Defiance

A screenplay work in progress, in the sci-fi genre....

1 MONTAGE

EXT - SPACE ABOVE PLANET SAMARIA

A view of the planet, appearing peaceful and unsuspecting. The point vessel of an attack fleet sweeps into view, followed by many other vessels, some small craft and some major battleships, on a direct heading with the planet.

INT - SAMARIAN COMMAND HQ - DAY

In the operations room, soldiers are seated at consoles. One is scrutinising his long range detector screen, which shows the approach of the enemy fleet.

DETECTOR OPERATOR

Sir, a large fleet of enemy spacecraft is on course to make planetfall in less than fifteen minutes.

OFFICER

Scramble all available craft and engage the enemy. Sound battle stations.Sirens begin sounding as all personnel make for their posts.

INT - SPARTA FLAGSHIP

The Officers stand ready, awaiting the order to attack. The Fleet Commander nods to his second-in-command.

SECOND-IN-COMMAND

All units are go for attack. I repeat, go for attack.

The Fleet Commander watches as the craft begin their attack run towards the planet's surface.

EXT - PLANET SAMARIA - DAY

On the space launch compound, defence forces struggle to get the craft into the air before the attack comes from SPARTA, (SOCIAL and POLITICAL RESTRUCTURING THROUGH ASSIMILATION) the aggressors, an oppressive military regime. The first of the attacking spacecraft begin firing on the compound. There follows a huge ground and air battle between the Samarians and SPARTA, who are trying to forcibly subjugate the planet, one of the few independent planets in star system Gaius. The troop carriers disgorge huge numbers of heavily armed troops to engage the Samarians on the ground. The Defence Troops are dug into their positions but are heavily outgunned and outnumbered. They fall back under the continuous barrage from the air, where large numbers of craft continually strafe and bomb them. They report to Command HQ that they are in retreat.

MOBILE RADIO OPERATOR

Unable to maintain position, Sir. We are falling back.

Bombs explode nearby, showering the Mobile Radio Operator with debris.

INT - SAMARIAN COMMAND HQ - DAY

The COMMANDER IN CHIEF quickly reads the incoming field reports from his officers. Realising the situation is hopeless, he orders his remaining troops to fall back to the GOVERNOR's residence, where they plan to make a stand in defence of their leader.

COMMANDER IN CHIEF

We're abandoning the perimeter. All units fall back to main defence position.

He motions one of his officers over.

COMMANDER IN CHIEF(CONTD)

Get a team to finish up here. You know what to do.

OFFICER

Yes, Sir.

The Commander In Chief and the remaining personnel make their retreat from the headquarters, leaving the explosives team to complete the job of destroying the bunker. Under heavy fire they set the charges and make their escape.

EXT - GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE - DAY

The retreating DEFENCE TROOPS arrive swelling the numbers of the defenders. Fighting hand to hand, there is a running battle through the grounds until, eventually, the defenders are overwhelmed by sheer numbers and the SPARTA attacking forces are at the doors.

INT - GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE - DAY

The GOVERNOR is in an upper room overlooking the grounds, from where he watches in anguish as his men are overrun and massacred. MILITARY OFFICERS present reports to him that they cannot hold the residence any longer but will defend him to the last man.

GOVERNOR

Thank you for your loyal efforts in our defence. Look to yourselves. Go with my blessing.

When everyone has left except his AIDE, he looks up at the portrait of his late wife, and reaches out to move the painting away from the wall, revealing a wall safe, from which he removes a small black velvet box. He says nothing, he just looks at his AIDE and smiles. He clasps him in a last embrace of farewell before drinking from the phial of poison contained in the box. The AIDE watches sorrowfully as the GOVERNOR falls to the floor at his feet. The door bursts inward and the SPARTA forces enter the room. The AIDE raises his gun to his temple and fires before the TROOPS can reach him. He collapses to the floor next to his beloved GOVERNOR. The COMMANDER IN CHIEF arrives at the residence and enters the room too late to triumph over the defeated enemy.

2 INT - PLANET ARMEIA - COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

A recording of the events on SAMARIA has been smuggled off the planet by REBEL AGENTS and taken to ARMEIA, another independent planet in the GAIUS system. Highest level government officials and REBEL AGENTS watch the recording of the atrocities. The recording shows events on the ground during the battle. SPARTA do not take prisoners; the wounded were killed by SPARTA TROOPS or took their own lives in despair.

SPOKESMAN

SPARTA will use covert forces to pretend to attempt an assassination of the AMBASSADOR which will be 'foiled' by the SPARTA security forces travelling with the diplomatic mission. SPARTA will use this 'breakdown of security' as an excuse to move in large numbers of troops to re-establish law and order on the planet.

ARMEIAN GOVERNMENT LEADER

As a sovereign planet, we can tell them to leave, once that has occured.

SPOKESMAN

Once the SPARTA security forces are in place, you will be unable to withstand overthrow.

There is widespread disbelief that SPARTA will try this. The delegates argue among themselves that intervention is not necessary.

SPOKESMAN(CONT)

You saw what happened to Samaria. It will happen here unless we act now.

ARMEIAN GOVERNMENT MEMBER

What do you propose?

SPOKESMAN

We plan to thwart this by a counter-offensive which will prevent the diplomatic mission from reaching Armeia by destroying the flagship Agamemnon, in which the AMBASSADOR will travel. In the little time remaining you must mobilise your defences. We face a formidable opponent.

ARMEIAN GOVERNMENT LEADER

You mean, we do.

SPOKESMAN

No. We will throw all our resources into the fight to maintain independence on ARMEIA.

The ARMEIAN government, shocked by what they have learnt, agree to join forces with the REBELS to resist SPARTA. They are unaware that one of the Armeian government officials is in the pay of SPARTA, and passes information of the counter-offensive to them.

3 INT - PLANET XARTHOS - DEFIANCE BASE - NIGHT

In the briefing room, the REBEL COMMANDER announces to the assembled REBEL AGENTS the ARMEIAN government's decision.

REBEL COMMANDER

The Armeians have decided to join us in resisting SPARTA. We will launch a mission to destroy the space vessel AGAMEMNON, the flagship of the SPARTA fleet, which is carrying the AMBASSADOR to ARMEIA, along with the SPARTA incursion force. The Armeian forces are on full alert.

He briefs the assembly with details of what the mission will entail. He asks for volunteers for what will be a suicide mission.

