MURDER ON THE RISING STAR

Written by Donald Bellisario and Jim Carlson & Terrence McDonnell

Transcribed by Clay Arden for ByYourCommand.net

 

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

ADAMA

(recording log)

This day, our scouts have sent back word of yet another planet along the coordinates given us by our mysterious super race.  More and more often the planets we come across bear signs of the lost thirteenth tribe.  We are getting closer to Earth, and once we have plotted her precise location, we will carefully formulate a plan for observing and sampling her culture.  Too sudden an appearance from their brothers and sisters in space could send our sister world into a wave of culture shock from which she might never recover.  And are the inhabitants of Earth far in advance of us at this point of their development, or merely primitive animals fallen from a greater time?  I feel we will soon know.

 

(Aboard the Rising Star, Apollo and Starbuck play Triad against Sergeants Ortega and Barton while Zed and Boomer provide commentary.  Ortega throws an elbow into Starbuck after he scores a goal.)

 

CASSIOPEIA

Oh!

 

SHEBA

Oh!

 

(Starbuck shoves Ortega away.)

 

ZED

It would appear to this commentator that, uh, Ortega rib-blocked Starbuck after the score.  Apparently the officiator couldn’t see it.  How would you call it, Boomer?

 

BOOMER

Uh, I don’t like to, uh, second-guess, uh, an officiator, but Ortega likes to play to the limit of the rules. 

 

CROWD

(chanting)

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

 

CASSIOPEIA

Every time Starbuck plays against Ortega, his body ends up looking like a black-and-blue Orion hasher the next morning. 

 

ATHENA

Oh?

 

CASSIOPEIA

Well, as, um, as a med tech, I usually end up patching him up.

 

SHEBA

Oh. 

 

ATHENA

(laughs)

 

SHEBA

I see.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Sheba!

(laughs)

I’m serious.  Ever since the academy, those two have been at each other’s throat. 

 

ATHENA

You know, you’re right.  If it wasn’t gambling, it was women, and now it’s Triad.

 

SHEBA

Don’t worry.  Starbuck can handle himself.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Maybe, but if those two keep at it, they’re gonna end up killing each other.

 

(Adama and Tigh watch the game on a screen in the Rising Star club area, waited on by Pallon.)

 

PALLON

Will there be anything else, gentlemen?  I’m going off duty in a few centons.

 

ADAMA

No, thank you.  That’ll be all, thank you.

 

TIGH

Now, his wingman is Flight Sergeant Barton. 

 

ADAMA

This Ortega, does he always play this way?

 

TIGH

Oh, he’s a very aggressive type.  Hates to lose, at anything.  It’s an asset in a Viper, but— (sighs) in Triad…

 

ZED (on screen)

Deflection off the near wall, and Starbuck knocks it right out of Ortega's hands!

 

TIGH

Are you sure you don’t want to go to the court and watch the rest from the gallery?  It’s just a short walk down the corridor.

 

ADAMA

No, no, th-these – these – these seats are much more comfortable, and – we have good ambrosa and good company.  Huh?

(clinks glasses with Tigh)

 

TIGH

Yes, of course. 

 

ZED (on screen)

Oh, my!  Another cheap shot by Ortega!

 

TIGH

(huffs in frustration)

 

(On the Triad court, Ortega scores a goal and punches Starbuck in the face.)

 

OFFICIATOR

Ortega, unnecessary blocking after the score.  Starbuck, free shot.

 

ZED

Well, the officiator caught that one.  Ortega didn’t even attempt to hide it. 

 

APOLLO

Your friend’s asking for it.

 

BARTON

What friend?  I fly with him because I’m assigned.  I play with him because he wins.

 

(Starbuck makes his free throw.)

 

ZED

That ties the score, and that penalty could cost Ortega the game.

 

BOOMER

One more like that, Zed, and he’ll be out of this game.

 

(Starbuck scores a goal and Ortega deliberately slams into him.  Starbuck runs after Ortega and knocks him down.  The two fight on the floor and their teammates have to separate them.)

 

OFFICIATOR

Ortega, rib-blocking after the score.  Out of the game.  Starbuck, fighting.  Out of the game.

 

STARBUCK

What!  Sheez.

 

APOLLO

It’s the rules.  Ya let him get to you.  Now, take a turbowash and cool off.

 

STARBUCK

I’ll kill him!

(leaves the court)

 

(Cassiopeia stands up.)

 

ATHENA

Where’re you going?

 

CASSIOPEIA

I recognize that look on Starbuck’s face. 

 

(Starbuck confronts Ortega in the corridor.)

 

ORTEGA

What do you want, Starbuck?

 

STARBUCK

I want a few centons with you alone.

 

ORTEGA

You got it!

 

CASSIOPEIA

(running up)

That’s enough, both of you! 

 

STARBUCK

Stay out of this!

 

CASSIOPEIA

Why?  So you two can bash each other’s heads in?

 

STARBUCK

I said stay out of it! 

 

CASSIOPEIA

Starbuck, either one of you puts a hand on the other one, I’m gonna put you both on report!  You’ll be grounded for at least a secton.  

 

STARBUCK

Now, wait, you wouldn’t do that!

 

CASSIOPEIA

Try me.

 

ORTEGA

All right, Starbuck.  We’ll finish this another time, when your woman is not around.

(goes to the locker room)

 

STARBUCK

Well, you only delayed the inevitable.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Starbuck, act your age!  Just stay away from him! 

 

STARBUCK

Huh.  You’re asking a lot.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Yeah, and I’m gonna ask a lot more.  I’ll be waiting for you in the docking lounge.  The next shuttle to the Galactica’s in ten centons.  I want you to be on it, or don’t try and see me later.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

Sshhh.  Well, that’s hardly time to turbowash and dress!

