BALTAR’S ESCAPE

Written by Donald Bellisario

Transcribed by Clay Arden for ByYourCommand.net

 

 

(Adama’s quarters)

 

ADAMA

(recording log)

Since the return of our warriors with prisoners from the Alliance of the planet Terra, the fleet has been in a state of constant confusion.  If this Terra is the planet Earth we seek, our flight across the universe may have been in vain, for we will have eluded the Cylons only to be faced by an equally oppressive human enemy.  As usual of late, the Council, led by Sire Domra, is in total opposition to me.  They wish to release the prisoners and have an unarmed peace envoy return with them to their outpost on Lunar Seven.  I’m afraid the Council is bent on repeating the mistakes that led to the destruction of our Colonies at the hands of the Cylons.  I am determined that shall not happen again so long as I am in command.  In the meantime, I’ve ordered the fleet to full alert while I shuttle to the prison barge to interrogate personally those Eastern Alliance enforcers.

 

(aboard shuttle)

 

STARBUCK

Prison barge, Galactica shuttle requesting landing instructions.

 

CONTROL OPERATOR 1 (V.O.)

Galactica shuttle, this is prison barge approach control.  You are cleared to land in Beta bay.

 

STARBUCK

Understood.  Cleared for Beta bay.

 

(prison barge)

 

ADAMA

Commandant Leiter, I am Commander Adama.  I trust you and your men have been properly treated.

 

LEITER

I demand the immediate release of my crew and ship.  You have no right to detain us.

 

ADAMA

I’m afraid you are in no position to issue demands, Commandant.  However, if you would like to take a seat and answer a few questions, I would be willing to discuss your eventual release.

(Leiter remains standing but approaches Adama)

Very well.  I am particularly interested in knowing why the Alliance tried to destroy every human being on the planet Paradeen.

 

LEITER

They are Nationalists.  We are at war with the Nationalists.

 

ADAMA

Nationalists.  What are Nationalists?

 

LEITER

People who want to change the natural order.

 

ADAMA

The natural order being whatever the Alliance dictates?

 

LEITER

The natural order of the universe simply is.  There can be no disputing it.  Forgive me, Commander, but for a technically advanced people you really are quite ignorant.

 

APOLLO

(sotto voce)

I could grow to dislike this man.

 

STARBUCK

Mm, what do you mean, “grow to”?

 

ADAMA

Well, forgive me my ignorance.  Perhaps you would be good enough to explain this natural order of yours.

 

LEITER

All life forms in the universe fall into two classifications.  Call them what you will, the predator and the prey, the intelligent and the ignorant, the conquerors and the subjugated.  Whatever you call them, there are the strong and there are the weak.  The Eastern Alliance is the strongest force in the universe.  We were created to rule all life as far as it extends and in whatever form it exists throughout the universe.  It is our destiny.

 

ADAMA

Ah.  And these Nationalists disagree with your natural theory.

 

LEITER

It is not a theory, Commander.  It is a law of nature. 

 

ADAMA

I see.  And if you are the strongest force in the universe, how do you explain the Galactica?

 

LEITER

Your battlestar is quite impressive; however, it is but a single warship.  We will dispatch it as the wolf pack does the bear.

 

ADAMA

Well, I don’t know what this “wolf pack” or “bear” is.  However, I think you would need at least a thousand of those destroyers you fly on Lunar Seven if you intend to engage the Galactica.

 

LEITER

We have nearly –

(chuckles) 

I’ve answered your question.  Now I demand that we discuss the release of my ship and crew.

 

REESE (GUARD 1)

Commander Adama, your presence is requested at the Council, sir.

 

ADAMA

Inform the Council that I will be there as soon as I conclude this interrogation.

 

REESE

With all due respect, sir, the Council has ordered the interrogation terminated.

 

STARBUCK

Since when does the Council give orders to the Commander?

 

REESE

Look, Starbuck, I just do as I’m told.

 

STARBUCK

Well, then I’m tellin’ you to back off until the Commander is—

 

ADAMA

Starbuck. 

(to Reese) 

Inform the Council I’ll be there immediately. 

 

REESE

Yes, sir. 

 

ADAMA

We will continue this at a later time, Commandant.  It’s been most interesting.

 

APOLLO

You can’t let them do this.

 

ADAMA

My warrior oath holds me responsible to the Council.

 

APOLLO

That was before the holocaust.  We’re operating under martial law.

 

STARBUCK

Apollo’s right, sir.  The fleet’s been under your command since we fled the Colonies.  You can’t let the Council order you around like some cadet.

 

ADAMA

Evidently they don’t seem to agree with that.  Or perhaps something has come up we know nothing about.  In any case, I don’t want to discuss this in front of a prisoner.  Now, shall we go, or do I have to fly that shuttle myself?

