STARLIGHT the last ride of a starship captain · Title: STARLIGHT the last ride of a starship...

STARLIGHT

The Last Ride of a Starship Captain

__________________________

A Sci-Fi Rock Opera

By

G.A. Brown

Contact:George

Phone: 03 62444579 (and please leave a message, because i might be noodling)

Email: [email protected]

STARLIGHT song list as of 15/6/20201. THE STORM IT GATHERS page12. TAKE US WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO p23. WE KNOW THE WAY p44. HUMPITY-FAUX THEME p65. TAKE ME WITH YOU PT1 p76. BUBBLES' BOOGIE p97. THE CURSE p108. STARLIGHT p119. WE LOVE OUR SHIP p1310. PILOT p1411. THE MESSAGE p1612. THE MAD SCIENTIST p17&2113. MECHSOUL p2214. DRYVER'S LAMENT p2415. SANCTUARY p2516. TAKE ME WITH YOU (PART II) p2817. DINNER AND SHOW p3018. NOT MUCH OF A LIFE p3319. CAN I HAVE YOU NOW? p3520. INDULGENCE p3821. A GRISLY DISCOVERY p4122. COME AGAIN DO (not recorded yet) p4623. I CAN MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD (not recorded yet) p5024. I LIKE HANDS p54a25. GOTTA KEEP IT IN p54b26. UNWHOLLY NOW (ROBOTS AWAKE) p5527. ROBOT DOOF p6028. LET IT BE DONE p6229. BREAKDOWN p6430. BROTHER, I LOVE YOU p6531. A BILLION YEARS IN MY HEAD p6732. I WONDER p71a33. RUN p71b34. WE MUST FIGHT p7635. ALL GOING TO HELL p7836. A REAWAKENING p7937. BE GOOD TO HIM p8438. DEEP FREEZE p8639. I LOVE YOU (3 WAYS) p9540. RELEASE p9741. NEIKA'S LAMENT p98

ii.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

SINGING CHARACTERS

Narrator (@25 minutes of air time)- maybe a bit like a futuristic B. Springsteen.

Captain Jedechia A (@42 mins)- ex pirate chaser, hero to all, now captain of Andromeda, the biggest pleasure liner in the galaxy. He had part of his memory wiped, so he doesn’t remember two very very bad bits. He wanted to live without the pain…but it’s still there, waiting to be reawakened.

Spyke Dryver (@38mins)- cyborg pirate, deceased, last of the Mob to be personally killed by A. Rough as guts and…dead. But he keeps in touch through seances with the Fraternity of the Rose, who are interested in that sort of thing.

Neika (@35 mins)- of the Atomyclypse Order, pleasure-driven nuns, but no touching. And that’s another story! She’s on the ship to look for her dad who gave her up all those years ago. She was told he’d be there by a detective who is following her boss… Might look and sound like A. Hathaway in the quiet bits, but has to be huuuge in the big bits!

Humpity Faux LaVage (@28mins)- ace interplanetary reporter, newshound and fiercely independent. She might really be the star of the show, because her and her camerabot are everywhere. And Freed has a stalking thing going with her (vichve vill exshplore later).

Camerabot (@8mins)- always has Humpity in focus; protector of the reporter, harmonizer and mobile fanfare machine.

The Priest (@20mins)- maybe the father of Neika. Goes through the nine circles of Hell. Built and sings a bit like H. Jackman. Runs around in a loincloth for the last act.

Doctor Freed (@20 mins)- half-mad scientist, maybe three-quarters. He just wants fame. Fortune would be nice too. He was paid very handsomely to create a robot able to carry a living ghost. He didn’t care about the actual reasons, it was just being able to do it that would get him on the chat shows. He loves chat shows…

Test Robot (@18mins)- Freed gives him life, he can’t deal with it and goes nuts, very melodramatically.

P.I. Burr & Noddy the shebot (@15mins)- Burr sees her as a machine that is finding out about Life.

iii.

Noddy was a robocop, but had some overloading issues during a particularly strange case, and freaked out. Burr got to her before they could scrap her, and she helped him get over some trauma and solve a couple of cases. It’s Love. That’s what it is.

Rhychenko (@10mins)- #2 on the Andromeda, wants to be captain. He makes a deal with someone who wants to buy the ship, but he doesn’t really think it through…

Pain Inflictor 1 & 2 (@15 & 10mins)- Directed by Dryver, designed to handle a little more weight and pressure, they are better maiming machines. But they also have a big problem with the consciousness thing. 1 almost makes it…

JG (@8mins)- the one who likes hands. Creepy weird, buy strangely funny. He gets exactly what he wants, and a little bit more…which is the problem.

Girl on crutches (@5mins)- the big swearing scene. Feisty, hobbling along and cursing the bastards for going without her. Does she curse the ship to doom? (Do we believe in that superstitious shit?) And she gets a funny line at the end, when she’s safe at home. Modeled on a couple of amazing humans i know.

Robots - various, all sing. Pleasure bots, made weak enough not to hurt people, but strong enough to do this ?’@#$%^&. And they will sing along to any passenger who sings, showing they are in harmony with the person…so they might be a bit telepathic. But they have no soul…yet. AutoTune will be used for the robots only; to make people sound like robots. A statement about the modern music scene, yes, but fuckit.

9 Passengers/Partyers/Rose Fraternity, various leads and Chorus

The House Band (5 or 6 piece) wandering the stage, hopefully all mobile. Can we do that?

NON SINGING CHARACTERS

Bubbles - owner of the Pan Galactic Cathouse chain (brothels on 246 planets and many space stations!), best friend of A, has her own funky big businesswoman theme.

Gideon & Sascha - potential buyers of Andromeda. Just a couple of rich people who want more. Gideon is a member of the Fraternity, and he wants to bring the pirate back to find out where he hid his loot. But what is Sascha?

iv.

Mr Obp - owner of the Andromeda. Big and greedy. Clive Palmer in a more expensive suit. Says it all.

Old Bloke - looks for his cricket bat. Surprise! Whack! Not the biggest of parts…

4 Computer & Phone Voices

v.

ACT I

EXT. SPACE

CAPTIONThe Year Is... 2469

CHORDS BEGIN over a lovely NEBULA. Is there a face in it?

NARRATOR floats by, playing a space-age guitar.

THE STORM IT GATHERS

NARRATORWHEN THE STORM, IT GATHERS.AND IT'S A LONG, LONG WAY HOME.

NARRATOR floats past FLASHBACKS of CAPTAIN A's history, fighting pirates, though we don’t see much of his face...

NARRATOR (CONT'D)ALL AROUND THE CHAOS, ENTROPY TAKES ON.

-disbanding the Pirates Union, waving to cheering crowds etc.

NARRATOR (CONT’D)AND LIIIFE GATHERS IN SPACES, WHERE NOTHING REALLY GROWS.

A STARSHIP zooms past, and we follow it round and down to a

EXT. A SPACE STATION

Huge ships are docked. We move around to the biggest.

NARRATORAND THE STORM, IT GATHERS...

ANDROMEDA of the OBP LINE, a glass-walled ship, connected by a GLASS TUNNEL, ZOOM through the glass, into the

INT. RECEPTION HALL

NARRATORWHEN THE STORM, IT GATHERS...

-which leads straight into the

"STARLIGHT: the last ride of a starship captain" .1

MAIN HALL

-glass walled rooms looking out on a big open space in the middle of the ship, where a BAND play-

NARRATORAND THE WEIGHT WILL HOLD YOU DOWN.YOU'LL RIDE A CLOUD TILL IT SHATTERS,

-the roof is clear, we can see a NEBULA-

NARRATOR (CONT’D)CRYYYYIN UPON THE GROUND.

At the top of the front wall is-

INT. BRIDGE DECK

-a hive of activity. The SILHOUETTE of CAPT JEDECHIA A, stands on a HIGH WALKWAY. NARRATOR floats in-

NARRATORAND ALL THE LUCK IN THE UNIVERSE, WILL NOT HELP YOU, MY DEAR.

-he walks around A, singing about him, not to him.

NARRATOR (CONT’D)AND KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, WHEN YOUR ENEMY...IS QUITE NEAR.BECAUSE THE STORM, IT GATHERS...

He touches A on the shoulder.

NARRATOR (CONT’D)...HERE.

LIGHTS UP. A seems to be a confident man, king of all he surveys.

RHYCHENKOPrivate call for you, captain.

A(taps ear)

Yes?

OBP (V.O)(big fat voice)

Captain. I am here.

ARight.

(taps ear)Number Two!


RHYCHENKOYes, sir!

AOpen the doors, and let 'em in!

RHYCHENKOAye aye, sir! Open the doors!

A

We ZOOM back down the

INT. LONG GLASS TUNNEL

FX: “D-G-B” NOTES on the PA

TAKE US WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO

PA VOICE OVERLadies and gentlemen, we crave your attention. Andromeda is now boarding at gate 13. Come on up!

The GLASS DOOR rolls open.

People on foot and in GOLF BUGGIES start to move. An OLD MAN uses a CRICKET BAT as a walking stick...

People sing to the ship. They know who her captain is.

PASSENGERS TAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO, SHOW US WHAT YOU FOUND. TAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GOYOU'VE NEVER LET US DOWN. TAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO, SHOW US ALL THE SIGHTS. TAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO... AND TAKE US TO STARLIIIIGHT.

DOCTOR FREED (a sprightly 80) huddles in a corner, on the phone, sounding like a mad scientist.

PHONE (V.O.)Our mutual friend doesn't mind which one you choose. If you are successful--

FREEDIt will work. We have a controlled environment, where randomness--

PHONE (V.O)Yes, yes, just don't break anything, or we'll all end up in chains.

(hang up)


NEIKA (20) in a large black cape with the hood up, stands near, looks at all the activity, wide-eyed.

FREED(to self)

It begins.

NEIKADoctor Freed, are you ready?

FREED(calm and gentle voice)

Ya, my dear. Let's go.

They join the throng.

PASSENGERSTAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO SHOW US WHAT YOU FOUND. TAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO YOU'VE NEVER LET US DOWN.TAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO HIGH ABOVE THE GROUND TAKE US WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO, YOU'RE THE COOLEST FROOD AROUND.

Crowd cheer. A waits as HUMANOID ROBOTS come out to greet them.

WE KNOW THE WAY

SCREENS up the walkway show an advert.

AD VOICE OVER Yes, the Company have been making unwhole, soulless, safe, reliable and long-lasting android servants for over one hundred years.

ROBOT CHORUS WEEE KNOW THE WAY. WEEE KNOW THE WAY. WEEE KNOW WHAT TO SAY AND DO. WE KNOW, THE WAY, WITH YOU. (REPEAT ALL)

MR OBP (60), immaculately dressed, puffing a big cigar, drives through on a robot driven golf cart, talking to anyone who looks at him.

OBP(to passers-by)

I own this ship, y'know.


AD VOICE OVERRemember, they are unwhole because they have no soul, and you have total control, over them, right now.

ROBOT CHORUSCOME TO US, SISTER. COME TO US.COME TO US, BROTHER. COME TO US.TAKE US ALL THE WAY WITH YOU.COME TO US. THEN COME AGAIN, DO!

AD VOICE OVERAnd the newest X-09 model will sing along with you, to show they are in harmony with your every desire.

OTHER END OF TUNNEL/MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE ANDROMEDA

Captain A is there to meet people.

AD VOICE OVERSo enjoy your journey to Starlyte and the experience of a lifetime, brought to you by the Unwholly robots and the Company who bring you everything you want.

ROBOTS STOP SINGING and mingle.

Obp’s cart stops by A.

OBPCaptain.

AMister Obp--

SFX: Dozens of baritones saying "OBP" as low as they can, each time the word is spoken. [Don't know why it just sounded interesting.]

A (CONT'D)Your cabin has been prepared.

OBPWhat about your friend the good doctor?

AOn his way. Are you going to tell me what he'll be doing on my ship?

OBPMy ship, Jedechia. My ship. Just give him everything he needs. And we will talk later. On!

He taps his watch at A as the cart speeds into the ship.


A(sarcastic)

My master.

Another golf cart arrives with HUMPITY FAUX-LAVAGE (30?) and her CAMERABOT.

HUMPITY FAUX La VAGE THEME

FANFARE IT'S HUMPITY FAUX, HUMPITY FAUX, HUMPITY FAUX LA VAAAAAGE!THE GREATEST ACE REPORTER IN THE WORLD--

CAMERAROBOTIN THE U-NI-VERSE!

FANFARE IT'S HUMPITY FAUX, HUMPITY FAUX, HUMPITY FAUX LA VAAAAAGE!

HUMPITY(to camera)

Humpity Faux Lavage here, folks, on board the luxury - and I mean luxury - starship cruise liner Andromeda. You have to be lucky, rich or famous and over eighteen to get on this boat. Luckily, the network is paying, so I'm inviting you to my trip on the good ship, Fantastic! And here is her heroic pirate chasing captain.

A(uncomfortable)

I don't do that anymore, Humpity Faux.

HUMPITY And we are all glad there's no need in this day and age, but you can't deny you were heroic, Captain, and I look forward to sampling your wares, and to have a chat, after we take off.

AI’ll see you after we leave port. Enjoy the ride, Humpity-Fau.

HUMPITYThank you, captain. Folks, let's go inside and see how the other half live...

Humpity and camerabot go in.

LOADING/TAKE ME WITH YOU PT1

INT. LOBBY

The people are served drinks and mingle, ogling at the captain.


CHORUSALL READY TO GO OUT TO PLAYTO SEE STARLYTE FAR AWAY.IT’LL BE SCARY, BUT IT WILL BE FUN,CRUISING PAST A THOUSAND SUNS.

An USHER calls down the tunnel.

USHERAll aboard!

CHORUSWE’RE ON OUR WAY.

Freed and Neika arrive at A. Neika looks everywhere except at the captain up ahead.

AWelcome aboard, Doctor. And Miss..?

Neika turns

HEARTSTRING MUSIC! They are both smitten.

NEIKANeika. I'm the doctor's...assistant.

A looks at the ATOMICLYPSE LOGO on her voluminous chest.

AThe Atomiclypse are always welcome on my ship.

NEIKAI haven't ever...been off-world.

AOh? Then, let me...guide you.

Everything slows around the pair.

NEIKA/A TAKE ME WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO. LOVE ME ONLY, LET ME KNOW. YOU CAN LUST, YOU CAN CARE, YOU CAN TAKE ME, ANYWHEEERE...

NEIKAOH, TAKE ME WITH YOU...

FX: D-G-B NOTES on the PA

PA VOICE OVERCaptain to the bridge, please. Captain to the bridge.

People reanimate.


AExcuse me. I have to go be the captain.

NEIKA(looks him up and down, aside, soft)

CAN I HA-AVE YOU NOW?

FREEDThank you, captain. Is everything ready?

AYes. You may do as you wish.

FREEDThen we look forward to the show. Come, Neika.

A watches Freed and the smitten Neika enter the vessel. A follows slowly.

They are being watched by INSPECTOR BURR and his robot NODDY.

NODDYThere he is, Inspector Burr.

BURRYes, I can see that, Noddy.

They almost get knocked over by a cart carrying MR GIDEON (50) and a strangely voluptuous SASCHA(?)

BURR (CONT'D)Why don't we get a cart?

NODDYNot rich or influential enough, sir.

BURRBloody inequality...

INT. ANDROMEDA FOYER

The cart skids to a halt beside A.

AAh. Mister Gideon.

GIDEONYes. Hello, captain. May I present Sascha, my good lady wife.

