Alpha Child/Transcript

Hook
2. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

3. INT. MAIN MISSION

Koenig paces in his office, with Paul standing tensely by. In Main Mission, Sandra offers Tanya a cup of coffee; she declines. Klaxons suddenly activate.

KOENIG (as he & Paul bound into Main Mission): "That's it. Alan. Cut the alarm."

Alan cuts the klaxons. (sc 7)

ALAN: "A day to remember."

-Big Screen (SFX): Helena wears a clear plastic surgical smock. She holds up a new born baby.

HELENA (on screen): "It's a boy." ((-staff give big smiles)) "Mother and son " ((-screen)) " doing just fine. Seven pounds, eleven ounces. Dark hair, blue eyes. He's beautiful." ((she holds him up- the camera closes on the baby))

-Main Mission:

PAUL: "We made it!"

SANDRA: "I like that!"

PAUL: "It's a boy! I knew it!"

KOENIG: "You knew what?"

PAUL: "It'd be a boy!"

KOENIG: "You bet it'd be a girl."

PAUL: "Never!"

KOENIG: "Yes, you did! You did!" ((Sandra stands a little away)) "Sandra- what's the matter?"

SANDRA: "I'm...I'm happy." ((she walks off))

Koenig flaps his arms.

10. INT. MEDICAL

MATHIAS: "Are there any complications?"

HELENA: "None what so ever. But I do think someone should watch him at all times." ((The baby is put in an incubator by a nurse)) "Now you get some rest. I'll do the first stint. I'm not tired. I just don't want to leave him anyway. Sue. He's perfect. Just get some sleep and you'll see him again later."

SUE: "Thank you, Doctor Russell."

Helena leaves, passing the baby.

11. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

A green speck grows in space.

12. INT. MEDICAL

Helena sits smiling at her desk. Suddenly the monitors bleep furiously. Sue screams. Helena looks round from her desk. In the incubator is a large five year old boy, his hand pushing against the glass.

FADE OUT

Act One
EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The green dot grows.

16. INT. MEDICAL

Helena tends Sue.

SUE: "My baby. What happened to my baby?"

HELENA: "Take it easy."

SUE: "My baby."

HELENA (going to Koenig, who is walking up): "We had to sedate her. She's in shock."

Koenig looks at Sue, then to the sleeping boy in the next bed. The boy opens his eyes. Koenig goes to sit by him.

KOENIG: "Well. Well, well. Hello, young man."

Koenig opens his hand to the boy: the boy puts his hand in Koenig's. Koenig smiles, but the boy does not. Koenig & Helena walk away.

KOENIG: "He's got to be five years old."

HELENA: "Uh huh. I don't know. This whole thing is totally beyond normal medical experience. How can cell growth accelerate to this extent in a matter of seconds? Cells just don't grow without nourishment. It's impossible." ((she walks forward)) "Heaven knows I looked forward to this, first child born here."

KOENIG: "Helena. We knew there could be a problem."

HELENA: "Yes. Psychological problems. Medical problems. Things we could deal with. But this? What kind of life is this child going to have anyway, here in this artificial atmosphere on Alpha. He doesn't even have a father to help him cope."

KOENIG (clicks fingers): "Wait a minute. That could have something to do with it." ((leaves, taking comlock))

16A. INT. GENERATING AREA

TECHNICIAN: "But Jack Crawford died seven months ago, Commander."

KOENIG: "I know. And he spent all of his working hours in here."

TECHNICIAN: "But this place was torn apart when he died. There was no radiation leakage. Is there something wrong with the baby?"

KOENIG: "Yes. And I'm going to find out why."

HELENA (appearing on comms post): "Commander. Preliminary medical tests show that he's a perfectly normal five year old child."

TECHNICIAN: "Five?"

16B. INT. MAIN MISSION

ALAN: "Maybe we had no right to expect it to be normal."

SANDRA: "You mean we can never expect to have normal children?"

ALAN: "It's this crazy life we lead. Nobody really knows how it's affecting us physically..not long term."

PAUL: "Come on. Life here's not that abnormal. We eat, sleep, drink, even breathe air of a kind. Possibly there's something specific about this particular case."

SANDRA: "Like Jack Crawford's death?"

KANO (rotating desk): "They've already called computer for data on the Generating Area. It looks as though the Commander's re opened the enquiry into Jack's death."

ALAN: "Yeah. Well, he'll have to do something."

17. INT. MEDICAL

The child is sat in a medical chair.

MATHIAS: "His brain activity looks no more, no less than you'd expect of a five year old."

