to press.

 

ADAMA

Battle stations.  Order Blue Squadron to patrol the rear. 

 

TIGH

Aye aye, sir.

 

RIGEL (OS)

Vector coordinates coded and transferred.  Launch bay Alpha, stand by to launch fighter patrol.  Launch when ready. 

(Vipers launch)

Enemy approaching, one hundred microns and closing.

 

ADAMA

Protect the freighters.

 

OMEGA

Galactica to Blue Leader.  Engage. 

 

(Baltar’s throne room)

 

BALTAR

Have our fighters engaged the Galactica?

 

LUCIFER

Yes.  But they will not have enough fuel to return.

 

BALTAR

Break off the attack.

 

LUCIFER

Baltar, I believe my sound sensor mishears you. 

 

BALTAR

I said break off the attack!  It will force Adama to believe that we are even closer than we are in actuality.

 

LUCIFER

Very clever.  A little hard on our troops, but very clever.  By your command.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Why are they withdrawing?  Secure quarters.  They’ll be back in packs like wild animals. 

 

TIGH

Any estimate on time remaining until the landing party completes its mission?

 

ADAMA

Irrelevant.  We must move forward in exactly four hundred and twenty centons, whether they’re successful or not. 

 

(Ravashol’s laboratory)

 

RAVASHOL

(indicating on screen to Apollo)

There’re two chambers in the mountain, one housing the pulsar, the other a small garrison.  The only chance you have for total destruction is to jam or reverse the main pump.  It’s not easy, but it can be done.  Here, here, and here. 

 

(In the village, Tenna enters a cavern.)

 

TENNA

Quick, we must hide these humans. 

 

(Another Tenna pushes aside some shelves to reveal the cave where the Theta children are kept.  Muffit barks at the children and they run away.)

 

BOXEY

He won’t hurt you!  He’s just a daggit!

 

BOOMER

Hey, where’s Thane?

 

STARBUCK

Ahh, I don’t know.  Maybe he got separated in the passageway.

 

CROFT

He’s been looking for a chance to make a break. 

 

BOOMER

We’d better go find him. 

 

TENNA

Wait.  Let us do it.  As you can see, strangers are easy to single out here. 

(to another Tenna)

Come.

 

(Elsewhere in the village, Thane, disguised as a Theta worker, has been captured by Cylons.)

 

CENTURION

What is your purpose here?

 

THANE

Just visiting.

 

CENTURION

How many of you are there?

 

THANE

I travel alone.  I’ve always been a little antisocial.

 

CENTURION

You are from the Galactica.

 

THANE

Never heard of it. 

 

(in the children’s cave)

 

TENNA

The Cylons have captured one of your party. 

 

CROFT

I’ll go for him.

 

STARBUCK

You’re not going anywhere.  I need you to scale the mountain.  I’ll take a look, Boomer.  If I’m not back in ten centons—

 

BOOMER

I don’t know, Starbuck. 

 

STARBUCK

I do. 

 

BOXEY

I’m going too!  Dad said to keep a eye on you. 

 

STARBUCK

Your dad told you to k—?  Now, listen, kid.  I’m countin’ on you as a Colonial warrior to keep these children safe.  Now, your father also told you to obey orders, right? 

 

BOXEY

I guess so. 

 

STARBUCK

All right.  Well, then snap to it, Cadet.  And, uh, stay clear of the women.  Remember, you’re on duty. 

(to Boomer)

Be back in a flash.

 

(Starbuck and Tenna enter another cavern.)

 

STARBUCK

Can you take me to where they have Thane?

 

TENNA

But the Cylons will recognize you.

 

STARBUCK

Not if I’m dressed like a Theta. 

 

TENNA

All this risk for one man?

 

STARBUCK

He might betray us.

 

TENNA

Are you sure it’s Thane you want to save and not the other one?  Who else are you looking for? 

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

It’s a pilot I lost.  Just a kid, really.  His name’s Cree. 

(sighs again)

If he survived the crash, the Cylons will have him.

