GALACTICA 1980: THE WHEEL OF FIRE Teleplay by Louise R. Kelley and Alan S. Young Story by Alan S. Young Executive Producer: Glen A. Larson PROD. #55120 March 25, 1980 GLEN LARSON PRODUCTIONS GALACTICA 1980 THE WHEEL OF FIRE ACT ONE FADE IN ON SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it streaks through space. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR watching his controls and scanners carefully. INSERT - SCANNER The screen shows the position of his ship with five objects closing in from behind. VIPER SQUADRON (STOCK) Five Colonial Vipers in pursuit. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON looking at his scanner. DILLON - I've got him on my scanner, Troy. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he looks down at his scanner. TROY - I've got him, too. (to squadron) Everyone break formation. Do what you have to do to keep Xaviar's ship away from Earth. VIPER SQUADRON (STOCK) as the five ships split up and head off in different directions. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON looking out into space. DILLON - (into microphone) Give it up, Xaviar. You won't make it this time. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR He laughs to himself. TROY'S VOICE (over speaker) He's right, Xaviar. You've got five Vipers on your tail. You won't make it to Earth. Xaviar smiles and looks down at his scanner. INSERT - SCANNER His ship and the five other ships are scattered on the screen. Several new objects appear at one edge of the screen and quickly move toward the rest of the objects on the screen. TIGHT ON XAVIAR seeing the scanner and smiling. XAVIAR (into microphone) I think you may be wrong, Captain Troy. Take a look at your scanner. CYLON FIGHTERS (STOCK) Three fighters moving swiftly through space and fast approaching. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY looking down at his scanner. He reacts. TROY - Dillon, Cylon ships coming in from--- VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON DILLON - I see them. INTERCUT TROY WITH DILLON - Troy looks down at his scanner. TROY - Only three ships. DILLON - Must be a patrol. TROY - Good. Dillon, can you and the rest of the squadron handle them? DILLON - Why? TROY - I'm going after Xaviar. DILLON - I'm going with you. TROY - No. You have to stay with the squadron. DILLON - Troy, I think--- TROY - That's an order, Lieutenant. Make sure the Cylons--- He is cut off by a tremendous explosion that rocks his ship. DILLON - Troy! They're on us. TROY - No kidding. Look, Dillon, keep 'em busy until I get back. DILLON - But, Troy--- An explosion rocks Dillon's ship. He turns his control stick to one side, taking his ship into a wide turn. ON SINGLE VIPER (TROY'S) as the turbos kick in and it streaks off into space. ON DILLON looking out-into space. DILLON - Good luck, buddy. ON SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it closes on a Cylon ship and shoots its lasers. The Cylon ship explodes into a million pieces. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON His ship is fast approaching a Cylon fighter from behind. Dillon fires his lasers. All of his shots miss the Cylon fighter. DILLON - Frack! Dillon puts his Viper into a turn to pursue the Cylon fighter. ANOTHER CYLON FIGHTER (STOCK) as it approaches a Colonial Viper. The Cylon fires and the Viper explodes into a giant fireball. VIPERS IN SPACE (STOCK) Two Vipers closing on a Cylon fighter. One Viper fires and misses. The other Viper fires and the Cylon fighter explodes. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON His ship is approaching the last Cylon fighter. He fires his lasers and misses again. The Cylon fighter turns and is now approaching Dillon's ship. The two ships exchange fire. A panel on Dillon's control board explodes as the Cylon fighter passes over Dillon's ship. ON CYLON FIGHTER (STOCK) moving away as it escapes. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON Sparks are flying from his equipment. Dillon is waving his arm to clear the smoke from his face. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DAGAN looking out at Dillon's ship. DAGAN - Lieutenant Dillon, are you all right? DILLON'S VOICE (over speaker) I'm fine, but there's no response from my main thrusters. How bad is it? INTERCUT DAGAN WITH DILLON DAGAN - I'm surprised you're still in one piece. That Cylon blew a hole in your main fuel tank. You're losing your fuel fast. Dillon taps his fuel gauge which is flashing red. DILLON - Frack! My reserves are empty, too. DAGAN - Shall we pursue the Cylon, sir? More sparks fly in Dillon's cockpit as another control panel explodes. DILLON - Negative. DAGAN - But it's heading toward Earth. DILLON - Forget it. Troy's out there and he'll take care of it. Dillon waves off more smoke that is coming from his equipment. DILLON - I need assistance back to the Galactica. DAGAN - Shall we use the tractor beam, sir? DILLON - Of course, unless you think you can fit me into your cockpit. Dagan says nothing. THREE VIPERS IN SPACE One (Dillon's) is dead in space. The other two Vipers are on either side as a fine green tractor beam from both Vipers converge on the center Viper. Slowly, the three Vipers move off into space. ON SINGLE VIPER (TROY'S) streaking through space with full turbos. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY looking into space with determination in his eyes. TROY - This is your last chance, Xaviar. If you don't surrender now, I'll open fire on your ship. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR looking at his scanner. He smiles. XAVIAR (to himself) Excellent. INSERT - SCANNER Xaviar's ship is in the lead with Troy's ship closing fast. Coming up even faster is a Cylon fighter behind Troy's ship. ON CYLON FIGHTER moving closer. It opens fire. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY There is an explosion outside his ship. He looks down at his scanner and reacts. TROY - Flaming Felgercarb! Troy turns his control stick, taking his ship into a wide turn to avoid the oncoming Cylon fighter. INT. CYLON COCKPIT The Cylons at the controls watch Troy's Viper as it goes into its wide turn. CYLON #1 - Two Colonial Viper Craft in range. One has initiated evasive maneuvers. Shall we pursue? CYLON #2 - Negative. I want the other Colonial Warrior. I want to know why he is being pursued by his own people. CYLON #1 - By your command. The Cylon fighter goes into a slight turn. ON CYLON FIGHTER as it turns and heads towards Xaviar's Viper. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY watching his scanner with concern. He turns his control stick taking his Viper into a tight turn. TROY (to himself) I can't let that Cylon near Earth. ON SINGLE VIPER as it turns in space and the turbos kick in. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR looking down at his scanner. He reacts. INSERT - SCANNER The Cylon fighter is closing in on his ship extremely fast. ON THE SHIP OF LIGHTS moving swiftly through space. ON VIPER (TROY'S) as it streaks through space. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY He is watching his controls carefully. TROY (to himself) Come on. From behind Troy's Viper, the Ship of Lights approaches. There is a high-pitched whining that increases in volume as the ship gets closer to the Viper. Troy notices the sound and looks around. TROY - What the--- The whining sound becomes deafening. Troy covers his ears and grimaces. The sound is hurting his ears. He writhes in his seat from the pain. The Ship of Lights is now on top of Troy's Viper. Finally, Troy slumps down in his seat as he passes out. ON EARTH as Xaviar's Viper and the Cylon fighter approach. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR He is quickly throwing switches and pushing buttons. Finally, he leans back and pushes himself against the back of his seat. INT. CYLON. COCKPIT They are watching as they gain on the Viper. CYLON #1 - Lock on and prepare to fire. Another Cylon reaches up and pushes a button. CYLON #2 - Locked on. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR He pushes a button and is thrust back against his seat. ON VIPER (XAVIAR'S) as it enters the time warp field into another dimension. The Cylon fighter is so close that it is pulled into the time warp field by Xaviar's Viper. Both ships disappear as does the time warp field. ON THE BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (STOCK) leading the Rag Tag fleet of ships through space. INT. DOCTOR ZEE'S CHAMBERS Adama enters. He has a look of concern on his face. ADAMA - Doctor Zee, Xaviar has once again escaped us. ZEE - Yes, Adama, I know. Adama begins to pace around. ADAMA - I cannot understand how he was able to board the Galactica and escape without anyone detecting his presence...until it was too late. ZEE - It is very simple, Adama. Xaviar has a logical, as well as a devious mind. He entered the Galactica's landing bay, while using his invisibility field, at the same time as one of our patrols returned. The sound of the returning patrol covered the sound of Xaviar's entry. After the landing bay was shut down, he was free to refuel his ship. Adama appears puzzled. ADAMA - Surely he must have know our scanners would detect him when he became visible again...especially so soon after launching from the Galactica. ZEE - Xaviar was conserving his new fuel supply. He could not have made it back to Earth if he continued to use the invisibility field. ADAMA - Earth? ZEE - Xaviar has left this time frame, again. Adama reacts. ZEE - Let me show you. Zee waves his arm toward a viewing screen. Adama turns and looks at the screen as it becomes activated. INSEPT - VIEWING SCREEN The screen is showing the Colonial Viper squadron in pursuit of Xaviar's Viper. The squadron is gaining on Xaviar's ship when the Cylon fighters intercept. Xaviar's ship continues, followed by one of the Vipers from the squadron (Troy's). The other Vipers from the squadron engage the Cylon ships in combat. Two Cylon ships and one Viper are destroyed. The third Cylon ship escapes and follows after Xaviar and Troy. ZEE (v.o.) As you can see, one of the Cylon fighters managed to escape our Viper squadron. Troy's Viper is closing in on Xaviar when the Cylon fighter fires at him. Troy's ship goes into a turn and is followed by the Cylon. ZEE (v.o.) I'm sorry to tell you this, but we lost Troy's Viper on our scanners after the Cylon opened fire. We must only assume that his ship has been destroyed. ON ADAMA watching the screen with deep hurt in his eyes. ON ADAMA AND ZEE ZEE - I know how you must feel, but we must now concentrate on the matter at hand. Adama looks away from the screen. ZEE - I am afraid that the entire present population on Earth is in more danger now than it has ever been since our arrival. Zee motions back at the screen. Adama turns back and looks down at it. On the screen is Xaviar's ship as it approaches Earth. The Cylon fighter is approaching the Viper. The Cylon fighter comes into firing range. Xaviar's Viper enters the time warp field and disappears. The Cylon fighter is pulled into the field. It, too, disappears. The screen goes dark. Adama turns and faces Zee with a look of shock on his face. ADAMA - Doctor Zee, you don't mean--- ZEE - Yes, the Cylon fighter has been taken into Earth's past by Xaviar. Adama looks at the darkened screen in disbelief. ON THE SHIP OF LIGHTS (STOCK) moving swiftly through space. INT. WHITE CHAMBER (PLEASE NOTE: ALL COSTUMES IN SHIP OF LIGHTS SEQUENCES ARE BASED ON COSTUMES FROM THE PREVIOUS BATTLESTAR: GALACTICA EPISODE, "EXPERIMENT IN TERRA".) The chamber is large and everything is completely white. There are no furnishings, however, at one end of the chamber is an altar-like pedestal. Lying on the pedestal, his warrior uniform completely white, is Troy. He is unconscious. Slowly, he begins to regain his consciousness. He gets up, his movements slow, almost labored. After he balances himself, he starts to look around the chamber in confusion. He looks at his uniform with surprise. At one end of the chamber, a door slides open and a small figure enters. The figure is clad in a white robe and has a white mask over its face. The figure approaches Troy, whose first instinct is to draw his blaster, which to his surprise is not in its holster. TROY - Where am I? FIGURE (soft, whispery) Welcome, Captain Troy. TROY - You know my name? The figure nods. TROY - You didn't answer my question. Where am I? FIGURE - I am sorry, Captain, but I am not at liberty to discuss that with you. TROY - Then tell me what this place is. FIGURE - I must report that you have awakened. There will be someone here soon who can answer all of your questions. The figure turns and starts to walk back toward the door. Troy steps forward in an attempt to stop the figure from leaving, but before he can do anything, the door slides shut and the figure is gone. Troy stops and stares at the closed door. REVERSE ANGLE Troy, his back to the camera, continues to stare at the closed door. Behind him, a tall figure, that of a man, materializes. He is dressed in a white outfit (Similar to the outfit worn by John in "Experiment In Terra"). STARBUCK - So, you finally became a Captain...like your father. Troy whirls around and stares dumbfoundedly at: A FAMILIAR FACE Starbuck is standing before Troy. STARBUCK - I'm proud of ya, Boxey. Troy continues to stare at Starbuck in disbelief. Starbuck simply smiles. ON VIPERS Two vipers transporting a third with tractor beams. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Colonel Boomer is seated at his console in the communications area. There are several other technicians seated at various positions around the area. One of the technicians, Marali, suddenly turns towards Colonel Boomer. MARALI - Colonel, Blue Squadron is transmitting an emergency signal. Boomer leaves his station and walks over to Marali's console. BOOMER - Put it on audio. Marali punches a button. BOOMER - Galactica to Blue Squadron. Report status. DILLON'S VOICE (over speaker) We were attacked by a Cylon patrol. Boomer looks at the scanner. BOOMER - Casualty report, Lieutenant. INTERCUT BOOMER WITH DILLON DILLON - I lost a pilot. Boomer looks at the scanner again. BOOMER - Scanner shows only three ships. DILLON - Troy went after Xaviar and my ship is crippled. I'm being brought in on tractor beams. Boomer turns to Marali. BOOMER - Have an emergency crew standing by in Alpha landing bay. MARALI - Yes, sir. She turns and punches several buttons on her console. She waits a moment, then turns back to Boomer. MARALI - Emergency crew standing by. Boomer turns back to the scanner. BOOMER - Alpha landing bay is clear. Proceed. DILLON - Thanks Colonel. We're bringing her in. INT. GALACTICA LANDING BAA (STOCK) The emergency crew is preparing. ON VIPERS as they approach the Battlestar Galactica. INT. GALACTICA LANDING BAY The three Vipers enter the bay, the center ship still held by tractor beams. ON DILLON as he climbs out of his Viper cockpit. Dagan and the other Viper pilot quickly rush over to Dillon. DILLON - Thanks guys, you did a great job. A crew member approaches Dillon. CREWMEMBER - Lieutenant Dillon, Commander Adama wants you to report to Doctor Zee's chambers immediately. Dillon shrugs and rushes towards the elevator. INT. DOCTOR ZEE'S CHAMBERS as Dillon enters and approaches Adama and Doctor Zee. Adama approaches Dillon, relieved to see that he is uninjured. ADAMA - Thank goodness you are unharmed. DILLON - Did Troy catch up with Xaviar? Adama reacts to Dillon's question. He quickly turns away and composes himself, then turns back towards Dillon. Doctor Zee steps forward. ZEE - Our situation has become very serious since your encounter with the Cylon patrol. Dillon senses that something is wrong. DILLON - What is it? What aren't you telling me? Adama puts his hand on Dillon's shoulder. ADAMA - Our scanners show that one of the Cylon fighters escaped your squadron. That tighter has followed Xaviar into another time frame. Present day Earth is in very grave danger at--- DILLON - Did Troy follow them? ZEE - We lost Troy's ship on our scanners after the escaped Cylon fighter opened fire. A shocked look crosses Dillon's face. He says nothing for a few moments. DILLON (disbelieving) Maybe his transmitters are malfunctioning... ADAMA - No, Dillon...I'm sorry. The look on Adama's