John and Aeryn sit inside his module, while she shows him how to use new modifications made to it.

AERYN: You pull, into the roll. It's counter-intuitive at first, but it radically increases your distance from the enemy.

JOHN: Aeryn, my module is a research craft, it's not built for hairpin maneuvers.

AERYN: Would you like to learn how to do this, or are you content to continually display you ineptitude?

JOHN: My ineptitude? You mean my improvisation that kind of bails your sorry military - - I'm sorry [laughs] I'm sorry. What is that smell?

AERYN: W-what?

JOHN: It's your hair. It smells.

AERYN: Zhaan gave me something.

JOHN: Alright. Smells good. I like it.

AERYN: Well it's not for you to like.

JOHN: Oh. Then what's it for?

AERYN: For me to like.

JOHN: You don't like that I like it?

AERYN: Personal indulgences can fracture a small crew.

JOHN: Then I will never tell them, that you scented your hair.

They look at each other a moment, then move in and kiss gently. They pull away and look at each other again, and embrace in a passionate kiss. Suddenly Aeryn pulls away.

AERYN: No!

JOHN: What?

Aeryn blows the hatch and exits the module. John follows.

JOHN: Aeryn! Aeryn, stop!

AERYN: No! No!

JOHN: Aeryn, wait!

AERYN: I will not be a slave to your hormones!

JOHN: My hormones?! Hey, I was lips, you were tongue!

She groans and turns to strike him. He grabs her and pushes her against the wall, holding her there.

JOHN: Why did you do your hair? Huh?

AERYN: To see if you'd notice.

JOHN: Standing at attention.

He lets go of her but keeps his arms at each side of her body.

AERYN: Well then I'll let Zhaan know you find her oils pleasing.

JOHN: It's you that I find pleasing!

She escapes under his arm, walking away. Chiana is sitting at a work bench.

CHIANA: You want some advice?

JOHN: Not particularly.

John walks back to his module, and begins working on it.

CHIANA: Makes me want to give it to you, even more. Hey! There's too much pressure. [walks towards John] She's scared of the future. So why not just live in the moment?

JOHN: You come up with that yourself?

Chiana presses herself against him.

CHIANA: Go fast with the body, slow with the soul. Maybe you should find someone like that.

PILOT: [on comm] Commander Crichton. Chiana. Please join the others in the command, at once.

Command.

D'ARGO: Okay, Pilot, they're here. Now tell us. Why have we stopped moving?

PILOT: [clamshell] Are you familiar with automated Peacekeeper satellite weaponry?

AERYN: Self-tracking pulse cannons.

PILOT: We are locked in a cross-targeted helix.

JOHN: Pilot, give us immediate starburst.

PILOT: Impossible. The initiation of an energy surge will result in our destruction.

D'ARGO: Is it Scorpius? Do you think they've found us?

PILOT: There are no vessels anywhere near.

RYGEL: Then how the frell did they get here?

PILOT: Perhaps from the inhabited star systems on Moya's sense horizon. These cannons appear to be their first line of defense.

ZHAAN: Peacekeeper settlements this far into the Uncharted Territories? Goddess help us.

CHIANA: We gotta do something.

Zhaan begins chanting.

CHIANA: Something useful!

PILOT: A...representative of the inhabited system has been signaling us.

RYGEL: By the yotz! Run, fight, surrender! Pick one!

PILOT: Moya chooses surrender. Resistance by her means...death.

RYGEL: I am [clears throat] Rygel the-

JOHN: [cuts in] Oh, no, no, no, no way Jose. You keep your mouth shut.

RYGEL: But I am our best negotiator.

John holds Rygel and covers his mouth.

JOHN: Our best self-serving to-hell-with-everyone-else-iator. Y-you just shut up.

TYNO: [on screen] Our scan reveals you do indeed have no large weaponry or hidden cargo.

AERYN: Yes. And despite this ship's Peacekeeper history, we are in no way affiliated with them.

ZHAAN: We are, as stated, Counselor Tyno, peaceful.

TYNO: And as such, we now release you to travel as you will.

CHIANA: You're not gonna shoot? Well. That was a productive four arns.

D'ARGO: May we approach your worlds? We are prepared to pay for provisions.

TYNO: I'm afraid that's impossible, during coronation time.

Rygel bites John, forcing him to let go.

RYGEL: Coronation time? I am Dominar Rygel the Sixteenth, of the Hynerian Empire. Would you turn away royalty bearing gifts for your new sovereign?

TYNO: Escaped prisoners, bearing gifts?

RYGEL: Hear me Counselor Tyno. Your hatred of the Peacekeepers can never approach ours. Fate has conspired to forge this alliance.

TYNO: [pauses] The royal planet will receive you. Understand, as festivities approach, we are under strict security. Weapons of any kind will result in incarceration.

His transmission ends.

RYGEL: Was I right?

JOHN: Yeah, I guess so.

RYGEL: Was I right?

JOHN: Yes, Rygel, you were right.

RYGEL: Don't ever forget it.

As John walks down the corridor, Aeryn comes into the same corridor, about to pass him. He steps into her path, but she dodges around him. He turns and follows her.

JOHN: Aeryn, I wanna talk.

AERYN: I wanna talk less!

