WAR OF THE GODS (telemovie)

Written by Glen A. Larson

Transcribed by Clay Arden for ByYourCommand.net

 

 

(Vipers in space)

 

BOJAY

This is Flight Leader to advance probe.  I think everything looks okay for the fleet in this quadrant.  Let’s start thinking about a last wide sweep and head for home.  Copy?

 

JOLLY

Loud and clear.  Making the final sweep of the dis— b—

(mysterious lights appear)

Bojay! 

 

1ST PILOT

Captain, I’m seein’ spots in front of my eyes!

 

BOJAY

All right, all right, take it easy, you guys.  Whatever it was is gone now, but – well, let’s ease on over in that direction.

 

JOLLY

Maybe we’d better alert the fleet.

 

BOJAY

Well, there’s plenty of time for that. 

 

(The lights fly past again.)

 

JOLLY

I not only saw that one, I felt it.

 

1ST PILOT

Captain, left center!

 

JOLLY

Whatever they are, they’re comin’ right at us, and fast.

 

BOJAY

Actuate attack computers.  Stand by to intercept.

 

JOLLY

I’m not pickin’ them up on my scanner.  I’m not pickin’ anything up on it.

 

BOJAY

Well, they’re there, and they’re not slowing down.  Good Lord, they’re fast!  Anybody get a good look at them?

 

JOLLY

(laughing)

No.  But I’ll tell ya this – whatever they’re flying can outrun us.

 

3RD PILOT

Let’s get outta here, warn the fleet. 

 

BOJAY

So far, we don’t know if there’s anything to warn them about.  Now, hold your positions and your fire until we get a fix on ’em.

 

JOLLY
Wait, they’re movin’ up behind us.
(the lights pass them at high speed)
Well, whoever it is doesn’t seem too interested in us.  Let’s turn around and get outta here.

 

BOJAY

Jolly, you speak the wisdom of the Lords.  Okay, warriors, let’s turn around and—

 

(The Ship of Lights comes up behind them.)

 

JOLLY

Skipper!

 

BOJAY

I see him.  Holy frak! 

 

1ST PILOT
Skipper, my instruments are gone.  I can’t read a thing.

 

JOLLY

Mine are spinnin’ like firetons.  And that noise, what—?  I can’t stand it! 

 

3RD PILOT

What do we do?

 

BOJAY

Divide and run!  A four-point peel-off on three.  One! 

 

JOLLY

Bojay, I’ve lost power.  I’m – I’m losing speed!

 

1ST PILOT

I can’t do a thing, Skipper!

 

3RD PILOT

I can’t stand the sound! 

 

BOJAY

Ahh!  Ahhhh…  Ahh… 

(loses consciousness)

 

(Back at the fleet, Apollo and Starbuck play Triad against Boomer and his teammate.)

 

SPECTATORS

Starbuck!

Watch out!

Get in!

 

CROWD

(chanting)

Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  …

 

SPECTATORS

No!

Yay!

Whoo!

 

(Apollo’s team wins 15-14.)

 

(In the corridor after the game, Athena, Sheba, and others congratulate Apollo and Starbuck on their win.)

 

ATHENA

Good game.

(to Starbuck)

You were incredible tonight, absolutely incredible.

 

APOLLO

Well, we got some lucky boards!

 

STARBUCK

Speak for yourself; I was brilliant.

 

ATHENA

I second that.  Now, what can I do to reward you for excellence?

 

STARBUCK

Give me a few centons to change.  I'll think of something.

 

SHEBA

(to Apollo)
I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say you were incredible, but, uh, I might be willing to give you “reasonably proficient” and buy you a drink.

 

APOLLO

Generous, very generous.

 

SHEBA

Hi, Boomer.

 

BOOMER

Nice to see ya.

 

APOLLO

Nice play.

 

BOOMER

“Nice play,” yeah, sure.  Just once I’d like to beat you two.

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

 

STARBUCK

Ah, Boomer, I’m sure there’s something you’re good at.  Anyway, what do you expect from a natural-born athlete?

 

BOOMER

Just for that, you’re doin’ the buyin’. 

 

TIGH

I’m afraid nobody’s buying.  Emergency meeting in the war room.

 

STARBUCK

For Sagan’s sake, Colonel, have a heart.  We just ran ourselves ragged playing Triad.  And, uh, I need a drink.

 

TIGH

You’ll need one even more when you find out what’s happened.

 

APOLLO

Let’s go.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

They disappeared here, in this sector.

(indicating on map)

 

APOLLO

And there’s been no transmissions of any kind?

 

TIGH

We received an automatic distress signal. 

 

ADAMA

Since then, nothing.  Four ships have simply vanished. 

 

APOLLO
What kind of land mass is indicated?

 

ADAMA

I don’t know, but the seismic readings indicate that something has happened there within a time frame that could have a bearing on the missing ships.

 

SHEBA

Commander, Bojay’s like my family.  He’s all that I’ve got left—

 

ADAMA

I know.  Get your gear.

 

(Sheba exits.)

 

APOLLO

Father, maybe sending her is a mistake.  There’s been no trace of her father or the Pegasus since his disappearance, and now losing Bojay—

 

STARBUCK

Look, if emotion is a factor in finding those four pilots, we’re all equally motivated.  Jolly’s like a kinsman to me. 

 

APOLLO

Well, then we picked the right team.

 

ADAMA

I think so too, but – no chances.  If they’re not on the planet—

 

APOLLO

I know, they wouldn’t have fuel enough to have been in continuous flight since they’d left.  If we don’t find them, we come right back.

 

ADAMA

All right.  Good luck.  Thank you.

 

APOLLO

Yeah.

 

(Apollo and Starbuck exit.)

 

TIGH

Commander, that seismic report – I don’t like the implications of it.  It’s too sudden, too abortive to be a—a core tremor.  More likely an explosion of some kind.

 

ADAMA

Well, it doesn’t seem reasonable that four ships would crash simultaneously.

 

TIGH

That’s true, but they could’ve been on the ground at the same time when the explosion occurred.

 

ADAMA

Yes, that’s possible.  We’ll know very soon, won’t we?

 

(Vipers in space)

 

APOLLO

Picking up five planets, fairly widespread orbits. 

 

STARBUCK

I got ’em.  I’m not scanning any life forms.

 

SHEBA

Neither am I.  But we’re still a long way off.

 

APOLLO

Let’s split up and take a closer look at the first three. 

(they split up)

First planet’s a giant.  Eighty percent compressed hydrogen, twelve percent helium, no life forms.  But it sure is pretty.

 

SHEBA

So’s number two.  Beautiful, but deadly.  The atmosphere’s almost totally comprised of compressed carbon dioxide.  No life forms.

 

STARBUCK

Ehh, leave it to me to get the ugly one. 

(sighs)

No atmosphere, just barren rock. 

(they approach a fourth planet)

What do you think?

 

APOLLO

Tell you in a flash.

(activates scanner)

No life forms.

 

SHEBA

I wonder why.  It seems to have appropriate atmospheric requirements. 

 

APOLLO

It’s possible no travelers from any of the Colonies ever made it out this far.

 

STARBUCK

At least they didn’t hang around, for some reason.

 

SHEBA

That doesn’t bode well with the direction we’re heading in to find the lost thirteenth tribe, and Earth.

 

APOLLO

One problem at a time.  Let’s go down in the atmosphere.

 

SHEBA

Starbuck, Apollo, look at the color of the vegetation. 

(with a laugh)

It’s all red.

 

APOLLO

Let’s find a place to set down and have a look.

 

STARBUCK

There, just over that rise, look at that.

 

APOLLO

Looks like something big hit this area.  It’s all burned out. 

 

STARBUCK

You see there, just to the left of center – some kind of wreckage.  And whatever it was was huge.

 

APOLLO

Let’s go in.

 

(The Vipers land.  The reddish light has strange effects on colors in the areas covered by the vegetation.)

 

STARBUCK

(exiting his Viper)

Ahh. 

(sighs and grunts as he climbs to the ground)

 

APOLLO

This is the strangest light I’ve ever seen.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

You two ought to see yourselves.  You look really weird.

 

SHEBA

I’ve never seen you look better.

 

STARBUCK

Hmm.

(laughs)

 

SHEBA

(laughs)

 

APOLLO

Well, at least the atmosphere is comfortable to breathe. 

 

SHEBA

But everything’s so eerie.

 

STARBUCK

Yes, but it’s alive. 

 

APOLLO

Let’s go. 

 

(They go to the edge of the impact crater.)

 

APOLLO

(with an astonished laugh)

Whoo.  Look at the size of that crater.  Whatever hit here must have been as big as a battlestar. 

 

STARBUCK

And that looks like the remains of a very big ship. 

 

APOLLO

Let’s go have a look.

 

(They start down the slope but then hear a voice from behind them.)

 

IBLIS

I wouldn’t go down there!

 

SHEBA

Where did he come from?  The scanner read “no life forms.”

 

IBLIS

The radion levels are extremely high. 

 

STARBUCK

Where’d you come from?

 

IBLIS

Where did you come from?

 

APOLLO

We mean you no harm.  You’re obviously human.  Do you need our help?

 

IBLIS

Well, I think it’s more likely that I can help you. 

 

STARBUCK

How?  Uh—but—uh, are there others like you?

 

IBLIS

Not here.

 

SHEBA

Was that a ship?

 

IBLIS

Yes, it was.  It was destroyed.

 

APOLLO

By whom?

 

IBLIS

The Great Powers.

 

SHEBA

You mean the Cylon Empire.

 

IBLIS

No. 

 

STARBUCK

Uh, just who are these, uh, “Powers”? 

 

IBLIS

It’s not easy to explain.  Would you mind if we moved from here?  I don’t want to be reminded of what happened to my people.

 

APOLLO

(attempting to scan Iblis)

Something’s wrong with my scanner.  I can’t get any reading.

 

IBLIS

That scanner won’t be of much use to you.  The radion field here from the crash is too strong. 

 

(Away from the crash site, Starbuck and Apollo confer about Iblis.)

 

STARBUCK

Who is this guy?