face tells Dillon everything he needs to know. A sad look comes to Dillon's face as he turns away from Adama and Doctor Zee. Dillon takes a few steps away and is visibly upset. ZEE - We must move on and make plans to eliminate the Cylon fighter from Earth's past and recover Xaviar. Dillon turns around with anger in his eyes. DILLON - Is that it?! You're just giving up on Troy? Adama approaches Dillon again and puts his hand on Dillon's shoulder. ADAMA - There is nothing we can do about Troy. The threat to Earth's past is too great. Dillon starts to protest, but Adama cuts him off. ADAMA - Dillon, I share your feelings however, we must get in contact with Jamie and bring her aboard the Galactica. The time frame Xaviar is now in is one we have virtually no data on. She is is the only person who can help us, and Earth, now. FADE OUT END ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN ON THE UNITED BROADCASTING COMPANY'S MAIN STUDIOS (at Universal main gate) Dillon is approaching the gate. ON DILLON as he comes to the entrance and stops. The guard opens the door and steps out. GUARD - May I help you, sir? DILLON - I need to see Jamie Hamilton. The guard turns and points at a small TV monitor inside his booth. GUARD - There she is, kid. You can look at her all you want. ON TV MONITOR Jamie is winding up a broadcast. JAMIE ...and the alleged sightings have proven to be false. She puts down her news copy and looks up at the camera. JAMIE - This is Jamie Hamilton, and this concludes today's news program. Thank you, and have a good evening. The monitor screen goes blank. ON DILLON as he starts to enter the studio. The guard quickly steps out or his booth to stop Dillon. GUARD - Just where do you think you're going? DILLON - To see Jamie Hamilton. GUARD - Not without a pass you're not. DILLON - A pass? GUARD - Yeah, a pass. You don't get past this gate without a pass. DILLON - Look, I'm in a hurry. It's very important that I see Jamie Hamilton. GUARD - No one goes by me without a pass. If you want to see Miss Hamilton, you'll have to use that phone over there and make an appointment. The guard starts to go back inside his booth. Dillon pulls out his blaster and adjusts the setting knob on it. He aims it at the guard and fires. The guard stops, frozen in his position. Dillon puts the gun back and walks into the studio. After Dillon has disappeared within the studio, a car pulls up to the guard booth and stops. The driver tries to get the attention of the guard, but to no avail. The guard remains frozen. The driver of the car shrugs and drives into the studio. INT. UNITED BROADCASTING COMPANY'S LOBBY Dillon enters the lobby as Jamie is getting off of the elevator. Jamie passes the guard and waves. JAMIE - Goodnight, George. The guard acknowledges with a nod of his head. Jamie walks towards the door and sees Dillon. JAMIE (surprised) Dillon! She suddenly realizes how loud she said his name and rushes up to him. JAMIE - What are you doing here? DILLON - We need your help. JAMIE - What do you mean? DILLON - You have to come back to the Galactica with me. Jamie looks around. JAMIE - But where's Troy? A saddened look crosses Dillon's face. DILLON - We were ambushed by a Cylon patrol and Troy's ship didn't make it. JAMIE - You mean... Dillon nods. Jamie turns away, taken aback by the news. Dillon approaches her and puts his hands on her shoulders, turning her around towards him. DILLON - Jamie, we really need your help now. Jamie nods and they walk away. ON SHIP OF LIGHTS (STOCK) moving swiftly through space. INT. WHITE CHAMBER as Troy and Starbuck enter. The chamber is much smaller than the previous chamber. Troy has a look of extreme confusion on his face. TROY - Why am I here? I have to get back and stop Xaviar before he goes into Earth's past again. STARBUCK - You still have time. I'll see to it that you catch up to Xaviar. Troy gives Starbuck a questioning glance. He looks around the white chamber and then down at his white uniform. TROY - Are we in another time frame? STARBUCK - We're in another dimension, but we're still in your present frame of time. TROY - Then you didn't die? STARBUCK - Not exactly. I simply...evolved to another plane of existance. Troy is confused, doesn't understand. TROY - Look, either you're dead, or you're not. STARBUCK - It's just that I no longer have a physical body, as you know it. TROY - But I'm looking at you. STARBUCK - All you're looking at is a reflection of my spiritual essence. Troy is still somewhat confused. TROY - That still doesn't explain why I am here. STARBUCK - Do you remember the stories your father and I used to tell you about the beings who gave the Galactica the coordinates to Earth? Troy thinks for a moment. TROY (remembering) Yes, I remember now. You used to tell me the stories when I wouldn't go to sleep period on time. Troy digs deeper into his memory. TROY - You used to call them the Guardians of the Universe. Starbuck smiles. STARBUCK - Right. TROY - I also remember my father telling me about the time the Guardians came to him for help. Starbuck smiles and nods. A look of realization crosses Troy's face, as he looks at Starbuck. TROY - Is that why I'm here? To help? Starbuck simply nods. ON THE BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (STOCK) leading the fleet through deep space. INT. DOCTOR ZEE'S CHAMBERS Dillon and J&mie enter and approach Doctor Zee and Adama. Adama is delighted to see Jamie again. He extends his hand to her. ADAMA - Welcome back, Jamie. Jamie accepts his hand. She gives Adama a sympathetic look. JAMIE - I'm so sorry, Adama. Dillon told me about Troy. Adama smiles at Jamie. ADAMA - Thank you for your concern, however, time is of the essence and we must work fast. ZEE - Yes, Adama, time is of the essence. Xaviar has projected himself approximately two thousand six hundred Earth years into Earth's past. There is a long moment of silence as they all react differently: Adama and Dillon have somewhat blank looks on their faces and Jamie looks quite amazed. ZEE - We have absolutely no information that far back into Earth's past. That is why we need your assistance again, Jamie. What can you tell us about that time frame? Jamie digs deep into her thoughts. JAMIE - That's a period of time that we have very few facts on. Most of what is written in our history books is based on myths and legends. What facts we do have have been translated from ancient texts that were written in other languages. ADAMA - What of their technology? JAMIE - There was none whatsoever, with the exception of a few basic primitive tools used for everyday existence. However, they had a high order of socialization. Adama and Zee exchange glances. ADAMA - That means they have no defense against the Cylons. Jamie looks first at Dillon, then Adama with a puzzled look on her face. JAMIE - That's twice I've heard Cylons mentioned. What are they? ZEE - They were responsible for the destruction of our home colonies many yahrens ago. They have been following us, determined to destroy all human life forms in the universe, since we fled the colonies. Jamie reacts with a look of shock. DILLON (to Jamie) When Xaviar left this time frame, he inadvertently took a Cylon fighter into Earth's past with him. A look of realization crosses Jamies faces. ZEE - It is imperative that the Cylon fighter be destroyed, leaving absolutely no traces behind, before it can do anything to disrupt the future of Earth. Adama turns towards Dillon and Jamie. ADAMA - Your ship is being prepared and will be ready shortly. (to Jamie) Since you are going along, you will have to be outfitted with a uniform. Jamie's expression changes to that of surprise, as though she were going to say, "I'm going along, too?". ON THE SHIP OF LIGHTS (STOCK) INT. WHITE CHAMBER as Troy and Starbuck continue their conversation. TROY - As Guardians of the Universe, why do you need my help? STARBUCK - Granted, we are Guardians, however, there are certain things we cannot interfere with. In those certain instances, we can only offer advice and guidance. This is one of those times. TROY - You haven't told me what the situation is, therefore, how can I be of any