As the main title sequence ends, the fuzzy body dissolves to reveal ENSIGN ELIZABETH WHITE (Liz). It becomes Liz in the body museum and we see she is in her chamber. We also see CAPTAIN RICARDO BENE (Rico) staring at her.

is working on the underbelly of the ship. The camera is still out of focus, zooming out and focusing. At the same time, we get our first true and clear picture of Liz, as she is in a control room, putting on her virtual glasses.

Several robots are working to repair micro-fissures in the DRIVE TUBE.

In a conservatively lit control room, we see Liz wearing the VR gloves, working diligently on her diagnostic checks of the ship’s coils and systems. A small alarm goes off.

Seven, clear your data buffer, I’m just getting gibberish.

Clear VR screen with view of graphs, charts and computer screens. Control panels with glowing red, yellow, and green lights fill the room. We hear MECHANICAL BEEPS and CHIMES. In front of Liz, we see a computer interface terminal, dispelling a gargantuan amount of data.

About time.

Body shot of Liz in the underbelly at the control station moving her VR gloves.

The virtual landscape of the drive tubes. The view of the outside robots scuttling by is seen on the monitors by Liz. Another alarm goes off. Frustrated, she fixes the small alarm, then takes off her glasses and RUBS HER FOREHEAD. Distracted, she is startled by the sudden realization that GARRETT BARETTA has been standing in the doorway, looking at her, with a sucker in his mouth.

(Excited about going on this mission)

It’s almost time.

He’s walking up to her, and remembering that this is her last mission.

You ok, kiddo?

Yeah. I’m fine.

She looks at a picture of her mom taped to the panel. She goes back to working on the terminal.

Miss your mom, huh?

There is a pause…

Sure you don’t need to talk?

The shipboard intercom CHIMES. We next hear a voice over a speaker at her console.

Lt. White, the new Skipper will be arriving in twenty minutes. Begin coil shut down process.

Liz buzzes the intercom in response.

Consider it done - shut down complete in ten minutes.

Garrett slowly backs out of the control room.

See you in a few minutes.

Liz nods, then sighs, RUBS HER FOREHEAD, puts back on her glasses and begins to shut down the coils.

Boomerang control, this is transport shuttle 8223 Tango on final approach… request permission to dock.

Permission granted. Docking bay Alpha. How’s your cargo?

The Captain’s fine. He’s looking forward to joining the crew.

We see most of the crew, standing at ease.

Senior staff not performing critical tasks have thirty seconds to report to the main deck.

Attention on deck!

LT. JENA IRWIN slips in just as the pilot finishes talking.

The crew snaps to attention. The hatch opens again, and COMMANDER RICARDO BENE, now much fresher looking than before,(his hair is slicked back; he is clean shaven) enters. His uniform is perfect. He smiles briefly at his new crew, and steps down. The executive officer, LT. CANALES is there, and as they converse, we focus on Liz and Jena, who exchange a hidden womanly glance.

Welcome aboard, Commander Bene. I’m Lieutenant Benjamin Canales, the executive officer of the Boomerang.

An ND Ensign hands Canales the official orders. Canales faces the crew.

To Lieutenant Benjamin Canales: You are hereby requested and required to relinquish temporary command of U.S.S. Boomerang to Commander Ricardo Bene. Effective immediately, signed Admiral Sophia Kelly, the Heisenberg Institute.

Rico steps forward.

I relieve you sir.

I stand relieved. Welcome aboard the Boomerang.

Pleasure to be here. Looks like a fine crew.

I’m honored to take command of this ship. I’ve received outstanding reports about this crew and it will be a pleasure to work with you on our mission. We have the responsibility of traveling to and collecting art and data from Crab Nebula. Let’s keep our minds on the mission ahead

Ricardo turns back to Canales for the introductions. Executive Officer Canales introduces Ricardo to Garrett.

This is Lt. Commander Garrett Baretta, our communications specialist.

RICO shakes Garrett’s hand. Rico and Canales move on to Liz and Jena…

Commander Bene, this is Lt. Commander Jena Irwin, our Medic; and this is Lieutenant Elizabeth White, our Hiesenberg coil technician.

Ricardo shakes Jena’s hand, and moves to Liz.

It’s a pleasure to meet you all.