4 INT - PLANET MERCATOR - SPARTA COUNCIL OF WAR - DAY

SPARTA High Command discuss the plans for the incursion of ARMEIA with the Council. They will use the flagship AGAMEMNON. On board will be the AMBASSADOR, his SECRETARY, the FLEET COMMANDER and a number of security personnel plus civilians who are travelling to the independent planet for commercial reasons. The vessel carries, covertly, the first wave of the SPARTA incursion forces. It will be leaving MERCATOR, the SPARTA home planet, en route to ARMEIA via XARTHOS, a SPARTA controlled planet. The FLEET COMMANDER details for the assembled members of the Military Government the plans for the complete subjugation of ARMEIA, in three stages. The first stage will be the incursion under pretext of the diplomatic mission.

5 EXT - PLANET MERCATOR - SPACE DOCK - NIGHT

TROOPS board the AGAMEMNON. Amid very high security the passengers queue to board the AGAMEMNON. LUCYA, as a member of the SISTERHOOD, has V.I.P. treatment, the equivalent of maximum security level access. Her luggage is never searched, and her companion, SERVIK, is given the same privileges when travelling with her. The SECURITY PERSONNEL check the luggage and papers of each passenger boarding the vessel. LUCYA and SERVIK approach the checkpoint for boarding. She and SERVIK are waved forward and allowed to board. GORAN is not so fortunate, being a convicted criminal his papers give the SECURITY PERSONNEL good reason to search his baggage. He is nervous because he is carrying on his person a large amount of money and transferable bonds which he stole from SPARTA. However, the security checks are finished and he is allowed to board.

6 INT - PLANET XARTHOS - REBEL BASE - NIGHT

At REBEL base on XARTHOS, the REBEL COMMANDER chooses the members of the team to destroy the AGAMEMNON, eleven in all, including WROTH, the leader, and MAYA. AGAMEMNON has docked for 24hrs on XARTHOS. The plan is to place explosive devices on board in order to completely destroy the vessel en route to ARMEIA. He thanks them for volunteering to give their lives in this way in the cause of independence for the planets in their system.

7 EXT - PLANET XARTHOS - SPACE DOCK - DAY

One by one, the REBEL AGENTS join with the queue of passengers, pass the security checks and board the AGAMEMNON.

8 MONTAGE

INT - AGAMEMNON - NIGHT

The REBEL AGENTS travel aboard the vessel posing as civilians travelling to ARMEIA. They meet in Wroth's cabin to finalise plans to set explosive devices to destroy the ship. They start the countdown to their mission. In one of the hospitality lounges, Goran is having a drink at a table by himself. The other tables begin to fill with other passengers, civilian and military, as well as off-duty crew members. Some people are standing at the bar.In her cabin, Lucya prepares for private telepathic communication with the SISTERHOOD. She dismisses Servik, who leaves her cabin to return to his own, which is next to hers.In his stateroom, the AMBASSADOR is discussing plans for the visit to ARMEIA with his SECRETARY.In Wroth's cabin, the REBEL AGENTS are poised to go into action. Wroth checks his watch. WROTHYou know what you have to do. Go!The REBEL AGENTS leave his cabin by twos, and set off to their assigned targets. Wroth takes Maya and five others towards the docking bay. They start setting the devices.In his stateroom, the AMBASSADOR receives a communication from the FLEET COMMANDER informing him that REBEL AGENTS are on board, and that the ship is now on alert. He should remain in his stateroom until further notice. TROOPS are mobilised to find the REBEL AGENTS and eliminate them.Two REBEL AGENTS are busy setting the devices as the alarms sound. They quickly complete their task and hurry towards the docking bay, the rendezvous point. The display on the device shows 04 min 37 sec to detonation.In the hospitality lounge the alarms are sounding. The military personnel immediately leave to report to their superiors while the off-duty crew members try to keep everyone calm as the civilians panic and rush out into the corridor. Goran sits finishing his drink.In the docking bay the REBEL AGENTS set the last of the devices. They gather at the door leading to the access corridor and Wroth opens it slightly to check the coast is clear.The TROOPS continue to search the ship.Countdown reaches 03 min 55 sec.In her cabin, Lucya is disturbed by the alarms. Servik enters.Two REBEL AGENTS are discovered on the way to the rendezvous. They exchange fire with the TROOPS, but are outnumbered and killed. The shooting can be heard by the REBEL AGENTS in the docking bay.WROTHWe'll have to make a break for it.The seven REBEL AGENTS run along the corridor away from the sound.Countdown reaches 03 min 12 sec.TROOPS are approaching the docking bay from both ends of the circular corridor, but have not yet seen the REBEL AGENTS. Suddenly, the TROOPS come into view barring the way forward. The firefight that follows finds the seven REBEL AGENTS trapped between the two groups. Goran is in the elevator descending to the level where his cabin is situated.Lucya and Servik decide to try to reach the AMBASSADOR, as her telepathic communication link with the SISTERHOOD may be of use to him in the present emergency situation. They leave her cabin and walk towards the elevator.Countdown reaches 02 min 40 sec.The elevator opens and Lucya and Servik enter to join Goran.Under covering fire, Wroth and Maya escape through an emergency access door into another corridor. The other five REBEL AGENTS are overwhelmed by the TROOPS.Countdown reaches 02 min 07 sec.Wroth and Maya run along the corridor but come under fire from more TROOPS. They return fire but have no cover. There is an escape chute, leading to a liferocket, a short distance in front of them but they cannot reach it because of the heavy fire. Suddenly, the elevator door opens and Goran, Lucya and Servik step into the corridor between the TROOPS and the REBEL AGENTS.

TROOP LEADER

Hold your fire!

They cannot risk hitting innocent civilians. Wroth grabs Goran and putting a gun to his head, forces him towards the escape chute, using his body as cover. Maya grabs Lucya. She reaches the chute

MAYA(TO SERVIK)

Open it! Get in!

Lucya nods to him to comply. He opens the chute and gets in. Maya gets in after him, dragging Lucya with her to shield her body.Countdown reaches 01 min 24 sec.Wroth forces Goran forward to the chute and gets inside, pulling Goran with him. Once inside, he seals the airlock. The TROOPS rush forward but they cannot open the door.Inside the liferocket, Maya pushes her way past Lucya and Servik who are sitting on one of the two bunks, and takes the pilot's seat. Goran appears from the rear and sits on the other bunk. Wroth squeezes past the three hostages and sits in the right hand seat next to Maya. He checks his watch.Countdown reaches 00 min 43 sec.Maya waits a moment for the outer airlock to open, then guides the liferocket through the exit and clear of the ship.In his stateroom, the AMBASSADOR is pacing up and down. His SECRETARY is trying to look inconspicuous. The alarms suddenly switch off. The quiet is strange after the clamour. The FLEET COMMANDER enters the room.FLEET COMMANDERThe REBEL AGENTS have been eliminated, with the exception of two who have taken hostages and escaped in a liferocket. It is being tracked by the homing beacon. The situation is now under control.Countdown reaches 00 min 14 sec.In the liferocket, Maya is trying to get them to a safe distance.