 

CASSIOPEIA

Or fight!

(leaves)

 

STARBUCK

Ehm.

(sighs in frustration)

Mm.

(walks off angrily)

 

(In the docking lounge, Cassiopeia waits for Starbuck as Triad is playing on the screen.)

 

ANNOUNCER

A dive for the sphere.  It bounces loose and Vargas has it.  He sends a high-spinning deflection across the court to Para.  Barton body-checks him into the wall.  He’s down.  Oh, he’s a little groggy after that hit.

 

(In the locker room, Ortega straps on his laser and checks it, then opens the door to the corridor.)

 

ORTEGA

I knew it would come to this.

(draws his laser)

 

(On the Triad court, the game continues.)

 

OFFICIATOR

Score Blue.

 

(Racing through the corridor, Starbuck runs headlong into Chella, who catches him.)

 

CHELLA

Hey, Starbuck!

(Starbuck tears himself free and keeps running)

Why aren’t you playing?  I got a wager on you!

 

(Back down the corridor, Ortega’s dead body lies in the doorway.)

 

(In the club area, Adama and Tigh continue watching the match.)

 

TIGH

Yeah!  That’s it! 

 

ADAMA

You know, Tigh, if we left now, we could avoid the crowd.

 

TIGH

Adama, the game’s tied!

 

ADAMA

Oh!

(smiles as Tigh looks at him with irritation)

 

ANNOUNCER

… Para’s got it now.  Moves to his right, perfect deflection.  Sphere takes a Gold team bound, Para’s up with it!  Sphere bouncing to the…

 

(Starbuck runs into the docking lounge.)

 

CASSIOPEIA

Oh! 

(sighs with relief)

You’re in time; the shuttle isn’t.  They announced it’d be late.

 

STARBUCK

Oh, I hope it won’t be long.  Sooner I get outta here, the better.

 

(In the corridor, a group has gathered around Ortega’s body.)

 

ADAMA

One laser blast to the heart.  He must have been dead before he started to fall.

 

TIGH

(examining laser)

Ortega’s laser hasn’t been fired.

 

ADAMA

(clicks tongue)

Who discovered the body?

 

CHELLA

I did. 

 

ADAMA

What’s your name?

 

CHELLA

Chella.

 

ADAMA

What were you doing here?

 

CHELLA

I work here.  I just got off shift and wanted to catch the last few centons of the game.

 

ADAMA

Did you happen to see anyone else around here?

 

CHELLA

Yes.  Starbuck.  He ran around the corner back there.  I was wondering why.

 

TIGH

Starbuck? 

 

CHELLA

Yes.  He almost knocked me down.

 

ADAMA

Colonel, find Starbuck and run a routine check on his laser.

 

APOLLO

One moment, Colonel.  Oh, father, you can’t possibly believe that Starbuck did this.

 

ADAMA

Now, Apollo, what I believe is unimportant.  Everyone watching those games saw what was going on between Starbuck and Ortega.  Starbuck was seen running away from here.  The sooner his laser is checked, the sooner he’ll be cleared.

 

APOLLO

You’re right.  May I look for him?

 

ADAMA

Yes, of course.  Colonel, Captain Apollo will find Starbuck. 

 

BOOMER

Count me in, sir.

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Let’s go.

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

 

(in the docking lounge)

 

CASSIOPEIA

You’re being awfully quiet.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

Yeah, I—I—I—I’m sorry, I guess my head is still back in the game.

 

CONTROL VOICE

Galactica shuttle now ready for boarding.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Maybe I can take your mind off it when we get back to the Galactica.

(kisses him)

 

APOLLO

Hey, Starbuck! 

 

STARBUCK

Hey, don’t tell me.  We won.  Or, uh, rather, you won.

 

APOLLO

Ortega’s been killed.

 

STARBUCK

(laughs in disbelief)

What?

 

CASSIOPEIA

How?

 

BOOMER

A laser.

 

APOLLO

Someone saw you running, Starbuck.

 

STARBUCK

(laughs again)

Sure, I was running to catch this shuttle.  What’s that got to do with—?  Wait, y-you don’t think I had anything to do with it?!

 

APOLLO

Of course not, but we have to check your laser.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Apollo! 

 

BOOMER

It’s just procedure.  It’d be the same for me or anybody else.

 

STARBUCK

(groans)

 

APOLLO

Come on, buddy.

 

STARBUCK

(laughs)

I don’t believe this!

 

APOLLO

(checks laser)

Neither do I.  It’s been fired.

 

(In Dr. Wilker’s laboratory, Wilker fires Starbuck’s laser at a large glass slide.)

 

STARBUCK

Of course I fired it!  I was on the laser range this morning!  So were Jolly and Greenbean, and no one’s accusing them of killing Ortega.

 

ADAMA

Starbuck, no one is accusing you.  We’re trying to clear you before it comes to that.

 

WILKER

Did you fully recharge your laser when you left the range?

 

STARBUCK

Of course!  It’s procedure!

 

SOLON

(entering)

Commander.

 

ADAMA

Ah.  You all know our Chief Opposer, Sire Solon?

 

STARBUCK

Eh, just socially, and, uh, no offense, I’d like to keep it that way.

 

SOLON

So would I, Lieutenant, but my position may dictate otherwise.  I was informed that Dr. Wilker’s conducting a laseronics ergon test on the suspected termination weapon.

 

ADAMA

(nods)

 

STARBUCK

It’s not the termination weapon!  It’s my weapon.

 

BOOMER

Starbuck—

 

SOLON

No, no.  He’s quite right.  It wasn’t a very tactful way of stating it.  My apologies, Lieutenant.

