The Dorcons/Transcript

Hook
1. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Moon. Pan to robot probe.

HELENA (VO): "Moonbase Alpha Status Report. Twenty four hundred and nine days after leaving Earth orbit. Doctor Helena Russell recording."

Close on probe (sc 2)

HELENA (VO): "Our scanners have detected a mysterious object in our West Quadrant. Our sensors indicate an active power source somewhere inside it "

4.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

HELENA (VO): " but register no life forms."

TONY: "It's radiating some kind of energy field."

KOENIG: "How powerful?"

TONY (sees sine wave on screen): "It's too weak to have any offensive potential."

HELENA: "Radiation factor insignificant."

MAYA: "The energy field is highly sensitive to matter."

KOENIG: "Let's have a look at it."

-Big Screen (SFX): probe. (sc 5)

ALAN (VO): "It could be "

-Command Centre (sc 6)

ALAN (cont): " some kind of robot survey device."

MAYA: "Commander. Something's triggered an energy build up inside that object."

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Close on probe.

12.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Koenig retreats to his desk.

KOENIG (pressing button): "Red alert. Defence teams into position."

13.INT. CORRIDOR

Guards run.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

TONY: "Raise defence shields."

HELENA: "Emergency medical units standby."

ALAN: "Surface Eagles to underground hangers."

14.EXT. LAUNCH PAD (SFX)

Eagle descends below surface.

Another Eagle sinks on the pad (reverse of first)

INT. LAUNCH SHAFT (SFX)

View up shaft as roof closes.

KOENIG (VO): "All other personnel "

15.INT. CORRIDOR

KOENIG (VO): " into protective areas and stand by."

Alphans watching him on comms post disperse.

11.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Probe fires green beam.

17.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Beam strikes base.

19.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

TONY: "It's through the shields!"

-Big Screen (SFX): fills with green light. (sc 18)

-Command Centre fills with green light & for a moment is bleached out (sc 19). The light fades, & all are frozen (except Maya).

-Big Screen (SFX): light fades, then reforms as an intense spotlight.

-Command Centre. A green spotlight tracks over Computer, & over a red jacketed man. A computer panel explodes by him: he does not move, but Maya jumps, looking around. Light tracks over computer to a girl, then over Alibe to Alan.

-Big Screen (SFX): light.

-Command Centre. Light tracks from Alan, over Helena, Tony, & Koenig, & passes over Maya.

-Big Screen (SFX): rumbling.

-Command Centre. Light returns to Maya & focuses on her forehead. She puts her hands to her head in distress.

MAYA: "Helena!" ((she moans)) "The pain! -It's tearing up my mind...Help me! Heelpp...!!" ((screams))

The light bleaches out, then is gone. The personnel look round, & Maya falls. They rush to her.

FADE OUT

Act One
21.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Close on base.

INT. CORRIDOR

Stretcher crew wheel a trolley along.

22.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

The stretcher team enter. Helena is checking Maya's eyes & neck. Koenig takes a report from the red jacketed man.

KOENIG: "Let me see that."

TONY: "What's the matter with her?"

HELENA: "I can't tell."

KOENIG: "Alibe. Contact that thing out there."

ALIBE: "Yes sir."

KOENIG: "What happened to her?"

HELENA: "I'm not sure, some kind of shock effect."

ALIBE (background, faint, as Maya wakes): "Moonbase Alpha to satellite. Come in. Calling satellite. This is Moonbase Alpha. Come in, do you read me? Come in, please. Moonbase Alpha.."

TONY: "Welcome back."

KOENIG: "You alright?"

MAYA: "Yes, I think so."

HELENA (as helps her stand): "Easy now. Here we go."

TONY: "That's it."

KOENIG: "What was that?"

ALIBE (background): "Moonbase Alpha to satellite."

MAYA: "A mind probe."

ALIBE (background): "Do you read me?"

TONY: "A mind probe?"

MAYA: "It probed all of us."

KOENIG: "All of us?"

MAYA: "Mm. When it found me it changed intensity. It almost tore my brain apart."

TONY: "Here, come on." ((leads her aside))

KOENIG: "Helena. Why did it single her out?"

HELENA: "Her physiology is different. It could be that."

KOENIG: "Yeah. Alibe. Can't you raise that thing?!"

ALIBE: "I'm trying, Commander."

KOENIG: "Tony. Maya. I want a sensor reading on that thing."

ALIBE (background): "Moonbase Alpha to satellite. Do you read me? Come in please."

HELENA (quietly, as types): "The probe could have killed her."

KOENIG: "Yeah. There's no sign of brain damage."

HELENA: "None that registers."

ALIBE: "Come in, please. Moonbase Alpha calling."

