Screenplay: DRAFT 3
25 February 1999
Molli, Mark, Jennifer, George, Karla

ACT 1

EXT. AN ESTABLISHING SHOT OF A FUTURISTIC CITYSCAPE

CUT TO:
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:
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:
2 INT. CORRIDOR-HEISENBERG INSTITUTE

LT. KELLY MARLIN and LT. JOHN ORSMAN are walking with CAPTIAN RICARDO BENE. DR. MONTEGOMERY, a white-coated attendant leads them down the corridor.

ANGLE

Rico turns his head to look down at a chamber:

Cut to chamber with GARRETT BARETTA'S face in it.

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.

Recognizing his own name, Rico’s face blanches; he swallows hard. As if to avoid thinking about this, he averts his eyes, which dart to the chamber to his right. We see the blurred features of LIEUTENANT ELIZABETH WHITE. Rico steps to her chamber, his features are grimaced, almost crying. He stares down at her frozen features.

The camera slowly zooms in on LIZ'S face. Just as slowly, the camera goes out of focus, completely blurring her face.

TIME CUT TO: 2 YEARS EARLIER

3 LIEUTENANT ELIZABETH WHITE 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.

SCROLL ON SCREEN:
"Scientific Space Vessel C.N.S.Boomerang - 2 Years Earlier">

EXT. CNS BOOMERANG-UNDERBELLY (OPTICAL)

Several robots are working to repair microfissures in the DRIVE TUBE.

INT.BOOMERANG-UNDERBELLY

In a conservatively lit control room, we see Liz working diligently on her diagnostic checks of the ship’s coils and systems. We can see the VIRTUAL LANDSCAPE of the drive tubes. We can also see the tiny robots scuttling around. 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. A small alarm goes off. Liz checks it…

LIZ

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

Frustrated, she fixes the small alarm, then takes off her glasses and RUBS HER EYEBROW. 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.

GARRETT
(excited about going on this mission)

It’s almost time.

Walking up to her, and remembering

GARRETT
(continuing)

You ok, kiddo?

LIZ

Yeah. (sighs) I’m fine.

She goes back to working on the terminal.

GARRETT

Sure you don’t need to talk?

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

COM VOICE

LT. White, the new Skipper will be arriving in twenty minutes; begun coil shut down process.

Liz buzzes the intercom in response.

LIZ

Consider it done- shut down complete in ten minutes.

Garrett slowly backs out of the control room.

GARRETT

See you there.

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

CUT TO:
4 ANIMATION SEQUENCE OF SHUTTLE DOCKING

VOICE OVER

SHUTTLE PILOT

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

BOOMERANG APPROACH

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

SHUTTLE PILOT

The Captain’s fine. Looking forward to joining the crew.

CUT TO
5 INT. MAIN SHUTTLE DOCKING BAY

We see most of the crew, standing at ease.

COM VOICE

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

CANALES

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.

CANALES

(announcing)

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

RICARDO

Pleasure to be here. A fine crew.

Ricardo moves to face the assembled crew. He addresses them.

RICARDO

I’m honored to take command o this ship. I’ve received outstanding reports about this crew and it will be a pleasure to work with you on our mission. Know that crew safety is a top priority as long as I’m commander. We have the responsibility of traveling to and collecting art and data from Crab Nebula. Let’s keep our minds on the mission ahead of us. Time to begin preparations for departure.

Ricardo turns back to Cannales for the introductions.

Executive Officer Canales introduces Ricardo to Garrett.

CANALES

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

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

CANALES

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.

RICARDO

It’s a pleasure to meet you all.

LIZ

Welcome aboard, Commander.

As the Captain is introduced to other crew members, Jena and Liz begin to chat.

JENA

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

Liz looks at her friend…

LIZ

What does that mean?

JENA

C’mon, Liz. You’ve got that look…

Liz finally smiles.

LIZ

He seems very competent.

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

JENA

Competent, eh?

(leaning closer)

(Beat. Jena reiterates)

Garrett walks over…

LIZ
(to Garrett)

You look down.

GARRET

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

JENNA

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.

GARRET

Drifting out in space, alone…swallowed by an ionic fog…

LIZ

And if his coil gives out before he does

She shudders and continues

He floats in space for 10, 000 years…

JENA

Who knows what happens when he wakes up.

LIZ

Or if he wakes up.

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.

(beat- then softly)

…it coulda been me.

LIZ

It coulda been any of us.

FADE OUT
6 EXT. Boomerang in flight

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

CUT TO:
INT. the PILOT’S COCKPIT

DIRK

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

Ricardo nods

RICARDO

When ready, engage the Heisenberg coils.

DIRK

ANGLE-OPTICAL

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

CUT TO:
7 INT. CONTROL ROOM

LIZ closes up her console, and 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.

RICARDO

Everything in order, Lt?

LIZ

Nothing to report, Commander.

RICARDO

LIZ

Yes sir.

RICARDO

LIZ

Good then. Wanna grab a bite to eat?

LIZ

Sure. I was headed that way myself.

They exit.

11 CUT TO:

Rico and Liz walking down the hall together.

JENA

Which way?