 

(Starbuck and Apollo sigh.  The three walk past Baltar’s cell.)

 

BALTAR

Problems, Commander?  Hmm?

(laughs gleefully)

 

REESE

Well, I’m glad to see you’re in such a good mood today, Baltar. 

 

BALTAR

Mm-hm.

 

REESE

You have mess duty again.

 

(In the mess hall, Baltar serves food to the other prisoners.  As the three Borellian Nomen approach, he surreptitiously produces some servings of fowl from under the table.)

 

BALTAR

I saved some Borellian desert layers for you.  Well, they’re not really from Borella, but they’re the closest thing they raise on that stinking livestock ship. 

(leans in and whispers) 

I must speak with you.  We can help each other.

 

(The Nomen move on and take their seats at a table, silently evicting the two men who were eating there.)

 

GUARD 2

(to Baltar)

You can eat now.  That’s the last of them.

 

(Baltar gets himself a bowl of soup and crosses to the Nomen’s table.)

 

BALTAR

Mind if I join you? 

(no reply; Baltar coughs awkwardly) 

Thank you. 

(sits down) 

You know of course who I am. 

(no reaction) 

Baltar. 

(still no reaction) 

No matter; I know you.  I know what you’re planning.

(Maga shoots Taba a glance)

I also know why you haven’t tried it yet.  Oh, you could break out of your cell, but what then?  Where to go?  Hmm?  How to escape pursuit?  You don’t have those answers. 

(Bora glances at Maga)

I do.

(no reply)

Well, if you’re not interested, I—

(starts to get up)

 

MAGA

Sit.  We are listening.

 

BALTAR

See those prisoners behind you?  They’re from an alliance which in this corner of the universe may be as powerful as my Cylon friends.  They are going to be transferred to the Galactica. 

 

MAGA

And how do you know this?

 

BALTAR

Well, I – I have my sources.  When the shuttle comes for those prisoners, we will make our break, take the shuttle, and escape.

 

MAGA

(chuckles)

And what of the Vipers?

 

BALTAR

Oh, I have a plan to deal with them.  When we reach the Alliance, I’ll be welcomed with open arms, for I know the Galactica, her strengths, her weaknesses, and most important, her commander, Adama.  I’ll be treated like a prince.  And so will those who are with me.  Is it a bargain?

 

MAGA

Your record to date does not exactly inspire confidence.

 

BALTAR

I – I – I had incompetent followers.

 

MAGA

We do not follow, Baltar.

 

BALTAR

Oh, no. 

(laughs)

No, no, no, no, no, no, of course not.  We’re – we’re – we’re all comrades, hm?  In this together? 

 

MAGA

Good.  When the time comes to escape, we will momentarily die.

 

BALTAR

Die?

 

MAGA

We do many things to survive.  Even die.

 

(Council chamber)

 

DOMRA

Adama, the time is long overdue for us to honor you for your brilliant leadership in eluding the Cylons.  You, more than any other individual, are responsible for our survival.  And so the Council has decided to honor you with an award that is equal to your magnificent achievement, an honor that has not been bestowed upon a living colonist in over a millennium.  Adama, we are giving you the Star of Kobol.

 

STARBUCK

(applauding along with the Council members)

Well, it’s about time.  Eh, what’s wrong with you?  You don’t seem too excited.

 

APOLLO

Neither does my father.

 

ADAMA

I am deeply honored, but I must refuse.

 

DOMRA

Adama, surely you don’t understand what we’re offering.

 

ADAMA

Believe me, Sire Domra, I understand perfectly.  This is not a time for honors.  Our quest is far from over.  The danger is still great.  I do not know if this Terra is the planet Earth we seek.  I do know it is ruled by humans who are as oppressive as the Cylons.

 

TINIA

Adama, the vision you offer us is understandably the dark view of a warrior who has led us through terrible times.  It is not necessarily the realistic view.

 

ADAMA

Siress Tinia, those Eastern Alliance enforcers are as hostile as any Cylon we’ve ever encountered.

 

TINIA

Perhaps because they were greeted with laser pistols instead of open arms.

 

APOLLO

They greeted us with drawn weapons.

 

DOMRA

Captain, you are not here to address this Council.  In fact, I have no idea why you and your military cohort are here.

 

ADAMA

They are here at my request to report in person on the Eastern Alliance, since the Council seems to have ignored their written report.

 

TINIA

We haven’t ignored it, Adama.  We simply disagree with it.  It is a military evaluation, not a civilian one.  Sire Domra has also met with Commandant Leiter, and found him quite willing to negotiate our sending a peace envoy to Lunar Seven.

 

ADAMA

Oh, I’m certain he was.

 

DOMRA

Adama, we have called this session to honor you, not to argue with you.