MAYA

Brace yourselves!

In the stateroom the Secretary, Ambassador and Fleet Commander celebrate.

AMBASSADOR

It is reassuring to know you were able to neutralise the REBELS. May I offer you a drink, FLEET COMMANDER?

Countdown reaches 00 min 00 sec.The AGAMEMNON suffers several explosions, destroying it totally.In the liferocket, Lucya experiences telepathically the loss of one of her SISTERHOOD members who was on the ship. Goran sees his nestegg of stolen money disintegrate. Maya and Wroth mourn the loss of their fellow REBEL AGENTS. The blast from the explosion forces the liferocket away from the vessel. They are buffeted by the shockwave. They reach safety distance. Maya lays in a course for ARMEIA.

EXT - LIFEROCKET - DAY

The liferocket travels slowly towards ARMEIA....

9 MONTAGE

INT - LIFEROCKET - FLIGHT DECK

Wroth and Maya have to evaluate their present situation. Whilst neither expected to escape with their lives, they are not in a hurry to give up this chance for survival, and perhaps to fight against SPARTA again. WROTHWhat's our status?MAYAEnough Oxygen, water and food for about three weeks.WROTHArmeia is at least 40 days away. We'll be cutting it fine, even on half rations.MAYAThat's three weeks based on the two occupants this liferocket is designed to carry.WROTHOh.MAYAWith five of us...just over two weeks on half rations.WROTHWe can't reach anywhere in two weeks!MAYAThen we have no choice.WROTHWhat do you mean?MAYAFive of us can't make it. Two might have a chance.WROTHWe can't! They didn't ask to be caught up in this.MAYACasualties of war.WROTHThis isn't their war.MAYACivilians died on the Agamemnon. It wasn't their war, either.WROTHWe can't just kill them.MAYAWhat else can we do?Wroth shrugs.MAYA(CONT)We have to decide soon.Wroth nods.INT - LIFEROCKET - SLEEPING COMPARTMENTLucya and Servik sit on one bunk, Goran sits on the other. They are nervous about what the other two may be discussing in the flight deck compartment.LUCYAWhat do you think they will do with us?SERVIKI don't know.GORANThey'll kill us.LUCYANo!SERVIKWhy?GORANThis craft is meant for two. There are five of us. We are at least four or five weeks from the nearest planet. There won't be enough supplies.LUCYAI can't believe they would just kill us...GORANYou saw what they did to the Agamemnon. There were hundreds of people on board.SERVIKWe're not armed.GORANNo. We will have to try and bargain for our lives.The door opens between the two compartments. The five look at one another. No-one wants to be the first to speak.WROTHIt may not be possible for any of us to survive. The situation is desperate.GORANWhere are we heading?MAYAArmeia. At least 40 days but the nearest planet.WROTHOn half rations two of us could reasonably expect to make it safely.GORANWhere does that leave us?WROTHMaya is our only pilot.MAYAI'm going nowhere without you.GORANThat's that, then.WROTHMaya and I are not in a hurry to give up this chance for survival.LUCYAAs one of the Sisterhood, I am prepared to die.SERVIKYou may kill me if it will guarantee Lucya's safety.WROTHWe're not murderers!GORANNo?MAYAWe fight SPARTA. It's war. People get killed.GORANI don't want to be one of the statistics.LUCYANone of us do.GORANI thought members of the Sisterhood vowed to surrender their lives in order to save others.LUCYAThat's correct. As my companion, Servik is under the same vow.SERVIKYes.MAYAIf we do dispose of these two, why should we keep you?GORANI'm an expert with computer systems, artificial intelligence and cyphers. I could be of help.WROTHWhy would you help us?GORANI want to live.WROTHSo do we all.LUCYAI have a suggestion....WROTHWhat?LUCYAIn return for our lives, Servik will join with you and help your cause. I can be ransomed for a huge sum of money.WROTHIt won't help us much if we don't reach Armeia.LUCYAI can undertake the journey in a trance-like state without the need for food or water. WROTHThen you must come with us.SERVIKI insist Servik be allowed to accompany me.GORANWhat about me?WROTHHere's what we'll do. All of us should have died on the Agamemnon. Since we didn't, maybe our luck will hold and we will all make it to safety.MAYAWroth!WROTHHowever, to increase our chances, here's what we'll do. Lucya, you will put yourself into your trance, or whatever, for six weeks. Servik and Goran will take turns to sleep on the other bunk. The three of you will move about as little as possible to conserve energy and oxygen.GORANWhat about you two?WROTHMaya and I will confine ourselves to the flight deck under the same conditions. The four of us will all be on half rations.MAYAIt's not going to be easy.WROTHIt's the only option we have.GORANRight. I'll take first turn on the bunk. Lucya lies down on one of the two bunks and puts herself into a trance in which she will remain for six weeks. Goran lies down on the other bunk. Servik sits on the narrow deck between the bunks. Whenever any of them wish to use the toilet compartment, it involves squeezing through the sleeping compartment past whoever is sitting on the deck, walking hunched over because there is little headroom. It is a miserable time for them all, since they are on minimal rations and there is nothing for them to do to relieve the boredom. Naturally, petty grievances become major arguments and contentions. GORAN feels he will be considered as an accomplice, with his record, and so decides that, for the time being at least, he will stick with Wroth, until something turns up that he can use for his own advantage. WROTH tells the history of how he became involved in the movement to promote a democratic government and how all his friends in the movement had been imprisoned or executed. He had escaped from prison and was sheltered by the REBELS. They were scattered and had no-one to lead them. He, the natural, charismatic leader was unanimously chosen to rally the members of the various groups. The planet ARMEIA was holding out against "assimilation" and was a REBEL stronghold. Wroth had planned the destruction of the AGAMEMNON as a means of halting the process by which SPARTA would ensnare the planet. He explained that such diplomatic missions, in the past, had been staged to provide an excuse for the presence of large "security" forces that would conduct a covert coup d'Etat, leaving the planet without leadership. This would necessitate SPARTA taking over rule to restore order. It was unfortunate that some civilians had to die in the process, but his friends had given their lives to protect ARMEIA. He and Maya had thought they would die too, but had been in the right place, near the liferockets and with civilian hostages to ensure their escape. GORAN seems only mildly impressed with this explanation. He portrays himself as self absorbed and cynical, being keen to make plenty of money as security for himself, and not really concerned with the squabbles of the planetary governments.Goran sits on the deck, his eyes on a level with Lucya, who is unconscious on the bunk next to him. Servik is asleep on the other bunk. Goran reaches out his hand and lifts her veil. He sees her faces for the first time. He strokes her cheek with his fingers. Servik stirs. Goran hastily replaces the veil and stands up as well as he can in the restricted headroom. Servik wakes up. Servik looks at Goran suspiciously. He says nothing as he checks that Lucya is all right. He sits down on the floor with his back to Goran. Goran makes himself comfortable on the now vacant bunk.Maya is asleep. Wroth realises Servik is awake. He turns his seat round to face him.WROTHTell me about the SISTERHOOD.SERVIKThey are inducted as children into a religious order with strict vows of celibacy and political and national neutrality. I was chosen as LUCYA's companion and we grew up together, the loyalty growing as the telepathic link between us was established and strengthened. All the sisters are telepathically linked. I cannot link to the others, only to LUCYA. Each of the sisters has a companion. The companions and the sisters are required to lay down their life, if necessary, to protect others. Both LUCYA and I would have voluntarily given up our lives so that you three could survive. WROTHCould you and Lucya volunteer to help us? SERVIKWe are hired by governments and businesses for transfer of top security information, since we are bound to confidentiality. I don't see why we can't, but I would have to discuss it with Lucya. 