Rico and Liz point simultaneously down the hall.Jena runs after Garrett yelling at him all the way. Ricardo shakes his head in mock despair and Liz shrugs her shoulders.

12 CUT TO:
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.

LIZ

So?

Rico shakes his head.

RICARDO

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. Just think, my grandparents never imagined traveling faster than light, but now we have the coils.

LIZ

Funny how things change, isn’t it?

CANNELES

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

RICO

JENA

But we all know the risks involved.

CANALES

LIZ

(softly)

I can’t really imagine any other way either.

CUT TO:
EXT. SHOT OF THE BOOMERANG

14 TIME CUT TO:
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.

LIZ

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. 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

JENA

Get outta here then.

FADE OUT as Liz starts to stand up.

15 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

The Boomerang zooms by, heading for our first view of Crab Nebula.

CUT TO:
16 INT. HEISENBERG GENERATOR ROOM

Liz is working diligently on the Heisenberg generators. 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.

RICARDO

(Waving away her attempt at decorum)

Not necessary.

She relaxes and he looks around.

RICARDO

Everything under control here?

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

LIZ

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 some time off, 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 I through these past five months?

RICARDO
(as if he cannot believe he’s hearing this)

Opera helps you destress?

He shakes his head.

Not me. Listen, I’m going to get a view of the Nebula. Wanna come?

She breaks into a smile.

LIZ

I’d love to.

17 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 dark spot on the lower left side.

RICO

He rubs his face thoughtfully.

Yet, the dark spot 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 dark spot is the worst part? What if the dark spot doesn’t…?

RICARDO

Shhhhh. It’s beautiful this way.

Liz nestles against him. She sighs.

LIZ

We’re really here now.

18 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.

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

She grins.

LIZ

I’ll take chicken.

Rifling through the other 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.

TIME CUT TO: LATER
19 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.

CUT TO:
20 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

Always.

He steps closer to her and stares at her.

LIZ
(slightly embarassed)

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:
21 INT: BAY AREA

We see the artisans at work here. They are observing the Nebula through the bay window. There are a few artisans outside the ship, a few getting ready to go outside, but most are still inside. 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 pulsar is a perfect timekeeper flashing thirty reps per minute. You can rest easy, knowing that nothing can cause this to malfunction.

The group nods and murmurs. Suddenly one member asks a question.

ARTISAN

Do our coils have any effect on how we see the pulsar?

The question is an innocent one, but there is a lot at stake in its answer. Liz thinks, then answers.

LIZ

The only noticible effect would be if your coil malfunctions. Then you would notice the pulsar slowing, but it would be you not the star.

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

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:
22 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.

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

CUT TO:
23 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:
24 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.

Garrett walks in and sits down.

GARRETT

AW, Liz, I think you’re rather nice too. Thanks.

Liz just giggles and swats him.

Ricardo and Cannales walk in.

Dirk soon follows, smoothing back his already perfect hair.

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

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:
25 SECOND LOVE SCENE

We see shadows and movement amidst the flashing of the pulsar light through Rico’s window.

CUT TO:
26 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 and tears fall down her cheeks. It is a poignant moment.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:
27 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:
28 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:
29 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:
30 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:
31 INT: UNDERBELLY

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

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 hostilityor 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.

RICARDO

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:
32 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:
33 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:
34 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:
35 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:
36 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:
INT: UNDERBELLY

Liz working in the underbelly, absorbed in her work.

CUT TO:
INT: LOUNGE

The whole crew eating dinner, Rico and Liz are not sitting together, the conversation is not terribly awkward but…. Soon Liz gets up to leave, and Rico can’t help but notice and look sad at her leaving.

CUT TO:
39 INT: CORRIDOR

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

CUT TO:
40 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:
41 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, its 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:
42 EXT: BOOMERANG FLYING THROUGH SPACE

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

CUT TO:
43 INT: THIRD LOVE SCENE

CUT TO:
44 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

CUT TO:
45 THE BOOMERANG IN ORBIT AROUND EARTH.

They are home.

CUT TO:
INT: RICO’S QUARTERS

Rico is packing up his bags. He has the picture of Liz that we saw in the beginning when he was on the bus, he traces her face and puts the picture in his back pocket.

CUT TO:
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:
UNDERBELLY

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

LIZ

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

Rico walks in, and hugs her from behind.

LIZ
(startled)

Shit!

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:
INT: SHUTTLE

Liz and Rico’s faces as the watch the Bommerang 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:
INT: RESTURANT ON EARTH

Liz and Rico at dinner.

SPECIAL CAMERA PAN- to show that things are unsettled and moving to quickly.

He reaches across the table and holds her hand.

CUT TO:
53 SPECIAL CAMERA PAN

FOURTH LOVE SCENE.

CUT TO:
54 INT: A LABOROTRY

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

CUT TO:
55 SPECIAL CAMERA PAN

INT: LIZ’S LIVING ROOM

Rico is holding Liz, they are listening to La Bohme.

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

CUT TO:
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:
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 say 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 :
58 TWO YEARS LATER (back to the end of the flashback)

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. A single tear falls down Rico's face.

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
59 THE CAMERA comes to as if RICO is opening his eyes.

In the Background it is dark, but we vaguely see ple 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.

THE END.

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