East of Hezmana

[The Whole Brain]

Title: East of Hezmana

Author: The Whole Brain

Email: thewholebrain@wdsection.com

Disclaimer: Farscape does not belong to the Whole Brain and the Whole Brain has not made any profit off of this story at all. FARSCAPE and all related characters and elements are trademarks of The Jim Henson Company.

Summary: Uhh, it's an ep script, so just read on.

Spoilers: This takes place not long after Green Eyed Monster. So there could be spoilers for anything up to that.

Feedback: The Whole Brain would greatly appreciate any constructive comments you may have on this teleplay. This is the Whole Brain's first foray into the realm of Farscape writing and the Whole Brain would really like to know what you think.

Archive: If anybody wishes to archive this, the Whole Brain would like you to ask the Whole Brain first.

<<<<>>>>

TEASER

FADE IN:
EXT. BUSY MARKET ON A COMMERCE PLANET -- AFTERNOON
Aeryn Sun is walking through the crowded market. She pauses at a stall and picks through some of the bits and pieces on display there. She doesn't seem to find anything that takes her fancy so she moves on to the next stall.

CUT TO:
INT. BAR ON THE COMMERCE PLANET -- CONTINUOUS
Bialar Crais, John Crichton, and Stark are sitting together at a small table in the back of a bar crowded by a mid-afternoon rush. The remains of their lunch are spread out on the table in front of them. Crais and Crichton are continuing what appears to be a never ending argument. Stark isn't paying attention to either of them. He's lost somewhere in his own world. He picks at some blue fruit on a plate in front of Crichton. He chews on a couple of pieces.

CRAIS
Of all the incompetent...

CRICHTON
Crais, I will nail your head to this table and leave you here. I promise.

CRAIS
You aren't going to get very far if Aeryn doesn't find a replacement for that valve. Of course, this wouldn't be an issue if you hadn't broken it.

CRICHTON
I wouldn't have broken it if somebody hadn't turned all the lights off in the corridor when I was working on it.

CRAIS
It was scheduled maintenance.

CRICHTON
I bet it was.

CRAIS
Surely even a lower lifeform such as yourself would have the foresight to bring a light. I can't even begin to understand why Aeryn tolerates you at all.

Crichton's had just about enough of Crais and he's preparing to do something about it. Out of nowhere Stark slams his hand down on the table.

STARK
Seventeen orange Klartews overran the fortress.

Crichton and Crais both sit back. They are obviously confused by Stark's pronouncement but they aren't sure what to say. I mean, really, what do you say to that?

CRICHTON
Yeah, that's ... that's great. Hey, you okay, Stark?

Stark ignores Crichton and begins mumbling incoherently to himself. Crichton looks over at Crais who appears to be fairly disgusted with his life at that moment.

CRAIS
I think I'll go see that the supplies are properly loaded.

Crais leaves.

CRICHTON
Yeah, you go do that.

Crichton watches Crais go then turns to Stark.

CRICHTON
So, Stark, my man. What was that about the orange whosywhatsits?

STARK
There are little sar worms all over my hands. And in my eyes are all the shiny men.

CRICHTON
Well, I don't see any worms or shiny men. But, hey, don't worry, I've been there. Maybe we should head back to the ship. What do you say?

Crichton stands up and puts his hand on Stark's shoulder. Stark pulls violently away with a furious shriek.

STARK
Murderer! Death! Destroyer of worlds! Crichton, butcher of hope!

Stark is up and running through the crowd, pushing people away and in general causing a scene.

CRICHTON
Frell!

Crichton activates his comm badge.

CRICHTON
Aeryn! We've got a problem.

CUT TO:
EXT. BUSY MARKET ON A COMMERCE PLANET -- CONTINUOUS
Aeryn is still in the market, perusing another stall.

AERYN
What kind of problem, John?

CRICHTON (O.S.)
Stark's snapped.

AERYN
Snapped what?

CUT TO:
INT. BAR ON THE COMMERCE PLANET -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton is trying to get out of the bar after Stark but there is a crush of people and beings pointing and pulling at him.

CRICHTON
No, I mean he's gone crazy. Crazier. He's drawing attention to us. Bad attention, Aeryn.

CUT TO:
EXT. BUSY MARKET ON A COMMERCE PLANET -- CONTINUOUS

Shouts are coming from one side of the market. Aeryn realizes this is likely the result of John's 'problem'. She starts to make her way through the crowd towards the shouts.

AERYN
(spots Stark)
I see him, John. You and Crais get to the transport, I'll get Stark.

CRICHTON (O.S.)
You need help?

AERYN
I can manage Stark.

Aeryn is all business. She shoves through the crowd, right up to the still raving Stark.

STARK
And then the hoards of Peacekeeper defilers burst like giant Sylranin fungus. My eyes die. Die. Die. Die. Die.

Stark looks at Aeryn when she gets to him and he starts to giggle.

STARK
Crichton is a madman.

Aeryn grabs him by the shoulder and levels him with a Pantak Jab. Stark is knocked unconscious.

AERYN
You're one to talk.

BLACKOUT:

CREDITS

<<<<>>>>

ACT ONE

INT. TALYN'S MEDICAL BAY -- LATER
Crais is examining the unconscious Stark.

CRAIS
He has an extremely high fever.

Crichton looks over Crais' shoulder at Stark.

CRICHTON
Any idea what's causing it?

CRAIS
I can't tell. Did he talk to anybody odd? Or eat or drink something?

CRICHTON
You tell me. You were there when he went all weird. We talked to the same people he did and he and I had the same thing for lunch.

CRAIS
Which was?

CRICHTON
Some funky blue fruit the waitress called a rovit and the mystery meat du jour.

Crais looks at Crichton like he can't quite believe the human is that stupid.

CRAIS
You let him eat a rovit? I am constantly in awe of your unlimited capacity for idiocy. Roviti contain a neuro-toxin that has a dire effect on Baniks. We'll be lucky if he survives the night.

Crichton appears to have an internal battle of a sort as he tries to decide if he's more worried about Stark's health or more offended by Crais' attitude.

CRICHTON
How the frell would I know that? And when exactly did I become his baby sitter? You were there too.

CRAIS
It never occurred to you that you might need to know more about the biology of your crew mates?

CRICHTON
And it never occurred to you to pay attention to what your crew mates were eating on strange planets?

CRAIS
It was your fault we were there to begin with. Ultimately the responsibility is yours.

Aeryn walks in to check on Stark. She sees that Crais and Crichton are snipping at each other. She shakes her head slightly. She walks over to Stark and puts her hand on his face, like she's checking his temperature. Stark wakes up, lucid but confused.

STARK
(weakly)
Aeryn Sun. Where am I?

AERYN
You're on Talyn. Do you remember what happened?

STARK
No.

Stark struggles to sit up. Aeryn easily pushes him back down.

STARK
No, I suppose not.

Crais and Crichton have stopped snarling at each other long enough to look over at Aeryn and Stark.

AERYN
What's the last thing you remember?

STARK
Hmm, Crais and John were arguing about something. I wasn't paying any attention to them. We were eating lunch, I think.

CRAIS
You ate a rovit.