10 INT - LIFEROCKET - DAYAs the days become two weeks, life aboard the liferocket is becoming difficult.MAYAOur supplies are very low. We may have to get rid of them, after all. WROTHNo! We can't kill them.MAYAWe won't make it if we don't!WROTHIt won't make any difference now...While this argument is continuing, Maya picks up a signal from a vessel some distance away. MAYAI don't recognise it. It may be some kind of homing beacon.Wroth searches for sign of the signal's origin.WROTHI can't see anything.MAYAIt's too far away just yet.WROTHIt may be a SPARTA vessel.MAYAIt could be anything.GORANCan we avoid it?MAYAWe don't have the reserves to take evasive action.WROTHWe'll just have to wait and see.MAYAWe've no weaponry...GORANWhat options do we have?WROTHThere must be something....MAYALike what, exactly?GORANHow soon will we know what we're up against?MAYAWe'll be in range in about thirty minutes.WROTHI'll wake Servik.GORANLet him sleep while he can.Goran sits on the floor between the two bunks. His eyes stray often to Lucya's veiled face. Wroth notices the direction of his gaze but pretends he has seen nothing. He is not sure what to make of Goran.11 MONTAGEEXT - ALIEN SPACE VESSEL - DAYAs they close in on the signal, they discover an ALIEN SPACE VESSEL drifting in a holding pattern. Goran wakes Servik. WROTHTry to establish contact.Maya opens a communication channel and puts on the headphones.MAYAHailing unidentified vessel. This is liferocket SPA117. Respond please, over.There is no reply. Maya shakes her head.EXT - ALIEN SPACE VESSEL - DAYThe ALIEN SPACE VESSEL is of a design none of them have seen before. It bears the scars of a major battle, but looks fully functional, with several lights visible. INT - LIFEROCKET - DAYFailing to get any response, they must decide what to do.There is some heated discussion.WROTHWe'll attempt to dock with her.GORANThere may be alien life forms on board. Lucya is still in her trance.SERVIKIt could be dangerous. I don't want to do anything that could pose a threat to Lucya. MAYAWe have to take the chance! Our food and water supplies are almost exhausted. Oxygen levels are critical.WROTHRight. I'm going aboard.MAYAYou can't go alone!SERVIKI'm not leaving Lucya.MAYAI'll go.WROTHI need you here.GORANI'm going with you.WROTHWhy?Goran smiles at him disarmingly.GORANI need the exercise.Maya carefully manoeuvres the liferocket into the docking position and locks the hatches. INT - ALIEN SPACE VESSEL - DAYWroth and Goran go aboard the ALIEN SPACE VESSEL and search it. There is no-one on board. INT - LIFEROCKET - DAYThey return to the liferocket and collect any useful supplies from it. Goran moves to the ALIEN SPACE VESSEL, along with Maya and Servik, who is carrying the still unconscious Lucya. Wroth stays behind and sets an explosive charge on the liferocket. EXT - LIFEROCKET - DAYMaya disengages the liferocket and it drifts away from them for a short distance before suddenly exploding. INT - ALIEN SPACE VESSEL - BRIDGE - DAYServik carries Lucya from the bridge to find accommodation for them. Wroth, Maya and Goran watch the liferocket drift away. The explosion takes Maya and Goran by surprise. Maya looks questioningly at Wroth. WROTHIt will be assumed we died in the explosion.MAYAWe know next to nothing about this ship...WROTHThis ship is our means of survival. We'll call her the DEFIANCE.MAYAWhat do we do now?WROTHWe need an uninhabited planet.MAYAAccording to this chart, here's one we could try...Maya points it out to Wroth.WROTHHaven. Yes, it could be just what we need.GORANWhat's your plan?WROTHWe must have a base from which to regroup and hit back at SPARTA.GORANThis isn't my fight.WROTHNo-one's forcing you to stay.Maya frowns in frustration at this exchange. She smiles at Goran.MAYACome and help me with the computer, will you? He programs a course and heading for the uninhabited planet, HAVEN. 12 INT - DEFIANCE - LOUNGE - DAYWroth calls the others to decide what is best for everyone to do. WROTHI'll take you to any planet you wish. I no longer need hostages, since I have a ship. SERVIKI can't make any decision while LUCYA is unconscious. It's dangerous to wake her. I must wait for her. GORANWhat do you plan to achieve now that you have the DEFIANCE?WROTHTo work along with the rebels to bring about a fully independent system.GORANI'm not interested in joining the cause, I only want to find a way to make enough money to be secure for the rest of my life.He leaves to find himself some quarters. MAYAI don't think he's as bad as he makes out. WROTHNo. I may win him over eventually. He would be an asset, with his intelligence and skills. Servik has stayed silent through the discussion. WROTH(CONT)Servik, try and work out what sort of weaponry is available, will you? Wroth and Maya familiarise themselves with the running of the DEFIANCE.13 MONTAGEINT - DEFIANCE - BRIDGE - DAYLucya awakens to find a fairly companionable crew. She joins Wroth, Maya and Servik on the bridge, and catches up on events. When Wroth gets to the part where he destroyed the liferocket so that they will be thought of as dead she is alarmed. Goran enters the bridge as Lucya explains the situation to Wroth and the others.LUCYAFrom the moment I came out of my trance, the Sisters are aware of everything I have heard and seen - of your whereabouts and plans. I'm like a homing beacon for SPARTA to track you down. I don't want you to be recaptured. If Servik wants to, he must join you in your struggle.WROTHBut you'll join us, too, surely?LUCYAI know I would be happy working with you and helping in any way I could. But you must understand the threat I pose to your safety, if I stay.They are unsure what to do. WROTHIt doesn't matter, there's nothing we can do. Lucya realises that he will not give the order to remove the threat by killing her, and walks from the bridge towards her quarters. Servik looks alarmed and starts after her. Goran holds him back. SERVIKI must go to her. GORANHow can we break the link?SERVIKThe Sisters are linked while they are alive. WROTHI don't want her to die. We'll take our chances and try to outrun them. Servik struggles with Goran who knocks him unconscious. He stands defiantly, staring down the others. He strides purposefully after Lucya.FLASHBACKINT - ROOM - NIGHTGoran and PORTIA, a Sister who is no longer a member, are having a drink. They lift their glasses in a silent toast.GORANWhat do you do?PORTIAI'm retired.GORANFrom what?PORTIAI was a member of the Sisterhood. Then