JOHN: We tried that, it leads to kissing.

She groans and turns around.

JOHN: That's a joke. It's to relieve the tension.

AERYN: It wasn't funny. Just give me some space, John.

JOHN: Fine. Have the whole Universe.

He turns and walks towards one of the quarters.

JOHN: Chiana!

Her voice comes from the cell.

CHIANA: Yeah.

JOHN: Yeah, I'm going down to the planet, you wanna hang?

CHIANA: Yeah.

AERYN: [chuckles] That's good.

She exits.

JOHN: Cool, can I come in?

He opens the door before she answers, and sees D'argo and Chiana at the climax of their love making. D'argo waves him out.

JOHN: Oh, oh jeez!

He struggles to get out, as he gets tangled briefly in the blanket hung over the door. He finally gets out.

JOHN: Whoa-ho-ho! Bad time! G-good time, sorry, uh, wrong time!

D'argo pushes John against the wall in the cargo bay.

D'ARGO: John, my life has been one crushing disappointment after the next. But with this girl, I have managed to find moments of pleasure.

He waits a moment as Aeryn and Chiana pass.

D'ARGO: Don't blow it for me.

JOHN: Never. It's cool. I'm happy for you.

D'ARGO: Good. Good.

D'argo follows after Chiana.

JOHN: Good. [pause] How come I'm always the last to know?

The transport pod exits Moya, to the planet. They fly through a large city, vehicles flying in traffic-like patterns. It approaches a large pyramid like building.

Later. Local bar. A serving platter is filled with tiny tear-shaped bottles. They are clear and contain an amber colored liquid. A woman takes her bottle and touches the opening to the tongue of a male. Then she touches it to her own. They touch tongues and then kiss.

RYGEL: [laughs] So these are the fabled break away colonies.

AERYN: When they declared independence and fled from our home systems, no one gave them a chance of surviving.

RYGEL: And yet here they are, still hating the Peacekeepers, nineteen hundred cycles later.

AERYN: And every Peacekeeper attempt since then to forge coalition has failed.

RYGEL: I'd say they enjoy their freedoms far too much, Aeryn.

AERYN: Yeah.

RYGEL: And why not?

JOHN: [to Aeryn] Buy you a drink for a few words.

AERYN: You mean now that Chiana's occupied? You made a run at Zhaan yet?

JOHN: Oh, that is unfair!

WOMAN: Hi!

She holds the tiny bottle in front of his face.

JOHN: Hi.

She puts a drop on her tongue, and offers it to him.

JOHN: Oh no-no-no-no, I - I stopped raving years ago.

WOMAN: It doesn't hurt you. It's just for the kiss.

He looks at Aeryn and she looks back. He sticks out his tongue and lets her place a drop on it. They touch tongues.

JOHN: There's no taste kinda like an old-

The woman cuts him off with a kiss. Aeryn gulps down her drink. The woman pulls back.

WOMAN: Sorry.

AERYN: It's great, you know. It's a whole world designed for your rutting instincts.

A man approaches Aeryn and offers her the bottle.

AERYN: No! No-no-no-no-no. Try him [points at John], he seems to love kissing.

He turns to look at John.

JOHN: Oh no. No.

Another woman approaches and places a drop on his tongue. They touch tongues and kiss. She sighs and shrugs her shoulders.

JOHN: I am never leavin' this world.

He takes a drink and starts walking through the crowd.

JOHN: [to Rygel] Hey.

He continues to walk through the sea of dancing Sebaceans, all dressed in white.

In a balcony above the dance floor.

JENA: Clayvor my sweet, there's a Sebacean down here your sister hasn't kissed yet.

SCARRAN: You said the boarders were closed! No new visitors.

CLAYVOR: And you said that it wouldn't matter, that my sister couldn't ever assume the throne, no matter how many suitors they bring in.

SCARRAN: Her chemical compatibility is irrevocably altered. You will be king.

At the bar.

TYNO: [to Rygel] Is this Crichton intelligent?

RYGEL: Surprisingly, despite his appearance. I find it strange, Counselor Tyno, that your in coronation time and have yet to identify your crown successor.

TYNO: As first born, it was always intended for Princess Katralla. But by law, unless she can find a compatible mate...the kingdom will fall to her younger brother.

Balcony.

CLAYVOR: She's a slave to her mother, I'm the only one that recognizes the Scarran Imperium. Even if you are the best they could send.

The Scarran growls.

JENA: Now, now you two.

She sits down between them.

JENA: Well, if you're not going to be king, Clayvor...I'm not going to marry you.

Moya.

PILOT: [clamshell] Excuse me, Zhaan. Why didn't you visit the royal planet with the others?

ZHAAN: My solitude is so important to me, Pilot. I barely have enough time to pursue the tannents of my priesthood as it is.

PILOT: Being presumptuous, I have opened all the doors on the chamber on this tier. Moya and I are pleased you have once again chosen to stay with us.

Zhaan sets down an item she was holding and makes a motion over her face, as if cleansing her aura. She takes a deep breath and begins a long, high note. She raises it several octaves. Pilot closes his eyes, seemingly in enjoyment.

Bar.

CHIANA: [giggles] Two drops from these little vials and we can tell if our - if our DNA is compatible for children.