Welcome aboard, Commander.

As the Captain mingles with other crew members, Jena and Liz begin to chat.

What do you think? As if I needed to ask.

Liz looks at her friend…

What does that mean?

C’mon, Liz. You’ve got that look…

Liz finally smiles.

He seems very competent.

Jena, a seen-it-all gal, smiles and raises her eyebrow

Competent, eh?

Keep your mind focused, girl…

On your job, not your Commander!

You look down.

I can’t stop thinking about it… such a freak accident.

JENA

One minute Captain Morgan is fine, doing routine work outside the ship the next minute he’s… floating… lost in a solar flare. He was just gone.

Drifting out in space, alone…

…swallowed by an ionic fog…

And if his coil gives out before he does

She shudders and continues

He floats in space for 10,000 years…

Who knows what happens when he wakes up.

Or if he wakes up.

Better for him if he doesn’t.

No one can tolerate that; barely able to stand the idea of the Body Museum, it is too much to imagine their former Captain floating alone in space for 10,000 years.

That flare came out of nowhere…

…it coulda been me.

It coulda been any of us.

INT. the PILOT’S COCKPIT

COMMANDER BENE is standing behind the PILOT DIRK FREEDMAN.

Commander, course is plotted. ETA Crab Nebula 5 months and 3 days.

Ricaro nods

When ready, engage the Heisenberg coils.

With your permission, I’ll buzz Lt White with that command.

Go.

Dirk returns to controls, and Ricardo pats his shoulder then leaves the cockpit.

We see the starfield change to countless streaks of light as they accelerate.

On screen scrolls "DISTANCE FROM SOL; (numbers scrolling extremely rapidly indicating parsecs)"

Liz is alone and has finished engaging the ship’s coils. She is putting away her equipment and double checking all of the computer monitors. She puts her tools on her belt. She has just finished working, the systems are up and running, the ship has just begun faster than light speed. Ricardo appears in the doorway.

How’s the underbelly? Everything in order here, Lieutenant?

Nothing to report, Commander.

Good. Lieutenant, your position is critical to this mission.

Yes sir.

I mean it. If the Heisenberg coils on the ship are not operating at peak efficiency we got no chance of completing the mission.

Commander, I am well aware of the results of my actions here…

Good then. I want you to come to me with any concerns you have.

(Pause)

About anything…

Angle on Liz. At first she’s surprised, but hides it with a smile…

Rico and Liz walking down the hall together.

We see Garrett yell and sprint down the hall away from them. Moments later, Jena emerges from the same room, with food splattered on her uniform.

What’s he done now?

He deactivated the artificial gravity generator in my quarters! Socks are floating everywhere,

And LOOK at my lunch.

She pulls her uniform top emphasizing the mess…

Rico and Liz point simultaneously down the hall.

He went that way.

Hell hath no fury for Jena’s scorn!

From the end of the corridor, we see Garrett’s head peak out, scanning for Jena. He smiles, then sees her and takes off again. Jena races after him, shouting all the way.

JENA

Get back here you useless piece of interstellar horse hockey!

Ricardo shakes his head in mock despair and Liz shrugs her shoulders.

THE SHIP’S CAFETERIA

LIZ and RICO are chatting at a table with a few other CREW MEMBERS. Mostly the crew is interested in Rico’s perspective on the mission.

So?

Rico shakes his head.

If I didn’t want to go down in history, I wouldn’t be here, that’s for sure. And if I didn’t love space travel, – I sure as hell wouldn’t be here.

GARRETT

It’s so unbelievable to be the first ones to travel this far. At my first days at the academy I never imagined how exhilarating this would be.

LIZ

Funny how things change, isn’t it?

At this point we begin to see an artisan in despair in the background, staring morosely into his drink.

CANALES

Space travel’s been in my family for generations. It was always assumed I would follow in the same path regardless of the risks.

Sorry about Morgan.

There is a pause of uncomfortable silence; Rico has brought up a touchy subject.

Uh huh.

We see a crew member walk by and knock the artisan's chair in the background, causing him to spill his drink. The artisan overeats, jumping up, making more of a mess.

Hey! Watch it!

ENSIGN PERRY

(Surprised at the anger)

Sorry pal. Let me get you another one, what was it?