I met someone very special...So I retired.GORANI didn't know you could retire. PORTIAIt's unusual, but not impossible.GORANWhere is he now?PORTIAHe was killed on a training exercise, four years ago.GORANI'm sorry.Portia leans over and kisses him.PORTIAAre you?GORANNot really.He takes her in his arms and kisses her.BACK TO DEFIANCE - BRIDGEWroth goes to Servik and he and Maya help him into a seat.WROTHHe's coming round.MAYAServik? Servik!SERVIKLucya?MAYAYou're okay. Take it easy.WROTHWhy are you worried about Lucya?SERVIKShe is a threat to our safety.WROTHIt doesn't matter.SERVIKIt does to her....He lapses in and out of consciousness. MAYAWhat will she do?SERVIKShe knows you won't kill her to save yourselves.WROTHIs there any other way to break the link?Servik cannot answer that.SERVIKShe will take her own life. You must stop her! INT/EXT - LUCYA'S CABIN - DAYLucya has locked the door. She takes a white robe from the cupboard and a dagger from her waistband and places it on the table. She moves slowly and deliberately. She is aware of the Sisters, voicing their concern in her mind. SISTERS(VARIOUS)(VOICEOVER)(various entreaties to Lucya to wait, not to kill herself)Goran reaches her cabin and unscrambles the coded lock to release the door. Lucya looks up in surprise as the door opens and Goran enters. Lucya is wearing the robe and preparing to take her life. Goran locks the door. INT - DEFIANCE - BRIDGE - DAYSERVIKGoran is with her.MAYADo you think he's guessed what she plans to do?SERVIKThey are struggling...WROTHHe'll kill her!MAYAYou've got to stop him!WROTHLook after him.He hurries from the bridge, leaving MAYA to care for SERVIK. INT - LUCYA'S CABIN - DAYGORANSurely there is another way? She shakes her head.GORAN(CONT)I've known a Sister who is no longer linked. She's alive.LUCYAThere are Sisters who are no longer linked, but they are outcast from the order.GORANI knew it!LUCYAThere's no time for this!She takes up the dagger from the table. Goran wrests it from her and flings it across the room. He grabs her by the shoulders.GORANTell me how it is done!LUCYANo!GORANYou must!She shakes her head.GORAN(CONT)If you don't, I will kill Servik.LUCYANo, please!GORANTell me...LUCYABy my death!GORANHow else?LUCYAThe outcast has chosen to leave. I do not choose that way...GORANPlease, Lucya, I don't want you to die!He shakes her roughly.GORAN(CONT)Tell me how!LUCYABy breaking my vow of celibacy.GORANWhat?LUCYAAll the sisters are celibate from birth. It is one of our three vows. Confidentiality, celibacy and to surrender our lives in behalf of others.GORANThen it's simple!LUCYANo! I'll not be outcast!Goran removes his jacket.LUCYA(CONT)What are you doing?GORANWhat I must.Goran undoes his shirt. Lucya looks around the room frantically and sees the dagger lying on the floor beside the bed. She moves towards it. Goran drops his shirt to the floor and moves to intercept her, grabbing her arm and pulling her into a tight embrace.LUCYAYou're wasting time. I won't break my vow.GORANWhy would you rather die?LUCYAThe outcast lives in silence. The Sisters, constant voices since childhood, can no longer be heard. I could not bear it. GORANYou'll have a new life with us.LUCYAI have nothing to offer you. GORANThat's not true! You have courage....He steps out of his boots.GORAN(CONT)You're beautiful, intelligent...LUCYAIt's not your choice to make!Goran and Lucya struggle. He tears her robe, which falls from her shoulders. She catches it across her breasts with her arms. He throws her back onto the bed. She rolls onto her stomach and reaches down to grab the dagger.GORANNo!Goran flings himself over her just as she turns onto her back with the dagger in front of her and it pierces his chest just below the collarbone.GORANI can't let you do it.LUCYAI have vowed to give my life to save yours...GORANI won't let you.LUCYAThen we will all die!GORANNo! We can all live!LUCYADon't! Please...Lucya lies unmoving beneath Goran. She is shocked to have caused him injury. He takes the dagger and slowly draws it out. Lucya gasps as his blood falls onto her body. She looks into his eyes. He brandishes the dagger in his right hand.GORANDo you really choose death?Lucya nods. He covers her eyes with his left hand.GORAN(CONT)Then forgive me....EXT - LUCYA'S CABIN - DAYWroth arrives at Lucya's cabin and tries to force open the door.WROTHGoran! Lucya! Open the door!LUCYA(FROM INSIDE THE CABIN)No! He hears Lucya and renews his efforts to open the door. A moment later he hears her scream.INT - DEFIANCE - BRIDGE - DAYServik groans in anguish.MAYAWhat's wrong?SERVIKI've lost her. She's gone. EXT/INT - LUCYA'S CABIN - DAYLucya's cabin door opens and Goran, swaying unsteadily and visibly distressed, emerges into the corridor. His white shirt is covered in blood. He looks at Wroth. GORANThey can't track us now. Make the most of it. The price was too high.He turns and walks away. Wroth enters Lucya's cabin and sees her lying on the bed. She is covered in blood from her neck to her waist. Wroth is appalled.WROTHDear God! Maya enters.WROTH(CONT)I'll make him pay...Maya goes to the bed as Wroth rushes after Goran. INT - GORAN'S CABIN - DAYGoran sits in his cabin, his head in his hands, shaking. Wroth bursts in. Goran does not look up. Wroth hauls him to his feet and punches him repeatedly. INT - LUCYA'S CABIN - DAYMaya pulls a sheet up over Lucya's body. Lucya opens her eyes and sees Maya. LUCYAMaya?MAYAYou're alive!LUCYAWhere's Goran?MAYAWroth's gone after him.LUCYAYou must find them. Tell him I'm all right.MAYAWhat?LUCYAI'm not hurt.Maya indicates the blood on Lucya's body and the bedclothes.LUCYAIt's Goran's. Please, Maya, you've got to stop Wroth. He will kill him.INT - GORAN'S CABIN - DAYGoran offers no defence, accepting Wroth's blows. Finally, he falls to the floor. Wroth picks him up as Maya bursts into the cabin.MAYAStop! Wroth, Lucya is alive.Wroth looks confused. He lets go of Goran, who falls at his feet. Maya kneels by him. She cradles Goran's head in her arms.MAYAYou've done a good job.She is reproachful of Wroth. WROTHI don't understand. All that blood...Maya pulls back Goran's shirt to reveal the deep wound in his chest, which is bleeding profusely. MAYAIt's his. She stabbed him accidentally.Wroth carefully lifts the now unconscious Goran onto the bedWROTHLook after him, will you, Maya?He returns to the bridge. 