 

APOLLO

I don’t know.  I get a very strange feeling about him. 

 

STARBUCK

Ehh, well, that makes two of us. 

 

APOLLO

I don’t understand how he survived that crash without a mark on him. 

 

(They walk over to where Iblis is standing with Sheba.)

 

IBLIS

(sighs)

I’m weary.  I’m drained of energy.

 

SHEBA

We have some emergency rations with us.  We’ll be happy to share them with you.

 

IBLIS

You’re very kind.  It’s not food I require.

 

APOLLO

How did you survive the crash?

 

IBLIS

I don’t know. 

 

STARBUCK

You – you spoke of your people.  Were there people on board that ship?

 

IBLIS

Yes.  They’re all gone.  Well, what about you?  You must have people.  Will you be returning to them soon?

 

APOLLO

Yes.

 

IBLIS

I wonder if I might accompany you.

 

APOLLO

Well, we’d have to know a little bit more about you first.  Where do you come from?

 

IBLIS

You do not know my people.  They’re not of your world.

 

STARBUCK

Yes, but if they are human, maybe there’s some connection.  Maybe, uh—

 

IBLIS

Maybe I can help you with your quest.

 

APOLLO

What quest was that?

 

IBLIS

Whatever it is you’re looking for.  My knowledge of the universe is infinite!  I think we’d better be going.

(walks off some distance)

 

STARBUCK

Likable, but a little on the loony side.

 

APOLLO

Maybe, maybe not.  Where’s he from?

 

SHEBA

You keep asking that.  What does it matter?  Look, he’s human, and he’s all alone.  I think he’s in shock from the explosion.

 

STARBUCK

That makes sense.  If he ejected from that ship, the fall may have hurt him.

 

APOLLO

Nah, nah, he doesn’t look any too tattered to me. 

 

STARBUCK

Well, we can’t just leave him behind.

 

APOLLO

What if he’s some kinda spy planted here?  

 

STARBUCK

Who knew we were coming?

 

APOLLO

Whoever was responsible for the disappearance of our patrol.

 

STARBUCK

Apollo, he’s only one man.  If we keep our guard up, I just don’t see what he can do.

 

APOLLO

All right, but first let’s make sure he’s not carrying any kind of homing device.

 

SHEBA

Good idea.  If this is one of Baltar’s little tricks, maybe it’ll backfire.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, go back to the ship and send for a shuttle.  Oh, and see if there’s any word from the missing patrol.

 

STARBUCK

Right.

 

(Apollo and Sheba join Iblis as Starbuck’s Viper launches.)

 

APOLLO

We’ve decided to take you with us.

 

IBLIS

Good.

(walks on ahead)

 

APOLLO

Overwhelmed, isn’t he?

 

(The mysterious lights pass overhead and their characteristic noise momentarily causes Apollo and Sheba to cover their ears in pain.)

 

SHEBA

What is it?  What’s happening?

 

APOLLO

I don’t know, but it didn’t even faze him!

 

IBLIS

We’d better hurry.  They’re coming back.  They’re looking for me.

 

APOLLO

One more thing before you go.  You say that your knowledge of the universe is infinite.  Have you ever heard of the planet Earth?

 

IBLIS

I have been there.

 

SHEBA

Then you know where it is?

 

IBLIS

Yes.

 

(In the Galactica landing bay, Colonel Tigh meets the pilots and the shuttle carrying Count Iblis.)

 

TIGH

Any sign of the others?

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Not a trace.  But we did find somebody. 

 

SHEBA

May I introduce our guest?  This is Count Iblis.  Colonel Tigh.

 

IBLIS

An honor, Colonel. 

(Tigh nods)

I know your mind must be full of questions.  But I wonder if I might find somewhere to rest after my ordeal.

 

APOLLO

I’ll be glad to give you and my father a quick debriefing, but I’m sure you’ll want to talk to Count Iblis at length. 

 

TIGH

Of course.  Sheba, proceed to the life station, and find the Count some quarters.

 

SHEBA

(nods, gestures to Iblis)

You ready?

 

TIGH

We’ll see you two on the bridge.

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

ADAMA

He was all alone on the planet? 

 

APOLLO

As far as we could tell.  Beside the wreckage of an immense ship.

 

ADAMA

What’s your report on the wreckage?

 

APOLLO
Well, it was giving off exceptionally high radion levels.

 

STARBUCK

We couldn’t move into the area without returning to the Galactica for special gear.

 

ADAMA

Too bad, too bad.  And yet he survived despite the radion levels?

 

APOLLO

I can only speculate he ejected from the ship before she was struck.

 

ADAMA

Struck by the Cylons?

 

STARBUCK

Uh, not according to him.  But then, who knows what condition his mind was in after going through the encounter he’d been through?

 

APOLLO

Father, he seemed to be very evasive.  I don’t trust him.

 

ADAMA

Hm.  All right.  I want a complete report on him from the life station.  Cranium probe, neurosystems, everything, up to and including psychoelectron recall. 

 

APOLLO

Okay.

 

STARBUCK

Okay.

 

(Galactica corridor)

 

SHEBA

We can stop down here for some hypernutrients and a quick energon treatment.  At least that’ll get you through the debriefing.

(polite laugh)

 

IBLIS

No.  Oh, it’s not that I don’t appreciate your concerns, but, uh, I have my own concerns. 

 

SHEBA

Oh – we only want to help you.

(slight laugh)

 

IBLIS

I’m sure.  But you don’t understand.  I’m not of your world.  It’s highly probable that, uh, your instruments could be destructive to me. 

 

SHEBA

But they’re the very latest.

 

IBLIS

For your time, yes.

 

SHEBA

Ah, I really think that I should be getting you—

 

IBLIS

(stares at her hypnotically for a while, then laughs gently)

May I see more of your ships? 

 

SHEBA

(laughs politely)

This way.

 

(Sheba leads Iblis onto the bridge.)

 

SHEBA

This is our communication center, where we can maintain a constant monitor on all the ships in the fleet.

 

(As Iblis passes by, the screen displays go haywire.)

 

ATHENA

I’m sorry, we seem to be receiving some kind of electrical interference.  It was fine a few centons ago.

 

SHEBA

One of the problems of space travel – electrical voids and equipment failures.  But I’m sure you understand all that, don’t you?

 

IBLIS

Completely.

 

(As Iblis leaves the bridge, the screens return to normal.)

 

(Tigh enters Adama’s quarters.)

 

TIGH

I just received word from the bridge – our visitor just left there with Sheba.  We’re tracking them down now.

 

ADAMA

Just left the bridge?  What are we running here?  A perfect stranger comes aboard the Galactica and he’s given access to a sensitive military control center?

 

TIGH

It does seem a bit out of the ordinary.

 

ADAMA

“Out of the ordinary”?  Is that all you have to say?

 

TIGH

There must be an explanation for it.

 

(Galactica corridor)

 

SHEBA

The rejuvenation center is right down here.  It might be a nice place for you to rest for a bit.

 

IBLIS

It’s time to, uh— to find Commander Adama. 

 

SHEBA

Adama?  You mean you know him?

 

IBLIS

Somebody must have mentioned his name on the bridge.  That is correct, isn’t it?  Eh, he is your Commander?

 

SHEBA

Oh, yes.

(laughs)

He is our Commander.  Will you follow me?

 

(Adama interrogates Apollo and Starbuck in his quarters.)

 

ADAMA

Now, where in the name of Hades is he and how did he get free run of the ship?  Which one of you has an answer?

 

APOLLO

Father, I left him—

 

IBLIS

(entering with Sheba)

Pardon me.  You are Commander Adama.  Count Iblis, at your service. 

 

ADAMA

Thank you. 

(to the warriors)

I want to see each one of you later.  Make sure you’re in one place so we don’t have to look all over the ship for you.

 

STARBUCK

Uh, would the, uh, officers’ club be suitable?

 

ADAMA

Perfectly.  I know you won’t leave there.  Dismissed. 

 

(Galactica corridor)

 

STARBUCK

Gee, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him quite so unsettled.

 

SHEBA

(with a laugh)

You’d think we just deserted him or something.

 

APOLLO

A little hard to understand why you took a perfect stranger into classified areas.

 

SHEBA

Well, he asked me to take—

 

APOLLO

You do everything you’re asked to?

 

SHEBA

Apollo!

 

APOLLO

Well, you know what I mean!

 

SHEBA

(sighs)

Look, I know it’s a little hard to explain, but – well, it wasn’t so much what he said as what I felt.  He needed to feel order and security, so I took him someplace where I could help settle him.  And it worked.  He feels much better now.

 

APOLLO

You’ve been acting this way ever since we found this Count Iblis, or he found us.  What makes him so important to you?  You don’t know who he is.  None of us do.

 

SHEBA

I know he cares!

 

APOLLO

For you?

 

SHEBA

(sighs)

For all of us.  And if I have to explain that to you, then you’re far less sensitive than I thought you were.

(walks off)

 

APOLLO

She thinks I’m insensitive.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

You?  If she thinks you’re insensitive, where does that leave me?

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

ADAMA

As you probably realize, we are in a state of constant emergency.  However, I trust you’ll find your quarters comfortable.

 

IBLIS

I’m infinitely grateful to you.  And for delivering me from my enemies.

 

ADAMA

Oh, your enemies?  Tell me about them.

 

IBLIS

They are infinite!  They are everywhere!  They’re relentless.

 

ADAMA

Well, who are they?  And what are they called?  Where are they from?

 

IBLIS

(laughs)

Forgive me my inability to communicate with you.  There are things you might not understand.

 

ADAMA

Count Iblis, I’ve been told that I’m a fairly bright chap when given a chance.

 

IBLIS

(with a laugh)

Oh.  Yes, of course.  And generous, to stop for one more survivor. 

(Adama nods)

And that’s precisely why I’m not sure it’s wise to burden you with my fight.

 

ADAMA

I don’t mean to infer that we can take on more enemies than we now have, but perhaps we are already fighting a common foe.

 

IBLIS

There are greater and infinitely more dangerous powers in the universe than your Cylons and all their allies combined.  Let me bring you a more optimistic epistle.  You’re searching for a place called Earth.