 

STARBUCK

(nods)

 

WILKER

I’m ready. 

(takes a slide)

This is a laseronic ergon scan taken from Ortega’s body.  When I put it here, it shows the laser energy absorbed by his body when Ortega was shot.  Six eight three point nine four seven one eight two ergons.  Therefore, the termination weapon would be minus exactly the same number of ergons.  To determine if the termination weapon and Starbuck’s are the same, put it in here, see if we have a match.

(inserts the slide made from Starbuck’s laser; it also reads 683.947182 ergons)

 

STARBUCK

But that’s— that—that—that’s impossible! 

 

WILKER

Uh, I wish this test weren’t as precise as it is; at least there’d be some doubt. 

 

SOLON

(nods)

 

WILKER

Your weapon terminated Ortega.

 

STARBUCK

Hm – Somebody set me up! 

 

SOLON

Lt. Starbuck, I’m afraid it’s my duty to charge you with the termination of Wing Sergeant Ortega of the Colonial Fleet.

(sighs)

 

STARBUCK

No!  No, wait, you – ya gotta believe me, I—  Somebody used my laser while I was in the turbowash. 

 

BOOMER

It’s the only logical explanation.

 

ADAMA

The Chief Opposer can proceed only on the evidence presently available.

 

APOLLO

Commander, you know Starbuck as well as you know me.  He could never kill anybody in cold blood.

 

SOLON

Adama, if I may.  After viewing the computapes of the game and taking into account that Ortega had drawn his own laser, I would be willing to accept a plea of self-defense.

 

STARBUCK

Forget it!  I didn’t kill Ortega, not in self-defense or any other way!

 

SOLON

Lieutenant, don’t answer so quickly.  If you plead self-defense, you’d undoubtedly be dropped by the Colonial service, but you’d most likely only receive a suspended sentence.  If proven guilty of premeditated human termination charge, you’ll spend the rest of your life on the prison barge. 

 

STARBUCK

I’m not gonna plead self-defense for something I didn’t do! 

 

SOLON

As you wish.  Lt. Starbuck, I must ask you to enter a plea.  I assume it’s not guilty.

 

STARBUCK

That’s right. 

 

ADAMA

Security, you will escort Lt. Starbuck to the Galactica brig—

 

STARBUCK

The brig?

 

ADAMA

To await tribunal.  It’s the law, Starbuck.  I’m sorry.

 

APOLLO

I want to defend him. 

 

SOLON

Captain, I don’t believe you have enough experience as a Protector.  The evidence against Starbuck is particularly strong. 

 

ADAMA

He’s right.  You’ve studied the codes at the academy, but you graduated a warrior, not a Protector.

 

APOLLO

I believe him. 

 

SOLON

You may find that’s not enough to defend a man’s life.

 

STARBUCK

It’s good enough for me.

 

ADAMA

Very well.  Request granted.  But, Captain Apollo, I want you to remember, the law states specifically, tribunal must convene in ten centars.  You don’t have much time.

(he and Solon exit)

 

BOOMER

We’ve been in tighter spots.

 

STARBUCK

We have?

 

APOLLO

And we’ll get out of this one too, I promise.

(the three do a triple handshake)

 

(Apollo and Boomer descend the lift to the launch bay while questioning Barton.)

 

BARTON

I told you, I flew with him because I was assigned; I wasn’t his friend.

 

APOLLO

But you were with him enough to know who he associated with.

 

BARTON

He was a loner, Captain.  Except on the Rising Star.  Try the dealer at table three.  Ortega gambled a lot there and he always won big.  I also saw him with a couple other people, but I don’t know who they were.

 

BOOMER

Could any of them have wanted to kill him?

 

BARTON

Anyone who ever met him.  Take your pick. 

(climbs into his Viper)

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Rising Star.

 

BOOMER

Yeah.

(he and Apollo start to walk away)

 

BARTON

Captain?  Captain!  We were out on a deep probe once.  Eh, you know how lonely that gets; even Ortega talked.  I got on him about changin’ his attitude or someone was gonna kill him before the Cylons did.  He just laughed and said there was only one person in the fleet with nerve enough to try.

 

BOOMER

Who?

 

BARTON

Somethin’ like, uh, Karim, uh, no, Karim, Karib— Karib!  Karibdis!  That was it, Karibdis.

 

APOLLO

Where do we find him?

 

BARTON

(shrugs)

Sorry.  Just know the name.

 

APOLLO

All right.  Thanks, Sergeant.

 

BARTON

Hope you find him.

 

BOOMER

So do we. 

(to Apollo)

At least now we have a name.

 

APOLLO

May be all we need.  Computer should have the rest.

 

(Boomer and Barton exchange a thumbs-up and Barton launches on patrol.)

 

(Apollo and Boomer enter the computer control room.)

 

KOMMA

Captain Apollo.  What can I do for you, sir?

 

APOLLO

Um, access to the fleet personnel computer. 

 

KOMMA

Certainly.  If you’ll both log in, station one is open. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

BOOMER

(placing hand on sensor pad)

Lieutenant Boomer.

 

APOLLO

(doing the same)

Captain Apollo.

 

BOOMER

These computers get more complicated every yahren. 

 

APOLLO

Yes, but Dr. Wilker makes ’em simpler to operate. 

 

BOOMER

“Simpler.”  Simpler to you, maybe, but it doesn’t look like anything we ever had at the academy.

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

BOOMER

Are you sure you can operate it?

 

APOLLO

Well, it does take a bit of advanced knowledge, Boomer.

(presses a button)

 

COMPUTER

Yes?