 

ADAMA

Sire Domra, I do not treat you as a fool.  Please do not treat me as one.  You’ve all gathered here to retire me.  Now, what other motions have been passed during my absence, in addition to my “award”?

 

TINIA

Commander, you have been blunt, so I shall be blunt as well.  We have voted to end the emergency declared when the Cylons destroyed our Colonies.  From this centon forward, we are reverting to Council control of the fleet.  Naturally you will retain your vote on the Council and command of the Galactica—

 

ADAMA

But?

 

TINIA

But you shall have a civilian member of this Council to assist you, to assure Council edicts are implemented. 

 

ADAMA

And who’s to be this, uh, aide?

 

TINIA

I have that honor. 

 

(corridor)

 

STARBUCK

You should’ve told them to stuff their edicts! 

 

ADAMA

I won’t have that kind of talk in my command.

 

APOLLO

But he’s right.  If the Council has their way, we’ll all be in shackles before this is over.

 

ADAMA

I think perhaps the Council is right.  When two of my finest warriors forget their oath to obey the civil government, we have been under martial law too long.

 

STARBUCK

Sorry, Commander, but what do we do?

 

ADAMA

What warriors always do – their job.

 

(Starbuck and Apollo sigh.)

 

(In a prison barge corridor, prisoners are being escorted back to their cells.)

 

REESE

All right, keep moving. 

 

GUARD 3

Grid deck Epsilon. – Yes, sir.

(to Reese)

That was Control.  The Alliance prisoners are to be moved to the holding grid for transfer.

 

REESE

Oh, fine.  Why didn’t they tell us that when we had ’em on Beta deck?  All right.  Leiter, you and your men hold it.  Everyone else into your cells.

 

(At a nod from Maga, Taba falls in apparent death.)

 

GUARD 3

What’s wrong with him?

 

(Bora falls in a similar manner.)

 

REESE

All of you, into your cells!  Now!

 

(As several prisoners comply, Maga falls.)

 

GUARD 2

What’s going on?

 

(Guard 3 hurries Baltar into his cell.)

 

REESE

Lock it up!  Lock it up!  Keep your lasers on ’em.  It might be a trick.

(checks Taba)

He’s dead.  No pulse. 

(checks Maga while Guard 2 checks Bora)

None of ’em has a pulse.  Get a med tech down here on the double.  Breathing gear, heart stimulator, the works. 

 

(Guard 3 moves to the wall communicator.)

 

MAGA

Strike.

 

(The Nomen suddenly awaken and quickly overpower the guards.)

 

BALTAR

Good Lord!

 

MAGA

Captivity has slowed our reflexes.  They will improve now that we are free.

(releases Baltar from his cell)

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

BACKGROUND VOICES

Yes, I read you.  We – we read you, thank you.

… all the time.

Adjust sensor five.

We have thirty-two K bytes…

 

OMEGA

Commander, the Council’s requesting a shuttle to transfer prisoners from the barge to the Galactica.

 

ADAMA

Granted.  Colonel, will you select four warriors to act as escort, please?

 

TIGH

Yes, sir.

 

TINIA

Just a micron, Colonel.  I don’t see the need for a warrior escort, Adama. 

 

TIGH

You don’t see the need?  Those are dangerous prisoners we’re transporting!

 

ADAMA

Tigh.  Siress Tinia, I can’t allow a shuttle to carry prisoners without precaution.

 

TINIA

I realize that, Commander, but Council Security will be quite sufficient.

 

TIGH

Council Security couldn’t prevent an escape from the orphan ship.

 

ADAMA

Colonel, Council Security will do.  Assign Lieutenants Boomer and Sheba as shuttle pilots.

 

TIGH

Yes, sir.

 

TINIA

Thank you, Commander.  I really don’t intend to be a burden.  I would like for this situation to be as pleasant as possible.

 

(Adama nods in acknowledgment.)

 

(prison barge)

 

MAGA

Next step?

 

BALTAR

First we destroy their communication center, then take the landing bay.  The shuttle will be arriving at any moment. 

 

LEITER

And then?

 

BALTAR

And then, a little trip to the Galactica. 

 

LEITER

Galactica?  You said we were heading for Lunar Seven.

 

BALTAR

We are, after we settle some debts.

 

LEITER

My men and I are not going to get involved in any personal vendetta.  We must return to our homeland.

 

BALTAR

We won’t get to the edge of the fleet without being challenged, and a shuttle is no match for Vipers.  We must disable the Galactica, or at the very least take many hostages.  Trust me, my friend, I know what I’m doing.  We’d better get moving.

 

(aboard the shuttle)

 

GUARD 4

When we land, you two are to stay in the cockpit.  Council orders.

 

BOOMER

Next you’ll be telling me I need Council permission to use the turboflush.