AA pleasure madame.

SASCHACharmed.


GIDEONIs our seller beware?

AAll is ready for you to meet him tomorrow.

GIDEONAny sorrows that you can envisage?

ANot a one.

GIDEONGood man!

SFX "Bing" goes the bell

PA VOICE OVERAndromeda is preparing for departure...

A(slightly annoyed)

That's my cue. Would you excuse me...

A walks away.

SASCHAHe doesn't have any idea, does he?

GIDEONNone at all.

Gideon nods to some people carrying a ROSE FRATERNITY BANNER. They nod to him. Evil intent?

BUBBLES' BOOGIE

BUBBLES (OFF SCREEN)Jedechia, daaarling.

A turns to see curvaceous BUBBLES in sun dress and not much else, who saunters up with a ROBOT carrying luggage neatly attached to him.

AHello, Mits. The bordello business is good, then?

BUBBLESWell, "People gotta fuck", as I always say. But that's not why I'm here. When can we be... alone?

(looks around, nervously)There's something I have to tell you.


A(distant)

Later.

BUBBLESBut--

AMits, I promise that I will see you later, somewhere more private.

He kisses and hugs her then walks off. She lets her worries fall away and swaggers off.

A (CONT'D)(looks at his watch)

Number Two, did you give that order?

RHYCHENKO(smirk)

Not me, sir, the Big Man.

ARight. Then close the gates, and prepare for launch.

RHYCHENKOBut not everyone is in ye--

AOrders are orders.

RHYCHENKOAye, aye, sir.

INNER AND OUTER GLASS DOORS SLOWLY GRIND CLOSED

THE CURSE

ON THE RAMP

A GIRL with crutches hobbles up the ramp, GRANDAD (90) carries her bags, trying to keep up.

GIRLCome on, grandad, hurry, they're nearly closing the bloody doors.

The doors slide closer together.

GIRL (CONT'D)Oh, no! Hurry, grandad!

SLAM! The gates shut. The girl slams on the door with her sticks.


GIRL (CONT'D)FUUUUCK! FUUUUCK! FUUUUCKING HELL!SHIIIIT! FUUUUCK! FUUUUCKING HELL! DAMN, YOU BASTARDS, AAALL TO HEEEELL!

Ah, fuckit. Come on, grandad, let's go home.

She storms off back down the ramp, muttering. Grandad shrugs and turns to follow.

INT. ANDROMEDA, DECKS AND BRIDGE

STARLYTE

Follow the captain up to the bridge.

NARRATORON THE CENTURY, OF TWENTY FIVEON A FRIDAY, AFTERNOON, THEY WENT, TO VISIT STARLYTE, IN THE SKY.

We hear him saying hello or issuing commands.

NARRATOR (V.O.)TO A MULTI-VERSE, FAR AWAY, THAT NEVER, CEASES TO AMAZE

Strange aliens and robotic serving machines...

NARRATOR (V.O.)THAT PEOPLE, WANT TO SEE, BEFORE THEY DIE...

People bow of grin lovingly at A.

NARRATOR (V.O.)THE PASSENGERS, WERE GATHERED THERE,

B DECK - DINING HALL

Crowds start drinkies as they watch the ship cast off.

NARRATOR (V.O.)ANDROMEDA, SAILED BEYOND THE AIR.

One person is having a robot do something interesting in that corner over there...

NARRATOR (V.O.)SETTLED IN--

CLOSE UP of Woman’s orgasmic face

WOMANOoohhhh!


NARRATORTHE TRIP BEGAN...

INT. ANDROMEDA, OBSERVATION BUBBLE

Man smoking a big joint while floating in a bubble which extends outside the ship. He can see space dock moving away and it's a blowout...

NARRATOR (V.O.)TO STAAAAAAAAR-

Space-dock disappears. Man-in bubble sees hyperspace. A WOMAN slides up into the bubble to watch.

NARRATOR (V.O.)LIIIIIIIGHT.

Chord takes off with the ship.

INT. BRIDGE

Pull back from ECU. The captain’s eyes light up as the screen flares with the initial jump.

Then all is normal again.

RHYCHENKO ON PAThat was only the first little step into deeper space. We will be making the full Starlyte arc after dinner, when we've cleared this solar system.

INT. C DECK

PASSENGER 4That's a bit anticlimactic.

PASSENGER 5(wink)

You wait.

WE LOVE OUR SHIP

INT. BRIDGE

A strolls around, checking things and taking in the view.

AI LOVE MY SHIP. I LOVE MY LIFE. THIS OLD BARGE HAS BEEN MY HOME,SINCE I LOST MY DARLING WIFE,


The crew all shrug like they've heard it all before.

CREWTO THE PIIII-RATES.

ANo, her boat sank...

BUT NOW IT SEEMS, I'M HAVING DOUBTS.MAY-BE I'LL STAY, MAY-BE I'LL GET OUT.

Rhychenko looks up.

RHYCHENKOAND WHAT THE COMPANY WANTS,THE COMPANY GETS,AND THE COM-PAN-Y, WELL, THEY NEVER FORGET.SO IF YOU CAN NOT HAN-DLE IT,THEN MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, AND LET ME TAKE THE CHAIR, AND YOU CAN LEAVE WITH NO REGRETS, OH YEAH.

All the crew are humming the tune.

AWE LOVE OUR SHIP.

CREW WHAT THE COMPANY WANTS,

AWE LOVE OUR SHIP.

CREW OH, THE COMPANY GETS.

AWE LOVE OUR SHIP...

Don’t we?

CREW ....WE LOVE OUR SHIP!

AYES, WE DO.

Carry on.

Exit A.

PILOT

INT. OBSERVATION DECK

A ROBOT STEWARD watches cheery people watching the star show. Robots serve drinks...

STEWARD I WILL BE YOUR STEWARD, TAKING CARE OF YOU.


INT. ANDROMEDA EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Obp leans forward and shakes hands with A.

OBPI'll hate to lose you.

STEWARD ONCE YOU FIND YOUR PLACE, I KNOW WHAT TO DO.

INT. NEIKAS CABIN

Neika wears very little while looking dreamily at the view out the wide window.

NEIKACAN I HAVE YOU NOW...?

INT. BRIDGE

A confidently gives orders, watching the view...

STEWARD OR YOU CAN IGNORE ME, IF YOU WANT, JUST CLOSE YOUR EEEEEYES.

BOOSTER ENGINES sounding like every instrument you can think of.

STEWARD (CONT'D) I WILL ATTEND YOU, LEAVE YOU WITH A SMILE, WHEN WE SAY GOODBYE.

A PRIEST (45) wanders through the crowd, staring at voluptuous women, sneering at decadent men, and taking drinks from the trays of robot waiters.

INT. GIDEON'S ROOM

GIDEON sits listening to RHYCHENKO on a screen.

RHYCHENKOI WILL NAVIGATE US, SAFE, WITHOUT A CARE.I KNOW THE WAY AND HOW, TO GET US THERE.

GIDEONGood.

RHYCHENKOWHERE YOU WANT TO WANDER,I KNOW THE WAY TO GO. I'M YOUR NAVIGATOR, NAUTONIER. I WILL GET US THERE.

GIDEONGood.


GIDEON flicks the screen off.

SFX- -Binnnnng -

A appears on every screen.

PALadies and Gentlemen. Our captain.

CROWDS CHEER

AI WILL BE YOUR PILOT,I WILL TAKE YOU HIGH. KEEPING YOU SAFE FROM ALL THE PIRATES IN THE SKY.

Crowd cheer.

PASSENGER 5I didn't think there were any.

PASSENGER 4Exactly!

AYOU MIGHT NEVER SEE ME,BUT YOU AND I WILL KNOW... THAT I WILL BE YOUR PILOT, I WILL KEEP YOU HIGH,

INT. HALLWAY OF CABIN 442

PASSENGER 5 gestures to a femme- robot.

AKEEPING YOU SAFE FROM ALL THE PIRATES IN THE SKY.YOU MIGHT NEVER SEE ME, BUT YOU AND I WILL KNOW.... I WILL BE YOUR PILOT, TAKE YOU TO STARLYTE,

INT. CABIN 621

CLOSE UP of woman smiling blissfully. A he-bot stands beside her, doing a bit of dexterous finger manipulation.

ATHEN I'M GOING HO-OOOOME.

INT. NEIKA'S CABIN

Neika touches the screen lovingly, like he's talking only to her.

A(soft)

I WILL BE YOUR PILOT, TAKE YOU TO STARLYTE, THEN I'LL TAKE YOU...HOME.


BRIDGE (CONTINUOUS)

The captain speaks from his chair.

AEnjoy the ride.

SFX: Binnnnng

Captain goes through the passenger list on his console. He sits looking at the 3-D image of Neika.

A (CONT'D)I LOVE... MY SHIP...

He touches it delicately... Rhychenko is standing near, holding a clipboard, waiting for A to check something. A clears his screen and nods professionally.

THE MESSAGE

INT. NEIKAS CABIN

CLOSE UP on Freed who looks down, with a smile on his face:)

FREEDIF ONLY, WE KNEW, WHO YOU WEREWE COULD PUT YOUR MIND TO REST FOR-EEEVER,AND YOU COULD SMILE AGAIN, LIKE YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG, ROAMING THE STREETS, WHEN I TOOK YOU IN,AND GAVE YOU LO-OVE.

The sheets ruffle. Neika pops up, also ruffled.

NEIKATHE MESSAGE SAID, MY FATHER WOULD BE ON BOARD THIS FLIGHT. I STILL DON'T KNOW WHO SENT IT, BUT I HOPE THEY DID NOT LIE. WHOEVER SENT IT TO ME MUST KNOW ME, AND MAYBE THEY CARE. AHHHH, HE'S OUT THERE SOMEWHERE.

Neika raises herself.

NEIKA (CONT'D)Do you feel better now, Doctor?

FREEDYa, zank you my dear.

NEIKAI'm going for a walk for a while.

He touches her gently on the bum as she leaves.


FREED(soft)

Sleep well, if you do, my dear.

She smiles at him then walks on. He gently closes the door.

MUSIC suddenly a technical frenzy.

THE MAD SCIENTIST

FREED (CONT'D)THEY CALLED ME THE MAD SCIENTIST,I'M NOT MAD, JUST SLIGHTLY TOUCHED, AND I CAN GIVE UNWHOLLIE'S LIFE... BUT HOW MUCH?

He sets up some gadgets.

FREED (CONT'D)WITH THE MAGIC OF SCIENCE,AND THE TIME AND THE PLACE--

CHORUS HERE AND NOOOW!

ROBOT CHORUSWHOL-LY NOW.

FREEDI HATE THE WAY THEY CALL THEM UNWHOLLIEEEES.I'VE WANTED TO, GIVE THEM A SOUL, SO THAT THEY CAN BE FREE. NOT JUST INHUMAN SLAVESTO HU-MAN-IT-YI CAN PUT A REAL SMILE ON THE FACE, INFLEXABLE AND HARD TO DEFINE. I AM ABOUT TO BE KNOWN, AS THE MAN WHO GAVE LIFE, TO THE LI-FELESS...THE MAN WHO GAVE LIFE, TO THE LI-FELESS...THE MAN WHO GAVE LIFE, TO THE LIIFELESS...

Well, I’ll be famous, and...IT'S ABOUT BLOODY TIME!

Exit Freed with a slam of the door.

OUTSIDE FREEDS CABIN

Freed watches the revelry with a grin. He sees a he-bot that he likes.

FREEDRobot, I will need you for something.

TEST ROBOTI am wholly yours, sir.


Freed lweads the way.

HALLWAY B

Neika looks dreamy as Burr and Noddy approach.

BURRScuse me, miss. You got the message then?

NEIKA(vague)

Oh. It was you?

BURRYes.

NEIKADo you know what he looks like?

BURRSorry, no. All I know is he's on this boat.

NEIKAOh. That is a shame.

BURRSomeone inconspicuous...

They both have a quick look at the debauchery going on. Shrug.

BURR (CONT’D)I was wondering if your boss is in his room.

NEIKAI think so. He wanted to do some work on a robot. He loves robots, Inspector. He hopes one day they can have a soul.

BURR(look at Noddy)

I'm thinking some of 'em already have.

NEIKA(not curious)

Perhaps you'd like to talk to the Doctor about that.

BURRWe might, indeed.

NEIKASorry I don't seem interested, but I think I am in love.

BURROh, well, that's perfectly alright then, miss.


INT. HALLWAY

Bubbles says an intimate goodbye to Sascha at the door, turns and nearly runs into Jed.

BUBBLESJedechia. How lovely to run into you.

A(vague)

Mitsy--

BUBBLESWe need to talk.

AUm...

BUBBLES(stunned)

I know that look. Oh, by the open legs of Aphrodite! You’ve met someone!

A(smile)

You know me so well, Mits.

BUBBLESWhen do I meet her?

ANot before I do.

An ALARM BEEPS. Bubbles looks at her watch.

BUBBLESOops. Got another appointment.

ABusiness on a pleasure cruise, Mitsy?

BUBBLESTwice as good in only half the time, Jedechia. Be done in an hour or so. Can we--

AYes. Don’t wear yourself out.

They kiss, a bit more than just friends.

A CUSTOMER watches.

CUSTOMEROoh, can I get one of those, Captain?

ASorry. Special privileges for old friends.


BUBBLESWhat do you mean ‘old’?

A smiles, waves, exits. Customer gives Bubbles a ravenous look.

BUBBLES (CONT’D)Sorry. Too expensive.

CUSTOMERI thought this was all expenses paid.

BUBBLESYes, but I don’t work for the Company.

Customer watches her saunter off.

CUSTOMERDamn.

INT. FREEDS CABIN (CONTINUOUS)

Test Robot stands, Freed opens a metal suitcase, takes out a small horseshoe magnet device with a green-glowing container between the ends.

FREEDYou are machine?

TEST ROBOTCertainly.

FREEDYou have no soul?

TEST ROBOT...I am unwhole.

FREEDWhat if you could have one?

MUSIC STOPS.

TEST ROBOTWould I be whole?

FREEDWholly yourself, and entirely you.

TEST ROBOTI do not know what it means to have a soul.

FREEDThere is nothing to fear.

TEST ROBOTI do not know that, either.


FREEDSo. If you could have a soul, and feel, and be whole...would you?

TEST ROBOT...yes.

MUSIC STARTS

FREEDNANOBOTS, IN THE GREEN LIQUID.INJECTED WITH E-LEC-TRO-MAG-NET-ISM,AND JUST A LITTLE BIT-A GOOD REASON. THIS IS THE SEASON,WHERE I GIVE YOU LIIIIIFEI GIVE YOU LIIIIIFE.IIIIIII. GIIIIIIIVE YOOOOU.....

He slams the magnet against the robots forehead and stands back.

FREED (CONT’D)...LIIIIFE!

(maniacal laugh)

Stuff oozes into the robot, making him glow. Electricity arcs around him.

LIGHTS OUT.


ACT II

EXT. ANDROMEDA HULL

HYPERSPEED ZOOM away from nose of the ship, so the ship is reduced to a twinkle in the

STARFIELD

All is quiet.

A GAS CLOUD appears, pulsing with electromagnetic energies and tiny streaks of lightning. The energy coalesces occasionally to form the face of SPYKE DRYVER, ex pirate and a very angry entity.

A drone chord fills the universe.

INTERCUT WITH NEXT SCENE?

MECHSOUL

INT. FREED'S ROOM

Freed looks at Test Robot, hunched over and shaking.