HELENA: "And his..motor..activity is equal level." ((she lets him take her hyperdermic needle))

MATHIAS: "But he's not communicating."

HELENA: "No, but how could he? He's had no opportunity to learn to speak. Yet he's so alert, so responsive." ((she takes a tray behind him & gives it to Bob)) "There's one thing we haven't tried yet."

Behind the seat Bob clashes two trays together twice: the child does not react.

18. INT. GENERATING AREA

Helena & Koenig stand in the observation room. He closes the door.

KOENIG: "He's a deaf mute."

HELENA: "Our first concern is how we're going to look after him."

KOENIG: "Yeah."

HELENA: "Look, I'll give Sue all the help she needs. I think we've got to give him the best chance we can."

KOENIG: "So we try to give him as normal a life as possible."

HELENA: "Maybe we'll find out why it happened this way. Maybe we'll never know. John."

KOENIG: "Yeah."

HELENA: "He's a lovely child."

She leaves.

19. INT. MAIN MISSION

SANDRA: "What does the computer have to say about Jack Crawford?"

KANO: "No new facts, no new answers. It seems-"

Helena leads in Jackie, now wearing a commander's uniform. Alan crouches by him.

ALAN: "And what's your name?"

HELENA: "We've called him Jackie."

ALAN: "Oh. Jackie, huh? How do you like to come flying with me? We'll take an Eagle and we'll soar into space." ((mimes flight with hands))

HELENA: "He can't hear, Alan. He's deaf."

Alan looks at her, then Jackie.

ALAN: "Well, we just have to show him then, won't we? Come on. Away we go!"

Alan lifts up Jackie and spins him round, spinning round the room, before putting him down again.

PAUL: "Ready for landing, Eagle One?" ((Jackie has a wide smile)) "Well done. Enjoy your flight, Commander? Splendid uniform you've got. He's cute, isn't he?" ((shows his comlock)) "Have a look at this." ((Paul presses a button to show Koenig's face)) "Commander Koenig. We've a visitor."

He presses a button to open the doors to the office; Jackie stares open mouthed as he sees Koenig standing there. Koenig walks down

KOENIG: "Well, what's going on out here?"

PAUL (laughing): "Our new Commander, I think!" ((they laugh))

KOENIG (bends down): "Hello, Jackie." ((Jackie does not smile)) "Hello." ((Jackie smiles)) "Kano, let's show Jackie something pretty. Come on, Jackie. Here we go. Ups a daisy. Wee!"

Koenig & Helena swing Jackie up the steps by his arms. They sit him at the Command Desk. (sc 20)

KOENIG: "Alright. You want to see a pretty picture, Jackie, huh? Watch." ((activates screen: graphic appears)) "See that? Here's another one. You want to try it? Here, press this one."

Koenig takes his finger and presses a button. Jackie presses more buttons, then his face becomes absorbed & serious. His finger trails over the other buttons and switches. Koenig watches him closely: Jackie looks up at him & clutches Helena's arm in fear of him.

HELENA: "It's just too much excitement. I just think he's tired, John."

She takes him away. Koenig remains thoughtful.

21. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The green light in space.

23. INT. BERGMAN'S QUARTERS (LQ12)

Victor is showing Jackie a picture in a botanical text.

VICTOR: "There, now. Just look at that. Isn't that a lovely thing? Now then. Do you know what that's called? That's called a flower. Do you think you can say that? Flow-er. What is it? Flower." ((Jackie mouths the words)) "Very good. Top of the class. Now let's see if we can find another one. Something that's even more beautiful than that. Then we will get you to draw something." ((Jackie's eyes wander over the scientific instruments around)) "Oh, that's marvellous, drawing. You just get a pencil and make a few marks on a piece of paper and then suddenly there you are! You've got the most lovely flower that you've made all by yourself."

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Green light.

24. INT. GENERATING AREA

Helena shows Jackie off to the female technician.

TECHNICIAN: "Well, who's his father's son then?" ((she lifts him up)) "My, you're doing well, aren't you? His weight feels good."

HELENA: "Thirty eight pounds. He's making normal progress now."

TECHNICIAN: "Finding out all about us? Your father knew everything there was to know about this power house. You going to follow in his footsteps? He looks bright enough."

HELENA: "I just keep trying to invent tests to find out how intelligent he really is."

Jackie watches the computer panels and a technician working on them.

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Green light.

25. INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

Jackie is strapped into the copilot's seat as Alan mimes flying it.

ALAN: "Now, lift off, shhh..."