ARTISAN BILL

Forget it!

PERRY

Hey, it was an accident…

ARTISAN BILL grabs PERRY by the lapel

ARTISAN BILL

You're about to have an accident!

RICO intervenes, pulling the people apart

RICO

Hey, break it up...Perry, what’s going on?

The ARTISAN BILL pushes the Perry away

Forget it, there's no point anyway...

Perry walks away, insulted.

The crew watches RICO handle the situation.

You all right now?

ARTISAN BILL

Sorry Commander, it's just nerves… I just got a lot going through my head..

RICO

This your first mission?

ARTISAN BILL

No, it's my third… somehow this one's different…

Rico nods in understanding.

ARTISAN BILL

My first two were easy, it was fun and I was inspired…

RICO

In the beginning everything's like that.

ARTISAN BILL

I have nothing left for me! There’s no guarantee that we even come out. In spite of all our advancement, we don’t have ANY proof. It’s all theories.

RICO

That’s what we’re counting on. Our theories to be correct.

GARRETT

I guess it’s just how much you want your life to count now. The glory and the thrill of it is part of my attraction to space travel…

CANALES

I really love it. I can’t imagine my life any other way.

LIZ

(Softly)

I can’t really imagine any other way either.

EXT. SHOT OF THE BOOMERANG (OPTICAL)

INT. JENA"S QUARTERS-LATER

LIZ and JENA are sitting around talking.

Liz all of a sudden sighs, leans back on the bed and throws her arm over her face.

Its just…I wish I could be sure. Not knowing is what eats away at you. I wish someone could just say, I’ve been there and it all turns out ok.

JENA

What is it our instructor at the Institute used to say…? If you can’t handle it, there’s the door.

LIZ

I can’t go through that door anymore. My Debt is too high.

Jena leans forward.

JENA

I know you’re upset…

LIZ

No, I’m not upset. When your dog dies, you’re upset. When your best friend dumps you, you’re upset. Paying your Relativity Debt, that’s…

JENA

Tough shit, I know. I have a debt that gets bigger every day too. Listen, I’m sorry.

They look at each other for a moment, Jena sighs.

JENA

Looking at the Body Museum isn’t so easy when you are the next body.

LIZ

You can say that again.

She rubs her eyes.

JENA

What now?

LIZ

I don’t want my final time to be wasted.

JENA

Get outta here then.

The Boomerang zooms by, heading for our first view of Crab Nebula. It’s a beautiful vision, a fiery blur of red and orange light against a velvet black backdrop of space

Liz is working diligently on the Heisenberg generators. She’s wearing her VR gear.

The screen with data flashing along the holographing computer screen.

Same as before; as they approach the Nebula quickly, she is scrambling a bit to make sure the Heisenberg coils on the ship are deactivated. The doors open, admitting RICARDO. Startled, Liz removes her glasses and stands and moves to attention.

Not necessary.

She relaxes and he looks around.

Everything under control here?

She smiles, sort of. She discreetly rubs her forehead.

Yep.

Rico sighs and rubs his face; he’s tired.

RICARDO

I’ve told the crew to take some time off. A little R&R.

LIZ

That’ll be good. We could all use a break, Commander.

RICARDO

Call me Rico.

LIZ

(Adjusting to this newfound informality)

All right…Rico. Call me Liz. I could certainly use the break. I’ve been, well…

She changes her mind and continues down a different train of thought…

LIZ

I haven’t listened to the rest of "La Boheme" yet.

RICARDO

The rest?

She smiles shyly and nods.

LIZ

How else could I have made it through these past five months?

RICARDO

(As if he cannot believe he’s hearing this)

Opera helps you de-stress?

He shakes his head.

RICO

Not me. Listen, I’m going to go check out the Nebula. Would you like to join me?

She breaks into a smile.

LIZ

I’d love to.

16 INT. OBSERVATION ROOM

Rico is staring out the view ports. He is obviously impressed, but is silent, taking in the beauty of the sight. Liz is there with him, also silent. They are standing close, almost but not quite touching. Breaking the silence, but not the mood,

LIZ

It’s not what I dreamed.

Rico looks down at her.

RICO

Why?

She turns to face him.

LIZ

In my dreams, there’s never a hint of imperfection. But there’s a shadow on the lower left side.