 

GUARD 5

Lieutenant, we know how you feel, but the Council doesn’t want to risk another confrontation with those Eastern Alliance representatives. 

 

GUARD 4

The last time you warriors met them, they came back in shackles. 

 

SHEBA

Well, maybe that’s why you, the Council, and this entire fleet are still alive.

 

GUARD 4

Shouldn’t we be calling Approach Control?

 

BOOMER

“Shouldn’t we be c—”?  That’s it.

(sends the shuttle into a power dive, throwing the security officers off their feet)

 

GUARD 4

Are you crazy?

 

BOOMER

Now, if you two are gonna fly this bird, you’d better start now.

 

GUARD 5

Come on, Boomer, stop foolin’ around!

 

(Boomer folds his arms and clears his throat.)

 

GUARD 4

All right, no more questions.  I promise!  Just straighten this thing out!

 

(Boomer complies.)

 

BOOMER

Now, if I were you, I’d strap myself in.  It’s no telling just how rough the landing might be.

 

SHEBA

You wouldn’t.

(laughs)

Prison barge approach control, this is Galactica shuttle requesting landing instructions.

 

(prison barge communications)

 

CONTROL OPERATOR 2

Galactica shuttle cleared for landing in Alpha bay.

 

SHEBA (over communicator)

Understood, Alpha bay.

 

LEITER

That the last communication you’ll have with them?

 

CONTROL OPERATOR 2

Till they land, yes.

 

(Enforcers destroy the communications equipment.)

 

(Aboard the shuttle, Sheba watches the security officers disembark.)

 

SHEBA

(laughs)

They’re as pale as an Orion moon.

 

BOOMER

Serves ’em right.

 

SHEBA

(laughs again)

 

(prison barge landing bay)

 

GUARD 4

When we get back to the Galactica, I’m personally puttin’ that guy on report.

 

GUARD 5

I just want to get back in one piece, huh?

(indicating the Eastern Alliance members)

That must be them.

 

GUARD 4

Commandant Leiter, we’re your escort to the Galactica.

 

LEITER

I don’t think so.

 

GUARD 4

Sir?

 

LEITER

I believe we are escorting you.

 

(The security officers turn around to find Baltar and the Nomen with weapons trained on them.  They surrender.)

 

(Inside the shuttle, the security officers board, followed by the enforcers.)

 

SHEBA

(laughs)

Boomer, they look even paler than when they got off.

 

BOOMER

Hm.

 

(Enforcers run aboard and confiscate Sheba’s weapon.)

 

SHEBA

Ah.

 

BALTAR

Well, well.  Lieutenant Boomer.  Hm.  How nice to see you.

(takes Boomer’s weapon)

Too bad Starbuck and Apollo aren’t here.  I could settle all of my debts at once.

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

Switch over to sensor five eleven.

 

ADAMA

Any news of the shuttle?

 

TIGH

No, sir, not a word since they landed.

 

ADAMA

Omega, contact the prison barge.  I want to know if that shuttle has launched.

 

OMEGA

Commander, I have the shuttle right now.  Lieutenant Boomer’s requesting landing clearance. 

 

ADAMA

Oh, good, very good.  Direct them to landing bay Alpha.  I believe that’s where the Council is meeting our guests?

 

TINIA

That is correct.

 

OMEGA

Commander.  All communications with the prison barge are out. 

 

ADAMA

What?

 

OMEGA

I’ve tried all bands.  There’s nothing. 

 

ADAMA

Tigh, security status Alpha landing bay. 

 

TIGH

Council Security only, sir.

 

ADAMA

Direct Captain Apollo to take a score of warriors to landing bay—

 

TINIA

Commander.  The Council does not want warriors around when they greet the Alliance representatives.

 

ADAMA

Siress Tinia, doesn’t it strike you as somewhat odd that all communications with the prison barge are out at the precise centon that we’re transferring those men to the Galactica? 

 

TINIA

Bridge Officer Omega, is this the first time that communications have gone out between ships?

 

OMEGA

No, but—

 

TINIA

And did not Lieutenant Boomer just request landing clearance?

 

OMEGA

Yes.

 

TINIA

Then I think you are all being paranoid.  I am sorry, Commander.  No warriors in the landing bay.  Council policy. 

 

TIGH

Commander, if you’ll excuse me, my duty period was over a centar ago.  I need some air.

 

TINIA

Colonel, if you decide to take your “air” on the landing bay, I will view it as an act of insubordination. 

 

TIGH

Do I have the Siress’s permission to retire to the officers’ club?

 

TINIA

You may go anywhere you wish, Colonel, as long as it is not the landing bay.

 

(Tigh exits the bridge.)

 

ADAMA

Colonel Tigh is a very good warrior, which I’m sure you will come to realize in time.

 

TINIA

Adama, you are all good warriors, but what we need now are good diplomats. 