As Alan makes aeroplane noises, Jackie watches the panels.

26. INT. MEDICAL

Koenig and Helena watch Sue, sleeping in bed.

HELENA: "She refuses to recover from her state of shock. She's totally rejected the child." ((they walk away from her))

KOENIG: "Well, I suppose it's an understandable reaction."

HELENA: "Everyone else on Alpha has welcomed him with open arms. She won't even see him. I have a feeling that if she could see what a comparatively normal life he's leading."

KOENIG: "It's the manner of his growth that's so disturbing, Helena. I must admit, I can't accept him either."

27. INT. BERGMAN'S QUARTERS (LQ12)

Victor works at a nearby table as Jackie finishes a drawing & takes it to him.

VICTOR: "Hello. You done it already. Oh, that's -very..g..." ((astounded by accuracy of drawing)) "Would you like to draw some more, yes? Alright, off you go." ((admires drawing)) "It's extraordinary."

Victor pins the drawing up on a board. Koenig's face appears on Victor's comlock, in a stand on the desk by Jackie. He aims the comlock at the door & opens it for Koenig. He enters, laughing, & Jackie closes the door.

KOENIG: "Ha-ha-ha. Well, he's certainly making good progress."

VICTOR: "Ah, yes. He's bright enough alright. And, as far as I can tell, a perfectly normal kid."

KOENIG: "Is he, Victor? I think all our enquiring minds have been just a little charmed with young Jackie."

VICTOR: "You mean he's still under observation?"

KOENIG: "He's got to be. Jackie. Can I see your drawing?"

Jackie covers his drawing with his arms.

VICTOR: "He senses you're not as willing to be charmed as the rest of us are."

Koenig's comlock buzzes.

PAUL (VO): "Commander?"

KOENIG: "Yes, Paul?"

PAUL (VO): "Will you come to Main Mission, please?"

KOENIG: "Be right there."

Koenig & Victor leave. Jackie uncovers his drawing, showing a spaceship.

28. INT. MAIN MISSION

Koenig & Victor enter. Big Screen shows plan.

PAUL: "Scanners picked up something heading straight for us."

ALAN: "It's moving fast, Commander."

KOENIG: "Kano?"

KANO: "Nothing yet from the computer, sir."

KOENIG: "Let's see it on the screen."

Big Screen (SFX)/ Main Mission: picture changes from plan to the green light in space.

-KOENIG: "Red alert."

-Big Screen (SFX): the green glow fills the screen: a craft appears in the centre. The glow goes.

ALAN: "Where did that come from?"

PAUL: "It's heading for the North Quadrant."

TANYA: "Confirmed."

-Main Mission: Sandra stands by Tanya

29. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The alien ship.

27. INT. BERGMAN'S QUARTERS (LQ12)

Jackie screws his drawing up into a ball.

31. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

The alien ship moves over the base.

32. INT. MAIN MISSION

The Alphans look out the viewports as behind Jackie watches them.

33. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Alien ship stops over base.

34. INT. MAIN MISSION

Jackie turns to camera, his face harsh.

FADE OUT

Act Two
35. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Alien ship over base.

36. INT. MAIN MISSION

KOENIG: "Alright, Alan. You know what you've got to do."

ALAN: "And if I'm attacked?"

KOENIG: "Don't wait for me to give the order. Good luck, Alan."

Alan walks out.

36. INT. CORRIDOR

Outside Main Mission, Alan finds Jackie leaning against the wall.

ALAN (gestures): "Hey, I'll see you later, huh? Hey! What's up? I'll be back!" ((he leaves))

37. EXT. LAUNCH PAD (SFX)

Eagle launches.

INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

Alan and Johnson in spacesuits.

38. INT. MAIN MISSION

KOENIG: "Paul, keep sending on all frequencies. Open all channels for any response from them. Anything."

39. INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

KOENIG (VO): "Alan. Any sign of activity?"

ALAN: "Nothing, Commander. Except the green light."

-Eagle viewport (SFX): spaceship. (sc 40)

ALAN: "No movement. Just hanging there."

-Alan.

KOENIG: "Well, you hang in there with them. And report the first sign of life."

ALAN: "Right. Moving in a little closer."

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Eagle flies to spaceship.

42. INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

ALAN: "I'll let you know if they fire." ((looks at Johnson))

43. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Eagle by spaceship.

44. INT. MAIN MISSION

KANO: "It's made of some kind of alloy. Composition unknown. It's a hundred metres in diameter, forty meters high. Yet it has very low density."