 

APOLLO

(laughs)

Full profile on Karibdis, please, K-A-R-I-B-D-I-S, status and location first.

 

COMPUTER

There is no profile on anyone named Karibdis, K-A-R-I-B-D-I-S. 

 

BOOMER

Maybe you misspelled it.

 

COMPUTER
Or on anyone whose name is phonetically spelled like Karibdis. 

 

APOLLO

Do you think Barton lied?

 

COMPUTER

I cannot answer that question without further input.  I would have to know what Barton—

 

APOLLO

I wasn’t speaking to you.

 

COMPUTER

Sorry.

 

APOLLO

That’s all right.  I mean that’s all, thank you.

 

COMPUTER

You’re welcome. 

 

KOMMA

You know, this may be modern technology, but give me the old-fashioned keyboard and printout.  This’ll drive you crazy.

 

BOOMER

(sighs)

Barton had no reason to lie.  Maybe he just got the wrong name.

 

APOLLO

No, he seemed pretty sure. 

 

BOOMER

What do we do now?

 

APOLLO

We check the dealer at table three on the Rising Star.  It’s all we’ve got.

 

(On the IFB network, Zara interviews Solon.)

 

SOLON

An experienced Protector would have argued with Starbuck to plead self-defense, but, uh, this is Apollo’s first case, and he’s placing great faith in his friend’s word.  An admirable posture, but a very foolish one in light of the overwhelming evidence against the Defendant. 

 

ZARA

Then would it be fair to say that you do not believe that Lt. Starbuck has a chance for acquittal?

 

SOLON

He has a slim one.

 

ZARA

Can you tell us what that is?

 

SOLON

Commander Adama, who as you know sits at the tribunal.  Most of us are aware that, uh, Starbuck is like a son to him, and some might question his impartiality.  But, quite frankly, since I have brought the subject up on this interview, I think, even with Adama on the tribunal, the case will have to be decided on the evidence alone.  And I’m sure that even Captain Apollo will have to agree that under those conditions Lt. Starbuck will be found guilty. 

 

(Watching the interview from the brig, Starbuck angrily punches the off switch.)

 

STARBUCK

He’s got me convicted before I even have a chance to be heard!

 

CASSIOPEIA

Starbuck, that’s just typical Opposer rhetoric.

 

STARBUCK

Well, why isn’t Apollo being interviewed?  Why isn’t he defending me before the fleet? 

 

CASSIOPEIA

It’s probably because he’s preparing to defend you before the tribunal, where it counts.

 

STARBUCK

No!  He’s not there because he doesn’t have a defense!  And he isn’t gonna have one for the tribunal.

(Cassiopeia sighs)

Cass, they’re gonna convict me. 

 

CASSIOPEIA

Starbuck, it’s still not too late to change your plea to self-defense.

 

STARBUCK

I didn’t do it.

 

CASSIOPEIA

I kn— I know.  But if you’re convicted, you’re gonna spend the rest of your life on the prison barge. 

 

STARBUCK

You’re not sure I didn’t do it. 

 

CASSIOPEIA

Starbuck, I love you.  And if you say you didn’t do it, I – I believe you.

 

STARBUCK

(laughs, groans)

Don’t you see?  You, Apollo, Boomer, even the Commander, you all want to believe me, but you – you still have your, uh, doubts. 

(laughs frustratedly)

That tribunal isn’t being made up of my closest friends. 

 

CASSIOPEIA

So then you will change your plea to self-defense, even if you didn’t do it? 

 

STARBUCK

I don’t know, I – I don’t know.

 

CASSIOPEIA

(kisses him)

No matter what, I love you. 

 

STARBUCK

I love you too.  Now, I just – I just need some time to think.

 

CASSIOPEIA

Okay. 

(kisses him again and exits the cell)

 

STARBUCK

(sighs, turns the television back on)

 

ZARA

With the tribunal only a few centars away, it would seem to this reporter that, barring a miracle, the brilliant career of Lt. Starbuck will tragically pass into history. 

 

(Starbuck punches the screen and it loses its signal.)

 

STARBUCK

(sighs, then gets an idea)

Hey, there’s, uh, there’s somethin’ wrong with my scanner.

 

GUARD

I’ll call a video tech.

 

STARBUCK

No, come on, they’re talking about my case right now.  I need to know what’s happening. 

 

GUARD

All right, what’s the trouble?

(opens door and enters cell)

 

STARBUCK

Nah, uh, I don’t know, it’s, uh—

(grabs the guard, takes his laser, and points it at the other guard outside)

Now, you!  Drop it!  Drop it! 

(other guard drops his weapon)

Now, get inside. 

 

GUARD

Starbuck, this is ridiculous.  Where’re you gonna go?

 

STARBUCK

Move!

(second guard enters)

All right.  And your security key.

(locks the guards inside and runs off)

 

(In the launch bay, Starbuck is powering up his Viper as Apollo comes down in the lift.)

 

STARBUCK

(drawing laser)

Stay out or I’ll fire!

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, it’s me! 

 

STARBUCK

Stay where you are.

 

APOLLO

Now, is that any way to talk to your Protector?

 

STARBUCK

I mean it, buddy.  I don’t wanna hurt you, but I will if you try and stop me.

 

APOLLO

I won’t stop you.  I just want to talk. 

(climbs up next to the cockpit)

 

STARBUCK

That’s close enough—

 

APOLLO

Okay. 

 

STARBUCK

To talk.

 

APOLLO

Okay.  Now, where’re you gonna go?

 

STARBUCK

I don’t know.  I’ll find a planet.  Someplace, anyplace but the prison barge. 

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, I know you didn’t do it. 

 

STARBUCK

(laughs)

Well, you’re not on that tribunal.