14 INT - GORAN'S CABIN - NIGHTThat evening, Wroth visits Goran in his cabin, where he is recuperating. WROTHI'm sorry. I really thought you'd killed her...GORANI know. WROTHYou said the threat was gone. I thought the only way to remove it was for her to die?GORANI went there to prevent that.WROTHI misjudged you.GORANI knew a sister who wasn't linked. It was possible to remove her telepathic link without killing her.Wroth senses that Goran is holding back but shrugs and decides not to pursue it.WROTHWhy did you fight with Servik?GORANShe would have persuaded him she had to die. She would have convinced you. I had to stop her.WROTHI'm glad you did. Get some rest.Wroth leaves the cabin. Goran thinks back to the events earlier in the day...FLASHBACK TO LUCYA'S CABIN THAT AFTERNOONGoran holds Lucya back from retrieving the dagger.LUCYAIt's not your choice to make!Goran and Lucya struggle. He tears her robe, which falls from her shoulders. She catches it across her breasts with her arms. He throws her back onto the bed. She rolls onto her stomach and reaches down to grab the dagger.GORANNo!Goran flings himself over her just as she turns onto her back with the dagger held in front of her and it pierces his chest just below the collarbone. GORANI can't let you do it!LUCYAI have vowed to give my life to save yours...GORANI won't let you.LUCYAThen we will all die!GORANNo! We can all live!LUCYADon't! Please...Lucya lies unmoving beneath Goran. She is shocked to have caused him injury. He takes the dagger and slowly draws it out. Lucya gasps as his blood falls onto her body. She looks into his eyes. He brandishes the dagger in his right hand.GORANDo you really choose death?Lucya nods. He covers her eyes with his left hand.GORAN(CONT)Then forgive me....Wroth arrives at Lucya's cabin and tries to force open the door. They hear him beating on the door and shouting.WROTH(FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR)Goran! Lucya! Open the door!Goran brings the dagger swiftly down and plunges it into the table by the bed. He tears Lucya's robe in two, exposing her body.LUCYANo! GORANI give you life.She screams.FADE TO BLACKBACK TO GORAN'S CABIN - EVENINGGoran lies on his bed, wondering whether he did the right thing or not. In his mind he begs Lucya's forgiveness.GORAN(VOICEOVER)I didn't have the right to choose for you. I did what I believed was best for all of us. Please, Lucya, forgive me.INT - LUCYA'S CABIN - EVENINGLucya lies awake on her bed, her thoughts are interrupted by Goran's voice, coming to her telepathically.GORAN(VOICEOVER)I didn't have the right to choose for you. I did what I believed was best for all of us. Please, Lucya, forgive me.She sits up abruptly, wondering if she had fallen asleep and was dreaming his voice, or whether she had actually received his thoughts.15 MONTAGEINT - STAR SYSTEM TROILUS - SECURITY HQ - DAYUnknown to them, the DEFIANCE has an onboard transmitter which is sending information about the crew back to the security forces of the alien civilisation which built the vessel in which they are travelling. Personnel are monitoring the transmissions. EXT - DEFIANCE - DAYThe DEFIANCE is seen travelling through space.INT - DEFIANCE BRIDGE - DAYOn the bridge, Goran is at the communications systems console, Maya is piloting the craft, Servik is standing by at the defence systems monitors. Wroth is seated between Maya and Servik in the Captain's chair. INT - STAR SYSTEM TROILUS - SECURITY HQ - DAYThe same scene of the bridge of the DEFIANCE is being scrutinised by the ALIENS.16 INT - PLANET MERCATOR - SPARTA HQ - NIGHTSPARTA become aware of survivors from the AGAMEMNON through a SISTERHOOD connection with Lucya. Details of the DEFIANCE course and REBEL plans are relayed through the Sister to the security personnel.17 INT - DEFIANCE - DAYMaya takes the ship into orbit around Haven. Servik is blossoming as his own man for the first time and is a valuable member of the crew. Goran is very quiet. When not on duty he stays in his cabin. He is struggling with feelings of guilt about his actions. Wroth wants to organise a team to go down to HAVEN's surface to see what conditions are like. They do not have a shuttle craft with which to land, neither are they proficient enough to be able to land the DEFIANCE on the surface. It seems a difficult problem. He decides that solving it will be a suitable project to draw Goran out of his solitary struggle with himself.WROTHHow's Lucya?MAYAShe's still refusing to see anyone, even Servik. She hasn't left her cabin since... that incident with Goran.WROTHI suppose we'll just have to wait until she's ready.18 MONTAGEINT - DEFIANCE - DAYGoran discovers that there are facilities on the DEFIANCE to transfer matter from place to place, but he is not sure how to work it, or whether they would survive the stress involved. After some time in experimentation with inanimate objects, he feels confident that he has done all he can to prepare to attempt to transport one of the crew to the planet's surface. He spends the next few hours instructing Servik in the operation of the transporter. Finally, he prepares to be transported to the surface. WROTHAs Captain, I should be taking the risk.GORANNo. I have nothing to lose and no-one to leave behind. I insist on going.Suddenly, Lucya arrives at the transporter room. Ignoring everyone else, she walks up to Goran and addresses him.LUCYAYou are going to the surface. Please allow me to go with you.He shows no surprise at this request.GORANIt's too risky. I want to test the equipment first. She tries to communicate with him telepathically.LUCYA(VOICEOVER)Goran, I need to be alone with you.He is able to understand her thoughts.GORAN(VOICEOVER)I can hear you. But it's best if we keep this ability to communicate secret for the time being.LUCYA(VOICEOVER)I understand. Later, then.GORANYou're welcome to come on the next trip.LUCYAVery well.Goran enters the transporter cubicle. WROTHYou ready? Two minutes then we try to bring you back.Goran nods.WROTH(CONTD)(TO SERVIK)Put him down.Servik operates the console and Goran disappears.EXT - PLANET HAVEN - CAVES - DAYGoran is transported to the surface. He uses his communicator to contact the Defiance.GORANI'm on the surface. I'll keep this channel open.He has a look around and can see no signs of life, but there is ample fresh water and food available, as well as a network of caves which could provide shelter. After two minutes, Wroth contacts him via the communicator.WROTH(ON COMMUNICATOR)Goran. Are you ready to come up?GORANYes.INT - DEFIANCE - DAYWroth nods to Servik.MAYALet's hope this works.WROTHIt will.MAYAI wish I were as confident.Goran is returned to the DEFIANCE. GORANIt's ideal. There's a large network of caves which would render the base invisible from the air, and which would defeat all but the most sophisticated of scanning systems. I suggest that LUCYA and I form a team to set up a base camp and take a look around. I plan to be on the surface for two days. This is agreed by the others, who will remain in orbit and scan for any signs of pursuit. 19 EXT/INT - PLANET HAVEN - CAVES - NIGHTOn the surface, Goran and Lucya set up base camp in the network of caves. They are dry and airy, and provide many exits to prevent them being trapped by enemy forces. Goran builds a fire to keep out the night chill. Goran talks frankly about his criminal past, but seems to be somewhat embarrassed about his previous selfish way of life. LUCYAI was working for the RECO organisation. A multi-planetary institution dealing with sensitive medical research. I was used for transmission of highly confidential information, using the link to the SISTERHOOD.She goes very quiet, remembering the companionship and the constant feeling of belonging. GORANI'm sorry I had to deprive you of that. He listens to her voice in his mind.LUCYA(VOICEOVER)I'd never heard of a link forming in this way. I hear your thoughts. Put aside your feelings of guilt. I am happy to be alive and among friends. The best thing is that I still feel that I belong to something, because of you.LUCYA(CONTD)I couldn't understand anyone choosing to leave the SISTERHOOD before, but it makes sense, if you find someone you want to be exclusively linked to. There is one thing I find difficult to understand, though.GORANWhat?LUCYAI don't know what they see in the physical aspect of a relationship.GORANThat brief moment with us wasn't typical. It was a life or death decision. There was no time to... It's usual to find physical relationships pleasurable, often satisfying.She is sceptical.GORANHow do you feel towards me? LUCYAGratitude, companionship, concern, warmth. I don't know how to explain myself better because I have no experience of what I'm feeling.GORANAre you physically drawn to me?She is not sure. Goran leans over and kisses her, gently. She tentatively kisses him back. She expresses surprise at the pleasure it gives her. GORAN(CONT)Let's get some sleep.They lie on opposite sides of the fire. During the night, some animal, prowling outside the caves, makes a loud roaring sound. They wake up instantly, and Lucya jumps to her feet with fright. Goran picks up his weapon and prepares to defend them both. They hear the animal move away into the distance, still roaring. Lucya is shaking with fright. Goran moves his bedding next to hers and they lie down but neither of them can sleep. She is still shaking. He pulls her into his arms and cradles her close to his body. Gradually, she falls asleep. 