KOENIG: "There's room for an army inside."

KANO: "The Computer finds some form of life indicated, but not human. Without previous experience Computer can not identify it."

PAUL: "They could blast us at any moment without warning, if they wanted to."

KOENIG: "Paul, maybe like us they're waiting for the other side to make the first move."

PAUL: "Which ever way you look at it, their behaviour is suspicious."

SANDRA: "If they are friendly, why don't they say so."

PAUL: "Alan's very close, Commander. I think we should make the first move."

ALAN (on screen): "I have 'em lined up, Commander. The laser charge is at maximum rate."

PAUL: "Better be safe than sorry."

Koenig pauses, & sees Jackie standing by Paul. He pauses, then turns.

KOENIG: "Alan, return to base."

The staff give startled reactions.

(sc 45) Koenig now sits at his desk by Paul. Alan walks up to lean on the desk.

ALAN: "Why?"

KOENIG: "Alan. They could have assumed you were the aggressor. They could have blasted you right out of that sky...but they didn't."

PAUL: "Maybe they've got just what they want by keeping quiet. But Commander, we're wide open."

KOENIG: "Alright. Let's put ourselves in their shoes. When we go on a reconnaissance flight to another planet is it our intention to attack? No. We try to communicate as best we can. Well, let's assume that the people in that ship are friendly, peaceful people trying to make contact with us. But for some reason we're unable to talk, hear or understand each other."

ALAN: "I just don't get that feeling."

PAUL: "No I."

KOENIG: "Ignorance is no reason to start shooting. After all, we're..we're all afraid of the unknown. Let's take Jackie Crawford, for example. Now I know you've all accepted him, but I have some questions. You see I don't know why he is like he is. I can't explain it, nor do I understand it. But I'm not about to shoot him."

46. INT. MEDICAL

Sue sits up and screams.

SUE: "Aggh! Take him away! Take him away! He's killing me!"

Helena & Bob take Sue's arms & Helena injects her. A nurse takes Jackie's shoulders & leads him off. At the door Jackie turns & looks back with a faint smile. Helena sees it as she injects Sue.

47. INT. COMMAND OFFICE

HELENA: "I saw him smile. It sent a ..shiver up my spine. So knowing. Almost as if he was mocking his mother to death."

KOENIG (at his desk): "Where is he now?"

HELENA: "With his nurse, somewhere."

KOENIG: "Somewhere?" ((operates desk; sc 48-49)) "Paul? Find Jackie Crawford and don't let him out of your sight. Helena, we've all bent over backwards trying to accept Jackie as normal. But he isn't. Oh, he's bright alright. Too bright. There's something else. Just a feeling I have, something I can't explain. But I trust it. I think he's fooled all of us."

PAUL (appearing on screen): "Commander. Three more spaceships approaching Alpha."

KOENIG: "I think there's a connection. It's just a hunch. Helena. Find Jackie Crawford."

50. INT. MAIN MISSION

Koenig enters.

SANDRA: "Confirmation on spaceships, Commander."

KOENIG: "Let's see them, Paul."

-Big Screen (SFX): three more identical ships.

-Main Mission: Jackie watches in a corner by Computer. Koenig thinks & leans by Alan.

KOENIG: "Alan, I want you to lead three Eagles and intercept those ships before they reach Alpha."

ALAN: "Do I shoot?"

KOENIG: "No. Just let them know we're ready for them."

ALAN: "Right." ((he walks off))

PAUL: "They've knocked out all our cameras, Commander."

-Big Screen (SFX): static.

ALAN: "It's an attack."

-Main Mission:

KOENIG: "Alan, stop them."

ALAN: "Right." ((Jackie stares at the back of his neck; he freezes still))

KOENIG: "Red Alert." ((he is returning to his desk as he notices Jackie. He then looks to see Alan stood frozen, watching the screen)) "Alan? Carter!" ((Alan jumps)) "Get moving."

Alan leaves. Koenig advances to Jackie, as the child backs into the corner. Jackie covers his eyes with his hands, palms out, & turns before slowly dropping to the floor.

Helena supervises two medics putting Jackie on a stretcher & wheeling him away. Koenig looks at Helena.

PAUL: "Cameras operating again, sir."

54. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The 3 Eagles.

55. INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

Alan & his copilot.

ALAN: "Eagle leader to Alpha. Alien spaceships dead ahead."

53. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Alien ships, from front.

57. INT. MAIN MISSION

KOENIG: "Alan, fire at will."

58. INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

ALAN: "Now you're talking. Eagle leader to group. Select on board ranging, but with manual over ride."

