[Previously on...]

Pilot's den.

DARGO: Is there still no communication from the planet?

PILOT: Nothing. The Diagnosian said we would be notified as soon as there was something to report.

Corridor.

ZHAAN: [comm] Pilot, any news?

PILOT: I would have told you, if there were.

STARK: [to Zhaan] We should be down there at Crichton's side.

ZHAAN: John did not want us there, we must respect that. [to comm] The microt you hear anything, Pilot.

PILOT: Yes, Zhaan.

Talyn.

CRAIS: [comm] Pilot, I remind you that we shouldn't stay any longer than necessary. If the Neural Clones' messages got through to Scorpius...his Command Carrier must be on it's way.

PILOT: We know that, Crais.

Center chamber.

CHIANA: [comm] Pilot? Have you heard anything?

PILOT: No! When I know something, you'll know it! Until then, leave me alone!

JOTHEE: Is he always like that?

CHIANA: Aeryn's death hit him pretty hard.

JOTHEE: Hit everybody hard.

He strokes her hair kindly.

Frozen planet.

Braca yanks Grunschlik up by his collar.

BRACA: Now why were you hiding, Grunschlik?

GRUNSCHLIK: Well why did you and your goons come stormin' in here with your guns drawn?

BRACA: Oh, just a precaution.

GRUNSCHLIK: Precau- Well so is tha'! [points at freezer chamber] So go on Son, put your precautions away and pay me what we agreed. Listen. I informed you the microt that Crichton got here. So you keep up your end of the deal, alright?

Braca shoves his pulse pistol further into Grunschlik's neck. Grunschlik fights back.

GRUNSCHLIK: [angry whisper] Listen Son, you don't wanna frell with me on this one!

SCORPIUS: Grunschlik. If I was in your situation, I'd be attempting to present evidence that I still served a purpose.

BRACA: Does he?

SCORPIUS: Now that my Neural chip has absorbed the information I need from John's mind...we're finished here. Poor Crichton. He's going to be so lonely. Never mind.

He bites into the chunk of brain left on the chip, savoring it.

John screams incoherently from the operating room. The Diagnosian moves slightly and moans. The Scorpius clone in John's mind, suddenly calls for him. He appears on a boating dock, once again.

SCORPIUS: John. It's me, John. I'm still here.

JOHN: What? No! No-no-no-no-no, you're gone, the chip's gone, get out of my head!

SCORPIUS: I'd like to. I don't wish to remain here, therefore you must die.

[INTRO: My name is John Crichton [I'm lost], an Astronaut [shot through a wormhole], in some distant part of the Universe [I'm trying to stay alive]. Aboard this ship [this living ship] of escaped prisoners [my friends]. If you can hear me [beware], if I make it back [will they follow?], if I open the door [are you ready?]. Earth is unprepared [helpless] for the nightmares [I've seen]. Or should I stay [protect my home?]? Not show them [your existence]? But then you'll never know [the wonders I have seen].]

Frozen storage room.

GRUNSCHLIK: Serve a purpose? 'Course I serve a purpose. Any purpose you like, Sir. Got a purpose? [Braca draws gun] No? Well, I'll come up with one! Look, tha-that's a purpose in itself!

CORBRIN: Sir!

BRACA: Officer Corbrin. I ordered you to remain with the Marauder!

CORBRIN: Yes Sir. However, we've received an encoded message pulse from the Command Carrier.

SCORPIUS: Oh, report.

CORBRIN: Battle ended successfully.

Scorpius smiles. Grunschlik chuckles.

CORBRIN: However, the expected duration of the engagement will delay our rendezvous five point three arns.

SCORPIUS: Five arns? [pauses] Crichton's shipmates won't stay away that long.

BRACA: We can eliminate them.

SCORPIUS: They don't worry me. [sighs] A Leviathan gunship commanded by a vengeful traitor does.

CORBRIN: Sir, I flew us here undetected!

SCORPIUS: Because Crais and Talyn were preoccupied with Officer Sun's last flight! [steps closer to Corbrin] If we were to leave now, how long could you keep us undetected?

CORBRIN: We'd be a thousand metras away before the gunship detected us.

SCORPIUS: Not good enough! [sighs] With the Carrier still so far off...Talyn would easily overtake us. [breathes deeply] We'll wait.

GRUNSCHLIK: Ah! I - If you're thinking of staying, Sir...I've got a splendid room. All the comforts. Very private.

Scorpius nods.

BRACA: Show us.

Grunschlik steps forward, chuckling in relief.

GRUNSCHLIK: Splendid.

John continues to scream from the operating room, and conversing with Scorpy in his head.

SCORPIUS: Death is the only sensible course, John. For everything there is a season. A time to be born -

TOGETHER: And a time to die.

JOHN: Yes-yes-yes. The devil quotes scripture. I thought you were put in here to protect me!

SCORPIUS: Until my task here was completed. Now that Scorpius has recovered the Neural Chip-

JOHN: [cuts in] You should be gone! How come you're not?!

SCORPIUS: I don't know, but this! This is intolerable! For both of us! End it John! Free us from one another!

John walks past him, trying to ignore his rambling.

