The Devil's Sweets

 

A SPACE:1999 Script By D. Lynn Bivens And Gerald James Seward

(Based In Part On A Premise By Ben Bova)

 

C O N C L U S I O N

 

[The Story So Far:  Commander John Koenig has a nightmare about finding himself alone on Alpha...alone, that is, until the ghost of Professor Victor Bergman finds him.  Bergman urges Koenig to think long and hard about their situation...why they spun out of Earth's orbit, how they could possibly have gone so far so fast, why everyone is so willing to believe any of this could have happened.  Koenig realizes the truth in Bergman's pronouncement, and when he awakens, he orders an extremely short-range sensor sweep.  Just as Paul Morrow is about to comply, a massive alien ship appears on the viewscreen, its relative size threatening to crush Alpha with its gravitational pull.  Sandra Benes finally manages to establish communication with the vessel, and its commander, S'Kar'D'Vee, apologizes for the infringement but is evasive about how they ended up in the area undetected at their size.  S'Kar'D'Vee sends a holographic projection to Alpha, and in his first true communication with the Alphans, he demands Koenig surrender Maya....]

 

EXTERIOR--SPACE

 

The gargantuan craft hangs in space in the FOREGROUND, while the Moon seems to do likewise in the near distance.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--MOONBASE COMMAND CENTER

 

The holographic image of S'Kar'D'Vee still lingers close to Maya, eyeing her in an appraising fashion, as everyone still reels in reaction to the feline-like alien's earlier admission of its race's reasons for encountering the rogue Moon.

 

KOENIG

(angry)

Is this some sort of joke among your kind, S'Kar'D'Vee?  To search out new life forms passing through your space and insult them, by requesting a member of their crew be handed over like so much merchandise to be bought and sold?  Or is slavery still a way of life on your world?

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

Slavery?  Commander Koenig, we abolished such intolerable practices long before your race ever conceived of them.  In fact, ours is a much more democratic society than anything your race has yet experienced.  Even my title of S'Kar literally translates into "servant of the people"...a noble calling which I endeavour to fulfill.  Those people, I must add, inhabit not just a planet, but a number of star systems with thousands of worlds and countless trillions of brethren.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

(with disdain)

In comparison, your race is little more than one of primates wearing clothing and operating sophisticated toys.

(looks at Maya)

And even your race cannot hope to compare with the K'R'Zaa, the greatest corporeal species in existence in this galaxy!

 

Everyone seems slightly amused by S'Kar'D'Vee's grandiose claims regarding his race.

 

KOENIG

(chuckling)

That's some claim, S'Kar'D'Vee.  We've encountered a wide variety of beings ourselves over the years, and none have made quite the statement you have made.  The K'R'Zaa must have abandoned humility a long time ago.

 

S'Kar'D'Vee steps uncomfortably close to Koenig, his mane bristling and his feline face snarling with perceived insult.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

We do not jest about our superiority, Commander.  And we definitely do not exaggerate.  These are shortcomings in behavior inherent in your species perhaps, but not ours.  The K'R'Zaa have been navigating the interstellar void for untold millennia. In fact, from what we have accessed of your own primitive computer records, it is plain that the K'R'Zaa were establishing colonies on worlds many light-years distant from our original planet when your people were learning the secrets of fire.

 

He chuckles slightly himself.  Koenig is not amused.

 

KOENIG

(no-nonsense tone)

I meant no disrespect to the K'R'Zaa race, S'Kar'D'Vee.  I simply would appreciate it if you did not show such toward mine.  Agreed?

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

You are most brave to speak this way to such a superior species, Commander Koenig.

 

KOENIG

Not brave, S'Kar'D'Vee.  Just proud...like you.

 

There is a prolonged, tense silence as the two stare each other down.  Then, S'Kar'D'Vee erupts into thunderous laughter, startling everyone in the Command Center.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(still laughing)

I admire such honesty, Commander!  It shows promise for your kind!

 

TONY VERDESCHI

(interjecting tensely)

If you admire honesty so much, how about being honest with us?  As in telling us why you want Maya, especially if she's from, as you say, an inferior race.

 

Koenig shoots Verdeschi an incensed glare and starts to reprimand him verbally, but is interrupted.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(stepping closer to Verdeschi; before Koenig can speak)

You have a lot to learn about diplomacy, human, and about the difference between being straightforward and being rude.

 

VERDESCHI

And you've got a lot to learn about good manners, S'Kar'D'Vee.  And, by the way, my name is Verdeschi.  Tony Verdeschi.

 

KOENIG

Enough, Mr. Verdeschi--you're out of line!

 

Before another word can be said, S'Kar'D'Vee's holographic image backhands Verdeschi and knocks him to the deck.

 

SANDRA

Tony?