TONY: "There's no response. That probe has burned out the databank."

-Big Screen (SFX): probe.

-Command Centre.

KOENIG: "Anything, Maya?"

MAYA: "No more than I registered before. A highly sensitive forcefield with no sign of life forms."

TONY: "Why don't we just blast that thing out of space?"

KOENIG: "Maybe. Yeah, maybe. Alibe?" ((goes forward to her))

ALIBE: "Still no response to our signal, Commander."

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Lights & yellow cloud fill the shape of the probe.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

They watch.

31.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Probe is an outline of light filled smoke.

32.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

A monitor screen reads 'Carbon/ Hydrogen/ Argon/ Rebillum'.

TONY: "It's converted to raw matter."

MAYA: "Also solidifying."

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Cloud expands.

MAYA (VO): "And expanding fast."

Smoke clears to reveal the Dorcon ship.

HELENA (VO): "It's a spaceship."

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Pan over Helena to Koenig, watching.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Ship.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Close on Maya.

MAYA: "Dorcons." ((turns away, highly distressed)) "Dorcons..."

HELENA: "Maya, what is it?"

MAYA (whimpering): "Dorcons.."

HELENA: "What is it?"

MAYA: "It's a Dorcon spaceship.."

TONY: "Maya, take it easy."

MAYA: "It's after me...it's after me.."

KOENIG: "Alan. Scan that ship. Find out what you can."

ALAN: "Check."

MAYA: "..It's after me...that light...it was a Dorcon probe.."

HELENA: "Maya, just take it easy now."

MAYA: "You don't understand!" ((cries)) "...None of you...it's a Dorcon spaceship.." ((holds Tony))

KOENIG: "Easy, Maya. Easy. What are Dorcons?"

MAYA: "Enemies. Enemies. Psychons fear most of all."

TONY: "Maya, you're with us. There's nothing to be afraid of."

MAYA: "Oh, you can't help me. Not against them."

ALAN: "John. That ship's got a meson convertor on board."

HELENA: "A meson convertor?"

TONY: "What is that?"

MAYA: "...It's a means of..of transforming..matter into energy..and reshaping it in whatever form they like."

ALAN: "And shift it through space almost simultaneously."

KOENIG: "So they can transport matter."

MAYA: "You saw how that spaceship arrived. Commander. Those are Dorcons. They're the most powerful race in the galaxy."

A bleeping.

ALIBE: "I think I'm getting through, Commander."

37.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Dorcon ship.

38.INT. DORCON STATEROOM

OPERATIVE (on screen): "A signal from the alien base, Archon."

MALIC (going to throne): "Ignore it, Uncle. Give the order to invade."

VARDA: "And if they resist?"

MALIC: "They resist? They die."

ARCHON: "And the Psychon, Malic?"

MALIC: "It is Consul Varda's duty to take her alive."

ARCHON: "But it would please you more to see her dead."

MALIC: "No, Uncle. No."

ARCHON: "I know what is in your mind, Malic. Your advice is rejected." ((Malic sits dejectedly))

VARDA: "The scanner report on these Alphans shows that they are an intelligent race of beings, Archon."

ARCHON: "Consul Varda. Arrange it how you must. But I want that Psychon."

VARDA: "I shall contact them immediately."

ARCHON: "And we shall observe." ((Varda helps him stand & step down from the throne))

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

MAYA: "For centuries they've pursued my people. Hunting us like animals."

KOENIG: "Why, Maya?"

MAYA: "The Dorcons control all the forces of nature except one. Death. They know that through us they can achieve immortality. Commander. Promise me you won't let them take me alive."

ALIBE: "Commander. I'm getting a signal."

-Big Screen (SFX): Varda appears (sc 43)

VARDA: "Greetings, Commander."

-Command Centre (sc 44)

VARDA (VO): "I am Consul Varda of the Planet Dorca. We journeyed half the galaxy to meet your people."

KOENIG (walks up): "Yes. And attacked one of my crew."

-Big Screen (SFX):

VARDA: "We regret the necessity of our action. We needed "

-Command Centre

VARDA (VO): " confirmation."

KOENIG: "A question would have been the simple and harmless way to do it."

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

VARDA: "You are right of course, Commander. Forgive us."

-Screen.

KOENIG (on screen): "I'll withhold my forgiveness until I'm sure of your intentions."

-Varda. (sc 47)

VARDA: "Our intentions are peaceful. I represent the Imperial Archon. Supreme Leader of the Federated Worlds "

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

VARDA (VO): " of Dorcon."

KOENIG: "Alright. Now we know who you are. What do you want?"

-Big Screen (SFX):

VARDA: "Your cooperation."