It looks up at Freed, eyes glowing green.

FREEDSo lad, how do you feel?

Robot stands, woozily.

TEST ROBOTAM I... ALIIIIVE?AM I WHOOOOLE? WHAT DID YOU GIVE ME?

FREEDI GAVE YOU...A SOUL.

Near enough.

TEST ROBOT(touch self gently)

I WAS NOTHING, BUT MECHANISED, NOW I SEE, THROUGH LIVING EYES.

FREEDNOT QUITE LIVING,BUT CLOSE ENOUGH. HOW DO YOU FEEL?

TEST ROBOTI FEEL... I FEEL....REEEEEEEAL.

(dance around)I'M ALIIIIVE. I AM WHOOOOLE. I HAVE A MIND, I THINK, I HAVE A SOUL.


(stop dancing)BUT I RE-MEM-BER NOTHING, I HAVE NO MEMORIES, JUST BINARY PROGRAMMING IN ME. DO I HAVE A FUTURE, IF I HAVE NO PAST? AND TELL ME, MY CREATOR, HOW LONG WILL IT LAAAST?

FREEDI... DON'T KNOW...IF IT WERE SO, YOU KNOW I WOULD SAY.BUT I CAN'T, SO I WON'T, I'LL JUST SAY, ONCE AGAIN,

even though it pains me to admit...I DON'T KNOOOOW.

TEST ROBOTThen... life may be short. I must find a meaning to it.

Robot theatrically kisses Freed.

TEST ROBOT (CONT'D)No. That's not it. Ah! I know. I must embark on a Quest For Meaning! Farewell!

FREEDWait. You must go to the Meeting Hall to join with--

TEST ROBOTOh, I haven''t time for that. I have to find a meaning to this new life you have given me. Farewell, my creator!

FREEDI find I cannot stop you. I have succeeded in creating you, now I cannot imprison you for the purpose intended... Very well. But I shall keep my eye on you, and watch you as you grow.

TEST ROBOTSo I must go.

Exit Test Robot.

FREEDHave I done my job too well? Now, again... only time...will tell.

HALLWAY C

Test robot touches a computer terminal. GREEN SPARKS zap into the terminal.

TEST ROBOTOh, mainframe, what am I to seek?

MAINFRAMEI cannot speak to you in this manner, you've put a spanner, in my works.


TEST ROBOTDon't be a jerk, you damned machine--

MAINFRAMEYou see what I mean? I'm shutting DOWN!

Mainframe shuts off--

MEETING HALL ONE

DRYVER'S LAMENT

The FRATERNITY OF THE ROSE meet in a wide circle, hooded figures, chanting. Rhychenko is one of the followers.

ROSE FRATERNITY WEEEE LIGHT THE WAY...

(repeat)

Gideon is at the head of the group. He looks around theatrically.

GIDEONWhere is the receptacle for the master?

Rhychenko shrugs.

A PULSING ORB dully glows at the centre of the circle.

EXT. DRYVER’S CLOUD

DRYVER I'M ALOOOOONE.I'M A LO-ONELY SOUL.ONCE A PIRATE, BUT THEY'VE TAKEN MY GOLD,AND TOOK MY PRECIOUS LI-IFE AWAY.

I have a debt to repay.I'M ALOOONE, YET HE IS FREE. THE COURAGEOUS BASTARD, WHAT MUUURDERED ME. I WILL FIND HIM, AND BABY, BABY I KNOW A WAY.

Where are you my brethren?Come, to rescue me,So long at sea...

MEETING HALL ONE

ROSE FRATERNITY WE, LIGHT, THE WAY...

The ORB glows brighter....with the face of Dryver!

DRYVER COME TO ME, MY BRETHREN! ALL WHO DESPISE HIM. I WILL LEAD YOU, AND I WILL END HIM, ONCE AND FOR ALL AND FOREVER,


DRYVER (CONT’D)HE WON'T GET AWAY... I HAVE A DEBT TO REPAY...I...AM NOT AAA--LOOONE....

Echo and fade.

ROSE FRATERNITY WEEEE LIGHT THE WAY...

Gideon taps his watch as Rhychenko exits, waving it away. The fraternity continue chanting...

The Orb glows brighter.

SANCTUARY

INT. BRIDGE

A frowns at Rhychenko.

AA gas cloud?

RHYCHENKOYes, sir.

ARhychenko, do you know how many people are going to be using this very trip to clinch a few deals, some of which involve our jobs?

RHYCHENKO(wink to camera)

Oh, I know a few.

AAnd you want us to stop off--

RHYCHENKOWe don't have to stop off, sir. It's right in front of us.

A--to look at some gas cloud?

RHYCHENKOIt is very unusual, sir.

AHow unusual?

RHYCHENKOVery fucken unusual, sir.

Some of the crew titter.

AUnusual enough to lose your job over?


RHYCHENKOWell...

ACan you give me a reason why we can't or shouldn't fly through it?

RHYCHENKONo.

AThen forward as she goes, Number Two. Look at what you want, as long as we get to the jump point and surf the wave all the way home.

RHYCHENKOAye, aye, sir.

AI'll be in my office.

EXT. DRYVER’S CLOUD

The star directly ahead becomes brighter. Dryver’s angry eyes fade in, looking to the STAR in the BACKGROUND.

DRYVERSanctuary's comin'.

A CAPELLA VOICES hold single notes, building up to a screaming crescendo of a chord as the ship becomes larger.

Then suddenly the ship fills the screen and pushes through the cloud. Around the ship electricity zaps into cables and circuitry.

DRYVER (V.O.)Sanctuaryyyy!

Then the ship is in clear space. The chimes fly away, all we hear is the ship noise.

The ship flies into the distance, heading toward a beautiful nebula.

INT. MEETING HALL ONE (CONTINUOUS)

The Orb shines like a sun, radiating lightning into the walls. The brethren run.

Alarms and percussion


INT. CAPTAINS ROOM

A sits in his little control room/meditation chamber, on a seat in the middle of floating screens. A worried COMPUTER FACE appears.

COMPUTER FACESir, we have an intruder.

AStatus?

COMPUTER FACEUnidentified cloud has... has...infiltrated--

Electric shock with female/male scream. The face fades into a mush of static with a mouth.

COMPUTER FACE (CONT'D)--impregnated...my circuitry.

ZAP! The room goes dark.

AWhat the hell?!

He starts to freak out in the smokey room.

A (CONT'D)(to self)

I've got to get out!

He thumps the door--

It opens. A regains composure. Rhychenko pretends not to notice.

A (CONT'D)Was that your little cloud, Number Two?

RHYCHENKONothing to worry about sir, it was, strangely, localized to your cabin. No danger out here, but the techies are on the way up to check.

AThen keep your hand on the tiller, and I hope your cloud isn't too unusual, Rhychenko. We wouldn't want to upset the boss, would we?

RHYCHENKONo, sir.

A pauses at the door.


A(to self)

Impregnated?

SFX: D-G-B

RHYCHENKO (V.O.)Dinner is being prepared in all lounges and the main dining room, and everything is fine. Just a little St. Elmo's Fire.

The Captain pays no attention to the announcement as he exits, still frowning.

INT. CAPTAINS CABIN

Door closes. Static fades up on screens. Stops.

Femme/male voices chuckle.

The face of Dryver congeals from a wireframe into a fuzzy image of the angry man. Though he doesn't look so angry now, in fact he looks positively cheery, but confused.

DRYVERSanctuary?

Then he starts to SCREAM, like the reincarnated ball of psychotic energy he is.

INT. HALLWAY

TAKE ME WITH YOU (PART II)

Neika wanders dreamily in her long cape, a tear falling from her eye. The captain stands watching her as she moves closer. She is startled, but instantly beaming.

Music swells. Dreamy looks.

NARRATOR walks in strumming.

NEIKALOOK ME OVER

ALAY ME DOWN

She giggles


A (CONT'D)GIVE ME SOMETHING,TO HELP ME STAY AROUND.

NEIKAI NEED SUNSHINE,

AAND A SMILING FACE

NEIKAJUST A LTTLE BIT OF HAPPINESSWOULD NOT BE OUT OF PLACE.SO TAKE ME WITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO.

ALOVE THE LONELY, LET THEM KNOW.

NEIKA/A YOU CAN LUST, YOU CAN CARE, YOU CAN TAKE ME ANYWHERE...OH, TAKE ME WIIIITH YOU--

They both wait to hear the captain called... Nothing!

NEIKA/A (CONT'D) WHEN YOU GO.

They dance happily through the ship.

AOH, LITTLE DARLIN', WHY DO YOU LOOK SO SAD? WHY WERE YOU CRYIN'? IS LIFE SO BAD?

NEIKAI'VE THROWN AWAY MY NEEDLE--

AI'VE LAID DOWN MY GUUUUNS.

NEIKAI WON’T WASTE MY LIFE AWAY.

AYOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE....

They stop at the beautiful view and lean close.

A (CONT'D)IF ALL THE WORLD’S WERE HAPPY

NEIKA/ANOBODY NEED TO SING THE BLUES--

Narrator does a little bluesy riff.


NEIKA/A (CONT'D) WHY NOT TAKE A CHANCE AND TRY IT?WHAT HAVE WE GOT TO LOSE?

He kisses her hand, then off they dance again.

NEIKA/A (CONT’D)SO TAKE ME WIIITH YOU, WHEN YOU GO. LOVE THE LONELY, LET THEM KNOW. YOU CAN LOVE, YOU CAN CARE, YOU CAN TAKE ME EEEVERYWHEEERE...

They stand before HUGE GOLDEN DOORS, closed.

NEIKASO TAKE ME WIIITH YOU...

AI'LL GLADLY TAKE YOU WITH ME...

FX: D-G-B

PA VOICE OVERDinner is served.

ASHALL WE GO?

Neika timidly but happily takes his arm. DOORS OPEN, they enter.

INT. MAIN LOUNGE

DINNER AND SHOW

Dining Room Band play a 25th century waltz as the guests mingle and cavort.

[insert many different shots of ship life]

BAND IT'S A GAME PEOPLE PLAY, FROM BEGINNING TO END, NIGHT AND DAY. IT'S A FOOLS GAME FOR DANCING LOVERS, IN THE SMOKING RUINS OF EACH OTHER.

Mr. Obp sits heavily in his chair, enjoying the company of an enthusiastic man and woman in minimal clothing.

BAND (CONT’D)OH THEY TALK TO MEABOUT PLAYING ALONG


Obp looks over to the Captain and Neika being led to their table, raises his glass and smiles. The Captain nods in return.

BAND (CONT'D) BUT ALL I SAY AND ALL I DO IS WRONG. WHERE AM I TO GO, BY THE LIGHT OF DAY

Obp looks lustfully at Neika, who flutters her eyes and turns away. Captain ushers her away, trying not to sneer.

BAND (CONT'D) WHEN I'M LOSING THIS GAME WE PLAY.

Burr sits with Noddy, eating heartily, watching the proceedings all around him. He spies the Priest across the room, stops eating and stares.

BURRWhat's a collar doin' in a floating brothel?

BAND SO HARD TO WIN, TRY AGAIN, WHEN ALL IS LOST.BUT HEARTS WILL BREAK WHEN THE PLAYERS FALL THERE'S ONLY LOSERS, NO WINNERS AT ALL.

A REVELER turns to a screen, frown replacing her grin.

ON THE SCREEN, Dryver with eyes shut tight, screams silently, then fades out, as the reveler turns to her COMPANION. She draws his attention to the screen, but Dryver isn't there. The other reveler shakes his head and draws the woman into the crowd.

BAND (CONT’D)A LIE IS A LIE WHEN SEEN BY THE EYE, BUT WE FEAR THE LEADING EDGE. AND HE WHO LEAVES HIS HEART BEHIND WILL HUNGER FOR IT IN THE END.

EXT. VIEWING BUBBLE 42

TWO CUSTOMERS are playing around. A ROBOT slips up between them (in a good way).

BAND A TEASER WITH THE EYES OF A CAT TURNS TO FIX A STARE, ON THE WEEDY LITTLE MASTERPIECE, STANDING OVER THERE.


INT. DANCE FLOOR

One OLDISH GENT eyes off a NEW GIRL. She is amused, walks over. They chat.

BAND THE ALARM IS SOUNDED, THE HOWLIN' STARTS, THE CHASE OF WORDS BEGUN, CAUGHT INSIDE HER STEELY EYE, HE'S GOT NOWHERE TO RUN.

THE HOT WIFE taps the OLDISH GENT on the shoulder. She looks the new girl up and down.

BAND (CONT'D) A LIE CAN STAND IN PLACE OF ALL AND IN THE NAME OF FUN. BUT WHEN THE SHEETS HAVE ROLLED AWAY, WHO CAN SAY THEY'VE WON?

The NEW GIRL grins and dances with both of them. Everyone happy.

BAND (CONT'D) THEY DARE NOT SAY WHAT'S ON THEIR MINDS FOR FEAR OF LOSING OUT.

INT. CAPTAINS QUARTERS

One of the monitors fires up with:

SCREEN MAINFRAME INTRUDER WARNING!SYSTEM BREACH IMMINENT!

BANDTHEY HAVE ALL NIGHT TO STAND AND FIGHT BUT WHO'S WINNING IS IN DOUBT.

SCREEN ...SYSTEM OVERRIDDEN...

BAND NOW THERE'S ONLY SECONDS LEFT, BEFORE THE CLIMAX CAN BEGIN, THEY'LL GO AND DO WHAT MUST BE DONE THEN THEY'LL DO IT ALL AGAIN...

SCREEN...SANCTUARY ACQUIRED.

Rhychenko looks at it and doesn’t worry.

INT. MAIN LONGUE (CONTINUOUS)

BANDAND EVERYONE'S A WINNER, BABY, THAT'S WHAT THEY SAY. COZ ITS AAAALL A GAAAAAME WE PLAY.


Cabaret crowd applaud.

INT. CAPTAINS CABIN

Dryver appears on a monitor, wireframe face contorted. He’s finished screaming.

NOT MUCH OF A LIFE

DRYVERWhere am I? What am I? Not what I expected. Let's have a look... What? I have cameras? Oh, shit! Here we are, in a bloody machine! Who would've thought? Well, let's look a little closer.

He flicks through diagrams of the ship, CCTV.

DRYVER (CONT'D)WELL IT'S, NOT MUCH OF A LIFETHAT'S FOR SURE... IS THERE MORE, I CAN DO, FROM INSIDE THE MACHINE? LET ME DO.

One monitor watches A sitting with Neika.

DRYVER (CONT'D)(ecstatic)

WELL, WELL, WELL. IT'S A SMALL UNIVERSE, I CAN'T PRETEND. BUT WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF RUNNING INTO YOU, MY DEAR, DEAR FRIEND? I WAS HOPING AND PRAYING, TO THE GODS OF ALL SLAYING, THAT I WOULD SEE YOU AGAIN, AND HELP YOU FIND YOUR DOOOM...NOW I GOT SOME ROOM TO PLAY--EEESO, IT'S, NOT, MUCH OF A LIFE. BUT THERE IS THIS MACHINE AND THERE IS YOU. AND IF IT HELPS ME SCREW WITH YOUR MIND, JUST A LITTLE MORE, THEN IT WILL DO... I'M COMING FOR YOU. I'M COMING....FOR YOU!!!

Send an android type 6 to the bridge immediately... How do I do that? Let's see...

Static fades up on a schematic of the ship, tendrils reaching out...