 

ADAMA

My son told you that.

 

IBLIS

You are of the house of Kobol.  Your tribes are scattered.  The thirteenth journeyed to Earth several millennia ago.

 

ADAMA

Tell me about their civilization.

 

IBLIS

It has known great rises and falls.

 

ADAMA

Who are you?  Where are you from?

(sighs)

Is their civilization strong enough to help us defeat the Cylons?

 

IBLIS

Your people will be safe, under my leadership.

 

ADAMA

Did I hear you correctly?  Did you say – under your leadership?

 

IBLIS

Of course, Adama.  Why do you think I’m here?  I’ve come to prepare your way to Earth.

 

(Later, in his quarters, Adama records a log entry.)

 

ADAMA

(dictating)

Despite precautions, word of the mysterious stranger has swept through the fleet.  His promises are giving our people the first real hope they’ve had in a quarter yahren, and yet his presence, his unwillingness to submit to routine medical procedures, leaves me with grave doubts about his integrity or his ability to fulfill his bold promises.  However, one more major disappointment in the lives of our beleaguered survivors might spell the end of our journey or my ability to maintain order.  The possibility of hope must be sustained.

 

(life station)

 

APOLLO

Doctor, there’s all kinds of portable scanners.  Surely you can get close enough to him to get a simple respiratory probe.

 

SALIK

I’m telling you that I sent two of our best technicians to try to get close to him.  They both came back with broken scanners.  I even sent Cassiopeia.

 

CASSIOPEIA

When all of our medical technology fails, we still resort to blatant feminine wiles. 

 

STARBUCK

Mm-hmm.  What happened?

 

CASSIOPEIA

Well, I certainly think he was the most charming man I’ve ever met.

 

STARBUCK

The, uh, most charming?

 

CASSIOPEIA

That was on the outside.  I still have no idea what he’s like under that beautiful smile.

 

APOLLO

Maybe you weren’t close enough to get a good scan on him.

 

CASSIOPEIA

(starts to say something, then laughs)

Apollo, do you mind if we discuss this without Starbuck around?

 

STARBUCK

Hey, look, this was all done in the line of duty.  I— Wasn’t it?

 

CASSIOPEIA

(laughs)

Starbuck, I’d be lying to you if I told you that I wasn’t impressed by him.  But I still came back with an empty tape.

 

SALIK

(passing through)

Excuse me.

 

(Cassiopeia plays the tape on the viewer.)

 

STARBUCK

What are you talking about, “an empty tape”?  That heart rate is dancing like a Cylon scanner.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Oh – that’s my pulse rate.  This is his.

 

STARBUCK

A straight line.  Eh, you, uh, really got to him.

 

SALIK

It’s not Cassiopeia, gentlemen.  It’s the equipment.  Now, either it’s defective or he’s operating on some other wavelength. 

 

APOLLO

Or he has some way of deliberately jamming us.

 

SALIK

Possible.

 

APOLLO

Doctor, is it possible that this man, however handsome, could be an android?

 

SALIK

A machine, designed in every way to look like a man?

 

APOLLO

Exactly.

 

SALIK

Our biorobotics institutes were well advanced in that science.  Dr. Wilker would be your best expert on that subject. 

 

(on the agro ship)

 

SHEBA

Isn’t it lovely here?

 

IBLIS

A veritable garden. 

 

SHEBA

(laughs)

We brought a few of everything we could in what little time we had, not knowing what we could expect to find on Earth.  What can we expect to find?

 

IBLIS

What do you wish to find?

 

SHEBA

A civilization strong enough to fight back against the Cylons. 

 

IBLIS

That is not the quest which burns truly closest to your heart.

 

SHEBA

Of course it is!  That’s what we all want. 

(clicks tongue)

How would you know?

(laughs)

 

IBLIS

I know you.  I feel you.  At this moment I am closer to your soul than anyone has ever been. 

 

SHEBA

You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known.

 

IBLIS

Think, Sheba.  Think with your soul, and I will tell you your heart’s desire.  Yes.  Yes, of course.  I should have known sooner.  You will see him again.

 

SHEBA

Who?

 

IBLIS

Your father, the legendary Commander Cain.  You will see him again.

 

SHEBA

How could you know what I was feeling?

 

IBLIS

All people are capable of feeling each other’s thoughts.  It merely takes time and experience.  Place your trust in me, and I promise you, all things will be possible.

(they kiss)

 

(On the Galactica bridge, the crew see the mysterious lights swarming around the ship.)

 

ADAMA

What is it, Colonel?

 

TIGH

I don’t know.  There’s not a thing on the scanners.

 

ATHENA

That’s not exactly accurate, Colonel.  They’re here; they’re – they’re just not here long enough for us to get a reading.

 

TIGH

They must be traveling at speeds beyond our comprehension. 

 

OMEGA

Commander, we’re receiving distress calls from every ship in the fleet.  People are panicking.

 

ADAMA

Put me on Unicom.

 

OMEGA

Unicom activated.

 

ADAMA

People of the fleet, this is Commander Adama.  Please maintain communication silence.  There is no reason for alarm.  The ships or manifestations we’re encountering do not appear to be in any way hostile.  Only by keeping the comlines free of random signals can we hope to utilize the full potential of our scanners.  Thank you. 

(to Omega)

Scramble precautionary intercept.

 

(Wilker’s lab)

 

WILKER

Yes, it is possible to construct a lifelike android that would be most difficult to tell from a real human.  But there are ways of telling. 

(the alert klaxon sounds)

For one thing—

 

APOLLO

Not now, Doc.  Talk to you later.

 

STARBUCK

We hope.

 

(On the agro ship, Sheba and Iblis watch the lights pass near.)

 

SHEBA

What is it?  What are they?

 

IBLIS

Don’t be frightened.  They cannot hurt you as long as you’re with me. 

 

SHEBA

The lights?  But they’re so beautiful.

 

IBLIS

Don’t be beguiled.  They taunt you with a glow that conceals everlasting darkness.  Look away, Sheba.

(Sheba sighs and buries her head against his chest)

You are safe with me.

 

(Greenbean and Brie launch with other Viper pilots to investigate the lights.)

 

GREENBEAN

Brie, do you see what I see?

 

BRIE

I’m afraid I do. 

 

GREENBEAN

Kick in your turbos and let’s go after them.

 

BRIE

Where’d they go?  They just vanished.

 

GREENBEAN

No, they just left us standing virtually still compared to their speed.

 

BRIE

So – what do we do, pursue or turn back?

 

GREENBEAN

Pursue what?  There’s nothing on my scanner.  Except a—

(the Ship of Lights comes up behind them)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Tell Wing Command to give Captain Apollo the present coordinates of Red Squadron.

 

ATHENA

But, father, we don’t have the present coordinates of Red Squadron.

 

ADAMA

They just launched.

 

ATHENA

They disappeared from our scans.

 

TIGH

Just like Silver Spar Squadron.  Sir, what do I tell Blue Squadron?

 

ADAMA

Have them return at once.

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

ADAMA

Why didn’t you mention those lights before?

 

APOLLO

We thought we were in some kind of a meteorite storm.  And, frankly, this Count Iblis pretty much had our full attention.

 

STARBUCK

Uh, Apollo, he did say something about them being after him.

 

APOLLO

Yes, he did, but—

 

ADAMA

You didn’t think that was important?  Why?

 

APOLLO

Nothing he was saying made any sense.  He – he seemed to be in a state of shock.

 

ADAMA

Suppose he were in a state of shock.  Suppose he was telling the truth.  Suppose those beings were pursuing him. 

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

Well, uh, we’ve lost four ships without a trace, father.  I don’t think we have a prayer of fighting these beings, whatever they are.

 

STARBUCK

Mm, I’ll tell you one thing.  I think it’s time to take off the diplomatic gloves.  If this, uh, Count is letting us send fighters in to be killed without a chance, then I for one don’t think much of him.  I mean, he owes us some kind of an explanation. 

 

ADAMA

(to Apollo)

I think he’s right.  We’re up against something we really don’t understand.  Have Count Iblis brought to me at once.

 

(Sheba and Iblis enter the Triad court.)

 

IBLIS

So this is where you play your games.

 

SHEBA

Triad.  It’s more than just a game.  It’s a very important part of the well-being of our people.  It gives them something to root for.  It gives them a chance to win and be part of something – a moment away from the war and being caged up inside small metal ships. 

(with a laugh)

 

IBLIS

You don’t have to convince me.  I’m a great believer in distraction.  Even pleasure. 

 

SHEBA

And what kind of games do they play where you come from?

 

IBLIS

Games that would amaze you.  Games of life, games of death.

 

SHEBA

How horrible.

 

IBLIS

Far from it!  Death is not the end.  It’s just the beginning!

 

SHEBA

You have a very dark side to you.  There’s something about you that reminds me of my father.

(slight laugh)

His love of war and conflict.

 

IBLIS

That’s a very perceptive observation. 

 

(Starbuck and Apollo enter.)

 

SHEBA

And this war of yours, Count Iblis – is it one of your choosing?

 

APOLLO

I think Commander Adama would like to share this discussion.  If you’ll follow me?

 

IBLIS

The conversation was between Sheba and myself.

 

APOLLO

Count Iblis, you will either accompany me as my guest or as my prisoner.  Your choice.

 

SHEBA

Apollo, I think you’re being terribly rude!  Of course Count Iblis will go to see Adama if that is his wish. 

(to Iblis)

Won’t you?

 

IBLIS

If it is your pleasure, my princess.

 

APOLLO

Sheba, are you okay?

 

SHEBA

Of course.  What are you talking about?

 

APOLLO

You don’t seem yourself.

 

SHEBA

How would you know?  You never really knew me.  This is the only man who has ever truly known me. 

 

IBLIS

(when Sheba is out of earshot)

Apollo, don’t ever make the mistake of threatening me again, or you’ll forfeit your life in the wink of an eye.

 

(Iblis walks out and Starbuck moves to accost him.)