20 MONTAGEINT - PLANET HAVEN - CAVES - DAYNext morning, Lucya awakes to find Goran asleep with his arms still around her. She has a feeling of security, lying close to him, and snuggles closer. He murmurs her name in his sleep and holds her tighter. She holds him and kisses him. He wakes up and smiles. She is content to be there with him. He is embarrassed because he is becoming aroused. She says nothing, but starts removing his clothes. They kiss tenderly..INT - DEFIANCE - DAYWroth is drawing up plans for the REBEL forces to be transported to HAVEN to regroup. Maya is taking the time to study the navigation systems, and Servik is experimenting with the communications system.SERVIKWe need Goran to sort it out. I can't do it.Wroth speaks into the communicator.WROTHGoran, how are things going? EXT - PLANET HAVEN - DAYGoran and Lucya have been exploring the area outside the caves. Goran replies to Wroth by communicator.GORANWe've seen no sign of life other than the prowling animal last night. It seems likely we can establish a resistance base in the cave complex. It would be easy to conceal. WROTHHow long do you need?Goran looks at Lucya and smiles.GORANAnother two hours. 21 MONTAGEINT - PLANET HAVEN - CAVES - DAYGoran and Lucya have just finished making love. They lie locked together when they are interrupted by Wroth on the communicator. WROTHGoran, you ready to come up?GORANGive us five more minutes.WROTHWhy?GORANFive minutes. INT - DEFIANCE - DAYWhen Goran and Lucya arrive back on board the DEFIANCE, Goran and Wroth start discussing the site for the base. LUCYAI'll be in my cabin.MAYAAre you all right?LUCYAI've never felt better.Maya keeps her thoughts to herself. Lucya leaves.INT - DEFIANCE - DAYBack on the bridge, Goran is working on the communications system. Maya enters and approaches Goran. MAYALucya seems to have enjoyed her visit to the planet. Goran smiles to himself.GORANIt was an enlightening experience for both of us.MAYAWasn't it awkward, considering the last time you were together?GORANThat's all settled. Maya knows he is holding back but does not press him.22 INT - DEFIANCE - NIGHTThat evening, they are all in the lounge when Lucya enters. She automatically crosses to sit next to Goran, and the others watch her with surprise. After a short while, Goran and Lucya leave for her cabin. The others discuss the events. Servik is still unhappy about it. MAYADon't be jealous.It is not sexual jealousy, but he feels the loss of the telepathic link, and although he does not know of the new link between the two, he resents their closeness. He feels very alone.23 INT - PLANET ARMEIA - SECURITY HQThe crew of the DEFIANCE send a coded signal by beacon back to ARMEIA, notifying the government of the establishment of a new REBEL base on HAVEN, and requesting the REBEL forces be notified and allowed to regroup there. Unfortunately, a TRAITOR in the ARMEIAN government forces leaks the information to SPARTA.24 MONTAGEINT - PLANET MERCATOR - SPARTA HQSPARTA allow the REBEL forces to travel to HAVEN, planning to gather all the rebels in one area and then deploy enough firepower to destroy them once and for all. They send the fleet to HAVEN. INT - DEFIANCE - DAYGoran is working on the communications system when he picks up a communication from SPARTA to their fleet which alarms him. SPARTA know of the REBEL plans - how?25 MONTAGEINTRODUCE THE ALIENS - EXPAND - DISAGREEMENT ON INTERVENTION?EXT/INT - PLANET HAVEN - REBEL HQThe REBEL forces arrive on HAVEN. They are planning their counter measures when the crew of the DEFIANCE are informed by their onboard computer that a massive fleet of SPARTA vessels has entered their space sector, and is heading for HAVEN.INT - DEFIANCE - DAYThe crew of the DEFIANCE have to decide whether to take evasive action, in the face of such overwhelming odds, or whether to inflict as much damage as possible before being destroyed, to give their comrades on HAVEN a fighting chance. INT - PLANET HAVEN - REBEL HQ - DAYOn HAVEN, the REBELS have prepared their stronghold to resist attack, but they are not prepared for a siege, or for such large numbers of opposing forces. They advise the DEFIANCE to get clear, they will be needed to keep the resistance going, to recruit and inform other planets of the danger of SPARTA. INT - DEFIANCE - DAYOn the bridge, the crew discuss what they must do.WROTHWe can't just run away!MAYAWe are untried in battle.GORANThere aren't enough of us to man the DEFIANCE for long periods of time in combat situations. If we are lost, the cause is lost. WROTHI still want to try.GORANIt's suicide.WROTHI can put you down on the planet's surface.GORANIt was an observation, not a refusal. I'm prepared to stand and fight.They decide to do what they can, against the wishes of the REBEL leadership. It is suicide. They have a council of war, during which their computer informs them a large fleet is approaching HAVEN.26 MONTAGEEXT - SPACE ABOVE PLANET HAVEN - DAYThe SPARTA forces begin to arrive. The DEFIANCE hides in the planet's shadow until several large troop carriers are in position and the flagship arrives to control the attack. INT - DEFIANCE - DAYWROTHLet's go for the flagship. EXT - SPACE ABOVE PLANET HAVEN - DAYThere is a mighty battle, the DEFIANCE outnumbered but faster than the opposing vessels. SPARTA are fighting on two fronts, the battle in the skies and the attempt to destroy the REBEL forces on the planet below.INT - SPARTA FLAGSHIP - DAYEventually, the DEFIANCE is disabled and about to be destroyed. SPARTA's military leaderIt is to be captured, not destroyed. I want the crew taken alive.INT - DEFIANCE - DAYThey decide to fight to the death, not to be captured, since SPARTA's treatment of prisoners is well documented and they would not wish to face torture. WROTHWe'll set the system to self-destruct, and transport to the planet to link up with REBEL forces there.However, the transporter is not working very well, and after sending Maya and Servik, it burns out, leaving Goran, Lucya and Wroth stuck on board the DEFIANCE, which is going to self-destruct. At this point, a boarding party manages to breach the hatch lock and enter the DEFIANCE. There is a running fire fight in which Wroth is shot and falls to the ground. Goran and Lucya run from the boarding party and manage to barricade themselves into a store room from where they can hold the troops back long enough for the vessel to destroy itself. The DEFIANCE computer is counting down to self-destruct.