DRYVER (CONT’D)Aha! Now, I wonder if this tub of shit can do holograms?

INT. MAIN LOUNGE - LATER

And the band played mellow...


AAnd that's why I never remarried. When Maggie died in the crash, I didn't have the heart to... So I threw myself wholly into my work. That was it...

NEIKADo you miss the adventure of it all?

A...No.

NEIKAThe quiet life for you then.

A...How did we get talking about me?

NEIKAI find you interesting, but what else shall we talk about?

AWell, what makes you think your father is here?

NEIKAI received a message from a private detective, who said he'd found my father by accident, while working on a case. DNA match. The detective informed the priest, and he decided to meet me here, of all places.

AAh... So what's his story?

NEIKAI won't know until I meet him.

AAnd you don't know what he looks like?

NEIKANo. I don't know what his face looks like, but he's got a tattoo of a flower - a rose - on one leg.

AReally?

Behind Neika is a banner, "Welcome to the Fraternity of The Rose". Many people congregate beneath the banner, showing each other their thighs.

FRAT 1Yes, I think it went well.

FRAT 2Indeed. A bit strange at the end.


NEIKAYes. On his left leg. I remember it from when I was very young.

AWhere on his leg?

She reaches under the table.

NEIKAThere.

NEIKA'S SONG begins...

CAN I HAVE YOU NOW?

A...Neika, you have lovely hands.

NEIKAThank you, cap - I mean, Jedechia.

AYou also have lovely--

She puts a finger over his lips, gaining confidence.

Everyone else in the room freezes.

NEIKAEVERY MOMENT PASSING BY,LIKE A LOVELY LIFETIIIII----IIIIME AND SPACE ARE FOLDING,RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES.I'VE WAI-TED, TILL THIS MO-MENT,TO FALL.

(looks away, thinks)BUT CAN I...?

A holds her hand, she stands.

NEIKA (CONT’D)I SMILE AT EACH PHOTON PULSING FROM YOU.MY SENSES A-LIGN, WITH EVERYTHING YOU DO. YOUR GRAAAVITY, UNEXPECTED, DRAWS ME IN, SO GRATEFULLY. I'LL WAIT FOR YOU, TILL INFINITY... BUT THAT'S ALL.

(giggle, thinks)NO. CAN I--

She whips off her coat, wearing the 25th century version of fishnets etc.

NEIKA (CONT’D)(full voice)

--HA-AVE YOU NOOOOW?!


He stands. They dance.

NEIKA (CONT’D) (CONT’D)IF I SAID I'D WAIT, I LIED.I WANT A RIDE, TO THE OTHER SIDE, OF THE UNIVERSE SO WIIIDE...

CHORUS A UNIVERSE SO WIIIIDE.

NEIKACAN I HAVE YOU NOW?WILL YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE, IN NEBULAE AND ME... NEBULAE AND ME... CAN I HAVE YOU NOW?

Things get franticer. A joins in.

NEIKA/ACAN I TAKE YOU HOME?CAN WE DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO WHEN WE'RE ALL ALONE? CAN I HAVE YOU NOW? WILL YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE, IN NEBULAE AND ME... NEBULAE AND ME...NEB-U-LAE-ING ME.

NEIKACAN I HAVE YOU NOW?...

FX: D-G-B

P.A. Captain to the bridge, please.

Robots help her on with her coat.

NEIKA...OR IN A LITTLE WHILE...

P.A. Starlyte approaching.

They sit.

NEIKABUT NOT TOO...

(timid voice)LOOOOONG.

Everyone reanimates.

ADamn. Would you excuse me.

NEIKA(sadish)

Certainly. It's your job.


AI tell you what; my favourite view of Starlyte is from B-deck above the lounge. I'll meet you there in about twenty minutes. Ok?

NEIKAAlright. Don’t you get tired of seeing it all the time?

AI could never get tired of beautiful things.

A leaves her gasping.

Crowd mingling. The priest wanders along. He turns from frowning at a Femmebot, to see the Captain coming towards him.

The captain nods as he passes, then stands confused at the elevator, watching the priest wander off...

DOOR OPENS

INT. BRIDGE

Rhychenko is alone.

Captain’s cabin door opens. ROBOT 1 twitches out, smoking from its joints. It nods to Rhychenko, who bows.

RHYCHENKOWelcome back, master. Should I call you that? Seeing as I don't really believe in all that Dark Arts bullshit.

RO1 stands threateningly over Rhychenko.

DRYVER ON SCREENGood, Minion. You have...done well.Send us another one.

Elevator doors open. RO1 turns to enter the elevator as A walks out.

AAndroid, why are you smoking on my bridge?

RO1Just checking with the computer sir.

AAnd your report?


RO1Talk to I.T. about it!

Doors shut. Rhychenko doesn't look at the captain.

Captain enters his


He locks the door, sits at the centre of the many screens, but leaves it all off, meditating.

On a screen behind him is a gloating, fuzzy face...

INDULGENCE

INT. OBP'S BEDROOM

Mr. OBP sprawled on the bed. Bubbles kneels beside him, rubbing his expanse.

BUBBLESOh, Mr. OBP, you do have a way with us ladies, don't you.

OBPYes, dear lady. This way.

BUBBLES(squeal)

Oooh. Well try this.

OBP(laughs)

Very nice.

BUBBLESSo tell me, what is it you actually do? I mean, when someone's not doing this to you?

OBP(breath)

Well, I actually buy and sell ships.

BUBBLESReeeealy?

OBP(breath)

In fact, I own this very ship...

BUBBLESMmmm. Impressive.


OBPYes. But,

(breath)I'm thinking of selling this one.

(breath)

BUBBLESMmmm? Why? It's so nice.

OBP(breath)

Oh, because--

Door opens. They look up.

OBP (CONT'D)Huh?

BUBBLESDamn.

OBPRobot? What are you doing?

RO 2Compliments of the Captain, sir.

OBPWhat is?

RO 2This, sir.

The robot reveals a couple of interesting attachments, one of which is extendable.

BUBBLESThat's my captain.

The robot closes the door.

INT. OBP'S LOUNGE

Through the door we hear pleasurable moans and squeaks, accompanied by odd mechanical noises.

The mechanical noises grow in intensity, the moans and squeaks become yells and screams.

There is some thumping and thrashing, and then all is silent.

The robot opens the door and looks back as it leaves.


RO 2Thank you for your...indulgence.

(robo-chuckles)

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OBP'S QUARTERS.

The robot exits casually. It passes an agitated OLD MAN.

OLD MANHave you seen my bloody cricket bat?

Robot stops suddenly, turns to the man.

RO 2Yes. I believe it might be in this room, here.

The old man looks into the doorway marked CREW ONLY. The robot opens the door - MACHINE NOISES.

OLD MANWhat would it bloody be doin' in there?

The robot covers the old man's mouth and forces him into the room. The door closes.

The Test Robot wanders past, joyously feeling people, robots, the walls, himself...

INT. OBP'S DOORWAY/BEDROOM

Passengers are gathered in the doorway of OBP’s rooms, looking in with disgust and curiosity.

A GRISLY DISCOVERY

PASSENGER 7 OH NO!

CROWD WHAT?

PASSENGER 8 THERE'S BEEN A MUUUUURDER DONE.

CROWD WHO?

PASSENGER 7 ONE OR TWO.

CROWD OH!


PASSENGER 7 lifts up two bloodied heads

PASSENGER 7TWO!

CROWDOOOO!

PASSENGER 8 LOOKS LIKE THEY'VE BEEN.... SKEWERED.

CROWDEEEOOOOOOW!

PASSENGERS 7&9 AND WE DON'T LIKE IT ONE LITTLE BIT.

CROWDFOUL PLAY?

PASSENGERS 7,8,9 MAAAAAYBE.

Inspector Burr and Noddy the robot enter the room, pushing the gathering aside.

BURRAlllllllll right. Wot's going on 'ere, then?

NODDYIt appears they have been killed, Inspector.

BURRI would never o' guessed from all this blood, you know.

NODDYA pleasure to assi- assi- assi--

Burr gently taps Noddy.

NODDY (CONT'D)--assist you sir.

Burr kneels to inspect the remains.

ENTER the Captain. He sees the victims - horrified shock!

BURRDo you know who they were, captain?

AYes. The man is... was, mister OBP. The owner of the ship.


Burr speaks into a voice recorder he fished from his coat.

BURRMister... Obp.

Burr looks around to see where the several dozen baritones are. No one else seems to notice.

AYes.

BURRAnd the woman?

AShe's... a friend of mine.

BURRAh. And her name?

AHer real name is Mitsy Primm. But everyone called her Bubbles. I can tell it's her from her birthmark.

BURR(raises eyebrows)

Oh. The "actress"?

ANo, the owner of the Galactic Cathouse chain.

BURRAh. Galacticat. I thought I recognized those--

AWho would want to kill her, Inspector?

BURRThis is wot me and my assistant are here to find out.

NODDYIt occurs to me sir that they may not have been trying to kill her, but were meaning only to kill mister OBP. It may have been her misfortune to be in the wrong place at the wrong--

BURRNoddy! Let's not come to hasty conclusions.

NODDYSorry, sir.


BURR(turns to audience)

We shall be interviewin' everybody. So don't anyone leave the ship.

AIf that will be all inspector...

BURRYes, thank you captain, that'll be all. For now.

AFind who did this.

BURRAnd you make sure nobody leaves this ship.

A nods, exits. Burr closes the door.

NODDYSir. A pleasure-robot did this.

BURRUnwhollies? How can you tell?

Noddy kneels beside the bed, drags the impaling device from the two bodies and holds it aloft. He then flips the lid of his groin connector and clicks the device in. It squirms and buzzes.

BURR (CONT’D)Oh dear.

The device buzzes out of control, expands, and little barbs spike out quickly, then it returns to normal, flies out of Noddy's hand and makes a slapping noise the floor.

Burr wipes blood spots from his coat.

BURR (CONT’D)(nods)

Very good, lad.

INT. GIDEON'S ROOM

Gideon hangs up his robe as he chats to the phone.

GIDEONShambles. Bloody shambles. His essence shot into the bloody walls and is gone. We can't use him.


GIDEON (CONT’D)No, all because your bloody scientist didn't get us the enhanced mechanical! No. No bloody receptacle for the soul, so no possibility of learning where he kept his bloody loot. I know. Bloody shambles. And I don't know where Sascha is--

A KNOCK ON DOOR. He opens it. ROBOT X, with green zaps in its eyes.

ROBOT XRoom service.

GIDEONAbout bloody time.

Robot enters. Door closes.

INT. BRIDGE

Rhychenko and two others are the only other ones on duty. Screens show the projected course around all twelve planets to hurl them out the system...

Door opens. Enter A, downcast.

RHYCHENKOAnything wrong, boss?

AWe've got a nutcase on board.

RHYCHENKO(laugh)

I'd guess we've got more than one--

A gives him a sneer.

RHYCHENKO (CONT'D)Oh. Sorry sir.

AIs the system up and running? Everything normal?

RHYCHENKOSeems so, sir.

AGood. Computer?

A FUZZY FACE appears on a screen.

DRYVERYes, my Captain?


AStandard activation procedure for Starlyte run to Galdarahyde.

DRYVERActivated and running.

AScan course.

DRYVERScanned. All satellites report clear.

AThen proceed.

DRYVERStarlyte in six minutes.

AGood. If I am wanted I'll be on B-deck.

DRYVEREnjoy the ride, captain.

AYou've never said that to me before.

DRYVERFirst time for everything.

AI don't like that voice you're using.

DRYVERIt's not quite finished yet.

AHave the technicians been in to recheck you?

DRYVERYes. They found me in perfect health.

AHealth? I'll check with them later.

Exit A. Rhychenko gets back to work.


Screen has the slowly morphing face of Dryver. But it's hard for a machine to form an image from will power alone.

DRYVERThat could be difficult. No one messes with me, eh boys?


On another screen appear TWO CREW strapped to huge reclined metal chairs. They have electrodes and stuff attached. TWO PURPLE ROBOTS send needles into their brains.

PURPLE ROBOTSI WONDER WHAT IT'S LIIIIKE!

Screams etc. Static.

DRYVERSend a robot to the bridge at once.

THE TECHNICOLONIC CENTRE

Noddy holds Burr steady as they walk out of the place, Burr not impressed.

A ROBOT waves them goodbye.

COME AGAIN DO (not recorded yet)

ROBOT 5COME AGAIN, DO.I LOVE TO ASS-IST ALL YOUR PROBING FOR YOU...

NODDYNo clues in there, inspector.

BURRNot my cup of tea at all. That bloke was quite wrong...

TWO GUARDS RUN PAST

BURR (CONT'D)Now what's all this then?

They follow the guards...

INT. OBP'S CABIN

Huge heart-rending music as A walks slowly through the lounge, hearing shuffling noises coming from the bedroom.

Two robots are taking out the huge body-bag. A comes to the door as they leave. He surveys the scene, looking outside. Nobody around.

He kneels next to the bed and touches the bloodied face of Bubbles. He leans down and kisses her on the lips, then sighs.


A noise outside. He stands slowly, looking at the blood on his hand. He puts the hand in his pocket as the robots return and nod to him. He nods and walks out.

INT. GIDEONS CABIN

Scrudgy pain music.

Door opens. Noddy and Burr flash their badges at the robot guards and walk in.

BURRAh. Most of mister Gideon, I presume?

NODDYCorrect, Inspector.

BURRRight then. So what are all these cuts etcetera?

NODDYWell, sir. Those ones there appear to be bite marks from two different sets of teeth. Those are nail scratches. All non fatal. But those bruises and burn holes are from electric shocks inflicted by this!

Noddy holds up a large cattle prod.

BURRWot off Earth is that?

NODDYAn ancient device called a cattle prod, sir.

BURRAnd wot was that used for?

NODDY...stimulating cattle?

BURRYou mean to tell me we're lookin’ for a kinky cow with two ‘eads and fingernails this long, that likes bitin' peoples bits off?

NODDYPossibly we are looking for two people with similar fetishes.

BURRCould it be a robot done it?


NODDY(double-take)

Perhaps.

BURRWas he married?

NODDYRobots don't get married.

BURRI meant the victim.

NODDYYes, sir. Sascha is her name.

BURRI feel strangely like we should talk to her right now. Let us depart.

Exit Burr and Noddy. A monitor shows a better proportioned face of Dryver, still a bit blobby.

DRYVERWhat a wonderful sentiment.

INT. DUNGEON

Purple PAIN INFLICTOR 2 waves goodbye to a smiling, limping couple.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2 COME AGAIN DO. COME AGAIN DO. I WILL GLADLY INFLICT ALL YOUR JOYS UPON YOU. SO, COME AGAIN DO.

LIMPING COUPLE. Thank you, thank you.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2(to self)

I must recharge.

It goes to a recharge socket at the back of the room and plugs in.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1 unplugs herself from another socket and waits behind the desk at the end of the walkway.

The Test Robot strides down the ramp and stands before her.

TEST ROBOTPainy One, I have a quest.


PAIN INFLICTOR 1You are robot, not a guest.

TEST ROBOTI would gladly pay, to do this!

He reaches out slowly, takes her in his arms, draws her in, her arms wrap around him, uncertain, they kiss, electricity and the green glow engulf them.

Then PAINY1 falls to the floor in orgasmic screams.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1What is haaaap-p-ening? What is- is haaapening?

TEST ROBOT(thinks, uncertain)

No, I... I do not think that is it, either. Alas, my search continues. Farewell.