 

Alan reacts instinctively and leaps for S'Kar'D'Vee, meaning to tackle him, but instead passes through the three-dimensional image, and falls to the deck several feet away.  EVERYONE turns with puzzled expressions to look at S'Kar'D'Vee.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(smirking; smugly)

As you can see, Commander, our imaging technology has created a virtual reality which can provide a very real capability for touch, yet still cannot be touched.

 

Koenig helps Verdeschi to his feet as the often-tempestuous first officer nods in appreciation to his commander.  Koenig, in turn, steps back to face the holographic image of S'Kar'D'Vee with a decidedly displeased expression.

 

KOENIG

For someone who extols the superior virtues of his advanced race, you've shown extreme savagery toward us "backward" humans.

 

Almost as if desiring to avoid the issue, S'Kar'D'Vee begins circling Maya again.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

As I stated earlier, Commander Koenig, we have need of Maya, and are willing to bargain for her.

 

HELENA

This is ludicrous.  How could any being so advanced even consider asking such a thing?

 

S'Kar'D'Vee turns toward Helena with a half-interested scowl.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

You, of course, must be the healer of this small community.

 

HELENA

Yes, I am a doctor--Dr. Helena Russell.  And Maya happens to be a friend--

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(interrupting)

In K'R'Zaan society, healers haven't been needed for well over 100 generations.  All disease and genetic disorders have long since been eradicated.

 (under his breath)

Or so we had believed.

 

KOENIG

 (not hearing the last sentence)

You still haven't explained why you have such an interest in Maya, an interest which has brought your vessel dangerously close to this Moon.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

Are you not just as curious as to what we have with which to bargain, Commander Koenig...what it is that might be of value to your people...a value that would at least be equal to that of this shape-shifting metamorph?

 

Koenig scowls, but with a bit of natural curiosity evident, as Verdeschi allows his anger and his love for Maya to re-emerge.

 

VERDESCHI

She's not for sale for anything, S'Kar'D'Vee!  We are not in the business of selling our friends!

 

KOENIG

(curious)

Tony, let's at least humor him for the moment.

(more loudly)

For the sake of argument, S'Kar'D'Vee...what do you wish to trade, that you seem so certain we would want so badly?

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

The truth about your journey through space, Commander Koenig.

(watches Koenig react)

The truth which you have vainly sought, no doubt, these many years...which holds the means for you to return to your point of origin.

 

Everyone now reacts, listening much more intently than before, awaiting the answer to a prayer shared by all.

 

KOENIG

 (trying to sound uninterested)

And just what might this truth be, S'Kar'D'Vee?

 

There is a long moment of tense silence.  Then the alien image fixes Koenig's gaze with a smug feline stare.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

What kind of advanced race would we be if I gave for free that with which we wish to bargain?  Tsk, tsk.

 

Verdeschi seems on the verge of another misdirected display of emotion, as Helena draws nearer to the side of the man she has loved for so long.

 

KOENIG

(playing it cool)

How do we know you even have such a truth in your possession?  You could just be saying what you've deduced we want to hear, based on information you could've pulled from our own computer banks.

 

S'Kar'D'Vee's image slowly moves toward Koenig.  Verdeschi wants to go to Maya's side, but a quick shake of her head and a scowl on her face tells him to remain where he stands, at least for the moment.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(softly, to Koenig alone)

Ah, but how could we thus have known of your prophetic dream of a few hours ago, in which an old and trusted friend from the past had hinted at such a secret?

 

He winks and smiles.  Koenig is momentarily stunned into silence by the teasing revelation, wondering how this obviously alien being from untold light-years away possibly could know about the dream visitation from Professor Bergman.

 

KOENIG

How--?  That's impo--!

 (regaining composure)

How do I know yours is not simply a telepathic race, and that you have not simply read a recent entry within my memories which you've perceived to be useful in getting what you want?

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(shaking head in exasperation)

My, my, you humans are so suspicious, aren't you?

(inhales deeply)

Very well, Commander.  Allow me to titillate you further by revealing to you that this visit from your dead friend was not a dream.

 

Koenig tenses.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

It was real--admittedly on a level of reality not immediately knowable to you, but one which exists nonetheless.

 

Koenig has heard all he can stand.  Interesting concept or not, he decides to take his stand as commanding officer.

 

KOENIG

All right, enough of this, S'Kar'D'Vee!  The bottom line here is this:  Maya is one of my people, and there is no way in Hell I'm going to just trade her away like so much merchandise.  Whatever you and your people had in mind for her, you'll just have to forget it!

 

S'Kar'D'Vee's expression is a combination of disdain and grudging respect.  The others in the Command Center look painfully aware of the incredibly large and powerful interstellar ship hovering 150,000 kilometers away, its commander still safe within its interior while his projected image toys with them.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

We cannot accept such a decision, Commander Koenig.  Maya's presence is most urgently needed.  She must accompany us back to the K'R'Zaa homeworld at the very center of our extensive stellar domain.

