Date: 17 Sep 1996 From: "hiphats@pacbell.net" THE BATTLESTAR: GALACTICA/BACK TO THE FUTURE/QUANTUM LEAP Crossover Story "Continuum" by (hiphats@pacbell.net) "Those who cannot remember history are doomed to repeat it...or something to that effect..." -Dr. Edmund J. Brown to his dog Einstein CHAPTER ONE In the opening years of the seventh millenium of time, the majestic battlestar, Galactica, has apparently won the final victory against the Cylon Empire, having destroyed the last Cylon Base Star (in the episode "The Hand Of God"). As the Galactica and its rag-tag fugitive fleet continue their lonely quest for a star called Earth, Starbuck and Apollo have just been sent on routine space patrol. Suddenly they come across a huge red Ultra-Nova. "Starbuck, this is like nothing we've ever seen," says Apollo. "Yeah, even worse than that super nova that led us to Carillon," answers Starbuck. Commander Adama checks his radar scopes to investigate. "Tigh, I think we have to get outta here quick!" Tigh answers, "Yes, commander. This nova is so powerful it can wipe out the entire fleet!" A red alert is sounded throughout the fleet. Suddenly, thunder and lightening-type effects begin to happen within the Ultra-Nova. "Starbuck," yells Apollo, "I think this is the end!" "Brace yourself," says Adama as the force of the Ultra-Nova engulfs the Galactica and the fleet...then they all disappear. All except for Apollo and Starbuck. "What happened?" says Starbuck. "Apollo to Galactica, come in," radios Apollo to the fleet. A few seconds go by with no answer. "Apollo to Galactica, please come in". "Apollo," asks Starbuck, "I think we're all alone in the universe." And indeed they were. The Galactica and the fleet have disappeared, leaving its two best warriors marooned in space for all time...or have they? END OF CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO The Milky Way Galaxy--Earth time 1980 A.D. As a result of the force of the Ultra-Nova, the Galactica and its fleet have been sent almost five thousand years back to another part of the galaxy. The time warp has rendered them into a deep sleep while they have aged about twenty years, though this event has gone unnoticed to them. Suddenly, they are awakened by a beep that is transmitted throughout the rag-tag fleet. Commander Adama, beard and all, gets up from the chair to check his radar to find out where the signal is coming from. "Tigh," Adama says to his second-in-command. "Commander, gosh, where are we?" answers Tigh. Adama checks his computer scans and calls up the galactic map. And what he finds is what he has long sought... "Earth! Earth at last!" exclaims Adama. "How can you be sure?" says Tigh. "We are apparently in the midst of the Milky Way galaxy, the final path of the Lords of Kobol." "Tigh, my friend, we are just hours from being home at last..." "I'll sound the signal to the fleet, Adama," says Tigh. Adama looks out at the window towards the Milky Way Galaxy. "At long last, after so many years, we have finally found Earth!" exclaims Adama. (And thus, the stage is now set for "Galactica: 1980".) END OF CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE Hill Valley--Earth time 1985 A.D. Marty McFly has just returned from taking his fiance, Jennifer, to see her dying mom at Hill Valley Memorial Hospital. His dad, George McFly, notices his son is slumping. "Must have had one horrible day, haven't you, Marty," says George. "Yeah, you would be too if you had a friend whose mom is about to kick the can," answers Marty, "I'm ready to take one big nap." Suddenly a thunderous noise is heard from the front street, followed by the sound of a loud train choo-choo. Marty steps out and sees the old-style train, and out from it comes Dr. Edmund J. Brown, "Doc" Brown. "Marty! Marty!" says the Doc, "you've got to come back with me!" "I know, I know, back to the future," says Marty. "No, no, no! Back To The Past! This concerns.." Doc says before Marty interrupts with "I know, I know, my kids." "No, Marty. This concerns the whole human race! I just got back from Monday, December 8, 1980. A rock star has been killed, signaling the Great Invasion!" "What Great Invasion! What are you talking about! Don't you mean the Great Depression of 1933?" asks Marty. "No! The Great Invasion of 1980! An alien attack is about to occur, and if we don't stop this now, then this existence you're living in now will be for nothing! Please come with me!" says the Doc. "Okay, I get the point. Let me get my things!" says Marty. "No," says Doc, "Just go as you are!" So Marty and the Doc take off in their train from 1985 Hill Valley to 1980 Los Angeles to see just what is wrong with the human race... END OF CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR Los Angeles--Sunday, December 7, 1980 Sam