BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
PART II:
THE ORACLE OF CYLON

FADE IN:

A STAR FIELD – Slowly, we travel through the far reaches of space, until a blood red sun emerges out of the void.  As we draw closer, we see a cloudy gray planet orbiting around it: the Cylon Homeworld.

We CLOSE IN on the planet, traveling down through its impenetrable clouds, until the black rock surface reveals itself.  It is a stormy, hellish world, lit by flashes of ball lightning.  And upon the craggy surface stands the enormous black city of the Cylon capitol.

We TRAVEL through the craggy innards of the city, its buildings criss-crossed by traveling ships; black and red, fires bursting up from huge smoky factories.

Finally, we arrive at an enormous citadel, towering over the smoky city in a huge tower.  We CLOSE IN on a single window, the entrance chamber to the Cylon Triumvirate.

CUT TO:

INT. ENTRANCE CHAMBER

The enormous black doors of the chamber open and the CYLON OVERLORD enters, his red eyes gleaming under his black cloak.  As he approaches the doors, a lone SENTRY stands before him, a steel halberd gleaming in his hand.  The OVERLORD bows to him.

SENTRY:
Speak.

OVERLORD:
I seek an audience with the triumvirate.

SENTRY:
Are you summoned?

OVERLORD:
No.

SENTRY:
The triumvirate speaks only to he who is summoned.

OVERLORD:
It is a matter of the utmost importance to the imperium.

SENTRY:
Such matters are surprisingly common.

OVERLORD:
Galactica.

The sentry does not answer.  He is silent for a moment, then stands aside.

SENTRY:
You may enter.

The massive doors open, and the OVERLORD, dwarfed by the great doorway, enters the inner chamber.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE TRIUMVERATE

The chamber is enormous, and completely black.  A single light shines from above down on to the floor.  The OVERLORD steps into the light and bows.

OVERLORD:
By your command.

Slowly, three enormous faces materialize above him; the faces of the three lords of the triumvirate, the three rulers of the Cylon Empire.

FIRST LORD:
Speak, Overlord.

OVERLORD:
I beg permission to consult the oracle.

SECOND LORD:
One does not consult the oracle.

THIRD LORD:
The oracle consults whom she will.

OVERLORD:
I understand the unusual nature of my request.

FIRST LORD:
Do you…

SECOND LORD:
…Overlord?

OVERLORD:
The nature of her prophecy is unclear to me.

THIRD LORD:
Prophecy reveals itself in its own time.

OVERLORD:
Time is a luxury we can no longer afford.

FIRST LORD:
Galactica.

OVERLORD:
Yes.

SECOND LORD:
You believe she still survives.

OVERLORD:
I am certain of it.

THIRD LORD:
The oracle has revealed nothing to us.

OVERLORD:
The remnant of humanity survives.  We must destroy it.  Only she can see far enough, and clearly enough.

FIRST LORD:
Your own resources have failed?

The OVERLORD bows his head.

OVERLORD:
Yes.  I fear so.

SECOND LORD:
So be it.

Behind the faces, another massive door opens, revealing a blinding white light behind.

THIRD LORD:
You may enter.

The faces slowly fade into darkness.  The OVERLORD walks across the room, his footsteps echoing through the dark room.

CUT TO:

INT. THE ORACLE’S SANCTUARY

He steps into a dark room with shafts of white light shooting up from the floor.  Steam hangs in the air.  A red glow comes down from the ceiling on to a black throne upon which sits the ORACLE OF CYLON; a deathly pale woman with a bald head.  Unlike the OVERLORD, she is humanoid and not reptilian; her only Cylon characteristic is her glowing red eyes.

ORACLE:
Have I summoned you?

OVERLORD:
No.

ORACLE:
No, I have not.

OVERLORD:
I beg your indulgence.  I have need of vision.

THE ORACLE cackles with laughter.

ORACLE:
Of course you do, Overlord.  Otherwise, you would not have come.

The OVERLORD bows silently.

ORACLE:
Speak, Overlord.  I will indulge you, as long as you amuse me.

OVERLORD:
I seek the remnant of humanity.

ORACLE:
Humanity was to be destroyed.

OVERLORD:
Yes.

ORACLE:
But was not.

OVERLORD:
No.

ORACLE:
So, Overlord, you have already failed.

OVERLORD:
Our conquest has not failed, it is merely incomplete.

ORACLE:
Do not bandy words with me!

OVERLORD:
My apologies.

ORACLE:
So be it.

She lies back in her throne; her eyes begin to grow brighter.

ORACLE:
All things which begin eventually return from whence they came.  It is the will of the Dark One.

OVERLORD:
I don’t understand.

ORACLE:
No, you do not.  Humanity’s galaxy is destroyed, so they seek another.  They seek to return.  They seek the earth.

OVERLORD:
Earth does not exist.

ORACLE:
Do not you too, Overlord, seek after ghosts?

She begins to laugh, her cackling echoing up the walls of the chamber.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S CABIN

ATHENA is sleeping next to APOLLO.  Suddenly she starts awake, as if from a nightmare.

APOLLO:
What is it?

ATHENA:
Eyes are watching.

APOLLO:
We’re alone.

ATHENA:
No.  No, we are never alone.

She trembles.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAPEL

ADAMA stands before APOLLO and ATHENA.  The crew is gathered to watch the wedding ceremony.  A PRIEST takes a small knife and slits the palms of APOLLO and ATHENA.  They clasp hands.

ADAMA:
By blood are you born, and by blood are you bonded.  In the name of the Priests of Kobol; I unite you.

The crew applauds and APOLLO and ATHENA kiss.

CUT TO:

INT. STATEROOM

The wedding party is in full swing.  STARBUCK and BOOMER, drinks in their hands, push through the crowd to embrace APOLLO.

	STARBUCK:
What are we gonna do now, old timer?

APOLLO laughs.

	APOLLO:
You’ll just have to get along without me.

	STARBUCK:
Tell me the truth, she cast a spell over you, didn’t she?

	APOLLO:
You just keep on thinking that Starbuck.

	BOOMER:
Congratulations, brother.

	APOLLO:
Thanks Boom.

They raise their glasses.

	STARBUCK:
To your first born.  May he be a native of earth!

	APOLLO:
Tomorrow on earth.

	STARBUCK:
Tomorrow on earth!

They all drink.

CUT TO:

INT.  CYLON WAR ROOM

The OVERLORD stands with his CENTURIONS over a giant star map in a great black room with overhanging lights.

	OVERLORD:
The oracle points us to this meridian, the seventh axis of the destroyed homeworlds.  Earth lies along this axis, its location far to the rim of the galaxy, its exact location unknown.  Galactica will follow it, she has no choice.

	CENTURION:
How will the attack be made?

	OVERLORD:
Here.

He points to an area of space.

	CENTURION:
That is Hajarin space.

	OVERLORD:
Yes.

	2ND CENTURION:
The Hajarin are brigands.  They will destroy Galactica before we reach them.

	OVERLORD:
Do not underestimate the human capacity for cunning.  The Hajarin are barbarians, but they are not fools.  They will sell themselves to anyone, for money, for weapons, for the glory of fighting.

	CENTURION:
And they are no friends of the Imperium.

	OVERLORD:
No, the barbarian despises order.  It is his nature.

	CENTURION:
If the Hajarin cannot be bought, perhaps they can be conquered.

	OVERLORD:
If it becomes necessary.  The Hajarin are nothing.  Galactica is everything.  The oracle has named this place as the seat of victory.

	CENTURION:
For a surprise attack we must not only have coordinates, we must have a precise time for hyperjump, the…

	OVERLORD:
The Oracle has pledged to reveal this to me at the proper time.

	CENTURION:
You have faith in her visions.

	OVERLORD:
The Triumverate has faith in her visions.  That is all I need know.

	2ND CENTURION:
We are to go into battle on the word of a female?  A female who is not even a Cylon?

	OVERLORD:
I advise you to hold your tongue, Centurion.

	2ND CENTURION:
Are we to be silent in all things, now?

	OVERLORD:
I have led you to victory before, Centurion.  You are merely a warrior, I have gods to answer to.  Prepare the attack.

He turns and walks out.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO AND ATHENA’S CABIN

APOLLO and ATHENA are asleep.  ATHENA rises and puts on a white dress.

	APOLLO:
What is it?

	ATHENA:
I must meditate.

	APOLLO:
Is everything alright.

She turns and smiles.

	ATHENA:
I am with child.

	APOLLO:
Are you sure?

ATHENA nods.

	ATHENA:
There is new life inside me.  I can feel it.

APOLLO smiles.  She caresses his check.

	ATHENA:
I will not be long.

She goes into the other room and sits cross legged on the floor, looking out at the stars.  Her eyes begin to glow with a pulsating white.

CUT TO:

MONTAGE – ATHENA’S VISION

•	Stars cascading by through space.
•	Galaxies rushing past us.
•	The red eyes of the oracle.
•	An enormous explosion rips across space.
•	The blue-green of earth shining in the blackness.
•	The red eyes, larger and shining.
•	A fetus pulsing inside a womb.
•	Stars turning red and erupting into flame.
•	The eyes again, this time filling the screen.

CUT TO:

APOLLO stirs in bed.  He looks up.  ATHENA is standing in the doorway, clutching her stomach.  She looks pale.

	APOLLO:
What’s wrong?

	ATHENA:
Something calls to me from space.  Eyes are watching.

She starts to swoon.  APOLLO jumps out of bed and holds her up.

	APOLLO:
What is it?

	ATHENA:
I don’t know.  There is another mind.  Another mind.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

ATHENA is lying on a gurney.  The DOCTOR is talking quietly to APOLLO.

	DOCTOR:
I can’t find anything wrong with her.

	APOLLO:
You don’t have to whisper.  She knows what we’re saying.

	DOCTOR:
Yes.  I forgot.  Telepaths are difficult to adjust to.

	APOLLO:
Is she pregnant?

	DOCTOR:
Yes.  Congratulations.

	APOLLO:
Could this be a reaction to the pregnancy?

	DOCTOR:
It’s possible but…Captain, her mental processes are incomprehensible to our science.  I can’t possibly say what is and what isn’t.  She is beyond our ability to diagnose or comprehend.

	APOLLO:
I understand.  Thank you.

He walks over to ATHENA and puts his hand on her cheek.

	APOLLO:
How are you feeling?

	ATHENA:
Frightened.

	APOLLO:
Why?

	ATHENA:
I don’t know.  Things come to me, but I do not understand them. A shadow is watching me.  A shadow out of space and time.  A mind equal to my own.  A nemesis.

	APOLLO:
I don’t understand.

	ATHENA:
Neither do I.  That is what frightens me.  (She caresses his cheek)  Apollo, my beloved, we are in terrible danger.

CUT TO:

INT. ADAMA’S CABIN

APOLLO sits across from his father, who is sitting in his antique armchair.

	ADAMA:
You don’t know what it is?

	APOLLO:
No.  A premonition, a vision, I have no idea.  But she feels we are in great danger.

	ADAMA:
Peace is fleeting.  We are in danger every day we survive.

	APOLLO:
This is different.

	ADAMA:
How?

	APOLLO:
I don’t know.  She feels it is.  That’s enough for me.

ADAMA sighs.

	APOLLO:
If you had seen what I have seen, father.  What I saw in the chamber of the twelve priests.

	ADAMA:
No, her power is real, I believe that.

Pause.

	ADAMA:
We will stand to alert level two.  Will that satisfy you?

	APOLLO:
Will it satisfy her?

ADAMA smiles ruefully.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Cylon Armada is gathering between two moons orbiting the Cylon Homeworld.  We slowly CLOSE IN on the lead attack ship, until we see a small window of the bridge.  Inside are the OVERLORD and his CENTURIONS.

FADE TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

The OVERLORD watches the scene through the bridge windows.  The doors open and two BATTLEDROIDS bring in PROCOUNSEL BALTAR.

	OVERLORD:
Welcome, Proconsul.  It was your privilege to begin this war, it will be your privilege to see it end.

	BALTAR:
It is no privilege to remain a prisoner of the Imperium.

	OVERLORD:
You have rendered useful service to the Triumverate, Proconsul.  You may be assured that with the consolidation of our victory, your position in the Imperium is assured.

	BALTAR:
A lifetime on the Cylon Homeworld…  I was promised domain over all the conquered planets!

	OVERLORD:
What you were promised, Proconsul, and what you will receive, are two different things.

	BALTAR:
As I have become aware, Overlord.

	OVERLORD:
Do not test me, traitor. Your citizenship in the Imperium is dependent upon my patronage.  I advise you not to antagonize your only ally.