SCORPIUS: Scorpius has beaten you, Aeryn Sun is dead, your power of speech is gone! The only one you'll ever talk to again is me! Is that how you want to live?! End it John. Do it.

John lays on the table, tears in his eyes.

Corridor.

RYGEL: Grunschlik! Where are you?! You told me that ship would be here by now! Grunschliiik!!

He hears John's desperate voice. He hovers into the room.

RYGEL: Oh, Crichton! You're even more inarticulate than you-

He sees the Diagnosian on the floor.

RYGEL: Oh! Tocot?

ZHAAN: [comm] We'll come down at once, Rygel.

CHIANA: D'argo! Hey, we got a meal ready.

Center chamber.

D'ARGO: There's a problem. Zhaan, Stark and I are going down to the planet.

JOTHEE: We'll go with you!

D'ARGO: No, I need you to stay here with Moya. Scorpius' Command Carrier could arrive any microt. If it does...I want you to Starburst away immediately.

Jothee and Chiana resist.

CHIANA: Bu-but Pilot can look after Moya-

D'ARGO: Do what I tell you.

He growls softly and exits.

CHIANA: [throws cup] Frell!

JOTHEE: [knocks over kitchen supplies] Frelling sick of this!

Frozen planet, private room.

GRUNSCHLIK: When the service is finished, everyone except Crichton went back up to their ship and the Doc, he started the surgery.

BRACA: And your last communication with any of them was when?

GRUNSCHLIK: Um, nine or ten arns ago.

CORBRIN: Sir, Marauder sensors have detected a pod leaving Moya. On a vector towards us.

SCORPIUS: [to Grunschlik] They didn't speak to you first? They must be getting apprehensive.

He walks towards Grunschlik as the man speaks.

GRUNSCHLIK: Oh, when they get here, let me speak to 'em. I'll uh - I'll stall 'em, send 'em away, whatever you want. I'll-I'll say anything you like. [chuckles nervously]

SCORPIUS: How prescient of you.

Scorpius stabs a sharp metal instrument into the base of Grunschlik's neck. Grunschlik convulses and screams. After Scorpius pulls it out, he stands rigidly, then falls to his knees, convulses some more, and pants. Scorpius places a device on his own head.

SCOPRIUS: Yours is an interesting species, Grunschlik. Simple mind. [pause] Simple brain.

Scorpius slowly seats himself in the chair Grunschlik was previously in. Grunschlik rocks slowly and groans.

SCORPIUS: Easily dominated. [pause] And easily controlled.

Scorpius raises his hand. In front of him (with his back to Scorpius), Grunschlik mimics the movement. He flexes the hand, and smiles. Grunschlik does the same.

Operating room. Rygel gives Tocot CPR. Zhaan, Stark and D'argo rush into the room.

ZHAAN: Oh!

RYGEL: About time!

ZHAAN: Keep trying, Rygel!

RYGEL: You try! I've done everything you told me! Turned on the Bio-neutralizer, turned off the see-through skull machine! Enough is enough!

D'argo goes to John as Rygel rants.

D'ARGO: John. John.

RYGEL: It's just not working!

Tocot begins breathing and coughing.

ZHAAN: He's breathing!

TOCOT: Scor-Scor-Scorpius!

They look at each other in dread.

CRAIS: [comm] The Command Carrier couldn't have arrived without our knowing. Scorpius must have come in a Prowler or a Marauder on a stealth trajectory.

ZHAAN: Could he still be here?

CRAIS: Possibly. If so, reinforcements may follow. Talyn and I will adjust our orbit for maximum scan.

Zhaan nods.

Private room. Scorpius continues to control Grunschlik. His lips move, as Grunschlik says the words he wishes.

GRUNSCHLIK: Splendid room. All the comforts. Very private. Splendid room. All the c-c- [gags, makes several garbled noises] I'll say-I'll say anything you like. I'll say anything you like! I'll say anything you like. Well, with a little diversion. Braca. Lemme see your Pulse Pistol.

Braca looks nervously at Grunschlik, then at Scorpius. Grunschlik sticks out his hand. Braca steps forward, Grunschlik takes the pistol. He then shoots himself in the upper arm. Scorpius convulses once, in shared pain.

GRUNSCHLIK: Splendid.

Grunschlik makes a "woof" noise and hands the weapon back to Braca. Grunschlik breathes out the pain.

Grunschlik lays injured in the corridor. D'argo discovers him.

GRUNSCHLIK: Help!

D'argo goes to his side.

GRUNSCHLIK: Scorpius. Shot me. Took the chip.

D'ARGO: When?

GRUNSCHLIK: Couple of arns ago. Gone now.

D'ARGO: Are you sure he's gone?

GRUNSCHLIK: [nods] Long gone.

Operation room. Stark looks at the bodies in the freezer chambers.

STARK: Grunschlik! You - you use these poor beings as donors!

GRUNSCHLIK: The Doc couldn't operate else.

STARK: Crichton didn't want the operation if it would harm a donor!

GRUNSCHLIK: But nobody was harmed and the Doc was only borrowing some cerebral fluid to top up Crichtons! They can spare it.