RICO

I see it…

He rubs his face thoughtfully.

RICO

But the shadow completes the picture. It somehow adds a depth that would be missing otherwise.

Rico sighs, and puts his arm around her.

LIZ

But what if the shadow is the worst part? What if the dark spot doesn’t…?

RICO

Shhhhh. It’s beautiful this way.

(Pause)

It’s worth it.

Liz nestles against him. She sighs.

LIZ

We’re finally here.

17 INT. LIZ’S QUARTERS

The doors open, admitting Rico. He’s carrying a tray of food.

LIZ

What’d you bring for dinner?

RICO

I didn’t know what you’d like, so I brought a variety.

He dumps several packs of dehydrated food on the table.

RICO

Flavored chicken, beef, or for a real treat – lobster!

She grins.

LIZ

I’ll take chicken.

Rifling through the other side dish choices, she says

LIZ

And this one, and this one and…this. Thanks.

She smiles at him. He enters her main quarters and they sit down. We see the table is already set, with neat little candles and everything. Liz lights the candles as Rico pours water and mixes the powdered wine (Chateau Picard, 2529).

CUT TO:

RICO’S P.O.V.

He sees that there are real napkins and silverware and smiles to himself.

TIME CUT TO: LATER

18 INT. LIZ’S

Rico and LIZ are having coffee. A meal has just been eaten here; there are empty plates everywhere. Rico must be telling some joke, because Liz is laughing. Liz finishes laughing, and puts her hands on the table. Rico reaches out and holds them. This is their first physical contact, and they savor the moment.

CUT TO:

19 INT. LIZ’S QUARTERS

Liz and Ricardo are at her door. They are in mid-conversation, but neither is saying very much. They are facing each other.

LIZ

(Playfully, she CROOKS his NAMETAG)

…Are you always so proper?

He smiles.

RICARDO

Not Always.

He steps closer to her and stares at her.

LIZ

(Slightly embarrassed)

What?

RICO

Nothing, it’s just…you’re so beautiful. I’ve never met anyone like you before…

She looks up into his eyes. Slowly, his kisses her sweetly on her forehead. He gently holds her face, and peppers it with kisses, first on her eyelids, then her nose, then her cheeks and finally her lips.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

20 INT: BAY AREA

We see the ARTISANS, including Artisan Bill from earlier. They are at work here. They are observing the Nebula through the bay window. We see Rico communicating with people outside the ship via intercom. Jena is helping people strap up their space suits. She’s giving tips to the crew on the space suits.

JENA

Pay attention to your pressure gauges at all times. I’ve cleaned enough uniforms this trip already. If you experience any respiratory abnormalities, come in and we’ll take care of you.

CUT TO: OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

There are a few artisans outside the ship, a few getting ready to go outside, but most are still inside. We see Garrett walking around, checking out the artisans’ work and chatting to fellow crew members. Dirk and Canales are also wandering around. Dirk checks himself out in every reflective surface he passes by; Canales looks impressed by the work being done.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. BAY AREA

In the background, there are people photographing, drawing, painting, writing. In the foreground, we see Liz turn a knob so that the window becomes opaque and the whole room is illuminated by the flash of the pulsar.

LIZ

The group disperses each deep in thought about how the sight of the pulsar’s flashes, and the necessity of the Heisenberg coils affects his or her art. Jena approaches Liz…

JENA

Pretty amazing isn’t it?

LIZ

Yeah, amazing.

Not noticing her less than enthused mood, Jena continues.

JENA

I mean the sight is SO incredible, and the red is so vivid… Liz? Liz? Hey, where you going?

She trails off as Liz wanders away.

CUT TO:

21 INT: CORRIDOR

Outside Ricardo’s quarters. Liz is knocking persistently on his door. He opens and stares at her. Then he opens the door wide and lets her inside.

22 INT. RICARDO’S QUARTERS

Once inside, Rico envelopes Liz in his arms. They begin kissing and THIS IS LOVE SCENE 1.

23 ANGLE

From a SIDE VIEW, we see Rico lay Liz onto the bed, kissing each other; Liz unfastens Rico’s uniform shirt…

FADE TO:

MONTAGE OF: Rico and Liz kissing; we see a hand caressing a back; Hands holding each other; Legs intertwined. Kissing her neck, moving down to her shoulder.