D'ARGO: Oh, no, no. I don't wanna do that.

CHIANA: Come on, what've we got to lose?

D'ARGO: I don't wanna. Our innocence, that's what we've got to lose.

Chiana puts a drop on her tongue and offers it to D'argo. He finally concedes. They touch tongues and kiss. When they pull away, he growls lightly and shakes his head.

CHIANA: Hey. Hey-hey. I-it's just a game for us, D'argo. Okay? We don't play by the rules they do.

D'ARGO: The truth is, we're not compatible.

CHIANA: Well, only our DNA.

She licks his tenka, causing him to draw a breath, and groan.

CHIANA: Not the parts that make us feel pleasure.

They kiss.

RYGEL: Why is he watching us so intently?

AERYN: When's the last time you saw a Scarran on a diplomatic mission?

RYGEL: What do you think he wants? Besides killing Peacekeepers, I mean.

AERYN: The same thing my superiors wanted - a covenant with this kingdom.

A male approaches Aeryn with a vial. She takes it from him.

AERYN: Go away. Go.

She sees another male approaching. He holds up the vial, and shakes it. She shakes the vial she just took from the other male, and shakes it back. She turns to Rygel and offers him the vial.

RYGEL: [gasps] Have you lost your mind?

AERYN: Do it.

She forces a drop into Rygel's mouth, and then drops some in hers. She touches her tongue to Rygel's, then kisses him passionately.

AERYN: Sweet! I'm so pleased!

RYGEL: Me too! [nervous laugh] How unexpected! [chuckles]

MAN: I wish you both the very best of fortune.

AERYN: Thank you!

They continue to grin and chuckle until the man walks away. Then they both lean over the bar and spit.

Moya.

Zhaan walks the ship, singing.

PILOT: Zhaan. Zhaan!

She stops.

ZHAAN: Pilot, are you calling me?

PILOT: It's Scorpius! Scorpius has found us!

She runs to command.

The Command Carrier looms into view.

ZHAAN: Is the Command Carrier any closer, Pilot?

PILOT: Still held in obeyance at the satellite cannon perimeter.

ZHAAN: Have they spotted our orbit, yet?

PILOT: Confirmed. Moya senses the Peacekeeper scan.

ZHAAN: Have we got time to retrieve Crichton and the others?

PILOT: No.

ZHAAN: [sighs, thinks] What if we let them see us, and then....

PILOT: Starburst.

Zhaan nods.

PILOT: Scorpius may think we're all aboard and pursue.

ZHAAN: [to self] Goddess please send us guidance. Make this the right thing to do.

Moya starbursts away.

Bar.

JOHN: [to Rygel] Where are D'argo and Chiana?

RYGEL: [slightly slurred/drunk] Fortunately exchanging bodily fluids and checking a tracking station to locate Moya's orbit.

JOHN: Doesn't that just figure? Look, let's get that drink out of your hand. I'm gonna sober you up, and get you out of here.

TYNO: Excuse me.

JOHN: Yeah, in a second buddy. [to Rygel] Gimme the drink!

TYNO: Were you once a Peacekeeper?

John turns to look at Tyno.

JOHN: No. Oh, it's Counselor Tyno, right? Look, we gotta little problem. Our ship-

TYNO: [cuts in] Your friends have been given access to our space command to find your ship. But for now....if you don't mind....

Princess Katralla walks up behind John. John turns and sees her holding a vial up to him.

JOHN: Look, I'm a little partied out, so if you...could maybe...

KATRALLA: Please.

He looks at her. She looks at him imploringly.

JOHN: 'Kay.

Katralla places a drop on her tongue, as Tyno watches. She then places a drop on John's tongue. They touch tongues, then kiss. Rygel watches and moans softly. When John pulls back, Katralla has a large smile on her face.

JOHN: That's uh, sweet. It's sweet, it's kinda like molasses.

TYNO: Guards.

VOICES FROM THE CROWD: Look! Look at the Princess! She's smiling!

JOHN: Uh oh.

Clayvor jumps up from his seat in the balcony.

CLAYVOR: It cannot be!

SCARREN: No, Clayvor!

CLAYVOR: Take your claws off of me! My sister is not supposed to be compatible with another Sebacean!

SCARREN: And as far as we know, she isn't! Do not make a spectacle, your highness!

CLAYVOR: The kiss was sweet! They're compatible!

JOHN: What the hell's goin' on?

TYNO: For your protection.

JENA: And what if their DNA is cohesive?

SCARREN: Then, this pawn, whoever he is, must die tragically, within a solar day!

He breathes angrily.

Guards and Tyno walk John down a corridor.

JOHN: I understand everything you're almost saying, except, am I under arrest?

TYNO: Absolutely not.

JOHN: Good.

He turns and is stopped by guards.

TYNO: Please, try to understand.

JOHN: I understand. You asked me to kiss that chick!

TYNO: You kissed our Princess!

JOHN: Yeah, and now we're compatible? W-w-what the hell does that mean?

TYNO: You're the only male we've found, who might be able to provide her with healthy children.

JOHN: You want a donation to the sperm bank?

TYNO: I want you, to consider marrying her.

John looks at him, then turns and looks at the guards. He turns back to Tyno.