	BALTAR:
You are a master, and not an ally.

	OVERLORD:
So be it.

CUT TO:

INT. FLIGHT DECK

APOLLO is walking through the flight deck, inspecting the ships.  STARBUCK comes up behind him.

	STARBUCK:
Captain Apollo.

	APOLLO:
Captain Starbuck.  How’re the cards treating you?

	STARBUCK:
I don’t want to talk about it.  What’s the story with the alert level?

	APOLLO:
What about it?

	STARBUCK:
My squadron has stood to level two.

	APOLLO:
So has mine.

	STARBUCK:
Why?

	APOLLO:
Intelligence.

	STARBUCK:
Intelligence or prophecy?

APOLLO turns to him.

	APOLLO:
Ok, Starbuck.  Spit it out.

	STARBUCK:
I followed the old man into a suicide mission once before.  I want to know it’s not going to happen again.

	APOLLO:
The old man is my father, and he had no choice.  You know that.

	STARBUCK:
Apollo, what the hell is going on?  I don’t care, but I won’t send my men out blind.

	APOLLO:
	(sighs)
Athena feels that…

	STARBUCK:
Your wife.

	APOLLO:
My wife feels that we may be in danger.

	STARBUCK:
I see.

	APOLLO:
After everything we saw on Kobol, you would have me disregard her warnings?

	STARBUCK:
No.  No, but…well I hope she’s wrong.

	APOLLO:
So do I.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S CABIN

ATHENA is standing by the porthole, looking out at the stars.  APOLLO comes in, she doesn’t move.

	APOLLO:
Athena?

	ATHENA:
Sit, beloved.

He sits down.  She turns and looks at him.

	APOLLO:
What is it?

	ATHENA:
I don’t know.  A shadow is falling over me.  Over all of us.  The danger is growing, I can feel it.

	APOLLO:
We have stood to alert level two.

	ATHENA:
I know.  It is not sufficient.

	APOLLO:
I cannot request a level one alert.

	ATHENA:
It would not matter.

	APOLLO:
Why not?

	ATHENA:
Powers are at work which are beyond your capacity to comprehend.

	APOLLO:
Athena, I know you see things, understand things I could never possibly understand.  But there is always a way to…

	ATHENA:
No.  No, there is not.  There is not always a way.  Forces contend with one another.  Their end is foretold.  We can do nothing against them.  We are mere atoms in the exploding heart of a star.  Powerless.

	APOLLO:
I can’t believe that.

She turns back to the cabin window.

	ATHENA:
I know, beloved, I know.

APOLLO rises and puts his hand on her shoulder.

	APOLLO:
You know, I desire only happiness and good for you, and our child.

She closes her hand on his.

	ATHENA:
I know…

APOLLO yells in pain.  ATHENA’s fingers are crushing his.  She turns, holding him at arms length.  Her eyes are glowing a deep, terrible red.  When she speaks it is in a terrifying, alien voice.

	ATHENA:
…BELOVED!

She wrenches his arm.  APOLLO screams and falls to his knees.  With her other arm she smashes him across the face.  He goes flying across the room, crumpling senseless in the corner.

ATHENA turns back to the window and looks at her own eyes, reflected against the stars.

	ATHENA:
And now, sister, we will ascend together to the place of communion.  Blessed be the Dark One.

CUT TO:

MONTAGE:
•	THE ORACLE in her chamber, her eyes glowing red.
•	ATHENA, horrified, trembling, her mouth open in an expression of pure fear.
•	THE ORACLE, her bared teeth dripping like a ravenous beast.
•	Stars erupting into the vast cosmos.
•	Galaxies tearing each other apart in a cosmic cataclysm.
•	Lights streaking past at impossible speed.
•	ATHENA’s eyes, panicked like a trapped animal.
•	A MASSIVE CU of the ORACLE’s eyes, their red glow fills the screen.

There is a terrible, piercing scream.

CUT TO:

INT. ATHENA’S CABIN

ATHENA is on her knees.  Her face and hands are covered in blood where she has torn her own flesh.  She is shrieking uncontrollably.

The door is forced open and a squad of SECURITY MEN burst in.  They try to lift ATHENA to her feet, but she cannot stop screaming.  One of them takes a hypodermic and plunges it into her arm.  ATHENA gasps, spit gurgles out of her mouth.  She falls backwards, her head slamming into the floor.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE ORACLE

The ORACLE’s eyes stop glowing.  She falls back into her throne, breathing hard, her face glowing with ecstasy.

She presses a button on her throne.

	ORACLE:
Summon the Overlord.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

ATHENA is sedated on a gurney.  Her wounds are bandaged and her arms and legs in restraints.  APOLLO watches her from behind a glass screen, his arm in a sling.  He looks devastated.  The DOCTOR approaches him quietly.

	DOCTOR:
Captain.

	APOLLO:
The child.  Is the child…?

	DOCTOR:
The child is fine.

	APOLLO:
Why did…Why did she do this to herself?

	DOCTOR:
I…  Captain, I have no idea.  She appears completely normal physically, but her brain functions are absolutely bizarre.  Elevated levels of every known chemical and some that aren’t.  Its as if she had a…a telepathic aneurysm of some kind, but without any of the accompanying physical damage.  If I had a baseline comparison for her kind of brain, I could…

	APOLLO:
I understand.

	DOCTOR:
I’m flying blind here, Captain.  I’m sorry.

	APOLLO:
Doctor, when she attacked me…  I…

	DOCTOR:
Yes?

APOLLO is overcome for a moment, but collects himself.

	APOLLO:
Doctor, whatever it was that did this to me, that did this to her, IT WAS NOT MY WIFE.

Pause.

	DOCTOR:
Captain, you’ve been through a very difficult experience.  I don’t think we should start making any assumptions just…

	APOLLO:
Doctor, she spoke to me.  In another voice.

	DOCTOR:
Well, there is always the possibility of…

	APOLLO:
You said it yourself, its impossible to know with a mind like hers.

	DOCTOR:
That’s true, but…

	APOLLO:
I have to speak to her.

	DOCTOR:
Absolutely not.  I want her sedated for at least 24 hours.

APOLLO looks back through the glass at his unconscious wife.

	DOCTOR:
I’m sorry.

He turns and walks away down the hall.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE ORACLE

The great doors open and the OVERLORD enters the chamber.  He kneels before the ORACLE.

	OVERLORD:
You have summoned me.

	ORACLE:
I have.

	OVERLORD:
You have the key to my victory?

	ORACLE:
I have the information you seek.  Your victory or defeat is not my concern.

	OVERLORD:
I understand.

The ORACLE stands.  She points to the floor and a large star map lights up across the length of the chamber.  The OVERLORD stands and steps back.  The ORACLE walks to a point at the far end of the hall and points.

	ORACLE:
You will find them here.  And make haste.  You have until the second revolution of the Silrath moon.

	OVERLORD:
That is mere hours from now!

	ORACLE:
Prophecy does not come at your behest!  It is the will of the Dark One!  He alone chooses the hour it will be heard!  He alone chooses the ear that will hear it!

The OVERLORD kneels again.

	OVERLORD:
I beg your forgiveness.  I have transgressed.

	ORACLE:
Forgiveness is also the will of the Dark One.  Go.

The doors open.  The OVERLORD turns and hurries out of the chamber, the ORACLE smiling after him.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO is dozing on a bench.  A hand rests on his shoulder.  He starts awake.  It is COMMANDER ADAMA.  ADAMA smiles and sits next to him.

	ADAMA:
How’s your arm?

	APOLLO:
Sore.

	ADAMA:
I always knew she was strong willed.

	APOLLO:
Father, something terrible is happening.

	ADAMA:
I know, my son.  But…we learn to live with things like this.  Your child and your wife will be fine.  I’m sure of it.

	APOLLO:
That’s not what I mean.  She…  She was not who she is.

	ADAMA:
Of course not.  When people are…

	APOLLO:
No!  Why do you all refuse to understand?!

ADAMA puts his arm around him.

	ADAMA:
Apollo, you are my only son. When I am gone you will be the last survivor of the House of Adama.  I cannot guarantee I will understand, but I will listen.  Speak.

	APOLLO:
She…  She spoke to me of a shadow.  A shadow out of time and space.  Of another mind.

	ADAMA:
Another mind?

	APOLLO:
Father, her abilities, her mind, her gift of prophecy…

	ADAMA:
What?

	APOLLO:
What if she is not the only one?

	ADAMA:
I don’t understand.

	APOLLO:
I know it, father.  I knew it when I looked into her eyes when she…  There is another, father.  A dark mirror of her.  A nemesis.  It is tormenting her, destroying her.

	ADAMA:
Why?

	APOLLO:
I don’t know.

Pause.

	APOLLO:
You don’t believe me.

	ADAMA:
If what you say is true, she is in terrible danger.

	APOLLO:
No, father.  She said we were all in terrible danger.

	ADAMA:
What would you have me do?

	APOLLO:
Stand to battle stations.

	ADAMA:
I have already been accused of alarmism in the Council.  They believe I am exploiting our plight to consolidate my power.

	APOLLO:
Your alarmism saved us last time.

	ADAMA:
I will promise you this.  When she awakens, I will talk with her.  Should she advise me so, I will stand to battle stations.  The people trust her, believe in her.  The Council will not be able to stand against me.

	APOLLO:
You believe in her too.

Pause.

	ADAMA:
Yes.

Pause.

	APOLLO:
We’ve already lost so much.  Were I to lose her, the child…

ADAMA puts his arm around him.

	ADAMA:
It was she who gave us the vision of earth, my son.  She gave us hope.  She is hope.  Never forget that.

FADE TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Cylon armada is moving into its jump positions.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

The OVERLORD enters the bridge.  BALTAR is behind him with a guard on each side.  The crew rise and salute.

	CREW:
By your command!

	OVERLORD:
First Centurion, you have received the attack coordinates?

	FIRST CENTURION:
Yes sir.

	OVERLORD:
Good.  (to BALTAR) Proconsul, you shall have the seat of honor.

The guards push BALTAR into his seat.

	OVERLORD:
Don’t make yourself comfortable, Proconsul.  This will not be a long engagement.

	BALTAR:
Your arrogance is as empty as your promises.

	OVERLORD:
You know, Proconsul, when humanity is destroyed, you will be its last remnant.  You will be a freak, a curiosity.  We could put you on display for the amusement of children.  Or, I could keep you for my private collection.  But that is only if you continue to displease me.

BALTAR glares at him, but says nothing.

	OVERLORD:
I have always considered you a man of superior wisdom and judgment, Proconsul.  Be wise now, and choose silence.

	FIRST CENTURION:
Overlord!  Two minutes to attack jump!

	OVERLORD:
Excellent.  (to BALTAR) Watch carefully, Proconsul.  This is how your civilization dies.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The engines of the attack ships begin to light up.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO is dozing again, his head against the wall.  ATHENA is still sedated, apparently in a deep coma.

Suddenly, her eyes snap open.  We close in on them as her face contorts with horror.

CUT TO:

The eyes of the ORACLE.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

ATHENA screams.

ATHENA:
NO!  NO!

APOLLO starts awake.  He sees ATHENA beginning to convulse, fighting her restraints.  He smashes through the door and runs to her bedside.

	ATHENA:
Beloved!  Don’t let her take me!  Don’t let her take me!

	APOLLO:
Who?!  Who?!

	ATHENA:
SISTER!  SISTER!

One of the restraints snaps.  Then another.  APOLLO tries to hold her down.

CUT TO:

XCU of the ORACLE’s eyes.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

The FIRST CENTURION turns to the OVERLORD.

	FIRST CENTURION:
We are ready sir.

	OVERLORD:
Proceed, Centurion.

	FIRST CENTURION:
On my order.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

ATHENA strains in APOLLO’s arms.

	ATHENA:
No!  No!  You will not have me!  You will not have my mind!

	APOLLO:
Athena!

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

CENTURION:
Stand by!

CUT TO:

The ORACLE’s eyes.  The red fills the screen.

CUT TO:

ATHENA’S eyes also begin to glow, but with a brilliant, blinding white light.

ATHENA screams.  The white glow overwhelms the screen.

CUT TO:

The ORACLE’s eyes stop glowing, she stumbles backwards as if struck by an invisible blow.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

ATHENA’s eyes also return to normal.  She sinks back into APOLLO’s arms  She is breathing hard, sweating profusely.

	ATHENA:
Beloved…  Beloved…

	APOLLO:
Yes?

ATHENA turns and looks him right in the eyes.

	ATHENA:
They are coming.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

The crew waits, tense with anticipation.