STARK
The fruit? Yes, it was quite tasty.

CRAIS
You stupid Banik. Don't you have any idea how toxic those are to your kind? You're lucky to be alive.

Stark is still obviously feeling very ill.

STARK
How would I know that? I'd never even seen a rovit. Slaves eat what they are given, Peacekeeper.

CRAIS
We never fed them to you because we knew they would make you ill.

CRICHTON
How frelling benevolent.

CRAIS
You know nothing about it, Crichton.

CRICHTON
Too bad those pathetic little Banik slaves never knew just how concerned their keepers were for them. They'd be whistling while they worked.

CRAIS
Slaves are a significant monetary investment. Of course we pay attention.

CRICHTON
Listen here, Snow White, Stark isn't one of your seven dwarves.

AERYN
That's enough. Stark needs to rest. You two, take this elsewhere.

Aeryn stares Crais and Crichton down, they leave sullenly. One goes one way, one goes the other.

CUT TO:
INT. CRICHTON'S ROOM -- LATER
Crichton is writing in his journal.
Aeryn walks in and starts putting away her equipment and gets ready for bed.

AERYN
I couldn't find a replacement for that valve.

CRICHTON
For the thousandth time, I'm sorry, I didn't meant to break it. Crais turned all the lights off.

AERYN
I know it was an accident, I was just saying I couldn't find a replacement. I'll go down to the market again in the morning.

CRICHTON
I don't think you should go back. Stark drew a lot of attention to us. I can MacGyver something together tomorrow.

AERYN
MacGyver?

CRICHTON
Yeah, he's this guy on Earth who could you know with the paper clips and the bubble gum, make bombs and stuff. He could like take down third world dictators with a swiss army knife and a box of kleenex. Oh, man, and this one time there were these lasers and stuff and all he had was this chocolate bar and a ...

Aeryn spontaneously leans forward and kisses him. Crichton is obviously surprised.

CRICHTON
Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?

AERYN
It was the only thing I could think of to shut you up.

CRICHTON
Well you did ask.

Crichton's face breaks into a sly grin. He leans towards Aeryn suggestively.

CRICHTON
Hey, maybe I could tell you the finer points of Magnum P.I. and you could get me to shut up some more.

AERYN
Some other time.

Aeryn is checking her weapon, giving it a nice polish. Crichton goes back to his journal, his mood turning somewhat somber.

CRICHTON
Rain check.

Aeryn gives him a quizzical look. After a moment she looks at him more closely.

AERYN
You look tired, John.

CRICHTON
Yeah. Long day, huh?

Aeryn puts away her weapon and climbs into bed.

AERYN
Come to bed.

Crichton joins her on the bed. He lays down quietly but after just a few seconds he curls up onto his side, almost in a fetal position and he rests his head on Aeryn's stomach. His stress and guilt and grief are getting to him again. Aeryn's face shows her concern and she runs her hand comfortingly through his hair.

AERYN
What's wrong?

There are tears in Crichton's eyes.

CRICHTON
Nothing.

AERYN
(quietly)
Don't lie to me.

CRICHTON
Stark just said some stuff. He... he called me a, uh, a murderer. A butcher.

AERYN
Stark is not well, John. You should know better then to take what he says to heart.

CRICHTON
There's a kind of truth in insanity, Aeryn.

AERYN
And this has been bothering you all day? Stark couldn't even remember anything that happened after he ate the rovit. He was raving.
(pause)
You are not a murderer.

CRICHTON
Yes. I am.

AERYN
You've done what you needed to do to survive.

CRICHTON
I killed you. What does that have to do with my survival?

AERYN
I've never blamed you for that.

CRICHTON
Whether you blame me or not... People die because of me. The people I care about most. You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Zhann and Zhann wouldn't be dead if it wasn't for me and my damn wormholes.
(to himself)
My stupid, selfish... King Arthur... frelling holy grail.

AERYN
Who's King Arthur?

Crichton lifts his head up and looks at her. He acknowledges her attempt with a weak smile.

CRICHTON
Nice try.

Aeryn shifts in the bed so she can take Crichton's face in her hands, making absolutely sure that he is paying attention to what she is about to say.

AERYN
When Zhann was trying to bring me back I resisted. I knew what it would cost her and I knew I wasn't worth it.

Crichton sits up, looking at her sharply.

CRICHTON
Wait a minute, Sundance.

Aeryn cuts him off, touching her fingers to his lips. She speaks slowly, carefully, as she chooses the right words for what she wants to say.

AERYN
Zhann told me that she loved me. But she told me that more importantly you loved me.
(pause)
My life was a gift from her to us. It didn't cost her any more then she was willing to pay, John.

Crichton lays back down again, his head on Aeryn's stomach.

CRICHTON
But I can't pay her back, can I?

Crichton pauses for a moment and when he speaks again his voice is filled with both conviction and self-loathing.

CRICHTON
And given the choice, I would trade Zhann for you every time. Every time.

Aeryn can't think of anything to say to that, so she does the only thing she can, she holds him more tightly, trying to give him some bit of comfort.

CUT TO:
INT. STARK'S ROOM -- LATER
Stark is lost in a nightmare. He's mumbling to himself. The scene cuts back and forth between the ugly things in Stark's head and his body tossing and turning in his bed.
We see a lot of chaotic images in his head. Horrible images but vague, it's hard to make out. Just turmoil. Except for the images of Zhann. They are fairly clear. Zhann dying repeatedly, grotesquely. She is screaming his name again and again as she dies.
He wakes up suddenly though he's not really out of the nightmare. He stumbles around his room for a few moments and manages to knock his mask off. Bright light shoots from the side of Stark's face and fills the small room.

CUT TO:
INT. CRAIS' ROOM. -- CONTINUOUS
Crais bolts up in bed with a terrified yell. At that moment the ship lurches violently.

CUT TO:
EXT. TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
We see Talyn going into starburst.

CUT TO:
INT. CRICHTON'S ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton is on the floor, he's obviously just fallen out of bed. Aeryn is still in bed looking down at him. Both of them share a look of complete surprise and confusion.

CRICHTON
Did we just starburst?

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER
Throughout the scene the ship shudders and lurches from time to time.
Aeryn and Crichton enter the command deck.
Crais is already there. He's punching buttons on the command console. There are sparks and smoke shooting out of various points on the bridge. A number of DRDs are gathered around Crais.

CRAIS
(addressing the DRDs)
There's a coolant leak in the access shaft on tier 4. Stress fractures in the hull on tiers 6 and 7, hammond side. And see about the climate controls, it's too warm in here.

The DRDs take off to go about their duties. Crichton just barely avoids tripping on a DRD that zooms past him.

CRAIS
Talyn, you need to calm down. I can't help you otherwise.

AERYN
Crais, why did we starburst?

Crais is too focused on what he's doing to turn around and when he answers the question he's clearly under a lot of stress and extremely irritated.

CRAIS
It wasn't me. There's something wrong with Stark. A DRD found his mask outside of his quarters. Whatever's happening to him is projecting outwards. Talyn can sense it and he's panicking.

Aeryn joins Crais at the control console.

AERYN
His mask is off?

Rygel enters on his throne sled, he is carrying Stark's face plate.