EXT/INT - PLANET HAVEN - REBEL HQ - DAY

On HAVEN, Maya and Servik have managed to reach the REBEL forces and join them in the besieged base.

27 INT - ALIEN HQ - STAR SYSTEM TROILUS - DAY

All these events have been carefully monitored by the builders of the DEFIANCE, and they are shaken from their attitude of non-involvement into the position of being willing to help overthrow SPARTA and restore self-government to all the planets in the system. They have not intervened before, but have now seen firsthand the brutality and injustice under the SPARTA regime, and the selflessness with which the REBEL forces are willing to spend their lives to try and free the subjugated planets.

28 MONTAGE

INT - PLANET HAVEN - REBEL HQ - DAY

Maya, who was transported to the planet HAVEN by Wroth before he was shot, is suddenly used as a medium through which the ALIENS contact the REBEL forces.

EXT - SPACE ABOVE PLANET HAVEN - DAY

Meanwhile, in the skies above the planet, the SPARTA fleet suddenly find all their instruments inoperable and their weapons disabled.

INT - SPARTA FLAGSHIP - DAY

They hear, through their shipboard computers, that the battle has been halted, and that any further aggression on the part of SPARTA towards HAVEN will result in the destruction of the SPARTA fleet.

INT - DEFIANCE - DAY

On board DEFIANCE, Goran and Lucya can hear through the public address system that the battle has been halted, and that all weapons are now inoperable. The self-destruct countdown is halted with three seconds on the clock.

29 INT - PLANET MERCATOR - FEDERATION HQ - DAY

The GAIUS system is declared an independent zone in which all planets will rule themselves under the systems that were in operation prior to their overthrow by SPARTA. The SPARTA hierarchy are called to account by the ALIENS, and one of the planets, HELENA, is designated as the future home of all those members of SPARTA who do not wish to live under the other planetary governments. A federation of planets is formed, overseen at first by the ALIENS, in order to maintain close links between these peoples who have so much in common, but individual ways of living.

30 INT - DEFIANCE - DAY

Finally, the Aliens repair the DEFIANCE, and Maya and Servik return to the vessel to find Goran and Lucya alive and well. They make their way to the sick bay, where Wroth lies on a bunk, looking very peaceful.

LUCYA

He was a brave and selfless man. I will miss him very much.

Goran puts his arm around her shoulders as a gesture of comfort.

GORAN

I'll miss him too, even though we didn't always see eye to eye, he was a good man.

SERVIK

Yes, he was.

Maya is quiet, tears spill onto her cheeks. The others turn to leave, so that she can be alone with Wroth. He opens his eyes, very much alive, having been rescued and brought back from the brink of death by the ALIENS. Maya is angry with him for playing such a joke, but happy to see him. The reunion is a loud affair, with everyone trying to talk at once. The five friends decide that they now have the freedom, and the vessel, to go anywhere, and that they must decide what to do...