 

APOLLO

Forget it.  There’ll be a better time.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

 

APOLLO

I think our guest just revealed a hint of his true color.

 

STARBUCK

(whispers)

Yeah.

 

(In the Council chamber, Adama sits as Starbuck, Apollo, Athena, and Sheba enter with Iblis.)

 

ADAMA

Be seated.

 

IBLIS

Thank you.

 

ADAMA

We have lost eight good men today.  What do you know about that?

 

IBLIS

I told you I could give you protection.

 

ADAMA

How?

 

IBLIS

Follow me, and I will lead you to safety.

 

ADAMA

Who are you?

 

IBLIS

I am of another world, a degree of being developed far in advance of your own.

 

ADAMA

How can you verify that?

 

IBLIS

Prepare for me three tests, and as I have the power to move that object, so I have the power to deliver your people.

 

(Iblis causes a decorative object to move across the tabletop.)

 

ADAMA

I will ask you once again:  who are you?  Where do you come from?

 

IBLIS

I’m from that place where man’s ability to comprehend, to will, is in the highest degree of accomplishment.  We’ve learned to use the powers of the mind to create what you deem to be miracles.

 

ADAMA

For what purposes do you use these “powers”?

 

IBLIS

Adama, I converse with you out of courtesy.  I know your questions before you ask them.  I know your fears, your grievances.  That man on your right, your son, he’s thinking quickly of the pilots that you’ve lost.  That was not my doing.  They were beyond my dominion.  But that can change, if you agree to follow me.

 

ADAMA

To Earth?

 

IBLIS

If you wish. 

 

ADAMA

Then it is of no importance to you where we go.

 

IBLIS

If your destiny is to Earth, let us begin the voyage at once. 

 

STARBUCK

Can you bring our pilots back?

 

IBLIS

That might present a problem.

 

APOLLO

Even if we include it amongst the three tests you will grant us in exchange for your leadership?

 

IBLIS

These wishes must extend from this time forward.  I cannot change that which already is. 

 

ADAMA

You will have our decision.

 

IBLIS

Soon, I trust – because the powers that you encountered today will return again and again, until you are under my protection. 

 

(Baltar’s command chamber)

 

LUCIFER

Our interceptors are reporting a large number of flying objects.  They are all around us – and yet, they are not.

 

BALTAR

Adama.  He has scientists aboard the Galactica.  Perhaps it’s a technological breakthrough of some kind.

 

LUCIFER

Let us hope so.

 

BALTAR

You would hope that the humans have made so advanced a breakthrough?

 

LUCIFER

The alternative is that we have encountered a new and more powerful force in the universe than our own.

 

(Sheba leads Count Iblis through the lower level of the Gemini freighter.)

 

SHEBA

The people here in these large freighters have fashioned dwellings for themselves as best they could. 

 

IBLIS

It’s appalling!

 

OLD WOMAN

Who asked you? 

 

SHEBA

Oh, please, don’t be rude.  This man is our friend.

 

OLD WOMAN

Oh?  And where is the Count staying?  What kind of food does he find on his table?

 

SHEBA

How did you know who he is?

 

OLD MAN

Everyone knows who the Count is, who has come to us with talk of miracles. 

 

CROWD

Yeah!

 

OLD WOMAN

Yes, here – show us a miracle! 

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

Right!

 

OLD WOMAN

Here, take my meager rations and multiply them. 

 

IBLIS

Is that all you would have me do?

 

OLD WOMAN

When you have but a single talon plant to last a secton, two such plants would be miracle enough.

 

IBLIS

Then you shall have two, multiplied by all the ships in the fleet, if that is one of Adama’s wishes.

 

OLD MAN

Just the sort of answer to our prayers we might expect.

 

IBLIS

Feel better, old man.  Stand tall.  I do not come here by chance.  You follow me, I will lead you.

 

APOLLO

(entering with Starbuck)

Adama is the leader of this fleet!

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

Yeah.

 

IBLIS

Then why has he no compassion for these people?  They’re living like animals.

 

APOLLO

My father doesn’t promise what no man can deliver.

 

IBLIS

Adama has but to ask me, and these people will have all the food and comfort they desire.

 

OLD WOMAN

Then forget Adama!  We’ll follow you.  Fill our cauldrons with food.  Give us more heat.  Deliver us to Earth or anyplace else where we can live in peace.

 

CROWD

Yeah.

 

IBLIS

If I give you these things, will you follow me?

 

OLD WOMAN

Yes.

 

CROWD

Yes!

We’ll follow you.

Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

We’ll follow you, Iblis.

 

IBLIS

There, Apollo.  You have your answer.

 

APOLLO

And just how will you deliver what you promise?

 

IBLIS

Go to the agro ships.  See for yourself.

 

(agro ship)

 

CARMICHAEL

I can’t explain it.  The trees have begun to bear fruit and multiply overnight. 

 

STARBUCK

Apollo, this doesn’t make sense. 

 

WILKER

I want to bring samples of all these agro fruits and plants back to the Galactica.

 

APOLLO

There has to be some logical explanation.

 

WILKER

I can give you one.  Something inordinate has happened here.

 

CARMICHAEL

I can tell ya what it is.  It’s a miracle.  That’s what it is.

 

(In Adama’s quarters, he makes another log entry.)

 

ADAMA

(dictating)

Though our pilots have been missing now for nearly a secton, spirits throughout the fleet remain inordinately high due to the presence of Count Iblis and his nightly feats of magic and promise.  Is he our deliverer, or—? 

(sighs)

I don’t know which way to turn.

 

(Galactica corridor)

 

STARBUCK

Ah, well, look at it this way.  Some wonderful things are happening— food, a guide to help us find our way across the stars...  I mean, why are we trying to make something sinister out of it?

 

APOLLO

Because something inside me says, “Don’t trust him.  There’s something wrong.” 

 

STARBUCK

It couldn’t have anything to do with the liking Sheba’s taken for the good Count?

(Apollo starts to walk away)

I— hey, hey, hey, hey, I’m sorry, I—I know better than that, it, eh—  Eh, sometimes we feel things we don’t even realize.  I mean, we are all human.

 

APOLLO

Not necessarily. 

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

We have to do something.  This man is convincing everyone he has supernatural powers.

 

ADAMA

I know.  It’s been on my mind a great deal.  Apollo, suppose he does have some extraordinary power.

 

APOLLO

Oh, father.

 

ADAMA

No, we’re not alone in the universe.  Who knows what other kinds of life forms exist out there?  Can you assure me that the very Lords of Kobol, from which our civilization descended, did not themselves come from a race which evolved and advanced at – at a greater speed than our own?

 

APOLLO

Then why wouldn’t they make themselves known to us?

 

ADAMA

Perhaps they have.  Perhaps he’s the first contact with our ancient forefathers.

 

APOLLO

Count Iblis representing a parent civilization far in advance of our own? 

(sighs)

That’s frightening.

 

ADAMA

Why?

 

APOLLO

Because from this point forward, we’d be powerless to control our own destinies.

 

ADAMA

I’m not so sure.  Now, think of it, Apollo.  He has asked us to follow him.  He has not commanded it.

 

APOLLO

That’s next. 

 

ADAMA

Maybe it’s not possible for him to do so.

 

APOLLO

You’re saying he’s asking us to submit to his leadership of our own free will? 

 

ADAMA

He may be descended from the same roots as our own race.  Freedom of choice, to choose between one thing or another, between one action or another, between good and evil, is the cornerstone of our civilization.

 

APOLLO

Father, if what you’re saying is true, this man is some kind of a god.

 

ADAMA

Don’t you think we would appear to be gods to a race far more primitive than we are?  He’s no more than a man, but he’s a man from another time, with great strengths, great powers, but governed by the same rules we are.

 

APOLLO

What are we gonna do?  The people are ready to follow him, whatever he is.

 

ADAMA

(clicks tongue)

Well, he asked me to propose three tests of his powers.  I suppose it’s time to do just that.

 

(In the Council chamber, Iblis addresses the Council of the Twelve.)

 

IBLIS

You have agreed on three tests of my strength.  The first is to deliver your enemy; the second is to accurately plot your course to Earth.  The third – the third you cannot agree on.  Some of you want to know who I am, where I came from.  The others are satisfied to accept me because of my works, and willing to follow blindly providing I guarantee your safety. 

 

MONTROSE

There’s no way he could have known!  Only now have we voiced our choices and put them to a vote!

 

IBLIS

You, Sire, are the most skeptical of all, with the possible exception of Commander Adama, who escorted me here.  Therefore, I will grant you your first wish before you have decided on your third.  I will deliver your enemy unto you this night. 

 

(Baltar’s command chamber)

 

BALTAR

Any further news of these machines, these creatures, manifestations?

 

LUCIFER

Our attack crafts are unable to pursue them.  They are too swift.

 

BALTAR

Prepare my personal craft and crew.

 

LUCIFER

To what end?

 

BALTAR

Send out a long-range signal unidirectionally to the Galactica, wherever she is.  Notify her that I wish to rendezvous with her.

 

LUCIFER

You expect to be treated under universal law, after leading your brothers into annihilation of the Colonies?

 

BALTAR

It is my life that I risk.  Do as I ask.

 

LUCIFER

By your command, Baltar.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Omega, bring the fleet to full alert. 

 

OMEGA

Yes, sir.

 

APOLLO

What is it?  What’s happening?

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

I have just received a direct communiqué from Baltar—

 

TIGH

What?

 

ADAMA

(nods)

— requesting permission to come aboard the Galactica under a universal sign of truce.

 

APOLLO

Baltar here aboard the ship?

 

ADAMA

That is correct.

 

STARBUCK

Ah, it has to be some kind of trick.  Let me take a squadron out and give him a real hot reception.

 

ADAMA

(shakes head)

I don’t think it’s a trick.  He comes alone, unescorted. 

 

APOLLO

I hope you don’t think this has anything to do with Count Iblis’s promise.

 

STARBUCK

Mm, well, if you ask me, it has nothing to do with it, and it’s nothing supernatural.  This is some kind of plan to get inside our defense, and I think Baltar and Count Iblis are working together.