COPILOT: "Manual over ride? They're moving very fast!"

ALAN: "I said manual over ride!"

59. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The Eagles fire yellow beams, top, then lower, then middle.

(sc 60) Beams shoot in between the alien ships.

61. INT. MAIN MISSION

KOENIG: "Alan, switch to main computer. Check. And fire again."

62. INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

ALAN: "Manual check, and fire!"

-Eagle viewport (SFX): the three ships. (sc 63)

ALAN (VO): "And fire." ((beam bounces off one ship)) "We can't get a hit!"

66. INT. MAIN MISSION

KOENIG: "Carter, turn around and hit 'em from behind!"

67. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The top Eagle veers off, then the lower, then the middle one.

INT. MAIN MISSION

68. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Alien ships.

Eagles flying in same direction.

The 3 alien ships fire green rays.

The lower Eagle is hit, glows green, then starts falling; the central, then top one are also hit.

69. INT. EAGLE PILOT SECTION

Alan & copilot unconscious as glow fades.

70. EXT. MOON SURFACE (SFX)

Eagle gently hits the ground & the glow fades.

71. INT. MAIN MISSION

Koenig covers his face.

FADE OUT

Act Three
74. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Four ships over base.

75. INT. MEDICAL

Helena watches Jackie in bed through an observation window. She glances at a monitor, showing great activity, before walking back as Koenig enters. They go back to the viewports.

HELENA: "Cell growth has accelerated far beyond the capacity of our instruments to measure."

KOENIG: "Still increasing?"

HELENA: "Yes."

KOENIG: "What can we expect this time? Helena. I think my hunch was right. It's got to be more than a coincidence. The arrival of the spaceships and now this."

HELENA: "You think Jackie.."

KOENIG: "Look, we've got to stop calling that Jackie, but rather some..some alien power amongst us which, sooner or later, we may have to destroy."

HELENA (she walks away): "John, it's a human being."

KOENIG: "Is it? It had a human form, that's all. We're wide open, Helena. We're past wait and you'll see what'll happen."

HELENA: "Then the reasons for your first decision still hold. We don't know any more. We're just more frightened, more desperate."

KOENIG: "Helena, whatever that's becoming threatens our existence here on Alpha."

HELENA: "But in that case the reasons for not destroying him are even stronger." (sc 77)

KOENIG: "What do you mean?"

HELENA: "You say we're wide open. If he is their instrument, how do you think they'll respond if we kill them?"

78. INT. COMMAND OFFICE

Koenig paces as around the conference table are sat Alan, David & Paul.

KOENIG: "I agree with Doctor Russell. At the moment our hands are tied."

ALAN: "With those things almost within spitting distance we're not even going to get an Eagle up off the pad."

KOENIG: "We couldn't be sure we'd hit them anyway. What happened out there, Alan?"

ALAN: "Well, um..."

KOENIG: "Well, whatever caused the failure is just conjecture." ((Koenig sits)) "But the simple fact is you weren't functioning properly. As a matter of fact you were virtually incompetent."

ALAN: "I'm not incompetent."

KOENIG: "No, but you were out there."

ALAN: "It must have been my instruments..."

KOENIG: "Was it?"

ALAN: "What are you trying to say to me, Commander?"

KOENIG: "Alan. I think you were gotten to, somehow, by Jackie Crawford."

ALAN: "Jackie Crawford?"

KOENIG: "That's right. Alright, all this talk isn't going to help us any. But I do have an idea which..might work, if the activity of the alien ships stops soon. Then we might just have a chance."

ALAN: "Like what?"

KOENIG: "Well, it's quite primitive. My idea is to set four men on the surface, on foot, each carrying hand held armour piercing lasers. They position themselves one under each of the alien ships. They coordinate and fire simultaneously straight up into the bellies of the ships."

KANO: "You said it was primitive."

PAUL: "What else can we do?"

KANO: "The question is, who does the job?"

KOENIG: "We have no choice. It's the four of us."

80. INT. MEDICAL

Helena & Bob look into the observation ward at Jackie's bed: a flashing green glow & movement.

79. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Alien ships over base (high view over ships)

84. INT. AIRLOCK

South airlock. Door opens for David's comlock

83. EXT. MOON SURFACE

Alan (astronaut 3) bounces by rocks.

81. INT. AIRLOCK

Koenig walks to the moonbuggy as the door closes behind him.