	FIRST CENTURION:
Engaging preliminary engines…

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC HALLWAY

APOLLO dashes down the corridor and slams the button on the intercom.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

LIEUTENANT ZEVI turns to ADAMA.

	ZEVI:
Sir, your son says he has an urgent communication.

ADAMA presses his button.

	ADAMA:
Adama.

	APOLLO:
Father!  Father, she spoke!

ADAMA’s eyes open wide.  He doesn’t need to ask what she said.

	ADAMA:
Battle stations!  NOW!

The alarm begins to sound.

CUT TO:

FAST MONTAGE:
•	STARBUCK directing his men to their planes.
•	BOOMER working the flight deck.
•	Galactica’s guns going into position.
•	Battle armor closing over the exposed parts of the ship.
•	Crewmen running around the corridors, dashing to their posts.
•	The Galactic’s fleet moving into defense formation around the great vessel.
•	A quick PUSH-IN to ATHENA’s face.

ATHENA:
(whispered)
No!

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

	FIRST CENTURION:
Attack jump!  Now!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

A jump hole opens in front of the ships and they blast through it.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

ZEVI sees the jump hole opening through the bridge portals.

	ZEVI:
Sir!

	ADAMA:
Defense pattern Alpha.  Deploy the fighters!

CUT TO:

INT. FLIGHT DECK

APOLLO dashes on to the flight deck, grabbing his helmet off a reack.  He wrenches his sling off and climbs up the ladder to his fighter.

STARBUCK is putting on his helmet and waves to him.

	STARBUCK:
Sure you can fly with that arm, Captain?

APOLLO smiles as he pulls on his helmet.

	APOLLO:
Ready when you are, Captain!

STARBUCK smiles back.  He reaches into his pocket and tosses APOLLO one of his cigars.

	STARBUCK:
Bring ‘em all home, boys!

APOLLO laughs and puts the cigar in his pocket as the cockpit closes.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

	FIRST CENTURION:
Sir!  Galactica is armored and deploying its fighters!

	OVERLORD:
What?  That’s impossible!

The OVERLORD glances at BALTAR who smiles.

	FIRST CENTURION:
They knew we were coming sir!

	OVERLORD:
Attack!  Now!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Cylon fleet comes through the jump portal after the main Attack Ship.  They disgorge wave after wave of Cylon fighters.  Torpedoes snake across space towards the Galactica.

CUT TO:

DOGFIGHT MONTAGE:
•	Galactica’s fighters blast down their launch tubes.
•	The Cylon fighters bank towards the galactica.
•	Galactica fires its anti-torpedo cannons.  Explosions rip across space.
•	The Galactica’s Vipers blast out into space, heading towards the Cylon fighters.
•	Galactica looses its torpedoes towards the Cylon fleet.
•	A Cylon torpedo hits home.
•	Galactica’s bridge shakes with the impact.  Sparks fly.
•	Another torpedo smashes into a small vessel.  Its explodes into smithereens.
•	The Viper wave smashes headlong into the Cylon formation.
•	Space lights up with cannon fire and shrieking fighters.
•	APOLLO bears down on a Cylon fighter, blasting it to pieces.
•	STARBUCK laughs uproariously.  He fires as well, hitting a glancing blow on a fighter’s wing.  It careens off and explodes.
•	The Cylon formations break.  The battle becomes an incomprehensible mosaic of blasting cannons and fighters flashing past us.
•	Galactica’s main guns open up, cutting a swath through the Cylon fighters.  Sparking debris showers into space.
•	Galactica’s torpedoes hit home.  The Cylon attack ship shakes and trembles.
•	One of the Cylon ships explodes.
•	The OVERLORD grips a control panel as his vessel shudders from a torpedo impact.
•	APOLLO’s squadron does a dead run over the Cylon attack ship, blasting its guns and towers.  Several Vipers are smashed by return fire and explode into flames.
•	The Cylon fighters penetrate the outer defense.  One of them looses off a torpedo at point blank range: a direct hit on one of Galactica’s engines.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

	ZEVI:
Sir!  Starboard engine is disabled!

ADAMA is staring at the battle.  He doesn’t answer.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

	FIRST CENTURION:
Their starboard engine is destroyed, sir.

	OVERLORD:
I have the old man now.  Reload torpedo bays!  This ends now!

CUT TO:

THE DOGFIGHT

The Vipers are cutting through the Cylon fighters, but their enemy’s numbers are overwhelming.

	PILOT:
There’s too many!

	STARBUCK:
Keep your britches on, junior!  I’ve been in worse scraps than this.

	APOLLO:
First squadron, full throttle, follow me in.

APOLLO banks towards a squadron of Cylon bombers.  His wing comes in behind them and blasts them to pieces.

	STARBUCK:
Yeah!  That’s what its about!

STARBUCK’s wing heads straight down in a vertical descent towards the main Cylon squadron.  Their cannon fire cuts them into scrap metal.  Flaming debris fly in all directions.

	STARBUCK:
Watch the nuts and bolts, boys!  Let ‘em fly!

A Cylon fighter in flames careens past him.

	STARBUCK:
Burn baby burn!

APOLLO looks to his right and sees a fresh wing of fighters coming in.

	APOLLO:
Here they come, two o’clock low!  Regroup!

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

The radio reports are coming in.

	VOICES:
There’s too many!  Hold on!

We hear an explosion.

	VOICES:
Second wing lost 60%  I repeat…

Another explosion.

	ZEVI:
Sir, there’s no way our Vipers can hold out against these numbers.

	ADAMA:
I understand.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

	FIRST CENTURION:
Sir, tubes are loaded and ready.

	OVERLORD:
Target and fire at will, Centurion!

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

	ZEV:
Sir, what are your orders?

Pause.

	ADAMA:
	(quietly)
Zev, divert power to the remaining engines.  Attack pattern Theta.

	ZEV:
Attack?  But sir!

ADAMA turns and looks him straight in the eye.

	ADAMA:
Do it, Zev.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Cylon attack ship fires its torpedoes.

The Galactica’s engines fire, the ship banks and heads straight for the Cylon attack ship.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

	FIRST CENTURION:
Sir!  The Galactica is moving to engage!

	OVERLORD:
What?!

CUT TO:

THE DOGFIGHT

The pilots watch, dumbfounded, as the great ship slides past them.

	STARBUCK:
Holy shit, he’s gone nuts!

The torpedoes fly wide as the Galactica changes course.  But one of them hits home, amidships.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

ZEV:
Hull breach on decks ten through fourteen, sir!

	ADAMA:
Give me flank speed, steady as she goes.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

They watch, astonished, as the Galactica draws closer.

	OVERLORD:
Concentrate fire!  Reload all tubes!

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON TORPEDO BAY

BATTLEDROIDS are slamming home the new torpedoes.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA

ADAMA watches as the Cylon vessel looms ever larger in the windows.

The Cylons open up with their cannons.  The Galactica shakes and shudders.  Sparks fly.

	ADAMA:
Hold your course, Zev.  Stand by weapons control.

	WEAPONS OFFICER
Aye sir.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

THE GALACTICA, slowly drawing abreast the Cylon vessel.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

	OVERLORD:
Where are my torpedoes?!

BALTAR smiles.

	BALTAR:
I think the old man has you.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

ADAMA stares at the Cylon ship, filling the bridge windows.  We PUSH IN on his face.

	ADAMA:
Open fire!  All batteries away!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Galactica fires at point blank range.  The effect is devastating.  The Cylon vessel erupts into flame and begins to list to one side.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

The bridge explodes into sparks and smoke.

	OVERLORD:
Torpedoes!  Fire!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Cylon torpedoes strike home.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

The bridge lurches and fills with smoke.  Readouts and screens explode and send shards of glass flying.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The two mammoth vessels pound each other at point blank range.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S FIGHTER

APOLLO watches the horrifying spectacle.

	APOLLO:
My God…

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Galactica clears the Cylon attack ship.  Both vessels are horribly damaged, burning and blackened by the exchange of fire.

The Cylon vessel lists further and begins to drift.  The Galactica, one engine still working, banks away.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

THE OVERLORD watches from his devastated bridge as the Galactica slowly limps away.

	OVERLORD:
Stop them!  They must not escape!

	FIRST CENTURION:
Sir, propulsion is at 0%.  Our weapons systems are inoperable.  Pursuit is impossible.

The OVERLORD hangs his head in impotent rage.  Then he turns to BALTAR.

	OVERLORD:
You, traitor, are you satisfied?

	BALTAR:
Yes.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

The crew slowly collects itself.  The bridge is horribly damaged.  Smoke still hangs in the air.  Crew members are wounded and bleeding.

	ADAMA:
Lieutenant, recall the fighters.

	ZEV:
Aye sir.

	ADAMA:
And get us out of here, as fast as you can.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Galactica slowly limps away from the battle, its fighters trailing behind.	

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA COUNCIL CHAMBER

ADAMA sits at the head of the conference table.  The Councilors look haggard and angry.  COUNCILOR BARLAC stands.

	BARLAC:
Can the Chancellor explain how he exposed this fleet to a surprise attack?  Can he explain to us the mysterious series of unexplained alerts that preceded it?  Can he give us any explanation for the disaster which has befallen us?

There is a murmur around the table.

	BARLAC:
I ask you!  Can we believe that all this is merely coincidence?  Or is the House of Adama exploiting our situation to turn us on to the path of tyranny?!

The table explodes into yells of anger and applause.

	ADAMA:
I remind you, Counselor Barlac, that the House of Adama has not taken absolute power over this fleet or this Council.  I am acting Chancellor only for the duration of this conflict.

	BARLAC:
A conflict whose end is nowhere in sight!  You ask us to yield you emergency powers for an indefinite period, on your word alone!

	COUNCILOR HEGAI:
I remind you that the House of Adama saved humanity from destruction at the hands of the Cylons!

	BARLAC:
Did we escape destruction only to be made slaves to a tyrant of our own making?

	HEGAI:
Athena has prophesied that he will lead us to earth!

	BARLAC:
You would give your freedom to him on the word of a woman?  For an earth which does not exist?

	HEGAI:
Enough of your demagoguery!

There is another eruption from the assembled.

	ADAMA:
Enough!

All heads turn to him.

	ADAMA:
Whenever you wish you may move for my dismissal from the Chancellorship!  I assure you that you will be outvoted!  Meanwhile we are wasting our time while our fleet is crippled and the Cylon’s are no doubt exploiting every means to find us and finish what they began!

BARLAC glares at him.

	ADAMA:
Do you so move?  Or do you yield your seat?

Pause.

	BARLAC:
	(angrily)
I yield.

	ADAMA:
Then sit down.

BARLAC sits.  All eyes are upon him, but he says nothing.  Some of the Councilors look at him with admiration.

	ADAMA:
Now, to practical matters.  Councilor Gihan, what is the state of the fleet?

COUNCILOR GIHAN rises.

	GIHAN:
The state of the fleet is critical.  Fifteen vessels were destroyed in the initial battle.  Five more are wounded beyond repair and are being evacuated as we speak.  Basic systems, including life support, are failing on ten others.  Most pressing, however, is the Galactica.  Only one engine is still operable, and hyperjump is impossible.  Two fighter wings were destroyed in the battle and three others are operating at below 50% combat readiness.  Should the Cylons find us now, the results would be catastrophic.

	ADAMA:
	(quietly)
Casualties?

	GIHAN:
There is no accurate count yet, but the number will be in the thousands.

ADAMA bows his head for a moment.

	ADAMA:
Very well.

GIHAN sits.  There is silence around the table.

	ADAMA:
I propose that we seek a port of refuge and effect the necessary repairs.

	HAGAI:
Refuge?  Here?  In the outlands?

	ADAMA:
Given the state of our engines, we have no choice.

	GIHON:
Where do you propose we go?

	ADAMA:
To Shalin.

There is a rush of murmurs around the room.  COUNCELOR REHAH, a young, blond, counselor speaks.

	REHAH:
That is Hajarin territory.

	ADAMA:
I am aware of that.

	REHAH:
The Hajarin are barbarians.  They will slaughter us without mercy!

	ADAMA:
The Hajarin are known for their hospitality when guests have goods to trade.

	REHAH:
What do we possibly have to trade with them? 

	ADAMA:
Our knowledge, our technology, the schematics of our ships and fighters…

	REHAH:
You will hand over such secrets to a gang of brigands?

The assembled are stunned.

	ADAMA:
We have no choice.  We must do what is necessary to survive.  Without refuge, without repairs, we will die, and with us our civilization.  And the Cylon Imperium will have its victory.

Silence.