 

ADAMA

The irony of it is, I wish I believed it were that simple.  But we must take every precaution.  Launch Blue Squadron to escort Baltar aboard.

 

(Over a montage of scenes, Adama narrates.)

 

ADAMA

This is an event unlike any we’ve experienced since the destruction of our civilization.  Baltar’s ship is reaching our quadrant, and is being intercepted by an elite squadron which will escort the treasonous instrument of our holocaust directly into our hands.  Word is spreading like sunbursts through every corner of the fleet.  It’s a jubilation unprecedented as Baltar is brought before the Council of Twelve.  It is just as Count Iblis promised:  our enemy has been delivered.

 

(In the Council chamber, Baltar stands before the Council of the Twelve, with Iblis behind him.)

 

MONTROSE

Baltar, you have been found guilty of treason against the state, and in violation of every code of moral and ethical conduct known to man.  You are sentenced to spend the rest of your life in confinement aboard the prison barge.

 

BALTAR

No, I say you cannot do this!  I came to you under a sign of truce!  You need me!  We need each other!  There is a power greater than yours, greater than the Cylon Empire!  It will destroy us all, unless we unite!

 

IBLIS

May I address the Council? 

(Sire Montrose nods and sits down)

Baltar, there’s nothing that you and your Cylon friends can do to combat the powers of which you speak.

 

BALTAR
What do you know of these powers?  They defy description!

 

IBLIS

I know these powers as well as I know you, Baltar. 

 

BALTAR

You do not know me.  Who are you?

 

IBLIS

I’m Count Iblis, and I will lead these people away from your ruthless pursuit.

 

BALTAR

That voice.  There’s something about your voice; I’ve heard it before.

 

IBLIS

It is the voice of truth.  It will lead these people, as it has led you to surrender to their justice.

 

BALTAR

I came here of my own free will. 

 

IBLIS

Just as you willingly drop to your knees to accept your punishment.

 

(Iblis forces Baltar to kneel before him, though Baltar struggles to resist.)

 

BALTAR

(panting and grunting with exertion)

Ah!  Ah-ah-ah!  Ah-ah!  A-Adama!

 

ADAMA

Remove him.

 

BALTAR

(as he is removed from the room)

Who is he?  You – no!  You – you can’t!  You can’t do this to me!  I came here of my own free will!

 

IBLIS

There were to be two more prerequisites to our bargain.  One, that I should lead you to Earth.  And the other was to be decided amongst yourselves. 

 

MONTROSE

Now, Count Iblis, I ask you to give us time to consider that which we will propose. 

 

IBLIS

I believe that I have proved myself worthy of your trust.  How long is this consideration to be?

 

MONTROSE

Oh, not long, Count Iblis, not long. 

 

IBLIS
Very well.  May I remind you that the people are expectant?  Now, they rejoice in the fall of Baltar.  But soon, they will demand that the journey to Earth begin.  When you have decided, you will find me amongst the people in celebration. 

(exits)

 

MONTROSE

Well, I believe we should all join in the celebration, and I see no reason to delay electing Count Iblis to the Presidency of our Quorum.  Are there any dissenting votes?

 

ADAMA

If I may.  It is true Count Iblis has done as promised, and as you said, Sire, it was inspirational.  However, there are still questions unanswered, warriors who have disappeared, disquieting events still to be studied.  May I suggest adjournment until this same time tomorrow? 

 

MONTROSE

Adama, do we want to offend this man, who has already proven himself to be our benefactor, our friend, and a worthy leader?

 

ADAMA

I will not even concede the word “man.”  This being has come to us from the depths of space.  He wishes to lead us.  Why?

 

MONTROSE

“Why”?

 

ADAMA

Why? 

 

MONTROSE

Well, of course, it’s because— see—

 

COUNCIL MEMBER

It’s because he has lost his own people.  He sees us as vulnerable children in the path of peoples and powers beyond our comprehension.

 

ADAMA

I love you all, and I’ve led you with compassion and powers of discernment which I cannot claim to have been mine alone.  I believe we’ve been helped by those powers which inspired our forefathers.  That discerning torch in my soul begs you to afford me the same opportunity you have given Count Iblis.  I want time – time to consider, time to search the records, time to pray. 

 

MONTROSE

Mm – Well, I for one find Adama’s words true and reasonable.  Yes, and I suppose one more day won’t offend Count Iblis.  But tomorrow, we covenant ourselves to his leadership.  Is that agreed?

 

ADAMA

Barring any disturbing factors to the contrary. 

 

MONTROSE

Fair enough.  The Council of Twelve stands adjourned. 

 

(Aboard the prison barge, Baltar paces his cell in frustration.)

 

IBLIS

Sit, Baltar.  Do not pace.

 

BALTAR

You.  You! 

 

IBLIS

Sit – old friend.

 

BALTAR

I will not, and you cannot ever again force me to do anything against my will.  I know you.  I remember that voice.

 

IBLIS

Do you?

 

BALTAR

The voice of the Cylon Imperious Leader.

 

IBLIS

But the Cylons are machines.

 

BALTAR

Yes, now.   But once they were a race of beings who allowed themselves to be overcome by their own technology.

 

IBLIS

And when did this happen?

 

BALTAR

A thousand yahrens ago, at the onset of the thousand-yahren war against the humans.

 

IBLIS

Then for my voice to be the voice of the Imperious Leader, it would have to have been transcribed into a machine leader a thousand yahrens ago.  I’d have to be a thousand yahrens old.

(nonplussed at this realization, Baltar turns and walks away; Iblis passes through the cell door and touches his shoulder)

Do not fear, my friend.  All is not lost.

 

(Baltar turns around to find no one behind him.)

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

ATHENA

Please come with me.  I want you to attend the games.

 

ADAMA

Athena, I’ve told you, I have too many things on my mind and I have decisions which I must make.

 

ATHENA

You sound just like Apollo.  Now, he’s decided not to play tonight.  It’s causing dissension within the fleet.

 

ADAMA

I didn’t know he’d made that decision. 

 

(Boxey and Muffit walk into Blue Squadron barracks, where Apollo is lying on a bunk.)

 

APOLLO

Well, what do you know?  I’ve been lookin’ all over for you.  Where have you been?  

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

No, I don’t know what happened.

 

APOLLO

Hey, Boxey, hold it!  Boxey!  Hey, I’m talkin’ to you.  Now, since when do you just walk outta here without givin’ me a hug, huh?

 

BOXEY

My friends all say you’re a coward.

 

APOLLO

A coward?  Boxey, what are you talkin’ about?

 

BOXEY

They say you’re afraid to play in the games.

 

APOLLO

Boxey, why would I be afraid?  Hmm?  We have the best team in the fleet.  We can beat anybody.

 

BOXEY

Count Iblis says that Boomer’s team’s gonna win. 

 

APOLLO

Since when does Count Iblis know anything about Triad?

 

BOXEY

My friends say you’re afraid if you lose, it’ll prove Count Iblis’s smarter than grandfather, that he should be our new leader.

 

APOLLO

Boxey, my not playing in the games has nothing to do with my father.

(Adama listens in the background)

It has to do with wasting my time, and laughin’, and carrying on like nothing is wrong while friends of mine may be out there dying someplace.  Now, can ya understand that?

 

BOXEY

I guess so.

 

APOLLO

Good.  Now, you go and tell your friends that I said it doesn’t matter who wins the games, and I’d be just as happy to see Boomer win for a change.

(sighs as Boxey hugs him; Boxey exits)

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

It isn’t easy, is it?

 

APOLLO

No. 

 

ADAMA

No.

 

APOLLO

How can I explain my feelings to a small child when I can’t explain them to myself?

 

ADAMA

I thought you did rather well.  I’m not sure I agree with you entirely.

 

APOLLO

You, of all people, think I should play?

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

Will it serve any purpose for you to sit in your quarters and think about your missing friends?  Son, don’t make it more difficult for me, and don’t leave me with two hundred and twenty ships full of enthusiasts who are outraged because you didn’t show up to play.  You’d just be serving Count Iblis’s cause.  He’s become quite popular.  I think half the fleet would be ready to follow him right now.

 

APOLLO

Father, if you think that my not playing in the games will shift the balance his way, then I’ll play.

 

ADAMA

Well, I – I don’t think you’d be doing your missing friends a disservice.  In fact, you may even be helping them.

(Apollo sighs and Adama embraces him)

 

(corridor outside the Triad court)

 

APOLLO

Sheba.  Boomer, good luck.

 

BOOMER

You too.

(Apollo goes out on the court and is greeted with cheers)

Well, so much for my moment of glory.

 

SHEBA

Oh, Boomer, come on.  Don’t give up before you’ve begun.  You are good!

 

BOOMER

I am good, he is better. 

 

SHEBA

(laughs)

 

BOOMER

But I’d give anything to beat him just once.

 

IBLIS

I’d heard you’d felt that way.  Maybe I can be of help.

 

BOOMER

Well, nothing can beat skill, sir.

 

IBLIS

The Commander’s son is a trifle too sure of himself.  Maybe that weakness can be exploited.

 

BOOMER

Well, obviously you’ve never played Triad against Starbuck and Apollo.

(laughs)

 

IBLIS

(laughs)

No, but I’d like to – through you.  How badly would you like to win?

 

(On the Triad court, the game begins.)

 

CROWD

Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Go! …

 

SPECTATORS

Hey, hey!

Pushoff! 

Oh, come on!

 

ANNOUNCER

Blue Team has taken a surprising early advantage.  Loose sphere in the corner!  Apollo comes up with it!  Releases – and misses!  Deflection off the…

 

SPECTATORS

Come on, Boomer!

Starbuck!

Hey!

Go for deflection!  Deflection!

Come on, Boomer!

Deflection!

All right, shoot, shoot!

 

(Boomer’s team wins 15-4.)

 

(On the Rising Star, Starbuck and Apollo enter the Astro Lounge, where people are dancing.)

 

STARBUCK

Is it, uh, is it just me, or does everyone seem especially festive that we lost?

 

APOLLO

Don’t remember anybody being this happy when we won, including me. 