JOHN: You would just have to be...on this side of my life...to understand how frelling insane that is!

TYNO: She will be our next Empress. You would be Regent. Others would die for this chance.

JOHN: See! Die! There's the problem, there's a die part!

TYNO: All I ask is that you consider this blessing that's been laid before you.

They enter Clayvor's chambers. A servant adjusts Clayvor's clothes as he speaks. He turns to her.

CLAYVOR: What? [he starts to turn back, then whips around to her again] Stop it! Before I speak with them, not during! [to John] She's an ignorant creature.

TYNO: John Crichton, Prince Clayvor. Our second in line to the throne.

CLAYVOR: First among my people.

John gives him the peace sign.

CLAYVOR: You may take the guards and leave us now, Tyno.

TYNO: My instructions are otherwise. This potential suitor to the throne is to remain under protective custody at all times.

CLAYVOR: And who's order dares to countermand mine?

TYNO: The Empress. Your mother.

Clayvor glowers at Tyno for a few moments, then approaches John.

CLAYVOR: I will speak with you.......later.

Clayvor and his servant exit.

JOHN: There's always one....in every family.

TYNO: If Princess Katralla fails to wed by the anniversary of her birth, the throne goes to Prince Clayvor.

JOHN: Uh huh. And when's the expiry day?

TYNO: A matter of solar days.

JOHN: [nods] Is this my cell?

TYNO: Your room, yes.

John jumps on the bed and lays on his back. He sighs in satisfaction.

Bar.

Aeryn storms over to Chiana and D'argo.

AERYN: Where have you two been?

D'ARGO: We've been in the space command center all night. Moya is no longer in orbit around this planet.

AERYN: And flight control confirmed that she didn't crash. So, Zhaan and Pilot probably just-

CHIANA: [cuts in] Starbursted away and abandoned us.

AERYN: If we wanted to jump to conclusions.

CHIANA: You know Crichton's in custody?

AERYN: What?

CHIANA: Uh huh. He kissed some Princess and now they won't let him go.

AERYN: Of all the stupid-

CHIANA: [cuts in] You want me to jump to another conclusion? He probably wouldn't be in this dren, if it wasn't for you.

AERYN: Me?!

CHIANA: Yeah, if you hadn't rejected him!

AERYN: It wasn't my door he was last seen sniffing under!

CHIANA: Some women consider that a compliment!

AERYN: Some women have to.

D'ARGO: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. As entertaining as this is at the moment, it's getting us nowhere. Rygel's with Crichton. When he comes back, we'll have more information. As far as Moya goes, I think we should just wait.

AERYN: No. [grabs Chiana] You're coming with me, and you're gonna show me where they're keeping Crichton.

She drags her off.

CHIANA: We already tried! They won't let ya see 'im!

AERYN: Shut up, Chiana.

D'argo watches as they leave, and munches. Scorpius walks up behind him.

SCORPIUS: Ka D'argo, is it? I don't believe we've had the pleasure.

D'argo turns, and sees Scorpius. He growls and grabs a goblet from the table, brandishing it as a weapon.

SCORPIUS: I am totally unarmed. I bear you no ill will. Perhaps we should um...well, re-order. [snaps] And share a repast.

D'argo approaches him. The Scarran watches.

SCARREN: I knew there was more to it. Scorpius!

TYNO: He doesn't look at all Peacekeeper.

SCARREN: His father was Scarran - my race. His mother, Sebacean.

TYNO: He knows these companions of Crichton.

SCARREN: Crichton surely works for Scorpius. By marrying a spy to your sister, they gain the advantage with your dynasty. And block our advance.

TYNO: Oh, forgive my ignorance, sagacious teacher, I trusted you to make this work! Was it unwise of me?

SCARREN: You will rule. Not because you desire it Clayvor, but because I do!

John's room, in the Palace.

D'ARGO: This is Scorpius we are talking about.

JOHN: Yes, and it's my life, D'argo. Look, the Princess is nice. She's sweet. And it might be fun to go shopping for the rest of my life, but I am not getting married. What's the word on Moya?

D'ARGO: Nothing. And what difference does it make, anyway? Scorpius has a full Command Carrier out there, waiting for us. Which is probably why Zhaan and Pilot have taken off.

RYGEL: He's right, you know. Only place we're safe is in this Palace.

JOHN: I'm sorry. You're sayin' I should get married?

RYGEL: I would.

JOHN: You're a polygamist.

D'ARGO: John.

JOHN: What?

D'ARGO: Think it through. Scorpius has offered me a deal to turn you in.

JOHN: What, time share at his condo in hell?

D'ARGO: He's gonna leave the rest of us alone and he promises not to destroy your brain as long as you give him access to the wormhole technology in your brain.

JOHN: And you said...?

D'ARGO: That I'd talk to you about it.

JOHN: [throws up hands] That's it.

D'ARGO: [sighs] I was stalling him, John! Now, Rygel and I are in agreement about this, so listen up!

RYGEL: You increase our chances of figuring something out, the longer you at least pretend to love this girl.

JOHN: Love?! Love! R-rygel there is no love! I am the reverse King Arthur. I am the one who could put the sword into the stone!

D'ARGO: Alright, so what should we do?