Beckett, after a successful leap/mission into the body of a Chicago mayor just inches from assassination, has just leaped into the body of a 45-year old attorney, Jim Yuen, who has just gotten his tickets to a popular game show called "The Big Chance". Sam, delirious from his leap, sees himself in a mirror holding the tickets in his hand. "Oh, boy!" he says. "Oh, boy is right!" says Al, his holographic friend, "you look like the spitting image of someone who's about to become a big-time loser on a game show...and somehow end up warning mankind in the process." Al punches his pocket keyboard and figures out he has leaped into a man who will lose a big prize at the moment a certain rock star is shot dead. He also figures out that before it is over he will be punished by being sent forward in time, five thousand millenia forward in time, which is against the nature of his leaps. Al warns Sam he could die as a result. But, as Al puts it, "If you play your cards right, maybe you can live to tell about the future by the time you make your next leap, and save all of our necks as well." "No wonder this whole charade is called, 'The Big Chance'!" says Sam. END OF CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE 7:30 A.M. Monday, December 8, 1980 Marty and the Doc arrive in downtown Los Angeles, their train parked in a dark alley. They peer over the Galactica patrol near the Hyatt Hotel. "Now there they are, right by the hot dog stand near the hotel lobby," says the Doc. "But I don't understand! Why are they here! Why are we here?" says Marty. Doc answers, "These people are part of a massive space fleet, trying to prepare L.A. for a monsterous attack. You see, their enemies somehow followed them here and will reach this planet's atmosphere at precisely the time the rock star is shot down. When it happens, get ready for an early Armedgeddon. Now, I don't know why this is happening, or how they even got here in the first place, but I do know one thing...the Galactica are not supposed to be here in this time. Our primary mission here is to stop the Great Invasion from happening...and get the Galactica back to the future!" "Okay, Doc. But tell me this," says Marty, "How are we going to stop an armada of aliens from reaching this Earth?" Doc answers, "We have to come up with some type of formula...some form of nuclear bomb. And I know how we can get it! By using a mixture of the formula used to make time travel possible plus a special type of chemical, we'll create a bomb that not only will blow the aliens away from Earth, but somehow send the Galactica back to their own time...the seventh millenium." "Great. I hope we can save humanity at the expense of these people," says Marty. "Now, Marty," says Doc, "find us a spot at the park near the Memorial Coliseum to set off the bomb, while I get the formula we need." Doc gives Marty a remote control. "We'll contact each other as we go along. All our lives depend on this," says Doc. "You can count on that!" says Marty. The Doc runs from Downtown and tries to hide so he will not be seen. He hides in what he thinks is an exhibit of an advanced military airplane. It is, in fact, a Colonial Fighter from the Battlestar Galactica! Commander Troy boards the fighter and prepares to launch back to the fleet. He does, and suddenly Doc Brown has no idea he has just taken a joyride...a joyride that will send him hundreds of miles into space! END OF CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX L.A. County Courtroom 10:15 A.M.--Monday, December 8, 1980 Jim Yuen/Sam Beckett finishes his latest case, successfully defending a man wrongly accused of forgery. The holographic Al is waiting for him at the snack bar. "Okay, Sam," says Al, "you now have nine hours to go before you lose big. I suggest you find ways to do your part to warn people of the Great Invasion." "I have no time to protect the world. I have two more cases today, plus I have to mentally prepare myself for this game show," says Sam. "Then get yourself fired from your job! The human race is more important to you, now. To me, to all of us," snaps Al. "Okay, you win. But how can I convince millions in just nine hours!" says Sam. Al shows Sam a poster of a religious crusade being held at the Civic Center at 3:00 P.M. Sam says, "You want me to preach? I've been one already, don't you recall five leaps ago?" "It is the only way you're going to convince all of L.A., perhaps the world," says Al, "now go to the nearest book store and get a Bible!" Al and Sam exit the courtroom, each going their own way. Heading towards the bus stop, Al notices a big, huge fighter plane. Knowing he must not be noticed during his mission, he hides in the back seat. Lt. Dilon, having patroled the courthouse area, climbs aboard the fighter. It blasts off, and