 

IBLIS

My dear young friends!  There is a new air of optimism.  Join in it.  You look so serious.  The games will be a distant memory before this night is through.

 

APOLLO

Just how long is this party going to last?  Some of these people are in critical jobs.

 

IBLIS

Trust me to worry about the fleet from now on.  My commandment is that everyone enjoy life to its fullest. 

 

STARBUCK

No matter how long it lasts.

 

SHEBA

Starbuck, Apollo, you just don’t seem to get the point.  Look, we’re all saved, so relax!

(laughs)

Oh, come on, Apollo.  Why don’t you let me offer you a little consolation?

 

IBLIS

What a wonderful idea.

(Sheba and Apollo go off to dance)

They make a handsome couple.

 

STARBUCK

Really?  I, uh, somehow had the impression you were interested in Sheba for yourself.

 

IBLIS

Why should she be limited to one man?  Or you and I to one woman?

 

STARBUCK

Hmmm.  I, uh, get the feeling I might like this place you come from.

 

IBLIS

I can see you and I are going to be soulmates.  Let me offer you a drink.

 

STARBUCK

Well, I can’t see any harm in one drink.

 

(on the dance floor)

 

APOLLO

I’m surprised you asked me to dance, not Count Iblis.

 

SHEBA

Apollo, are you jealous?

 

APOLLO

Jealous?  Now, you hold it.  Even in the short time that you’ve known me, do you really think I’d let something as petty as jealousy interfere with my judgment when the lives of every man, woman, and child could be at stake?  Do you?

 

(Sheba turns angrily and walks off.)

 

(On the Galactica bridge, the lights are seen again.)

 

ADAMA

More of those unidentified ships?

 

TIGH

(nods)

They’re observing us or setting us up for something.

 

ADAMA

Still nothing on the scanner? 

 

TIGH

(shakes head)

 

ADAMA

Where’s Omega?  What’s happened to all our personnel?  What’s your explanation, Colonel?

 

TIGH

A great many of our personnel are on life-station relief.

 

ADAMA

Then why hasn’t the Chief Life Officer notified me?

 

TIGH

He unfortunately was one of the first stricken.

 

ADAMA

Stricken?

 

TIGH

Quite simply an overdose of pleasure. 

 

ADAMA

You can’t be serious.  What about curfew for duty officers?

 

TIGH

Apparently some leeway has been granted.

 

ADAMA

By whom?

 

TIGH

Count Iblis.

 

ADAMA

Count Iblis.  Launch a security screen immediately.  I want to see Count Iblis in my quarters. 

 

TIGH

Sir, thus far no pilots have responded to the alert.

 

(In the Blue Squadron barracks, some of the pilots are in their bunks, apparently suffering from hangovers, and others wander groggily around, as Apollo walks in.)

 

PILOT

Hey, man.

 

APOLLO

What’s goin’ on here? 

 

STARBUCK

(in his bunk)

Ohhh.

 

APOLLO

Get movin’!  It’s a red alert!  Let’s go, everybody out! 

 

STARBUCK

Ohhh…

(sighs)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, what’s—? 

 

STARBUCK

Ohhh.

 

APOLLO

Boomer, what’s goin’ on here? 

 

BOOMER

Ooh.

 

APOLLO

Come on, wake up!  It’s a red alert! 

 

STARBUCK

Lord!  Gahh!

(holds head in pain)

I don’t think everybody made it back to the Galactica.  They’re spread all over the fleet. 

(sighs)

Ohh.

 

APOLLO

Get out!  Come on, Boomer.  Come on!  Get out!

(pulls Boomer out of his bunk)

Come on, Boomer, take it easy.  Come on!

 

IBLIS

(entering)

Gentlemen!  A disgraceful accounting of yourselves.  The alert is fully twelve centons along!  Not a ship has launched!

 

APOLLO

Why, you!!!

(rushes at Iblis, seizes him by the collar, and slams him against a column)

 

IBLIS

Release me! —  Forfeit your life! 

 

ADAMA

(entering)

Apollo, have you lost complete control?  Release him!

 

(Apollo releases Iblis and backs off.)

 

IBLIS

You have just saved your son’s life.  Now, if this is the way you run your ship, Adama, there may be more to take up at the Council than my ascension to the Presidency.  I may relieve you of your command as military leader as well. 

(to the pilots)

This may be of no interest to you young men, but the fleet is under attack!  Respond to the klaxon or I’ll have you arrested!

 

(Iblis storms out; Adama catches up with him in the corridor.)

 

ADAMA

Iblis!  Who is attacking us?  What are they?  What are you?

 

IBLIS

I have told you all you are capable of comprehending.

 

ADAMA

For a man of such remarkable powers, you show very grave concern for those light forces observing us so closely.

 

IBLIS

They too are from my dominion.

 

ADAMA

Then why do you fear them?

 

IBLIS

I fear no man, no creature.

 

ADAMA

Not even God?

 

IBLIS

What do you primitive children know of what you call “God”?

 

ADAMA

Only that we have been given laws which cannot be broken by any man or creature.

 

IBLIS

Those laws do not apply to me.

 

ADAMA

I wonder.

 

IBLIS

(chuckles)

 

(Apollo, Starbuck, and Boomer launch their Vipers to investigate the lights.  Boomer peels off from formation.)

 

APOLLO

Boomer, just where in Hades’ hole do you think you’re going?

 

BOOMER
Bandit at right center.  I’m gonna get myself one of those white lights and make myself a fireball.

(shoots at one of the lights)

Hey, did you see that?  I blew him right out of the universe!

 

STARBUCK

Boomer, he left you standing still. 

 

(The Ship of Lights approaches behind Boomer.)

 

BOOMER

Wait, what’s that noise?  Starbuck, uh, Apollo, uh, do you read me?  Somethin’s comin’ up behind me.  It’s so loud I can’t stand it! 

(loses consciousness)

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, what happened to him?

 

STARBUCK

I don’t know, Apollo.  One micron he was on my scanner and the next he was gone.  I mean, he just – disappeared. 

 

APOLLO

Let’s get back and see what we came up with. 

 

STARBUCK

Back?  Apollo, are you crazy?  What do you mean, “get back”?  What about Boomer?  We can’t just leave him out here!

 

APOLLO

He’s not out here, Starbuck.  He’s someplace else, someplace out of our reach. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

They’re not necessarily hostile.

 

STARBUCK

Not necessarily hostile?  What do you call losing eight pilots?

 

TIGH

I don’t know the answer to that, but they haven’t attacked the fleet.

 

STARBUCK

So far. 

 

APOLLO

They’re studying our ships and our life forms to determine our weaknesses, to find the best way to destroy us.  Father, if an attack is coming, there’s one person among us who knows all about it and about these alien beings who are watching us. 

 

STARBUCK

I say we dump him right back where we found him.  Whatever’s happening, he’s at the heart of it.

 

APOLLO

All our troubles began when we brought him aboard.

 

ADAMA

We can’t turn back time.  Count Iblis is becoming very popular in the fleet.  In a few centars, the Council will elect him to the Presidency.

 

APOLLO

Father, there has to be some way to stop that from happening!

 

TIGH

How?  He gives our people everything they desire – hope, food, …

 

ADAMA

And what is he looking for in return?  What price do we pay?  And what’s his connection with them? 

 

(In Wilker’s lab, Starbuck and Apollo examine the fruits from the agro ship.)

 

WILKER

There’s no question; they’ve responded to some extraordinary influence.

 

APOLLO

Any ideas?

 

WILKER

Possibly.  Come over here.  Our normal seismic and cosmic monitoring went right off the chart yesterday, and today.  According to calculations from the bridge, those occurrences coincided precisely with the presence of the unidentified ships.

 

APOLLO

In other words, those ships might have given off energy that might have influenced the growth of these plants.

 

WILKER

Could have.  I mean, it’s no different in principle to plants leaning towards and receiving energy from a sun.

 

STARBUCK

Uh – then you think it was the ships, rather than Count Iblis, that caused the plants to go crazy and multiply.

 

WILKER

I said it’s a possibility. 

 

APOLLO

I sure like it better than the alternative.  Thanks, Doc.  Keep on it. 

 

STARBUCK

Uh—uh—uh, Apollo, you’ve got that look.  What are you thinking? 

 

APOLLO

Listen, why don’t you rest up?  You’re probably still suffering from the effects of that party. 

 

STARBUCK

What?

 

APOLLO

I want to do some thinking.

 

(In Adama’s quarters, Apollo enters to see Adama moving a paperweight across his desk with his mind.)

 

APOLLO

How did you do that?

 

ADAMA

(sighs with exhaustion)

It’s impolite not to make your presence known. 

 

APOLLO

I finally think I’ve discovered how Count Iblis has been pulling off these miracles, and then I see you do this?

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

This was not a miracle, Apollo.  This is a simple test of mind over matter, long a key study of our military institute. 

(with a laugh)

Oh, I remember, I used to drive your mother mad by bending eating utensils until she made me stop the practice.  

 

APOLLO

How come I never knew?

 

ADAMA

Oh, it was before you were born, Apollo.  It was in my early days at the institute, a special program, strictly a military study.  Our life expectancy now, Cylons notwithstanding, is about two hundred yahrens.  We’re just beginning to utilize some portion of our brains’ incredible potential.  Now, imagine, imagine if you will, a race of beings whose life expectancy is thousands of yahrens.  Now, a race of that kind would certainly have learned to do what we would consider to be miraculous things. 

 

APOLLO

And that’s what you think we’re dealing with here, with Count Iblis and these— (sighs) strange lights?

 

ADAMA

No, not lights.  The Ancient Ones, the Lords who first settled on Kobol, spoke of visitations from what they in their primitive way referred to as “angels.”

 

APOLLO

Angels?

 

ADAMA

Think of them as custodians of the universe, advanced beings, very highly advanced, whose mandate it is to make certain that their powers are never abused by any one of their own kind.

 

APOLLO

And they’re watching him – meaning he’s one of them.

 

ADAMA

Or was.  Now, the key, I believe, is to be found in that ship that crashed on the planet where you discovered Iblis.