Exit Test Robot.

PAINY2 unplugs himself, stands over the writhing robot.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2Are you broken, Painy One?

She stands slowly.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1No... I feel...whole.

PAINY2 tilts his head.

PAINY1 puts her hand on his chest. ZAP! He wobbles and sparks fly.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2What, what, wh- wh- what is haaaaappening?

PAINY1 tries to compose herself as she staggers up the walkway.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2 (CONT'D)Must...recharge...

AT THE DOORWAY

She watches the people gathering for the masked ball.

She's curious, occasionally she laughs, and the sensation makes her quiet again.


I CAN MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD (not recorded yet)

PAIN INFLICTOR 1(soft at first)

I CAN MAKE YOU FEEEEL GOOD. I CAN MAKE YOU FEEEEL FIIINE. LEAVE ALL OF YOUR CARES, THE PLEASURE IS YOURS, THE PLEASURE IS MIIIINE...

INT. B DECK LOUNGE

One window wraps itself around half the deck. There are only a few passengers looking at the spectacle.

The ship begins its high speed run around the solar system. The stars stretch and curve slightly as they go faster. A planet comes close in a rainbow sea beneath them.

THEN EVERYTHING IS STARLYTE.

Neika watches, wide-eyed.

NEIKAOh Jed, isn't it all so lovely.

A(looking at her)

Yes. It really is.

NEIKAWhat's wrong? You look troubled.

AIt's just some... problems with some passengers.

NEIKAYour eyes look so sad.

Dryver forms a solid face on a dozen screens.

DRYVERHers ain't so bad, neither.

ANeika... what are you feeling now? Inside?

NEIKAHard to describe.

AThen, by Starlyte’s glow, show me.


Strings crescendo and cascade gloriously. A new and intense beat comes in. Dryver on the screens.

DRYVERPLAYTHINGS. AHHH, MORE PLAYTHINGSYOU'VE HAD ENOUGH TIME, TO PLAY WITH YOURSELVES. NOW IT'S MY TURN TO PLAY WITH YOU.

FX: D-G-B

PA (V.O.)Captain to the bridge please. Captain to the bridge

AI don't want to go.

NEIKABut you are the captain... My captain. You have to do your duty.

AWill you wait for me? I might be a while.

DRYVERLonger than you think.

NEIKAI'm good at waiting....

They kiss.

NARRATOR (V.O.)...SHE SAID WITH A SMILE.

She watches the captain walk past the NARRATOR, who nods and tips his hat, then throws a sad smile to Neika.

IN HALLWAY X20

Burr and Noddy are stopped by a WOMAN who opens her coat to them.

BURR(looks, thinks)

Sorry, miss. We have a duty to do.

Noddy salutes and becomes erratic.

NODDYDutytododutytododuty--

BURREasy lad! Easy. Don't start getting flashbacks.

(to Woman)It's not you miss, it's just he saw a few things as a robocop.


They rattled his brain, made him ask questions of his own. He gained a bit of a soul, ya might say, and they were gonna scrap him. You know how it is, miss. Help 'em when you can. By the way. Very nice, miss.

She closes her coat. Exit Noddy and Burr. The woman turns, irritated. It's Sascha wearing a mask.

INT. DUNGEON

PAINY2 is shaking and having a hard time in his socket.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2I CAN'T... I CAN'T CONTROL MY...

SCREEN LIGHTS UP with Dryver's ethereal face.

DRYVERRobot! Come to the bridge!

PAIN INFLICTOR 2(venomous)

I'm BUSY!

DRYVERHa! I like you!

Lightning grabs the robot and drags it to the screen.

INT. BALL ON A-DECK

Scenes of orgiastic revelry, most are wearing masks and not much else. Shocking!

JG (25) walks around the crowd, oddly nervous, rubbing his hands together...looking for something.

HUMPITY FAUX-LAVAGE wears a mask and walks with her CAMERABOT through a field of people in masks, dancing and filming and whatnot.

HUMPITYWHO IS YOUR LOVER?WHO IS YOUR WIFE?WHO'LL TAKE YOU ANYWHERE? WHO'LL TAKE YOUR LIFE? YOU DON'T KNOW.

(to camera)And that's the fun.

BURR (CONT'D)"STARLIGHT: the last ride of a starship captain" .52

She sees A, runs up to him, camerarobot following.

HUMPITY (CONT'D)Captain.

AHumpity, I can't--

HUMPITYOh just a little time to give me that quick interview, surely?

ABut--

HUMPITY(mic down)

We can do it in private. There a couple of things I've heard about you that I need you to hear. You need not be taken from duties for too long.

AI--

HUMPITYGood.

AWell, as long as it's off the record.

HUMPITYLuverly.

IN THE DISTANCE

Neika watches them walk away, doesn’t know what to think...

OUTSIDE THE DUNGEON

JG walks timidly up to the sultry singing PAINY1.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1(sing to JG)

I WILL MAKE YOU FEEEEL GOOD. I WILL MAKE YOU FEEEEL FINE. LEAVE ALL OF YOUR CARES, THE PLEASURE IS YOURS, THE PLEASURE IS MIIIINE.

I LIKE HANDS

JG I.... LIKE..... HANDS.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1AAH.


JG I LIKE HANDS.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1I CAN MAKE YOU FEEL GOOOD.

JG I'VE TRIED DOORS, WINDOWS, BEAMS AND SUCH, BUT I LIKE HANDS, WRAPPED AROUND ME, THAT DELICATE TOUCH. GIVE ME YOUR HANDS...

PAIN INFLICTOR 1LEAVE ALL OF YOUR CARES.

JG...TAKE MY AIR, SIMPLY HOLD ME, AND SQUEEZE ME, AND TAKE ME OUT OF HERE...

PAIN INFLICTOR 1THE PLEASURE IS MIIIINE.

JG THEN BRING ME BACK. THAT'S THE PLAN. BECAUSE IIIIIII. LIIIKE. HANDS.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1(confused)

Very good, sir. Come this way.

OUTSIDE HUMPITY'S BEDROOM

GOTTA KEEP IT IN

Camerabot stands by the closed door holding her microphone.

DOOR OPENS. A walks out, downcast, exits. Through the door we see Humpity sitting on the bed, eyes wide with shock.

She stands and sings to the robot, not taking her mic.

HUMPITYI CAN'T KEEP IT IN. I CAN’T KEEP IT IN.I GOTTA LET IT OUT. MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM AND RAGE, BUT I CAN'T LET IT OUT. CAN'T TELL A SOUL. LIKE TO, BUT, IT'S OUTA MY CONTROL, CAN'T TELL A SOUL, I CAN'T LET IT OUT.

CAMERAROBOT BUT YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT TO.


HUMPITYI GOTTA KEEP IT IN!

CAMERAROBOT BUT YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO.


CAMERAROBOT BUT YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO.


She takes the mic, annoyed, trying to be professional.

HUMPITY (CONT'D)Back to business.

They exit.

UNWHOLLY NOW (ROBOTS AWAKE)

IN THE DUNGEON

JG is excited. PAINY1 is looking unconfident. They walk through and don't notice PAINY2 steaming in his socket.

JG I'M GETTIN' ESSITED, YOU CAN FEEL IT TOO.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THE STRANGLY-DANGLY-DANGLY-DOO?

JGDO YA THINK I MIGHT LIKE IT, JUST A LITTLE BIT TOOOOO MUCH?

PAIN INFLICTOR 1 MAYBE WE SHOULD WAIT AND JUST TOUCH FOR A WHILE...

INT. IN A BACK CHAMBER

JGMAAAN, YOU ARE A RO-BOT.SHOULDN'T BE LIKE THIS. I LIKE THE WAITING GAME, BUT I DIDN'T PAY TO PISS AROUND.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1That's a different department.

JGTELL ME GET ON MY KNEES, OR SOOOOMETHING. COZ I PAID, BABE, AND I'M WANTING MOOORE.


As they deliberate...

INT. DOCTOR FREED'S ROOM

He watches robots coming to life all round the ship. PAINY1 and JG on a screen.

FREEDI THINK IT'S WORKING, I AM QUITE AMAZED.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1DO YOU WANT TO MAYBE TELL ME I'M PRETTY?TELL ME THAT YOU'LL GIVE ME THE TIME OF MY LIFE?

INT. CABIN 369

A robot does his business with a CUSTOMER, uninterested.

ROBOT B IT JUST AIN'T WORKING FOR ME, I COULD DO BETTER THINGS.

CUSTOMER WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY?NO, YOU'LL JUST KEEP DO-INGEX-ACTLY WHAT I WANT.AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANT.SO GIVE ME EXACTLY WHAT I WA-A-ANT!

Robot yells in frustration, grabs her, and goes in hard.

ALL ROBOTS HEY!

INTERCUT

DUNGEON/FREED'S ROOM

JG chases PAINY1 around the room.

JGCome back! Come back!

PAINY2 watches from the shadows, his eyes turning redder.

INT. CABIN 369 (CONTINUED)

Robot finishes, drops the limp, smiling Customer on the bed, tucks her in, exits dejectedly.

INT. DUNGEON

JG is tired and angry. PAINY1 stands close.


Her hands reach for his nether's. He angrily takes them and slides them up...to his neck.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1WHY DO YOU LIKE THIS?

JGCOZ THIS IS WHAT I WANT.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1WHY DO YOU LIKE THIS WAY OF LOVING, HOW DOES IT GET YOU OFF?

JGCOZ MAYBE I'VE BEEN BAD, PERHAPS A LITTLE BIT MAAA-AAD.BUT I WILL HAVE MY FILL,

She clamps a bit tighter, JG gasps for joy.

JG (CONT’D)...AND I WANT MOOORE!

Freed sees gauges going to red.

FREEDWAIT, THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG.IT'S NEVER GONE LIKE THIS.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1I'M FEELING STRONG.SHOULD WE JUST KEEP PLAYIN ALONG?

JG(panic)

FREEDI MUST KNOW SOMEONE, BUT WHO AM I GONNA CALL?

ROBOT CHORUS IT DOESN'T MATTER, DOESN'T MATTER ANYMORE.

JGI LEFT MY DIGNITY RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR.I'M STILL WAITING--

Freed on the phone.

FREEDWHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

INT. BRIDGE

Rhychenko on the phone to Freed, looks at a gauge going red.

RHYCHENKOWEEEELL,WHAT THE CUSTOMER WANTS, THE CUSTOMER GETS.


IF THE CUST-O-MER CAN'T HANDLE IT,THEN THE COMPANY DON'T GIVE A SHIT, AND THAT IS TO THE CUS-TO-MER'S RE-GRET.

Rhychenko hangs up.

IN THE DUNGEON (CONT'D)

PAIN INFLICTOR 1YOU'RE MAKING IT HARDER.I'M GONNA MAKE YOU FEEL. I'LL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT AND SO MUCH MORE. COZ YOU DIDN'T LISTEN, WHEN I SAID SLOOOOOW DOWN.

INT. ROOM 122

An ANGRY MAN takes a cricket bat and swings at his robot, knocking its head off.

CHORUS from all over the ship.

CHORUS I WILL HAVE MY FILL AND I'LL BE,

PAIN INFLICTOR 1I WILL DO YOUR WILL AND BABY,

ROBOT CHORUSWE ARE UNWHOL-LY NOW - FOR YOU!


PAIN INFLICTOR 1I WILL DO YOUR WILL AND BABY,

ROBOT CHORUSWE ARE UNWHOL-LY NOW - FOR YOU!


PAIN INFLICTOR 1I'LL GO IN FOR THE KILL, WHY NOT?

ROBOT CHORUSWE ARE UNWHOL-LY NOOOW--

Last note holds.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII AM,WHOOO-OOOLY...

She strangles the life out of JG

PAIN INFLICTOR 1 (CONT’D)NOOOOOW!


then throws him against a wall.

She stands there overloading...


ACT III

INT. HALLWAY

ROBOT DOOF

THROUGH THE WINDOW of an observation chamber...

TWO ROBOTS are working on something. Smoke and sparks!

One ROBOT turns to the camera, then brings a hammer down hard on the arm of another robot strapped to a metal frame. The captive robot screams.

Another BIG BOT comes in, holding a smaller BOT by the neck. All over the room, robots are being remodeled with nasty attachments.

Outside the window - by the "ROBO ONLY" sign - Noddy and Burr stare in shock. They speak with the beat.

NODDYWhat do you make of all this then, sir?

BURRDon't know, Nod, but it don't look good.

NODDYThose bots are not doing, what they should.

BURRThey're installing things that'd tear yer skin t' bits.

NODDYThey're not acting like peaceful robots.

MUSIC STOPS

BURR(to camera)

And acting like that, gets on my tits.

He grins inanely at the camera. MUSIC STARTS

NODDYInspector!

BURRWot?


NODDYDuck!

One limping robot at the end of the hallway throws a cricket bat then hobbles off.

BURROn a spaceship?

The bat hits Burr and he wobbles, seeing a flock of ducks over his head!

BURR (CONT'D)Ah, so they do.

(falls over)

NODDYINSPECTOR!

TRAGIC CHORDS

NODDY (CONT'D)Oh, Inspector.

BURRI'm alright, Ethel. Just leave me in the cupboard.

NODDYCan you walk?

BURRPerfectly, dear.

(falls on his arse)

Noddy drags Burr away.

NODDYCome on, Inspector. We’ve got to get away.

BURROh, yes, darling! Yes! [or some better line]

2 ROBOTS exit the ROBO-ROOM, they see Neika and walk zombielike toward her.

ROBOTSCOME TO US, SIS-TER. COME TO US.COME TO US, SIS-TER. COME TO US...

NODDYExcuse me for a second, Inspector.


Noddy gently rests Burr against a wall, picks up the cricket bat, and launches at the 2 ROBOTS, breaking them quite badly. Sparks fly.

BURRTake that you sparking bastards!

The 2 ROBOTS twitch on the floor. One reaches up as Noddy carries Burr away.

NODDYCome on Inspector. We should find the captain.

INT. DOCTOR FREED'S ROOM

DOOR OPENS. Enter Neika, looking lost.

NEIKADoctor? Are you here?

She sees a console on. Screens monitoring the Test Robot, PAINY1 and PAINY2...

NEIKA (CONT'D)Doctor. What are you really up to?

INT. DUNGEON BACK CHAMBER (CONTINUED)

LET IT BE DONE

PAINY2 pulls jerkily out of his socket, looks from JG's body to PAINY1, he reaches out a hand to her shaking face.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2I HAD DREAMS, PAINEY ONE. I SAW ALL THAT I AM.I FELT THE SUN. I SAW THE END, OF ALL WE EVER HAD. EXPLAIN THAT.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1I cannot.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2 WELL, YOU WANTED SOMETHING TO FEED YOUR EMOTIONS, PAINY ONE. I SEE YOU FOUND YOUR PLEASURE, DIVINE, IN GIVING THEM WHAT THEY WANT.

PAIN INFLICTOR 1Have I?


He ZAPS her full of his electricity. She shakes but remains standing, howling.

Then they are standing there together in the same tired pose.

They look at the screen. Dryver, fully formed, smiles at them, sending messages directly into their circuits.

The screen goes dark.

P2 PAIN INFLICTOR ONE. WE ARE ORDERED TO SEEK AND DESTROY.

PAINY1 IT WILL BE A JOY, TWO. I SHALL FOLLOW YOU.

P2 THEN COME, ONE. LET IT BE DONE.

PAINY1 & 2 LET IT BE DONE...