In front of an astronaut (Paul, n/s) an airlock door opens to some boxes on the surface. (sc 85)

86. INT. MEDICAL

Bob & Helena enter the ward & remove the life support unit & the sheet. Jarak lies in the bed. He opens his eyes, sits up, then stands.

JARAK:"Ah...uh..Mm..Mm..Ahh..My...name..is...Jarak..For...as..long...as...you...know me..I shall retain this form. I require to know what has been happening during the period of my growth."

HELENA: "There are many things we'd like to know also."

JARAK: "Has any action been taken against my spaceships?"

HELENA: "None."

He walks past them, then returns.

JARAK: "I know the truth when I hear it. You will tell me, Doctor Russell."

Helena steps back to Bob. She lifts her hands, then clamps them round Bob's neck. Bob is soon gasping.

HELENA: "Stop! Stop it, I tell you! Stop it!"

JARAK: "Quickly."

HELENA: "Stop it! I'll tell you. There're four men on the surface. Stop it, please."

Helena's hands drop & Bob falls to the floor choking. She staggers against the wall & faints.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

The ships over the base.

87. EXT. MOON SURFACE

Koenig positions himself by a gravity tower.

88. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

View of underside of ship.

91. EXT. MOON SURFACE

Astronaut 4 (Paul) moves by a moonbuggy.

88. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Continue to close on underside of ship.

90. EXT. MOON SURFACE

Another astronaut (Alan) is by some rocks.

Astronaut 5 (David) prepares to fire. (sc 92)

93. INT. MEDICAL

Bob wakes Helena by slapping her cheek lightly. They stand.

JARAK: "And now you will stop them."

Helena backs against the wall & shakes her head.

HELENA: "I can't stop them."

JARAK: "But you will."

Helena lifts her comlock up.

MATHIAS (grabbing her arm): "No!"

Bob starts to gasp for breath again & releases her.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Ships over base.

94. EXT. MOON SURFACE

David aims.

Alan aims.

Paul aims.

Koenig aims.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Ships over base.

94. EXT. MOON SURFACE

Koenig aiming.

HELENA: "John, you must do as I tell you. Do not fire at those ships. You were right about Jackie."

KOENIG: "Hold your fire!"

Paul. (sc 97)

PAUL: "What's the problem, Commander?"

Koenig starts off. (sc 98)

KOENIG: "Back to base!"

100. INT. MEDICAL

Jarak leads Helena & Bob through the main ward & up to Sue. Sue writhes slightly in her sleep, then opens her eyes. Jarak's green eyes stare into hers. A monitor screen shows activity, then becomes a straight line.

HELENA: "You've killed her."

Jarak's eyes glow green. (sc 102) A changed Sue rises.

JARAK: "Rena."

The two aliens touch each other's cheeks, then kiss.

FADE OUT

Act Four
103. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Aliens over base.

104. INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig, Alan & guards arrive; Koenig & two guards run up to the central intersection & hide round the corner, while Alan & the others remain this side. The door opens & they back. Helena emerges, holding a laser.

KOENIG: "Helena!"

ALAN (coming behind her): "Doctor Russell."

HELENA: "Put down your weapons."

She aims at Alan. She shifts her aim & fires a blue beam at a trolley near Alan.

HELENA: "John. Tell everybody to put down their weapon or I'll kill Alan."

They all drop their lasers to the floor. Jarak and Rena emerge, Rena taking Helena's laser.

RENA: "Thank you, Doctor Russell. You are now released."

Rena walks to Koenig & takes his comlock. She indicates to the guards behind him with her laser: they take their comlocks & place them on the floor.

KOENIG: "You're not Sue Crawford."

JARAK: "No more than I am Jackie Crawford. No more than you are Commander of Moonbase Alpha."

106. INT. MAIN MISSION

Jarak stands at the top of the steps to the office, with Rena holding a laser; a pile of lasers are at their feet.

JARAK: "Like you, we are involuntary travellers in space. We are one hundred and twenty souls in all." ((walks down to & around Koenig)) "But unlike you we are looking not only for a place to live, we are also looking for a physical form in which to conceal our identities."

KOENIG: "Why? Are you running away from something?"

JARAK: "I like the intuitive quality of your mind, Commander. I like the unpredictability of your human emotions. I like the differences between you people. But on our planet we faced extermination because we were different." ((walks back to Rena)) "Yes, we are running away, from genetic conformity, rigorously imposed. We are so happy to have found Alpha."

KOENIG: "Jarak. Listen to me. You can't stay here. We can't sustain more people. Our environment here on Alpha is so precariously balanced we can barely support ourselves."