-Command Centre. Koenig looks round at others.

KOENIG: "We're always ready to cooperate. For the common good."

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

KOENIG (VO): "But your actions so far make me doubt your intentions."

VARDA: "You have a Psychon among your people."

44.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Helena puts her hand on Maya's shoulder.

KOENIG: "Yes we have."

VARDA (VO): "Arrange to transport her up to our ship immediately."

KOENIG: "Negative."

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

MALIC: "Invade, Uncle. We waste time."

VARDA: "There is no need." ((to screen)) "Commander. The Psychon will tell you how futile it is to resist us."

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

MAYA (with sigh): "Resistance - is futile."

TONY: "Maya. We are not going to let them take you."

KOENIG: "Varda. Thank you for demonstrating your...peaceful intentions."

VARDA (VO): "Commander."

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

VARDA: "Do as I ask, or I will be forced to demonstrate my power."

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

KOENIG: "Tony. Lasers."

TONY: "Yes, sir." ((goes to his desk)) "Arm surface lasers."

-Big Screen (SFX):

VARDA: "Resistance is futile. Surrender the Psychon."

-Command Centre

KOENIG: "Alan. Prepare to launch Combat Eagles."

ALAN: "All Eagle crews to combat stations."

VARDA (VO): "Commander."

-Big Screen (SFX):

VARDA: "You are bringing death to your people."

-Command Centre

MAYA (crying out): "They'll kill everyone, you can't stop them!"

TONY: "Maya!"

VARDA (VO): "Heed the Psychon, Koenig."

KOENIG: "Tony. Secure the base against attack."

MAYA: "No! Let them have me before it's too late."

TONY: "You are not going with them."

KOENIG: "Tony!"

VARDA (VO): "I admire your readiness to die "

-Big Screen (SFX):

VARDA: " for your principles, Commander. Are the rest of you Alphans prepared to die too?"

-Command Centre. Maya looks up. High tension.

FADE OUT

Act Two
51.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Low view, with small combat Eagle rising on foreground launch pad.

50.EXT. MOON SURFACE (SFX)

Laser cannon rises.

Second laser cannon rises in hills.

51.EXT. LAUNCH PAD (SFX)

Eagle rises to surface.

Eagle rises to surface.

ALAN (VO): "Combat Eagle group "

52.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

ALAN (VO): " ready for launch."

KOENIG: "Maintain full alert. And stand by." ((presses button)) "Seal every exit throughout the base. Security units "

55.INT. CORRIDOR

Outside door labelled 'Airlock 2'. 2 guards stand in front with rifles.

GUARD: "In position, Commander."

KOENIG (VO): "Put back up units on stand by."

56.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

KOENIG: "And keep those exits covered at all times."

55.INT. CORRIDOR

Outside airlock door.

GUARD: "Yes, sir."

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

KOENIG: "Damage crews?"

TONY: "Standing by."

HELENA: "Everyone in Medical has been evacuated to protective areas."

KOENIG: "Good. Maya. Any movement?"

MAYA: "Not yet. Commander, sealed doors won't stop the Dorcons."

KOENIG (goes to her): "Maya. Before you said something about immortality, the Psychons gave them immortality. How?"

MAYA: "Our brain stems."

KOENIG: "What?"

HELENA: "They want your brain stem?"

MAYA: "They don't die as our races do. Their brain stems cease to function at a certain age. They discovered that Psychon brain stems last for ever."

HELENA: "A surgical transfer to a Dorcon brain..is all that is takes?"

MAYA: "Yes."

TONY: "Wait a minute. They want us to give you up for that? It's obscene!"

MAYA: "Maya. I'm the last living Psychon. They won't leave without me."

TONY: "I don't want to hear!"

58.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

MALIC: "She failed you, Uncle."

VARDA: "I assumed these Alphans were reasonable people, Malic."

MALIC: "We have now lost the element of surprise. I was right, we should have invaded."

ARCHON: "Silence!" ((they shut up))

MALIC (quietly): "Uncle. It is my wish to serve you."

ARCHON: "I know what you wish! You wish my death. I know. I know. But I won't die. Will I, Consul?"

VARDA: "You have earned your immortality, Archon."

ARCHON (firmly): "Then get me that Psychon." ((goes to door)) "Get her, Varda. Get her." ((leaves))

Varda goes to a console & waves her hand over it.

MALIC: "Such a difficult man to serve."

VARDA: "He is the Archon."

MALIC: "He's an old man, Varda. And now you want to make him immortal?"

VARDA: "Yes, Malic. It seems you are fated to remain heir to the throne and nothing more."

MALIC: "And you approve?"

VARDA: "Yes, Malic. You are not fit to lead our people."