 

APOLLO

You don’t have much faith in me.

 

STARBUCK

In you, yes.  The tribunal, no.  Now, get off.  I’m ready to launch.

 

APOLLO

Starbuck, Adama will send Vipers after you! 

 

STARBUCK

Well, I’ll deal with that when the time comes. 

 

APOLLO

And then what are you gonna do?  Fire on Sheba, or Boomer, or me? 

 

STARBUCK

If I have to, yes!  Now, get off.

 

APOLLO

I don’t think you have the guts to do that, any more than you have the guts to face that tribunal!

 

STARBUCK

I didn’t kill Ortega!

 

APOLLO

Then trust me!  Give me the chance to prove you didn’t!

 

STARBUCK

You’ve had your say.  Now, get off, or I’ll take you down that launch tube with me.

(closes cockpit)

 

APOLLO

Okay.  But I never thought I’d see Starbuck run from anything!

(Starbuck prepares to launch, but then opens his cockpit and angrily throws his helmet aside)

I thought you were gonna do it.

 

STARBUCK

Ahh!  I almost did.

 

(Apollo and Boomer enter Adama’s quarters.)

 

ADAMA

Well, I’m glad you found him before Security did. 

 

APOLLO

So am I.  Father, I’d like to request a postponement.  I need more time.

 

ADAMA

I cannot grant that.  I’m sorry.  Our laws are quite specific.  In a case like this, tribunal must be convened within ten centars.

 

APOLLO

Father—

 

ADAMA

And you have less than two left. 

 

BOOMER

But, Commander, we— we have to talk to acquaintances of Ortega’s aboard the Rising Star, sir.

 

APOLLO

We have to find someone called Karibdis.

 

ADAMA

Karibdis? 

 

APOLLO

You know him?

 

ADAMA

I know of him, and so do you, under the code name Proteus. 

 

APOLLO

Proteus?

 

BOOMER

Proteus, Baltar’s pilot and electronics expert. 

 

APOLLO

The one who sabotaged the defense computers on Caprica the night the Cylons attacked?

 

ADAMA

(nods)

His treachery was responsible for the death of nearly a million Capricans.  But I don’t – I don’t see how he could possibly have been involved in Ortega’s death.  He was killed in the first Cylon attack wave.

 

APOLLO

Are you sure?

 

ADAMA

I remember it being reported, uh—  Who can be sure of anything that happened on that night?

 

BOOMER

Then it is possible that he’s alive and aboard this fleet.

 

ADAMA

If he is, he’s under a cover.  And I for one would love to get my hands on him.  I’ll have Colonel Tigh start a check immediately. 

 

BOOMER

Sir, could you identify him?

 

ADAMA

No, I never met him.  He was always in the background.  I don’t even know of any survivors who might have known him.

 

APOLLO
I do. 

 

(on the prison barge)

 

BALTAR

Karibdis.  Hmm.  Yes, the name is familiar.  But what can Karibdis have to do with Starbuck?

 

BOOMER
You must have quite a grapevine around here.

 

APOLLO

We believe Karibdis is alive and aboard this fleet.

 

BALTAR

You “believe”?  Ah.  Then you don’t have him. 

(laughs)

And you need me to identify him.  Something to do with Starbuck’s defense, no doubt. 

 

APOLLO

I believe Karibdis killed Ortega.

 

BALTAR

Very well.  I’ll do it.

 

BOOMER

You will?

 

BALTAR

Of course.  Do you think me a fool?  I’ll point out Karibdis for you – for a price.

 

APOLLO

Your release from the prison barge.

 

BALTAR

Bright lad.  You’ll go far.

 

APOLLO

You know we can’t do that.

 

BALTAR

I know no such thing.  But if you’d come to me for help, Apollo, I believe you’d do anything.

 

APOLLO

Guard!  Let us out! 

 

BALTAR

Think about it, Apollo. 

(shouting after him)

There’s more than one prisoner on this barge who’d love to have Lt. Starbuck here!  He won’t live long enough to reach his cell! 

(laughs to himself)

 

(Apollo and Boomer take the shuttle toward the Rising Star.)

 

BOOMER

(sighs)

Eighty centons before the tribunal convenes.

 

APOLLO

Yeah, so what do you want me to do?  Give up?

(softens tone)

I – I’m sorry, Boomer.

 

BOOMER

(sighs)

Forget it, Apollo, forget it. 

(sighs again)

Maybe we’ll get lucky on the Rising Star. 

(laughs)

Starbuck always did.

 

APOLLO

Yeah; funny how saving him may come down to a Pyramid dealer at table three.

 

(gambling deck of the Rising Star)

 

BOOMER

Table three is in the corner. 

 

APOLLO

Let’s hope this isn’t another dead end.

 

BOOMER

I don’t think so.  Look.

(indicating Chella)

 

APOLLO

That’s the man who found Ortega’s body! 

 

BOOMER

Coincidence? 

 

APOLLO

I wouldn’t bet on it.

 

(They make their way to table three.)

 

CHELLA

Capstone.  No winners.

 

APOLLO

We want a word with you, Chella.

 

CHELLA

I gave my testimony in the deposition to Solon.  If you’ll excuse me, I’m on duty.

 

APOLLO

Not anymore. 

(Chella signals that he is taking a break)

Why didn’t you tell the investigation that Ortega often played at your table?

 

BOOMER

And that he often left a big winner?

 

CHELLA

Perhaps he did.  I don’t remember.  A lot of people play at my table.

 

APOLLO

But only one of them was killed.

 

CHELLA

Look, I don’t remember him playing.  That’s all.