 

TENNA

For his sake, I hope he didn’t. 

 

(Cylon interrogation chamber)

 

VULPA

Take him to a cold cell.  I will examine his cortex later.

 

(Cree is led to the cold cell and placed inside.)

 

CREE

No!  No!  Nooo!

 

(In the village, the Cylon interrogation of Thane continues.)

 

CENTURION

How many combat ships in the fleet?

 

THANE

Tough question.  There’re so many. 

 

CENTURION

How many?

 

(Starbuck and Tenna make their way through the village.)

 

SER

Starbuck! 

 

STARBUCK

Hey – where’s Apollo?

 

SER

He is with Ravashol.

 

STARBUCK

He – is he safe?

 

SER

He is in hiding. 

 

STARBUCK

Well, can Ravashol be trusted?

 

TENNA

He saved Ser Five Nine from the Cylons. 

 

STARBUCK

(sees that Ser’s back has been whipped)

Looks like they caught you.

 

SER

Ravashol lied to save my life.  I prefer being whipped to being killed.

 

(Thane is still under questioning.)

 

THANE

In my inner pocket there’s a tape coder.  The information you want is recorded in it. 

(the Centurion removes a hand mine from Thane’s pocket)

Just press that button.

 

(The Centurion unwittingly detonates the mine, sending Thetas screaming in all directions.)

 

STARBUCK

We’d better get back. 

 

(Starbuck, Tenna, and Ser return to the children’s cave, where Apollo draws his laser upon their entry.)

 

STARBUCK

Ah – is that any way to greet a fellow warrior?

 

APOLLO

I thought I left you in charge.  What happened?

 

STARBUCK

Thane’s dead. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

STARBUCK

But he didn’t betray us. 

 

APOLLO

We got a problem.  Ravashol says our only chance—

 

SER

Father Creator helped you.

 

APOLLO

Yes.  He says our only chance is a simultaneous attack, one on the garrison station in the chambers outside the pulsar, the other on the gun itself.  I’m putting you in charge of taking the garrison. 

 

STARBUCK

I won’t let you down. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

I’m counting on it.  Let’s set our timepieces – at two hundred centons.

 

STARBUCK

Got it.

 

APOLLO

We’ll reach the top and start our attack in exactly two hundred centons.  The Galactica will be moving forward after that.  And for all our sakes, Starbuck, don’t be late.

 

STARBUCK

I’ll be there.

 

(Outside, the team prepares to scale the mountain.)

 

WOLFE

One of the clones told me the Cylon fighters are located at the top of the mountain, just behind the pulsar emplacement.  When we get there, we grab one.

 

CROFT

And go where?  How long do you think it’ll be before the Galactica hunts us down?

 

WOLFE

The Galactica is the hunted.  Adama won’t waste a squadron hunting down three ex-convicts.

 

LEDA

He knows that! 

(to Croft)

And since when are your sympathies with the warriors who chained you?  The Galactica and the entire fleet are finished.

 

CROFT

They will be if we don’t knock out that pulsar. 

 

LEDA

That’s right.  They’ll all be destroyed and we’ll be free.  We can find another planet.  Starlos isn’t far.  We can pick up food and water and fuel.  Now, are you with us, or are you going to turn your back on freedom, the way you did before?   

 

CROFT

I could not shoot down a Colonial warrior.

 

LEDA

Oh, yes, I know.  The code, the bloodline.  And for all your compassion they chained you like an animal.  Now is your chance, our chance.  One last time, my husband. 

 

WOLFE

Are you with us?

 

CROFT

(nods)

I’m with ya. 

 

(Baltar’s throne room)

 

LUCIFER

Good news!  Some of our fighters may have enough fuel to rendezvous with us.  Well, at least thirty percent.

 

BALTAR

Good.  Have them go back and re-engage the Galactica.

 

LUCIFER

But, Baltar, they just disengaged!

 

BALTAR

(laughs)

Yes.  It will drive Adama crazy.

 

LUCIFER

He is not the only one.