D'ARGO: How can they be harmed if they are already dead?

GRUNSCHLIK: Yeah!

ZHAAN: They aren't dead.

GRUNSCHLIK: Well, I mean, they're effectively dead cause they can't be restored and live.

STARK: They're trapped, between two realms! Lost!

D'ARGO: Stark! [walks up, places a hand on his shoulder] John needs our help, now. [walks away] Tocot, what can we do now?

Tocot speaks in his language.

GRUNSCHLIK: Well - the doc says that he can try and restore his speech with a neural tissue transplant, but uh...would use up a donor.

ZHAAN: You mean kill.

GRUNSCHLIK: Oh, whatever you want!

STARK: Crichton definitely would not want that!

GRUNSCHLIK: Look. [points at John] It might not even work anyway. The Doc says this is so scrambled he might not be able to fix, no matter what.

D'ARGO: If that's the case, we need to know.

ZHAAN: You want me to share unity with him. No! I can't! The last time I wasn't strong enough to overcome Scorpius' evil.

D'ARGO: The evil is gone now.

ZHAAN: The chip may have been removed, but...the evil may still remain.

D'ARGO: If that is true, we still need to know.

She shakes her head fearfully.

D'ARGO: You're not alone now, Zhaan.

She turns to Stark, who nods. She turns to Grunschlik, who sticks out a hand to help her step up. She slowly positions herself over Crichton's head. Stark gives her another slight nod. She pulls down her hood, bends, and places her hands to each side of John's head. She softly places her forehead against his. She tenses, then begins to cry, as the Neural clone speaks to her.

SCORPIUS: Delvian. Delvian. Listen to Crichton. Hear his pain.

D'ARGO: What should we do? Should we help her break out of it?

STARK: Uh...I don't know.

D'ARGO: Zhaan!

JOHN: [mentally] Go away. Go away Zhaan. There's no point.

STARK: Come out of it! Break unity!

She pulls away, with a cry. D'argo rushes to her side.

ZHAAN: [weeping] Goddess be with him! The Scorpius clone, is still in his head!

D'ARGO: What?!

STARK: How is that possible? It didn't work! [to Tocot] Why didn't it work?! What did you do wrong?!

Tocot responds in his language. Meanwhile, Grunschlik speaks privately with Zhaan.

GRUNSCHLIK: They are never gonna do what's necessary. You know what has to be done.

D'ARGO: We're gonna help you, John.

ZHAAN: Give me some Warnack injectant.

D'ARGO: We're gonna get that frelling mad man out of your mind.

GRUNSCHLIK: [whispers] I can't see any. But how about some Narbot serum? It's just as fast and painless.

She takes the serum and slowly approaches John. Stark turns, just in time to see her about to inject John.

STARK: Zhaan, what are you doing?!

D'ARGO: Zhaan!

STARK: Zhaan, no!

He grabs her, pulling her arm away.

ZHAAN: Let me go!

D'ARGO: Hold her, Stark!

ZHAAN: Crichton wants to die!

D'ARGO: Hold her!

John yells incoherently.

STARK: Zhaan, stop it!

ZHAAN: He wants to die!

D'ARGO: Be calm. Be calm!

Continued Scene VIII, later.

ZHAAN: John is in agony. He begged me to kill him.

D'ARGO: We have already lost Aeryn. We will not lose another.

STARK: Why is Scorpius still in Crichton's mind?

Tocot responds.

GRUNSCHLIK: Well the Doc figures it's like a neural bleed. The uh clone's personality has been in there so long, his consciousness has like merged with Crichton's. [whispers] How interesting.

D'ARGO: Just, remove it!

Tocot speaks angrily.

GRUNSCHLIK: Well, it's - it's not that easy! You can't just cut it out with scalpel, sir.

ZHAAN: There's only one merciful thing to do.

GRUNSCHLIK: Yeah, I would have to agree.

D'ARGO: You two, out!

GRUNSCHLIK: Hey!

D'ARGO: Get out! And do not come back into this chamber!

GRUNSCHLIK: Alright! Come on girl.

Zhaan and Grunschlik take hands and exit. Stark approaches D'argo.

STARK: What should we do?

D'ARGO: Whatever we can. [approaches Tocot] You. Restore his speech.

TOCOT: But...Crichton insisted. No harm, to donor.

STARK: You're the one harming the donors! Their souls are crying out, screaming out in pain!

TOCOT: No pain!

STARK: I can hear them!! [pants angrily] Effectively dead! That isn't death at all!

He rushes to a chamber, and opens it.

STARK: This is death!

He stabs the body with the Narbot serum Zhaan had earlier. The man cries out. John shouts angrily.

Stark walks towards John as he speaks.

STARK: And that, that was mercy. His agony was far greater than yours.

D'ARGO: [to Tocot] Now, my friend. Can you help John?

TOCOT: Can try.

D'ARGO: Well go ahead.

John mutters irritably.

D'ARGO: And as for you. Do not make me tongue you.

Corridor.

GRUNSCHLIK: You look pretty rouged.

ZHAAN: I need air. I will go outside and meditate.

GRUNSCHLIK: Yeah, now weather's cold, gettin' worse.