 

BOOMER

Oh, now, that’s funny.  For a Pyramid dealer, who has to keep track of all the cards on the table, you have an incredibly poor memory. 

 

CHELLA

Well, it’s not getting any better with you two pressing me.

 

APOLLO

We won’t have to.  We’ll just escort you back to the Galactica and check a memory that recalls everything.

 

CHELLA

What’s that supposed to mean?

 

APOLLO

Personnel computer.  We’ll also take a look at how much table three has been losing when you deal, and to whom.  Let’s go.

 

CHELLA

That won’t be necessary.  I might as well tell you; you’ll find out anyway.  I’m not in the computer.  My name isn’t Chella.  It’s really Rifkis.  I used to be chief administrator of Solius. 

(narrates flashback)

It was the night the Cylons attacked.  I did a terrible thing.  I didn’t set out to do anything wrong.  I was just tryin’ to survive.  I stayed at my post as long as I could, but I finally realized Caprica was doomed and so was anyone who didn’t escape.  I was assigned to be evacuated on the Gemonese freighter.  I ran to it, watching the death and destruction around me, but I became more and more frightened.  Finally I reached my destination, but by then my freighter had left.  I panicked.  I had nowhere to turn.  I thought I was as good as dead.  Then I spotted the only ship left, the Rising Star.  I knew it was my only hope. 

 

(In the flashback, Chella runs toward the Rising Star.)

 

ORTEGA

I’m sorry, this ship is taking children and nursery attendants only.

 

CHELLA

I’m the chief administrator of Solius.  My ship left without me and I must get off Caprica!

 

ORTEGA

I have my orders. 

 

CHELLA

Listen, I’ll do anything to get aboard!  Cubits.  I have cubits.

(produces a pouch)

Here.  There are over eight thousand here.  That should be more than enough.

 

ORTEGA

Hardly.

 

CHELLA

Please, take it!  I’ll get you more.  Let me aboard.  I promise!  I swear!

 

ORTEGA

All right. 

(flashback ends)

 

CHELLA

So he let me aboard.  And because of it, one of the children was left behind to perish.  Now, I don’t know how you found me, but in a way I’m glad.  The memory of that dead child will live with me for ever, but at least I won’t have the fear of being caught anymore. 

 

BOOMER

(to Apollo)
What do you think?

 

APOLLO

I think we’ve just found Ortega’s killer. 

 

CHELLA

You think I killed Ortega just to stop him from talking?

 

APOLLO

No.  Because he knew who you really are.

 

CHELLA

So what?  He knew who the other two really are.

 

APOLLO

“Other two”?

 

CHELLA

Elias and Pallon.  They got aboard the same way I did.  He was blackmailing both of them.

 

(In the shuttle, Apollo and Boomer transport Chella, Elias, and Pallon together.  The prisoners talk in the back of the shuttle.)

 

ELIAS

So why did you tell ’em? 

 

CHELLA

I had to.  They were accusing me of killing Ortega.  Besides, if they found out he was blackmailing me, they were bound to find out that he was blackmailing you too. 

 

ELIAS

So you involve us to save yourself! 

 

PALLON

Hold it.  He’s right.  They would have found out sooner or later that we’re all on board under an alias.  The important thing is that we don’t get trapped into getting accused of something we didn’t do.  Hmm?  Now, I assume that neither of you killed Ortega.

 

CHELLA

I didn’t.

 

ELIAS

I wanted to, but I didn’t.

 

PALLON

And neither did I.  So Apollo can’t prove anything other than the fact that we’re on board the Rising Star illegally.  Now, we might get a little punishment, but we’re not gonna spend our lives on the prison barge. 

 

CHELLA

You’re right.  We know Starbuck killed Ortega.  I saw him running.

 

PALLON

Now, you said that in all your depositions.  You’ll say that if Apollo calls you to testify.  The truth.

 

(Chella and Elias nod.)

 

BOOMER

We’ve barely got enough time to dock and make the tribunal.  Do you think one of them killed Ortega?

 

APOLLO

Yes.

 

BOOMER

Which one?

 

APOLLO

Karibdis.

 

BOOMER

Karibdis? 

 

APOLLO

It’s the only thing that makes sense.  Ortega told Barton only one man had the nerve to kill him – Karibdis.  And all three of those people he was blackmailing are living under aliases.  One of them has to be Karibdis. 

 

BOOMER

Don’t you think you’re reaching just a bit? 

 

APOLLO

Maybe.  But all three of those men are tied to Ortega, all three were on Caprica the night of the raid, and all three got aboard the Rising Star using aliases. 

(sighs)

I could be wrong, but it’s the only chance Starbuck has.

 

BOOMER

But how do we find out which one?

 

APOLLO

Take over the controls.  I’ll show you.  I’ll keep my mike open. 

(goes to rear of shuttle as Boomer listens in)

 

PALLON

Here comes Apollo.  Don’t forget, I told you, stay calm.

 

APOLLO

Ah— Um, look, I want to apologize for accusing you.  We just got word from the Galactica that Ortega’s killer’s been identified. 

 

ELIAS

Who?

 

APOLLO

A man called Karibdis. 

 

ELIAS

Mm –  Who’s Karibdis?

 

APOLLO

A traitor responsible for millions of deaths on Caprica.  He was thought to be dead.  Well, Ortega knew he was on the fleet and was blackmailing him too, only this Karibdis had a lot more to lose if he was caught than you did. 

 

PALLON

And you found him?

 

APOLLO
No, but we know somebody that can identify him – his old commander Baltar.  Soon as we dock on the Galactica, I’m going back to the prison barge to bring him back.  Don’t worry, we’ll find this Karibdis. 

(with an apologetic laugh)

Look, I’m really sorry that I put you through all this.