MALIC: "We shall see, consul." ((goes to door & turns)) "We shall see." ((leaves))

VARDA: "Action stations."

The operatives wave their hands over panels.

-screen (SFX): Moonbase Alpha, a target display over it. (sc 60)

-VARDA: "Select target." (sc 61; operative waves hand over console)

62.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

A bleeping.

TONY: "John. Energy build up."

63.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Close on ship.

64.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

OPERATIVE: "Target selected."

65.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Ship.

66.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

A guard carrying a report pauses by Tony's desk as they all watch the Big screen.

70.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Close on ship. A part underneath lights up.

71.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Buildings explode.

72.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Shaken.

KOENIG: "Fire!"

72A.EXT. MOON SURFACE (SFX)

Yellow Deltan laser cannon fires.

73.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Beam hits ship: a glow forms & fades.

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

VARDA: "Fire, target two."

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Light shines again under ship.

74.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Building explodes by Main Mission tower.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Light shines under ship.

74.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Buildings explode.

75.EXT. MOON SURFACE (SFX)

Deltan laser fires green beam, then explosions absorb it.

76.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

ALIBE: "Laser batteries knocked out."

TONY: "Perimeter areas four, six, and nine destroyed."

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Building explodes.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Roof falls in.

KOENIG: "Launch Eagles!"

77.EXT. LAUNCH PAD (SFX)

a: Eagle launches.

b: Eagle launches

c: Eagle launches (reverse of a)

78.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

4 Eagles fly over Moonbase buildings.

78.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Lone Eagle fires green beam.

Dorcon ship hit, glows briefly. (sc 79)

80.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

ALAN (on screen): "That craft is shielded, John. We can't touch it."

KOENIG: "Get away from there, Alan!"

81.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

3 of the 4 Eagles peel off, but the last explodes.

82.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

More explosions. A girder falls from the roof.

ALAN (on screen): "John. We've just lost Eagle Four." ((static over))

KOENIG: "Back off, Alan! Back off!" ((a large girder falls from the ceiling before Helena))

83.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The 3 Eagles fire their engines over the lunar horizon.

INT. CORRIDOR

Stewart & 2 guards run past a comms post to a fire. They retreat to a door.

STEWART: "This way."

They open the door & fire flares out at them.

85.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Buildings explode.

INT. TECHNICAL

Roof falls in & Stewart shields his head.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Buildings explode.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Man runs to computer, but it explodes & he falls back.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Buildings explode.

87.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Koenig joins Helena & Alibe tending man from previous scene.

HELENA: "Here we go, let me see."

STEWART (approaches): "Commander!"

HELENA: "He'll be alright, let's get him.."

STEWART: "Commander, we've got to give in! Commander, we can't take any more!"

ALPHAN (red jacket): "Commander, let them have Maya." ((Tony strikes him & he falls on the floor)) "Why should we all die for her?"

MAYA: "He's right, Commander."

TONY: "No, Commander."

STEWART (draws laser): "Do it, Commander. Give her to the Dorcons."

KOENIG: "Put that laser down, Stewart."

STEWART: "Let them have her, Commander."

An explosion nearby distracts him & Koenig grabs his arm. Tony takes his other arm & Helena his laser.

HELENA: "I've got it."

MAYA: "Helena. Kill me."

HELENA: "....I can't Maya."

TONY: "Maya!"

MAYA: "If I'm dead they'll leave. Use the laser, Helena, please."

KOENIG (holding Stewart as stretches his arm to her): "Helena!"

MAYA: "Do you want to see me end up like a living husk? Do you? I would be if they take me alive!" ((quietens)) "Kill me. Please."

KOENIG: "Helena!" ((takes laser from her)) "Alibe. Contact them."

ALIBE: "Yes, sir."

-Big Screen (SFX): Varda.

KOENIG (VO): "Varda!"

-Command Centre

KOENIG: "Call off the attack."

More roof falls on them.

-Big Screen (SFX):

VARDA: "You know our terms, Commander."

-Command Centre. Koenig goes to Maya with the laser.

KOENIG: "There she is, Varda. The last living Psychon. Now call off the attack or she dies!"

90.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

KOENIG (VO): "And you lose!"

Beat.

VARDA: "Cease bombardment."

They wave hands over panels.

92.EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Pan over smoking buildings.

93.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

KOENIG (tired): "Okay. We've stalled them for now."

97.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

VARDA: "Activate the meson convertor." ((operative goes to wave hands in front of a hemisphere)) "Pinpoint the area where they hold the Psychon."

OPERATIVE: "Located."

VARDA: "Lock in the convertor."

OPERATIVE: "Locked."