JOHN: I don't care! I don't care what you guys do! I know what I am going to do. I am going to tell a nice girl that I am not her ticket to the throne.

John exits.

Moya. Zhaan enters Pilot's den.

ZHAAN: Pilot, are you certain the Command Carrier is not behind us?

PILOT: Positive. That is the shortest Starburst Moya is capable of. Practically an invitation for the Peacekeepers to follow.

ZHAAN: Then Scorpius has not taken our bait.

PILOT: Perhaps he's already aware Crichton and the others are down on the planet.

ZHAAN: If so, that means we have abandoned our friends.

PILOT: There was nothing we could have done, had we stayed, Zhaan.

ZHAAN: Turn us around, Pilot, immediately.

PILOT: I will attempt to plot a course back. As you know, even a minor Starburst invalidates all previous navigation points.

ZHAAN: Just do it!

PILOT: Pa U Zotoh! The decision to flee was a joint one!

Zhaan considers and bows apologetically.

Palace.

CLAYVOR: Normally this would be a time of great joy and celebration. But I must confess, I feel as if my-

JOHN: [cuts in] As if your not gonna be King, 'cause I'm gonna marry your sister. Relax, Ace, I'm not gonna be your brother-in-law.

CLAYVOR: Is this some kind of jest?

JOHN: Jest? [chuckles] No, it's not a jest. On my planet, we don't marry people we don't love, unless they're...critically ill billionaires. [pause] No, just take it easy, bro. As soon as my ship returns, I'm off this planet, you get to be king, congratulations.

John approaches Katralla, who has entered the room.

JOHN: Princess Katralla, it's good to see you again.

KATRALLA: I had given up hope of meeting a compatible Sebacean man.

JOHN: Yes, I uh, wanted to talk to you about that. Look uh, I don't know how to say this, so um-

NOVIA: [cuts in] Daughter.

KATRALLA: Mother.

NOVIA: You must be John Crichton. With delight.

JOHN: Empress.

NOVIA: I anticipate sturdy grandchildren from you. Let us get to know one another.

They take several steps away, together.

NOVIA: Have you proposed?

JOHN: What? No. No-no-no-no. I don't love your daughter.

NOVIA: How could you? You just met.

JOHN: Why don't you let your son be king?

NOVIA: He's a fool. He would betray our neutrality for the genuflect of peasants. And that breech would toll in hundreds of millions of lives.

JOHN: Yeah, starting with mine.

NOVIA: I have no purpose for you. Other than to keep my empire stable. If we recognize the Scarrans, Peacekeepers attack. Packed with Peacekeepers, Scarrans invade. [pause] You must wed Katralla.

JOHN: Empress, I understand your problems. But you need to understand, there's nothing you can say, that's going to make me marry your daughter.

Novia smiles. She places her hand, palm up, on his shoulder, indicating him to look. He turns, and sees Scorpius enter the room.

SCORPIUS: Oh, hello Crichton!

Flashes of his torture in the Aurora Chair, fill his mind.

SCORPIUS: Something to remember me by, Crichton.

The intense pain and memory flashbacks distract him. He squeezes his eyes and shakes his head to clear it. Scorpius hugs John.

JOHN: I hate to say you wasted your time Scorpy, but you have.

SCORPIUS: You know, that no matter what you think, the rifts between us need not be terminal.

JOHN: Go away Scorpy. It's over. Find another girlfriend.

SCORPIUS: [chuckles] Now don't let her frighten you John, mm? Now you make the correct decision. [pats John on the shoulder]

Scorpius steps away.

NOVIA: My daughter, or that abomination. Choose.

Novia walks away. John considers, turning to look at Scorpius a moment. He struggles, and finally comes to a decision. He approaches Katralla, obviously emotional.

KATRALLA: Bad?

JOHN: Enough.

KATRALLA: She's strong, and gets what she wants.

JOHN: What about you?

KATRALLA: Rarely.

JOHN: So what do you want?

KATRALLA: To be Empress. To have children. To keep the peace for my people.

JOHN: Even if we're miserable for the rest of our lives?

KATRALLA: [shakes head] I won't make you miserable. [pause] I'm sorry.

John struggles again with his decision.

JOHN: Princess Katralla.......will you consent to marry me?

KATRALLA: Yes.

She kisses his cheek and hugs him. Scorpius looks on, with a wide grin on his face.

Walking down the corridors of the Palace.

AERYN: What do you mean you have no choice?

JOHN: No choice. Rock. Me. Hard place.

AERYN: Fight. Retreat. Remain silent.

JOHN: Scorpius. The Empress.

AERYN: You disappoint me, Crichton.

JOHN: You should lower your expectations.

AERYN: Well, at least the Princess is pretty.

JOHN: Yeah, I guess so.

AERYN: And wealthy.

JOHN: Suppose so.

AERYN: Think of all the power you'll have.

JOHN: Yeah, can't stop thinkin' about it. That, and how I'm gonna get off this planet the way I got here. Single, and alive.

AERYN: Well, I'll see what I can do.

DREGON: Congratulations!

JOHN: Sorry?

DREGON: Marrying our Princess. Dregon Casanova, cousin to the crown.

They shake hands.

JOHN: John Crichton, Astronaut.

DREGON: Katralla's a lovely girl. I wish you great happiness. [to Aeryn] Uh, and you would be...?