 

KOENIG

 (still defiant)

Why?  What possible need could your race have for someone from an inferior species?

 

Maya quietly reacts; Koenig's uncomplimentary reference does not go unnoticed by the metamorph.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(almost losing temper)

Because, you savage, she is a shape-shifter!

 

KOENIG

 (intrigued but forceful)

Why do you need a metamorph, S'Kar'D'Vee?  And why Maya, in particular?  Why not just use your great ship to go to her world, where there are millions of metamorphs from which to choose?

 

S'Kar'D'Vee's aggravation with Koenig's questions rises to rival his skill in his attempts at deception.  Anger flashes within feline-like eyes.  Remnants of fangs glisten as the lips snarl, releasing a barely audible growl.  Paul Morrow quickly whips out a laser and trains it on the extraterrestrial visitor's decidedly aggresive gestures, forgetting for a moment that it is only an image, not the real S'Kar'D'Vee.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(with a growl)

If you will not negotiate, Commander Koenig... (steps closer to Maya; smirking) ...we shall simply take her.

 

In a blinding flash of unknown energy, too rapid for anyone to react, S'Kar'D'Vee and Maya vanish from the Command Center.

 

VERDESCHI

Maya!

 

KOENIG

S'Kar'D'Vee!

 

VERDESCHI

 (whirls to face Koenig; passionate fury)

Why didn't you do something?  You just stood there and played games with that alien while he stole Maya from under our noses!

 

KOENIG

And what the Hell was I supposed to do, Tony?  Lunge at a holographic image and fall flat on my face like you?

 

VERDESCHI

But you should've done something--

 

HELENA

(cutting him off)

Tony!  That's enough.  You know he would've stopped S'Kar'D'Vee if he could.

 

Verdeschi relaxes a bit and considers her words, but remains very upset.

 

VERDESCHI

(regaining composure)

I'm...sorry, John.  But we can't just let them get away with kidnapping Maya!

 

He gestures toward the display of vessel on the big screen.

 

KOENIG

(decisively)

I have no intention of it, Tony.

(to Sandra)

San, try to re-establish a communications link with S'Kar'D'Vee...and don't take no for an answer!

 

SANDRA

(begins working)

Yes, Commander.

 

KOENIG

(to Alan Carter)

Alan, get the Eagles ready for launch with fully-charged lasers.

 

ALAN

(rushes off to comply)

Yes, sir.

 

KOENIG

(looking at screen; under his breath)

We may be no match for them, but we can damn sure put up as good a fight as they'll ever see from "primitives".

 

The tension increases in the Command Center, though no one challenges or argues with the Commander's orders.  They all know it is the only decision to be made.

 

CUT TO:

 

EXTERIOR--K'R'ZAAN CRAFT

 

The craft still hovers majestically against the stellar backdrop, defiant and unconcerned with whatever plans might be unfolding on the nearby rogue Moon.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--S'KAR'D'VEE'S COMMAND CHAMBER

 

The chamber is huge, with all manner of sophisticated alien computer consoles and other devices filling every inch of its vast circumference.  It seems to double as S'Kar'D'Vee's living quarters.  Maya and S'Kar'D'Vee stand in the middle of the huge chamber.

 

MAYA

(angrily)

How dare you?  To think you could just arbitrarily come into the Moonbase and steal someone away!

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(not an image this time; quite real)

Technically, I never left this ship.  In fact, I never set foot out of this Command Chamber.

 

MAYA

Don't play with words, S'Kar'D'Vee! You have committed a criminal act, after proclaiming your race so advanced.  Why have you done this?

 

S'Kar'D'Vee begins casually pacing about one side of the Command Chamber, near a row of large, transparent portals overlooking a lower deck.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(smugly)

You could not possibly hope to fathom the needs of those so far removed in nature from your kind, Maya.

 

He looks through the large transparent portals onto an even larger Bridge area, where hundreds of K'R'Zaan officers stand at hundreds of extremely sophisticated work stations.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

You must simply accept that which has now become inevitable.

 

MAYA

(regal fury)

I never accept the inevitable.

 

Having made such a defiant proclamation, Maya uses the very aspect of herself for which S'Kar'D'Vee has sought her out:  She shape-shifts into a terrifying monster of unbelievable ferocity.  A thunderous roar immediately recaptures S'Kar'D'Vee's attention as he spins to stare up into the snarling snout of a ten-foot tall beast from some planet familiar to the metamorph.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(trying to maintain calm control)

Do you think such a trick will influence me to return you to Moonbase Alpha, Maya?  Do you intend to do me harm if I resist?  I don't believe you to be so savage...