RYGEL
I wonder if I can get something good in trade for this.

CRICHTON
Give me that, Sparky.

Crichton grabs the mask and shoves Rygel away. Talyn lurches extremely violently.

CRICHTON
Whoa! Bumper cars.

CRAIS
Aeryn, I need your help with Talyn. He won't listen to me, and I'm afraid if he doesn't calm down soon he may starburst again.

AERYN
If he starbursts again before we can stabilize him, he'll tear himself apart.

CRICHTON
Uh, that's not good.

Once again the ship shudders.
Aeryn gets to work on the command console.

AERYN
(to Crichton)
Find out where we are.

Crichton goes to another console and tries to work out their location. Rygel flies over to him.

RYGEL
Well? Where the yotz are we?

Crichton seems to come to a terrible realization. He looks up at the view screen.
Crichton's almost talking to himself, he's so distracted by the scene outside.

CRICHTON
Looks like we're east of Hezmana, south of Yotz, in a little town called Deep Dren.

CUT TO:
EXT. TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
Talyn is floating dead in space. There is a sun behind him, it looks like it's just recently gone supernova. There are jets of gas still streaming off of it. Talyn is drifting into a debris field. Perhaps the remains of the system's planets destroyed by the star's explosion.
Small bits of debris are passing hazardously close to Talyn, but there are larger, potentially deadly pieces a bit farther in the debris field.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS

RYGEL
So we're in an asteroid field. Wonderful.

CRICHTON
We should be so lucky.

AERYN
John, what is it? Where are we?

CRICHTON
Well, radiation is playing hell with Talyn's sensors but it looks like we're in what's left of a solar system. The remains of the star's still spitting out all sorts of gas and plasma and I'd say Talyn managed to starburst us right into the middle of the after picture of Alderaan.

AERYN
Alder... John.

CRICHTON
I'm guessing the star exploded and when it did it destroyed the planets. The energy wave from the star must have pushed all the debris together in a ring.

Talyn shudders again, very violently this time. The crew are tossed about.

CRAIS
NO! Talyn no!

CRICHTON
What? What?

Crais is struggling with something on the control panel. It looks as though it might be an internal battle as well. Aeryn is next to him and tries to take over some of the command functions while Crais continues to struggle.

CRAIS
I'm losing control of Talyn. He's panicking again.

AERYN
Frell. John, you need to find Stark. See what's wrong.

Crichton leaves. He still has Stark's mask in hand.

END OF ACT ONE

[The Whole Brain]

ACT TWO

INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- LATER
Crichton is hurrying down the halls, looking for some sign of Stark. Suddenly he gets a flash of Scorpius standing right in front of him. The flash only lasts for a second. Crichton shakes it off, not entirely sure he really saw it, and continues down the hall.
He turns the corner of a corridor, stumbling into the wall when Talyn shudders and we see Scorpius again. He's walking just behind Crichton, at his shoulder.

SCORPIUS
Good evening, John.

CRICHTON
Hey great, now my day really is complete.

SCORPIUS
I'm hurt. A fellow could get the idea you didn't like him.

CRICHTON
Yeah, that's what I'm hoping. So what is it this time, Harvey?

SCORPIUS
I was thinking earlier while you were weeping in Officer Sun's lap, that she truly is a radiant woman. For a Sebacean. Her navel is exceptionally lovely.

Crichton stops walking for a moment and when he speaks his voice is ice cold.

CRICHTON
You really don't want to go there.

SCORPIUS
No? But it had just occurred to me that she would...

Crichton throws his hand up in Scorpius' face.

CRICHTON
Stop or I give myself a lobotomy.

SCORPIUS
Oh but the lovely Aeryn would be so devastated.

Crichton turns and looks at Scorpius suspiciously, getting the idea that Scorpius is just taunting him.

CRICHTON
Why are you messing with me?

Scorpius smiles and points over Crichton's shoulder. Crichton looks and sees Stark approaching. He turns back and Scorpius is gone. Crichton shrugs and focuses on Stark.

CRICHTON
Hey Astroboy. I've got your mask.

Stark in a panicked but fairly lucid moment runs up to Crichton for help. Stark has found some bit of cloth and has it wrapped around the glowing half of his head.
Stark is obviously still very ill, his face is pale, his voice is weak and raspy, and his hands are trembling when he grabs Crichton.

STARK
John. John. John. Help me.

CRICHTON
Stark man, what's wrong? How did you lose your mask?

Stark, as he's talking, is touching Crichton's face, poking him, trying to see if he is real.

STARK
I had this dream. It was a horrible dream. Horrible dream. And I couldn't wake up. I couldn't get out. Am I awake? Are you awake?

CRICHTON
If I'm not awake I'm right there with you, 'cause this is one nasty dream. Let's get your mask back on and see who's awake.

Crichton hands Stark his mask and helps Stark take the cloth off of his face. Crichton seems to think that the cloth looks awfully familiar. Stark hands it over and Crichton examines it. He realizes it's Aeryn's Uncharted Territories version of a sports bra. Crichton starts to laugh.

CRICHTON
Where'd you find this?

STARK
I found it on the floor in your quarters.

CRICHTON
(to himself)
Every once in a while it's good to be me.
(to Stark)
Wait a minute, why were you in my room? Were you looking for me?

STARK
I don't know. I was just there. I was in the dream. Lost. Lost. I was lost in the dream.

CRICHTON
So what was in the dream? You want to talk about it?

STARK
It was a horrible dream.

CRICHTON
Yeah I got that part.

AERYN
John have you found him?

CRICHTON
I have him now, Aeryn.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Aeryn is standing at the command console, she is monkeying with something.

AERYN
How is he?

CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton looks at Stark and turns from him slightly, taking a few steps away. He lowers his voice.

CRICHTON
I'm not sure, Aeryn. He's freaking. I think I have him calm, but I don't know what's wrong with him.
(pause)
Is Crais with you?

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Crais pulls himself out from under a console. He's sitting on the floor.

CRAIS
I'm here, Crichton.

CRICHTON (O.S.)
Are hallucinations and nightmares normal for rovit poisoning?

CRAIS
No, but Stark is a Stakira, they may react differently.

CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton looks over at Stark. Stark is staring in fascination at his violently trembling hands and chanting quietly.

CRICHTON
Yeah. I'd say he's definitely reacting differently.

AERYN (O.S.)
John we need you to work on Talyn's propulsion. Why don't you get Stark back to his quarters and I'll have Rygel meet you there. He can stay with Stark.

CRICHTON
You got it, Aeryn.
(to Stark)
Come on buddy, lets get you back to bed.

CUT TO:
INT. STARK'S ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Stark is in bed and Crichton is sitting next to him. Rygel enters.
Crichton speaks very softly and gently to Stark, trying to reassure him and keep him calm.

CRICHTON
Rygel's gonna keep you company. I gotta go fix Talyn. If you need anything, just ask Sparky here and he'll get it for you.

RYGEL
The yotz I will.

Crichton gives Stark a "just a minute" gesture.

CRICHTON
We'll be right back.

Crichton stands quickly and grabs Rygel. He drags him out of the room.

INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton shoves Rygel up against the wall.

CRICHTON
Listen up. Stark is sick, it's frelling with Talyn, we're about two microts from being blown to hell, we don't know what's wrong, and we still have to get out of here. So just shut up and deal with it.

Rygel takes offence at Crichton's treatment of him and tries to bite him. Crichton pushes him back again.

CRICHTON
And don't forget I'm wearing a gun.

Crichton tuns quickly and walks away.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN PROPULSION ACCESS -- LATER
Crichton is working on the propulsion system. He has tools spread out around him and an access panel open. He is talking to Aeryn and Crais in command as they try to get Talyn some bit of propulsion.

CRAIS (O.S.)
Some time in the near future please, Crichton.

CRICHTON
Try the engines now.

There is a hum of machinery coming to life, followed quickly by a muffled explosion and sparks flying out of the panel.

CRICHTON
Stop! Stop!

Crichton waves smoke away from the area he's working on and tries to gauge the amount of new damage.

CRICHTON
Damn.

CRAIS (O.S.)
We lost power, what happened?

Crichton pokes through the wires in the access panel.

CRICHTON
(to himself)
Not that one. Uh, did that one and the red one. That one?
(to Crais)
Try it again, only this time don't frelling gun it.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Crais and Aeryn are working on various consoles.

CRAIS
Gun it?

CRICHTON (O.S.)
Just go slow, Crais.

CRAIS
Then why won't you simply say that?

Aeryn shakes her head at Crais.

AERYN
Crais, let it go.

CRAIS
We are in a situation where it is important to communicate as clearly as possible. His refusal to do so puts us all at risk.

AERYN
It's the way he is.

CRAIS
It is unacceptable.

Talyn jerks and shakes violently. Aeryn and Crais are thrown against their consoles.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN PROPULSION ACCESS -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton is sprawled on the floor where he was thrown when the ship rocked. He picks himself up and activates his comm again.

CRICHTON
Hey, who's driving up there?

AERYN (O.S.)
We're getting hit by more debris, John. We need propulsion as soon as possible.

Crichton looks down at the smoldering wires he's supposed to be fixing.

CRICHTON
I'm working on it, babe. That last hit fried the circuits again. Give me a few microts.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Crais and Aeryn are working on the various systems on the command deck. They are both extremely weary, it is now early morning ship time, and they've been at it for a number of hours already.

CRAIS
We'll never get out of here with that inadequate fool working on Talyn's systems.

AERYN
John is doing what he can and under the circumstances that's quite a lot.

CRAIS
He's very fortunate to have you here to defend his shortcomings.

AERYN
I know what he's capable of and you of all people should know what a mistake it is to underestimate him.

CRAIS
He can't even be left alone on a commerce planet for half an arn without causing trouble.

AERYN
I admit that his human exuberance and curiosity do cause problems, but he is the most wanted man in the Uncharted Territories. It's rather hard for him to get around without being noticed. And let me remind you that he's managed to evade you and every other Peacekeeper for nearly three cycles.

CRAIS
A feat that owes much to your own abilities as a Peacekeeper, I'm certain.

AERYN
He saved my life within a solar day of my having first met him. Shortly after you declared me irreversibly contaminated.

CRAIS
You would not have been declared so had it not been for him.

Their conversation is interrupted by another large bit of debris hitting Talyn, though it is doubtful that Aeryn would have responded to Crais' last statement. They struggle with the controls for a second.

CRAIS
Do you still consider me a monster, Officer Sun?

AERYN
I don't know.

CRAIS
You don't know?

AERYN
I know what it is like to come from life as a Peacekeeper to life as a fugitive. I understand that very well. I understand what it is to have to change your entire view of the universe.

CRAIS
We do have much in common.

AERYN
I have also found friends, even family, among those the Peacekeepers too readily classify as lower lifeforms.

CRAIS
Peacekeepers serve a function.

AERYN
So I've seen. I've watched them, and you, do unspeakable things. I have also watched a good man descend into Hezmana because of you.

CRAIS
He killed my brother.

AERYN
It was an accident, Crais, and your brother was a substandard pilot. He should never have been given a Prowler.

The fight seems to go out of Crais a little bit.

CRAIS
Perhaps. You can't tell me you don't miss being a Peacekeeper, though. The order, the power. You can't tell me there aren't times when you wish Crichton had never piloted his ridiculous little craft through that wormhole.

AERYN
Two cycles ago I would have said you were right, but now, I wouldn't go back to the Peacekeepers even if I could.

CRAIS
I find that hard to believe.

AERYN
Why? Because you'd go in an instant? I've been out too long.

CRAIS
Afraid you've grown soft?

Aeryn finds this an absolutely absurd statement. She can't help but laugh.

AERYN
Hardly. I've seen too much and I've done too much. And I'm afraid I don't take orders very well anymore. I certainly won't take them blindly.

CRAIS
Yes. I can see where that would be a problem.

AERYN
And if I have ever wished John had not come here, it has been for his sake not mine.

The moment is interrupted by Crichton's voice over the comm.

CRICHTON (O.S.)
Hey, Aeryn.

AERYN
Yes, John?

CRICHTON (O.S.)
You can try the propulsion again.

AERYN
Is it stable?

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN PROPULSION ACCESS -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton is doing some last minute fiddling with the propulsion system.

CRICHTON
Just take it easy and we'll be okay. We're not going to break any world records for speed but we probably won't explode. Probably.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Aeryn takes control of the helm and tries to guide Talyn out of the debris field.

AERYN
Probably. Thank you, John.

CRICHTON (O.S.)
Any time, babe.

CUT TO:
EXT. TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
Shot of Talyn maneuvering slowly through the debris field. He's getting hit by smaller pieces but managing to avoid any massive chunks. Talyn makes it out of the main debris field and into open space.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN PROPULSION ACCESS -- MOMENTS LATER
Crichton is gathering up his tools and replacing the access panel in the Propulsion system.

CRICHTON
(to himself)
Woohoo, we're not dead. Right on Johnny boy, you do good work.

Scorpius appears and looks over Crichton's shoulder.

SCORPIUS
Adequate, I suppose.

Crichton is not particularly happy to see Scorpius again. He throws a minor temper tantrum.

CRICHTON
Aww man! You can't just let me have a nanosecond of joy? I've been working my ass off all night. Look, man, look.

Crichton shoves his fingers in Scorpius' face.

CRICHTON
Burns. All over my damn hands. They frelling hurt! But I stuck it out. You know why? 'Cause it's what I do. John do this. John do that. John stick your face in the burning engine and see if you can fix it. John hold this, oh, but try not to let it explode.

Crichton starts to walk away. Out of the propulsion room and into the corridor.
I
NT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton is hurrying down the corridor, Scorpius is walking with him.

CRICHTON
I need, I need, I need a nap.

SCORPIUS
Are you finished?

CRICHTON
Why? You in a hurry? Hot date with a Gila monster?

SCORPIUS
How very droll.

CRICHTON
Yeah, I crack myself up.

SCORPIUS
We seem to have a bit of a problem, John.

CRICHTON
Gee, just a bit of one? That's a nice change of pace. So who exactly is we? We the ship or the we in my head?