AERYN: Extremely pre-occupied. Excuse me.

She takes John and walks away.

DREGON: Perhaps some other time, then.

JOHN: We'll do lunch. [to Aeryn] He seemed like a nice guy.

AERYN: Stop it.

JOHN: So, any word on Moya?

AERYN: We think she got spooked by Scorpius' Command Carrier.

JOHN: Yes, spook. Spooky. That's a good name for him, he has that effect.

AERYN: On you?

JOHN: On everybody. How many guards have you seen since you got up here?

AERYN: Too many.

JOHN: That's right. They're protecting me. From him. Look, the Empress, this is her ballgame. But if you have some suggestions, now would be a good time.

AERYN: I'm just trying to figure out what they're hiding from us.

JOHN: Well see if you can figure out someone else to marry the Princess.

AERYN: And if I can't?

JOHN: Better wed than dead.

Aeryn groans and walks off. John follows shortly.

Outside the palace. A lush green semi-seclusive place. Aeryn walks through the trees. She hears Princess Katralla's voice.

KATRALLA: Oh, Tyno. I truly believe my mother will force me to marry this stranger.

TYNO: We can only hope.

KATRALLA: We can only hope?

TYNO: What am I supposed to say, Katralla?

KATRALLA: You're supposed to say "No! Stop this travesty!" You're supposed to say "No, I will not let you marry that man!" You're supposed to take me away from this madness that is my life!

TYNO: There's too much at stake to stop this, now, you must exchange espouses.

KATRALLA: But I love you!

TYNO: As I love you. But our union is not destined to be.

Katralla grabs his face and kisses him passionately. Aeryn looks on. They continue to kiss. Aeryn tilts her head in interest. Tyno gently pushes Katralla back.

TYNO: You must go to Crichton. You must do your duty.

Katralla looks at Tyno, obviously hurt.

Bar.

AERYN: Crichton is such a frelling fool!

D'ARGO: He has no choice.

AERYN: Oh, please! Princess pretend doesn't even love him! She wants that Tyno.

D'ARGO: You're forgetting about Scorpius.

AERYN: We can hide from him in the barren lands outside the city until he leaves.

CHIANA: Marrying her is the only thing that will save Crichton's life, Aeryn. Don't you get that?

AERYN: I've had just about enough of you.

CHIANA: No-no-no. It's not me that you're mad at. You should have told him how you felt, when you had a chance.

AERYN: You don't know anything.

CHIANA: Yeah? Well I know about men. You see that one over there? How many times has he tried to come onto you? What? Three? Four? Look, he's - he's well bred, he's rich. Handsome. Perfect. You're gonna let him get away too. You know why?

AERYN: Oh, go on. Tell me.

CHIANA: Because you only want the ones you can't have. So you're gonna go to Crichton, you're gonna mess with his mind, he's gonna be turned over to Scorpius, and dead.

AERYN: This marriage is wrong and you both know it!

She exits.

Moya, Pilot's den.

ZHAAN: Pilot, why are we still moving away from the Royal planet?

PILOT: Moya is following a signal of some sort and refuses to give up the trail.

ZHAAN: Does she know that Scorpius did not follow us? Does she know we have to return to the planet to help our friends?

PILOT: Yes, but she is driven forward.

ZHAAN: What sort of signal is it, Pilot?

PILOT: Impossible to describe to our satisfaction. But one of her eight senses clearly identifies it as familiar and compelling.

Aeryn walks through the corridors. She comes upon the Scarran.

AERYN: Oooh, perfect.

SCARREN: I don't believe I've had the pleasure.

AERYN: Yes, I've heard that about Scarrans.

She starts walking away.

SCARREN: Perhaps we could talk for a moment. In private.

She stops. After a moment, she turns around and enters the room that he indicated. He follows.

SCARREN: I have a message for Scorpius.

AERYN: Scorpius?

SCARREN: I know you work together, I saw your Luxan with him.

AERYN: Go ahead.

SCARREN: We will not tolerate your interference, so far out in what you condescendingly call the Uncharted Territories. SCARREN: Yes. Is your presence here the vanguard of a larger invading force?

AERYN: I shall send your regards to Scorpius.

SCARREN: I had hoped to learn your mind by conversation, however, if I must invade it-

He points at her, intending to use his powers to read her mind. She hits his arm, and punches him in the face. She punches and kicks him. He easily pushes her away, with a growl. She punches him several more times, having no effect at all. He grabs one of her arms and twists the wrist. She tries punching him with her free hand. He deflects it easily, then grabs her by the throat. He flings her against the mirrored wall, leaving a large star of smashed glass. She tumbles to the ground. He pulls her up, and throws her on a nearby decorated table. He drags her across, knocking down all the decor. She falls to the floor and struggles to get up.

NOVIA: Don't stop now. Go on, kill each other. Save me the trouble.

SCARREN: My apologies, Empress.

The Scarran exits.

NOVIA: I rarely bother with warnings. Consider yourself the beneficiary of largess.

Novia primps herself, looks at Aeryn, and exits. Rygel passes her on her way out.

RYGEL: Empress. [to Aeryn] Listen carefully, Peacekeeper. The longer Crichton plays the part he's been assigned, the more likely we'll keep our internal organs, internal. Do not dissuade him from this marriage.