	ADAMA:
This must be decided now, gentlemen.  May I see a vote?

One by one, the Councilors raise their hands.  Slowly, REHAH and BARLAC also raise their hands to vote yes.

CUT TO:

INT. AIRLOCK OF CYLON BATTLE SHIP

THE OVERLORD, FIRST CENTURION, and BALTAR are walking towards the airlocks.

	OVERLORD:
You will send the traitor to the Silrath moon and execute him immediately, is that clear?

	FIRST CENTURION:
Yes sir.

	OVERLORD:
I will contact you after I have explained our failure to the Triumvirate.

He steps into the airlock.

	OVERLORD:
Goodbye, Proconsul.  Should the Triumvirate will it, we will meet sooner than I anticipated.

	BALTAR:
No, we will not.  Your sin is mere failure.  Mine is greater than I can ever redeem.

	OVERLORD:
Regrets, Proconsul?

	BALTAR:
Only that I sold my people to a vain, arrogant fool such as you.

THE OVERLORD nods.  He takes his knife from his belt and grips BALTAR’s hand.  BALTAR winces as the OVERLORD slices his palm.  The OVERLORD replaces his bloody knife in its sheath.

	OVERLORD:
We will meet again, traitor.  I assure you.

The doors close.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The OVERLORD’s shuttle takes off, descending down towards the Cylon Homeworld.

CUT TO:

INT. AIRLOCK

Two BATTLEDROIDS lead BALTAR to another shuttle.  The FIRST CENTURION salutes them.

	CENTURION:
May the Dark One’s mercy be upon you.

	BALTAR:
There will be no mercy for me.

The door closes.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

BALTAR’s shuttle blasts off and heads for one of the dark moons of Cylon.

CUT TO:

INT. BALTAR’S SHUTTLE

BALTAR sits between the two BATTLEDROIDS.  As the vessel banks towards the moon, he glances towards the pilot’s sidearm.

His eyes roll back into his head and he seems to faint.

	BATTLEDROID:
The human is malfunctioning.

The co-pilot leans over BALTAR.  BALTAR’s eyes snap open.  He grabs the droid’s sidearm and fires point blank.

The droid’s chest explodes and it slumps in its chair.  BALTAR turns and fires into the pilot’s head.

The ship begins to list as it loses control.  BALTAR pushes the pilot’s body out of the seat and gets behind the controls.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The shuttle banks away from the moon and goes into hyperjump.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE TRIUMVIRATE

THE OVERLORD enters the massive chamber and the great doors shut behind him.  He kneels as the three faces appear above him.

	1ST LORD:
You have failed…

	2ND LORD:
Overlord.

	3RD LORD:
You know…

	1ST LORD:
The penalty…

	2ND LORD:
For failure.

	OVERLORD:
I beg the forgiveness of the Triumvirate.

	3RD LORD:
Upon what grounds…

	1ST LORD:
Do you beg…

	ALL:
Our mercy?

	OVERLORD:
I plead my case, my lords: I have not failed.  Humanity is wounded, decimated, almost beyond repair.  They cannot go far.  I will find them.

	3RD LORD:
By what means?

	1ST LORD:
What proof…

	2ND LORD:
Can you present us?

	OVERLORD:
Grant me an audience with the Oracle, and I will prove it to you.

	3RD LORD:
Why should we grant you…

	ALL:
This privilege?

THE OVERLORD trembles slightly, but keeps his cool.

	OVERLORD:
I have brought the means of communion.

There is a long, pregnant silence.  Then the great doors to the Chamber of the Oracle open.

	1ST LORD:
Your request…

	ALL:
Is granted.

	OVERLORD:
Blessed be the Dark One.

	ALL:
Blessed be the Dark One.

The OVERLORD rises and walks through the doorway into the Oracle’s Chamber.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE ORACLE

The doors close behind the OVERLORD.  The room is very dark, but we can just make out the ORACLE lounging on her black throne.

	ORACLE:
We meet again, Overlord.

	OVERLORD:
Forgive my arrogance, Oracle.

	ORACLE:
Do not plead.  Victory is more difficult than defeat, is it not?  Do not fear, your destiny is not yet complete.  The Dark One is not finished with you yet.

	OVERLORD:
I beg you to come to my aid one final time.

	ORACLE:
I see.

	OVERLORD:
I require your gift of sight.  The sight beyond time and space.

	ORACLE:
It will be more difficult this time.  My presence has become known to the one you seek.

	OVERLORD:
There is another.

Pause.

	ORACLE:
Another?

	OVERLORD:
One who lacks the gift of sight.

The ORACLE rises from her throne and approaches him.

	ORACLE:
You know the ways of prophecy.  One with the gift of sight cannot unite with one who lacks the gift, unless…

THE OVERLORD unsheathes his knife and holds it out in his palms.

	OVERLORD:
Unless by blood.

The ORACLE delicately lifts the knife out of his hands.  She holds it before her eyes, gazing at BALTAR’s dried blood.

	ORACLE:
Yes.

She raises the knife and plunges it down into her palm.  Her head snaps back.  Her face contorts into a look of ecstacy.  Her eyes begin to glow their horrible red.

	ORACLE:
By blood are we born.  By blood are we bonded.

The knife clatters to the floor.  The ORACLE holds out her hands.  Blood begins to flow from her palms.

The OVERLORD steps back, blood spattering the floor by his feet.

	ORACLE:
By blood are we born!  BY BLOOD ARE WE BONDED!  IN THE NAME OF THE DARK ONE, UNITE ME!

CUT TO:

INT. BALTAR’S SHUTTLE

BALTAR is piloting his shuttle towards a distant star system.  Suddenly, his body goes limp, his head falls backwards.  His eyes begin to shine with a furious red glow.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Galactica is rounding a small, blue planet.  As it does so, an enormous space station looms into view, spinning in a slow rotation on its orbit.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

ADAMA beckons to ZEV.

	ADAMA:
Request docking privileges.

	ZEV:
Yes sir.

He presses some buttons on his console.  A WOMAN’S VOICE comes over the radio.

	VOICE:
This is Shahin station, please state your vessel’s name, commanding officer, and business intentions.

	ADAMA:
Battlestar Galactica, Commander Adama, trade.

There is a long pause.  The CREW waits nervously.

	VOICE:
Galactica, you are cleared for docking.  Welcome to Silrath.  Enjoy your sojourn and may peace be upon you.

The message clicks off.  There is a pregnant pause.

	ADAMA:
Take us in.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Galactica slowly pulls alongside the enormous station, which dwarfs the massive ship.  From the side of the Galactica, long metal bridges extend themselves and lock into the station’s airlocks.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO is watching over ATHENA, who is sleeping peacefully.  She is no longer restrained.

APOLLO’s radio beeps.

	APOLLO:
Captain Apollo.

	ZEV:
Captain, your father requests your presence at airlock five.  Bring Captain Starbuck with you.

	APOLLO:
I understand.

He stands up and looks at ATHENA for a moment.  He puts his hand on her forehead and caresses her hair.  Then he walks out.

CUT TO:

INT. AIRLOCK FIVE

ADAMA, ZEVI, and several COUNCILORS HEGAI and GEHAN are waiting at the airlock.  APOLLO approaches them, pulling on his uniform, STARBUCK is right behind him.

	ADAMA:
Are you armed?

	APOLLO:
Yes.

	ADAMA:
Good.  Nothing is certain until we obtain an audience.  (He turns to the others)  Gentlemen, if you want to stay, say so now.

No answer.

	ADAMA:
Excellent.  Open the doors.

	STARBUCK:
	(to APOLLO)
The last time someone said that to me things got very interesting very quickly.

	APOLLO:
Just keep cool.

	STARBUCK:
Hey, its what I do best.

The doors open to reveal two men standing at the entrance of the airlock.  They are HAJARIN GUARDS, MUCTAR and FARHIN, humanoid aliens with yellow eyes and bald heads.

	MUCTAR:
I am Muctar of the Hajarin.  Peace be upon your arrival.

	ADAMA:
I am Adama, son of Adama and the House of Adama.  May you welcome us in peace.

	MUCTAR:
You are so welcomed.  What is your business?

	ADAMA:
We seek an audience with the First Tai.

	FARHIN:
The Tai does not speak to traders.

	ADAMA:
We are not ordinary traders.  The Tai is a wise man.  He will know this.

The two guards glance at each other.

	MUCTAR:
You will wait.

He turns and goes into the station, the doors closing behind them.

	APOLLO:
Was that good or bad?

	ADAMA:
Bad is they shoot us the minute we step out the doors and strip our ship clean.

	STARBUCK:
	(to APOLLO)
They’re old fashioned.

The doors open and MUCTAR steps back in.

	MUCTAR:
The Tai will grant your request.  (He points to STARBUCK and APOLLO) But your men will not enter armed.

ADAMA nods to APOLLO and STARBUCK, who hand over their sidearms to the guards.

	ADAMA:
Those weapons will be returned.

	MUCTAR:
The Hajarin are not thieves.

He leads them into the airlock.

	STARBUCK:
Lets not make him mad.

	APOLLO:
Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.

CUT TO:

INT.  SHAHIN STATION – TRADING LEVEL

The guards lead them into a massive trading area.  There are gambling halls and bartering tables, stages with women of various species dancing to strange music.  Traders and screaming and gesturing constantly.

	STARBUCK:
Busy place.

	APOLLO:
They say there is no law on Shahin but Hajarin law.

	STARBUCK:
Which is?

	APOLLO:
Whatever the Hajarin decide it is.

	STARBUCK:
Great.

The guards stop before an elevator.  MUCTAR presses a button and the doors open.  They step inside and the elevator begins to ascend.

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR

The elevator comes to a stop.

	MUCTAR:
You will remove your shoes, please.

	STARBUCK:
Demanding people, aren’t they?

	APOLLO:
Starbuck, do us a favor and keep your mouth shut while we’re in there.

	STARBUCK:
What?  What’d I say?

The doors open and they enter a dark room filled with smoke.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE TAI

Hajarin are sprawled on couches and chairs.  Women are bringing them tea and strange foods.  They are smoking hookahs which billow smoke into the air.  In the center of the room sits a tall, thin Hajarin with a thin beard.  His eyes are piercing, with a fierce intelligence behind them.  The group stand before him.

	LAHAV:
I am Lahav, First Tai of this Station.

	ADAMA:
I am Adama…

	LAHAV:
Of the Battlestar Galactica.  This, I presume, is your surviving son, Apollo.

	ADAMA:
Yes.

	LAHAV:
I have lost two sons in battle.  It is a terrible thing, is it not, to lose a son?

	ADAMA:
It is.

	LAHAV:
Sit, please.

They sit on a low couch across from LAHAV.

	LAHAV:
You have come to trade, so my men tell me.

	ADAMA:
That is true.

	LAHAV:
It is half true.  I have long ears, Adama of the House of Adama.

	ADAMA:
As I anticipated.

LAHAV chuckles.

	LAHAV:
Of course.  You are seeking my hospitality and my assistance to repair your vessels and escape the Cylon Imperium, which is no doubt pursuing you with great effort for a hundred centons around us.

	ADAMA:
That is true.

	LAHAV:
It is good that there should be no lies between us.  For men like us, lies are a waste of time.  You have been truthful with me, now I will be truthful with you.

	ADAMA:
I expected nothing less.

LAHAV smiles.

	LAHAV:
The Hajarin have maintained a very long and very profitable neutrality between Man and the Cylon Imperium for a thousand years.  It has been purchased at the cost of many lives.  I ask you, between two truthful men, why should I help you?

	ADAMA:
You know the answer already.

	LAHAV:
Indulge me, Commander.

	ADAMA:
Your neutrality is based on the premise that the conflict between us and the Cylons is perpetual.  This is no longer true.  The Cylons have destroyed the Homeworlds.  When they finish colonizing them, they will turn to other conquests.  You know this.

	LAHAV:
I do.

	ADAMA:
Then you also know that as a result of your neutrality Hajarin military technology is hundreds of years behind ours or the Cylons.  When the Cylons set themselves upon the conquest of Hajarin space, and they will, you will incapable of offering resistance.

	LAHAV:
We will resist nonetheless.

	ADAMA:
Yes, and you will be destroyed, as we were.

Pause.

	LAHAV:
And if all that you say is correct, what can you offer me that would…motivate me to take on a helpless rabble of survivors for an ally.

	ADAMA:
We are prepared to offer the Hajarin complete access to the technological specifications of Galactica, as well as any other technical assistance that may be required.  We offer you the chance for survival.

Pause.

	LAHAV:
Weapons?

	ADAMA:
All that we can spare.

	LAHAV:
That is not very much.