SCORPIUS
Both actually.

CRICHTON
Alright, I'll bite. What's behind door number two?

SCORPIUS
I have no idea. It's absolutely fascinating.

CRICHTON
Okay, so then why are you bugging me again?

SCORPIUS
I simply felt it would be good form to warn you.

CRICHTON
Warn me.

SCORPIUS
I will continue to investigate the matter.

Crichton gets a kick out of that and starts to chuckle.

CRICHTON
Hey which Hardy Boy are you?

SCORPIUS
One last thing, John.

CRICHTON
What?

SCORPIUS
Duck.

Crichton turns around, startled. A huge Sheyang steps out of a side corridor and sends a blast of flame towards him. Crichton throws himself to one side of the corridor.

CRICHTON
Mother...

Crichton climbs to his feet, pulling out his pulse pistol but the Sheyang fades away in front of him.

CRICHTON
Well that was unexpected.
(activates comm)
Aeryn, anything, um, strange happening up there?

AERYN (O.S.)
Strange how?

CRICHTON
Uh, strange like a big ugly critter spitting fire at you?

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Aeryn and Crais exchange a look.

AERYN
No. Everything seems to be normal up here.

CRICHTON (O.S.)
Okay, it's just me then.

AERYN
Could something have come on board? Should we be concerned?

CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- CONTINUOUS

CRICHTON
Uh, well it kind of disappeared right in front of me, so I'm probably just hallucinating again.

AERYN (O.S.)
John?

CRICHTON
Just checking. Don't worry about it.

Crichton continues on his way down the corridor.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Aeryn has been dealing with Crichton's mental instability far too long for her to take his blithe attitude towards hallucination so easily. She looks more then a little concerned but she doesn't say anything to him.

CRAIS
Hallucinations, again?

AERYN
Nevermind, Crais.

Rygel comes onto the bridge.

AERYN
What are you doing here? You're supposed to be looking after Stark.

RYGEL
I am a Dominar, I do not hold the hands of slaves.

AERYN
You are a member of this crew and you will do your part or we will leave you at the next commerce planet.

RYGEL
Well. I was just supposed to stay with him while he rested. He said he wasn't tired and he wanted to go for a walk. I draw the line at following him around like a Durshnal serving wench.

CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- MOMENTS LATER
Stark is stumbling through the corridors of Talyn again. He turns a corner and we see Crichton walking away from him down the hallway. Stark stays close to the walls and sneaks after the oblivious Crichton.

STARK
(whispering)
She is the air, she drifts, I breath her in, expel me. He did it. He did it. He did. He. Him.

END OF ACT TWO

[The Whole Brain]

ACT THREE

CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- MOMENTS LATER
We see Stark following Crichton down a hallway. Stark is ranting quietly to himself.

STARK
Gifted with the blossom, wickedness, all rotten, like the heart of a dead man. Dead man! Ache like eternity in black.

Stark gets closer to Crichton. Crichton is just activating the door controls to another room when Stark makes a run at him.

STARK
You did it. You did it. You did it. You did it. You did it.

Stark lunges at Crichton and tackles him. Stark grabs Crichton by the throat and tries to choke him and bash his head into the floor. Crichton does his best to fend Stark off but for a few seconds Stark has the advantage and is brutally beating on Crichton.
Scorpius appears and takes a seat next to the struggling men.

SCORPIUS
You seem to have a problem, John.
Crichton manages to get hold of Stark enough to head butt him and knock him back. He grabs Stark by the front of his shirt and decks him.

CRICHTON
Harvey. Bite me.
(activates comm badge)
Aeryn? Stark just attacked me. Can you meet me in the infirmary?

AERYN (O.S.)
I'll be right down.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S MEDICAL BAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Crichton walks in with Stark slung over his shoulder. Aeryn is already there waiting. Stark isn't struggling until John flips him down onto the bed and he sees Aeryn.

STARK
Aeryn, Aeryn. You can help me. Please, you can. It's him. He did it. Can't you see? It's him. He. He. He. He. He did it.

CRICHTON
Can we get a little prozac for the crazy guy?

Aeryn injects Stark with a sedative. Crichton is watching Stark curiously. When Aeryn finishes with Stark she turns to examine Crichton. She turns his head and sees some scratches on his neck.

AERYN
Sit down, John.

Crichton complies and Aeryn gathers the supplies to treat his wounds.

AERYN
What happened?

CRICHTON
Stark attacked me.

Aeryn continues to attend to Crichton's injuries. Crichton winces but Aeryn is merciless.

AERYN
Why?

CRICHTON
I have no clue.

AERYN
There must be a reason.

CRICHTON
Other then he's a whack job?

AERYN
What did he say before he attacked you?

CRICHTON
Pretty much what he said to you when I brought him in. He kept repeating that I did it.

AERYN
Did what? What did you do?

CRICHTON
You mean besides falling down the rabbit hole and ending up in the armpit of the universe? Or all those times I've run off to have somebody so frell with my head I can't tell which way is up anymore and I end up begging one of my friends to kill me? Hey or how about those times where I end up killing one of my friends? Nah, those were the good times. Other then getting that poor schmuck sucked up into my life I haven't done anything to him.

Aeryn dabs his wounds just a little bit harder with some sort of stinging antiseptic. Crichton pulls away.

CRICHTON
Ow. Hey watch it.

AERYN
Well you seemed to be having so much fun inflicting pain on yourself I thought I'd join you.

CRICHTON
Hey was that a joke? I thought they bred humor out of Peacekeepers.

She shoots him a look but before she can reply they are interrupted by Stark moaning. Aeryn goes over to check on him and Crichton follows her.

CRICHTON
Didn't you just sedate him? Why's he waking up?

AERYN
He shouldn't be. I injected him with enough sedative to drop D'Argo.

CRICHTON
Well hit him again, Dr. Feelgood. We've got work to do and I don't need him sneaking up on me with a pulse pistol.

Aeryn injects Stark again and she and Crichton leave. We see the sleeping form of Stark and after a brief moment his eye pops open. We hear a ghostly voice.

DISEASED ZHANN
Why did you leave me?

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S WORKSHOP -- MOMENTS LATER
It seems Crichton is trying to MacGyver together that valve. Scorpius is sitting next to him again.

SCORPIUS
You don't honestly expect that to work, do you?

CRICHTON
(he keeps working)
Hey, it's Nancy Drew. You and Scooby-doo figure out what's going on yet?

SCORPIUS
Your quaint ramblings never cease to be amusing.

CRICHTON
Your endless attempts to mess with my head never amuse me. What the hell do you want?

SCORPIUS
Why John, I only want to help you.

CRICHTON
Frell me to tears.

SCORPIUS
What an interesting phrase.

CRICHTON
Take a hike, Harvey.

SCORPIUS
I've recently come across some rather intriguing happenings in our head.

CRICHTON
Our head? Since when is it our head? It's my head. And get out of it.

SCORPIUS
John you do need to listen to me. Perhaps if I used your vernacular you'd appreciate the seriousness of the situation. Something strange is afoot at the Circle K.

Crichton, surprised, finally puts down his work and turns his attention to Scorpius.