ZHAAN: Cold does not bother me.

CRAIS: [comm] Pa U Zhaan, anything to report?

ZHAAN: Not yet Crais.

GRUNSCHLIK: Still in orbit? Go chase that bastard Scorpius.

CRAIS: Their trail is cold. Talyn and I have found nothing to suggest a vector.

GRUNSCHLIK: So, what you doin' here then?

CRAIS: We await the delivery of the remains of Officer Sun. For the burial in space she would have wanted.

GRUNSCHLIK: Fine. I'll load her coffin up onto your transport pod and uh, Zhaan can bring 'er up to ya.

ZHAAN: I cannot face such a task right now.

GRUNSCHLIK: [covers comm] Help me out, eh? I'm tryin' to get rid of that yarbo and his gunship from my planet, I don't trust 'im.

She removes his hand and turns off the comm.

ZHAAN: When we all leave, we will take Aeryn Sun with us.

She exits.

In the private room.

SCORPIUS: Hmpf. If you will leave.

Center chamber.

CHIANA: I thought you were hungry.

JOTHEE: I was, until I started eating. You want some?

CHIANA: [shakes head] No.

JOTHEE: Come on. It'll put color in your cheek.

CHIANA: No.

JOTHEE: Come on. We'll die of boredom, but we'll be well fed.

He puts the food in front of her mouth. She bites out at him, with a giggle.

JOTHEE: What'd you do that for?

CHIANA: I don't know.

JOTHEE: Think.

CHIANA: W-well maybe I don't like being taken care of.

JOTHEE: Maybe I don't like being bitten.

CHIANA: Yeah, well then keep your hands out of my face!

She takes a chip from a plate.

JOTHEE: Keep your hands out of my food!

He grabs her wrist.

CHIANA: Hey, I helped make that!

She tries to attack him, but he grabs her. They are pinned close together.

JOTHEE: [deeply] Too bad!

CHIANA: [giggles] Still bored?

JOTHEE: Stop it!

He pushes her off, and whirls her around, pinning one arm behind her and putting her in a head lock. She laughs in surprise.

CHIANA: You better - you better let go, otherwise I - I'm gonna have to press somethin' else.

JOTHEE: You'll lose an arm!

CHIANA: Well, you'll lose worse than an arm. His expression changes, as she obviously touches a sensitive area.

JOTHEE: You wouldn't do that.

His arm that was locked across her collar bone, now drifts across her breast.

CHIANA: Oh, don't tell me what I - what I would or wouldn't do. I do as I please.

JOTHEE: Okay. Do whatever you want.

She leans back and they kiss.

Operating room.

Tocot presses some buttons. The room dims for a moment, then returns to normal.

TOCOT: Done. Damage repaired. Speech should return.

STARK: Should?!

TOCOT: Will know, soon.

Tocot begins to exit.

D'ARGO: Hey, where are you going?

TOCOT: Must excrete.

JOHN: D. D. D-D'argo.

D'argo returns to John.

JOHN: Aeryn's gone. Want to die.

D'ARGO: Aeryn died so you could live, John. She would want you to keep fighting.

JOHN: Lost. [struggles] Still hear Scorpy.

STARK: Listen to me. The chip's out. The tendrils are dead. The Scorpy in your head is merely a remnant. A-a-a- an impudent wraith buzzing in your ear. You're stronger than he is. Show him!

John looks at D'argo a moment, then closes his eyes. He's back in his mind, on the dock. He walks up to Scorpius.

JOHN: Hey Harvey. Let's have a little chat.

SCORPIUS: I don't wish to chat John, I wish to leave. That is why you must die.

JOHN: Why don't you kill me? You did it before. Stopped my brain function cold. What's the matter, you lost your touch?

SCORPIUS: Circumstances are different now.

JOHN: Yes they are. You've got no connections, no backup, no power supply. No place to hide. [takes Scorpius around the shoulders] I'm gonna make some rules, now. Come on. Lemme show you what I mean.

He whips Scorpius around, and shoves him. Scorpius lands on his back, in a dirt floored warehouse. He struggles to gain his feet.

SCORPIUS: Now John, you listen to me!

JOHN: Not this time, Scorpy, this brain ain't big enough for the two of us.

He accentuates the end of his sentence by punching Scorpius.

SCORPIUS: Now Crichton, I'm warning you...

JOHN: I'm sorry Sweetheart!

He punches him again.

JOHN: Come on Scorpy, come on man!

He dances gingerly, hands in light fists.

JOHN: Show me that ugly grin!

He punches Scorpius again. After the punch, Scorpius puts up his own fists.

SCORPIUS: I'm warning you, Crichton! Now you stop!

John dances in a circle.

JOHN: Oh no, no, no, no, I don't think so. Remember? Out with the old, in with the new.

He punches Scorpius again, sending him to his hands and knees.

JOHN: Can I get a "Hell yeah"?!

CROWD: Hell yeah!

Scorpius looks at John with a big "O" of surprise on his face.

JOHN: It's time to pray, Scorpy.

He gives Scorpius an upper-cut. Scorpius half falls.

SCORPIUS: Oh, Crichton!

John holds his head, keeping Scorpius bent at the waist.