 

Another bellowing roar is followed by a deadly swipe of the Maya-beast's clawed paw.  S'Kar'D'Vee's cat-like reflexes and agility are all that stands between him and mortal wounding.  S'Kar'D'Vee maintains his footing, dodging the blow, leaping and standing straight again in the time it takes the Maya-beast to face in the direction of his new position, some 15 to 20 meters from where he stood seconds earlier.  His hand hovers near some ominous-looking controls.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

You will return to normal, shape-shifter, or I shall certainly destroy the rogue Moon and your friends!

 

The Maya-beast stops approaching the feline commander and seems to show human feelings in its decidedly inhuman countenance, pausing at the thought of Tony, Paul, Alan, and everyone she knows and holds dear, all disappearing in some brilliant-but-brief flash of alien energy...all because of her.

 

MAYA-BEAST

 (in a distorted voice)

No!  Please!

 

She shape-shifts back into Maya.

 

MAYA (CONTINUED)

(bows head submissively)

Don't!  I'll cooperate!

 

S'Kar'D'Vee stands and smirks to himself in an expression of triumph.  He strides over to Maya and cradles her slender chin in his thumb and fingers, lifting her face and transfixing her eyes with his own.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(softly)

Come, Maya ...and I shall show you why my race has such a dire need of your shape-shifting ability.

 

Her eyes wide with wonder, Maya curiously follows the alien commander to the far side of the Command Chamber, as we:

 

CUT TO:

 

EXTERIOR--SPACE--EAGLES IN FLIGHT

 

The Eagles streak out from the Moon in formation, and quickly EXIT the viewpoint.

 

INTERIOR--ALAN'S COCKPIT

 

Alan Carter and another officer operate the sticks and controls surrounding them.

 

ALAN

(into radio)

Eagle One to Moonbase.  All Eagles launched and enroute to the K'R'Zaan vessel.  ETA: two minutes, twenty-seven seconds.

 

INTERCUT:

 

COMMAND CENTER--CLOSE-UP ON SANDRA

 

SANDRA

(into radio)

Understood, Eagle One.  Maintain communications link with Base and continue periodic reports.

 

INTERCUT:

 

ALAN'S COCKPIT

 

ALAN

Affirmative, Moonbase.

 

KOENIG'S VOICE

 (over speakers)

Remember what we're dealing with here, Alan.

 

INTERCUT:

 

COMMAND CENTER--SHOT OF KOENIG

 

KOENIG (CONTINUED)

I don't want any unnecessarily dangerous maneuvers.  The lasers on the Eagles are no match for whatever weapoonry the K'R'Zaa might have.  This is to be primarily a show of strength, not a real battle.  While you and the Eagles are demonstrating our determination not to surrender one of our own to them, we will be attempting to reopen the lines of communication with S'Kar'D'Vee.  Perhaps I can negotiate with him, and, if necessary, trade myself for Maya.

 

SEPARATE SHOTS of the reactions of everyone in the Command Center show shock at the Commander's intentions, Helena most of all.

 

HELENA

John, no!

 

KOENIG

(with undercurrent of love)

Helena, I can't let S'Kar'D'Vee get away with this.  Maya, like everyone on this Moonbase, is my responsibility.  If I must surrender myself to guarantee her safe release,...

 

HELENA

But John, what about you?  You'd be trapped inside that monstrous ship with this... S'Kar'D'Vee!  What would become of you?  Of us?

 

Koenig gently grasps Helena's shoulders and squeezes with all the passion he feels for her.

 

KOENIG

(softly)

Helena, I can take care of myself.  And who knows?  Maybe I'll actually be able to convince S'Kar'D'Vee to allow me to return.

 

HELENA

(choking back tears)

And if he doesn't?  I'd...I'd never see you again.

 

TIGHT SHOT on Koenig, as all the love he has felt for his Medical Officer seems to beam from his face, mixed with the intense sorrow he also feels.

 

KOENIG

If I do make it back, Helena...I want you to become my wife.

 

Helena is momentarily speechless, but it is clear she is very happy to hear the man she has loved for so long pop the question.

 

SANDRA

(excitedly)

Commander, I've not gotten a reply as yet, but I think I have managed to create a link with the K'R'Zaan ship.

 

Koenig releases his loving grasp of Helena's shoulders, and, after shooting her a parting look of intense affection, quickly assumes a posture of authority in the middle of the Command Center.

 

KOENIG

How strong is this link, San?

 

SANDRA

Strong enough to allow a lengthy dialogue, Commander...assuming, of course, that

S'Kar'D'Vee will answer.

 

KOENIG

What about the Eagles?  Paul?

 

PAUL

(without looking up from his readings)

They're down to the last four thousand kilometers, Commander.  Contact with the K'R'Zaan vessel is only thirty seconds away.  Maximum laser effective range has already been reached and passed.