CRICHTON
Lay it on me, Harvey.

SCORPIUS
It's not just the Banik's fever. We have a guest aboard ship. A presence. A spirit.

CRICHTON
So what, Stark's possessed? He's gonna start puking up pea soup? Or is an alien gonna pop out of his stomach and start singing 'Hello, My Baby'?

They are interrupted by the dramatic arrival of a Scarran. He appears to come right through the bulkhead and he runs across the workshop as though he is chasing something. He is firing a pulse pistol and tearing through the room. Crichton throws himself to the ground while Scorpius remains standing, watching the whole scene with mild amusement. The Scarran disappears when it reaches the bulkhead on the other side of the room.

SCORPIUS
You should trust me, John.

CRICHTON
Pass me that moonshine, Harvey.

SCORPIUS
I assure you, John, we are not alone.

CRICHTON
I haven't been alone for cycles.

Crichton sits back down at his work bench and resumes his tinkering.

CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- LATER
Stark is wandering the corridors of Talyn again. Now we see that whatever nightmare Stark is living in is starting to manifest itself visually. The walls of Talyn are dripping with goo and unpleasant things. Creatures and bits of creatures appear and disappear in front of Stark as he walks. Stark doesn't really pay them too much attention.
After a moment we see that he's not alone. Walking with him is Zhann, her eyes are red and she's been horribly disfigured by disease.

DISEASED ZHANN
You left me.

STARK
You told me to. I ran and ran and ran.

DISEASED ZHANN
You should never have listened to that human. We could easily have made it to a planet. I could have healed.

STARK
I told you it was too dangerous to bring back Aeryn Sun's soul. I didn't want you to do it.

DISEASED ZHANN
Now I am lost. I can't transcend.

STARK
You loved her more then me. You used me to kill you.
(anguished)
Crichton killed you. Aeryn killed you. You killed you. I killed you.

DISEASED ZHANN
Crichton killed Aeryn. Crichton killed me.

Diseased Zhann is gone now and Stark is walking alone again.

STARK
Crichton killed you. Aeryn killed you. I killed you. You killed you. You killed you. For Crichton. Crichton killed you. Crichton killed you.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- LATER
Stark's nightmares are also making themselves known on the bridge. Vines choke the consoles and hang from the ceiling. Crais and Aeryn are forced to pulled them out of the way in order to do anything. Creatures appear and disappear.
The ship is shuddering and heaving. Talyn is obviously panicking again.
Crichton comes onto the bridge. He ducks as the wormhole serpent appears right in front of him and dives past him, disappearing instantly.

CRICHTON
Hey, hey, hey. I know that critter.

AERYN
It's the wormhole serpent.

Crichton walks over to Aeryn and watches her work.

CRICHTON
Oh yeah. And why does it look like the Jungle Book in here?

Crais and Aeryn ignore him for the moment. More creatures appear and fade away. Suddenly Scorpius is there. Crichton thinks nothing of it but Aeryn and Crais react in surprise.

AERYN
That was Scorpius.

CRICHTON
You saw him? You saw Scorpy?

CRAIS
Yes, he was standing right there.

AERYN
This is more than a Banik fever. He's losing his mind and he's taking Talyn with him.

CRICHTON
Yeah. That's kind of what Harvey said.

AERYN
When?

CRICHTON
Huh? Oh, just now. I fixed the ...

Crichton digs into his pocket and pulls out the replacement valve. It has become entangled in the bra.

CRICHTON
I fixed the valve. Oh, hey, this is yours.

Crichton tosses the bra to her. Aeryn holds it up and looks at it, perplexed. Crais clears his throat.

CRAIS
So did Scorpius say anything else of value.

CRICHTON
Not after the big ugly Scarran came through the room. And have I mentioned they're ugly?

CRAIS
Crichton.

CRICHTON
Harvey just said we have company.

CUT TO:
INT. CRICHTON'S ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Stark is in Crichton's quarters, tearing everything apart. He's looking for Crichton but he's looking in strange places. Not places a human could hide.
He pulls the covers off the bed.

STARK
You killed her, Crichton!

He looks under a pillow.

STARK
Crichton!

He looks in a jar of something.

STARK
Where are you Crichton? Murderer.

Stark tosses the jar across the room in disgust and leaves.

INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- CONTINUOUS
Stark is just leaving Crichton's room when he smacks into Rygel.
Stark grabs Rygel.

STARK
Where is he?

RYGEL
Let go of me you half-witted tink.

Stark is becoming much more agitated, yelling at the top of his lungs.

STARK
Where is he?

RYGEL
(nervously)
Who?

Stark gives him a shake, then looks past him distractedly.

STARK
Crichton.

RYGEL
Well, I don't know. I'm not his keeper.

STARK
Where is Crichton? Tell me where Crichton is. I must know where Crichton is. He killed her. Murderer. Butcher. Murdering butcher. Butchering murderer. He kills and kills and kills and everybody dies because of him. He killed her.

RYGEL
Her who?

STARK
My love.
Stark turns Rygel around and we see that Diseased Zhann is standing right behind him. Rygel sees Diseased Zhann and screams.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER
Rygel comes rushing on to the bridge. He's obviously quite distraught.

RYGEL
I demand you do something about all this.

CRICHTON
We're a little busy now, Rygel.

RYGEL
Stark is magra-fahrbot and I just saw Zhann.

AERYN
Zhann is dead, Rygel.

RYGEL
I know that you stupid Peacekeeper tralk. She looked it, too. He's after you, Crichton. And I say we should let him have you.

AERYN
We are not giving John to Stark.

CRAIS
What does he want with Crichton?

RYGEL
He wants revenge for Zhann's death.

AERYN
That's absurd.

Rygel flies over and gets in Crichton's face.

RYGEL
And we all know if you hadn't killed Aeryn, Zhann wouldn't have gotten sick and it would have been you on that other ship in the wormhole. Where you belong.

Crichton says nothing. He agrees with everything Rygel's just said. These are things he's told himself over and over again.

AERYN
Listen you little slug.

CRICHTON
No, Aeryn, he's right.

Rygel puffs up as he gains confidence.

RYGEL
Absolutely I'm right. And if this is anybody's mess to fix, it's Crichton's.

CRAIS
We can assign blame for Zhann's death later. Right now we need to keep Talyn from panicking. If he becomes any more agitated he's going to starburst.

RYGEL
See, look what you’ve done, Crichton. Even the ship isn’t safe from your incompetence. It wasn’t enough that you killed Zhann, now you’re going to kill us all.

Aeryn growls and makes a threatening move towards Rygel. Rygel moves his throne sled away from her and slightly up, out of her reach.

RYGEL
You're insane, he's insane, you should have no trouble understanding each other. Fix it. You can get your little friend Scorpius to help you.

Crichton finally snaps out of it. Rygel may have moved out of Aeryn's reach but he's still within Crichton's. Crichton grabs him and starts to pull him across the room.

CRICHTON
That's it, Sluggo, you're going out the airlock.

CRAIS
Much as I'd enjoy watching that, I think the Hynerian may have a point.

Crichton stops and looks over his shoulder at Crais.

CRICHTON
What? That I'm a wing-nut?