 

ADAMA

(nods)

 

(aboard the shuttle)

 

BALTAR

(to Boomer)

A nice normal landing, Lieutenant.  I would hate to bounce and have a weapon set off by accident, hm?

 

(In the officers’ club, Tigh approaches Starbuck and Apollo’s table.)

 

BACKGROUND VOICE

Thank you.

 

APOLLO

(taking a drink)

Ah.

 

TIGH

Mind if I join you?

 

STARBUCK

Uh, no, n—  Have a seat, Colonel.

 

TIGH

Thank you. 

(to barman)

Bring me a double of whatever they’re having.

 

APOLLO

Colonel, I’ve never seen you in here unless it was to grab us for a mission.

 

TIGH

Well, there’s a first time for everything.  And now’s the time for one Colonial colonel to have a little drink.

(guzzles drink)

 

STARBUCK

Eh, a “little” drink?  Uh, Colonel.

 

APOLLO

Colonel, what if the Commander needs you on the bridge?

 

TIGH

What for?  We’re safely in the arms of the Council now.

 

STARBUCK

Mm.  Siress Tinia is on the bridge.

 

TIGH

(laughs grimly)

“On” the bridge?  She’s taken it over.  At this moment the Council is waiting at landing bay Alpha to welcome those enforcers you captured with open arms.

 

APOLLO

We know.

 

TIGH

Did you also know that communications to the prison barge went out after the shuttle was launched?

 

APOLLO

No.

 

TIGH

Siress Tinia doesn’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. 

 

STARBUCK

Well, didn’t the Commander order warriors to the bay?

 

TIGH

(signals for another drink)

Overruled. 

(sighs) 

And I’ve been threatened with court martial if I take any steps to interfere. 

 

APOLLO

(to Starbuck)

Wanna take a walk?

 

STARBUCK

Um, yeah, now that you mention it. 

 

APOLLO

Excuse us, Colonel.

 

TIGH

It wasn’t anything I said, was it?

 

APOLLO

No, no.  To be perfectly honest, uh, we just feel a little uncomfortable drinking with a senior officer.  See ya.

 

(Apollo and Starbuck leave the club.)

 

TIGH

(pushes drink away)

I kind of hoped you would.

 

(aboard the shuttle)

 

BALTAR

(to Leiter)

The micron the hatch opens, you and your men will eliminate all guards and take as many hostages as possible. 

 

LEITER

Don’t worry.  We are very good at such operations.

 

BALTAR

I’m sure you are.  Maga, you and your Nomen follow me to the lift.  We can be on the bridge in a matter of microns. 

 

MAGA

And once we control the bridge?

 

BALTAR

We control the Galactica.

 

(Council members approach the shuttle as it lands in Alpha bay.)

 

DOMRA

Remember, these people have been mistreated by our warriors.  It’s only natural that they should feel a little hostile.  We must make every effort to give them a warm welcome.

 

(Enforcers exit the shuttle with weapons blazing and take the screaming Council members hostage, disarming the security officers, as Baltar and the Nomen enter the lift.) 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER

Why?

 

DOMRA

(entering the shuttle, to Leiter)

Wait!  You’re making a mistake!  We’re your friends!

 

(In a corridor, Baltar and the Nomen exit the lift only to confront Starbuck and Apollo.  They duck back into the lift and a firefight ensues.)

 

BALTAR

Doors!  Close the doors!

 

(The lift doors close as Baltar and the Nomen retreat to the landing bay.)

 

APOLLO

(to wall communicator)

Bridge, Captain Apollo.  Landing bay Alpha is under attack.  Extent of forces unknown. 

 

OMEGA

(on communicator)

Understood.

 

APOLLO

They’re holding the lift in Beta section.  Need assistance.

 

OMEGA

Warrior score on its way.

 

STARBUCK

Baltar, Nomen, and the enforcers.  Well, eh, at least we’ve got all our enemies in the same place.

 

APOLLO

Including the Council. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

ADAMA

Launch Red Squadron.  Tell them to prevent any ship from launching without my permission.  Have warrior security cover all hatches above, below, and around landing bay Alpha from Omicron to Zeta, and get Colonel Tigh up here at once. 

 

OMEGA

Yes, sir. 

 

TINIA

What’s happened?

 

ADAMA

Those Alliance representatives, as you call them, have just captured Alpha landing bay and the Council. 

 

APOLLO

Baltar and the Nomen are with them.

 

STARBUCK

If it hadn’t been for Colonel Tigh’s warning, they’d have been here now instead of us. 

 

ADAMA

Where is Colonel Tigh?

 

TIGH

Reporting for duty, sir. 

 

OMEGA

Commander, Red Squadron launched.  Scan coming in from the shuttle. 

 

ADAMA

Transfer to console. 