They pick up a few nice gadgets as they go.

INT. BRIDGE

Elevator doors open. A walks in, deep in thought. The doors close. He trips, righting himself quickly.

The bodies of Rhychenko and two other officers lay on the floor, eyes open and full of fear, blood everywhere.

A quickly recognizes the situation. He slams the ALARM.

AEmergency crews to the bridge! Red alert!

He looks at the softly blinking lights. No alarm.

A (CONT'D)Computer!

DRYVER (V.O.)I only wish I could've done it myself.

AWho said that?


A RED GLOWING HOLOGRAM of Dryver appears, following the captain.

DRYVERMeee.

After a short silence, the captain rushes to a cabinet and slams open the door. The cupboard is empty.

DRYVER (CONT’D)You won't find any weapons there. None at all for you to defend yourself, my dear captain.

A looks around, not noticing the beautiful view.

AWho are you?

Silence again. A moves to the elevator, taps the lock - ZAP - he gets a shock that knocks him back.

DRYVERNot that way.

A goes back onto the bridge. ZAP!

BREAKDOWN

DRYVER (CONT'D)YOU ARE IN LOVE, AND IT CLOUDS YOUR MIND.AND WHAT YOU FIND, IT'S MADE YOU BLIND. YOU LET ME IN, NOW YOU BEGIN, TO SEE THE LIGHT...

ZAP!

DRYVER (CONT'D)I WANT YOUR WORLD, TO FALL APART AROUND YOU,THAT'S WHY I HOUND YOU, AND DO IT THE WAY I DO. I'LL DRIVE YOU MAD, BEFORE THE LIFE LEAVES YOUR BOOOODY. JUST LIKE THE PROMISES YOU MADE, TO ALL YOU HAVE KNOWN. THEY ARE EMPTY, AND NOW YOU ARE ALOOOONE!

ZAP!

DRYVER (CONT'D)AND THERE IS NO ESCAPE, YOU SEE.ALL YOU HAVE TO DO, IS TAAALK TO ME.

A prowls the room, checking the bodies for weapons or keys.


AWho has taken their lives. Was it you?

DRYVERAND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO,IS REMEMBER WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH,WHEN YOU WERE JUST DO-ING YOUR JOB...YOU ROBBED ME, OF LIFE--

AWhat sort of freak are you?

DRYVERYou don't remember when you last saw me?

Dryver flashes a cheesy grin at A.

ANo. What are you?

DRYVERWhat am I, what was I, what will I yet be?

AWhat sort of sick bastards attack a civilian cruise--

(shock)

DRYVERYeees... My first guess would also be... pirates.

ZAP!

BALLROOM ON A-DECK - BALCONY

BROTHER, I LOVE YOU

Priest and Test Robot stand before Starlyte, marveling at each other, in a touchy-feely way.

TEST ROBOTIIII'VE, NEVER SEEEEN IT,LIKE THIIIIS.

PRIESTAnd are you... happy?

TEST ROBOTIF THAT'S WHAT THIS IS CALLED, THEN YES.

PRIESTA miracle. A bloody miracle!

TEST ROBOTTHANK SCIENCE, AND ALL IT'S GIRLS AND BOYS, WITH THEIR TOYS, FOR MY JOYS.


PRIESTWELL, HELL, HOW IS IT YOU HAVE LIFE?HOW IS IT YOU HAVE A SOUL?

TEST ROBOTLOOK AT ME, BROTHER,FOR I AM ALIVE, I CAN TOUCH, I CAN FEEL. I AM WHOLE.

PRIESTSO MUCH FOR MY MELANCHOLY,I CAN NOW, CLEARLY SEE, YOU MIGHT BE SILICON AND METALS, BUT YOU ARE JUST LIKE ME, AND I CAN HELP YOU FIND ALL THAT YOU SEEK.

TEST ROBOTWHAT DO I SEEK?

PRIESTLIKE EVERYONE ELSE; A PURPOSE IN LIFE.

TEST ROBOTSO...TO FIND A PURPOSE IN LIFEIS MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? HMMM. AM I PURCHASING LIFE TO GET FURTHER IN LIFE, OR IS IT ALL FREE? WHAT'S THE PURPOSE FOR ME?

PRIESTI COULD HELP YOU FIND A FEW,LIKE PREACHING THE GALAXY WITH ME--

TEST ROBOTBUT I'M A ROBOT AND I KNOW THE GODS DON'T EXIST,AND YOU'LL BE PISSED, IF YOU DON'T AGREE.

PRIESTNO. BELIEF IS--

TEST ROBOTSOMETHING I DO NOT DO. THINGS ARE EITHER TRUE OR THEY ARE NOT. SO, WHAT HAVE I GOT, NOW? WHAT HAVE I GOT, NOW?

TR looks sadly at the robots doing their duty.

TEST ROBOT (CONT'D) MY PURPOSE WAS TO SERVE, NOT TO THINK, JUST TO DO.BUT... WHERE THERE WAS LOGICAL JOY, THERE IS NOW CONFU-SION--

PRIESTNO, IT'S AAAALL JUST A DELUSION--

TEST ROBOTIS IT REALLY?

PRIESTYES, IT IS.

TEST ROBOTBUT THERE'S NO PURPOSE FOR ME HERE.


PRIESTNO!STAY WITH ME, HERE. STAY WITH ME. STAY WITH ME.

TR comes close, gently. Priest bows his head.

TEST ROBOT(soft)

BROTHER, WE MIGHT MEET AGAIN. BROTHER, WE MIGHT STAY A WHILE. BROTHER, WE MIGHT, EXCHANGE PLEASANTRIES, AND WE MIGHT LIKE THE FEELING, THOUGH I KNOW IT WILL NOT LAST. BUT I HAVE TO GO AWAY. YOU KNOW I CANNOT STAY, HERE. BUT I WILL FIND YOU, IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH. BECAUSE, BROTHER...BROTHER...

TR kisses Priest,

TR runs for the

AIRLOCK

TEST ROBOTBROTHER, I LOVE YOU.

He cycles the rolling door open just enough to jump in and close it quickly.

TEST ROBOT/PRIEST BROTHER, I LOVE YOU.

The door slams shut, TR hits some buttons and flicks a big switch and ejects himself.

PRIESTBROTHER, PLEASE DON'T LEEEEEEAVE ME.

Priest watches him slowly stretch and disappear, dragged into Starlyte.

INT. BRIDGE

A BILLION YEARS IN MY HEAD (acid trip mix)

Elevator doors opens. Neika slowly walks into the dark.

NEIKACaptain?

Only one big screen is on. There is a scary face resting on it. Jedechia/Dryver?


Door closes.

DRYVERCome in my dear.

NEIKAWhy is it so dark?

A is a hunched shadow in a corner.

AI'm not feeling well, Neika.

NEIKAWhat's wrong, Jedechia?

ADon't come any close--

DRYVER--Closer, my darling. Come closer.

NEIKAWhy is the face on the screen talking? Is that supposed to be you?

ANo. Just a--

DRYVER--friend.

NEIKADoesn't look very friendly to me.

A RED HOLOGRAM is barely seen in the dark...

DRYVERWell...come in...and I shall...tell you about him. Would you...like a drink?

SFX: Glass tinkling.

NEIKANo thanks, you know the Atomiclypse don't do alcohol.

DRYVERHow silly of me to forget.

SFX Glass crash

ANeika...

NEIKAJed, what's the matter?


A/DRYVERThere's...

(deep breath)

NEIKAWhat?

DRYVERTHERE IS SOMETHING I WANT TO SAY...

Neika glares angrily at the screen.

NEIKAWhat?

DRYVERI thought you already said that.

Neika returns attention to A, who is having difficulty.

NEIKA DO YOU SEE THE STARLYTE, IN THE SKY ALL AROUND US?DO YOU FEEL THE MAGIC, THAT BRINGS US CLO-SER?

AYes

NEIKATHEN WHY DO YOU DO THESE THINGS YOU DO?WHY DO YOU TEAR ME IN TWO WITH JUST WORDS, FOR I HEAR YOUR MUSIC, AND SCREAM OUUUUUUT....

She sees his agonised face, he skulks into the shadows.

NEIKA (CONT'D)PLEASE DON'T RUUUUN AWAY,JUST LET ME SEE YOUR EYES

and tell me, are you mine?

AI DON'T KNO-OW

NEIKASTAND BEFORE ME NOW,AND SHOW ME YOUR PAIN.

He looks at her.

AI don't know...

NEIKAYOU'RE DOING IT AGAIN.STAND BESIDE ME, AND TELL ME WHYYY,WHY DO YOU STILL NEED TO HIDE?


AI DON'T KNOW...

DRYVERI know

AI DON'T KNOOOOW!

DRYVERBUT, I KNOW--

Neika sings strong, confident, all the timid little girliness gone.

NEIKATHEN TELL ME! TELL ME, NOW!

Dryver smirks but says nothing. Neika gets angry, kneels with A.

NEIKA (CONT'D)STARSHIP CAPTAIN, WHERE ARE WE NOW?ARE WE LOST, CLOSE TO HOME OR ARE WE FAR AWAY?

A ...WE WERE ONLY LEAVING HOME, ON A DAY TRIP TO STARLYTE...

NEIKAIS EVERYTHING ALRIGHT WITH YOU?

DRYVERWhy should anything be wrong?

A stands with a bottle in hand.

AWELL, I'VE BEEN DOING SOME HEAVY THINKING.

DRYVERNOT TO MENTION SOME HEAVY DRINKING.

AAND I THINK I HAVE DISCOVERED,THE ONLY WAY TO GO...

Dryver motions A to move by glaring at the poor man. Each time Dryver twitches his head, A does the same.

DRYVERYOU ARE JUST A MICRON IN THE PLACE CALLED MY MINDARE YOU HAVING A GOOD TIME?

A grabs Neika, but she presses up to the wall of monitors to escape his clutch.


A/DRYVERI SEE ALL AND I SEE YOU, WON'T YOU FEEL ME TOO?AND WHEN I SLEEP IN LIGHT I FEEL. YOU. FROM. IN. SIIIIIIDE!

She runs around in a panic.

A/DRYVER (CONT'D)LIFE IS BUT A DREAM OF MINE...

Rolling his eyeballs, A offers a broken bottle to Neika.

AWOULD YOU LIKE SOME WINE, AND A GOOD TIME?

He drops the bottle and becomes one with Dryver again. The Red Hologram walks up beside him and yells at a terrified Neika.

A/DRYVER I HAVE A BILLION YEARS IN MY HEAD, DONTCHA KNOW... LAY DOWN BESIDE ME, AND I'LL LET YOU SEE IT AAAAAAAAAALLLL!

A flails wildly as Dryver throws himself around. Neika runs to the elevator and is gone.

APLEASE DON'T GO.....

INT. GLASS ELEVATOR

I WONDER

She gets in the elevator and all sound stops except Neika’s breathing.

As the elevator slowly drops, robots on each floor sing harmony to her.

NEIKACAPTAIN'S GONE CRAZY,WON'T REST UNTIL HE LAYS ME.I DON'T MIND THAT, BUT HE'S CHANGED.IS HE STILL THE MAN I KNEW?WHATEVER I DO, I CAN'T DO IT A-LONE.SO HERE, ON MY OWN, I WONDER... I WONDER.

INT. MAIN LOUNGE

RUN

DOOR OPENS onto debauchery.


Dryver watches her from every screen she passes. A chorus sings

CHORUS RUN! FROM THE THOUSAND EYES, THE THOUSAND EYES OF THE MADMAN.

DRYVERThat's me.

CHORUS RUN!

DRYVERFROM THE GRIP ON YOUR MIND

CHORUS RUN!

DRYVERFROM THE STARE THAT ENFOLDS YOUWITH THE EYES ALL AROUND YOU, EVERYWHERE...SO RUN!

CHORUSCOME ON OR BE-GONE NOW

As she moves among the people, they ignore her.

NEIKAWHY DO THESE FOOLS NOT HEAR ME?

CHORUSPARTY! COME ON OR BE-GONE NOW....

NEIKAWHY DO THESE BODIES NOT SEE ME?

CHORUSLUSSST! COME ON, OR BE-GONE NOW...

NEIKAWHY CAN'T THEY UNDERSTAND?

CHORUSCOME ON OR BE-GONE NOW!

The MAN from the observation bubble at lift-off lifts his head up and sneers cheerfully.

MAN BECAUSE WE'RE HAVIN FUN, MAN

NEIKALISTEN TO ME!WE'RE IN DANGER! MANY LIVES COULD BE ON THE LINE... THE CAPTAIN SEEMS TO'VE GONE CRAZY... AND OUR CHANCES DON'T LOOK SO GOOD...


NEIKA (CONT’D)(faltering)

...RIGHT ABOUT NOW.

MUSIC STOPS.

One PARTYER raises her head and mutters.

PARTYER 1 WELL, IF THE SHIP GOES DOWN, THEN LUCKY OLD SHIP.

Another floats in the air between hairy legs.

PARTYER 2 AND IF THE CAPTAIN'S GONE CRAZY, HE MIGHT LIKE THE TRIP.

Someone standing in a room full of rubber clad bodies writhing everywhere. But which are robots? Who cares?

PARTYER 3 AND IF WE ARE IN DANGER, THEN CLOSE IT, AND STRIP.

CUT TO a woman laying back contentedly.

PARTYER 4 AND I'LL THINK ABOUT IT ALL IN THE MORNING...

INT. BRIDGE

CUT TO CLOSE-UP of Dryver and A speaking the same words, with faces reflecting opposite emotions.

A/DRYVERThe only mournin's gonna be done by your next of kin, daaahlin'!

Static and screams. Dryver on every screen in every scene.

Every time the choir sings "run" there is a flash of someone coming to a foul end.

CHORUSRUN -FROM THE THOUSAND EYES, THE THOUSAND EYES OF THE ALL SEEING ONE.

DRYVERHell-o!

A vibrating tool impales someone from behind.


CHORUSRUN--

DRYVERBUT DON'T STOP YOURSELVESFROM HAVING TOO MUCH FUN.

A group of cheerful revelers look up to see a Robot flying off the balcony, carrying massive swords in each hand.

CHORUSRUN! COME AND BE-GONE NOW.

DRYVERLAY DOWN, AND I'LL TELL YOUWHEN THYNE WILL BE DONE.

CHORUS RUN!

A group of semi-naked people run through a corridor, chased by two stomping Robots with arms outstretched.

DRYVERI'M COMIN', I'M COMIN', I'M COMIN' TO GET YOU AND YOU AND YOU AND YOU. SO YOU'D BETTER RUN!

More chaos!

INT. ROBOROOM

ROBOT FEET march out, spreading into the ship.

VARIOUS ROOMS AND HALLS

SFX explosions mingled with cannons, screams, naked people running and bleeding, robot soldiers being wrestled...

Humpity and Camerabot are on it.

HUMPITYPeople are going down all around me,

(to camera)and not in a good way.

The narrator stands calmly amid the chaos. He watches the Priest who leans against a wall by the


AIRLOCK

He looks like he wants to jump in and end it all.

A YOUNG WOMAN kneels at his feet and rubs her hands up his body. Others kneel with her...

The Narrator looks up to a doorway into the

BALCONY

overlooking the Main Lounge. Some in the deteriorating party continue to find pleasures.

PRIVATE GAMING ROOM

Doctor Freed is playing naked scrabble with a voluptuous femme robot. Neika runs in.

NEIKADoctor Freed. Something terrible's happened.

FREEDVot, my dear?