AERYN: Thank you, Rygel. I'll do what I think is right.

RYGEL: For Crichton? Or for you?

Rygel exits.

DOCTOR: Just a small burn, Princess.

The doctor takes some DNA from her forearm.

DOCTOR: Almost finished.

JOHN: You know, you take anymore samples of my DNA, there's not gonna be enough left to be me.

TYNO: What species are you? Since you're not Sebacean.

JOHN: Human. I keep trying to tell you guys that, but nobody seems to wanna listen.

TYNO: We still don't. The Empress has ordered the revelation sealed. No one will ever know.

JOHN: It's that important I marry the Princess?

TYNO: Our dynastic integrity...has always insured peace. Any fraction...and the whole region could erupt.

JOHN: Then why don't you marry her?

TYNO: Her DNA was poisoned. Unreceptive to anyone. Until you.

KATRALLA: [to doctor] Would you activate the machine for me, please?

JOHN: Huh.

Katralla steps into a large circular contraption.

JOHN: Her brother.

TYNO: Very discerning. With help, we believe, from the Scarran emissary.

KATRALLA: John! Come look.

RYGEL: Oh! This is truly amazing, Crichton! I must have one for my kingdom. [chuckles]

KATRALLA: Boy, or girl?

JOHN: I'm sorry, what?

KATRALLA: The DNA testing confirms our insipid kiss. Our children will be healthy. Disease free.

RYGEL: And you can see what they'll be like. Oh-ho-ho! How many nasty surprises could I have avoided! [laughs]

KATRALLA: [to tech] Male infant, please.

One of the technicians presses a button on the side, and a light shines down from the top. A chubby baby boy appears in Katralla's arms. She chuckles happily. John approaches slowly.

JOHN: Hey buuuuuddy. What's up? Where'd you come from? Look at you, slugger.

John and Katralla chuckle. Aeryn enters the room and sees them together, with the baby.

JOHN: This is - this is what....our child would look like?

KATRALLA: One possibility. The choice is ours.

Aeryn exits.

JOHN: [to baby] Yeah, you da man. You da man.

KATRALLA: Would you like to see him grown up?

JOHN: Yes. Please. Not - not too grown up.

Later. A boy stands before John, about five years old.

BOY: Hi dad.

RYGEL: Astounding device! Oh! Oh! Looks just like you!

The boy punches John playfully. John laughs.

JOHN: He does, kinda.

RYGEL: Yet, he may be able to overcome it.

Rygel chuckles. John punches the boy softly in the stomach. The boy swings back.

JOHN: Thank you. That's all.

The boy dissolves before his eyes. He blinks back tears.

TYNO: Not to be obtrusive, but the royal tailor would like to see you for a fitting. You're scheduled to meet members of the royal family court. And you must work on a pose for your governant's statue.

JOHN: Statue? [laughs] Get out of town. Alright, fine. Well, on Earth we have this Queen, she uh, she's got this wave [does wave]. I'll - I'll do that.

TYNO: Hardly a pose you'd like to hold for eighty cycles, I'm afraid.

JOHN: W-what eighty cycles?

TYNO: I just assumed you knew.

JOHN: Knew what?!

Garden.

TYNO: Crichton's DNA is compatible! It's not a trick!

SCARREN: Then your loyalists must assassinate him!

TYNO: You've really frelled up this time, Cargn, this is not part of our bargain!

CARGN: Scorpius is here, because your mother let him attend.

TYNO: Oh, so now it's my mother's fault, huh? I have half a mind to tell her about you!

Cargn points his finger at Tyno and locks onto him with his powerful ability.

CARGN: You do have half a mind, your Highness. But will you actually reveal our pact?

TYNO: [strained] No.

CARGN: Can you see past childishness to realize any betrayal means your instant death? Even if mine follows.

TYNO: [strained] Yes.

Cargn releases him. Tyno falls to the ground, and vomits.

CARGN: I am curious, dear Jenavia, to learn of your loyalties. [he turns his power on her] As I interrogated your loving fiancée', what was going through your delicate little mind.

JENA: [strained] I - I was hoping you wouldn't wear that to our wedding.

He releases her. She flops over the banister of the gazebo and vomits.

CARGN: Destiny's couple, you are.

Moya passes into an area of space, filled with a cloud-like substance. Yellow lights float and move through the clouds. Zhaan looks on at it, from command.

ZHAAN: Why has Moya brought us here, Pilot?

PILOT: [clamshell] I don't know. Moya continues to be evasive with me. However, I assume it has something to do with that.

He indicates in front of her. Through the clouds, she sees a stream of smoke-like substance, heading right for them.

ZHAAN: What is it, Pilot? Is it alive?

PILOT: Yes.

ZHAAN: Does Moya know this living thing?

PILOT: Yes.

ZHAAN: Who is it?

PILOT: The...builders. [pause] Their creators. Her...God.

Chiana and D'argo share in the pleasure of one another. John enters.

JOHN: Did you hear?! About the statue?! Hey, Chiana. Eighty cycles. Eighty cycles! That is roughly eighty years to you and me and over five hundred years to dogs!

D'argo comes out from under the blanket.