before Al knows it, he too finds himself hundreds of miles towards space. He continues to hide, not saying a word, unaware he is about to climb aboard the biggest spaceship of all, the Battlestar Galactica. END OF CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN Cylon Base Star OYU536 Somewhere in space, nine hours away from Earth Glotar, the brother of slain Cylon liason Baltar, sits proudly in the chair once held by the Imperious Leader. He is a fat man of about 50 years old, his beard resembling that of Santa Claus. He is just as evil as his late brother was. He sees his first-in-command, Cylon Centerion UE46, enter the throne room. "Speak, Centerion," says Glotar. "All Cylon Squardrons are accounted for, all are on standby, and all are ready to attack," says UE46. "How far are we from Earth?" asks Glotar. "Our trajectory is clear. We are now nine hours away from Earth's atmosphere," answers UE46. "What is our attack schedule?" asks Glotar. "We shall first hit L.A., then Sacramento, then China, then Moscow, then London, then Sydney, then Toronto, then Buenos Aires, and our final attack will be New York," answers UE46. "Excellent. Assuming the Galatica and her crew do not interfere, Earth should be easy to destroy. We shall avenge my brother's death, wipe out the human race, and then I'll have Adama all to myself, and he shall become the new Imperious Leader. That radio signal the Galactica left after the time warp did us a galaxy of good. All the better to destroy the human race once and for all. Continue on course, UE46. The Great Invasion has begun!" shouts Glotar. "By your command," says UE46. The 5 Cylon Base Stars continue to move towards Earth...and the final battle for universal supremecy. END OF CHAPTER SEVEN CHAPTER EIGHT Commander Troy lands his ship in one of the Galactica's two docking bays. He is greeted by Lt. Roc. "Say, Troy," calls Roc, "Looks like your fighter has seen better days." "Yeah, it is in need of a good oil-and-lube job," says Troy as he gets off the ship with the hooded door open, "but you'd better hurry. Once those Cylons get here, we'll need all the fighters we can get." "Commander Adama wants to see you about final preparations for the big conflict," says Roc. Roc leads Troy away. The hooded door still open, Doc Brown slowly climbs out, unnoticed by the broken-down security cameras. He peers around the docking bay and makes his way through the hallway leading to the huge engine room. Dazed and confused, he says, "Great Scott! So this is the great battlestar, Galactica! Enough to fill 10 sold-out football stadiums! So futuristic!" He continues his dazed walk through the bowels of the battlestar. "I don't think I have ever seen such a space ship like this, even in the future!" says the Doc, "wow. How I would love to travel through time in something like this!" Doc Brown approaches a huge data computer. He takes out his transistor radio-type keyboard to transfer what is on it, and indeed he finds more than he bargained for...the entire history of the Great Cylon War, when it started, the Destruction of the Colonies, the journey to Earth...and most importantly, the schematics for the chemical formula he needs to build the bomb that could save the human race. By deduction, he also figures out just where to find the chemical...from the boiler pots that operates the engines to the Galactica. "Holy cow dudu," says the Doc as he makes his way to the doors leading to the engine room... END OF CHAPTER EIGHT CHAPTER NINE Back on Earth, at the park, Marty McFly has found the perfect spot to launch the nuclear bomb...right between some trees. Marty uses his remote to radio the Doc. "Doc, can you read me," Marty says quietly, "Doc, can you read me?" "Affirmative, Marty. I read you, loud and clear," answers Doc. "I read you, even if I am miles and miles above space." "WHAAAAT! HOLY *^$@, DOC! Where in the stars are you?" yells Marty. "I'm aboard this great space ship, a battlestar, called Galactica," answers Doc, "the biggest ship in all the universe." "How in blazes did you get there?" asks Marty. "I must have unwittingly hitched a ride in what I thought was some display ship, only to find myself traveling up, up, and up, into this huge monster of a ship," says Doc. With enthusiasum, Doc says, "Anyway, listen to me, Marty. I know where to get the formula...from right here in the bowels of the Galactica. When I mix the chemical fuel needed to run the ship with the flux capasitor used to make time travel possible, I will create a 'dimensional doorway' that will send the Galactica back to their own time, in the future, while the impact of the explosion will all but obliterate the Cylon fleet forever. But I have to act fast if I'm to get back to Earth and get this project finished by 7;30, the time the