 

BALTAR

You said something?

 

LUCIFER

By your command.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Enemy closing, ten microns.

 

ADAMA

General quarters. 

 

RIGEL

Closing in, five microns.  Blue Squadron up.  Launch when ready. 

 

ADAMA

Activate the laser turrets.

 

(Battle ensues.)

 

ATHENA

Cylon attacking fighters have retreated, but Cylon battlestars are entering the quadrant.

 

ADAMA

Our time’s up, Colonel.  Flank speed ahead!

 

BRIDGE OFFICER

Flank speed ahead!

 

ADAMA

We’re going right through. 

 

(In the Cylon command center on Arcta, Baltar appears on the screen.)

 

VULPA

By your command.

 

BALTAR

Our base ships have arrived and are closing on the Galactica.  What is the status of the pulsar?

 

VULPA

Fully operating.

 

BALTAR

Initiate random firing.  Sweep the entire corridor.  Begin at once.

 

VULPA

By your command. 

(to a Centurion)

Notify summit station.  Random sweeps covering the corridor.

 

(pulsar control)

 

CENTURION

Lens system aligned.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION
Pulsar ready to fire.

 

VULPA

Commence firing. 

 

(The pulsar fires a blast near the Galactica.)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

My God. 

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

Yes, I – I read you.  Yes.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(More blasts are fired, setting off an avalanche on the mountainside.)

 

APOLLO

Avalanche!

(flings Croft to the ground as the snow and debris hit)

 

(Ser’s leg is hit by a boulder and he screams.)

 

CROFT

(picking himself up from the snow)

That’s one I owe you.

 

LEDA

(examining Ser)

His leg.  He’ll never make it to the top of the mountain with this leg.

 

APOLLO

Can you get him down?

 

TENNA

I think so.

 

APOLLO

Do it!

 

SER

What about the pulsar?

 

APOLLO

We’ll take it from here.  Let’s go!  We’ve only got eighty centons left. 

 

(Cylon command center)

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

OMEGA

We’re getting within range. 

 

TIGH

The expedition must have failed. 

 

ADAMA

Now, they still have seventy centons.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

We’re closing, Commander.  Sixty-eight centons. 

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

Yes, I read you.

 

(The climbers reach the mountaintop.)

 

WOLFE

If we’re gonna go, it’s gotta be now. 

 

LEDA

I’m with you. 

 

(Wolfe draws his stolen laser on Apollo.)

 

APOLLO

There’s nowhere you can go, Wolfe.

 

WOLFE

There’s a whole squadron of Cylon fighters just the other side of the hill.  We’re gettin’ off this piece of ice.

 

APOLLO

There isn’t time!  Don’t you understand?  The Galactica’s passed into the quadrant right now!  We’ve gotta silence that gun!

 

WOLFE

You think I care what happens to the Galactica?

 

APOLLO

The Galactica’s the only ship in the galaxy that can protect you!  Without us you’re finished!

 

LEDA

I don’t think you realize who is finished here, Captain.

 

APOLLO

The Cylons won’t rest until every one of us is put to death.

 

WOLFE

Don’t worry about us, Captain.  We’re gonna make it.

 

APOLLO

To where?

 

WOLFE

Well, now, that isn’t really going to matter, to you.

 

(A blast from the pulsar shakes the ground, causing Wolfe to stumble.  Croft rushes forward and grabs the laser as Wolfe fires it.  He wrestles Wolfe to the ground and the two men fight.  After attempting to hit Croft’s head with a rock, Wolfe breaks free and runs away.)

 

CROFT

Wooooolfe!

(levels the laser at Wolfe)

 

APOLLO

Don’t shoot!

(Croft lowers the laser)

He’ll never make it.  He’s not getting away, he’s – he’s as good as dead.

 

LEDA

Croft, we’ve got to go with him.  It’s our only chance.

 

CROFT

We’re here on a mission, a mission to save the last remains of a once-civilized race.  And we’re gonna do it!  You understand that?  This mission goes through!  Let’s get moving.  The Galactica’s time is running out.