VARDA: "Alert Group One for immediate action."

94.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Dark. Alan enters.

TONY: "Eight perimeter stations gone."

ALAN: "One ship, one pilot lost. Thompson, Eagle Four."

HELENA: "That's two dead, eleven injured, two missing."

MAYA: "People injured...killed.. It's all my fault."

TONY: "No, Maya. The Dorcons are to blame. Not you."

MAYA: "They won't go away. It's a waste. They won't go away."

KOENIG: "I know." ((a bleep is heard))

TONY: "John."

100.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Dorcon ship fires blue beam.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Blue beam hits buildings.

101.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Blue bleaches out frame.

HELENA (VO): "Maya. Transform."

Sound of transformation. As scene returns, she is an Alphan woman at her desk. A broad column of light forms in front of Command Centre & in it appear 3 soldiers & Varda. The red jacketed Alphan fires at a soldier.

KOENIG: "No!"

The yellow beam has no effect. The Dorcon fires his gun, causing a dazzling light. The Alphan raises his arms, turns & slumps over a desk.

FADE OUT

Act Three
101.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

VARDA: "Commander, tell your people that you have capitulated. And that we are not here to harm them." ((pause)) "Please."

Beat. Koenig goes to his desk.

KOENIG: "This is Commander John Koenig."

102.INT. WEAPONS SECTION

2 guards clearing up.

KOENIG (on screen): "Alpha has been invaded by superior military force. We have no choice but surrender."

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

KOENIG: "You will be safe, provided you stay at your posts."

103.INT. ALPHA

A service man & another lift a guard onto a stretcher.

KOENIG (VO): "And remain calm."

105.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

KOENIG: "Await further instructions." ((cuts link))

VARDA: "Thank you. The Psychon, where is she?" ((no response)) "We have the means to find her. Painful means. So please. If you wish to spare her...?"

KOENIG (explodes with anger): "Spare us your concern, Consul!"

VARDA: "As you wish."

She touches her arm. A green spotlight passes over Alan, Tony, Koenig, Stewart, Helena & Maya/Alphan. It returns to Maya/Alphan & intensifies. Alan & Tony move but a soldier gestures at them.

HELENA: "Stop it! You've found her, just stop the beam!"

Tony takes a laser but a soldier stuns him. Alan throws a punch, but is blocked by a high forearm. He then hits the soldier in the stomach, with no effect. The soldier grips Alan's shoulder & in pain he drops. Maya screams & transforms back. The spotlight ends. Varda holds out a hand to help her up. Instead Maya reaches for a laser, but Varda kicks it away, then gestures to the 2 guards to pick her up.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The Dorcon ship fires a beam.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

The beam hits the buildings.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

The column of light forms.

VARDA: "I'm sorry it had to happen this way. But I did warn you."

KOENIG: "You have what you want."

VARDA: "Yes, Commander. And your people have suffered enough."

The 2 guards & Maya enter the column: abruptly they disappear. Varda & the third guard go to it.

VARDA: "We shall leave you in peace."

KOENIG: "Varda."

VARDA: "Goodbye, Commander." ((she disappears))

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Beam projecting to building.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Beam projecting from ship.

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

Varda & guard leave beam.

VARDA: "Switch off the transporter beam." ((operative moves to wave hands over hemispheres))

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Koenig runs into beam & disappears.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Beam leaves building.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Beam retreats to ship.

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

Koenig appears.

VARDA: "Koenig!"

A soldier stuns Koenig: he puts his arms up & slumps over a console.

MAYA: "Commander!"

VARDA: "The Psychon!" ((she tries to change into a dove, but Varda touches her wrist)) "You cannot escape, Psychon."

ARCHON: "Consul Varda." ((walks up to her & Maya)) "The Psychon?"

VARDA: "Yes, Archon."

ARCHON: "Speak, child. What are you called?"

MAYA: "Maya, daughter of Mentor."

ARCHON: "Well Maya, daughter of Mentor, your struggles are over" ((to guards)) "Prepare her for transfer surgery." ((she is taken off. Archon sees Koenig))

VARDA: "The alien commander."

ARCHON: "Kill him."

VARDA: "I gave my word he would live."

ARCHON: "Then send him back. Now. Immediately. I would be rid of these creatures."

VARDA: "I shall Archon. The moment the convertor coils are recharged."

ARCHON: "Ah yes. Oh, and Consul Varda. Congratulations." ((leaves))

VARDA (to soldiers): "Secure him."

A guard puts Koenig in an alcove. Varda touches her wrist & a transparent forcefield forms.

108.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

2 guards lay Maya on the bed. A girl operates controls & a purple light paralyses Maya.

109.INT. CORRIDOR

Malic emerges from the shadows as Varda passes.