 

APOLLO

Father, that’s just what I’ve been thinking.

 

ADAMA

Now, you said you couldn’t get close enough to examine the ship because of radion levels.

 

APOLLO

Yeah, but with special equipment—

 

ADAMA

All right.  Now, I want you to go back there, alone.  You mustn’t tell anyone of this, and you must forget this conversation.  Iblis will pick out your thoughts as easily as listening to a klaxon.

 

APOLLO

I understand.

 

ADAMA

I hope so.  This could be the most important mission of your life.

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

How will you avoid the Count?  If you run into him, he’ll know where I’ve gone.

 

ADAMA

I’ll crowd my mind with other thoughts.  That too was part of the institute’s investigation into telepathic communication.

 

APOLLO

How is it after all this time I’m still learning things about my own father?

 

ADAMA

How is it that after all this time I’m still learning things about my own son?

 

(In the launch bay, Starbuck runs out of the lift as Apollo heads toward a shuttle.)

 

STARBUCK

Apollo! 

 

APOLLO

What are you doin’ here?

 

STARBUCK

I’m comin’ with you.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, I’d love to have ya with me, but I gave my word I wouldn’t tell anybody about this mission.

 

STARBUCK

Well, that’s one promise you already broke.

 

APOLLO

Look, I gotta go.  It could be life or death for all of us.

 

STARBUCK

In that case, I’ve got a stake in it, and I’m comin’ along.

 

APOLLO

It’s between me and Iblis.

 

STARBUCK

Oh!  Personal war.  Singlehanded combat.  With the lives of everyone in the fleet hanging on the outcome?

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, I don’t think you understand.

 

STARBUCK

Mm, mm, more than you think.  Look, you’re the one that’s always tellin’ me I let my ego get in the way. 

(sighs)

Count Iblis has Sheba swooning.  So?

 

APOLLO

It has nothing to do with Sheba.

 

STARBUCK

Maybe, and, uh, maybe not.  I just know you’re not goin’ out to do, eh, w-whatever it is you’re goin’ out to do, without me.

 

APOLLO

In order for this mission to succeed, it must be a secret!

 

STARBUCK

Apollo, we got a guy on board this bird who reads minds!  Now, uh, what happens if I should bump into him?

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Starbuck.  Okay, buddy, let’s go, all right?

 

STARBUCK

I was hoping you’d see things my way.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

A shuttle is being launched.  It wasn’t scheduled.  Captain Apollo said to check with you.

 

ADAMA

Yes, I know.  A passenger ship asked for some special instruction on the game of Triad for the sake of the children on board the ship, and Captain Apollo thought it might be impressive for them if the real champions went out on the fringes of the fleet. 

 

TIGH

A nice idea.

 

ADAMA

Yeah.  Um, Colonel, uh, would you happen to know where Count Iblis might be at the moment?

 

TIGH

Yes, he’s visiting the Agro Ship Nine, with Sheba, if I’m not mistaken.

 

ADAMA

I see.  If he should happen to ask to see me, would you tell him I’m on a sleep period?

 

TIGH

For how long?

 

ADAMA

Until further notice.

(exits)

 

TIGH

That shuttle that just launched, what are its docking instructions with one of the passenger ships?

 

ATHENA

Passenger ships? 

(confused laugh)

I don’t understand.  Shuttle Alpha just headed off across the quadrant.

 

TIGH

Across the quadrant?

 

ATHENA

Well, is something wrong?

 

TIGH

No.  What could be wrong?

 

(agro ship)

 

SHEBA

I always feel such peace here.  It’s the only place that even comes close to what we lost.  And even if it is floating in space, it’s alive.  You can feel it. 

(notices Iblis’s concentration is elsewhere)

What is it?

 

IBLIS

What are you up to, Adama?

 

SHEBA

What?  What’s the matter?  Where are you going? 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

Progress report on Shuttle Alpha?

 

ATHENA

It is just leaving scanner range.  It’s heading toward the planet, the one—

 

IBLIS

The one where my ship crashed!

 

TIGH

Count Iblis!  Where did you come from?

 

IBLIS

Who is in that shuttle?

 

TIGH

I don’t know, exactly.

 

IBLIS

Captain Apollo and who else?

 

TIGH

I don’t really know.

 

IBLIS

Where is Adama?

 

TIGH

Well, he’s—

 

IBLIS

Thank you.

 

(As Iblis leaves, Tigh contacts Adama in his quarters.)

 

ADAMA (on screen)

Yes, Colonel?

 

TIGH

I’m sorry, sir, but it’s Count Iblis.  I think he’s on his way to see you, and it has something to do with the shuttle. 

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

Thank you, Colonel.  I’ll handle it.

 

(Iblis enters Adama’s quarters.)

 

ADAMA

I left orders that I was not to be disturbed.

 

IBLIS

You have sent your son in search of my identity. 

 

ADAMA

You told us your identity. 

 

IBLIS

When a mortal breaks a bargain with me, there is a high price to be paid.

 

ADAMA

I don’t believe in you, “Count Iblis,” as did those poor souls who were destroyed on your ship on the planet.  They followed you, and they paid the price.

 

IBLIS

There is a price that you will pay, a life more meaningful to you than your own.

(exits)

 

ADAMA

No!

 

(Sheba approaches the planet in her Viper as Apollo and Starbuck move toward the crashed ship.)

 

APOLLO

That’s where the answer lies.  Let’s go. 

(they start down the slope)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

RIGEL

Nothing, sir.

 

TIGH

Commander, no sign of Count Iblis.

 

RIGEL

And nothing from the ships in the fleet. 

 

TIGH

If he were anywhere on the Galactica or within the fleet, we’d know it.

 

ATHENA

There is one possibility.  A single Viper launched without clearance.

 

TIGH

I’m sorry, that was Sheba. 

 

ADAMA

Sheba?  She went after them.

 

TIGH

The launch bay confirmed it.  They tried to stop her, but—

 

ATHENA

Father, you’re going to have to issue some kind of statement.  Word is spreading throughout the fleet.

 

TIGH

She’s right.  The disappearance of Count Iblis – I mean, we must find him.  He must be here somewhere.

 

ADAMA

No.  No, we won’t find him.  He’s not here.  He’s down there, with them.

 

(at the crash site)

 

APOLLO

(scanning)

Nothing.  Radion level was a myth.

 

STARBUCK

Eh, how is that possible? 

 

APOLLO

How is anything the Count does possible?  Let’s go take a look at her crew.  Everything is pretty well vaporized.  Whatever hit this thing must have had the power of a sun. 

(removes a piece of the wreckage and is horrified by what he sees)

Starbuck!

 

(Starbuck looks also and is dismayed.  Sheba, who has climbed down after them, approaches the wreckage.)

 

SHEBA

Apollo, Starbuck, what are you doing?

 

STARBUCK

Stay back!

 

SHEBA

I won’t stay back!  What is it you’ve found? 

 

APOLLO

Sheba, you don’t want to go in there!

 

SHEBA

Let me go!  I want to see!

 

APOLLO

You don’t want to go in there!

 

STARBUCK

Apollo, maybe she should.

 

APOLLO

Maybe you’re right. 

(to Sheba)

Take a look.

 

SHEBA

All right, I will.

 

IBLIS

No!  I forbid it!  Sheba, come to me.

 

APOLLO

Don’t listen to him, Sheba.  Now, turn around and look at what we found.

 

IBLIS

Don’t be deceived!  You’re mine.  Come, be with me.

 

(Mesmerized, Sheba walks toward Iblis.)

 

STARBUCK

Sheba! 

 

(Apollo grabs her arm.)

 

IBLIS

Do not touch her!  She is mine.  She has given herself to me freely.

 

APOLLO

(to Sheba)

Now, listen to me.  Listen to me.  Come out of it!  Hear me! 

 

IBLIS

Let her go!  I command it!

 

APOLLO

You command no one who does not willingly give you dominion.  You have no power over me!

 

IBLIS

You know who I am.

 

APOLLO

Yes, I finally know.  Sheba, think back to the ancient records – the names Mephistopheles, Diaboles, the Prince of Darkness.

 

IBLIS

I will give you one more chance before I strike her down.

(Apollo shoots Iblis; he is unharmed but his true appearance is briefly revealed)

Death to her, Apollo, and may her soul curse you through eternity.

 

(Iblis attempts to kill Sheba with a blast that strikes Apollo dead instead.)

 

STARBUCK

Apollo!  Apollo! 

(drops to ground and checks for a pulse)

Oh, my God, he’s dead!  He’s dead.  You – you killed him!

 

(Starbuck fires two shots at Iblis, which have the same effect as Apollo’s.)

 

IBLIS

Sheba, come.

 

SHEBA

No.

 

IBLIS

Sheba, you want to come.

 

SHEBA

No!  I could never follow you again.  Apollo, what have I done?

(cries)

 

STARBUCK

You didn’t do it, Sheba.  He did it.

(the lights appear in the sky)

What is it?  What’s wrong, “Count”?

 

IBLIS

Nothing’s wrong.

 

STARBUCK

Huh.  Then why do you look so worried?  Did you break some kind of rule? 

 

IBLIS

It’s time for me to go.

 

STARBUCK

Why?  What happened?  Was it within your dominion to strike down a follower, a soul given to you freely, but not an innocent – a spirit whose life you took against his will?

 

IBLIS

No one has dominion over me!

 

SHEBA

I wonder.

 

IBLIS

There will come another time, another place, and we will meet again.

(reverts to his true form and disappears)

 

SHEBA

Starbuck, he’s gone.  He just vanished.  Everything’s exactly the same as it was when he first appeared.

 

STARBUCK

No, one thing’s different.  Apollo’s dead.  Let’s take him home.

 

(aboard the shuttle)

 

SHEBA

I’m so sorry.  This was all my fault.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs vocally)

Were you alone?  Seems to me everyone’s trying to find someone or something to believe in. 

 

SHEBA

(crying)

But Apollo knew better.  Why did he have to be the one to pay?

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

I’d gladly trade my life to have him back.

 

(The lights surround the shuttle.)

 

SHEBA

Starbuck?