 

APOLLO

I’m putting you in charge, Croft.  Get us into that pulsar station.  We’ve only got sixty-two centons. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

We’re approaching Cylon scanning range.  They’ll have a fix on us at any moment. 

 

TIGH

Commander, I suggest we let all the ships move at maximum speed.  We jeopardize the entire fleet if we maintain the speed of the slowest ship in the convoy.

 

ADAMA

Execute.

 

TIGH

Galactica to all ships.  Accelerate to maximum possible speed.  Increase interval spacing.  And good luck. 

 

(Cylon command center)

 

VULPA

Where is the Galactica?

 

CENTURION

Sixty centons and closing. 

(Croft and Apollo climb up to a hatchway)

Fifty centons and closing.  Maintain random firing. 

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Hard to starboard.

 

OMEGA

Helm, hard to starboard.

 

(inside the city)

 

STARBUCK

Forty-two centons.  I’ll be with you as fast as I can.

 

BOOMER

Where’re you goin’?

 

STARBUCK

Gotta settle a debt.

 

BOOMER
You’re gonna what?

 

STARBUCK

Don’t wait for me past twenty centons. 

 

(Leda joins Croft and Apollo at the hatchway.)

 

CROFT

This is the intake tube.  It opens to the cooling system.  Laser’s inside. 

 

LEDA

We don’t have enough solenite to blow up the whole station.

 

APOLLO

According to Ravashol’s geogram, the key element is the energy exchange pump.  If we can wreck it, the gun will overload and blow itself up. 

 

CROFT

Well, let’s take a look.

 

APOLLO

We’ve only got thirty-five centons to go.  I hope Starbuck’s on schedule.

 

(inside the city)

 

TENNA

(indicating)

The emergency escape hatch.  The cold cells where the Cylons hold prisoners are directly below. 

(Starbuck begins opening hatch)

There’re bound to be guards.

 

STARBUCK

It’ll take ’em by surprise.  Nobody breaks into prison. 

 

(He drops through the hatch and shoots the two Cylon guards, then uses his laser to open the cold cell.)

 

CREE
Starbuck!

 

STARBUCK

Can you walk?

 

CREE
I can try.

 

STARBUCK

All right, let’s go!

 

(Cylon command center)

 

VULPA

Where is the Galactica?

 

CENTURION

Thirty centons and closing. 

 

VULPA

Fire.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Hard to port.

 

OMEGA

Helm, hard to port.

 

TIGH

That was close.

 

ADAMA

Hard to starboard.

 

OMEGA

Helm, hard to starboard.

 

TIGH

Commander, we have to turn back.  We’ll never make it.

 

RIGEL

Commander, twenty-seven centons and closing. 

 

(The demolition party advances through the intake tunnel.  A wind begins to blast through the chamber.)

 

CROFT

Hold on, they’re using the intakes!

 

APOLLO

(as the wind ceases)

Let’s go!  Hurry up, we’ve only got twenty-five centons. 

 

(inside the city)

 

TENNA

(to Cree)

Come on.  In here. 

(hides him)

 

STARBUCK

Wait, eh, l-listen, uh—

 

TENNA

You risked your life to save his?

 

STARBUCK

Well, it seemed like a good trade at the time.  Now, come on, we don’t—

 

TENNA

You are very courageous.  I don’t wish to betray my people, but—

 

STARBUCK

But what?

 

TENNA

They will help you to destroy the Cylon garrison. 

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, I know that.

 

TENNA

They will not allow you to destroy the pulsar weapon. 

 

STARBUCK

Well, how will they stop us?  Apollo and the others will be setting the charges when we bust into the garrison.

 

TENNA

I do not know how they will do it, only that they will, by whatever means.

 

STARBUCK

All right, let’s talk to your people.

 

(pulsar control)

 

APOLLO

That’s the firing station in the middle.  It controls the energy pump.

 

LEDA

Is that the target?