JOHN: Pray for your soul, Scorpy. If you have one. [backs up] And pray for the soul of Aeryn Sun!

He gives Scorpius a mighty kick. Scorpius stumbles away, and lands on his face. He breathes heavily, kicking up dirt. He gets on his hands and knees, gasping.

SCORPIUS: [stammers] Cri-Cri...

John grabs him by the front of his armor.

SCORPIUS: [deep] Crichton!

JOHN: Shut up!

He lifts him and throws him into a nearby dumpster. The crowd cheers. John throws up his arms, in a "touch-down" manner.

JOHN: Yeah!

He runs to the dumpster, slamming the down each of the two lids. He jumps up and lands on the lids.

JOHN: Hooo-ah!

Cryogenic room/Private room.

A red light blinks on a map of the cryogenic containers. Tocot looks at it, curiously. He comms Grunschlik.

SCORPIUS: One of the cryogenic pods is starting an auto-release sequence, huh?

GRUNSCHLIK: Uh, nah. Can't be. Let me talk to 'im.

Scorpius nods for him to do so. Grunschlik goes to the console.

GRUNSCHLIK: Sorry Doc, say again?

Tocot responds, as he walks to the pod in question.

GRUNSCHLIK: What? Full restoration? You sure?

Tocot speaks.

GRUNSCHLIK: Naaaan. I - It must be a screwed up sensor.

Tocot responds.

GRUNSCHLIK: You go back and tend your patient, Doc. I'll deal with it.

Tocot responds, coming ever closer to the pod.

GRUNSCHLIK: Doc! Leave it to me! Doc, get outta there!

As Tocot approaches the pod, the door slides open.

GRUNSCHLIK: I'll handle it!! Doc? Doc!

Tocot gasps. A long fingernailed hand reaches from the pod. A stream of power coming from it. Tocot cries out, as his face begins to boil and bubble. He sinks to the floor. A hideous creature stands inside the pod. He steps out, looking at the deceased doctor.

Continued Scene V.

Private room.

SCORPIUS: A Scarran? Here? Why?

Braca sends an elbow into Grunschlik's injured arm. He grunts in pain. He turns to Braca.

GRUNSCHLIK: Get frelled.

Braca grabs the arm, digging in his fingertips. Grunschlik groans through clenched teeth. Scorpius walks over.

SCORPIUS: Grunschlik. You can do one of two things with your mouth. The first is to talk to me.

He walks over to his control device and places it on his head. Grunschlik reacts as it takes over him. His hand unwillingly approaches his face. He bites off his finger, to the middle knuckle. Scorpius removes the device from his head. Grunschlik looks at his remaining finger with wide eyes and begins to scream with the stub of finger still between his teeth. After a moment, he spits it out and screams more. He places the injured hand under his other arm.

SCORPIUS: And that is the second.

GRUNSCHLIK: Alright. [soft, but angry] You know the Scarrans are after you. They found out this is where you had your cooling system installed. And they sent a spy. Who offered me currency to keep him hidden. ‘Til you came back for a check-up.

BRACA: And you took his money.

GRUNSCHLIK: [soft/angry] Just his advance. I was going to keep the dumb frell frozen and hand him over to you.

SCORPIUS: But you didn't.

GRUNSCHLIK: When your goons came in locked and loaded, I kinda doubted your good intentions. As insurance, I switched on the Scarrans' auto-release, three arns delay. If you'd behaved and paid what we agreed, I'd 've switched it off. [shows his stump] I hope he kills you...very slowly.

SCORPIUS: Not likely.

Center chamber. Chiana and Jothee straighten each other up.

JOTHEE: If my father finds out, we're dead.

CHIANA: He won't find out.

Rygel enters.

RYGEL: What the hezmana happened in here?

CHIANA: Oh, uh...we were uh...making some - some Sokrins and um...and the pot exploded.

RYGEL: [gasps] You blew up a cook pot?

JOTHEE: We used too much Lutra oil. The Grolak's fine, though.

CHIANA: Here. [grabs a tray] Nice and crispy. [takes tray to Rygel] Here, sit down and eat. Uh, I'll give the uh...uh, I'll give the Sokrins another try.

RYGEL: I'll uh...consume this in a room without detonating crockery, thank you very much.

Rygel exits.

Jothee looks at Chiana. Chiana sighs as she watches Rygel exit.

JOTHEE: We better clean this up.

CHIANA: I guess so.

Private room. Braca brings up an internal map of the frozen planet's complex. Three yellow lights pulse, towards the top of the map. A red light pulses on the left side of the middle of the map.

BRACA: Crichton, D'argo and Stark are in the surgery room. Now, the Scarran is in the cryo-chamber, level four.

CORBRIN: Should I take care of it, Sir?

GRUNSCHLIK: [laughs] With that? He'll slaughter you, Son. He's never taken on a Scarran, has he?

SCORPIUS: No. [puts on head control] Have you?

Grunschlik's smile disappears. He shudders for a moment, as the controls kick in.

Operation room. John starts to get up, Stark helps.

JOHN: I beat him. He was all mouth, Stark. How'd you know?