MALIC: "So you got the Psychon."

VARDA: "Yes, Malic." ((moves to walk on))

MALIC: "Wait. You will carry out the brain stem transfer?"

VARDA: "No, no, Malic, we went to all that trouble for no reason."

MALIC: "He is an old man, Varda, let him die."

VARDA: "So that you may become the Archon in his place."

MALIC: "I am his heir. It is my right."

VARDA: "He gives us peace and stability. What do you offer? Malic?"

MALIC: "To you, Varda, whatever you ask. If you let him die."

VARDA: "And bring war and misery and disaster upon our people. No, Malic. The Archon may not be perfect, but unlike you he does have the interests of our people as his chief concern."

MALIC: "You will regret this, Consul." ((leaves))

VARDA (goes to screen; guard appears on it): "Excellency Malic is to be denied access to the Archon until further notice."

SOLDIER (on screen): "Yes, Consul."

Varda walks on.

110.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

Varda enters & goes to Maya.

VARDA: "A brief moment of pain and it will be over." ((to girl)) "Are you sure she can't transform?"

MEDICAL OFFICER: "Not while the beam is active."

VARDA: "Inform me the moment you are ready for transfer."

MEDICAL OFFICER: "Yes, Consul."

Varda leaves. From the ceiling a probe descends & a bright light focuses on Maya. She closes her eyes.

112.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

Koenig stirs in alcove.

SOLDIER: "Consul."

VARDA: "Release him."

Varda touches her forearm & the forcefield goes. The soldier pulls Koenig to his feet. Koenig notices his laser is gone.

KOENIG: "Where is she?"

VARDA: "Forget the Psychon, Commander."

KOENIG: "What have you done to her?"

VARDA: "Surgical transfer requires preparation."

KOENIG: "Then she's still alive?"

VARDA: "Yes. If it's any comfort she won't suffer."

KOENIG: "No. She'd have to have a mind for that. And she won't have one, not when you've finished with her, right?"

VARDA: "I understand your bitterness, Commander."

KOENIG: "Sure you do!"

VARDA: "Koenig, the security of an empire is at stake. An empire that controls thousands of inhabited worlds. What is the life of one Psychon compared with that?"

KOENIG: "What are you doing, justifying your actions to me or to yourself?"

OPERATIVE: "Meson beam ready to transport, Consul."

VARDA: "Stand by. It's time to go back to your own people, Commander."

113.INT. CORRIDOR

Malic walks to a door. A soldier stands in his way.

SOLDIER: "I'm sorry, Excellency."

MALIC: "You refuse me entry to the Archon?"

SOLDIER: "Consul Varda's orders, Excellency." ((he storms off))

114.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

KOENIG (admiring a column): "Meson convertor. A machine that transmits matter. I'm impressed, Consul."

OPERATIVE: "Antimatter coils recharged. Sixty seconds to full transporter power."

KOENIG: "Antimatter?"

VARDA: "The source of it's energy, Commander. Nature's own demon caged. Unleashed it could tear space itself apart."

Screen: Medical Officer.

MEDICAL OFFICER: "We're ready for transfer surgery, Consul."

-VARDA: "Excellent." ((to soldier)) "As soon as the beam is functional send him back." ((goes to door)) "If he resists, kill him. Goodbye, Commander." ((leaves))

OPERATIVE: "Ready to transport."

The guard gestures Koenig to the beam. Koenig walks to a console, leans on it & kicks back into the guard's face. The operative runs up but Koenig pushes him in a roll over the console. Koenig runs to the door, but Malic appears through it.

SOLDIER: "Kill him, Excellency."

MALIC: "I am Malic, Commander. It seems you must die. And we have yet to become acquainted. Sad. Isn't it?" ((aims, but suddenly shifts to shoot the operative, then the guard. The aim returns to Koenig)) "You're free, alien. You want the Psychon, don't you?"

KOENIG: "You're being too kind. Malic. Why?"

MALIC: "And you know what they'll do to her there. Go. Before it's too late. Go! Before I change my mind." ((aims at him; Koenig cautiously passes))

119.INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig walks into the corridor, looks either way, then heads off. Malic emerges & puts his gun away. He touches his sleeve & a guard runs up.

MALIC: "The alien has killed the guards and escaped. Alert the ship."

Koenig walks up. He hears a door open & runs on.

120.INT. DORCON STATEROOM

Archon dozes in his throne. Varda approaches.

VARDA (softly): "Archon." ((touches his hand)) "It is time."

ARCHON: "Varda. I dream an old man's dream of death, and find you here to arrange my immortality."

He rises & she helps him down.