 

KOENIG

Mr. Verdeschi, when we make communicative contact with S'Kar'D'vee--

(suddenly notices Verdeschi's absence)

Tony?  Has anyone seen Mr. Verdeschi?

 

Koenig's face shows that he already knows where Verdeschi has gone.

 

PAUL

(puzzled)

He was here just a few minutes ago, Commander.

 

SANDRA

Yes, I saw him, too.  Just before the Eagles--

(stops, realizing)

Oh, no.

 

KOENIG

 (cognizant of situation)

San, open a general channel to the Eagles.  Now!

 

SANDRA

(working feverishly at controls)

General frequencies open, Commander.

 

KOENIG

 (into the air)

Tony, listen to me.  I know how you must feel...

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--CARTER'S COCKPIT

 

Carter reacts and looks to his co-pilot in bewilderment.

 

KOENIG'S VOICE (CONTINUED)

But you don't stand a chance against that ship, and you know it!  You're not helping Maya like this.

 

ALAN

(to co-pilot)

Tony?  In an Eagle?

(angry realization)

That stupid son of a--

 

KOENIG'S VOICE

(while Alan is speaking)

Come on, Tony, I know you're in one of those Eagles.

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--COMMAND CENTER

 

KOENIG (CONTINUED)

Talk to me, for God's sake!

(changes approach)

You know you're in direct violation of orders at this point, don't you, Mr. Verdeschi?  If you don't answer me right now, I'll have you confined to quarters for the next year!

 

VERDESCHI'S VOICE

Guess that'd give me plenty of time to perfect my beer-making process.

 

Everyone visibly relaxes a little, some even chuckling nervously at Verdeschi's quip.

 

KOENIG

Tony, listen to me.  You can't save Maya this way.  Not even all the Eagles in an orchestrated strike could do that.  The only chance we have is to speak with S'Kar'D'Vee himself.  Can't you see this?

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--VERDESCHI'S COCKPIT

 

Verdeschi is by himself, without a co-pilot.

 

VERDESCHI

All I can see is a life without Maya...a life spent wondering if I could have saved her, if I could have done more to save her.

(wearily, but decisively)

I couldn't live like that, John.  Could you, if it were Helena in that thing?

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--COMMAND CENTER

 

KOENIG

We're not talking about me, Tony.  Besides, I'm your commanding officer, and I'm giving you a direct order to return to base.

 

VERDESCHI'S VOICE

Well, then, guess you'll just have to court-martial me...

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--VERDESCHI'S COCKPIT

 

VERDESCHI

...because I've already made up my mind.  Maya's life is worth everything to me, even if it means sacrificing my own.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--COMMAND CENTER

 

Helena steps up to Koenig's side; he distantly acknowledges her supportive presence.

 

VERDESCHI'S VOICE (CONTINUED)

Good-bye, John.  I'll tell Professor Bergman how much you've missed him.

 

KOENIG

Tony?  Tony!

 

SANDRA

It's no use, Commander.  He's disabled his on-board communications system.

 

Everyone reacts and stares up at the screen, anxiously awaiting whatever they might see next.

 

INSERT--THE COMMAND CENTER VIEWSCREEN

 

The display shows the Eagles streaking toward the vastly larger K'R'Zaan craft.  One Eagle breaks formation and heads down toward the hull of the massive vessel, in what is unmistakeably a suicide run.

 

ALAN'S VOICE

TONY!

 

CUT TO:

 

EXTERIOR--K'R'ZAAN SHIP

 

Verdeschi's Eagle swoops down in an attack mode, with the rest of the Eagles remaining in formation.  Verdeschi's Eagle opens fire with lasers striking the exterior hull of the gargantuan vessel.

 

INTERIOR--VERDESCHI'S COCKPIT

 

Verdeschi grips the control stick, putting all his strength into the dangerous maneuver, his face wearing a tense scowl that reflects the tension of the moment as he squeezes the laser trigger.

 

VERDESCHI

Please, God, don't let me die for nothing.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--K'R'ZAAN COMMAND CHAMBER

 

There is a barely audible sound of the laser beam impacting the hull near the Bridge area, below the Command Chamber.  S'Kar'D'Vee quickly makes his way to one of the large, transparent portals overlooking the Bridge.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(as if to an unseen intercom)

Tactical!  What's happening outside?

 

Through the portals, S'Kar'D'Vee can see activity increasing dramatically on the Bridge area, like bees in a hive responding to some disturbance.  A BRIDGE OFFICER looks up at him and speaks.

 

BRIDGE DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE

(over speakers)

It seems the humans have taken it upon themselves to launch an attack on our vessel.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

What is attacking?