STARK: I didn't. I just thought it sounded good.

JOHN: [nods] Well, it worked. [sighs] Harvey's caged. Come on, let's pay the bill and get the hell outta here.

STARK: I'll find Zhaan.

Stark exits.

Grunschlik enters the cryo chamber.

GRUNSCHLIK: Plonik! Ithrawan! Plonik! I'm alone! [licks fingers] I got present for you!

Plonik steps out of hiding.

PLONIK: [growls] Grunschlik. Where is Scorpius?

GRUNSCHLIK: He's not 'ere.

PLONIK: Then why did you release me?

GRUNSCHLIK: W-well, I-I've got someone almost as good...uh, John Crichton. You know who that is?

PLONIK: Yes. Scorpius seems obsessed with him. We want to know why.

GRUNSCHLIK: Why don't you ask him? He's in the surgery room, recovering.

Plonik raises his hand, sending out his dark powers to Grunschlik.

GRUSNCHLIK: No, no! Ooooh!

PLONIK: Are you lying? Is this a trap?

Private room.

SCORPIUS: No-no-no. No trap.

PLONIK: Where is Scorpius?

SCORPIUS: Scorpius isn't here.

GRUNSCHLIK: Scorpius isn't here, I told you. But I'm sure he's on his way back to the planet to

SCORPIUS&GRUNSCHLIK: capture Crichton.

PLONIK: Who is with Crichton?

GRUNSCHLIK: Just a Luxan and a Bannik slave!

Plonik holds him a moment more, then releases. Grunschlik falls to his knees.

PLONIK: I might have use for you later.

He grabs Grunschlik, and lifts him into the air. Grunschlik cries out and kicks his legs feebly. Plonik walks him backward, into a cryo chamber.

SCORPIUS: That should divert the Scarran away from us.

Braca gently lifts the control off of Scorpius head.

SCORPIUS: Office Corbrin! We have received vital information, which I must deliver to my Command Carrier.

CORBRIN: Sir, the Carrier is now much closer. I am certain we can outrun the gunship long enough to reach it safely.

SCORPIUS: You have that much faith in your piloting skills?

CORBRIN: My last rating was nine nine one, Sir. No active pilot rates higher.

SCORPIUS: Your skills will be tested.......very soon.

Zhaan and Stark visit Aeryn's chamber.

ZHAAN: Stark, look at these indicators.

STARK: The cryo system's activated to preserve the body until burial.

ZHAAN: But that's not all. The cirlian maintenance functions are still operating. Keeping her body alive.

STARK: Why? Unless Grunschlik was intending to keep her here as a donor. I wouldn't put it past him.

He turns to see Zhaan looking at him intently.

STARK: No. The Diagnosian pronounced her dead. He could not save her.

ZHAAN: His gifts could not.

Stark turns and leans his head towards the chamber.

STARK: I could hear the distant voices of the Interons but....I cannot hear Aeryn Sun's. [turns back to Zhaan] If her soul has not fled entirely, it's much too far away to be reached. Even the attempt would be dangerous.

ZHAAN: Yes, you're probably right.

She turns, as if she's going to exit, but turns and knocks Stark out with an upper-cut.

The Scarran trods towards the operating room.

John practices his re-discovered speech by reciting "Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers".

D'ARGO: Zhaan! Stark! [sighs] Why don't they answer? Zhaan.

Zhaan drags Starks unconscious body into position.

D'ARGO: Stark. [sighs} What's the delay?

He makes for the doors, but just then, the Scarran opens them. He raises his arm, but D'argo knocks it away.

JOHN: D'argo!

D'argo rushes back inside, closing the doors and locking them.

JOHN: Where the hell did that come from?

D'ARGO: A Scarran. We have no weapons so I suggest a tactical retreat.

JOHN: That looks like an exit.

D'argo heads for the place John suggested.

JOHN: Door controls.

John heads for the controls, and opens the door.

JOHN: You didn't bring any weapons?

D'ARGO: I only brought down my Qualta Blade. It's still sealed!

JOHN: Well how am I supposed to know about that?

The exit door opens.

D'ARGO: W-w--wait! There's a hatch!

Snow powders down on D'argo.

D'ARGO: Whoa! I hate the cold.

The cracks between the doors begin to glow.

JOHN: Freeze or fry.

John rushes for the hatch. D'argo ponders a moment.

D'ARGO: Freeze.

They exit moments before the Scarran enters the room.

Private room.

BRACA: Sir. The diversion's working. The Scarran is moving outside in pursuit of Crichton and D'argo.

SCORPIUS: However, two of the others are now blocking our path to the surface! [sighs] If they see us.....notify Crais.

BRACA: Two commandos from the Marauder, coming from this approach [indicates on map], could take them out and still maintain a zero presence profile.

SCORPIUS: Summon them.

He turns to Corbrin.

On the surface of the frozen planet. John and D'argo struggle through the pelting snow and freezing wind.

JOHN: No sign of the Scarran. Think he's following?

D'ARGO: Better hope he is.

JOHN: Sounds like you got a plan.

D'ARGO: We're gonna bring him out here, and see how much he likes being in the cold.

JOHN: And what if he likes it?