CUT TO:

24 INT: RICO’S QUARTERS

Liz and Rico are lying together, cuddling. She strokes his face, then he starts to rise.

RICARDO

I’ve got to go on duty…

She pulls him back for one quick kiss.

LIZ

See you tonight?

He leans back to her.

RICARDO

Of course.

CUT TO:

25 INT. LOUNGE

Liz and Jena have arrived first. They chat.

JENA

Soooo…things are well, I can see.

LIZ

(Grinning stupidly)

Yep. This is so unbelievable! I feel like I’m just, trapped in a whirlwind. And it’s rather nice.

JENA

I just hope you know what you’re getting into…

LIZ

For the first time in my life I’ve found something so good that I’m not about to let it go.

Garrett walks in and sits down.

GARRETT

Aw, Liz, you’re so cute in love.

Liz just giggles and swats Garrett.

LIZ

Seriously, you guy have been great about this.

GARRETT

It’s cool, the crew likes seeing you happy.

Ricardo and Canales walk in.

Kissing Liz on the cheek

RICARDO

Hi.

Dirk soon follows, smoothing back his already perfect hair.

JENA

(with sarcasm)

Hi Dirk… my God! Is that a split end I see?

DIRK

Ha, Ha.

He turns to check his hair in a mirror/window reflection.

The crew is assembled, eating together in the lounge. Liz and Rico are sitting together. They sit close, touch each other often, and feed each other food.

JENA

Look at the lovebirds.

Garrett tries to pinch Liz’s cheek

GARRETT

Aww…aren’t they so precious.

Rico is in mock defense of Liz, swats away Garrett’s hand.

CANALES

Guys, please, I’m trying to eat here.

It is a nice time for everyone to hang out and bond. Soon though, Rico and Liz get up and go off alone.

DIRK

(Looking up from his compact)

Was it something I said?

The rest of the crew notices, amused. In the background going to and fro are artisans and RESEARCHERS.

CUT TO:

26 SECOND LOVE SCENE

We see shadows and movement amidst the flashing of the pulsar light through Rico’s window. [Can use scenes from Love Scene 1]

CUT TO:

27 LATER

Liz and Rico are cuddling. He is asleep and she is caressing his face. She props herself on his chest, and stares at him for a moment. Her eyes well up. It is a poignant moment.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

28 INT: UNDERBELLY

Liz is smiling, wearing her virtual glasses. She begins to do routine maintenance on the drive tubes. Again we see the little robots scuttling about repairing microfissures.

JENA pops her head in the door.

JENA

Almost done, slowpoke? The painters are ready for one final piece, of the crew in front of the window, with the Nebula in the background.

At the mention of one final piece, Liz sighs and takes off her glasses.

LIZ

I guess I have to go whether I’m ready or not.

CUT TO LATER:

29 BAY AREA

The crew is milling around looking at the completed painting, chatting. Liz and Rico are nearest the window, wrapped in each other, a ways from the others. The Nebula, once an inspiring sight, is now just a reminder that they will be leaving soon.

LIZ

Rico, when we get back…

She starts to choke up then continues

I want you to take off the coil.

He pulls her close.

RICARDO

Whatever you want honey.

She begins to sob into his shoulder.

CUT TO:

30 INT: RICO’S QUARTERS

Liz and Rico are once again snuggled in bed. He wraps his arm around her and draws her close, as if to protect her under his embrace. He strokes her hair, and fades to sleep.

Meanwhile, she is staring out the window, watching the pulsar flash. She is starting to fade too, when suddenly she starts awake. With her eyes she is counting the flashes in the pulsar. After a few flashes, she shakes her head and tries to count again. By now the pulse is one every five seconds. Not right. She lays flat on her back, her mind racing. As she lays there, the pulse is slowing more noticeably…now one flash every ten seconds. She moves her hand to her collar, and her eyes grow wide…one flash every fifteen seconds. She tries to scream but she can’t. Thirty seconds of darkness, and thirty seconds of light…she sees Rico, but can’t reach him. Tears start to drip from the corners of her eyes…it’s dark once again, and stays dark.