rock star is shot!" "Yeah, Doc," says Marty, "I read you." "And here's something else," says Doc, "I just learned from the data files that the Galactica passed through some time warp in the future that somehow led them here to the twentieth century. They somehow went into a deep sleep for twenty years and woke up when the scopes detected they had reached this planet. They somehow had escaped a Cylon war, but not completely. The remnants of the Cylon fleet caught on to their time trail, and that's why this Great Invasion is going to happen. Now, disguise yourself and get a missle launch so we can get this thing over with! Copy, Red?" "Copy, Doc. Over and out," answers Marty. On the Galactica, Doc searches for a container to carry the chemical back to Earth. END OF CHAPTER NINE CHAPTER TEN Lt. Dilon has landed his ship in the other docking bay. After learning Adama wants him to report to the bridge, he climbs out of the ship. For Al, it's no problem...being a hologram, he just walks THROUGH the ship and peers around. Using his pocket keyboard, Al realizes he too has just gotten aboard the great Battlestar, Galactica. He also knows the terrible fate that is about to befall the fleet and the human race. In another part of the ship, Doc Brown knows in order to sneak away the chemical he most desperately needs to set off the missile, he must disguise himself as one of the Colonial Fighters. By sheer luck, some technicians set down the uniform of a pilot who has just disappeared never to be heard from again. After they leave, Doc Brown quickly gets the uniform and slips it on. It fits him! Even the helmet fits him, too. With his container, Doc figures out how to get the chemical from the big barrels that it supplies to run the ship. Al enters the hallway leading to the engine room and whistles to himself. Suddenly, he bumps into...the Doc! They both shout to each other, "WHO ARE YOU?" END OF CHAPTER TEN CHAPTER ELEVEN Both Doc and Al are shocked when they discover each other for the first time. Doc freezes, then says, "You look like Al!" To which Al says, "You look like Dr. Edmund J. Brown." Only at that point do they know each other well. Al says, "I remember you. Your son Verne was involved in the conception of Project Quantum Leap!" Doc hestiates for a moment, then answers, "Oh, I didn't know that." "You will, very soon," says Al, "you're a time traveler, too." "I guess its destiny that brought us here to the great Battlestar, Galactica," says Doc. "Alright, Doc. Why are you here?" asks Al. "May I ask you that very same question?" asks Doc. "Somehow," answers Al, "I hitched a ride in one of those Colonial Fighters. I wasn't supposed to be way, way high in space. I'm supposed to be back on Earth helping Sam on a game show. Now, how did YOU get here?" "Lucky I got here when I did!" answers Doc, "I'm here from five years into the future to prevent an alien invasion from striking tonight, and I have to get some liquid chemical from this huge canister, which very well could prevent the war from happening. By the way, Al, I got here the same way you did." Al says, "So much for your saving our necks." He then notices a faucet hanging out of the barrel. "Hmm," says Al, "what's this?" "Great Scott!", shouts Doc, "that's it! I'll just turn it on and out will come the chemical!" Using his container, Doc gets the amount of chemical he needs, then seals the can up to keep the liquid from spilling. "Thanks, Al! You're quite a pal," says Doc as he tries to shake his hand. But just then, he realizes Al's a hologram! "Are you for real, man?", asks Doc. "Of course, I'm for real! Only folks like you and Sam can see me!" answers Al. "I'm glad we both can see eye to eye!" cackles Doc. "Hey, what's going on back there!" shouts Commander Adama as he walks through the engine room. END OF CHAPTER ELEVEN CHAPTER TWELVE Commander Adama walks up to notice who he thinks is a lieutenant from Blue Squadron. "Lt. Grey, aren't you supposed to be headed for L.A. for final preparations?" asks Adama. The Doc answers, "Well, well yes." He studders. "B-b-but, I was just doing my final inspections of this area b-b-b-before take-off, sir." Adama pauses. "Yes, of course. By the way, I could have sworn I heard you talk to yourself just a second ago." "Y-y-yes," studders the Doc, "I was ah-trying to figure out what I'm going to say to the people before the attack, your gracefulness, your excellency..." Adama interrupts, "You may call me 'Commander'. Good day, Lt. Grey." "Good day, commander," answers the Doc. Al, with a frown, says, "What a piff your commander is." "Yeah. If ever I saw one," Doc says, "the last time I ran into a person like that was in the Army." "Too bad he didn't see me," says Al, "anyway, the main thing for the both of us now is to take off." Both