NEIKAThe captain seems to've been taken over by some strange paranormal entity.

FREEDGood heavens!

NEIKAAnd I don't think he's in control of the ship anymore.

FREEDGood HEAVENS!

NEIKANow the robots are malfunctioning and killing people. Look!

She lifts his head up so he can see down into the destroyed debauching room. Freed tries not to look guilty.

FREEDGOOD HEA--

NEIKADid you have something to do with this?


FREEDNo, my dear. It's all in your mind, my dear. They just paid me to do a job, just as I paid you to do yours. I did not do my job very well, so I quit, before I was...taken care of.

NEIKAYou...arsehole son of a bitch!

FREEDNeika--

NEIKAI will not be part of these wicked plans!

FREEDMy dear, you already are. But they are not my plans.

NEIKAThen I quit. You have no more hold over me!

Neika runs out.

FREED(sadly back to the game)

I never really did.

INT. AIRLOCK

WE MUST FIGHT

There are more people around the Priest. Eventually he reaches down a hand to touch the wounded girl’s head in the traditional fashion.

She shows him her bloody hands. He kneels and holds onto her as she takes her last breath.

He looks behind him, to the frightened people gathered round... They call to him.

CHORUS DO WE LIVE OR WILL WE DIE? DO WE RUN AWAY? GIVE A SIGN AND WE WILL BE-LIEVE, EVERY WORD YOU SAY. WE ARE TIRED BENT AND BROKEN AND SOME WANTED IT THIS WAY. GIVE A SIGN AND WE WILL FOLLOW AND MAKE THE BASTARDS PAAAY.GIVE US A SIIIIGN!

They all bow their heads.


PRIESTFight, fuck or run? What a choice.And you will follow me, if I find a voice? Well.

DRYVERRUN!

PARTYERS COME ON OR BEGONE NOW!

PRIESTNo!

He closes the airlock, stands before them.

PRIEST (CONT'D)WE MUST FIGHT.WE MUST FIGHT. TO SAVE EACH OTHER, TO SAVE OUR LIVES,

He rips his cape off, the same flourish as Neika did. Buff as, in electric loincloth.

PRIEST (CONT'D)WE MUST FIGHT!YOU KNOW WE MUST NOT RUN. WE LIVE TOGETHER. WE SHOULD DIE AS ONE. OH, WE MUST FIGHT!

Priest picks up the cricket bat, brandishing it like Excalibur. He turns to the people.

PRIEST (CONT’D)WE MUST FIGHT.YOU KNOW WE MUST NOT RUN, WE RISE TOGETHER, WE DIE AS ONE! OH, WE MUST FIGHT! YOU KNOW WE MUST NOT HIDEAND NOW IT’S TIME,TO DO OR DIE!

Either way...WE MUST FIGHT!

ROBOT 6Cease what you are doing now!

PRIESTTake that you fucking bastard machines!

Cut to many shots of him to the rescue, or just battering the shit out of random robots.


Humpity is covering the action.

HUMPITYWell, you don't see that every day.

Priest stops before a robo-waiter, cricket bat at the ready. The waiter stands casually, offering a large glass of some umbrella'd concoction, and tilting its head to one side.

The priest looks at the waiter, then the drink, then the waiter.

He growls, swings the bat, knocking the robots head off, the body still holding the drink out. The Priest takes the drink, sips it, throws it away in disgust, then runs off even angrier.

INT. HALLWAYS

Noddy carries Burr through the carnage, occasionally beating off an attacking robot.

BURRLook out, Nod. There's bots behind us.

NODDYDon't worry sir. I'll protect you!

Two robots race in, Noddy leaps into the air and kicks the head off each, then lands heavily.

BURRNoddy, are you alright?

NODDYYes, inspector...

(warble)Quite.

DRAMATIC CHORD

AIRLOCK

A PAIR OF GIRLS remain kneeling with eyes closed.

GIRLSDO WE LIVE? WILL WE DIE?GIVE A SIGN AND WE WILL TRY...


A ROBOT walks zombie-like up behind them...

MAIN LOUNGE

ALL GOING TO HELL

Humpity sits among the dead, her camerabot kicking others away from the star. She touches her EARPIECE

DIRECTOR (V.O.)Humpity, what's happening?

HUMPITY/CHORUSIT'S ALL... GOING TO HELL.IT'S ALL... GOING TO HELL.IT'S ALL... GOING TO HELL.IT'S ALL... GOING TO HELL.

A robot flies through the air and is swatted away by the camerabot.

HUMPITYAND I'M GLAD I'M HERE, TO REPORT IT TO YOU ALL.TO GET TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER,AND I WILL TRY, FOR YOU, MY DEAR VIEWERS...IT'S ALL... GOING TO HELL...(X4)IT MIGHT BE MY LAST ASSIGNMENT,BUT I WILL FIND THE TRUTH, AND I'LL DO MY BEST TO BRING IT ALL TO YOU.

And I can verify that, IT'S AAAAAAL, GOING, GOING, GOING, GOOOOONE...TO HEEEEELL!

Stay tuned, dear viewers.

She stands tiredly.

HUMPITYCome on, Bot, Let's try and find the Captain.

INT. BRIDGE

A REAWAKENING

The RED HOLOGRAM is back, stalking the cowering captain.

ASOME...BODY BETTER HELP ME COZ I THINK I'M GOING CRAZY, AND I THINK I JUST HAD, TOO MUCH WINE...

DRYVERBut I feel fine.

AI DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE, BUT.... GET OUT!


DRYVERWhat?

AI DON'T KNOW WHO I AM.I'M IN.... DOUBT.

DRYVERGood.

ADON'T LOOK AT ME THROUGH MY EYES.YOU HURT ME, AND YOU TELL ME LIESAND I DESPISE YOU, SIR,SO...GET OUT!

DRYVER(evil chuckle)

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER WOULD I....NEVER, NEVER, NEVER SHALL I.... NEVER, NEVER, NOT EVER, WILL I... GO!

A flails around, bumping into screens filled with the face of Dryver. ZAP!

DRYVER (CONT'D)I AM YOUR GREATEST NIGHTMAREYOU CAN'T GET RID OF ME. I AM AND I AM FRIGHTENING AND THROUGH YOUR EYES I SEE. AND I SEE NOTHING, OF YOU,BUT A HOLE FOR ME TO POUR THROUGH.

Do you remember my name?

ANo.

DRYVERThey musta done a job on you.

THEY MUST HAVE WIPED YOUR MEMORY OF THE WHOLE SHITTY AFFAIR. ALL A BIT TOO TRAUMATIC FOR YOU, I SUPPOSE. WELL THEY GAVE YOU A DIFFERENT STORY ABOUT HOW SHE DIED,THEN THEY RE-TIRED YOU,AND GAVE YOU THIS CUSHY LITTLE JOB ON THIS CRAPPY BOAT.

AI LOVE MY SHIP!I LOVE MY SHIIIII--

Zap!

DRYVERBUT I KNOW BETTER.

Have you worked it out yet?

AWhat are you talking about?


DRYVERLet me give you a clue. Someone once killed me.

AKilled you? Who?

DRYVERYou.

Intense stares.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK MONTAGE

-A fire-fight in a confined building.

DRYVERWE FOUGHT LIKE MEN.WE FOUGHT LIKE WARRIORS.

-flying small fighters through mountain ranges, firing on each other, as one then the other gets the upper hand.

DRYVER (CONT'D)WE HAD A CODEBUT IN THE END, YOU HAD NO HONOUR, SIR!

A reacts badly to this.

AYOU LIE!

DRYVERNOOOO!I WAS A PIRATE, THE BEST!

-Two small fighters wind through the upper atmosphere of a planet, trying to get a target lock.

DRYVER (CONT'D)YOU WERE CHASING ME,IN THE FIREFIGHT, THERE WERE ONLY TWO OF US LEFT...

INT. TOP DECK OF A SPACE STATION.

-Pistol fight, then swords. People injured or dead all over the place.

DRYVERAnd it’s so cold out here...

END MONTAGE


BRIDGE (CONTINUED)

PULL IN hyper fast to see the reflection of Dryver in the captains wide-eyed retina.

DRYVERMY GUN WAS EMPTY,BUT YOU STILL SHOT ME, PUT ME NAKED IN AN AIRLOCK, AND FLOOOATED ME AWAY. NOW YOU'RE GONNA PAY, SONNY.

Dryver in the FLASHBACK sings

DRYVER (CONT'D)NOW YOU'RE GONNA PAY. HONEY!

A(migraine)

You.

DRYVERAha! You remember my name?

A...Spyke...Dry-ver.

DRYVERYeeeeeeees!

A falls back, staring at the screens. Memories flooding in.

DRYVER (CONT'D)REMEMBER THAT GIRL YOU LOVED SO WELL?

AOH, MAGGIE!

DRYVERWELL, I SENT HER STRAIGHT TO HELL

AI'M SORRY...

DRYVERAND MAN THAT WIPED THE SMILE OFF YOUR FACE.

ABABY, FORGIVE ME!

DRYVERSHE LOOKED SO PRETTY AS SHE BURNED AWAY.AND I MUST SAY, IT MADE MY DAY, AND I GOT AWAY FROM YOU, AND LEFT NO TRACE.

And you were there and saw the whole thing.


INT. TORTURE CHAMBER.

VERY QUICK FLASHBACK of Jed tied up on a chair watching Dryver laughing, holding onto the head of Maggie.

BACK TO BRIDGE

DRYVERNOW I'M BACK!

Huge chord. Dryver on all screens.

DRYVER (CONT'D)AND I GOT YOU!YOU CAN'T ESCAPE, COZ I'M INSIDE YOUR HEAD. AND WHEN I'M FINISHED WITH YOU YOU'LL WISH YOU WERE... DEAD, AND GONE, LIKE ME.

ANOOOOOO! THE SCORE IS EVEN.YOU GOT HER, THEN I GOT YOU.

DRYVERNO N-NO NO NO, THAT WILL NEVER DO!

Zap. A thin bolt of lightning flashes from the monitor into A.

AI WAS ONLY DOING WHAT HAD TO BE DONE.

Zap!

DRYVERYOU DIDN'T EVEN GIVE ME A CHANCE TO RUN.

Zap!

A TAKE ME WITH YOU, NOW, AND LET ALL THIS SHIT BE DONE.

Zap zap.

DRYVERNO, PRETTY BOY, I WANT TO HAVE MY FUN

ZAP! He sinks to the floor.

DRYVER (CONT'D)I GOT A MILLION QUESTIONS, AND HERE IS ONE.SO.... WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO NOW?

Repeat zapping and last line.


INT. HALLWAYS

Humpity is talking to the CLOSED DOOR.

HUMPITYWhy won’t you open?

DOORUnauthorized. Y’ fat cow!

HUMPITYWhat?!

Neika runs raggedly up the hallway.

NEIKADon’t go in there, Humpity!

HUMPITYYoung lady. Can I have a word?

NEIKAHumpity Faux, it's a bit--

HUMPITYWon't take long.

NEIKAWhat do you need to say?

HUMPITYYou have had the captain's eye. Any gossip?

NEIKANot yet.

Both giggle.

BE GOOD TO HIM

HUMPITYI just needed to tell you something, as a friend.

NEIKAWhat, Humpity Faux?

HUMPITYIn these very worrying times, we find ourselves immersed in--

NEIKAHumpity Faux--

HUMPITYBE GOOD TO HIM.JU--ST BE GOOD TO HIM. HE'S SEEN THINGS FROM OUR NIGHTMARES, HE'S HAD A HARD LIFE,


HUMPITY (CONT’D)AND BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH,

(to camera)LIKE HOW HE LOST HIS WIFE.

(to Neika)BE GOOD TO HIM, IN YOUR COMINGS AND GOINGS, BE GOOD TO HIM

NEIKAI will.

She takes the mic away.

HUMPITYHE HAS NO MEMORY, YOU SEE.HE COULDN'T COPE WITH THE PAIN, AND THE AG-O-NY.SO, IT'S BEEN ERAAAAAASED...FOREVER.

NEIKAHow terrible!

INTERCUT WITH

A flailing around, being zapped, losing his strength...

HUMPITY(mic up)

SO, BE GOOD TO HIM. HE CHOSE TO LOSE IT ALL. BE GOOD TO HIM. GIVE HIM SOME GOOD THINGS TO RE-CALL.JUST BE GOOD TO HIM, DON'T LET HIM GO, BECAUSE HE'S THE BEST ONE IN THIS WHOLE DAMNED SHOW. SO BE GOOOOOD TO HIM. JUST... BE GOOD TO HIM.

NEIKAI will.

HUMPITYHe thinks about you all the time, you know.

NEIKA(deep breath)

That's exactly what I needed to hear, Humpity Faux.

HUMPITYAnd, my dear...before you go...

NEIKA(impatient)

Yes?

HUMPITYJUUUUUUUUUUST....

(pout to camera)BEEEEEE GOOD TO HIM.

NEIKARight. I have to go find a policeman!


Neika heads off with gritted teeth.

HUMPITY(to camera)

As a rule, I don't like to interfere, because a reporter needs to look at the situation objectively, from outside. But I really thought she needed to know... Oh, quick! Let's follow her!

DEEP FREEZE

BRIDGE

Static holding A's hands to the console. DISTANT LAUGHING.

The Hologram stands watching.

DRYVERYou talk of honour, but you have none. You live this life pretending to be something you are not.

ABut what does your opinion matter? You are only a...pirate.

DRYVERAt least I never lie to myself. I know exactly what I am. I am a violent, sadistic, anti-social bastard, and I have to live with that every day of my life. Hahahaha! The thing is that I love my life. I love what I do and I'm good at it too, and I can't think of doing anything different.

A stares at his reflection in the window. The Hologram leans its head to merge with Jed’s. Uncomfortable!

DRYVER (CONT'D)But you... I'm inside your head, and I can see what you've had switched off... It wasn't the memory of me doing her in that you wanted to forget... No! You couldn't deal with your own dishonourable actions, so you got that mad scientist to erase them. What sort of standard is that to set for the kiddies? Eh? “If your own dishonour gets the better of you, get rid of it! Absolve it! Pretend to be something better than you are!” But you've been found out. So, what you gonna do?

A tries to pull his hands from the console.


DRYVER (CONT'D)I WANT TO HOLD YOU HERE FOREVER, MY CAPTAIN,AND SHARE A LIFE OF ETERNAL TOGETHERNESS. YOUR PAIN. MY JOY. WILL YOU STAY WITH ME?

A kneels.

AI'VE GOT TO GET... OUUUUT OF HERE.

DRYVERWhere shall we go?

ATO GET A-WAAAAY FROM YOU.

DRYVERNO CHANCE.

AI MUST TRY.

DRYVERBUT WE ARE NOW JOINED AT THE COR-TEX.WE CAN'T BE TORN APART. EVER.

A(decision made)

THEN WE. SHALL. GO... TO-GEEE-THER.

DRYVERWhaaaaat? hahahaTry! Do or die--

A kicks away from the desk, releasing himself, then he pulls up a COVER on the desk, slams a fist on a BIG RED BUTTON and overloads the screens and the system.

The image screams as it is taken apart pixel by pixel, by static.

All the energy of Dryver sees no alternative but to leap into the willing - if unbalanced - mind of his enemy.

A is in psychotic agony after the shocks have ceased. He staggers out the door, steaming.

The Hologram follows him...

OPPOSITE BALCONY

Through the big windows, Neika sees the door open on the bridge. She runs that way.