 

OMEGA

Yes, sir. 

 

BALTAR (on screen)

Adama, you look haggard. 

 

ADAMA

Baltar, put down your arms and surrender.  There’s no way you can escape. 

 

BALTAR

(laughs)

You’re wonderful.  I have a blade to your throat, and you give orders. 

 

DOMRA

They’re attaching solenite charges to the outer hull.  They’ll kill us all if you don’t do what he says.  I—

 

(Domra is carried off by the enforcers.)

 

BALTAR

Now, here are your orders, Commander.  Release the two Cylon pilots who flew me here, my fighter, and the Alliance destroyer.  When my comrades and I are safely aboard our ships, the shuttle will launch, then the destroyer, and finally my fighter.  If the shuttle makes any attempt to return before we are in orbit at Lunar Seven, or if we pick up a single pursuing Viper on our scanners, I press this little button and blow the shuttle and everyone on board into a million pieces. 

(displays detonator)

 

ADAMA

And when you reach Lunar Seven?

 

BALTAR

The shuttle will be free to return.

 

ADAMA

Do you think for one centon I believe you?

 

BALTAR

You don’t have a choice, Adama.  If my demands are not followed to the letter within one centar, I’ll kill these hostages one by one in front of you, beginning with Lieutenant Boomer. 

 

BOOMER

He’ll do it anyway, Commander.  Take them now, while we still have the ch—

 

BALTAR

One centar, Adama.

 

(Apollo, Starbuck, and Dr. Wilker exit a lift near Wilker’s laboratory.)

 

APOLLO

What do you mean you can’t put them back together?

 

WILKER

Captain, I tried to explain.  I deactivated the Cylons when we were escorting Baltar and we captured him—

 

STARBUCK

Well, ah— so, reactivate them. 

 

WILKER

It won’t be that easy.  I was attempting to decipher their programming.  I thought I might be able to find a way of reprogramming them from long distances using coded laser beams.  I might even be able to – to stop them from firing on our ships.  If I—

 

APOLLO

Doctor, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but right now all I care about is reactivating those two Cylons and delivering them to Baltar before he kills every hostage on that shuttle. 

 

WILKER

Perhaps if I showed you. 

 

APOLLO

(sighs)

 

(In Wilker’s lab, they view the disassembled Cylons.)

 

WILKER

Now do you understand?

 

STARBUCK

Mm, you’re harder on ’em than I am. 

 

APOLLO

You took them apart, you can put them back together again. 

 

WILKER

In a centar?  Impossible. 

 

APOLLO

Doctor, I don’t care how you do it; just do it.  Can we help you?

 

(Starbuck drops a Cylon helmet he is examining, with a clatter.)

 

WILKER

Impossible. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

The destroyer is being moved into the bay.

 

ADAMA

The Cylon fighter?

 

TIGH

Already in the bay. 

 

ADAMA

There’s no way of reaching those charges once the shuttle is launched. 

 

TIGH

I’m afraid not, sir. 

 

TINIA

Then we have to assault the bay and defuse those charges before the shuttle is launched.

 

ADAMA

Siress Tinia, you don’t seem—  What did you say? 

 

TINIA

That we must assault the bay before the shuttle is launched.  Commander, I am not stupid.  Baltar has no intentions of releasing those hostages.  He will either force them to land on Lunar Seven or blow them apart once he is free.  The only question is when to attack and how to maximize our chance for success. 

 

ADAMA

Agreed.  We must hit them while they’re transferring from the shuttle to their ships.  They’ll be out in the open.  Our people will be inside the shuttle.  Now, is everyone in position? 

 

TIGH

The assault teams are ready to hit the bay on three sides simultaneously. 

 

ADAMA

And the demolition experts?

 

TIGH

They feel they can disarm the charges in thirty microns, once they reach them. 

 

TINIA

And what are the odds of them accomplishing that before Baltar can set them off? 

 

TIGH

That depends on how stunned he is by the attack, and he will have to take cover or be caught in the explosion himself. 

 

ADAMA

The odds, Colonel. 

 

TIGH

(checking)

Computer estimates seventy to thirty, in Baltar’s favor. 

 

(landing bay Alpha)

 

LEITER

Charges are in place. 

 

BALTAR

And so is your destroyer. 

 

LEITER

This Commander Adama amazes me.  To think he’d let us go to save a few lives. 

 

MAGA

He won’t. 

 

BALTAR

What do you mean, “he won’t”?  He has no choice. 

 

MAGA

If you believe that, you’re a bigger fool than I thought.  He will attack us as we move to our ships, when the shuttle is unguarded.

LEITER

Precisely what I would do. 

 

BALTAR

He won’t risk slaughtering the hostages. 

 

MAGA

Baltar, don’t you think he knows you have no intention of letting them go?