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, I see ’em.  Eh, here we go again – as if we hadn’t been through enough already.

 

SHEBA

What do they mean, Starbuck?  What are they? 

 

STARBUCK

Whatever it means, whatever they are, I—  They’re gone, at least for now.  See if you can compute range back to the fleet.

 

(The lights return.)

 

SHEBA

Starbuck?

 

STARBUCK

I don’t know.  They’re coming from behind us.  See if you can get a look at it!

 

SHEBA

The s—

(covers her ears, gasping in pain, as the Ship of Lights comes up behind them)

I can’t stand the sound!

 

STARBUCK

The controls are freezing up!  We’re losing speed!  Sheba—  Oh!  Ahh!  I can’t—! 

(sighs and loses consciousness)

 

(Aboard the Ship of Lights, Starbuck awakens in a white uniform.)

 

STARBUCK

What is this?  Who are you?

 

SERAPH

Do not attempt to communicate.  You are safe.

 

STARBUCK

Sh—Sheba! 

 

SERAPH

His restons are normal and responding to balcon infusion.  Allow him to rise.

 

STARBUCK

Who are you?  Where’s Sheba?

 

SERAPH

The companion you refer to will join you as soon as she is able.

 

STARBUCK

Where are we?

 

SERAPH

Within a dimension quite apart from your own. 

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, well, I can – I can h—hear you, and I can see you.

 

SERAPH

That is by our choice.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, well, I’m, uh – I’m not so sure.

(attempts to touch one of the Seraphs)

M—my hand passed right through you!

 

SHEBA

Starbuck! 

 

STARBUCK

Sheba!

 

SHEBA

(runs to Starbuck and hugs him)

Oh!  Ah!

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

Are you all right?

 

SHEBA

Uh – I don’t know.  Ah – uh – I think – maybe we’re dead.

 

STARBUCK

Is that right, we’re dead and you’re – angels?

 

SERAPH

Oddly enough, there is some truth to your speculation.  It is time.  If you will follow me.

 

SHEBA

What do we do?

 

STARBUCK

Sweet lady, there aren’t many places I’ve been in my life where I didn’t feel like I was in complete control, but, uh, this is an exception.

 

(They are led into another chamber, where Apollo’s body is laid out upon a transparent catafalque.)

 

SHEBA

Apollo!  Oh, Starbuck, I thought this was all some horrible, awful dream, but it’s true!  We lived it all!

(cries)

 

STARBUCK

What are you doing with him?  Can’t you leave him alone?  He’s of no possible harm to you! 

 

SERAPH

Precisely the opposite.  He is of great value to us. 

 

STARBUCK

What? 

 

SERAPH

He and any like him who have the courage to grow beyond the limitations of the flesh. 

 

SHEBA

Starbuck, what are they saying? 

 

STARBUCK

You’re asking me?

 

SERAPH

Starbuck, you have a most promising spirit – a trifle unrestrained, but perhaps with Apollo’s continued fellowship—

 

SHEBA

Oh, please!  I’ve already lived through his death once before!  Don’t keep reminding me of it.

 

SERAPH

Apollo was not meant to die.  Sheba, it was you that Count Iblis meant to destroy. 

 

STARBUCK

What are you saying?

 

SERAPH

Apollo sacrificed his mortal body to save your spirit from falling.  Are you willing to sacrifice your own to bring him back?

 

STARBUCK

Whatever you’re going to do to us, get it over with!

 

SHEBA

No, Starbuck, wait.  Maybe these – maybe these people aren’t so unlike us. 

 

STARBUCK

What are you, delirious?

 

SHEBA

No, I mean it!  They know who we are, and what we are. 

 

STARBUCK

Yes, uh, that gives them a pretty big advantage.

 

SHEBA

But I think they’re on our side.  I think—  All right, yes.  If it’s possible, I will trade my life for Apollo’s.

 

SERAPH

What about you, Starbuck?  Did you not say inside your ship that you would gladly trade places with Apollo?

 

STARBUCK

How – how could you know that?

 

(Apollo is restored to life.)

 

SHEBA

Oh!  Apollo!  Apollo!  You’re alive!  It’s a miracle! 

 

STARBUCK

(on the verge of tears)

I don’t know who you are, but whatever you want from me, you can have.

 

SERAPH

We want nothing from you. 

 

STARBUCK

Then why are you doing all this?

 

SERAPH

Because we fight a common foe, the forces of darkness and evil throughout the stars.

 

SHEBA

(caressing Apollo)

Oh…

(whispers to him)

 

STARBUCK

But – but why are you bothering with us?  We come from a simple handful of human survivors.

 

SERAPH

Because as you are now, we once were.  As we are now, you may become. 

 

STARBUCK

When?

 

SERAPH

After you’ve seeded and nurtured new civilizations.  After you’ve evolved. 

 

STARBUCK

On Earth.

 

SERAPH

Perhaps. 

 

STARBUCK

Will you show us the way?

 

SERAPH

Perhaps we can give you a beginning.

 

STARBUCK

And what about Count Iblis?

 

SHEBA

(to Apollo)

It’s all right.  It’s all right.

 

STARBUCK

Is he one of you?

 

SERAPH

He now uses his powers to corrupt and lead others away from truth. 

 

SHEBA

Why can’t you stop him?

 

SERAPH

Because we cannot interfere with freedom of choice – his, yours, anyone’s.

 

APOLLO

But you interfered in the greatest of all choices, life or death.

 

SERAPH

You were only dead by primitive measures, and it was not Count Iblis’s right to take your life.  He must now forfeit some payment of our choosing.  In any case, it is time for you to return to your people. 

 

APOLLO

One last concern – there were other warriors who disappeared.

 

SERAPH

They will return with reasonable explanations.  And now it is time for you to be returned. 

 

(In the shuttle bay, Apollo, Starbuck, and Sheba disembark.)

 

APOLLO

Boomer!  Ha, ha!  I don’t believe it! 

 

BOOMER

I hardly believe it myself.

 

APOLLO

What about the other pilots?  Any sign of them?

 

TIGH

All safe, and apparently victims of the same thing – some kind of navigational sabotage.

 

STARBUCK

Navigational sabotage? 

 

ATHENA

We were receiving distress signals from their ships – well, from that burned-out planet where you found Iblis.

 

TIGH

We sent out a patrol, and sure enough, every one of our warriors was sitting there, waiting, out of fuel, but otherwise perfectly fine, as you can see.  Now, what about you?  We’d given up hope.  You were the ones we expected to find on the planet, not the missing warriors.

 

ADAMA

Well, I never lost hope, but I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you all back again.  Apollo, I’m very anxious to hear your report.

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Ah, well, it’s a long, hard situation to explain, father.

 

ADAMA

All right.  Suppose we all get cleaned up, meet in my quarters; we’ll have a council and a feast of thanksgiving.

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

ADAMA

Let us drink to the return of our children, and to the end of Count Iblis. 

 

BOOMER

Whoever he was.

 

CASSIOPEIA

(laughs slightly)

 

ADAMA

Apollo, Dr. Paye tells me that when he examined you, he found that you had experienced some kind of physical duress.

 

APOLLO

Well, I am a little sore, father. 

 

ADAMA

Why?  I mean, what happened?

 

APOLLO

That’s the strangest part of it, father; I can’t tell you.  It was like being caught up in some kind of vortex, some kinda force field.  You come out of it with your senses scrambled. 

 

ATHENA

Where were you when we found the other pilots?

 

BOOMER

That’s right; you were nowhere to be found.  And if you came straight back to the fleet, how did we get here before you?

 

STARBUCK

Uhh, something happened, I – uh— something I can’t explain, I—

 

APOLLO

I don’t remember anything after challenging Count Iblis.

 

ADAMA

You challenged Count Iblis?—  a-and won?

 

SHEBA

No, Adama.  He challenged Count Iblis and lost.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Lost?  That’s not possible!  Apollo’s here; Iblis isn’t. 

 

STARBUCK

Count Iblis tried to kill Sheba, and, eh, Apollo got in his way.

 

ADAMA

Is that all you remember?

 

STARBUCK

No, I—I—I remember – I remember Sheba and I taking Apollo’s, um, body and putting it on the shuttle and leaving the planet. 

 

ADAMA

His body?

 

STARBUCK

Yes.

 

BOOMER

Well, and then you landed on the Galactica, and Apollo was merely stunned, and you frightened Iblis away.

 

STARBUCK

Yeah, that – that must be it. 

 

SHEBA

That has to be it.

 

STARBUCK

It was, uh – there was one more thing – a light, a sound.  It was beautiful.

 

SHEBA

Yes, it was.

 

APOLLO

It was as if there was something good, and pure, and caring out there.

 

ADAMA

There are very few who’ve had the opportunity to experience the light of good and truth at first hand. 

 

SHEBA

Then you mean that’s what happened to us?  We got caught in the war between good and evil?

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

We’ve always been caught between good and evil.  That will be no different, even if we were to find Earth.

 

APOLLO

Earth quadrant Alpha, nineteen million sectars by—

 

STARBUCK

Uh, Epsilon vector twenty-two, on a circular reckoning course of zero zero zero point nine.

 

SHEBA

In a star system with nine planets and one sun.

 

(The three are baffled by what they have said.)

 

 

-END TRANSCRIPT-

 

 

NOTES

 

Athena and Starbuck’s dialogue after the first Triad match is partially muted due to an incomplete overdub, but is reconstructed from the shooting script as far as possible.

 

The scene of Apollo, Starbuck, and Sheba examining the first three planets is directly transplanted footage from “The Hand of God” which was inserted into the telemovie version of “War of the Gods” and is included here for the sake of completeness.

 

The word “energon” is pronounced with a soft “g” despite the spelling.

 

Adama’s log recorder varies slightly from the speech as transcribed here, recording “they’ve” as “they have,” omitting the phrase “and yet,” and not inserting a comma after “procedures.”

 

The name “Seraphs” originates from a 1995 comic book series published by Maximum Press.  In the script, the inhabitants of the Ship of Lights were variously referred to as “voices,” “forms,” and “creatures.”