CUT TO:

31 INT. RICO’S QUARTERS

Liz bolts upright from the bed, sweaty and out of breath. She moves her limbs as if to prove her time is not here yet, and then she turns to look at Rico. With a gasp, she grabs her robe and leaves his room quickly, while he is still asleep.

CUT TO:

32 INT: UNDERBELLY

Liz is working, making the necessary preparations to depart. She is wearing her virtual glasses and does not take them off.

CUT TO:

INT: VR SCREEN

We see all the computer screens and monitors filled with data that Liz sees with her VR glasses.

CUT TO:

INT: UNDERBELLY

Liz also has her virtual gloves on. She does the normal routine of monitoring the robots and keeping track of the readouts on the coils and ion generators. We see her moving slowly with her gloves on.

They will be leaving soon. Rico walks in, and she is distracted. He goes to kiss her and at the last second, she turns her face. He goes to hug her and she moves out of it quickly. This is not obvious hostility or her ignoring him, yet, but for lovers, he notices she is different.

RICARDO

Liz?

LIZ

Hmmm?

Rico starts several times to say something, but she doesn’t pay much attention to him. She is busy turning knobs and dials. He finally puts his hand on her arm and she stops. She looks down with her glasses still on.

RICO

What’s wrong, hon?

She stiffens, and turns to look at him.

LIZ

Nothing, I’m ok.

She turns back to her work. Obviously the conversation is over. Rico tries one more time.

RICO

See you tonight?

Frustrated, she faces him and points to her work.

LIZ

Rico, I’ve got to finish this.

She turns back to her work. He slowly backs out of the room. She takes off her glasses, and we see tears in her eyes.

CUT TO:

33 INT. COCKPIT.

Ricardo is propped against a wall, facing the back of the pilot.

DIRK

Course is plotted sir. When you are ready.

RICARDO

(A bit glum)

Very well, call the order to Lt. White.

DIRK

Yes. (on his intercom) Lt. White, when your end is ready, we are go for departure.

CUT TO:

34 INT: OUTSIDE OF LIZ’S QUARTERS

RICO is knocking quietly. He knocks again. He knocks a third time, for several moments. Realizing she isn’t going to answer, he rubs his hand over his head, and leans against the doorframe, sighing heavily.

CUT TO:

35 INT: LIZ’S QUARTERS

LIZ is sitting on her bed. When she hears the knock the first time, she gets her headphones and puts them on. We hear "Orfeo" and she lies back with her arm across her face.

CUT TO:

36 INT: LIZ’S QUARTERS; THE NEXT MORNING

Liz is walking out the door, to breakfast, and as she opens the door, Rico is standing there. She gives a little gasp.

LIZ

Rico, you scared me.

She takes a breath to compose herself.

LIZ

Look, I’m really sorry, but I can’t do this. I know this is sudden, but I really need you to be a friend now. Ok?

Her voice cracks and she brushes past him. He just sags against the wall, looking confused.

TIME CUT TO:

37 INT. OBSERVATION HALL

This room has a large window looking out at the NEBULA, which they are now leaving. Ricardo is in front of the window looking out, we see his back, and his face reflected in the window. He is sad. Jena happens to walk by, notices his demeanor and looks a little worried. She slips out unnoticed, allowing for his privacy.

CUT TO:

38 INT: UNDERBELLY

Liz working in the underbelly, absorbed in her work.

CUT TO:

39 INT: LOUNGE

The whole crew eating dinner, Rico and Liz are not sitting together. Garrett is vainly trying to tell a joke, but as he approaches the punch line, no one laughs.

GARRETT

Get it? The Priest and the Reverend missed the chance to get into heaven!

JENA

Garrett, just…shhh. It is not funny.

GARRETT

But I…

Jena glares at him, while Dirk clears his throat, and Canales tries to pick up another part of the conversation.

CANALES

I had some unusual contact with home today. Seems that there is some pretty bad weather all along the coast of the Northern Hemisphere.

DIRK

Really? My great aunt used to live on the coast…

He trails off as he looks around and sees Jena trying to get Garrett to shut up, and Liz staring blankly and Rico looking at Liz and then looking away. HE looks at Canales then shrugs.

Liz gets up to leave, and Rico can’t help but notice and look sad at her leaving.

CUT TO:

40 INT: CORRIDOR

Liz is walking by herself, down a long hallway. It seems to go on forever.