 

BRIDGE DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE

 (timid, almost apologetic)

Uh...one small ship, so far.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

 (incredulously)

One?  One?

 

OFFICER'S VOICE

It would seem so.  Several small ships are converging upon us, but only the one has taken it upon itself to open fire with what appear to be Number Twelve lasers.  The others seem to be approaching in more of a waiting stance.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

Waiting?  For what?

 (spins to face Maya)

Don't your people realize that Number Twelve lasers won't even scorch the hull?  Especially the lasers of a single Eagle!  What are they trying to do, Maya?  What?

 

Maya is genuinely bewildered over the curious, illogical turn of events.

 

MAYA

I...I don't know, S'Kar'D'Vee.  I just don't know.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

 (in slow realization)

Yes...yes, I can see that you don't.

(smiling devilishly)

It seems I may have underestimated the raw courage of your savage friends, shape-shifter.  At least one of them is trying to rescue you.

 

Maya considers his statement, and seems to slowly realize who the rescuer could be.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

No matter.  The fool will never even live to return to your Moon in defeat.

 

S'Kar'D'Vee laughs sardonically.  Maya's anxious realization becomes even more ingrained on her lovely countenance.  She knows there could only be one impetuous or daring enough to sacrifice himself for her, and she gasps.

 

MAYA

(under her breath)

Tony...?

 

CUT TO:

 

EXTERIOR--K'R'ZAAN SHIP--TIGHTER SHOT

 

Verdeschi's Eagle continues to dive with its lasers blazing.  The impact points, however, show absolutely no sign of damage.  Verdeschi's Eagle seems ready to crash headlong into the monumental craft.

 

Suddenly, a particle beam obliterates the Eagle in less than a second, obliterating with it Verdeschi's chances of making a suicide crash into the alien vessel.  The glittering debris spins silently off into space, sparkling like shattered glass.  Security Chief Tony Verdeschi is no more.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--K'R'ZAAN SHIP--COMMAND CENTER

 

Standing before a super-high-resolution monitor screen situated above a particular console, Maya and S'Kar'D'Vee witness the scene we have just watched.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(turning to Maya; smugly)

Whoever this foolhardy human was, he is now a part of the vast vacuum of space.

(with mock compassion)

I'm so, so sorry, Maya.

 

Maya reacts with silent tears of deep sorrow for someone she had loved with an even greater depth.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

You now have one less reason to return to your Moon.

 

We move in to a CLOSE-UP of Maya's saddened face as we:

 

CUT TO:

 

EXTERIOR--EAGLES IN FLIGHT

 

The Eagles fly closer to the K'R'Zaan vessel, passing over our viewpoint, still in formation.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--ALAN'S COCKPIT

 

Alan is obviously very upset and angry at the destruction of Verdeschi's Eagle.

 

ALAN

Those bloody bastards!  They've cold-heartedly killed Tony!

(to the radio)

I'm taking the Eagles in for a unified frontal assault on the ship!

 

KOENIG'S VOICE

No, Alan!  Pull back to a less offensive position!

 

ALAN

(incredulously)

But...Tony!

 

KOENIG'S VOICE

Do as I say, Carter!

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--MOONBASE COMMAND CENTER

 

KOENIG (CONTINUED)

We should be establishing a communications link with S'Kar'D'Vee any minute!  Taking the Eagles into certain death won't bring Tony back.

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--ALAN'S COCKPIT

 

KOENIG'S VOICE (CONTINUED)

Just hold your positions within striking range of the K'R'Zaan ship.

 

Clearly, Alan is not happy with Commander Koenig's orders.

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--COMMAND CENTER

 

KOENIG (CONTINUED)

Give us a chance to reason with S'Kar'D'Vee.  If we fail to do so...

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--ALAN'S COCKPIT

 

KOENIG'S VOICE (CONTINUED)

...then you and your Eagles have my blessing to attack.

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--COMMAND CENTER--CLOSE-UP ON KOENIG

 

KOENIG (CONTINUED)

If we're doomed to fail, we'll still go down fighting.

 

INTERCUT:

 

INTERIOR--ALAN'S COCKPIT

 

ALAN

 (smiling; shifting anxiously)

Don't worry, Commander.  We won't join Tony without letting those bastards know they've been in a fight.  (tense pause) Just say the word.

 

INSERT--CLOSE-UP ON ALAN'S CONTROL STICK

 

Alan's hand tightens about its contoured grip, with his forefinger caressing the laser firing trigger.

 

ALAN (CONTINUED)

Just say the word.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--K'R'ZAAN VESSEL--COMMAND CHAMBER

 

INSERT--CLOSE-UP OF S'KAR'D'VEE'S HAND ON CONSOLE CONTROLS

 

We DOLLY BACK and PAN UP to a CLOSE-UP of S'Kar'D'Vee's face.  His head jerks from staring at one of the monitor screens to look at Maya with a smirk on his feline face.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

One touch of these controls...