 

BALTAR

Well, of course I’ll let them go, once we’re safe. 

 

LEITER

Whether you intend to or not isn’t the problem.  Our escape depends on whether Adama believes you will. 

 

BALTAR

What do we do if he doesn’t? 

 

MAGA

Prepare to die. 

 

BALTAR

He has to believe me.  He has to!

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

APOLLO

We’ll never get those Centurions functioning before the deadline.

 

ADAMA

Well, unless Baltar gets his Cylons, he won’t move to his ship. 

 

APOLLO

We need more time. 

 

ADAMA

I’ll try to help you.  Omega, get Baltar in the shuttle.

 

OMEGA

Yes, sir.

 

ADAMA

Apollo, get back to the lab.  Tell Wilker to speed things up as much as he can. 

(Apollo gives Siress Tinia an accusing look before leaving the bridge)

I’m afraid he doesn’t hide his emotions very well. 

 

TINIA

Nor should he.  After the mistakes we’ve made on the Council, it wouldn’t surprise me if the warriors helped Baltar blow up the shuttle. 

 

(In the shuttle, Baltar paces nervously.)

 

BALTAR

(to the Council members)

I won’t hurt you.  You have my word.  The moment I’m free on Lunar Seven, you’ll all be free to return! 

(to Sire Domra)

You believe me, don’t you?

 

DOMRA

Yes, yes, I believe you.

 

BOOMER

Well, I don’t. 

 

SHEBA

Nor I. 

 

BALTAR

You have to believe me!  It’s the truth.  I wouldn’t lie to you.

 

BOOMER

(laughs)

We’re the hostages and you’re afraid? 

 

(The screen is heard to activate.)

 

MAGA

Baltar, the scanner.

 

ADAMA (on screen)

We need more time. 

 

BALTAR

For what?  To attack me?

 

ADAMA

No, we had deactivated your Centurions.  We’re having problems reactivating them. 

 

BALTAR

(laughs)

You’re plotting to attack me. 

 

ADAMA

No, we just need more time to meet your demands. 

 

BALTAR

No.  Not a micron. 

 

ADAMA

Baltar, take me as a hostage in exchange for one more centar. 

 

TIGH

Adama, you can’t.

 

MAGA

(pulls Baltar aside)

Do it. 

 

LEITER

If we have Adama, they might have second thoughts about attacking us. 

 

BALTAR

Yes.  Yes, they might. 

(returns to scanner)

Very well, Adama.  One more centar in exchange for you.

 

ADAMA

Thank you.

 

BALTAR

You’re welcome. 

(to Boomer)

Not so funny now, is it?

 

(corridor)

 

TIGH

Adama—

 

ADAMA

The very micron the Cylons are in the landing bay, Baltar and the others will move to their ships.  Then I’ll be able to contact you on the Beta channel. 

 

TIGH

This is suicide!

 

ADAMA

You must attack the micron the shuttle is cleared for launching.  I’ll alert the others so we can evacuate our shuttle as rapidly as possible.

 

TIGH

What if he doesn’t put you in the shuttle?

 

TINIA

That’s why I’m going. 

 

ADAMA

Absolutely not. 

 

TINIA

Adama, the Colonel is right.  Baltar may not put you aboard until the last micron.  He may take you with him in one of the other ships as a – offering to the Alliance.  In any case, I’m just another member of the Council, and he’ll toss me in with the others.  I can fill them in on your plans.  It’s quite logical.

 

ADAMA

It’s suicide.

 

TIGH

That’s what I’ve been saying!

 

ADAMA

Colonel!

 

TINIA

There’s no time to argue.

 

ADAMA

(to Tigh)

I’ll see you soon.

 

(Wilker’s lab)

 

WILKER

So far, so good.  Centurion?

 

CENTURION

By your command.

 

WILKER

Turn on the scanner on that bench.

 

(The Centurion walks to the scanner and hesitates.)

 

APOLLO

Come on, you can do it.

 

STARBUCK

Never thought I’d see us rooting for a Cylon.

 

(The Centurion reaches toward the scanner, then smashes his hand into it, destroying the screen.)

 

WILKER

He’ll never fly.

 

(The Centurion continues punching his hand into the broken screen.)

 

STARBUCK

Oh, frak. 

 

WILKER

But I’ll keep trying.

 

APOLLO

No.  Don’t do it.  I have a better idea.

 

(In the landing bay, Adama and Tinia descend in the lift and are escorted to the shuttle by enforcers.)

 

BALTAR

Adama.  How nice of you and this lovely lady to join us. 

 

ADAMA

I want to check on the condition of our people.

 

BALTAR

Of course.  Anything you wish, old friend.  After you’re searched. 

 

(Galactica bridge)

 

TIGH

(sighs)

We’re running out of time.