D'ARGO: Look! One. plan. at a time!

JOHN: Alright.

Zhaan kisses Stark softly on the cheek. ZHAAN: Forgive me Stark. But I need your strength. And I know you would never allow me to risk this.

She unclasps his buckles, releasing his mask enough for his warm yellow energy to flow past it. It lights the front of Aeryn's pod. Zhaan approaches. She clears her aura and places her hands and forehead, on the chamber. She searches for Aeryn in the darkness. Shortly, she sees Aeryn, head down, floating in the darkness, still trapped in her Prowler's pilot seat. A light shines from behind her. Zhaan approaches Aeryn, a soft smile on her face. As she does, Aeryn slowly lifts her head. She looks at Zhaan with a bit of confusion.

ZHAAN: Do you know who I am?

Aeryn stares at her, not speaking.

ZHAAN: Do you know who you are?

AERYN: Officer Aeryn Sun, Special Peacekeeper Commando, Icaron Company, Pleisar Regiment. Have you come to reassign me?

ZHAAN: I have come to take you back.

She steps forward, and takes Aeryn's hand. She takes the Aeryns other hand, which was hanging limply by her side, and places both hands to the sides of her head, then puts her hands to the sides of Aeryn's head. They lean in towards each other, touching foreheads. She has joined in unity with Aeryn.

AERYN: Zhaan? What is this?

ZHAAN: Unity, Aeryn. The sharing of minds and souls. As our thoughts merge, you will understand.

AERYN: I understand that you shouldn't be here.

ZHAAN: Nor should you.

AERYN: Why are you doing this?

ZHAAN: Because I love you. More importantly, Crichton loves you [Crichton loves you]. You must take this gift. Not for my sake, but for his.

AERYN: I can't. I know your thoughts. And I know what this will cost you.

ZHAAN: Stop resisting, Aeryn! Accept this.

AERYN: No!

Aeryn pulls away, and Zhaan falls away from the chamber.

ZHAAN: No!! No!! Aeryn!

She crawls and tries to get up, but a Peacekeeper stands in front of her, and knocks her down with the butt of his gun.

Later.

SCORPIUS: We'll take Stark with us.

GUARD: Capture or terminate?

BRACA: Keep the Bannik alive. Terminate the Delvian.

Before the guard can fire, a shot comes out of nowhere, taking him out. The other guard is shot shortly after. Stark gasps. Zhaan sits up, and also gasps. She then sighs with relief. Aeryn steps from the chamber, very much alive.

STARK: You're back. You're back.

He crawls over to Zhaan.

STARK: Zhaan.

ZHAAN: Success.

STARK: Success.

AERYN: Where are the others?

STARK: Surgery.

Braca looks at the map.

BRACA: Report!

SCORPIUS: The Commandos are dead, Lieutenant. Even if Crais is not aware of our prescience, the Scarran won't stay diverted forever. Office Cobrin. We can wait no longer.

COBRIN: Yes Sir.

The Scarran exits onto the planet's surface. He seems bothered by the cold weather.

JOHN: Here he comes! I don't think he likes the cold, either!

The Scarran lifts his arm, but is unable to produce anything.

JOHN: Warm up the hot cocoa baby, here we come!

He tries the door, but it won't respond.

JOHN: It's jammed! I can't believe this! You have got to be kidding me!

He dances around in anger and coldness. D'argo tries the door without success. They turn to face the Scarran.

D'ARGO: Un-jam it.

He walks towards the Scarran.

JOHN: What? What are you gonna do?

D'argo draws his knife, and approaches the Scarran with a battle cry. The knife breaks, as he tries to stab the Scarran.

D'ARGO: Frell.

The Scarran knocks him down.

A Marauder exits the planet.

CRAIS: Yes, Talyn. I see it.

Talyn speaks.

CRAIS: That is a vessel leaving the planet.

Talyn speaks.

CRAIS: No, a transport pod would not be attempting a stealth trajectory.

Talyn powers up.

CRAIS: Pursue!

The Scarran punches D'argo backwards. Suddenly, a shot comes from nowhere and strikes the Scarran. It turns, to face the new threat. Two more shots hit the Scarran.

D'ARGO: That's my Qualta Blade!

JOHN: Can't be, you left it in the coffin!

Several more shots hit the Scarran, finally opening up a wound. Aeryn tries to fire, but the Blade has jammed. John picks up a thick icicle.

JOHN: Hey! Hey! Horseface!

He jams the icicle into the wound and twists. The Scarran hits him, but then begins to stumble and gasp as he dies. D'argo watches as Aeryn walks towards them.

Later. John collapses, as D'argo brings him back inside.

AERYN: D'argo!

She hands him his Blade. She pulls John up. He recoils when he sees who it is.

JOHN: Oh! No! You're gone!

AERYN: It's me, John!

JOHN: But it can't be! You just - you - this is some kinda sick trick! She died!

AERYN: Zhaan brought me back! She did a unity thing.

JOHN: Zhaan?

Aeryn nods.

JOHN: Oh my - oh my - Zhaan?

He reaches into her hair, and finds the chuck of missing hair, where he had taken of locket at her service. He grabs her and hugs her tight.