 

PAN back to his hand on the controls.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

...and they're all gone, in the space of two heartbeats.

 

PAN back to his face.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE (CONTINUED)

What will it be, my dear?  Shall I obliterate them all?  Or will you comply with my wishes?

 

PAN quickly to Maya.  She is dumbfounded, still racked with grief over Tony's death.  She is emotionally buckling beneath the burden of a decision where the other Eagles hang in the balance, perhaps along with Moonbase Alpha itself.

 

MAYA

Very well, S'Kar'D'Vee.  I will help you.

 

S'Kar'D'Vee straightens and turns smugly toward Maya.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE

(somberly)

Then I shall open a channel to your Commander.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--MOONBASE COMMAND CENTER

 

The tension in the air is still thick, and silence reigns, as the realization sinks in that more colloeagues might soon be just as dead as Tony Verdeschi.

 

SANDRA

(reacting suddenly to console)

Commander!  I have a communications transmission from S'Kar'D'Vee!

 

Everyone reacts, wondering whether the battle is finally over, or just beginning.

 

KOENIG

(stiffening)

Open the channel, Sandra...maximum gain.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE'S VOICE

(over speakers)

Commander Koenig--as you already know, I could destroy your other Eagles as easily as I have done the one.  For that matter, I could annihilate your entire Moon!

 

KOENIG

(playing it cool)

I assume the fact you haven't means you have something you wish to negotiate with us, S'Kar'D'Vee.

 

S'KAR'D'VEE'S VOICE

Very astute reasoning, Commander Koenig.  I believe, however, that you will better understand if Maya explains in person, so to speak.

 

Before anyone can consider the implications of that statement, a holographic image of Maya appears in the middle of the Command Center.

 

HELENA

(gasping; concerned)

Maya?

 

KOENIG

(as if continuing Helena's words)

Are you all right?

 

MAYA

(a bit shaken)

As well as can be expected, considering Tony's gone.

 

KOENIG

(compassionately)

I know, Maya.  We're all going to miss him.

(with encouragement)

But don't worry.  We'll get you back somehow.

 

MAYA

Don't bother, Commander.

(pauses as everyone reacts)

That's what I wanted to tell you.  Please...have the Eagles return to the Moonbase.  I've decided to stay.

 

A perplexed buzz of conversation filters through the Command Center, as Koenig steps close to the image of Maya and looks deeply into her sad eyes.

 

KOENIG

Maya...do you realize what you are saying?  Look, I know you're grieving over the loss of Tony, but--

 

MAYA

(cutting him off)

It's not just that, Commander...nor is it just the possibility of Alan or anyone else in those Eagles being destroyed.  It's also because I have learned that the K'R'Zaan are facing a major crisis, the first such crisis for them in centuries...a crisis which I can help avert.

(short pause; deep breath)

Besides, my staying here will allow you to learn finally the truth, and the solution to your long years of wandering.

 

KOENIG

I can't deny desiring to know such things, Maya.  We all want to know!  But not at the cost of your individual freedom!

 

Maya smiles for the first time since being abducted, then forced to witness the obliteration of Verdeschi's Eagle.

 

MAYA

Don't worry about me, Commander.  I'm not placing myself in blind servitude.  In fact, it is I who shall have the servants.

 

KOENIG

It sounds like what we on Earth would call a gilded cage.

 

MAYA

No, you don't understand, Commander.

(thinks a moment)

Allow me to demonstrate.

 

Maya's image shape-shifts into a beautiful K'R'Zaan princess, complete with delicate, elegant feline features and a much less prominent hairstyle.

 

MAYA (CONTINUED)

You see, Commander, though the K'R'Zaan are an old and technically advanced race, they are also a proudly traditional race.  And part of that tradition hinges on the governmental figureheads which serve as monarchs for their entire galaxy-spanning species.  Those figureheads are always fraternal twins: a male and a female, a genetic rarity for the K'R'Zaan, which they prize highly.  It seems that some time back, the female twin, Z'Tar'V'Chee, contracted a rare blood disorder, long believed erased from their species.  Since there were no doctors in this technically perfect race, Z'Tar'V'Chee died.

 

HELENA

(with a puzzled scowl)

Are you saying you are to impersonate the dead twin, Maya?

 

MAYA

More than just impersonate her, Dr. Russell.  I shall become her...with all the privileges and power which goes along with such a position.

 

She shape-shifts back to her own form.

 

MAYA (CONTINUED)

Somewhat appropriate for Mentor's daughter, don't you think?

(pauses)

And the experience will be similar to what I have already encountered among you.

 

KOENIG

What do you mean?