assistance? STARBUCK - Just take it easy, Boxey. We'll take this one step at a time. TROY - I still have to get back and take care of Xaviar. STARBUCK - Whoa. I said we'll take this a step at a time. First of all, Xaviar isn't the main problem, now. The Cylon fighter is the problem. Troy gives Starbuck a puzzled look. TROY - How can the Cylon be the problem? STARBUCK - We've gotta runaway Cylon fighter flying around in Earth's past. TROY - But the Cylons have not yet developed a system for time travel. STARBUCK - The Cylon fighter that fired at your Viper locked onto Xaviar's Viper just as he entered the time warp field. Because the Cylon fighter was so close to Xaviar's ship, the force of the time warp pulled the fighter into the field behind Xaviar. TROY - Then how do we bring the Cylon fighter back? STARBUCK - We don't. Troy looks at Starbuck questioningly. STARBUCK - The Cylon fighter is far enough back in Earth's past that anything it does could conceivably destroy the entire present day population of Earth. A look of realization crosses Troy's face. STARBUCK - The Galactica doesn't have the capabilities of getting a ship back there in time to stop the Cylon fighter before it can do any damage. So, Boxey, that is why we are going to put you in a position that will bring you into the past just microns behind the other ships. ON THE BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (STOCK) in space. INT. OBSERVATION DECK It is a small room with a very large viewing port. Dillon is leaning against the edge of the viewing port staring off into deep space. He seems to be deep in thought with a distant look in his eyes. The door behind him slides open and Jamie enters in full warrior dress. Dillon does not react to her entry. He continues to stare into deep space. Jamie stands at the door for several moments watching him. Finally, she walks over to him and places her hand on his shoulder for a moment. He does not look at her, however, he puts his arm around her shoulders and draws her closer to him. Jamie looks up at Dillon, but he still does not look at her. She then looks away and out into deep space. DILLON - I remember just after I met Troy, at the Academy, when we got into a heap of trouble. We smuggled a case of Ambrosia from the Officer's Mess for Colonel Boomer's promotion celebration. The corners of his mouth curl up, just slightly, as he reminisces. DILLON - Troy was a good warrior, the best, just like his father. He worked so hard to become the warrior Captain Apollo was. Jamie rests her head against Dillon's shoulder. DILLON - I owe my life to Troy, more than once. Dillon searches deeper into his memory. DILLON - We were scouting a planetary system when our squardon was ambushed by a fleet of local alien fighters. My ship was hit and I went down on one of the inhabited planets. Troy risked his life to come down and rescue me. It was close, but he got us both out of there safely. Dillon looks at Jamie and she looks up at him. DILLON - I find it difficult to believe he's gone, Jamie. It isn't fair. JAMIE - I know, Dillon. You and Troy have become a special part of my life in just the short time since I've known you. I only wish I knew how to comfort you. DILLON - You already have, Jamie, just by being here now. Dillon smiles at Jamie. He leans forward and kisses her lightly on the lips. DILLON - It's time to go. We have a mission to accomplish. They turn and walk towards the door; Dillon's arm is still around Jamie's shoulders. The door slides open and they leave. The door closes behind them. INT. GALACTICA LANDING BAY (STOCK) The bay is full of activity as several ground crews are busy working. ON THE ELEVATOR as it comes down into the bay. On it are Dillon, Jamie, and Adama. They step off of the elevator as it stops. They walk over to a two passenger Viper. There are several crewmembers working on the Viper. Some are loading the Viper with boxes, others are unhooking cables and hoses. ADAMA - Your Viper has been modified slightly. DILLON - How so? ADAMA - You have a 25% larger fuel capacity. This is a safety precaution due to the great distances involved. Dillon looks over at the Viper and sees the crewmembers loading boxes into cargo hold. DILLON - What are all the boxes for? ADAMA - The boxes contain explosive charges. When you have destroyed the Cylon fighter, circle the area and make sure that it has been completely destroyed. If anything should remain, use the explosive charges to make sure that everything has been completely eliminated. There can be absolutely no traces of the Cylons ever having been there. Jamie looks nervously at Adama. JAMIE - And what if the Cylons should find us first? Adama looks at her somewhat helplessly. DILLON - Those are the chances we have to take sometimes, Jamie. A crewmember approaches the three of them. CREWMEMBER - Sir, everything is ready. ADAMA - It is time. Adama then hugs Jamie and shakes Dillon's hand. He steps back as Dillon and Jamie put on their helmets and approach the Viper. ADAMA - Good luck and may the Lords of Kobol be with you at all times. Dillon and Jamie climb into the Viper and the canopy lowers over them. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Colonel Boomer is seated at his station in the communications area. BOOMER - Viper one cleared for launch. Launch when ready. ON LAUNCH TUBE (STOCK) as the Viper launches. ON SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it launches from the Galactica. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON AND JAMIE Dillon is adjusting his controls. Jamie is looking out into the vast void of space with a look of awe upon her face. DILLON - Get ready Jamie, we're coming up on Earth fast. Jamie looks at the back of Dillon's head with a somewhat nervous look on her face. JAMIE - Oh Lord, I'd hope I would never have to go through this again. DILLON - Don't worry Jamie, we'll be back to the Galactica before you know it. ON SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it approaches Earth. ON THE SHIP OF LIGHTS (STOCK) INT. CORRIDOR Starbuck and Troy are walking down the corridor. TROY - This all seems so unreal, like a dream. They stop and face each other. STARBUCK - Believe me, it's very real. TROY - Can you tell me what happened to my father? STARBUCK - There's not enough time left to go into it now. They exchange a mutual look of comradeship. STARBUCK - Well, Boxey, this is it. You're on your own now. You know what to do. TROY - But, Starbuck--- Starbuck throws Troy a quick smile and dematerializes. Troy stands there for a moment with an unsure look on his face, then proceeds down the corridor. ON THE SHIP OF LIGHTS (STOCK) as it quickly moves away into deep space. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as his eyes snap open. He looks around with an expression of confusion on his face, as though he has just awakened from a deep sleep and doesn't know where he is. He finally shakes his head. TROY (to himself) I must have fallen asleep. He looks down at his uniform and notices that it is still white. A puzzled expression crosses his face. TROY - It wasn't a dream. Troy looks up and out into space ahead of his Viper. TROY'S POV Earth is shining brightly in front of his Viper. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY He looks down at his controls. INSERT - CHRONOMETER It has a row of numbers on it. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY He looks up from his controls and smiles. TROY - Starbuck was right. Troy reaches down and throws two switches. He is trust back into his seat. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it enters the time warp field and disappears. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it streaks through space with full turbos. ON EARTH (STOCK) shining brightly in the distance. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON AND JAMIE Dillon is looking down at his scanner. He seems puzzled as he taps the scanner lightly with his finger. DILLON - That's odd. Jamie looks up nervously. JAMIE What's wrong? DILLON I'm not sure. I Just had a blip on my scanner, but it disappeared before I could get a fix on it. This obviously means very little to Jamie. DILLON - Probably just one of Earth's satellites. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it quickly approaches Earth. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON AND JAMIE DILLON - Okay, Jamie, this is it. Dillon reaches down and throw two switches. He and Jamie are thrust back into their seats. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it enters the time warp field and disappears. FADE OUT END ACT TWO ACT THREE FADE IN ON THE BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (STOCK) moving through space. INT. ADAMA'S QUARTERS Adama is sitting at his desk studing a monitor in front of him. INSERT - MONITOR On the screen is a print out that reads: LIBRARY COMPUTER LINK FILE: EARTH HISTORY TIME PERIOD: APPROX. -6OO YEARS (?) NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE. ON ADAMA looking grimly at the screen. Finally, he pushes a button and the screen goes dark. Adama leans back in his chair. On the desk, facing him, is a series of photographs: a portrait of his wife, Ila, a portrait of Athena, Apollo with Serina and Boxey, and a portrait of Troy fully grown. He looks at the photos with a distant look of loss in his eyes. The silence in his quarters is interrupted by the communications hailing signal. Adama reaches up and pushes a button. On the wall to Adama's side Boomer appears on the scanner. BOOMER - I thought you would want to know that our scanners picked up a momentary signal on the same heading as Xaviar's ship. We lost the signal before we could get a clear fix on it. ADAMA - Thank you, Colonel Boomer. Boomer remains on the screen for several moments. BOOMER - You're welcome, sir. The screen goes dark. Adama reaches forward and picks up the photograph of Troy. He looks at it for a long moment. Still holding the photograph, he gets up and walks over to the viewing port and stares off into deep space. EXT. CHALDEA - DESERT - MOVING - DAY Slowly, we are moving through the vast desert wasteland. After a few moments signs of vegatation begin to appear. Off in the distance, we see a large area of green vegetation. As we approach, we see that it is a desert oasis located near a river. ON THE RIVER CHEBAR There is a great deal of foliage on either side of the driver. Beyond that the foliage becomes thinner and eventually disipates into desert wasteland. From behind a sand dune, in the distance, there appears a large group of people all dressed in old Biblical clothing. As they approach the oasis, we see that they appear to be tired and worn, as though they had been walking a great distance in the desert. They enter the oasis and rush to the river's edge to satisfy their thirst. Several of the people, especially the women, find places to sit and rest. ON THE RIVER CHEBAR (LATER) The desert people have rested from their long journey. The men of the group have been setting up camp and are almost finished. The women of the group have started to prepare the evening meal. There are children playing around the camp area, while others are wading in the river. As the men have finished setting up camp, the women call to them to come and eat. Everyone begins to gather in a group again, as we begin to slowly pull away...up...up...up... until finally we are looking down at: ON EARTH as a single Viper appears and comes out of the time warp field. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR looking down at his controls. A puzzled look crosses his face. INSERT - CHRONOMETER It reads: -592 ON EARTH as the Cylon fighter appears and comes out of the time warp field. INT. CYLON COCKPIT CYLON #1 - Analysis. Another Cylon looks at the controls. CYLON #2 - We have just passed through a highly magnetic field. Data is incomplete. The Cylon looks down at a different set of controls. CYLON #2 - Our fuel is low. CYLON #1 - Explain. CYLON #2 - It was consumed by the great force of the magnetic field. CYLON #1 - Scan for the Colonial Viper. CYLON #2 - By your command. The Cylon reaches down and adJusts the scanner. CYLON #2 - Colonial Viper still on same co-ordinates. CYLON #1 - How long before Colonial Viper is in range? CYLON #2 - Colonial Viper is in range. CYLON #1 - Lock on and prepare to fire. The Cylon pushes a button. CYLON #2 - Locked on. CYLON #1 - Fire. The Cylon pushes another button. ON A CYLON FIGHTER in space. It fires. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR There is a tremendous explosion outside that rocks his ship. He looks down at his scanner and reacts. XAVIAR - Frack! Where did he come from? Xaviar quickly turns his control stick, taking his ship into a wide turn. ON A CYLON FIGHTER (STOCK) as it turns and continues to fire. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as there are several explosions in space near it. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR rocking with another explosion. He turns his control stick and takes his ship into a tight turn. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) going into a tight turn with the turbos kicking in. INT. CYLON COCKPIT CYLON#2 - The Colonial Viper has initiated evasive maneuvers. CYLON #1 - Pursue. CYLON #2 - By your command. The Cylon pushes a button. ON A CYLON FIGHTER (STOCK) as it goes into a tight turn. ON THE RIVER CHEBAR The evening meal is in progress. Everyone is eating heartily and conversing among one another. ON EARTH (STOCK) as a single Viper (Troy's) as it appears and comes out of the time warp field. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he looks down and quickly checks his controls. He activates his scanner and looks at it. INSERT - SCANNER There are two objects on the screen, both barely within range. One object, the Cylon fighter, is pursuing the other object, Xaviar's Viper. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he smiles. TROY - Good. Xaviar's keeping him busy. Troy adjusts his controls and turns his control stick, taking his ship into a turn. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it turns in space and the turbos kick in. ON THE RIVER CHEBAR The evening meal is finished. Everyone is engaged in light conversation as they relax after their meal. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it quickly approaches a Cylon fighter from behind. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY watching his scanner carefully. INSERT - SCANNER as the Cylon fighter comes into target range. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he opens fire. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) firing at a Cylon fighter. The shots miss and the Cylon fighter continues on. INT. CYLON COCKPIT as there are several explosions outside that rock the ship. The Cylons look out at the explosions as they occur. CYLON #1 - Report. CYLON #2 - There is another Colonial Viper approaching from behind. CYLON #1 - Continue pursuit. ON A CYLON FIGHTER (STOCK) as it fires. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR as he reacts to more explosions outside of his ship. DILLON'S VOICE (over speaker) Xaviar. Surprised, Xaviar looks down at his scanner. INSERT - SCANNER There is now a third object quickly approaching from behind. INTERCUT XAVIAR WITH TROY XAVIAR - Troy, I thought the Cylon got you. TROY - Obviously, Xaviar, he did not. XAVIAR - How in Sagan's sake did that Cylon get here? TROY - You pulled it in with you when you left our time frame. XAVIAR - Oh, Holy Felgercarb! TROY - Xaviar, we have to get rid of that Cylon fighter before it can do any damage to Earth's past. Another explosion rocks Xaviar's ship. XAVIAR - I couldn't agree with you more, Captain. Please hurry. Troy begins to fire his lasers. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it fires its lasers at a Cylon fighter. There are several explosions in space, however, the Cylon fighter continues on. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he reacts to the still escaping Cylon fighter. TROY (into microphone) Xaviar, it's not working. We have a better chance if we're both behind the Cylon fighter. Hit your reverse thrusters and maximum breaking flaps. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR XAVIAR- Excellent idea. Xaviar reaches down and flips a switch. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) being pursued by a Cylon fighter. Suddenly, the Viper goes into reverse and swiftly passes under the Cylon fighter. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it approaches a second Viper and comes alongside. ON THE BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (STOCK) as it continues to lead the fleet through space. INT. OFFICER'S LOUNGE Colonel Boomer is sitting at one of the tables, by himself, with a mug of Ambrosia. He appears to have already had a few. He also has a look of extreme frustration on his face. He finishes off this mug of Ambrosia and slams it down on the table. He signals for another as Adama enters. Adama sees the state in which Boomer is in and approaches Boomer's table. ADAMA - Don't you think you have had enough, Colonel? Adama sits down at Boomer's table. BOOMER - No sir, I don't think so. The bartender arrives with Boomer's fresh mug of Ambrosia. He picks up the empty mug and starts to take it away. ADAMA - I will have one of those, too. The bartender looks down at Adama in amazement and stands there for a moment. BARTENDER - Yes, Commander Adama. The bartender walks away. Boomer slowly turns his head towards Adama with a look on his face as to say, "My God, I don't believe it". Nothing is said between the two for several moments. The bartender returns with Adama's drink. He sets it on the table in front of Adama and walks away. Adama picks up the mug and takes a drink from it. Boomer continues to stare at him in disbelief. ADAMA - What is the matter, Colonel? BOOMER - It's just that I've never seen you like this before, sir. Adama takes another drink from the mug. ADAMA - Even the Commander is entitled to a drink on occasion. They both take a drink from their mugs and set them on the table in front of them. ADAMA - Do I detect a feeling of anger, Colonel? BOOMER - I don't know why I ever accepted this promotion when you offered it to me. Adama gives Boomer a look of empathy. ADAMA - You miss your Viper, don't you, Boomer? Boomer takes another drink from his mug. BOOMER - Yes sir, I do. Boomer abruptly sets the mug back on the table. ADAMA - I felt the same way when I became a Colonel. It is part of the price we all have to pay in order to keep ourselves one step ahead of the Cylons. It goes with the territory. BOOMER - Why didn't you send me after Xaviar? I have more combat experience than any of our warriors in the fleet. ADAMA - We had no way or knowing that our squadron would be ambushed. BOOMER - But we've lost so many of our young warriors because the only battle experience they've had is simulations. Simulations just aren't enough when it come comes to actual combat with the Cylons. ADAMA - I know how you feel, Boomer. Adama takes another drink from his mug. ADAMA - However, in our present situation the training facilities we have will have to suffice. Doctor Zee is doing his best to better our training facilities. Boomer, still frustrated, slaps his hand on the table. BOOMER - I still shoulda been out there. ON TWO VIPERS (STOCK) as they pursue a Cylon fighter. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY watching his scanner carefully. TROY - We can't leave any traces of the Cylons behind, Xaviar. INTERCUT XAVIAR WITH TROY XAVIAR - And after the Cylon is destroyed? TROY - I can only carry through with my orders. XAVIAR - To capture me and make me a prisoner on the prison barge, while that assinine Doctor Zee leads the fleet into oblivion? TROY - My orders are simply to capture you. You are a threat to the population of Earth. Everytime you go into the past, there is the threat of something going wrong that would adversely affect their future...and our future, too. XAVIAR - I believe in what I am doing and I believe it is still the only way to save our fleet from the Cylons. Troy looks down at his scanner. TROY - There isn't time, Xaviar. The Cylon fighter is almost in range, again. Okay, turbos forward thrust and we'll have it. ON TWO VIPERS (STOCK) as their turbos kick in and they streak away. INT. CYLON COCKPIT CYLON #2 - Two Colonial Vipers approaching from behind. CYLON #1 - Prepare for evasive maneuvers. The Cylon pushes several buttons. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY TROY - It's in range. On my command, we fire. XAVIAR'S VOICE (over speaker) Anything you say...Captain Troy. Troy checks his scanner. INSERT - SCANNER The Cylon fighter is clearly in firing range. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he looks out with determination in his eyes. TROY - Fire. ON TWO VIPERS (STOCK) as they both open fire on a Cylon fighter. There are several explosions outside, that rock the ship. CYLON #1 - Initiate evasive maneuvers. CYLON #2 - By your command. The Cylon pushes a button. ON EARTH (STOCK) as the Cylon fighter dives toward the planet. ON THE RIVER CHEBAR It is still early in the evening. The tribe is still relaxing. One of the members of the tribe, obviously a man of higher authority because of his attire, suddenly gets up and walks away from the rest of the group. All light conversation comes to a stop as everyone turns to watch him walk out into the desert. After a short distance, he disappears over a small sandy knoll. The conversation among the tribe members resumes shortly thereafter. EXT. DESERT - ON SANDY KNOLL The man appears from behind the knoll. He walks several feet away from the knoll and stops. He drops down to his knees and clasps his hands together in what would be a prayer-like position. He looks up, gazing into the heavens, as though he were waiting for something. ON A CYLON FIGHTER (STOCK) as it enters a dense cloud formation. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR watching his scanner. XAVIAR - It's in the cloud cover. We'll never get a clear shot at it. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY TROY - Use your scanner. We'll have to fire blindly. ON TWO VIPERS (STOCK) as they enter the cloud cover. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY watching his scanner. INSERT - SCANNER The Cylon fighter is in the center, in firing range. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he fires. ON A SINGLE VIPER in the clouds. It fires its lasers. ON A CYLON FIGHTER in the clouds. There are several explosions very close to the craft. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR looking down at his scanner. XAVIAR - I think I've got it. ON A SINGLE VIPER in the clouds. It fires its lasers. ON A CYLON FIGHTER in the clouds. The craft is hit by one of the laser shots. There is a bright flash from one the engines, but the craft is not destroyed. It goes out of control and plummets downward towards Earth. ON A CYLON FIGHTER as it comes out of the cloud cover. One engine is in flames and heavy black smoke is billowing forth as the ship spins downward towards Earth. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY looking down at his scanner with an alarmed look on his face. TROY - It's been hit, but not destroyed. We'll have to go down after it. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR He smiles with a devious glint in his eyes. XAVIAR - That will be up to you Captain. TROY'S VOICE (over speaker) What are you talking about, Xaviar? Xaviar's smile widens. XAVIAR - This is where I leave you, Captain Troy. Xaviar pushes a button. ON TWO VIPERS in the clouds. One suddenly goes into reverse and pulls away from the other. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY looking at his scanner. TROY - You can't do this, Xaviar. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR with a villainous look in his eyes. XAVIAR - Goodbye, Captain Troy. Xaviar pushes a button. ON A SINGLE VIPER (XAVIAR's) in the clouds. It fires its lasers. ON A SINGLE VIPER (TROY'S) in the clouds. It is hit by laser fire. There is a flash as the engines lose all power and the Viper dives down towards Earth. EXT. DESERT - ON SANDY KNOLL The man is still in his prayer-like position, however, now he has his head bowed downward, looking at the ground. There is a thunderous roar. The man quickly looks towards the sound, into the sky. THE MAN'S POV The Cylon fighter is plummeting downward from the sky, semi out of control, with smoke trailing out of its damaged engine. Because of it being semi out of control, it gives the appearance of a giant wheel spinning in the sky. ON THE MAN as he stands up, still looking in the sky with a shocked look on his face. His gaze follows the Cylon fighter as it quickly falls to earth. EXTREME-LONG SHOT - EXT. DESERT The man continues to stand near the sandy knoll. His look of shock becomes even greater as the Cylon fighter crashes into the desert wasteland several hundred yards away from him. The impact of the Cylon fighter, along with the large amount of smoke coming from the damaged engine, combine to create a giant dense cloud that surrounds the downed craft. ON EARTH (STOCK) as a Viper swiftly leaves the planet. VIPER COCKPIT - ON XAVIAR as he pushes a button and is thrust back into his seat. ON A SINGLE VIPER (STOCK) as it enters the time warp field and disappears. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY as he fights to keep control of his ship. ON A SINGLE VIPER as it drops out of the cloud cover. The engines are losing power as it drops. There seems to be little, if any, damage to the Viper itself. It is reasonably in control. EXTREME LONG SHOT - EXT. DESERT As the Viper comes to a jolted landing one hundred yards, or so, from the giant cloud or dust and smoke that has engulfed the Cylon fighter. TIGHT ON THE MAN as he stands frozen with a look of shock on his face. FADE OUT END ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN ON EARTH (STOCK) as a single Viper appears and comes out of the time warp field. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON AND JAMIE Dillon checks his controls. Jamie lets out a deep sigh of relief. Jamie looks out and sees Earth before her. JAMIE - Thank goodness that's over. DILLON - That was only the jump backwards in time. We still have to get back to present day. A disgruntled look crosses Jamie's face. JAMIE - Thanks a lot, Dillon. I really needed to hear that. Dillon looks down at the chronometer. A puzzled look crosses his face. DILLON - I don't understand. JAMIE - What is it now? DILLON - The chronometer reads that we are in the year negative five hundred ninety-two. JAMIE - Negative? Jamie thinks for a moment, then it dawns on her. JAMIE - Oh, B.C. DILLON - What's B.C.? JAMIE - It means before Christ. DILLON - Christ? What's that? JAMIE - Christ was a very important religous figure. At the time of his birth is when the people of Earth began numbering the years, with zero being the exact point at which he was born. Therefore, anything before his birth we refer to as before Christ, or simply B.C. Dillon contemplates this for a moment. DILLON - He must have been a very important man for all mankind to use his birth as a central reference point in time. Jamie nods in agreement. JAMIE - Oh, he was important. Dillon looks down at his scanner. INSERT - SCANNER On the screen is a diagram of Earth. Within the diagram, there is a flashing blip. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON AND JAMIE DILLON - Xaviar must be in trouble. JAMIE - How can you tell? DILLON - I'm picking up his short range emergency beacon from the surface of Earth. JAMIE - Did the Cylon do it? Dillon looks down at the scanner. Suddenly, Dillon reacts with alarm. DILLON - Uh oh, I think we have a problem. Jamie becomes alarmed at Dillon's statement. JAMIE - What now? DILLON - I don't have the Cylon on my scanner at all. Suddenly, a look of hope comes to Jamie's face. JAMIE - Does that mean the Cylon's gone? DILLON - I don't know, Jamie. We can only hope Xaviar discovered the Cylon fighter in time and had a chance to destroy it before it had a chance to shoot him down. JAMIE - What are you going to do now? DILLON - We're going down to get Xaviar and find out what happened. EXT. DESERT - ON CRASH SITE There is still a great deal of smoke and dust in the air around the Cylon fighter. INT. CYLON COCKPIT The inside is fulled with smoke as various pieces of equipment are exploding. Two of the Cylons are in several pieces, due to the force of the impact. The third, still intact, is struggling to climb out of the cockpit. There are several very large dents in its body and part of one of its arms is missing. The Cylon manages to get the hatch open and climbs out. EXT. CYLON FIGHTER The Cylon climbs out of the craft amidst the smoke and dust. It takes a few steps away from the ship and stops. TIGHT ON CYLON The red scanner in the Cylon's head begins to fade out. It goes completely dark. A moment passes and the scanner comes back on. The Cylon starts to walk again. Camera angle widens to: EXT. CRASH SITS AND SURROUNDING AREA The dust is settling, somewhat, as the Cylon slowly steps out into clear view. The man, several hundred feet away, reacts with shock and collapses, unconscious, as the Cylon begins to approach him. The Cylon only takes a few steps and stops again. TIGHT ON CYLON As the red scanner goes completely dark. VIPER COCKPIT - ON TROY Troy is in a dazed state, somewhat groggy, but becoming more aware of what is happening around him. He pushes a button on the control panel and the canopy rises. There is a sound of a Viper landing near by. Troy begins to climb out of his cockpit. VIPER COCKPIT - ON DILLON AND JAMIE as the canopy rises over their heads. They look out at the crash site. DILLON - It looks like Xaviar did a pretty good job. We'll just have to finish it off. Jamie looks off at something else. JAMIE - Dillon, look, there he is. Dillon turns and looks iiL the same direction. DILLON - Let's go. They begin to climb out of the cockpit. EXT. CRASH SITE Dillon and Jamie approach Troy as he climbs out of his Viper. Troy has his back to them. Dillon draws his blaster and stops. Jamie steps behind him as he raises the blaster at Troy. DILLON - Don't move, Xaviar, or I'll shoot. Troy stops, half out of his Viper. TROY - Dillon, what are you doing? Dillon and Jamie exchange surprised looks. DILLON - Troy?! Troy slowly turns his head and looks back at Dillon and Jamie. DILLON - It is you! TROY - Or course it's me. May I get down now? Dillon lowers his blaster and Troy climbs completely out of the Viper. Dillon and Jamie rush over to Troy with very happy and relieved expressions on their faces. JAMIE - We thought you were dead. DILLON - We thought the Cylons got you. What happened? TROY - I'll explain it to you later. TIGHT ON CYLON as the red scanner comes back on again. The Cylon begins to turn and move away. ON THE CYLON as it turns and draws a blaster from its holster. It begins to shoot randomly in all directions. ON DILLON, JAMIE, AND TROY as several laser shots streak over their heads. Dillon grabs Jamie and they take cover behind one of the Vipers. JAMIE - What is that? TROY - It's a Cylon. More laser shots streak over their heads. Dillon and Troy draw their blasters and return fire. ON THE CYLON as it moves slowly back towards its ship. It continues firing its blaster. ON DILLON, JAMIE, AND TROY Dillon and Troy are returning shots with the Cylon. Jamie ducks farther behind the tail of the Viper for more cover. DILLON - Look at the shape it's in. It must be malfunctioning. TROY - That would explain the erratic shooting. DILLON - It looks like it's the only survivor. Let's blast it before it gets behind the ship. Dillon and Troy aim their blasters and fire. ON THE CYLON as he is hit by a laser blast. The Cylon falls to the ground. ON DILLON, JAMIE AND TROY Dillon and Troy lower their blasters. DILLON - Now we can set the charges and clean up this mess. TROY - Charges? DILLON - Our orders were to make sure that there was nothing left of the Cylon fighter and the Cylons. Dillon looks at Troy and smiles. DILLON - At least now I don't have to do it alone. EXT. CRASH SITE as the three of them approach Dillon's Viper. Dillon opens the cargo hold and reaches in. He pulls out a box and hands it to Troy. They finish unloading the boxes from the cargo hold and begin to carry towards the Cylon fighter. ON THE CYLON as it rolls over on the ground. ON DILLON, JAMIE, AND TROY as they approach the Cylon fighter and enter. INT. CYLON