	ADAMA:
It will be enough for your purposes.  Enough to provide for accurate replication.

LAHAV strokes his beard.

	ADAMA:
Between two truthful men, Lahav Tai, you know that war between the Cylons and the Hajarin is inevitable.  Do you not?

Pause.

	LAHAV:
You are a blunt man.

	ADAMA:
I do not have the luxury of politeness.

	LAHAV:
Nor do I.  Your offer is accepted.

	ADAMA:
Thank you.

LAHAV rises from his seat.  ADAMA and the others stand with him.

	LAHAV:
Muctar will provide you with the assistance you need.  The technology and weapons transfers must be handled directly through me, is that clear?

	ADAMA:
Of course.

	LAHAV:
In the meantime, your people are welcome to my hospitality and to the enjoyment of this station.  I must warn you however, to keep your men alert.  We captured three Cylon spies last week alone.  I have no doubt there are more we have not yet discovered, and that more still will be coming.

	ADAMA:
We will do so.

	LAHAV:
Then peace be upon you, and upon our friendship.

	ADAMA:
Blessings be upon your house Lahav Tai.

	LAHAV:
And upon yours.

They shake hands.

CUT TO:

REPAIR MONTAGE
•	Men is space suits welding the damaged hull of the Galactica.
•	Men, women, and children spilling off the airlocks into the station.
•	Men working furiously in the Galactica’s engine room.
•	LAHAV inspecting boxes filled with weapons and computers.
•	Science officers transferring data to MUCTAR’s computers.
•	Galactica security men standing outside the airlocks, keeping their eyes open.
•	Galactica crew bartering in the market place.
•	Other crew members chatting up dancing girls.
•	ADAMA supervising the bridge repairs.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO is still by ATHENA’s bedside.  The doors slide open and STARBUCK enters.

	STARBUCK:
Still out, huh?

	APOLLO:
Yes, but she’s stable.  The Docs say she’ll come out of it.

	STARBUCK:
She’s strong, buddy.  She brought us this far, she’s not going anywhere.

	APOLLO:
I wish I could believe that.

	STARBUCK:
Listen, I’m heading dockside for some R&R.  Want to join me?  It’ll get your mind off things for a little while.

	APOLLO:
No.  Go ahead, enjoy yourself.

STARBUCK puts his hand on APOLLO’s shoulder, but can’t find any words of comfort.

	STARBUCK:
I’ll stop by on the way back.

He walks out.

CUT TO:

INT. GAMBLING CLUB

STARBUCK is smoking a cigar and playing cards with BOOMER and a group of aliens.  A woman with three breasts is at his side.

	STARBUCK:
I’m telling you Tayla, we could make a fortune in the outlands with those things.  My business sense, and your..uh..talent.  The sky’s the limit!

	TAYLA:
You really think so?

	BOOMER:
Don’t listen to him, honey, he’s just a burned-out Viper jockey.

	STARBUCK:
Shut up, you glorified mechanic!  You’re messing with my game here!

	BOOMER:
Man, you can’t even handle two, what are you gonna do with three!

He cracks up laughing.

	STARBUCK:
Laugh wisguy!  Laugh!

He throws down his cards.  The players groan and hand over their money.

	STARBUCK:
I told you Giberian poker was a great game!  Of course, never play it with a Giberian or you’ll…

He stops, staring off into the distance.

	BOOMER:
What is it?

STARBUCK:
Turn around slowly.

BOOMER looks cautiously behind him and freezes.

BALTAR is standing at one of the bazaar tables.

	BOOMER:
That’s impossible.

	STARBUCK:
No, its him.  I’d know that bastard’s face anywhere.

	BOOMER:
What are we gonna do?

	STARBUCK:
What do you think?  Run for help.  (he pushes TAYLA off his lap)  Sorry, honey, got to pick this up another time.

	TAYLA:
But…

STARBUCK and BOOMER rush off.

CUT TO:

EXT. BAZAAR

BALTAR is making his way through the bazaar, looking dully at some of the wares.  As the crowd thins, he turns a corner and STARBUCK appears before him.

	STARBUCK:
Don’t I know you, buddy?

	BALTAR:
No.  I’m sure you don’t.

	STARBUCK:
Sure I do!  You’re uh…That guy…Didn’t we play cards once on…

BOOMER and two security guards throw a hood over BALTAR’s head and lift him off his feet.

	STARBUCK:
You goddam traitor!  There’s gonna be a lot of people very glad to see you!

CUT TO:

INT. ADAMA’S CABIN

ADAMA is working at a computer console.  His intercom beeps.

	ADAMA:
Yes?

	ZEV:
Sir, you have an urgent message from the station.

CUT TO:

INT. SHAHIN BRIG

BALTAR is sitting behind bars, looking confused.  The doors of the brig open and ADAMA comes in.

	ADAMA:
Proconsul.

BALTAR nods.  He looks lost and forlorn.

	ADAMA:
I’ve dreamed many times about what I would say to you at this moment.  Now…I can think of nothing.

	BALTAR:
Nor can I?

	ADAMA:
You always spoke so eloquently of peace, of reconciliation.  I opposed you all my life, but secretly I admired your idealism.  I never doubted your sincerity.  (pause)  You destroyed my faith in men, Baltar.  For that, I can never forgive you.

BALTAR doesn’t answer.

	ADAMA:
Why did you do it?

	BALTAR:
I don’t remember anymore.

	ADAMA:
That is all you can say?  After everything you have caused? After all this death?

	BALTAR:
I’m sorry.

	ADAMA:
It is far, far too late for that, Proconsul.

Pause.

	ADAMA:
Why did the Cylons let you go?

	BALTAR:
I…they didn’t.  I escaped.

	ADAMA:
Escaped?  How?

	BALTAR:
I don’t know.  I don’t remember.  It’s a blur…I…I am not myself.

	ADAMA:
Why did you come here?

	BALTAR:
I…

He looks up at ADAMA helplessly.

	ADAMA:
When we leave this station, you will be tried for treason on board the Galactica.  I promise you a lawful trial, but I must warn you, the requested penalty will be your execution.

BALTAR says nothing.

	ADAMA:
I dreamed of you as a monster, Proconsul.  But you are not.  You are a pathetic fool.  Were it not for your crimes, I might even pity you.

He walks out.

CUT TO:

INT. BRIG CONTROL

STARBUCK and BOOMER are waiting outside.

	ADAMA:
Gentlemen, my congratulations.  You will receive the Honor of the High Priest for your actions.

	STARBUCK:
Thank you sir.

	BOOMER:
It was nothing sir.

Pause.

	ADAMA:
He is…not what he is.

	STARBUCK:
Sir?

	ADAMA:
Nothing.  You may return to the Galactica.  My congratulations to you both.

They nod and exit.  ADAMA looks back at the brig, a troubled look on his face.

CUT TO:

INT. LAHAV’S CHAMBERS

LAHAV is pacing the room, incensed.

	LAHAV:
You had no right to imprison a paying customer on my station!

	ADAMA:
He is a traitor to the colonies, responsible for millions of deaths!

	LAHAV:
He has done nothing to me!

	ADAMA:
He was a Cylon agent!

	LAHAV:
I am First Tai, not you!  I should have been consulted!  This is an insult to my authority!

Pause.

	ADAMA:
You are right, Lahav Tai.  My apologies.

LAHAV sighs.

	LAHAV:
If I am not Lahav Tai, Commander, I am nothing.

	ADAMA:
I understand.

	LAHAV:
You may transfer him to your ship, under the supervision of your guards.

	ADAMA:
Thank you.

	LAHAV:
If you abuse my hospitality again, I will sell you to the Cylons myself.

	ADAMA:
I understand.  It will not happen again.

	LAHAV:
Were you in my position, Commander, you would feel as I do.  You know this.

	ADAMA:
I do.

LAHAV turns his back on ADAMA.  ADAMA turns and exits the room.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA AIRLOCK ONE

The doors open and STARBUCK appears, leading a group of GUARDS.  In the middle of the cordon is BALTAR, his hands bound in front of him.  He is exhausted, a broken man.  As they enter the Galactica, they stop short.

The hall is filled with men, women and children, the refugees of the destroyed Homeworlds.  Their eyes are filled with rage and hate.

	THE REFUGEES:
Its him!  Kill him!  KILL THE TRAITOR!  REVENGE!  JUSTICE!  KILL HIM!

The mob surges forward, tearing BALTAR from the guards.  He does not resist as he is thrown to the ground.  The crowd starts mercilessly beating him.  Children and old women join in the fray, striking out at their hated enemy.

There is an explosion.  The crowd stops and looks up.  STARBUCK has fired his pistol into the air.

	STARBUCK:
That’s enough!  Return to your ships!

	REFUGEE:
Justice!  We want justice!

	STARBUCK:
You’ll have it!  But not like this!

The guards level their weapons.

	REFUGEE:
You would kill your own people to defend this animal?!

	STARBUCK:
He’s my prisoner!  My responsibility!  Will you kill me to have him?!

Silence.  STARBUCK strides through the crowd and picks BALTAR off the floor.  He takes the bleeding and bruised traitor by the arm and beckons to the guards.

	STARBUCK:
Return to your ships!  You’ll have your justice!  The House of Adama has sworn it!

The crowd murmurs with discontent, but they do not move.  STARBUCK and the guards lead BALTAR away.

CUT TO:

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER

COUNCILOR BARLAC holds the floor once again.

	BARLAC:
Once again, the House of Adama has exceeded its powers in the most flagrant fashion imaginable!

	VOICES:
Hear hear!

	BARLAC:
Can the Acting Chancellor possibly defend this vicious and illegal action?!  This action which contravenes all accepted norms of intergalactic protocol!  Which has jeopardized our delicate relationship with the Hajarin!  Which has made a mockery of justice by exposing our prisoner to mob assault by a rabble of refugees!

	GEHAN:
I recall that it was you who opposed the alliance with the Hajarin in the first place.

	BARLAC:
I ask that the Councilor not speak unless recognized by the Council.

	ADAMA:
Consider him so recognized.

	BARLAC:
How ironic, that the House of Adama grants leave to its allies on this Council even as it silences all opposition to its policies!

	HEGAI:
That is absolutely absurd!

	BARLAC:
I remind the Council that this body was not even consulted before the Acting Chancellor undertook this despicable kidnapping!

	HEGAI:
Kidnapping?!  You are mad sir!

	BARLAC:
You see!  All who oppose the tyranny of Adama are now declared mad!

	ADAMA:
May the Acting Chancellor respond?

BARLAC makes a contemptuous gesture and sits.

	ADAMA:
Proconsul Baltar was arrested in accordance with his crimes.  The Hajarin have expressed their dissatisfaction with our methods but our relationship has not been harmed.  The attack on Baltar was unfortunate, but his guards acted promptly and decisively to contain the violence.

BARLAC:
A small consolation had the man been killed.

ADAMA:
But he was not.  Baltar will receive a fair trial in accordance with the Law of the Twelve.

	BARLAC:
Please!  How can such a man receive a fair trial on this ship?  With thousands howling for his blood!

	ADAMA:
Does the Councilor propose that we simply set him free?

BARLAC does not answer.  He sits and stews in silence.

	ADAMA:
I move that the Council vote on the question of Baltar’s imprisonment.  He shall be released forthwith on a vote of aye.  May I see a vote?

No one raises their hands.

	ADAMA:
The esteemed Councilor may now consider this issue closed.

BARLAC glares at ADAMA, a slight smile on his face.  COUNCILOR REHAH watches him out of the corner of his eye.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO is sleeping, his head on ATHENA’s bed.  The bed is empty.  APOLLO stirs.  He reaches out to touch ATHENA and realizes she is missing.  He looks around, panicked.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S CABIN

The doors open and APOLLO enters.  ATHENA is looking out the window at the stars, her fingers resting on the glass.

	ATHENA:
Is it you, my love?

	APOLLO:
I knew you would be here.

	ATHENA:
You know my heart.

	APOLLO:
You shouldn’t be out of bed.

Pause.

	ATHENA:
She is here.

	APOLLO:
Where?

	ATHENA:
Somewhere…outside of me…it is strange…  She is half blind, seeking…

	APOLLO:
Can you find her?

	ATHENA:
Her deceit is powerful.  I cannot…

She bows her head and turns.  Tears are streaming down her cheeks.

	ATHENA:
Beloved…I see death…Only death…

APOLLO takes her in his arms.  She begins to weep uncontrollably.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIG

BALTAR sits in his cell, forlorn and broken.  His cuts are healing but his face is still black and blue.