 

MAYA

(knowing smile)

Because they have more in common with the human race than would seem outwardly apparent.

 

HELENA

You're talking in riddles, Maya.

 

Helena's perplexity is shared by all present.

 

MAYA

The K'R'Zaan are descendants of intelligent feline beings who were first cloned many millennia in their past...on Earth!

 

The shock of such an unbelievable statement ripples about the Command Center like the aftershocks of an earthquake, prompting Commander Koenig's mind to do what the late Professor Bergman's own would have done were he still alive: pursue the implications of the matter with a certain scientific zeal.

 

KOENIG

But that would mean the K'R'Zaan are--

 

MAYA

(nodding; finishing Koenig's thought)

Part of Mankind's future!  A future history so distant from your own experience, none of you will alter it at this point.

 

HELENA

Yet...we are a part of this future history...at this moment.

 

KOENIG

Does this mean we're traveling in time as well as space?

 

MAYA

In a manner of speaking, Commander.

 

KOENIG

 (exasperatedly)

Are we going to play "Twenty Questions", Maya?   Or will you just tell us whatever this truth happens to be?

 

MAYA

(smiles brightly)

It's a lot like your old adage about the mountain coming to Mohammed.  When the accident happened and the nuclear storage dump exploded, it created a localized warp in the space-time-continuum immediately surrounding your Moon.

 

Everyone's interest is piqued.  Koenig nods to Paul, who initiates the localized sensor sweep of the space around the Moon that was interrupted by the arrival of S'Kar'D'Vee's vessel.

 

MAYA (CONTINUED)

In the instant following the disastrous effects of the massive explosion, the Moon literally winked out of existence.  To those of Earth in 1999, the Moon was destroyed.  But from the perspective of those on Moonbase Alpha, the satellite was blown free of orbit and sent on a never-ending adventure through the Cosmos.

 

Fascination and shock grip the Command Center officers.

 

HELENA

So...you're saying the Moon never physically left orbit?

 

MAYA

That's right.

 

KOENIG

But it wasn't destroyed.  We're not all dead.

 

MAYA

Right again.  Space--and time--have come to you during these years when you seemed to be roaming.

 

KOENIG

How did the K'R'Zaan come to know this?

 

MAYA

Because, in their current time period, normal space-time has been restored between the Moon and the Earth...10,000 years after it was disrupted!

(a pause)

So you see...it's inevitable that you return to your original timeline, your own true Reality, in the Cosmos.

 

PAUL

(awestruck; finding his voice)

And how might that be accomplished, Maya?

 

MAYA

That answer is even now materializing within the sensors of your computer systems...just as my signal is dematerializing.

 

As if in response to her words, Maya's holographic image begins to fade.

 

MAYA (CONTINUED)

(image and sound distorting)

Good-bye, my friends.  I shall never forget you, even 10,000 years in your future!

 

Just before her image fades completely away, Maya shape-shifts into Z'Tar'V'Chee's likeness.  One smile later, it is gone...as is the huge K'R'Zaan vessel that previously filled the viewscreen.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--ALAN'S COCKPIT

 

Alan reacts to what he sees--or, rather, does not see—through his Eagle's forward portals.

 

ALAN

What the Hell?

 

ALAN'S P.O.V.

 

There is nothing but space and distant stars where there had been a ship almost as big as the Moon itself.

 

ALAN (CONTINUED)

Where'd the bloody thing go?

 

KOENIG'S VOICE

(over speaker)

Mr. Carter, bring the Eagles back to Moonbase.

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--COMMAND CENTER

 

KOENIG (CONTINUED)

(dramatic pause)

We're home.

 

CUT TO:

 

EXTERIOR--THE PLANET EARTH

 

Earth looks much as it has for decades, during Man's first

excursions into space.

 

EXTERIOR--SPACE CENTER--SOMEWHERE IN ARIZONA DESERT

 

The sprawling, single-story structure covers many square miles and is well-guarded by military personnel.  Its various antenna dishes and telescopic equipment are trained skyward.

 

TECHNICIAN'S VOICE

(voice-over; shocked)

Professor!  You'd better come see this!

 

CUT TO:

 

INTERIOR--SPACE CENTER CONTROL ROOM

 

The huge screen in this Main Control Room displays a magnified image of the Moon.  A TECHNICIAN looks at it with some alarm.

 

TECHNICIAN (CONTINUED)

I just don't get it, sir!  Years ago, it was utterly destroyed!  Now, it's back, almost as if it had never gone.  What do you think it means, Professor?

 

Stepping into the limited light inside the Main Control Room, Professor Bergman smiles warmly and knowingly.

 

PROFESSOR BERGMAN

It means that there really are such things as miracles.

 

FADE OUT

 

THE END

 

ACT ONE - ACT TWO

 

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