 

CROFT

Blow that and the whole system overloads.  It’ll blow off the whole top of the mountain. 

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Twenty centons.

 

OTHER CENTURION

Fire.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Increase spacing between ships. 

 

OMEGA

Yes, sir.

 

RIGEL

Cylon base stars, quadrant Epsilon, closing rapidly. 

 

ADAMA

There’s your answer, Colonel.  We can’t turn back.  We must move forward.

 

RIGEL

Commander, fifteen centons and closing.

 

ADAMA

We’ll get through.  We must get through.

 

(in the Theta cave)

 

SER

We will help you destroy the garrison.  The pulsar weapon belongs to us. 

 

STARBUCK

Keep that gun and the Galactica is blown out of the sky.

 

(Ravashol enters unnoticed.)

 

SER

When news of our revolt reaches a Cylon outpost or base ship, they will come here in their fighters to destroy us.  You will have gone!  We will be here alone and defenseless, unless we have the pulsar to repel them. 

 

STARBUCK

Can’t you hear it?  The Galactica is the last Colonial battlestar.  It has to survive.  The fate of an entire race depends on it!

 

SER

That is not our concern!

 

RAVASHOL

But it is mine. 

(the Thetas express surprise at his arrival)

I am a member of that race that is fleeing the Cylon tyranny. 

 

SER

Father Creator, it is for our protection that I speak.  We will not be subjugated again by machines.  We are not perfect, but—

 

RAVASHOL

But you are human.  More human than I had ever anticipated.  I shall have to review my notes to see where I went wrong.

(smiles)

Those are your brothers out there in space.  We have to help them.  Destroy the pulsar.  I will protect you. 

 

APOLLO (voice over insert shot of timepiece)

We’ve got eight centons to go.

 

STARBUCK

We’re out of time.  We go now or not at all.  All the way, or not at all. 

 

SER

We are with you!

 

OTHER THETAS

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yes!

We’re with you. 

Let’s go.

Yes, I am.

(they leave the chamber)

 

STARBUCK

How will you protect them?

 

RAVASHOL

I didn’t give the Cylons everything I’ve created. 

 

(pulsar control)

 

APOLLO

Five centons.  You take the three at the firing station, I’ll take the two at the door.  For the glory of Caprica, for once in your life don’t be late, Starbuck.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Four centons and closing.

 

OTHER CENTURION

Fire.

 

(Outside the garrison headquarters, Starbuck finishes setting charges.)

 

STARBUCK

Heads up.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Three centons and closing.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Commander, we’ll be in range in one centon. 

 

(pulsar control)

 

APOLLO

Ready?  Now! 

 

(They attack the Centurions as Starbuck blows the door and enters the garrison, shooting two Centurions.)

 

STARBUCK

Let’s go, we’re almost out of time!

 

(Vulpa enters pulsar control and advances toward Croft.)

 

LEDA

Croft!

(pulls Croft to the floor as Vulpa fires at them)

Aahhh!

 

(Starbuck enters pulsar control behind Vulpa and shoots him, but Leda is dead.)

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Fire.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

That was too close.

 

RIGEL

Seventy microns.

 

ADAMA

Why haven’t they stopped that thing?

 

(pulsar control)

 

APOLLO

The garrison?

 

BOOMER

Wiped out.

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

You go ahead; I’ll get Croft. 

 

STARBUCK

All right.

 

APOLLO

Croft, we’ve only got a few microns left. 

 

CROFT

(lowers Leda gently to the floor)

Why would she do a thing like that?  Why would she save my life? 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Let’s go.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Fire.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Forty-five microns and closing.  Forty microns.  Thirty-nine. 

 

(The demolition party enters an elevator to leave pulsar control.)

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

 

BOOMER

Well, what if the blast cuts the cable?

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

 

APOLLO

We’ll find out.

 

BOOMER

(nods)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Thirty-three.  Thirty-two.  Thirty-one.  Thirty microns. 

 

(In the city, Starbuck leaves the rest of the party and runs into the Theta children’s chamber.)