COCKPIT as Dillon, Jamie, and Troy enter. Dillon and Troy begin to set the charges at several locations within the cockpit. Jamie stands back and looks around the Cylon cockpit in wonderment. Dillon and Troy finish setting the last of the charges and they begin to leave. ON THE CYLON as it sits up and picks up its blaster. TIGHT ON THE CYLON its red scanner is flashing erratically. ON THE CRASH SITE as Dillon, Jamie, and Troy emerge from the Cylon fighter. The Cylon fires in their direction. The explosion occurs very close to them. Dillon is thrown to the ground. Troy draws his blaster and looks for a place to take cover. He grabs Jamie's arm. TROY - We can take cover over here. He starts to pull Jamie away, but she won't leave Dillon's side. JAMIE - What about Dillon? TROY - Jamie, get over there now. I'll take care of Dillon. Jamie gets up and rushes behind one of pieces of the Cylon fighter. Troy grabs Dillon's arms and attempts to drag him toward Jamie. Several shots from the Cylon hit the ground near them. Troy release Dillon and starts returning fire. Several shots are exchanged when Troy's gun suddenly stops firing. Troy stands up completely, hitting and playing with his gun in an attempt to make it work. TIGHT ON THE CYLON The red scanner stops flashing. It becomes fully red. ON THE CYLON It takes careful aim. EXT. CRASH SITE Troy is still trying to unjam his gun as the Cylon turns and aims directly at him. TIGHT ON JAMIE as she sees the Cylon. A look of horror crosses her face. JAMIE - No! She rushes out from her hiding place. EXT. CRASH SITE as Jamie runs up to Dillon and pulls his blaster from its holster. TIGHT ON JAMIE as she fires the blaster. ON THE CYLON as it explodes in a shower of sparks. ON DILLON, JAMIE, AND TROY Jamie continues to stand there holding the blaster in her hand. A look of urgency crosses Troy's face as he bends down and grabs Dillon again. He starts to drag him away. TROY - Jamie, help me. We don't have much time. Jamie snaps out of her trance-like state and rushes to help Troy. JAMIE - Will he be alright? TROY - Yes, he's just unconscious. They drag Dillon back to the Vipers. As they reach the Vipers, Dillon is coming around. Jamie kneels down beside Dillon. Troy goes to his Viper to examine it. JAMIE - Dillon, are you alright? Dillon sits up, still somewhat groggy, but quickly coming around. DILLON - Did we get it? Troy looks back at them from his Viper. TROY - Yeah, we got him buddy. We also have to get out of here cast. Dillon looks up and notices that Troy has a panel open on the side of his Viper. He gets up and walks over to see what Troy is doing. Jamie follows him. TROY - One of my fuel lines blew loose and I don't think that I have enough fuel to get me back. Jamie looks at Dillon. JAMIE - What about our extra fuel supply? DILLON - Neither one of us may make it back to the fleet then. TROY - How much extra fuel do you have? DILLON - 25% above normal capacity. TROY - We have no other choice. It'll just have to do. Dillon walks over to his Viper and removes a side panel. He prepares to transfer the fuel. EXT. DESERT - ON SANDY KNOLL The man slowly begins to regain his consciousness. ON THE TWO VIPERS as Dillon and Troy finish returning the panels to their proper places on the Vipers. Dillon looks down at his wrist analyzer. DILLON - We have to move quickly. We only have a few centons left before those charges go off. They move quickly to their Vipers and climb in. EXT. DESERT - ON SANDY KNOLL He is sitting up now, not fully aware of what happened to him or what has happened around him. Suddenly, there is a loud roar of Viper engines. He looks off towards the direction of the sound. EXT. CRASH SITE as the Cylon fighter goes up in a tremendous explosion. ON THE MAN as he shields his eyes from the brightness of the explosion, After the flash dies down, he stands there for a long period of time staring in shock. Finally, he turns and runs back over the sandy knoll, towards the oasis. ON EARTH (STOCK) as two Vipers swiftly leave the planet. ON TWO VIPERS (STOCK) in space. They enter the time warp field and disappear. ON THE BRIDGE OF THE GALACTICA Colonel Boomer is in the communications area. One of the technicians turns towards him. TECHNICIAN - Colonel Boomer, I have two returning Vipers on my scanner. BOOMER - Transfer it to my console, TECHNICIAN - Yes, sir. The technician pushes a button. A screen on Boomer's console is activated. Boomer looks down at it. INSERT - SCANNER It shows two objects moving toward the Galactica. ON BOOMER as he turns towards another crewmember. BOOMER - Get me Commander Adama. The crewmember pushes a button on his console. INT. ADAMA'S QUARTER Adama is seated at his desk. Boomer's face appears on one of the screens on the wall to Adama's side. BOOMER - Commander, our scanners show two returning Vipers. ADAMA - Good. The mission was a success. BOOMER - It's seems Dillon managed to capture Xaviar, too. ADAMA - At last. I want a security team waiting when he lands. Have him brought to my quarters immediately. BOOMER - Yes, Commander. The screen goes dark. ON TWO VIPERS (STOCK) as they approach the Galactica. DILLON'S VOICE (over communicator) Viper one requesting permission for two Vipers to land. TECHNICIAN'S VOICE (over communicator) Permission granted, Viper one. INT. LANDING BAY ALPHA (STOCK) as a Viper enters and lands. Another Viper follows close behind. ON VIPERS (STOCK) in the landing bay. The ground crews approach and start tending to the Vipers. ON VIPER as the canopy opens and Dillon and Jamie climb out. ON VIPER as a helmeted Troy climbs out. He is approached by several security officers with their weapons drawn. SECURITY OFFICER - Hold it right there, Xaviar. Troy turns around and removes his helmet. He has an annoyed look on his race. TROY - Not again. Dillon and Jamie approach and laugh at the sight of Troy being held by gun point. FREEZE FRAME FADE OUT END ACT FOUR TAG FADE IN INT. ADAMA'S QUARTERS Adama has his back to the door when it opens and Dillon, Jamie, and Troy enter. ADAMA - Do you have anything to say, Xaviar, before I have you taken to the prison barge? Dillon, Jamie, and Troy exchange smiles. TROY - You'd actually send your own grandson to the prison barge? Adama turns around with a totally surprised look on his face. He stands there for a moment, then approaches Troy. They both smile and hug each other. ADAMA - But what happened to Xaviar? TROY - I don't know. After we destroyed the Cylon fighter, we could not locate him on our scanners. Dillon steps forward. DILLON - He probably escaped into another time frame. Adama nods agreeingly. He then turns towards Jamie and extends his hand to her. She accepts it. ADAMA - I want to thank you for the great help you have been to us once again. Jamie looks at him with a reluctant smile. JAMIE - It was my...pleasure. Dillon, Jamie, and Troy turn and leave. INT. CORRIDOR as Dillon, Jamie, and Troy are walking down it. Troy stops. Dillon and Jamie continue on for a step or two, then stop, realizing that Troy has stopped. TROY (to Jamie) When it comes to thank yous, I think I forgot one. JAMIE - What do you mean? TROY - It's a good thing that you are good with a blaster. Jamie looks at him somewhat puzzled. JAMIE - I still don't know what you mean? TROY - When you shot the Cylon with Dillon's blaster. You saved my life. Thank you. Dillon looks at Jamie with a surprised look on his face. DILLON - You shot the Cylon? JAMIE - Why are you so surprised? Men aren't the only ones who are good with blasters. They start to walk down the corridor again. TROY - I just hope that no one saw us while we were there. DILLON - Yeah, it's not everyday that someone sees a Cylon fighter streaking thru the sky out or control, like a wheel on fire... (to Jamie)...in the year five hundred ninety-two...(pause) Jamie suddenly stops. TIGHT ON JAMIE as a startled look crosses her face. JAMIE (to herself, somewhat in disbelief) A wheel of fire? (pause) Five ninety-two... (pause) ...B.C.? She shakes her head. JAMIE - No, it couldn't have been. A quick look of doubt crosses her face, then she shakes her head again and walks away. FADE OUT THE END