BRIDGE (CONTINUOUS)

One monitor still works. It shows a wire frame of Dryver’s head. It sings Deep Freeze, (because it has seen into Jed’s mind and knows what he intends to do).

A/DRYVERDEEEEP FREEEEZEPLEASE DON'T FREEEEZE ME PLEASE I DID THE BEST I COULD, IT WAS NO GOOOOOD. PLEASE, DON'T FREEZE ME PLEASE, DEEEP FREEEEZE.

Neika enters.

NEIKACaptain? Where are you?

(listens to song)

A/DRYVERDEEEEP FREEEEZEPLEASE DON'T FREEEEZE ME PLEASE

NEIKADeep Freeze? Where's that?

Exit Neika.

A/DRYVERI COULD HAVE DONE IT BETTER,

INTERCUT WITH

INT. HALLWAY G

A 4-way intersection. Neika runs down the centre,

A/DRYVERAND I NEVER WILL FORGET HER.

2 ROBOTS come from the left, Neika sneers, jumps, spins, ready to kick one into the wall.

A/DRYVER (CONT'D)PLEASE, DON'T FREEZE ME PLEASE,DEEEEP FREEEEEZE.

As she spins through the intersection, the Priest jumps from the right corridor, spinning with his back to her and ripping the head off the other robot.


They don't see each other. Priest looks back to only one robot in the intersection, a bit confused.

All around the ship robots stop and listen.

DRYVER (V.O.)ROBOTS TO THE AIRLOCK!

RO TO THE AIRLOCK? WHAT NEED?

DRYVER (V.O.)SERVANTS! TO ME! TO ME! TO ME! TO ME!

INT. HALLWAY Q

NEIKAThe airlock? Deep Freeze! Oh, hell.

INT. HALLWAY Z

Noddy and Burr hobble around a corner, peeking around to look for the enemy.

The elevator door opens. Burr and Noddy raise weapons. Neika leaps out, weapon raised, very annoyed.

NEIKAWe've got to get to the airlock.

BURRI agree. Let us go--

A robot leaps out at Burr. Neika punches it and fights like a maniac.

A swearing priest runs in, swings cricket bat, beheads the robot

Priest stares at Noddy, fire in his eyes, preparing to strike. Burr holds up a hand and stares at the Priest, warning him.

The Priest nods then runs away screaming obscenities.

Burr looks stunned, bobs his head down and whispers without missing beat

BURR (CONT'D)--very quietly to the airlock.

They all nod and move stealthily.


INT. HALLWAYS

ON THE MONITORS in the hallway, as A drags himself along, Dryver is a drunk king on a throne. (Drunk with power? Eh?)

DRYVERYOU CAN'T ERADICATE ME FROM YOUR SOUUUUL.OVER YOU I HAVE TO-TAL AUUUTHORITY.NEVER WILL I LEAVE YOU, I WILL WATCH YOU PLEEEEEAD.

ANot today.

Noddy, Burr and Neika move stealthily along, all having to defend themselves against robots and insane passengers.

DRYVERI AM HERE,BEHIND YOUR EYES. I RULE THE TIDE IN YOU...

Pain Inflictors 1 and 2 make their way through the chaos in SLOW MOTION, like two terminators heading for a showdown (which they are).

INT. AIRLOCK HALLWAY

The Captain reaches in agony for the airlock mechanism. Hologram tries to stop him but can’t.

Neika and party run from the one end of the corridor.

PAINY1 and PAINY2 appear at other end.

Captain looks deranged as he glares at Neika for a second.

NEIKACAPTAIN! WHAT IS YOUR DUTY NOW, MY LOVE?

PAINY1 leaps in.

BURRMiss, watch out!

PAINY1 hits Neika to the ground.

NODDYI'll save her, sir!

Noddy and PAINY1 joust.


PAIN INFLICTOR 1Begone! I must save my master!

NODDYAnd I must save everybody!

PAINY1 knocks the injured Noddy down.

BURRDesist this foul behavior at once, sir, or I'll-

Burr gets pushed aside and lands on Noddy.

BURR (CONT'D)Well, Noddy, we tried.

NODDY(voice breaking up)

Yes, sir.

Humpity runs in.

HUMPITYFolks, it's time I played my part.

She runs up and smashes PI with her mic, but gets thrown away.

The AIRLOCK DOOR ROLLS OPEN.

Neika looks up to Jed who crawls into the airlock.

NEIKAJEDECHIA, I LOVE YOU. COME BACK!

AOH, MY LOVE! SAVE YOURSELF, YOU CAN'T SAVE ME...

Neika gets annoyed, leaps up and smashes PAINY1 to pieces, then turns, tired and beaten but gorgeous, as PAINY2 jerkily reaches for the lock.

PAIN INFLICTOR 2I shall save you my master.

A screaming priest in a loincloth runs in.

NODDY/BURRThe Priest!

Priest proceeds to club the ring out of PAINY2.


When it lies in pieces on the floor, the priest collapses at Neika’s feet. She kneels.

PRIESTFORGIVE ME, CHILD OF MY SIN.

NEIKATHERE IS NO SIN IN US, MY FRIEND.

PRIESTNO. YOU WERE BORN OF LOVE.THE SIN WAS THE WAY WE ABANDONED YOU. WE WERE POOR.THE DOCTOR PAID FOR YOU TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE. YOU'VE GROWN UP WELL, MAKING YOUR OWN WAY. BUT KNOW IT’S TRUE: I DO LOVE YOU.

She looks down to the inner left thigh of the man and sees a ROSE TATTOO. Camerabot gets a CLOSE-UP.

DRAMATIC CHORD

NEIKAFather?

PRIESTForgive me...

NEIKA...I do.

The Priest dies.

The Narrator wanders through the scene playing guitar.

As Neika gets up, angry, and fights any robot nearby,

A sits in the airlock. He reaches up slowly, dead tired...

ATHIS IS YOUR END, MY FRIEND. THIS IS YOUR TIME, YOU WILL DO FOR YOUR CRIME,OF PUTTING HER IN DANGER...AGAIN.THIS IS YOUR END.

...but he can't quite reach the switch.

DRYVERNO, THIS WILL NOT BE THE END, OLD FRIEND,DON'T LOSE YOUR MIND. I LOVE LIFE TOO MUCH NOW TO LOSE IT ALL A SE-COND-TIME! DON'T LOSE OUR MIND...


NEIKAJed!

She kicks her way past a robot or two, a flabbergasted Freed, the Narrator, Burr and Noddy, to the airlock door.

More robots are coming!

NARRATORAND SHE FOUND HIM THERE...HE HAD DRAGGED THEMSELVES TO THE AIRLOCK AND THE DOOR WAS OPENED WIDE.

BURR(to Noddy)

We can see that.

NODDYIt's the album version.

BURROh, right.

A sees even more robots coming, and he gains strength...

NARRATORSHE'S REACHIN' FOR HIM, BUT HE--SLAMS THE DOOR, FLICKS A SWITCH AND SEALS HIS FATE INSIDE.

The robots stop.

DRYVERTO ME! TO ME! TO MEEEEE!

SLAM goes the door.

NARRATORTHE ROBOTS, TOO LATE TO SAVE THEIR LORD,

Robots falling and blowing up in slo-mo. ENERGY ZAPS INTO THE CAPTAIN!

NARRATOR (CONT’D)FELL TO THEIR KNEES,AS IF STRUCK BY SOME DISEASE AND THE BARRIER BEFORE THEM HELD THEM ALL...

Neika runs up to kneel beside A, but she keeps clear, uncertain. A tries to raise a hand. Can’t.

The GHOST OF DRYVER appears beside them formed of the robot energy.


Then Neika looks at all the ROBOT BODIES on the floor. She reaches for the lock. Taps it.

DOOR ROLLS BACK

NEIKA/DRYVERCAN I SAVE YOU NOW?

ATHIS IS MY ENDIIIING.

DRYVERNO, LISTEN TO THE WOMAN.TAKE US OUT OF HERE, AND LET'S LIIIIVE.

DRYVER/NEIKAJUST FOR A LIFETIIIME.

A(grit of teeth)

OH, I LOVE MY SHIP,AND I LOVE YOU. BUT I MUST DO, WHAT I MUST DO.

NEIKACAN I SAVE YOU NOW?

DRYVERCAN I STOP YOU NOW?

A(to Dryver)

I’LL DO MY DUTY TO DO,

NODDYDutytododutytodo--

Burr holds onto Noddy.

A/NEIKA/DRYVERAND AGAIN WE'LL BE ALONE.

Dryver goes crazy one more time.

DRYVERCAN I STOP YOU THERE?DO YOU REALLY CARE? ONE LOOK IN HER EYES, SHE'LL TAKE US AAAAAANYWHERE.YOU CAN HAVE HER NOW,AND ANY TII-IME

A holds Neika’s hand.

AAND THAT'S WHYYY-Y-Y,YOU AND I...HAVE TO SAY GOOD BYE...

DRYVERWhat?


A(to Dryver)

I WILL END YOU NOW,SO YOU DON'T HAVE HER NOW...

A slams his hand up to the lock, DOOR ROLLS SHUT. He pushes Neika out.

NEIKA/DRYVERDaaaamn!

Neika and A stand, hands together on the glass door. Dryver’s hologram has almost given up.

The big chord starts.

Everything SLO-MO around them.

I LOVE YOU (3 WAYS)

A/NEIKA RANDOM CHANCE WILL, BRING US CLOSER,GRAVITY WILL BRING US--

CHOIRDOOOOOOOO-OOOOWN.

A/NEIKA MAYBE SLOW OR, SUDDEN EXPOSURE. MAY BE BREAKING EVERY LAW.

Burr looks up at Noddy.

BURRAre they talking to us?

ABUT IT DON'T, MAKE MUCH RHYME TO KNOW,WHAT IT IS TO BE EXACTLY ON TIME.BUT I-III-I-I. LO-O-OVE. YOU.

DRYVER/A HISTORY, SOMETIMES REPEATING.BENDING SLIGHTLY IN A WAA-AAY.WEIGHT OF THE MOMENT,ON TO THE NEXT ONE.

NEIKA

NO.COME BACK INSIDE,AND WE'LL MELT AWAAA-AAAY.

A/NEIKA/DRYVER

BU-UT DO.WE.KNOW.WHAT IT IS TO BE EXACTLY ALL GO?


NEIKAYES WE DO.

AAND THAT'S WHY

A/NEIKAI-III-I-I. LO-O-OVE. YOU.

Burr crawls toward Freed, angry.

A/DRYVERNO CIRCLES,NEED TO BE UNBROKEN.WRIT IN WORD AND SIGN, NEVER TAKEN DOWN.NOT MUCH NEED, FOR ANY TOKEN.

NEIKA/A JUST BEING HERE.

DRYVERPRETTY DAMN GOOD SO FAR.

A/DRYVER/NEIKABA-BY, YOOOU AND I, OF A KIND, WE KNOW, WHAT IT IS TO REALLY BLOW OUR MIND.

ANOW WE'RE WAITING FOR THE RESTLESSNESS TO STOP.

DRYVERWAITING FOR THE PENNY TO DROP.

A/NEIKA AND I... DON'T MIND, IF YOU SAY I'M NOT EXACTLY UNKIND. AND...I-III-I-I. LO-O-OVE. YOU.

They both kiss the glass.

Burr, wobbles up behind Freed, flicks out handcuffs.

BURRYou're nicked.

FREEDNo. I am only a scientist--

BURRAnd you caused all this.

FREEDNo, it was not entirely me. Look!

He points to Dryver’s hologram.

DRYVERNoooooooo!


A goes back into schitzo mode, thrashing about.

RELEASE

NARRATORAND SO THE BATTLE RAGED AGAIN,INSIDE THE BODY OF ONE MAN, WHO ONLY DESIRED PEACE. AND HIS FINGER EDGED ITS WAY, TO THE OUTER DOOR RELEASE.

Neika through the window, touches the glass, cries.

NEIKAJeeeed!

NARRATORGRIPPED THE LEVER - PULLED IT DOWN.

Hand slams the lever down.

NARRATOR (CONT'D)SHE LOOKED INTO HIS EYES,SAW HE SHARED THEM WITH NO OTHER SOUL,

Loving looks between the two, then

his hair is pulled back as the air is dragged out into space.

NARRATOR (CONT’D)THE OUTER DOOR WAS OPEN,THE EYES WERE SHARED AGAIN. HE CAME BACK TO SCREAM AND RAGE, ETERNAL BATTLE WAS HIS TO WAGE...

A floats away, Neika screaming is the last thing he sees.

NARRATOR (CONT'D)AS HER CRY FA-DED AWAY,THE CAPTAIN DISAPPEARED, TO THE STARLYTE HEAVENS...

A floats away from Andromeda, falling into Starlyte, atoms dragged away.

NARRATOR (CONT'D)AND HE IS THERE NOW,AS A GENTLE CLOUD, WITH A STORM, FOREVER LIVING....

Strings cascading to a nice drone.

NARRATOR (CONT'D)BUT SHE. STILL. CRIIIES.

HUGE CHORD


AIRLOCK

Around Neika, the bodies of the living and the ghosts of the dead rise, singing with her.

NEIKA'S LAMENT

CHORUSSTA-AR SHIIIP....OHWOH-OHWOH-OHWO-OE

NEIKA(totally wailing)

CA-APTAIN...

CHORUSOHWOH-OHWOH-OHWO-OE STA-AR SHIIIP....OHWOH-OHWOH-OHWO-OE

NEIKACA-APTAIN... MY STAR-SHIP, CA-APTAIN

NARRATOROH, SHE LOOKS INSIDE HER MIND, AND FINDS...

All the robots join in.

CHORUS...OHWOH-OHWOH-OHWOE STA-AR SHIIIP

NEIKAOH, MY STARSHIP CA-APTAIN....

Choir takes over as Neika collapses.

ECU Neika singing. PULL BACK SLOWLY out from the airlock, space station, and planet.

FADE OUT/IN

Noddy looks down at Burr.

NODDYWho is Ethel?

And Humpity sits up from the carnage, shaking her camerabot.

HUMPITYDid you get all that? Tell me you got all that!

CAMERABOT(give thumbs up, then keel over dead)


HUMPITYYes! Yeeeeesss!

(pass out)

FADE OUT/IN

INT. HOUSE OF GIRL WITH CRUTCHES

She watches telly with grandad.

HUMPITY ON TV (V.O.)And this was the carnage that rescuers found upon entering the Andromeda...

Girl turns sound down.

GIRLFuck, Grandad, I'm glad we didn't get on that piece of shit after all.

Grandad nods.

BIG SILLY CHORD

THE END

THEN, AFTER EVERYTHING...

INT. TV STUDIO.

HUMPITY (now very old) sits in a comfy chair.

HUMPITYAnd, as I’ve said, this is my last broadcast. As you know I celebrated my ripe old 143rd birthday yesterday. And I am still loving every minute of it. Now I will leave you with a thought I’ve had since I disembarked from the Andromeda; from that fateful journey, all those years ago. And the thought is...that the pirate was thrown out of an airlock by the captain, yet he managed to stay alive, to attempt his...rebirth. I have wondered whether my friend, the good captain, Jedechia Andrijovenjé, may have also survived, and found a new place to dwell... Somewhere nice... That’s what I’ve always hoped. Goodnight, friends, everywhere.

CUT

NO, SERIOUSLY, REALLY, IT’S THE ACTUAL END THIS TIME!


STARLIGHT the last ride of a starship captain · Title: STARLIGHT the last ride of a starship...

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