 

CHELLA

Does this mean that we’re free to go back to the Rising Star?

 

APOLLO

Yes.  I’ll have to report what I know, but, uh, you’ll probably get off with a light sentence.

 

PALLON

Captain, thank you. 

 

APOLLO

Yeah. 

 

ELIAS

I’m glad your friend Starbuck is innocent.

 

APOLLO

(with a relieved laugh)

Yeah, so am I.

(returns to the cockpit)

 

BOOMER
If one of them’s Karibdis, you’ve just made yourself a target.

 

APOLLO

That’s what I’m counting on.  Look, as soon as we dock, I want you to head straight for that tribunal, and pass the word to the launch crew that I want those three left alone. 

 

BOOMER

Oh, so the one that’s Karibdis can slip back on board and kill you.  You’re crazy.

 

APOLLO

He won’t try to kill me until I’ve got Baltar.  He’ll want to get rid of him too.  He’s the only person alive that can identify him.  He’s gonna try it on the way back. 

 

BOOMER
Apollo—

 

APOLLO

I’ll keep Alpha channel keyed open.  With any luck, maybe he’ll give himself away.  He might even admit that he killed Ortega.

 

BOOMER
Before he kills you.

 

APOLLO

Look, I don’t care what you have to do, but you have to get that tribunal to listen to Alpha channel.

 

BOOMER

Oh, great.  If it works, Starbuck is free.  You’re dead.

 

APOLLO

Don’t give up on me yet, Boomer. 

 

BOOMER

(shakes head)

Tell me, Apollo, how are you gonna take on Karibdis and Baltar alone on this shuttle?

 

APOLLO

I’m not.  Baltar’s gonna be on my side.

 

(The shuttle lands on the Galactica; Boomer exits and speaks to a launch crewman.)

 

RIGEL (over speakers)

Canaris shuttle arriving at station Gamma, port landing bay, in three centons.  Medical shuttle ready for departure from starboard landing bay. 

(Chella, Elias, and Pallon disembark from shuttle)

All arriving civilian passengers must clear security before attending the tribunal.  Security stations three, four, and five are now open.

 

(inside the shuttle)

 

APOLLO

Galactica shuttle requesting permission to relaunch for prison barge.  Tribunal business. 

 

RIGEL (over speaker)

Stand by, Galactica shuttle.

 

(In the launch bay, a man’s boots are seen walking toward the shuttle.)

 

RIGEL

Station Beta.  All civilian personnel must clear security stations three, four, and five.

 

(As the booted man steps aboard the shuttle, Apollo monitors the “loaded weight” indicator, which increases from 2250 to 2425.)

 

RIGEL

Galactica shuttle, you are clear to launch.

 

APOLLO

Thank you.

(closes hatch and launches)

 

(As the tribunal sits waiting, Boomer rushes in.)

 

ADAMA

Lieutenant Boomer?  Where is the Protector?

 

BOOMER

Temporarily detained, sir.  Um, I will act as Protector if there are no protests. 

 

ADAMA

(to the other tribunal members)

Objection?  Objection?

(they indicate none)

 

STARBUCK

Eh, Boomer, you’ve never defended anyone in your life!

 

BOOMER

Neither has Apollo.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

Uh, where is he?

 

BOOMER

Out trying to save your life.

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

This is highly irregular.  However, if there are no objections – Lt. Starbuck, will you accept Lt. Boomer as your Protector pro tem?

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

Yes, sir.

 

ADAMA

Opposer?

 

SOLON

No protest.

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

Very well. 

(starts recorder)

This tribunal is convened.  The case against Lt. Starbuck of Blue Squadron will now commence.  Opposer Solon.

 

SOLON

Esteemed members of the tribunal, as my first piece of documentation, may I call attention to your scanner, where the computapes for the final centons of the last game between the accused and Flight Sergeant Ortega will be displayed. 

 

(At counsel table, Boomer monitors Alpha channel on his headset.)

 

STARBUCK

Boomer, what are you doing?

 

BOOMER

Just trust me, Starbuck.

 

STARBUCK

(sighs)

Ehh, that’s what Apollo said and he isn’t even here.

 

(Apollo’s shuttle prepares to leave the prison barge, with Baltar sitting shackled next to Apollo.)

 

APOLLO

Prison barge control, this is Galactica shuttle requesting launch clearance.

 

BALTAR

I knew that sooner or later you’d come to your senses and decide to release me.

 

APOLLO

I decided to let you live.

 

BALTAR

Live? 

 

CONTROL VOICE

Stand by, Galactica shuttle.  There is incoming traffic ahead of you.

 

APOLLO
There’re only two people who could positively identify Karibdis – Ortega and you.  He’s already killed Ortega.

 

BALTAR

(chuckles)

You’re a wonder, Captain.  Instead of offering me freedom to identify Karibdis, you offer me – my life.  How touching.

 

APOLLO

It’s your only chance.

 

BALTAR

You mean Lt. Starbuck’s only chance. 

 

APOLLO

That may be true, but I’m betting your instinct for survival is stronger than your desire to see Starbuck convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.

 

BALTAR

(laughs)

You must think me a fool.  The affection Karibdis had for me was akin to that of a son for a father.  He would never be a threat to my life.

 

APOLLO

Then why is he on this shuttle?

 

BALTAR

(looks behind him)

I don’t believe you.  If he were on this shuttle, it would only be for one reason:  to kill you.

 

APOLLO

You’re right, first.  Then he’ll kill you with my laser.  It’ll look like you jumped me and in the struggle we both killed each other.

 

BALTAR

And how would he explain that I did such a thing while wearing shackles?