CRAIS
The root of all this madness seems to be anger at you. The fever has just brought it to the fore. However true or false Stark's accusations are, you're the only person he can get any resolution to this from.

CRICHTON
We could sedate him again. Keep him under until the fever breaks.

AERYN
We've already tried sedating him, John.

CRAIS
And that doesn't particularly solve the problem.

CRICHTON
So the plan is that I go down and let him pummel me until he feels better? And you say my plans suck.

Aeryn walks over to Crichton. She stands directly in front of him and speaks softly.

AERYN
It's obvious Stark is still grieving for Zhann. If anybody knows what he's feeling it's you.
(pauses and looks around the bridge)
What is happening to Talyn is because of the fever, Stark can’t control his emotions and he’s projecting his fears, his nightmares, whatever.

CRAIS
You need to help him deal with this, Crichton. For Talyn's sake.

Crichton is visibly upset.

CRICHTON
Zhann would know how to fix this.

END OF ACT THREE

[The Whole Brain]

ACT FOUR

CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR ON TALYN -- MOMENTS LATER
John and Scorpius are walking down Talyn's hallway of horror again. John is trying his best to ignore Scorpius, but he's being insistent.

SCORPIUS
Johnny boy, have you figured it out yet?

CRICHTON
Shut the frell up.

SCORPIUS
I'll take that as a no.

CRICHTON
You have been buzzin' around my head all day. Where the hell's D'Argo's tongue when you need it.

SCORPIUS
It's really not that complicated.

CRICHTON
Well then why don't you explain it to me?

Crichton and Scorpius turn a corner and Crichton stops just short of running into Zhann. This Zhann is quite normal looking, no hint of illness or disease. Crichton takes one look at her and turns around.

CRICHTON
I think maybe I'll go the other way.

ZHANN
John, please wait.

Crichton keeps walking, Zhann and Scorpius follow.

CRICHTON
Yeah, I get it, I killed you. You're not real. Why don't you and Harvey go haunt Rygel?

ZHANN
I'm not entirely an hallucination.

CRICHTON
I don't have time for this.

ZHANN
You need to make time. Goddess knows I understand your reluctance to believe but I am here and I do need your help.

Crichton stares at her for a second, disturbed, then starts to run down the corridor.

SCORPIUS
He's always this difficult.

ZHANN
Yes, I know. He's Crichton.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER
Stark finally makes his way to the bridge. He comes in and begins looking for Crichton. Again, he's looking in odd places for him. Under the consoles. Up at the ceiling. Aeryn is watching him closely.
Stark's search leads him over to Aeryn.

STARK
Aeryn Sun. You have to help me find him. Help me.

AERYN
I'll help you, Stark.

She knocks him flat again.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S MEDICAL BAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Aeryn has Stark strapped to a bed in the room when Crichton comes in. He sticks his head in the door and looks around warily. He's obviously looking for someone or something. He almost looks afraid some critter's going to jump out at him.

AERYN
He's restrained, John.

CRICHTON
What? Oh, yeah. Uh, just checking.

Crichton walks over to Stark and Zhann appears at his shoulder again. Crichton jumps.

CRICHTON
Stop doing that!

AERYN
Stop doing what?

ZHANN
Oh good, he's restrained. John, I must speak with you.

Crichton looks at Aeryn and points to Zhann standing next to him.

CRICHTON
Can you see her?

AERYN
There's nobody there, John.

CRICHTON
Zhann. She's standing right there.

AERYN
Are you talking to Scorpius?

CRICHTON
No, Aeryn, I'm talking to Zhann. Well, no actually I'm trying to avoid talking to Zhann, but she won't leave me alone. Scorpius isn't even here.

Scorpius appears.

SCORPIUS
No, no, I'm here. Sorry, I'm late.

Crichton turns to face Zhann and Scorpy.

CRICHTON
One hallucination at a time.

ZHANN
John, we haven't much time. Aeryn can't see me.

CRICHTON
Why is everybody in my head? When did I become the freak show convention center?

ZHANN
John Crichton. Stop behaving like petulant child.

SCORPIUS
I told you we had a guest.

Crichton is confused. He looks from Scorpius to Zhann.

CRICHTON
Zhann?

ZHANN
Being Stakira, Stark's distress echoes across the spiritual plane. He needs my help and I need yours.

Crichton now realizes it truly is Zhann, or some form of Zhann. He pulls her into a crushing embrace.

CRICHTON
It is you. God, Zhann, it's so good to see you.

ZHANN
I have missed you, John.

She returns the embrace and caresses his face.

ZHANN
And now we must help, Stark.

CRICHTON
What do you need me to do?

ZHANN
You must try and initiate unity with him.

CRICHTON
Can I do that?

ZHANN
I will guide you.

Crichton approaches Stark hesitantly. He goes to stand at the head of the bed and puts his hands on Stark's face.

AERYN
What are you doing, John?

CRICHTON
Um, unity? Zhann can't do it so I have to.

Crichton leans over to touch his forehead to Stark's. Crichton is instantly thrown backwards across the room.

CRICHTON
Ow.

ZHANN
You must be stronger than that, John.

CRICHTON
Thanks for the tip.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Talyn lurches violently again and Crais struggles.

CRAIS
Aeryn, what is going on down there? Talyn just accelerated. I've managed to keep him from starburst, but I've lost navigation. Whatever you're going to do to Stark, do it now. And If you can't help him...

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S MEDICAL BAY -- CONTINUOUS
Aeryn helps Crichton get back to his feet. They share a look.

AERYN
I know, Crais.

Crichton tries the unity thing again.

CUT TO:
INT. PEACEKEEPER PRISON CELL -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton and Stark are back in the Peacekeeper prison cell where they first met. On Crichton's side of the cell are a short row of theater seats. Scorpius is sitting there with a bag of popcorn.
Stark immediately goes for Crichton again. He grabs him by the throat and sits on top of him.

STARK
My side, your side. My side, your side. My side, your side. My side, your side.

SCORPIUS
What exactly is in Buttery topping?

The cell door opens and Zhann walks in.

ZHANN
My beautiful, Stark.

Stark turns his head to look at Zhann.

CUT TO:
INT. SHADOW DEPOSITORY -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton is strapped to the giant metal ball last seen in Liars, Guns and Money. Stark climbs up on top of the ball. Zhann and Scorpius are standing at Crichton's head.

CRICHTON
Zhann, what is this?

Stark is furious, he's absolutely beating on the bound Crichton.

STARK
You waited too long. You waited and waited and waited. And every day that passed it all got worse and the pain, the pain, it grew. Coward. Coward. All for pride and fear. And what did you fear? Pain? It's all pain. I'm pain. You're pain. Zhann's pain. Aeryn's pain. Stark's pain. John's pain.

CUT TO:
INT. DIAGNOSAN'S ICE PLANET, BODY VAULT -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton falls out of a cryo pod. He gets no break because Stark immediately grabs him.

STARK
You killed her. You killed her. She stayed behind because of YOU.

Zhann walks towards the struggling pair but she is stopped by Scorpius.

SCORPIUS
Let the boys have their fun.