 

OMEGA

Colonel, Dr. Wilker coming on the scanner.

 

WILKER (on screen)

Colonel, we’re ready, I think.

 

TIGH

You think?

 

APOLLO (on screen)

Colonel, you have to call off the attack. 

 

TIGH

Apollo—

 

APOLLO

It’s the only chance we have of saving them.  Call off the attack and order the shuttle to launch.

 

TIGH

Adama has personally ordered the assault.

 

APOLLO

And left you in command.  Look, I don’t have time to explain, sir.  Just call off the attack.

 

TIGH

(sighs)

 

(aboard the shuttle)

 

DOMRA

Adama, the Council has taken a vote and has decided to rescind our edict, extending emergency powers and giving you full command.  I thought you should know. 

 

BORA

(enters shuttle)

The Cylon pilots are here.

 

MAGA

So, it begins.  Are you ready?

(Baltar displays his detonator)

Go.

(Baltar, the other Nomen, and the enforcers exit the shuttle)

Launch this shuttle the moment we leave.

 

(Maga exits and all make for their ships.  Inside the shuttle, voices begin calling “Launch!”)

 

GUARD 4

Launch, Boomer, launch!

 

ADAMA

Boomer, get me Colonel Tigh on Beta channel.

 

BOOMER

Yes, sir.

 

(Voices continue to shout “Launch!”)

 

ADAMA

Silence.  Our warriors will be attacking the landing bay in a matter of microns.  Prepare to evacuate as rapidly as possible as soon as we open the hatch. 

 

DOMRA

They’ll blow us up. 

 

TINIA

It’s the only chance we have.

 

BOOMER

I have Colonel Tigh, sir.

 

ADAMA

Tigh!  Attack now!

 

TIGH

Adama, no time to explain.  Launch at once!  Repeat, launch at once!

 

ADAMA

It won’t work!

 

TIGH

Adama!  I’m in command!  Launch!

 

(Adama signals Boomer to launch.)

 

(Leiter boards the destroyer.)

 

LEITER

Start all engines.  Prepare to launch. 

 

(Baltar boards his fighter and takes his seat behind the two Cylons.)

 

BALTAR

Why don’t they launch?

 

(The shuttle launches.)

 

LEITER

Launch!

 

(The destroyer launches.)

 

BALTAR

It’s working.  I’ve done it.  Centurion, launch.

 

CENTURION

By your command.

 

(The Centurion punches out the scanner screen on the control panel, causing an explosion.  Meanwhile, Apollo and Starbuck have been hiding in the rear of the fighter.)

 

APOLLO

Go!

 

(They enter the cockpit behind Baltar and struggle with him, wresting the detonator from his grasp while the Centurion continues punching the control panel.)

 

BALTAR

Oh, no!  Not you two again! 

 

STARBUCK

Well, it was really his idea.

(indicating the Cylon pilot)

 

(Starbuck and Apollo laugh.)

 

(Galactica officers’ club)

 

APOLLO

W – we figured Baltar would feel much more secure once the, uh, shuttle and destroyer had launched and he was t— (laughs) safely tucked in with his two Cylons. 

 

STARBUCK

And, uh, so did the computer.  It estimated we had a nine to one chance of succeeding.  Well, uh, I’ll take those odds any time.

 

BOOMER

Oh, uh, with our lives, hmm?

 

STARBUCK

Well, it, eh, worked, didn’t it?

 

BOOMER

You got me there. 

 

SHEBA

I still don’t see why the Commander let Leiter and the destroyer escape.

 

APOLLO

We’re tracking them right now on long-range scan.  When they land, we’ll have the exact coordinates to their base on Lunar Seven. 

 

TIGH

May I join you?

 

SHEBA

Oh, sure, Colonel, have a seat.

 

STARBUCK

Uh, barman, bring the Colonel a drink.

 

TIGH

Uh, no.  No, thank you. 

 

STARBUCK

Uh, don’t speak so quickly, Colonel.  You may have to deal with Siress Tinia again.

 

TIGH

Now that the Council has restored command to Adama, I don’t have to face that anymore.

 

APOLLO

Uh, Colonel.

(indicates Adama walking in with Siress Tinia on his arm)

 

TIGH

Oh, no.  He wouldn’t do that to me, would he?

 

APOLLO

(laughing)

I think he just might.

 

TIGH

(turns around and signals)

Ehh, barman—

 

(Warriors laugh.)

 

 

-END TRANSCRIPT-

 

 

NOTES

 

For some reason, Adama’s log recorder transcribes “Lunar Seven” as “Luna Seven.”

 

Wilker’s line “I deactivated the Cylons when we were escorting Baltar and we captured him” makes little sense and was perhaps intended to be “I deactivated the Cylons who were escorting Baltar when we captured him.”