JARAK: "Commander, there will be no population increase on Alpha. We shall simply take over your bodies and make them our own. The moments of birth and death are ideally suited to this purpose. The birth of Jackie Crawford gave me my chance."

HELENA: "But you killed Sue Crawford!"

RENA: "Doctor Russell. There will be no more births on Alpha. But sadly, there will be many more deaths."

JARAK: "I was very happy with my birth. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do much in an incubator, but as a five year old you all made me the darling of the base. You showed me everything I needed to know. I am sorry to have to bite the hand that fed me."

KOENIG (advances to him): "Jarak." ((Rena's laser points at him)) "You need us. I don't know your people but they need us alive. You won't kill us 'til you're ready."

JARAK: "We are ready."

Jarak takes the laser from Rena & aims it at Koenig. But then he turns his wrist & opens his hand, offering the gun. Koenig takes it & aims it at Jarak, but then his own hand starts to turn to point the laser at himself.

HELENA: "Jarak!"

A guard leaps across from Computer at Koenig, but as both fall to the floor Koenig fires. The beam strikes another guard standing by where the first had been. His shoulder explodes in flame & he falls before Alan & the other staff.

JARAK: "Don't move. As Commander here, you have some particular value." ((Koenig stands)) "It would be a needless waste to kill you before one of my people can make use of you. Your choice is between a future as one of us or no future at all." ((Jarak goes to the command desk; on monitors under Big Screen:)) "This is Jarak. Listen." ((Koenig backs & bends to the laser)) "You have been selected as the first to die. You cannot resist." ((Koenig is frozen; Alphans start to gasp)) "You are dying. The mission of my space ships over Alpha is almost accomplished. My people are preparing now to transfer to those of your dying bodies that have been selected. When the transfer is complete my spaceships will lift off to a safe distance and auto destruct."

109. INT. MEDICAL

Bob & 2 nurses watch the comms post; they start to collapse.

JARAK (on screen): "The last material traces of our former life will be lost forever. We shall have exchanged our world for your Moon."

110B. INT. BERGMAN'S QUARTERS (LQ12)

Victor gasps on the floor.

JARAK (VO): "The designated will die. The designated will die."

EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Alien bomber.

Bomber flies to Moon.

110. INT. MAIN MISSION

JARAK: "As far as our pursuers are concerned we shall no longer exist."

110A. INT. MEDICAL

Bob gasps on the floor.

JARAK (VO): "We shall have begun our new life, "

110. INT. MAIN MISSION

JARAK: " as inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha."

Koenig collapses.

EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Ships over base.

111. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

One ship glows, then explodes.

Bomber.

Jarak's ship falls, trailing smoke.

EXT. MOON SURFACE (SFX)

Jarak's ship hits the surface & explodes.

112. INT. MAIN MISSION

RENA: "They've found us!"

Jarak grabs another laser & gives it to Rena; they retreat to the office.

113. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Jarak's ships move from the base as a green glow pulses behind distant mountains.

113. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

Bomber.

113. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

The remaining two ships move off, as beyond a hill a green glow is pulsing.

114. INT. MAIN MISSION

Koenig helps Alan up.

KOENIG: "Helena." ((he goes to her)) "Everyone alright?"

KANO: "Everyone seems alright, Commander." ((Koenig presses a key))

-Big Screen (SFX): the 3 remaining ships. An explosion.

-Main Mission:

KOENIG: "Let's find 'em."

They go to the pile of lasers & head to the office.

INT. CORRIDOR

Jarak & Rena run.

121. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The bomber fires a green beam.

Two ships: one explodes.

124. INT. CORRIDOR

5 Alphans recover by a comms post. Jarak & Rena appear & shoot them all.

Koenig leads Alan, Paul, Helena & the guards along.

Koenig's party runs up to the bodies.

Jarak & Rena run down a corridor.

Koenig, Alan & the guards run on, leaving Paul & Helena.

Koenig's party runs on.

Paul & Helena inspect the bodies.

PAUL: "There could be more. I'll take care here."

Helena runs on.

125. EXT. SPACE (SFX)

The bomber closes on the last ship: it fires a beam which glances off Jarak's ship, which starts to fall. The bomber fires again.

The last ship explodes.

126. INT. CORRIDOR

Using the comlock, Jarak enters the Medical Unit door.

127. INT. MEDICAL

Bob is laying a nurse on a bed, while a black nurse falls at Jarak's & Rena's feet as they enter. Rena holds the laser.

RENA: "Don't be foolish, Doctor."