ZHANN
The last time we met, I lacked the strength to purge you from John's mind. Things are different now. Interfere with me again and I will stay as long as it takes to destroy you.

Zhann pushes past Scorpius and puts her hand on Stark's shoulder and pulls him back.

CUT TO:
INT. MOYA'S COMMAND DECK -- CONTINUOUS
Stark and Zhann are standing, facing each other. Crichton is laying on the floor, gasping for breath. Scorpius is perched on one of the consoles.

STARK
He killed you. He killed you. I killed you. I killed you. I killed you.
Stark breaks down weeping and collapses at Zhann's feet. Zhann kneels next to him.

ZHANN
Nobody killed me, Stark.

STARK
But Crichton killed Aeryn and Aeryn killed you and you killed you with me.

ZHANN
Scorpius was in control of John. John could no more hurt Aeryn then you could hurt me.

SCORPIUS
But, you know, he really did kill her. I wasn't actually there.

Zhann glares coldly at Scorpius.

ZHANN
Your presence is not required here.

Zhann waves her hand dismissively and Scorpius disappears. Crichton struggles to sit up.

CRICHTON
That was pretty cool. Can you teach me?

ZHANN
Perhaps later, John.

Zhann pulls Stark into her arms, calming and comforting him.

STARK
Why are you here?

ZHANN
Your mind cried out to me.

CRICHTON
There was a disturbance in the force, Luke.

ZHANN
John, you are still the most bizarre creature.

Zhann turns her attention back to Stark. She strokes his face gently.

ZHANN
The turmoil in your mind is adversely affecting Talyn.

STARK
No, no, no. Not my mind. No.

CRICHTON
Yes, your mind, buddy. The whole place turned into the Hellmouth. There were monsters coming out of the wall, flying freaking wormhole snakes, Little Shop of Horrors on the bridge, the walls were frelling bleeding. The only thing missing was the Stay-Puft marshmallow man.

ZHANN
Your mind is doing this. You must control your grief. You must understand that I chose this path. I chose it.

STARK
Why did you choose him over me? Why did you love him more?

ZHANN
Oh my beautiful Stark. Is that what's tormenting you? You believe I chose John over you?

STARK
You saved Aeryn for him. You said so. You let him go to the wormhole. You took his place on that ship. It should have been him.

ZHANN
I do not understand this grief. You were with me at the end. Did you not feel how I felt? Did you not know that I was prepared to meet my Goddess?

CRICHTON
He's right, though, Zhann. We would have found that planet for you if I hadn't been such a selfish bastard.

ZHANN
Do you remember when we were trapped in the wormhole?

Crichton moves to sit closer to Zhann.

CRICHTON
Of course.

ZHANN
I was pledged to protect you all but I was weary and had little strength. So I prayed. And my prayers were answers.

Crichton is almost afraid to know the answer but he must ask.

CRICHTON
What did you pray for, Zhann?

ZHANN
Your lives. I prayed to the Goddess for your lives and offered her anything in return. Freeing Moya was the last gift I could give to my family.

Crichton starts to cry.

CRICHTON
You wouldn't have owed the Goddess anything if I wasn't so damned obsessed with wormholes. We wouldn't have even been there if I hadn't killed Aeryn. You wouldn't have been weakened. None of that ever would have happened.

Stark sits up in her arms and looks at Crichton he has tears running down his face, too. Zhann sits back and looks back and forth between the two men.

ZHANN
Stark, my love, calm your mind. You've fallen ill, but you will be well.

Zhann reaches out to take Crichton's hand and draws him closer still.

ZHANN
The fever has weakened Stark's natural barriers, making him susceptible to the strongest emotions around him.

CRICHTON
Yeah...?

ZHANN
This is your anger John. Not his.

CRICHTON
No. No, no way.

ZHANN
Yes, John. Stark was with me when I moved on. He understands my choice. You, my dear, bear too much guilt.

Crichton sits back and wraps his arms around himself. Almost as if he is pulling back, trying to protect himself.

ZHANN
Stark is manifesting your guilt.

Zhann reaches out to touch Crichton lightly on the shoulder.

ZHANN
You did not kill Aeryn. And you have not killed me.

Zhann moves her hand from Crichton's shoulder to his face. She caresses his face gently for a moment. Then she brings her forehead to Crichton's.
The connection is broken.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S MEDICAL BAY -- CONTINUOUS
Crichton and Stark come back to themselves. Both men are crying. Crichton stumbles back away from the table and Aeryn is there to steady him.

AERYN
John?

Crichton doesn't respond. He slumps heavily into a chair. Tears still freely flowing down his face.

AERYN
Has Zhann gone?

Crichton nods his head, unable to speak. Aeryn is moved as well.
She puts her arm around him and pulls his head down to her shoulder.
Aeryn activates her comm.

AERYN
Crais?

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
The vines are gone from the bridge and all looks as it normally does.

CRAIS
We're alright.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S MEDICAL BAY -- CONTINUOUS
Aeryn lifts Crichton's head up by his chin and wipes the tears off of his face.

CRICHTON
It was me, Aeryn. This whole time, it was me.

AERYN
Please let it go, John.

CRICHTON
Have you really forgiven me?

Aeryn is incredulous.

AERYN
There's nothing to forgive. I never blamed you.

CRICHTON
I guess that's a start then.

Aeryn kisses him.

AERYN
I love you, John Crichton.

Crichton leans in for another kiss.

STARK
Aeryn Sun. Help?

Crichton and Aeryn look at each other and start to laugh.

CRICHTON
Your timing bites, Astroboy.

STARK
My arms are stuck to my body.

Crichton really starts to laugh. Aeryn gets up and slaps Crichton gently on the back of the head and goes to unstrap Stark.

END OF ACT FOUR

<<<<>>>>

TAG

INT. TALYN'S MESS -- LATER
Stark is sitting alone at a table. He is staring deeply into his cup of whatever. He is completely lost in his thoughts.

Crichton enters the room and after a small hesitation he walks over to Stark.

CRICHTON
How's the fever?

STARK
It is gone, thank you.

Crichton moves about the Mess getting together some food for a snack lunch.

CRICHTON
So, you feeling better?

STARK
Yes. You?

Crichton nods his head, a very small smile on his lips.

CRICHTON
I'll get there.

Crichton takes the tray he's prepared and leaves.

CUT TO:
INT. TALYN'S BRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER
Crichton walks onto the bridge, tray in hand. Aeryn is working at a console. Crais is no longer there.

CRICHTON
You hungry?

AERYN
Frelling starving.

CRICHTON
Wow that's pretty hungry. Is that like Rygel starving?

AERYN
Very nearly.

Crichton sets down the tray and hands Aeryn a drink. He notices her bra still sitting on a console. Crichton picks it up again.

CRICHTON
Have I told you how good you look in black?

Aeryn grabs the bra out of his hands.

AERYN
Give me that.

Crichton pulls himself up and sits on a console.

CRICHTON
You left it up here the whole time?

AERYN
I forgot about it.

CRICHTON
I'm amazed Crais was able to get any work done.

BLACKOUT:

END CREDITS

[Crankygrrl]

Nice work.

Would love to see that tag played out on the screen. :lol:

Cranky