Al and the Doc get lost in the maze at the Galactica, until they finally come to the East Docking Bay and into one of the unused Colonial Vipers. "So, Doc Brown, this is what's going to get us back to Earth?" asks Al. "Yes. There's room for the both of us. Well," says Doc, "hop in!" Captain Notloc, the owner of the ship, has his back turned from the Viper as he does clean-up work. "Only one thing, Al," asks Doc, "how do I make this thing go!" "Let's see," says Al, "you push this button." Doc pushes the ignition that launches the Viper. Only then does Captain Notloc notice someone has stolen his ship! "Hey! Where are you going with my...oh, tihs!" says Notloc with disgust. But the Viper is already deep in space, and Doc Brown is having loads of fun traveling in it. "Whooo! What a cruiser!" yells Doc Brown. "I won't have to call on Southeast Airlines anymore with this!" "Excuse me, Doc," says Al, "with all due respect, YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!!!" "Of course I'm going the right way! Are you stupid?" asks Doc. "No, Doc. YOU ARE!" yells Al, "Earth is the other direction!!!" END OF CHAPTER TWELVE CHAPTER THIRTEEN Monday, December 8, 1980--3:30 P.M. Los Angeles, CA Marty McFly sits in the Cresta Theatre watching a Bruce Lee movie. Munching on his popcorn, Marty realizes he's short on time and must get back downtown to find a Missile Launcher. He escapes, races out of the theatre and finds himself near the area where Jim Yuen is scheduled to preach a message warning mankind to prepare for the Great Invasion. Of course, Marty does not know that it's Sam's body emcompassing that of Yuen's. All the audience cheer as they are made ready to defend themselves. Among those attending are several members of the Galactica's fighter squadrons. Soon, Marty joins in on the cheers. Suddenly, two heavy-looking men, who happen to be Jim Yuen's bosses, approach him. One of them says, "You were supposed to defend a guy wrongly accused of murder today. You didn't show up and the judge found him guilty by proxy." "Oh, sorry, fat man, but I am way too busy warning the world," says Sam/Jim. The fat man grabs him by the throat. "Maybe you're not too busy for this!" says the fat man and starts beating up on Sam/Jim. Seeing the Quantum Leaper in trouble, Marty rushes to rescue him using the karate skills he learned from watching the movie. With a right-hand chop and a left-leg kick down the you-know-where, Marty disposes of the two heavy-set men. The audience cheer. "Hey," a member of the Galactica's Orange Squadron asks, "who taught you how to karate like that?" Marty then answers, "Bruce Lee." "Gee, thanks, young timer. I owe you one," says Sam/Jim. "Well, I just happen to be a timer," says Marty. "Do you think you can take me to the National Studios?" asks Sam. Marty sees the answer to Sam's question, right down the street. "I'll get you there in no time at all," answers Marty. Both Sam and Marty rush down to the truck carrying a Missile Launcher. Marty sees its driver, then creates a diversion. "Hey, look over there!" says Marty. "Where?" says the driver. He turns his head before Marty gives him the karate chop of his life. Both Marty and Sam hop in the truck, and head over to the National Studios, and "The Big Chance". END OF CHAPTER THIRTEEN CHAPTER FOURTEEN Doc Brown and Al continue to cruise the Colonial Viper in the wrong direction towards outer space. "I swear," says Al, "you are the clumsiest fighter pilot in galactic history. I'll never get back to L.A. at this rate!" "I know one thing, Al," says Doc, "Columbus never went off the edge of the world! In fact, I was there to make sure!" "How would you know that, you time-travel idiot!" says Al. "My wife and I went back in time to see the discovery, in 1492," answers Doc. "All I discover is that you are the worst pilot ever!" wisecracks Al. Suddenly, a blip appears on the radar scopes. Al knows it's not of the Earth. He reaches for his keyboard control, and deducts it's a Cylon fighter. "Just answer one thing, Doc," says Al, "are you a good shot?" "Well, I was one in World War II!" answers Doc. "Maybe you can shoot down this one!" says Al. Doc reaches for a button, not realizing it's the switch to the air conditioner. "No, you simple-minded cadet! The middle button!" says Al. Doc pushes the middle button to the thruster control and fires. Its torpedo destroys the Cylon fighter instantly. "Good shot. That's the first good thing you've done all day," says Al. "Now, you think you know how to turn this thing around and get us back to Earth?" And finally, Doc goes the other way, as the Colonial Viper makes its way back to L.A., and the fates that await the human race. Meanwhile, aboard the main Cylon Base Star, Glotar is angry. "God of Kobol Damn Them!" he yells, "Because