 

APOLLO

He’ll remove them, after you’re dead. 

 

CONTROL VOICE

Galactica shuttle, you may launch when ready.

 

(The stowaway removes a laser from the shuttle’s armaments cabinet.)

 

APOLLO

Launching.

 

(In the courtroom, Solon takes testimony from Cassiopeia.)

 

SOLON

What did he say?

 

CASSIOPEIA

Uh, I can’t remember.

 

SOLON

You can’t remember what Starbuck, with whom you have a relationship – you can’t remember what he said?

 

BOOMER

Just a centon!  I mean, he, he, uh, uh—uh--the—the  Opposer, I mean, of the – Opposer has not proved that such a relationship exists.

 

ADAMA

(sighs)

Not quite properly protested, but allowed.

 

SOLON

My apologies.  Cassiopeia, do you have a relationship with the Defendant?

 

CASSIOPEIA

(sighs in frustration)

We’re friends.

 

SOLON

How close?

 

CASSIOPEIA

Very close.

 

SOLON

Then you will tell the tribunal what your very close friend said after Ortega left for his dressing quarters.

 

(Cassiopeia hesitates.)

 

ADAMA

The witness will answer the question.

 

CASSIOPEIA

He s—  He said – uhh – that I was only delaying the inevitable.

 

(The crowd murmurs.)

 

MAN IN COURTROOM

Then – then he could then kill him.  Think about it.

 

STARBUCK

(nods sadly at Cassiopeia)

Hmm.

 

SOLON

If the tribunal pleases, that concludes the opposition.

 

(aboard the shuttle)

 

BALTAR

You’re wrong, Apollo.  We’re nearly to the Galactica and nothing’s happened.  No one’s aboard this shuttle but us.

 

(A shadowy figure emerges from a doorway in the back of the shuttle.)

 

APOLLO

Why are you sweating? 

 

(Baltar hears a footfall behind him.  He and Apollo turn around to see Pallon holding a laser.)

 

BALTAR

Karibdis!

 

PALLON

Commander Baltar.  Good to see you again, sir.

 

(Baltar smiles triumphantly at Apollo.)

 

(in the courtroom)

 

ADAMA

I will ask the question again:  Is a Protector ready to defend?

 

BOOMER

Commander, our defense is on Alpha channel.

 

SOLON

I protest!

 

ADAMA

Upheld.  Will the Opposer and the Protector pro tem please approach the tribunal. 

(they approach the bench)

Lieutenant Boomer, in the name of the Lords of Kobol, what is going on?  And more importantly, where is Captain Apollo?

 

BOOMER

(sighs)

He’s on Alpha channel, sir, with our defense!

 

ADAMA

You leave this tribunal no choice but to make a decision.

 

BOOMER

Sir, by the Lords of Kobol, listen!

(switches on Alpha channel in the courtroom)

 

BALTAR (over speaker)

Release these shackles.

 

PALLON (over speaker)

As soon as you activate the automatic pilot, sir.  It’s that green button between the throttles.

 

(in the shuttle, overheard by the tribunal)

 

BALTAR

Karibdis, I’m ordering you to release these shackles now.

 

PALLON

(covering Apollo with his laser)

Yes, sir, as soon as you turn on the automatic pilot, and I dispose of Captain Apollo. 

 

MAN IN COURTROOM

What does this mean?

 

APOLLO

Like you disposed of Ortega?

 

PALLON

Terminating Ortega was easy, Captain.  You’ve become a much more dangerous opponent.  Your laser, Captain.  Turn on the automatic pilot, Baltar.  Gently, Captain.

 

(As Apollo slowly offers his laser, Baltar punches Pallon with his shackled fists.  Pallon’s laser goes flying and the occupants of the courtroom listen to sounds of a struggle.)

 

MAN IN COURTROOM

What’s going on?

 

(A single laser shot is heard.)

 

APOLLO

Boomer, did the tribunal hear all that?

 

BOOMER

We have it!  Are you all right?

 

APOLLO

Yeah, I’m fine.  I’ll be docking in a few centons.  Have a med tech and Security meet me.  I had to knock out Pallon – or rather, Karibdis. 

 

STARBUCK (into communicator)

Apollo, (sighs) thanks.  I owe you my life.

 

APOLLO

Don’t thank me.  Thank Baltar.  He saved both of us – but he’s not very thrilled about it. 

(laughs)

 

(Outside the Triad court, Starbuck paces as he waits for the game to start.)

 

SHEBA

Starbuck, would you slow down?  You know, you’re making me tired.

 

APOLLO

Yeah, would you save it for the game, Starbuck?

 

STARBUCK

Sorry, I—I’ve just got all this excess energy.  Being locked up does things to a guy. 

 

BOOMER

Oh, maybe they ought to lock you up more often.

 

(All laugh.)

 

CASSIOPEIA

It’s okay.  You’re gonna be wonderful.  Okay?

(kisses him)

 

STARBUCK

Ah, I know.

 

ADAMA

So do I.  As a matter of fact, I’ve put a little wager on you and Apollo – as an added incentive.

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

BOOMER

Oh, well, that’s great.  I can see a very bleak evening ahead.

 

(All laugh again; the buzzer sounds.)

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

Well, that’s us.

 

ADAMA

Good luck.

 

(Starbuck and Apollo walk out on the court, where all applaud them.  They grasp arms and clap shoulders.)

 

 

-END TRANSCRIPT-

 

 

NOTES

 

Adama’s log recorder varies slightly from the speech as transcribed here, recording “bear” as “bears” and not inserting a comma after “directions.”

 

In a continuity error, the shuttle’s “loaded weight” indicator is shown reading 2425 both before and after Karibdis steps aboard.