 

STARBUCK

Time to leave, kids.  Let’s go.

 

BOXEY

My fa—

 

STARBUCK

I’m takin’ you to him, kid, I’m takin’ you to him.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Fourteen.  Thirteen.

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Ten.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Nine. 

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

Eight.  Seven.  Six.  Five.  Four.  Three. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Two. 

 

(Cylon command center)

 

CENTURION

One.  Fire.

 

(The charges detonate, destroying the pulsar.)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Commander!  We’ve picked up an explosion on the surface, a big one. 

 

ADAMA

Can you read position?

 

RIGEL

The mountain! 

 

ADAMA

They’ve done it!  They’ve done it!

 

TIGH

(laughs)

 

(The bridge crew members cheer.)

 

ADAMA

Secure quarters!

 

TIGH

Normal operations! 

 

ADAMA

Now, send out a rescue unit with full fighter escort. 

 

TIGH

Aye aye, sir.

 

ADAMA

(sighs with relief)

 

(Baltar’s throne room)

 

LUCIFER

Baltar, I bring grave news. 

 

BALTAR

It cannot be!

 

LUCIFER

I’m afraid it can.  A handful of humans successfully destroyed the Ravashol pulsar. 

 

BALTAR

Despite all of your garrisons and squadrons and the biggest weapon in the universe?

 

LUCIFER

But the strategy was yours, Baltar.  I recommend we come up with some sort of solid front, to explain this debacle to the Imperious Leader. 

 

BALTAR

Very well.  But I will yet have the last laugh on Adama.  Mark my words.

 

LUCIFER

Don’t I always, Baltar?

 

(In the underground city, the children play in the company of the other Thetas.)

 

RAVASHOL

I haven’t seen emotion in a long time.  It’s good to see it again. 

 

APOLLO

The Cylons will be coming back.

 

RAVASHOL

We’ll take care of them. 

 

STARBUCK

(kissing three versions of Tenna in turn)

Yes.  Hmm.  Hey.

 

APOLLO

You may be having trouble with your children from now on.  They seem to be getting more and more human.

 

RAVASHOL

(laughs)

I’m glad.  Peace be with you.  May you get to where you’re going.

 

APOLLO

Peace be with you, Father Creator. 

 

PLANNER

(nods at Apollo)

 

APOLLO

Let’s go home!

 

MALE THETA (OS)

Good-bye, Captain!  Good luck!

 

APOLLO

Let’s go home!  Let’s go, Starbuck.

 

STARBUCK

Captain, wait, wait, wait! 

 

FEMALE THETA (OS)

Thank you!

 

STARBUCK

This is the chance of a lifetime. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

STARBUCK

Three versions of the same beautiful woman.  I mean, can you imagine the possibilities?

 

(One of the Tennas waves.)

 

APOLLO

I can imagine. 

 

STARBUCK

You can?

 

APOLLO

Yeah!  Another time.

 

STARBUCK

Um, Cap—  it – C-Captain, uh, C—  I—

(shrugs at the three Tennas)

 

TENNAS

(waving)

Bye.

 

STARBUCK

(waves back)

 

BOOMER

Well—

 

STARBUCK

Ohhhh—

 

BOOMER

You win one, lose one.

 

STARBUCK

Ehh, I just lost all three. 

 

 

-END TRANSCRIPT-

 

 

NOTES

 

Particularly during Part 1, before Vulpa’s voice is given a lower pitch than that of a standard Centurion, it is not always clear which lines are spoken by him.

 

Athena’s line “destructive power infinite with two hectars” is probably meant to be “destructive power infinite within two hectars.”

 

In Adama’s quarters, Apollo pronounces the name Tigh with a hard final ‘g’ sound.

 

In connection with Boomer’s line “He took off with Tenna on the point,” the telemovie reverses the order of the next two scenes, placing the exchange between Tenna and Starbuck before the exchange between Wolfe and Croft.  This transcript follows the order in the telemovie, which is also the order in the shooting script.