of the stupid Galactica our main fighter is lost! Now, we have no one to follow to Earth. But no matter, Lucifer. I shall have Earth yet." "How do you propose that, your excellency," asks Lucifer the robot. "We shall take them by surprise. I shall lead all the base stars and corner the Earth so that nothing escapes the planet. Once I wipe out humanity, I shall wipe out Adama and have his head. And the Galactica and her glorious crew will become my slaves forever. I shall turn ALL of them into Cylons. And Earth shall be nothing but a dirty old dustball," says Glotar. He signals the Commander of the Base Star and says, "Prepare to move at rapid speed to Earth. The absolute final wipeout of humanity begins!" And the Base Stars begin their charge towards Earth, now three-and-a-half hours and counting... END OF CHAPTER FOURTEEN CHAPTER FIFTEEN Doc and Al's Colonial Viper enter Earth's atmosphere. As they cross the Pacific Ocean, Doc releases the landing gear. Al says, "Quick! Set us down there!" "Where??" asks Doc. Just then, the motor goes bust. Doc and Al crash-land in the parking lot of the Memorial Coliseum. Both escape unhurt as they leave the Viper which explodes into flames. Marty McFly, driving the truck holding the missle launcher, stops to see a slightly-scratched up Doc Brown. "Doc, where have you been?" Marty asks. "Oh, you might not believe this, but I somehow got caught up into space and ended up on this big ship, the Galactica!" answers Doc. "Galactica? What the hell is that?" asks Marty. "No time to explain," answers Doc, "we've got just under an hour to save humanity. Oh, Marty, this is Al!" "Pleasure to meet you," says Al as he tries to shake Marty's hand. Of course, he can't, because he's holographic! "Wish I could talk to you," says Marty, "but time is of the essence. My essence, and the human race's essence." Al snaps, "Oh! I just remembered! I have to get to the studio to stop Sam! He's due to be on that game show within the hour!" "Then get going!" says Doc as his holographic friend rushes down the street to find the studio. "Hey, Doc," says Marty, "I was getting concerned about you! I thought you'd gone off to the La Brea Tar Pits or something!" "No, I went up, alright!" answers Doc, "but that don't matter now. I have the formula to set off the bomb. And it's right here in this can!" Doc shows Marty the can as the youngster says, "Great! We've got no time to lose!" 7:15 P.M. The many Cylon Base Ships begin to pass the moon and towards Earth. Glotar is delighted, waiting for his big moment. He says over the commlink, "All Cylons! Man your positions for launch." He knows what he wants is the human race burned to a crisp and the Cylons to re-colonize the planet for their very own. And the countdown continues... END OF CHAPTER FIFTEEN CHAPTER SIXTEEN Monday, December 8, 1980 7:20 P.M. Sam/Jim is a contestant on the game show "The Big Chance," trying to win a car. He is nervously trying to price items. Al, meanwhile, gets himself lost...lost in the shuffle of people trying to run for cover to protect themselves from the Great Invasion. The Galactica's Orange Squadron, led by Lt. Troy, races to their ships as they hear the Civil Defense alarm, which goes unnoticed by the audience in the National Studios. "Come on, everyone," yells Lt. Troy, "this is it. The Cylons are about to attack, we need all the men we can get if we're to pull this battle off." Doc and Marty mix the formula into the nuclear bomb. "I hope this works, Marty," says Doc, "because if this does not go off the way I want it to, we're all done for." Doc sets the missile's computer to the proper position to strike, and programs the countdown to 7:30 P.M. On the Galactica, Adama is getting very nervous. "Still no word from our squadrons?" asks Adama. "No, sir....wait!" says Rice. On Earth, Troy gives the signal for his men to launch. "O.K. boys, let's roll," yells Troy as the rest of his men take off from Earth into deep space. One by one the Orange Squadron ships make their way to the Galactica, and to prepare for the Great Invasion. 7:25 P.M. The main Cylon Base Star and its many counterparts pass the moon and towards Earth. Soon Glotar gives the signal, "Death Squadron One, launch when ready!" And the first Cylon Squadron of fifty-five ships head towards Earth's atmosphere. On the Galactica, Miss Shirley, the yeoman, says, "Enemy approaching. Three hundred microns." "Oh, Kobol Gods," says Adama, "please let my men intervene." 7:27 P.M. Al makes his way down Columbia Avenue where the studios are, only to be trampled by the evacuating mob. "Oh, s*$&! Please get me back to Sam!" says Al. At the studios, Sam is trying to price the final item he needs to win the car, then is offered a sure thing not to take the car. Doc and Marty scramble to position the missile, realizing they have but seconds. "Marty, get this thing still!" yells Doc. His counterpart does. Two minutes and counting... 