The doors to the brig open slowly.  COUNCILORS BARLAC and REHAH enter the brig.  BARLAC presses some buttons on a console by the door.

	BARLAC:
Disable surveillance network, code Barlac 4453079.

	VOICE:
Disabled.

	BARLAC:
Now we can talk freely.

They approach BALTAR’s cell.

	BARLAC:
Greetings Proconsul.

BALTAR simply stares at them.

	BARLAC:
I trust your injuries are healing?

	BALTAR:
	(quietly)
Yes.

	BARLAC:
Good.  No man, whatever his crimes, should be treated so shamefully.

	BALTAR:
Thank you.

	BARLAC:
We have been anxious to talk to you, my colleague and I.

	BALTAR:
Why?

	BARLAC:
We would like to present you with an offer.

	BALTAR:
An offer of what?

	BARLAC:
A chance for redemption.

	BALTAR:
I’m sorry…I don’t understand…

	BARLAC:
Come, come, Proconsul.  What you did you did out of idealism.  In the hope of peace between our people and the Cylons.  We believe that peace is still possible.

	BALTAR:
Peace?

	BARLAC:
Yes, peace.  The Cylons have nothing to fear from us now, you know that.  I’m sure we can reach a reasonable accommodation with the Imperium.  The only thing standing in the way is the warmongering of the House of Adama.

	REHAH:
The tyranny of the House of Adama.

	BARLAC:
Quite so.  Adama is obsessed with destroying the Cylons, we will never have peace so long as he holds the reigns of power.  You, Baltar, can erase your treason and write your name into history by helping us end this futile and pointless war.

	BALTAR:
I…I don’t understand…How…

	BARLAC:
Come come, Proconsul.  You have lived among the Cylons, you know them.  They trust you.  With your help we can reestablish contact with the Imperium and begin the necessary negotiations.  Only the Imperium can help us reach peace.

	REHAH:
No.  Only the Imperium can help us destroy the tyranny of Adama.  Tyrants must be overthrown. The Imperium is our only hope.

	BARLAC:
Our people are lost and deluded, Proconsul.  They are in thrall to the lies of a dictator and the dreams of a deluded woman.  You must help us, proconsul.  You are the only one who can.

	BALTAR:
I…  no…  I can’t even remember what…

His voice trails off.  His head slowly falls on to his chest.

	BARLAC:
Proconsul? Proconsul?  Are you unwell?

Slowly, BALTAR raises his head.  His eyes are glowing a brilliant red.  BARLAC steps backwards, astonished.  When BALTAR speaks, it is in a strange, alien voice.

	BALTAR:
You are a wise and courageous man, Councilor Barlac.

	BARLAC:
What is this?

	BALTAR:
This is my true voice, Councilor.

CUT TO:

THE ORACLE, her eyes glowing, mouthing BALTAR’s words as he speaks.

CUT TO:

The brig.  BARLAC steps forward.

	BALTAR:
This is the voice of peace.

	BARLAC:
Baltar?

	BALTAR:
I am Baltar and not Baltar.  I bring you greetings from the Imperium.

	BARLAC:
What is this sorcery?

	REHAH:
The Imperium?

	BALTAR:
We have been hoping for men of wisdom such as yourself to stop forward and end this conflict.

	REHAH:
Will you help us?

WE PUSH IN on BALTAR’s red eyes.

	BALTAR:
Yes.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S CABIN

ATHENA is sleeping in APOLLO’s arms.  Suddenly, her eyes snap open.

	ATHENA:
She is here.

APOLLO sits up, suddenly awake.

	APOLLO:
What?

	ATHENA:
Baltar.  Where is Baltar?

CUT TO:

INT. STATION BAZAAR

BARLAC and REHAH move uneasily among the bustling traders.  Looking cautiously around, they make their way to a small store, obviously a brothel, with many alien girls standing outside in states of undress.  BARLAC looks disgusted as they go inside.

CUT TO:

INT. BROTHEL

A large alien female named MIN spots them and saunters over.

	MIN:
Peace be upon you, gentlemen.  How may we assist in your search for pleasure?

	BARLAC:
We are here on business.

	MIN:
Pleasure is our business, gentlemen.

	BARLAC:
We come to speak with Margil.

	MIN:
	(suddenly serious)
Come with me.

She leads them through the back of the shop.

CUT TO:

INT. BACK ROOM

The COUNCILORS enter a small, dark room.  A gambling den.  There are few customers, the room is filled with hookah smoke. MIN leads them to a back table, where a strange creature is dealing a solitary game of cards.

	MIN:
These men seek an audience.

	MARGIL:
Leave us.

The COUNCILOR’s sit.

	MARGIL:
I have been expecting you.  They told me you would be coming.

	BARLAC:
How did they…

	MARGIL:
The Imperium has long ears.

	BARLAC:
And you are?

MARGIL reaches up to his eyes and slowly peels a thin, plastic layer off his eyeballs.  Underneath are revealed the red eyes of the Cylon.

	MARGIL:
A friend.

CUT TO:

INT. BRIG

ATHENA enters the brig, alone.  BALTAR sits up from his bunk.

	BALTAR:
Who are you?

	ATHENA:
My name is Athena.  May I enter.

	BALTAR:
Yes.

She presses a button and the cell opens.  She steps inside and it closes behind her.

ATHENA sits across from BALTAR.

	BALTAR:
Are you the sorceress?

	ATHENA:
Some call me so.  Are you the traitor Baltar?

	BALTAR:
I am.

	ATHENA:
What I must ask of you will be difficult, but it must be done.

	BALTAR:
What do I have that you could you ask of me?

	ATHENA:
I wish to speak to the other voice, to the other mind.

BALTAR leans forward, his eyes filled with desperation.

	BALTAR:
The other voice!  Do you know who she is?!  Can you free me of her?

	ATHENA:
Yes.  If you will let me.

BALTAR’s eyes fill with tears.

	BALTAR:
Please.

ATHENA takes his face in her hands.  She looks into his eyes.  Her eyes begin to glow with a white light.  BALTAR’s eyes begin to glow in answer.

CUT TO:

THE ORACLE, her eyes open in surprise, perhaps even fear.

CUT TO:

BALTAR begins to tremble.

	ATHENA:
Sister…sister…what did they tell you, sister?  What did they tell you?

CUT TO:

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER

The Councilors are once again assembled before ADAMA.

	ADAMA:
The Acting Chancellor recognizes Councilor Barlac’s right to address the Council.

BARLAC rises.

	BARLAC:
My friends, I wish to propose to you an immediate vote upon the Acting Chancellor’s capacity to continue in his current office, and the consideration of an alternative plan of action.

There is a rush of astonished murmuring around the table.

	BARLAC:
My friends, it is time for us to consider the possibility of peace.  The possibility of an end to this endless and futile conflict inflicted on us by a dictatorial…

His words trail off. The doors to the chamber are opening.  LAHAV TAI enters the room.  Behind him are STARBUCK and two guards.  Between them is MARGIL, the Cylon spy.

BARLAC is speechless for a moment before he regains his composure.

	BARLAC:
I must object to this unwarranted interruption of an official…

	ADAMA:
SIT DOWN!

BARLAC is astonished.  Before he knows what is happening, he sits meekly in his seat.

	ADAMA:
Gentlemen, this is Lahav, First Tai of Shahin.  He wishes to address the council.

	LAHAV:
Peace be upon you, honored guests.  Acting upon regular security procedures, my men have been keeping the closest surveillance on this Cylon spy.  (he points to MARGIL)  I believe that this may be of the greatest interest to this council.

He inserts a disk into a wall console.  A holographic image appears over the table.  It is a recording of BARLAC and REHAH’s meeting with MARGIL.

REHAH jumps to his feet and dashes for the door.  The guards tackle him and throw him against the wall.

There is silence in the Council chamber.  ADAMA rises from his seat and walks over to BARLAC.  He places his hand on his shoulder.

	ADAMA:
Councilor, do you have anything to say in your defense.

	BARLAC:
	(whispered)
No.

ADAMA grabs him and hurls him bodily out of his seat.  BARLAC smashes into the wall.  ADAMA grabs him by the scruff of the neck.

	ADAMA:
You mad, stupid fool!  Do you know what you have done?!  Do you understand how you have disgraced your ancestors and this council?!  You have sold your people to slavery and death!  And for what?!  For peace with a murderous empire?!

	HAGAI:
Adama!

ADAMA turns, his eyes filled with rage.

	HAGAI:
Do not disgrace yourself as he has.

ADAMA takes a deep breath.  He turns back to BARLAC.

	ADAMA:
	(in a whisper)
Once, we fought together as comrades.  We fought to save our people and our civilization.  What has become of you my friend?  How have you fallen so low that the Twelve Priests themselves could not redeem you?

He lets him go.

	ADAMA:
I will mourn you, my friend.  But you are not worthy of it.

BARLAC is beaten.  He crumples on to the floor.

	ADAMA:
Take him away.

The guards drag BARLAC and REHAH out the door.

	ADAMA:
Gentlemen, return to your ships, and prepare for battle.

CUT TO:

INT. BRIG

BALTAR is lying on his bunk.  For the first time, he sleeps serenely.

Suddenly, his eyes snap open.  His body begins to tremble.  Red light begins to shine out of his eyes and mouth.  His body begins to convulse furiously.  A silent scream contorts his face as his body bursts into flames.

CUT TO:

INT. ADAMA’S CABIN

ADAMA, LAHAV, APOLLO and ATHENA are seated in a semi-circle, their mood is grim.

	ATHENA:
We must assume that our location is now known, and it is only a matter of time before the Cylon armada arrives.

	ADAMA:
My apologies, my friend.  I brought this upon you.

	LAHAV:
It was inevitable.  There is no neutrality in a war such as this.

	ADAMA:
How long before Galactica will be prepared for hyperjump?

	APOLLO:
Another sixteen hours at least.

	ADAMA:
They will arrive before then.

	APOLLO:
Father, the Galactica cannot possibly hold out against the entire Cylon Armada alone.

	LAHAV:
You need not be alone.

	ADAMA:
That is something I cannot ask you, my friend.

	LAHAV:
The time has come for the Hajarin to make their choice.  No one man rules the Hajarin, but I will address the Assembly of Judges.  I believe I can convince them of what needs to be done.  If you will help me.

	ADAMA:
Is it permitted?

	LAHAV:
It will be now.

	ADAMA:
Then the honor is mine.

	APOLLO:
Even if we could escape, there is no escape from the force which has captured Baltar and tortured my wife.

	ATHENA:
Leave her to me.

	APOLLO:
I will not allow you to…

	ATHENA:
Beloved, you must trust me.  Everything is as it was prophesied to be.  Only I can blind her to our escape.

	ADAMA:
You speak of “her”?  Who is she?

	ATHENA:
She is as I am.  A sister in the gift of prophecy.  She is the Oracle of Cylon.

	LAHAV:
My people speak too of this legend.

	ATHENA:
It is no legend.  The High Priest Karathin spoke of it before he was destroyed.  The Cylon’s were once brothers of man.  But the Dark One came over them.  They gave themselves to him in exchange for power.

	ADAMA:
The Dark One?

	ATHENA:
The Beast of Cylon.

There is a long pause.

	ADAMA:
The Beast of Cylon is a myth.

	ATHENA:
How many of our myths have proven true on our journey?

ADAMA does not answer.

	ATHENA:
She is his child.  The daughter of the Dark One.  The evil which has deformed the Cylons has not affected her.  She is as the Cylons once were.  She is…almost human.  She sees as I do.  She understands as I do.  The Dark One holds her close.  Her powers are very great.

	ADAMA:
Can you defeat her?

	ATHENA:
The High Priest said that there is always hope.

	ADAMA:
My faith is with you, Athena.

	LAHAV:
As is mine.

APOLLO:
Faith is not what I am afraid of.

	ADAMA:
To love, my son, is a great wound.

	LAHAV:
You must be grateful, son of Adama.  I have fifteen wives, and together they are not the equal of her.

	APOLLO:
	(to ATHENA)
I will not allow you to be harmed again.

	ATHENA:
The choice, beloved, is not yours.  Or mine.

The doors open and STARBUCK steps inside.

	ADAMA:
What is it?

	STARBUCK:
Baltar is dead.

There is a terrified pause.

	ATHENA:
There is no time to waste.  It has begun.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE ORACLE

The doors open and the OVERLORD enters.  The ORACLE is seated in her throne.  She looks tired and resigned.

	ORACLE:
Your armada is ready?

	OVERLORD:
It is.

	ORACLE:
There are dark omens.

	OVERLORD:
That is impossible.  Shahin is almost undefended.  The Galactica cannot hold out alone.