CUT TO:

41 INT: LOUNGE

Liz is drinking coffee by herself. Jena approaches, and sits beside her. She offers a smile.

JENA

Hey sweetie.

Liz looks up and offers small smile.

LIZ

Hey.

JENA

Feeling pretty rough now, eh?

Liz shrugs.

LIZ

It’s just easier to be alone, that’s all.

JENA

(softly)

That’s not true, Liz.

Liz shrugs again.

JENA

I wish it was me going in first. It might be easier then.

LIZ

(finally smiling)

I doubt it. I seriously doubt it.

FADE TO:

42 INT. UNDERBELLY Liz is hard at work. Ricardo slides in, unnoticed. In love, he stands and watches her. He looks miserable but happy to be near her (bittersweet). Liz sensing someone in the room turns, and takes off her glasses. Slowly they meet each other's eyes.

RICARDO

Liz, I need you. I don’t care if we only have a little while, I need you with me.

LIZ

Oh Rico.

RICARDO

Liz, I want you in my arms. You belong there.

He strides forward to hold her. She lets him this time.

LIZ

Rico, it’s better if we just ease apart.

RICARDO

Why? We both knew this was coming. (his voice cracks) What am I gonna do when you are gone?

She finally hugs him back.

LIZ

Rico…

RICARDO

Liz, I love you and I want you back. I know you want that too.

LIZ

This isn’t easy for me…

She half-heartedly tries to break away, but doesn’t make it and they look at each other tearfully.

RICARDO

(he whispers)

Don’t…

She finally gives in and hugs him fully. They hug each other hard and then begin kissing passionately as the camera FADES OUT.

CUT TO:

43 EXT: BOOMERANG FLYING THROUGH SPACE

The ship has returned to our solar system. We see the EARTH"

CUT TO:

44 INT: THIRD LOVE SCENE

CUT TO:

45 INT: UNDERBELLY

Liz is working to shut down the coils on the ship and the ion generator for the last time. She is working a bit slowly, whether savoring her last time or delaying the future, it is not clear.

CUT TO:

46 THE BOOMERANG IN ORBIT AROUND EARTH.

They are home.

CUT TO:

47 INT: RICO’S QUARTERS

Rico is packing up his bags. He has a picture of Liz, he traces her face and puts the picture in his back pocket.

CUT TO:

48 INT: CORRIDOR

Garrett and Jena walking down the hallway with their bags- they poke their heads in Liz’s door-

GARRETT

Are you going to make this shuttle in?

LIZ

No- I’ve got to check on the drive tubes... last time.

JENA

(concerned)

Want me to wait for you?

Liz gives a weak smile, slightly shakes her head-

LIZ

Thanks, though.

CUT TO:

49 UNDERBELLY

Liz is wearing her glasses and gloves – she is working with the robots.

CUT TO:

VR SCREEN OF THE DRIVE TUBES

LIZ

Five, show me sector 334. … … Three, show me …

Rico walks in, and hugs her from behind.

LIZ

(startled)

Shit! You scared me!

RICO

Are you almost done?

LIZ

Almost… Will you wait for me?

He smiles.

RICO

Always.

He moves to her and kisses her on her forehead.

CUT TO:

50 FINAL SHUTTLE LEAVING THE BOOMERANG

CUT TO:

51. INT: SHUTTLE

Liz and Rico’s faces as the watch the Boomerang get smaller from inside the shuttle.

CUT TO:

52 A TEMPORAY MUSEAM/EXHIBIT AT THE HISENSBURG INST.

People are looking at art, some artisans are walking around, in scattered groups people are listening to artisans/musicians/poets speaking on their work.

CUT TO:

53 INT: RESTURANT ON EARTH

Liz and Rico at dinner.

SPECIAL CAMERA PAN- to show that things are unsettled and moving to quickly. The camera starts in front of Liz and Rico, and the goes in a circle around them. All the while, they are the center of the scene, but it is still obvious that the camera is moving quickly around the room in a circle.

He reaches across the table and holds her hand.

CUT TO:

54 FOURTH LOVE SCENE.

CUT TO:

55 INT: A LABOROTRY

Attendants are sorting through the data/ collections the crew brought back.