SOLDIER (appearing on screen): "Archon. The alien commander has escaped."

VARDA: "With your permission I shall deal with this, Archon."

ARCHON: "No, I want you here. Have your men find him."

VARDA: "The alien is to be killed on sight, is that clear?"

SOLDIER (on screen): "Yes, Consul."

INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig looks round & hears footsteps.

3 guards run along & one breaks off from the others.

Koenig runs off. Two guards appear along the corridor after he has gone.

Koenig turns a corner.

FADE OUT

Act Four
111.EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Close on ship.

122.INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig runs along. He backs into an alcove as 2 guards pass an intersection.

121.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

ARCHON (approaches Maya): "To reduce such a beautiful creature to a living husk. Not a pleasant thought, is it, Consul?"

VARDA: "We have no choice, Archon. You must go on living. The continuing security of our people demands it."

ARCHON: "True. In a sense we're both victims. The Psychon condemned to living death. And I.. to life eternal. Well, let us proceed." ((sits on adjacent bed))

INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig runs on. A guard sees him & fires. Koenig ducks in an alcove, but then runs out to find himself in the guard's aim. The guard falls. Malic emerges.

MALIC: "Whatever would you do without me, alien?"

KOENIG: "Which way's the trap door, Malic?"

MALIC: "Ah. You do not trust me."

KOENIG: "Of course I do." ((walks to him; Malic fires at his feet))

MALIC: "I do like an honest answer." ((hears door opening)) "You'd better go. The Surgical Area is at the end of the corridor." ((Koenig goes to corridor, but starts in other direction)) "They'll be removing her brain stem about now." ((Koenig heads up the corridor; Malic walks to a screen)) "The alien has gone berserk, Consul."

INT. OPERATIONS AREA

MALIC (on screen): "He is armed and dangerous."

VARDA: "My men have orders to kill him."

MALIC: "They have failed. He is looking for you."

ARCHON (lying on bed): "Find him, Consul Varda. Keep him from this area. My Medical Officer will do what is ready here." ((Varda leaves)) "I am ready."

INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig goes to a door; he touches it & it opens. He looks in, then moves off.

Varda & 2 guards walk along. She touches her forearm.

SOLDIER (VO): "We've searched the forward sector. There's no sign of him."

VARDA: "Regroup at sector D and continue the search."

SOLDIER (VO): "Yes."

They continue on.

(sc 124) A guard comes out of a door as Koenig emerges round a corner beyond. The guard turns, sees him, & goes for his gun. Koenig jumps on him. The guard gets up, but Koenig kicks him back at the wall, & as he comes again is kicked down & does not rise. Koenig runs off.

(sc 126) Koenig stops & looks back, realising he cannot go forward or back. He looks up & sees a grille. He pushes it.

Varda & 2 guards find the guard Koenig has just fought by an open door. They enter the door.

(sc 128) Koenig pushes at the frame until it is free, then pulls himself in.

(sc 127) Varda & the guards come out the door & walk on.

(sc 129) Koenig replaces the grille.

Varda & the guards enter the corridor.

Koenig watches in duct.

POV through grille as Varda & guards pause below, then carry on.

Koenig sits up & tears his jacket for a binding for his hands.

132.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

The girl stands between the couches & starts sound effects. Malic enters.

MALIC: "Has the transfer taken place?"

MEDICAL OFFICER: "In a few moments it will be complete, Excellency."

MALIC: "Thank you."

He shoots her & walks to the console, waving his hand over it to cut the sound effects.

133.INT. VENTILATION DUCT

Koenig walks bent over along.

INT. DORCON STATEROOM

POV through grille at stateroom throne.

INT. VENTILATION DUCT

Koenig moves on to another grille.

134.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

ARCHON (looking up): "Malic?"

MALIC: "It is I, uncle."

ARCHON: "It is over?"

MALIC: "All over, Uncle. For you."

135.INT. VENTILATION DUCT

Koenig crawls along & looks through another grille.

136.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

POV through grille.

MALIC: "But for me...the beginning."

136.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

A light starts to be beamed on Archon.

ARCHON: "What are you doing? Where's Consul Varda?"

MALIC: "I'm afraid I had to arrange her absence."

ARCHON: "Stop it, Malic...Stop it.."

MALIC: "It's your own fault, Uncle. You wouldn't trust me, would you? Tried to cheat me out of what was mine by right."

ARCHON: "Stop, I beg you, stop..! Malic, release me... "

MALIC: "Too late, Uncle. Too bad you'll never know what a good Archon I'll make."

139.INT. VENTILATION DUCT

Koenig pushes at grille.

MALIC (o/s): "Course, I shall keep the Psychon for myself. Well, immortality is wasted on the old. Isn't it?"