	ORACLE:
What you say is true.

	OVERLORD:
What do you see then?

	ORACLE:
Death.  Only death.

	OVERLORD:
Whose death?

	ORACLE:
The way is dark.  My eyes blind.  I cannot see its end.

	OVERLORD:
Will I be victorious?

	ORACLE:
I can see neither victory nor defeat.  All must be at the will of the Dark One.  I know only this, Overlord.  You’re destiny lies there, on the field of battle.  As does my own.

CUT TO:

INT. ASSEMBLY OF THE JUDGES

LAHAV and ADAMA step into a large room.  Hajarin leaders are assembled around a dais, dressed in their tribal clothes.  LAHAV steps to the dais with ADAMA.

	LAHAV:
Peace be upon you, brothers of the Hajarin!

	THE ASSEMBLED:
Peace be upon you Lahav Tai!

	LAHAV:
Brothers, the time has come. For too long we have kept silent as war split this galaxy in two.  We watched as entire worlds were destroyed, entire peoples annihilated.  We have watched as the Cylon Imperium devoured centon after centon, until there was not a star system left in which we could coast the stars at our will.  The time has come for the Hajarin to rise!  The time has come for the Hajarin to resist!

There is a loud commotion in the chamber.  A judge named ROJIN stands.

	ROJIN:
You say this only for your human friends!

	LAHAV:
My human friends are the proof of my righteousness!  See what the Imperium has done to them!  Destroyed their Homeworlds, sent them wandering across the galaxy!  Can you imagine what their wrath will be upon us, who they consider brigands and criminals?

Another commotion.  JUDGE HERAD stands.

	HERAD:
War has never been generous to the Hajarin.  We live by trade.  How are we to trade and fight at the same time!  We must avoid war at all cost!

	LAHAV:
War has already come!  In a matter of hours the Cylon Armada will arrive!

	HERAD:
Then sell them the humans, the Cylons will be generous and merciful!

ADAMA slowly rises from his seat.

	ADAMA:
Have you fought the Cylons?

There is a sudden silence in the chamber.

	HERAD:
No.

	ADAMA:
I have.  I have fought them all my life.  I have seen them annihilate worlds.  I have seen them destroy ships filled with women and children.  I have seen tem subjugate entire systems to their greed.  I have seen the lust for power in their eyes.  They will not stop.  They cannot stop! Do not think your dreams of mercy and peace will save you!  They pledged my people peace!  They used spies and traitors to deceive and blind us!  When we, out of foolish and desperate hope, believed them, they used our weakness to destroy us!  I and my people are all that remains of the Twelve Homeworlds of Man!  And still, they pursue us to the ends of the galaxy!  That is the measure of Cylon mercy!

There is a long pause.  Then a young judge named KALADIN rises to speak.

	KALADIN:
The clan of Kalad will fight with pride alongside Lahav Tai!

Another chief rises.

	MISRAN:
As will the clan of Misra!

Others begin to rise, shouting their assent, until the chamber is a mass of shouting warriors, their raised arms slicing the air.

	ADAMA:
	(to LAHAV)
Thank you, my friend.

	LAHAV:
We have a saying commander, “Do not drink your toasts until the battle is over.”  Thank me then.  If we survive.

	ADAMA:
I will.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S CABIN

ATHENA is sleeping.  APOLLO cannot sleep.  He sits in a chair watching over her.  His brow is furrowed with worry.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

ADAMA, ZEVI, and several other OFFICERS are poring over the main computer, looking at battle plans.

	ADAMA:
The Cylons will likely come out of jump here, where the Gamma radiation is lowest.  The Hajarin will attack first, backed by our Vipers.

	ZEVI:
They wont hold out long.

	ADAMA:
No, but long enough to allow us to fire up the hyperjump engines and jam the Cylon tracking systems.  They’ll hold them off for as long as they can, then they’ll fall back on this station.  We’ll go into hyperjump as soon as Lahav Tai gives the evacuation order.  At that point, the station will be abandoned and destroyed.  Hopefully, the blast will be enough to take a large portion of the Cylon Armada with it.

	OPERATIONS OFFICER:
There is a rumor that the Cylons have a telepath.  That she can see us wherever we escape.

	ADAMA:
That is a matter for religion.  I am only a soldier.  Stand to your posts.

The men nod and disperse.

CUT TO:

PRE-BATTLE MONTAGE
•	Hajarin men are manning their fighters.
•	LAHAV TAI walks among his men, shouting encouragement.
•	Galactica personnel dashing to their battle stations.
•	Viper pilots pulling on their uniforms.
•	STARBUCK leading his men on to the flight deck.
•	BOOMER furiously directing maintenance personnel.
•	Hajarin gunners readying the stations new defenses.
•	Galactica’s armor once again moving slowly into position.
•	ADAMA watching the preparations from the bridge, a look of deep resignation on his face.  Again, he must go to war.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S CABIN

APOLLO is asleep in his chair.  He hears ATHENA give out a low cry.  He starts awake.

	APOLLO:
What is it?

ATHENA is sitting up in bed, clutching her abdomen.

	ATHENA:
The child is coming!

	APOLLO:
That’s impossible.  Its too soon!

She cries out again.  APOLLO lifts her up and carries her out of the cabin.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO enters carrying ATHENA.

	APOLLO:
Quick, she’s having the child now!

	DOCTOR:
That’s impossible!

	ATHENA:
No, it must be, it must be.

They lay her down on a bed.  The DOCTOR rushes to get he nurse and his instruments.

	ATHENA:
	(whispered)
Apollo, my beloved, you must swear to me!  You will not let the child die!  Whatever happens!  You must not let it die!

	APOLLO:
I wont!  I swear it!

She screams in agony.  The DOCTOR rushes back with a nurse.

	DOCTOR:
	(to APOLLO)
Please wait outside!  You can observe from behind the glass!

Looking utterly helpless, APOLLO retreats behind the glass partition.

CUT TO:

INT. ANTEROOM

ADAMA and ZEV are waiting for something.  ADAMA straightens his uniform.

	ADAMA:
How do I look?

	ZEV:
Like a Commander.

	ADAMA:
This time, I have to be more than that.

	ZEV:
Good luck sir.

	ADAMA:
Whatever happens today Zev, you have always been loyal to me and to your people.  You have done honor to yourself, and your ancestors.

	ZEV:
Thank you, sir.

ADAMA nods and turns to go.

	ZEV:
Sir!

ADAMA looks back.

	ZEV:
So have you, sir.

	ADAMA:
Thank you, Zev.  Thank you.

He turns.  The doors open and ADAMA steps out into:

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ADAMA stands on a balcony high above the flight deck.  It is filled with Viper pilots, soldiers, crew members and refugees.  A hush falls over the crowd.

	ADAMA:
My friends…  Again we stand on the eve of a decisive battle.  I…  I am weary of war.  I have spent my whole life at war.  I have seen men die.  Women die.  Children die.  My children.  My son…  I have fought because I believed that humanity is something good in this universe, and worth fighting for.  My faith has been…tested in recent days.  I have seen treason, deceit, faithlessness, hatred, and foolishness.  I have wondered…  I have wondered if man was worth the battle to save him.

But I have also seen honor, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.  The love that is possible only when you is willing to die for the thing that you love.  When you are willing to face the emptiness of death, so that honor, loyalty, sacrifice, and love might live on.  Our enemy believes only in power.  We believe…  We believe in that which is the best in man.  We believe in it so fervently that, even in the darkness of doubt and despair, we are willing to die for it.  So that it…  (he stops, overcome for a moment)  So that it might live again.  And a new birth may come into our dark universe.  That we may stand together and say not “tomorrow on earth” but “today on earth.”  Each one of us here will fight today not in the emptiness of space but on the endless fields of earth.  Each one us will fight so that he may live as the earth lives!  That he may give life as the earth gives life!  Each one of us fights so that he might say to his children, and his children’s children, TODAY ON EARTH!

	THE CROWD:
TODAY ON EARTH!  TODAY ON EARTH!  TODAY ON EARTH!

The chant rises to a fever pitch as the assembled fighters shout it out in a frenzy of hope and desperation.  ADAMA bows his head, a tear runs down his cheek.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO looks down at the floor, dejected.  The DOCTOR comes up to him.

	DOCTOR:
You can see her now.

APOLLO rounds the partition and sees ATHENA cradling a child in her arms.  APOLLO smiles, his eyes fill with water.

	APOLLO:
Is he..?

	DOCTOR:
It’s a she, and she’s fine.  Strangest thing I ever saw.  Perfectly healthy, fully developed.  Don’t ask me to explain.

	ATHENA:
She is here, my love.  She has arrived.  Is she not beautiful?

	APOLLO:
Yes.

A klaxon sounds.

	ANNOUNCEMENT:
All pilots to their fighters!  All pilots to their fighters!

APOLLO looks at ATHENA, pained.

	ATHENA:
Go.  You must.

He nods.  He kisses her on the lips and his new child on the forehead, then dashes out towards the flight deck.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

ADAMA enters the bridge and sits in his command chair.

	ZEVI:
All hands have stood to battle stations.

	ADAMA:
Good.  Standby defense array.

CUT TO:

EXT. GALACTICA

Galactica’s giant cannons move slowly into position.

CUT TO:

EXT.  SHAHIN STATION

Atop the station’s dome, enormous doors open to reveal the fleet of Hajarin fighters.

CUT TO:

INT. LAHAV’S FIGHTER

LAHAV pulls his helmet over his head.  There are three men in the fighters.  Two pilots and LAHAV in the command chair above them.

	LAHAV:
Sound the klaxon.

A piercing siren sounds three times throughout the Hajarin flight deck.  The other fighters sound their klaxons three times as well.

	LAHAV:
Sound the horn three times for death.  May my men know no fear.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA FLIGHT DECK

The last cockpits fall into position.  The fighters are slowly maneuvered into their launch tubes.

CUT TO:

INT. BRIDGE

ADAMA waits.

CUT TO:

INT. HAJARIN FLIGHT DECK

The pilots wait, tense with anticipation.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA FLIGHT DECK

The Viper pilots wait for launch.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

Shahin Station and the Galactica wait in silence.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

The OVERLORD enters the bridge of his attack ship and sits in his command chair.  FIRST CENTURION turns to him.

	FIRST CENTURION:
We are prepared for hyperjump.

	OVERLORD:
We wait for her command.

	FIRST CENTURION:
Sir, we must attack now!  We have already wasted enough time!

THE OVERLORD turns to look him in the eye.

	OVERLORD:
You may not believe in her, Centurion.  But you should fear her, as I do.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE ORACLE

The ORACLE waits in her throne, her eyes closed.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

ATHENA, her eyes staring off into space.  She clutches her child closer.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE ORACLE

The ORACLE touches a button on her throne.

	ORACLE:
Overlord, you may begin your attack.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

Galactica and the Shahin station still wait.  Suddenly, a jump portal opens up, cutting a jagged swath through space.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

	ZEVI:
Jump portal opening up at five centons!

	ADAMA:
Launch the fighters, prepare for attack!

CUT TO:

INT. FLIGHT DECK

	COMPUTER VOICE:
Cylon attack in progress.  Launch fighters!  Launch fighters!

The Vipers blast out of their launch tubes.

CUT TO:

INT. HAJARIN FLIGHT DECK

LAHAV’s voice is heard over the PA.

	LAHAV:
Attack!

The Hajarin fighters lift off the flight deck and blast out into space.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

The light of the jump portal fades away.  We see the station and the Galactica, dead ahead.  THE OVERLORD sees it, but his bravura is gone.  He seems not to react.

	FIRST CENTURION:
Target sighted, sir!

	CYLON:
Launch the fighters, fire at will.

	FIRST CENTURION:
By your command.

CUT TO:

THE BATTLE
•	Cylon fighters stream out of the attack ships.
•	The Viper squadrons move to intercept.
•	The Cylon guns open fire.
•	The Galactica bridge shakes with the impact.
o	ADAMA:
Return fire!
•	The Galactica’s cannons open fire.
•	The guns of Shahin station open fire.
•	Space is criss-crossed by blasting cannon fire.
•	Shahin station shakes with a torpedo impact.
•	The two fighter groups slam together in open space.  The blackness lights up with explosion and fire.
•	STARBUCK’s wing break off and heads straight for the main attack ship.
•	THE OVERLORD watches the battle.
o	CENTURION:
Fighter wing attacking!
	