CUT TO:

56 SPECIAL CAMERA PAN

INT: LIZ’S LIVING ROOM

Rico is holding Liz. They are listening to La Boheme.

There is obvious tension as they are thinking about the next day.

CUT TO:

57 INT: CORRIDOR OF THE BODY MUSEUM

LIZ AND RICO walking down the hall of the BODY MUSEAM, Liz leaning heavily on Rico for support. As they pass LOREN WHITE, Liz pauses, runs her finger over the name bar, Rico gently reaches down to hold her hand.

CUT TO:

58 INT: LIZ’S CHAMBER

LIZ STANDING NEXT TO HER SPOT. There’s a white coated attendant present.

Liz and Rico turn to face each other, they block the attendant out. Rico traces the curve of Liz’s face, as her tears fall he wipes them away. She looks at his face, notices that he is also crying and reaches with one hand to wipe his tears away. They make eye contact and then clutch each other in a desperate embrace, sobbing. They stay that way until the attendant says-

ATTENDANT

(quietly, respectfully)

We have to take it off…

Liz and Rico hold each other for a moment longer. Liz pulls away and steps onto her chamber.

LIZ

Quickly.

Rico bends down kisses her and says

RICO

I love you

And then kisses her some more. While he’s kissing her he takes off her collar. When he stops kissing her, he steps back and the CAMERA focuses and then blurs out on Liz’s face.

TIME CUT: TWO YEARS LATER

59 EXT. AN ESTABLISHING SHOT OF A FUTURISTIC CITYSCAPE

CUT TO:

60 INT. OF FUTURISTIC SHUTTLE BUS

CAPTAIN RICARDO BENE wearing his Captain’s uniform and is seated in a crowd, but he is alone. He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a picture of Elizabeth White. He slowly traces her face with his finger. All of a sudden he notices the happy couple next to him who are wrapped up in each other, and he sighs, leans back and closes his eyes and places the picture close to his heart.

CUT TO:

61 EXT. HIENSENBERG INSTITUTE

Shuttle arrives there and we see LT. KELLY MARLIN

and LT. JONH ORSMAN standing near the doorway.

RICARDO

(Uneasy)

Thanks for meeting me here.

Kelly puts her hand on Ricardo’s arm.

KELLY

You ok Capt’n?

Kelly’s eyes well up with tears.

KELLY

Capt’n I …

She takes a breath.

KELLY

(continuing)

Just wanted to say that I am proud to have served with you.

Ricardo nods trying to control his emotions.

JOHN

I guess we should go in now.

They turn to walk inside.

CUT TO:

62 INT. CORRIDOR-HEISENBERG INSTITUTE

Lt. Kelly Marlin and Lt. John Orsman are walking with Rico. DR. MONTEGOMERY, a white-coated attendant leads them down the corridor.

ANGLE

Rico, Kelly, and John’s legs/feet, as they walk down the corridor.

ANGLE

Rico turns his head to look down at a chamber:

CUT TO:

A chamber with Garrett Baretta face in it.

ANGLE

Rico turns again, to another Chamber, to see Jena Irwin inside.

CUT TO:

Kelly and John see the faces, and they recognize the names of Rico’s old crew.

KELLY

No wonder they call this place the "Body Museum".

Slowly, the group makes its way to an open chamber, marked with a nameplate reading CAPTAIN RICARDO BENE. Slowly Liz’s face comes into focus. Without cutting, moves so as to see Rico. It is now evident that we are back in the present, and the entire story has been told through a flashback. The original attendant with John and Kelly are visible behind Rico.

Rico turns, and looks at his entourage.

Rico positions himself in his adjoining chamber, and shifts to make himself comfortable. He cannot WAIT to rest beside his love. The attendant reaches down for his collar.

KELLY

God speed, Captain.

JOHN

We'll miss you.

A smile reaches across Rico's face. The CAMERA is behind RICO’S, as if we are Rico watching the attendant. As the attendant slowly takes off the collar the scene goes black.

FADE IN:

63 The camera comes to as if RICO is opening his eyes.

In the Background it is dark, but we vaguely see people moving around.

LIZ

(Slightly groggy)

I love you too.

As they move to hold each other…

RICO

Oh Liz…I’ve missed you so much.

CAMERA FADES OUT.

THE END

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