Jarak takes the comlock.

JARAK (speaking in KOENIG's voice): "Computer. Medical Centre doors are to remain locked until this direct command order is rescinded." ((speaking in own voice)) "And now, Doctor Mathias, I hope you will help us to persuade your Commander to accept us as Alphans."

MATHIAS: "One life for three hundred?" ((he shakes his head))

128. INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig & the others reach the Medical door. Alan tries to open the door, but his comlock fails twice.

KANO (appearing on comms post): "Alan. Is the Commander with you?"

KOENIG: "Yes, Kano?"

KANO: "According to Computer you're in the Medical Centre. And have just issued a command that the door is to remain locked."

As Helena arrives, Jarak appears on the comms post. (sc 128A/ 128B intercut)

JARAK (on screen): "Commander Koenig. We wish to negotiate."

HELENA: "They've got Doctor Mathias and two nurses."

KOENIG: "Make your demands."

JARAK (on screen): "Requests. We are no longer in a position to make demands."

KOENIG: "Then open the door!"

JARAK (on screen): "As a human being, Commander, "

128A. INT. MEDICAL

JARAK: " you heart is full of resentment at my treatment of Alpha's first mother and child."

128B. INT. CORRIDOR

KOENIG: "You just tried to kill all of us, Jarak!"

JARAK (on screen): "It would have been a "

128A. INT. MEDICAL

JARAK: " painless process of change. The combination of Alphan bodies and the minds of my people would have been a splendid one."

128B. INT. CORRIDOR

JARAK (on screen): "The result would have been a great future for Alpha."

KOENIG: "And us?"

JARAK (on screen): "You would have become part of us."

128A. INT. MEDICAL

JARAK: "But we have failed. The rest of my people have been discovered and destroyed. Our request is now a very modest one. That we should be allowed to become part of you."

128B. INT. CORRIDOR

KOENIG: "Jarak. You've just killed a number of my people."

128A. INT. MEDICAL

KOENIG (VO): "You're holding others captive."

JARAK: "Commander, you chose to bargain with your life."

128B. INT. CORRIDOR

JARAK (on screen): "It was not our purpose to destroy. Your people are only stunned."

HELENA: "They'll all recover."

JARAK (on screen): "We have now become human beings, "

130. INT. MEDICAL

JARAK: " and we chose to translate our power into threats and actions that humans could understand."

INT. CORRIDOR

JARAK (on screen): "We are now appealing to you as humans ourselves."

130. INT. MEDICAL

JARAK: "Appealing for mercy."

131. INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig turns from the screen & walks to the door, then looks at the guards & Alan & Helena.

132. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Bomber moves over base.

133. INT. MAIN MISSION

Sandra is at Paul's desk. David revolves his desk & looks at her.

SANDRA: "Commander."

134. INT. CORRIDOR

SANDRA (on Alan's commlock): "There is a gigantic spaceship."

133. INT. MAIN MISSION

SANDRA: "It's taken up position over Alpha base."

134A. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

Bomber moves over Main Mission tower. A green light starts flashing from it.

INT. CORRIDOR

SANDRA (on Alan's comlock): "..pulsating green light as previous spacecraft."

JARAK (static over screen image): "The people of our planet have found us, Commander."

136. INT. MEDICAL

JARAK: "They will destroy us... They will destroy the whole of Alpha..."

137. INT. CORRIDOR

JARAK (on screen): "..unless.." ((screen becomes static))

KOENIG: "Unless what?" ((goes to door)) "Jarak! Are you going to let Alpha be destroyed because of you?! Jarak!"

FADE OUT

Epilogue
138. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

The bomber over the base, the light ray pulsing to the centre.

INT. MEDICAL

Jarak has his head on Rena's lap as they shudder in the pulsing light.

140. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA (SFX)

The green light stops & the bomber moves off.

141. INT. CORRIDOR

Koenig paces, then aims his laser at the door. Alan's commlock bleeps & Alan shows it to Koenig.

SANDRA (VO): "Commander! Pulsating has stopped. The spaceship is leaving. It is going away."

KOENIG (shouts): "Jarak? Mathias?" ((he fires at the door)) "Alan." ((Alan & Koenig push open the door))

142. INT. MEDICAL

They enter. Bob & a nurse are on a bed, as another gets up from the floor. On the other bed sits Sue, holding the baby & smiling.

KOENIG: "They've gone."

HELENA: "Do you think they gave themselves up?"

KOENIG: "It's a nice thought, Helena. I don't think they had any choice."

FREEZE FRAME