	OVERLORD:
Intercept!
•	STARBUCK’s wing flies low over the attack ship, blasting away.
•	The Cylon bridge shakes from the impact.
•	Intercept guns open fire, STARBUCK banks away as it slices through his fighters.
•	LAHAV leads his men in for an attack run.
•	Another torpedo strikes Shahin station.  There is a terrible shuddering.
•	The Galactica is hit amidships.  Sparks fly from the bridge.
•	ATHENA holds her child as the clinic shakes.
•	APOLLO’s wing slices through the Cylon fighters.  Debris and sparks fly across space.
•	THE OVERLORD watches as the battle snakes across space.
o	OVERLORD:
Target the station’s reactor core!
•	A torpedo blasts across space, scoring a direct hit on the station’s midsection.
•	ADAMA turns to ZEVI for damage report.
o	ZEVI:
Sir!  Shahin station has taken a direct hit!  Weapons systems are shutting down.

	ADAMA:
How long to hyperjump capacity?

	ZEVI:
Five minutes, sir.

	ADAMA:
Sound evacuation.  Recall the fighters.

	ZEVI:
Aye sir.
•	LAHAV sights down his heads-up display.
o	LAHAV:
Begin self-destruct sequence!  All fighters with me!  Attack!
•	The Hajarin wing heads straight for the main attack ship.
•	THE OVERLORD sees them coming.
o	OVERLORD:
Concentrate fire!  Concentrate fire!
•	The Hajarin bear down on the massive vessel, firing as they go.
•	A blast strikes LAHAV’s fighter.  Sparks fly around him.  He grips the steering mechanism with iron fingers.
o	LAHAV:
Three times for death.
•	LAHAV drives straight into the vessel’s midsection.  There is a massive explosion.
•	The Cylon bridge shudders.  Explosions burst from the walls and monitors.
•	On the Galactica bridge, the crew cheers.  ADAMA hangs his head.
o	ADAMA:
Goodbye my friend.  May you be gathered to your fathers.
•	The Galactica fighters bank away and begin their retreat.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

ATHENA rises off the bed and lays her child in a bassinet.

	DOCTOR:
Where are you going?  We’re about to go into hyperjump!

ATHENA’s eyes begin to glow.

CUT TO:

INT. SHAHIN STATION

People are running in all directions to their ships and the escape pods.

	COMPUTER VOICE:
Ten minutes to self-destruction.  Evacuate!  Evacuate!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

We see hundreds of tiny ships and pods blasting away from the station.

CUT TO:

INT. FLIGHT DECK

The Vipers are coming in.  APOLLO rips off his helmet and jumps out of the cockpit.

	STARBUCK:
Was that flying or was that…

APOLLO is already running out of the flight deck.  STARBUCK stares after him, confused.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

	ZEV:
All fighters recalled, the Hajarin are retreating.

	ADAMA:
Begin the countdown!

	ZEV:
Two minutes to jump.

The jump klaxon begins to sound.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

	CENTURION:
They are powering for hyperjump.

	OVERLORD:
All remaining ships, advance and attack!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The attack ships bear down on Galactica, firing as they come.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY

APOLLO grabs the wall as the ship shudders on impact.

CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC

APOLLO bursts into the clinic.  He sees the child lying in the bassinet.  The DOCTOR is standing over it, in a daze.

	APOLLO:
Where is she?!

	DOCTOR:
What?  I don’t know…  She left a few minutes ago…

	APOLLO:
Which way?

The DOCTOR points.  APOLLO takes off.  There is a sign above the door reading: “TO AIRLOCKS”.

CUT TO:

INT. AIRLOCK

APOLLO dashes around the corner and sees ATHENA standing at the end of the airlock, on the station side.  Her back is to him.  He slowly walks towards her.

	APOLLO:
Athena?

ATHENA turns to face him.  Her eyes are filled with tears.

	APOLLO:
What is it?  What’s wrong?  We have to go.

	ATHENA:
Apollo, my beloved…

	APOLLO:
Athena, the countdown has already begun.  We have to leave.

	ATHENA:
The child.  Her name is Alyah.  She is everything.  You must protect her. Heed her words, she shares my gift.

	APOLLO:
I don’t understand.

	ATHENA:
No, because you are pure, and young, and noble.  You cannot understand the reckoning of these things.

	APOLLO:
Athena, I…

	ATHENA:
It is as it has ever been.  You must keep the oath you swore to me.  Do not let her die.  She is the great hope.  The light that shines through darkness.

	APOLLO:
	(bewildered)
What?

	ATHENA:
It is the only way.  Only I can blind her to your escape.  Only I can destroy her.

APOLLO steps towards her.  She touches a button on the wall and the airlock closes on him.

	APOLLO:
No!

ATHENA spreads her fingers across the glass.

	ATHENA:
Know this, beloved.  Even in death, I shall love you as no other has ever loved in life.

	APOLLO:
NO!

	ATHENA:
Goodbye.

She presses another button and a metal shield falls over the airlock.  No sound passes through, but we can see APOLLO’s face contorted into a silent “no” as the bridge disengages from the station and begins to retract into the Galactica.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

	ZEV:
Thirty seconds.  Brace for jump.

CUT TO:

INT.  SHAHIN STATION

ATHENA stands in the deserted main deck, surrounded by shadows and sparking wires.

	COMPUTER VOICE:
One minute to detonation.

ATHENA spreads her arms, as if in invitation to some invisible power.

	ATHENA:
Come, sister.  I am ready.

Her eyes begin to glow.

CUT TO:

THE ORACLE, her eyes also glowing.

CUT TO:

INT. AIRLOCK

APOLLO is trying to override the airlock controls.  Several guards drag him away.

	APOLLO:
Stop it!  Let me go!

	GUARD:
We’re about to jump, sir!  There’s nothing you can do!

APOLLO breaks down weeping.

CUT TO:

INT. STATION

ATHENA smiles, holding out her arms.

	ATHENA:
Sister.

	VOICE OF THE ORACLE:
Sister.

CUT TO:

INT. GALACTICA BRIDGE

	ZEV:
Initiating jump now!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The jump portal opens before the Galactica and it blasts off into hyperjump.

CUT TO:

ATHENA, her face entranced.

CUT TO:

THE ORACLE, her eyes alight with light.

	ORACLE & ATHENA:
At last, we are one.

CUT TO:

ATHENA.  From underneath her feet, an enormous fireball erupts, consuming everything.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

Shahin station explodes like a star going supernova.  The advancing Cylon attack ships are consumed in the fireball.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE ORACLE

The ORACLE gasps, her body goes rigid, flame erupts out of her eyes and mouth.  She convulses furiously.  Her body seems to be burning from the inside.  Then, the light and flame dissipate and she falls to the floor of her chamber.  Smoke rises slowly from her motionless body.

The ORACLE OF CYLON is no more.

CUT TO:

INT. CYLON BRIDGE

THE OVERLORD stares at empty space.  Nothing remains of the Galactica, the station, or his armada.

	OVERLORD:
My destiny…

He turns and walks off the bridge.

CUT TO:

INT. APOLLO’S CABIN

APOLLO sits by the window.  His child lies in a bassinet before him.  He is staring out at the stars.  The door opens and ADAMA comes in.  Gingerly, he sits on the bed, looking at his son.

	ADAMA:
I have only lost a friend.

Pause.

	APOLLO:
I have believed, father.  I have kept faith with what I have seen, with what she showed me.  And it has brought me this.  Is that justice?

	ADAMA:
No.

	APOLLO:
She told me to protect our child.  I swore to it.  She said that it was light in the darkness.  I can’t do it alone.

	ADAMA:
You gave her your word.  Without knowing what you were giving.  She gave you love.  I wonder if she knew what she was giving when she gave it.

	APOLLO:
She…  She did.

ADAMA nods.

	ADAMA:
What she did…  It was to save us all.

	APOLLO:
I know.

	ADAMA:
She knew that there was no way to avoid grieving you.  That is why she kept it from you.

	APOLLO:
I know that too.

	ADAMA:
And knowing all this, would you still have tried to stop her?

APOLLO looks up at his father, his eyes filled with tears.

	APOLLO:
Of course.

ADAMA nods again.  He claps his hands together.

	ADAMA:
That is why she chose you, my son.

They both turn to the child lying before them.  Slowly, we PUSH IN on its face, INTO its eye, and we…

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER OF THE TRIUMVIRATE

The great doors open for the last time, admitting the OVERLORD.  He kneels and the disembodied heads of the Triumvirate appear above him.

	1ST LORD:
You have failed, Overlord.

	2ND LORD:
Failed.

	ALL:
FAILED!

	OVERLORD:
I have.

	3RD LORD:
You know the penalty…

	1ST LORD:
For failure?

	OVERLORD:
I do.

	2ND LORD:
Are you prepared for death?

	OVERLORD:
I am.

	3RD LORD:
If you wish to beg, we will listen now.

	OVERLORD:
I do not beg the mercy of the Triumvirate.  I have only one request.

	1ST LORD:
Speak.

	OVERLORD:
I invoke my right to the Communion.

There is a long pause.

	2ND LORD:
The right of Communion has not been invoked in over a thousand years.

	OVERLORD:
This is true.

	3RD LORD:
And you know…

	1ST LORD:
Why?

	OVERLORD:
I do.

	2ND LORD:
All those who have invoked the right…failed.  Of all those who have entered the Hall of the Dead, none have returned.

	OVERLORD:
I am aware of this.

	3RD LORD:
Why are you so…

	All:
Fearless?

	OVERLORD:
The Oracle spoke of my destiny before she was destroyed.  I believe my destiny lies with the Dark One.

	1ST LORD:
She told you this?

	OVERLORD:
There was no need.

	1st LORD:
You are aware of the consequences should the communion be…unsuccessful?

	OVERLORD:
Yes.

	2ND LORD:
And you…

	3RD LORD:
…accept them?

	OVERLORD:
I do accept them.

A long, long pause.

	1ST LORD:
So be it.

	ALL:
So be it.

A great door opens at the opposite end of the chamber, seeming to lead into absolute and impenetrable darkness.  The OVERLORD steps through the door, and disappears into the consuming shadows.

CUT TO:

INT. HALL OF THE DEAD

The OVERLORD enters a dark, vaulting room.  In the center is an enormous pit, surrounded by a high wall of black stone which seems to shine with an otherworldly luminescence.  Around the pit circles a group of men in black cloaks and hoods, THE PRIESTS OF THE DARK ONE.  They wave incense back and forth, intoning a terrible prayer in their reptilian voices.

	HIGH PRIEST:
Arise Dark One, who lives in both life and death.

	CHORUS:
Arise dark one, thy servants crawl across the oceans of time and eternity.

	HIGH PRIEST:
Arise Dark One, who rules the world above and the world below.

	CHORUS:
Arise Dark One, who sees in both light and darkness.

There is an ominous rumbling from the depths of the planet.

	HIGH PRIEST:
Arise Dark One, who dreams for both the living and the dead.

	CHORUS:
Arise Dark One, speak the dreams of the dust and the light.

The OVERLORD steps backwards from the pit as the floor begins to vibrate.  The rumbling is heard again.

	HIGH PRIEST:
Arise Dark One!  Your slaves beseech you!

	CHORUS:
Arise Dark One!  Your slaves beseech you!

The chamber begins to tremble uncontrollably, the PRIESTS pull their hoods over their faces and fall to their knees.  The OVERLORD steps back again, his hand almost instinctively moving to his weapon.  Then he stops, realizing it is useless.

From the dark pit, a hideous form emerges before the terrified priests.  We see only glimpses and shadows, shivering tentacles, hundreds of spidery legs, reptilian skin, black fangs dripping with foul saliva, and thousands of red eyes staring out through the darkness.  It is the Dark One, Master of the Hall of the Dead, the Beast of Cylon.

The beast breathes, a hideous noise, like steam bursting through a broken pipe.

The OVERLORD trembles, but he shows no other sign of fear, slowly he falls on to one knee.

	OVERLORD:
Dark One, I beseech you.  I do not come to you in fear.  I seek the communion beyond worlds.  Grant me the vision of both the dead and the living.  Grant me the sight beyond sight.  Grant me entrance to the world of shadows, to the world between the living and the dead.

The beast exhales again.  Its thousand crimson eyes begin to glow.

	OVERLORD:
That which you bestow upon me shall be my glory.  That which you demand of me I shall gladly sacrifice.

The eyes glow brilliantly red, alighting the chamber in an eerie, crimson light.

	OVERLORD:
That which you command me…

The OVERLORD’s eyes begin to glow red in response.  He raises his head, a look of ecstasy on his face.  We CLOSE IN on those horrifying, soulless eyes.

	OVERLORD:
Let it be done.

CUT TO BLACK

TO BE CONCLUDED