140.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

ARCHON: "Malic.."

MALIC: "Sleep, Uncle. Sleep."

ARCHON (very weak croak): "Malic." ((becomes still. Beam ends))

MALIC: "Sleep."

Malic goes to the other console & waves his hand; the purple beam ends on Maya. Koenig jumps down & Malic fires at him. Koenig rolls into a trolley & pushes it at Malic. Malic aims his gun. Maya stirs. Malic walks up to Koenig, aiming his gun, then kicks him in the face. Maya transforms into a lizard animal & jumps on Malic. They struggle, then he falls & she reverts to herself.

KOENIG: "Maya. Alright?"

MAYA: "Yeah."

KOENIG: "You think you can make it to the transporter beam?"

MAYA: "Yeah, I'm fine."

KOENIG: "Let's go." ((they run out))

Malic rises & goes to the screen.

MALIC: "Dorcons. Attention. Attention!"

141.INT. CORRIDOR

Varda & the 2 soldiers listen.

MALIC (VO): "The Archon is dead. Killed, murdered, "

Koenig & Maya hear. (sc 142)

MALIC (VO): " by the alien. As heir to the throne I, Malic, now assume command."

KOENIG: "Not so crazy after all."

MALIC (VO): "Dorcon soldiers. As Archon, I order you to find this alien "

Varda & 2 soldiers. (sc 143)

MALIC (VO): " murderer and kill him on sight. But the Psychon must be taken alive."

Varda leads them on.

144.INT. TRANSFER ROOM

Malic goes to Archon & waves his hand across his chest.

MALIC: "Those about to live salute you." ((takes the necklace)) "Archon... Archon.."

145.INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig & Maya walk on cautiously.

2 guards pass Malic, saluting as they pass. (sc 146)

147.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

Koenig & Maya enter to find Varda & the guards waiting for them.

VARDA: "Don't! Take his weapon." ((guards go to Koenig)) "Do you know what you have done?"

KOENIG: "Yes! Prevented a crime.."

VARDA: "You are a destructive man, Koenig. You must die. And so shall she, and every living thing on your base for the crime that you've committed."

KOENIG: "You said you would spare my base."

MAYA: "The word of a Dorcon, Commander."

VARDA: "You killed the Archon."

KOENIG: "No, I did not!"

MALIC (entering): "Consul. You may kill him. But the Psychon lives. My late Uncle had a most excellent plan for her."

KOENIG: "Varda. Malic killed him."

MALIC: "Finish him! I command it."

KOENIG: "I saw him do it. He used me to decoy you away from the Archon."

VARDA (shaken): "Malic?"

MALIC: "Soldiers, arrest Consul Varda!" ((guards move to her))

KOENIG: "No! He killed your leader!" ((they stop))

VARDA: "Of course."

MALIC: "Disarm her!"

VARDA: "Murdering imbecile. You're unfit to live!"

Varda takes a gun from a guard but Malic shoots her. Her gun fires into a hemisphere.

MALIC: "The shield!"

KOENIG: "The antimatter shields are going, let's go."

The guards run out. Koenig & Maya run into the beam & disappear.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The beam fires from the ship.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Beam hits base.

148.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Koenig & Maya appear. They all embrace.

KOENIG: "Helena."

TONY: "Maya. Are you alright?"

They look up.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The ship is wavering.

150.INT. OPERATIONS AREA

Various spot explosions.

MALIC: "Obey! Obey! I am the Archon! I am the Archon!"

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Dorcon ship, with space brain shape superimposed over.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

They watch.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Ship & space brain shape. It explodes.

INT. COMMAND CENTRE

Koenig & Helena.

FADE OUT

Epilogue
152.INT. COMMAND CENTRE

KOENIG: "She was quite a woman, after all."

HELENA: "Oh. Who was quite a woman, after all?"

KOENIG: "Consul Varda. What kind of state are we in, Tony?"

TONY: "Damage repairs are well in hand, John."

ALAN (brings coffee up to Koenig): "Compliments of computer. Two genuine, one hundred per cent imitation coffees." ((gives second to Maya; they laugh))

MAYA: "Thanks, Alan." ((Koenig also takes coffee))

TONY: "You know, Maya. I was just wondering something."

MAYA: "What?"

TONY: "Is there anything else in your Psychon past that we ought to know about?"

MAYA: "That's a highly improper question to ask any lady, Tony."

TONY: "Oh, I beg your pardon."

HELENA: "You'd better let us take care of your hands."

KOENIG: "My place or yours?"

HELENA: "How about Medical Centre?"

KOENIG: "Whatever you say, doctor."

FREEZE FRAME