7:28 P.M. "Death Squadron Two," Glotar commands from his Base Ship, "launch when ready." And the second Cylon Squadron of fifty-five ships heads for Earth. One minute and counting... 7:29 P.M. On the Galactica, Shirley announces, "Sixty microns and counting." Adama sighs, "The human race is about to end unless my men get here." At the National Studios, Sam/Jim has just lost the car. With five seconds/microns left, Doc gives the order, "OK, MARTY! FIRE!" 7:30 P.M. On the Base Star, Glotar announces, "COMMENCE ATTACK!" END OF CHAPTER SIXTEEN CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 7:30:01 P.M. The missile launches from L.A., and charges towards deep space. Suddenly, it explodes. Its force enveloping the Galactica and its huge rag-tag fugitive fleet, swallowing them and sending them forward...five thousand years forward! As punishment for losing the car, the game show host uses his magic ring to slap Sam/Jim in the back sending him into the future. Al arrives to stop this, but it is too late. No matter. As a holographic image, Al can immediately go to where Sam next leaps, if he ever does. The continuing radiated force of the explosion causes a chain reaction that DESTROYS all of the Cylon Base Stars and all of its Squadrons! "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Glotar says as he and his main Cylon Base Star is obliberated into a fireball. Marty and Doc, back on Earth, look around them as nothing happens. "We've done it!" yells Doc, "we have saved mankind!" "Yes," Marty says as he gives his friend five. "Let's get back home...to 1985!" "Come on!" says Doc as they race toward the time traveling train. They lift off, and they indeed go forward, in triumph, to Hill Valley, in 1985! All of Los Angeles cheer, happy in the knowledge that there will now be no Great Invasion, and no end of the world...for now, at least. Deep Space--5997 A.D. The Galactica, and the rag-tag fugitive fleet of hundreds of ships, now find themselves traveling as before, finding the mythical star Earth, the Ultra-Nova behind them. Adama and all of its crew, looking like they did before their calamity, act like they had just woken up from a bad dream. "Gee, Tigh. What was that?', asks Adama. Tigh wakes up and says, "I guess you can say it was the biggest time-warp ever. Though it did seem like a nightmare!" Casseopea comes in the bridge and says, "Yeah, Commander. What was all of that?" "You can say," answers Adama, "we found Earth...and lost it all over again." Suddenly, a voice cackles, "Apollo to Commander. Apollo to Commander. Father, can you read me?" Adama staggers to the controls. "Yes, son. We read you." "Commander, where are you? This is Starbuck!" another voice cackles. "Starbuck! What took you so long?" asks Adama. "So long? You just disappeared about a micron ago!" says Starbuck. "You guys! Get your butts in gear and come home!" yells Adama. And Apollo and Starbuck land their ships in the docking bay, joyous that their friends are safe and sound...deep in space. END OF CHAPTER SEVENTEEN EPILOGUE Sam Beckett, trapped in the body of Jim Yuen, has been captured by the Cylons and taken prisoner. He is sent to the throne room of the Imperious Leader. "So, what can you tell us, Mr. Yuen?" asks the Leader. "Sir," answers Sam/Jim, "I have just come from the Earth...the Earth of the past! Believe me, your excellency, you would not want to go there! There is a state of war that exists there! Wars, pestulences, everything! The people there are evil, capable of destroying themselves as much as you are! Please! Danger lurks there! Stay away from Earth!" "This makes you no better than a traitor to us," yells the Leader, "Your time is at an end." Just at that point, Sam's leap ends and goes into another body in the 20th Century, while Jim is beheaded by the Cylons. At the Galactica, Cassiopea says to the children, "And so, my children, that is what happened to us. Because of men who have human hearts, hearts that can save us from evil, we have survived. Because of men who will travel through time to save people, we are here. But, there are still dangers in space as we near the planet called Earth. There is trouble everywhere. I only hope that wonderful man named Edmund J. Brown will somehow travel forward to our time to aid us again when that time comes. For now, kids, may the Lord of Kobol be with you." She closes her book as she's hugged by the children. For now, all is well, the Galactica's travels go on... "Fleeing from the Cylon tyrrany, and an even worse fate, the last battlestar, Galactica, leads a rag-tag fugitive fleet on a lonely quest...a shining planet, known as EARTH!" THE END