D'ARGO: Why don't you stay and tell us about it, John?

Chiana grabs a sheet, and walks off. D'argo wraps himself in the blanket and sits next to John.

JOHN: Did you know about the statue, when you were convincing me to marry the princess?

D'ARGO: [shakes head] I don't know about it now.

JOHN: After we're married, and I mean right after we're married, they turn us into statues.

D'ARGO: That. Is. Fascinating.

JOHN: Excellent. D'argo discovers science.

John stands up and walks a couple steps away.

D'ARGO: To what purpose?

JOHN: [sighs] Governing continuity. They screw with our molecular structure, turn us into pigeon perches and we preside over their Senate, or whatever the hell they call it, for eighty cycles.

D'ARGO: As...a statue?

JOHN: Yeah. I mean, we can see and hear. Don't ask me how, and we are supposed to absorb every single facet of their governmental system. That way, when mom and pops finally kick it, we rule.

D'ARGO: Perhaps that's why they've endured nineteen hundred cycles of peace. It works.

JOHN: You're like a brochure.

D'argo stands.

D'ARGO: You have to go through with it, John.

JOHN: Eighty cycles. M-my college loans will be delinquent. I'll miss the strippers on my hundredth birthday. I-I'll get a utility bill...for three trillion dollars for a single porch light that I left on, and everybody I know, will be dead!!

D'ARGO: The alternative....is having your brain dissected by Scorpius.

JOHN: Humans do not live as long as Sebaceans, or Hynerians or Delvians. When I get back....everyone - my dad, DK, my sisters, Cameron Diaz, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, will be dead!

D'ARGO: Well, you may never see these people again, anyway.

JOHN: Hope. D'argo. It's what keeps you going. You're gonna see your son. I'm gonna get home. Hope. I have hope. Or I am nothing.

He sits back on the bed, and holds his face in his hands. D'argo sits next to him.

D'ARGO: Look at what fate has given you. Scorpius will no longer be a threat. And as a ruler, you will have power...peace...prosperity. You could uh...create a family. Perhaps you've only just discovered your true destiny.

JOHN: You've been spending way too much time with Chiana, you know that.

D'ARGO: Amongst all the fluff, she can make a lot of sense. Our time was good, John. We had each other when we needed each other. But now it's time to look past your fears. See what's on the road ahead.

JOHN: If I do this, you have to be my best man.

D'ARGO: Uh.....I'm with Chiana now, John.

John's room. Ro'Na fixes up John's wedding suit, which is laying on the bed. John walks up beside her and leans over, touching the material. He already has on the pants, and a black sleeveless shirt. He picks up a red silk-like "coat", putting it on.

JOHN: Do you talk?

RO'NA: When asked to, Highness.

JOHN: So uh....you work for the royal family?

RO'NA: For twenty-two cycles. Since Katralla and Clayvor were children. I am happy she has found you as a mate, Highness.

JOHN: No uh, lose the Highness part. I'm John, call me that.

RO'NA: I am Ro'Na.

JOHN: Ro'Na -

Aeryn storms in.

AERYN: [cuts in] Could you give us a moment please?

Ro'Na exits quickly.

AERYN: So you're going to listen to D'argo over me, are you? Is that right?

JOHN: The Empress has made it clear. I marry her daughter or she hands me to Scorpius!

AERN: Eighty cycles as a statue?

JOHN: It's better than Scorpius!!

AERYN: Is it?

She looks at him, giving small gestures that he explain his case.

JOHN: He's in my head. The back of my mind. Corner of my eye. He scares me Aeryn and I can't shake him.

AERYN: I don't know what you're talking about, but there's never been anything we couldn't overcome together.

Pause.

JOHN: Except each other.

He walks to the bed and picks up the coat to his wedding outfit.

AERYN: I can't come to the wedding.

JOHN: I want you there.

AERYN: [shakes head] Don't be absurd.

JOHN: I need you...there. [pause] Aeryn........don't you think...that there are things to say?

AERYN: At this point, what else can we say, except goodbye?

JOHN: You're right. [nods] You're always right.

Aeryn exits.

JOHN: [whispers] Bye.

He sits on the edge of his bed, and sighs, looking at the coat.

JOHN: Welcome to Barbie world.

A man enters the room.

MAN: They're almost ready for you, Highness.

John glances back at him, and tosses the coat on the bed. Before he has turned around, the man had broken the neck of the guard. John hears the noise of the guard falling, and quickly turns. The man pulls a blade from his sleeve, as he approaches John. John stands and quickly thrusts the bench he was sitting on, so that the far end hits the mans attacking arm. He then pushes the bench forward, knocking the man in the head, sending him to the ground. Then, he lets the bench back down, pinning the man beneath it. He punches the man several times. Two other men enter, each one taking John by an arm. One of the men punches John in the stomach, then in the head. Yet another man enters, and the two other men throw John to him. He punches John in the stomach, turns him, and tosses him back at the other two men, who catch him. They turn him around and the other man kicks John in the stomach. When John looks up, the first man who entered is standing before him.

MAN: Here's your wedding present. From Prince Clayvor.

He points a device at John. It releases a ray, which contorts John's features, and causes him to gargle in pain.

TO BE CONTINUED......Part II: I Do, I Think