JOHN: You're alive!

He hugs her tightly, as if he would never let ago again.

The Marauder tries hard to dodge Talyn's moves.

SCORPIUS: [comm] Crais. Cease this pursuit at once.

CRAIS: This pursuit will end in your death, Scorpius.

SCORPIUS: Aboard this Marauder is information that will help us defeat the Scarrans. You may have been forced form the Peacekeepers, but before you act, consider your fellow Sebaceans.

CRAIS: You consider one Sebacean who died at your hands! Officer Aeryn Sun!

They round a meteor, to see the Command Carrier.

CRAIS: Yes Talyn, I see it. Command Carrier.

It begins firing on him.

SCORPIUS: Crais, you destroy this ship, my Command Carrier will destroy you.

CRAIS: Possibly. Talyn! Are we in agreement?

Talyn focuses his cannon.

CRAIS: Fire!!

The Marauder is destroyed.

CRAIS: [comm] Pilot. Scorpius is dead. His Command Carrier is now in pursuit of Talyn. We will draw it away from your position, before we Starburst.

PILOT: Scorpius is...dead?

CRAIS: Yes. Officer Sun is avenged.

D'ARGO: Are you certain, Pilot?

PILOT: [comm] Yes, Moya confirms it. Before Starbursting, Talyn told her that he destroyed Scorpius' Marauder.

JOHN: Damn shame on two counts. Too quick and I wasn't there to see it.

STARK: [comm] D'argo, I'm with Zhaan.

D'ARGO: Did you find Tocot?

Zhaan lays in his lap. He strokes her cheek.

STARK: Yes. He's dead.

D'ARGO: And what about Grunschlik?

STARK: He's dead too. Effectively.

JOHN: Then we're gonna take these two with us.

D'ARGO: The Interons.

AERYN: Why?

JOHN: One of them died because of me.

AERYN: What? And you think they can be saved?

JOHN: You were.

Later. They return to Moya on their pod.

Scorpius looks at the chip inside it's container. Braca enters.

BRACA: A signal from the Command Carrier, Sir. Moya and Talyn have both fled. A Prowler detail is on it's way to pick us up.

SCORPIUS: The Marauder?

BRACA: Destroyed.

SCORPIUS: Plainly Officer Corbrin overestimated his piloting skills.

BRACA: Well, perhaps Talyn is more formidable than we thought. Sir, Crais must be-

SCORPIUS: [cuts in] First Command has already taken care of that situation. Our task is much more important. We have a new Gammak research base ready to go into operation. Hundreds of Techs are waiting to apply this...[places container against forehead]...[whispers] priceless information. Let's not keep them waiting, Lieutenant.

Center chamber. Jothee forces Chiana to go be with D'argo. She walks over and spoons against his back.

CHIANA: Taste alright?

D'ARGO: That frelling planet got me so chilled, I still can't smell anything. But uh, it is warming me up.

RYGEL: Mine is more than adequate. All the time you two spent in here was...ultimately productive.

D'ARGO: Two excellent cooks. I couldn't be luckier.

RYGEL: Well I could! That frelling Grunschlik. I paid for services and they were not rendered! I'm delighted he's dead!

John stands in front of the two Interon cryo chambers. Aeryn enters.

JOHN: Finished making your rounds?

She stands closest to the right side pod, with her back to John.

AERYN: Mm hm. [pause] I shouldn't be here.

JOHN: This is exactly where you should be. [pause] I love you.

AERYN: I love you too.

He slowly walks up behind her. He takes her face gently and turns it towards him. His other hand winds into her hair and they kiss. It quickly moves from slow tender kisses, to passion. They slowly sink to the floor. After reaching a peak of passionate kissing, Aeryn pulls back.

AERYN: We will not act on it.

JOHN: A-Aeryn.

AERYN: My Peacekeeper training was right about one thing. Soldiers...and emotional attachments...in battle may distort your thinking.

JOHN: We're not in battle, Aeryn. Scorpius is dead.

AERYN: What happens - what happens when Moya comes into contact with more Scarrans, or Nebari or Sheyang or something worse. I will not be the cause of anymore deaths because my judgement was faulty. I will not permit anyone else to sacrifice their life for mine.

JOHN: What do you mean "anyone else"?

In Zhaan's melted room, she lays in Stark's lap. Each stroking the other and just being together. John approaches the doorway.

ZHAAN: Hello, John.

JOHN: Aeryn just told me that uh...what ever you did to bring her back...

ZHAAN: A gift of spiritual energy.

JOHN: Yes. That it took everything that you had.

She nods.

JOHN: Is there anything we can do to help?

ZHAAN: Nothing.

JOHN: [shakes head] I will not accept that.

ZHAAN: I have, John.

She reaches out for his hand - he takes it.

ZHAAN: I'm dying.

END OF EPISODE.

DELETED SCENE

D'ARGO: Rygel! You still haven't told us what brought you down here.

RYGEL: [laughs] Merely a concern for Crichton. Wanted to make sure there were no...problems. [laughs]

D'argo growls and grabs Rygel's throne sled, searching him.

RYGEL: Hey! I don't even permit my wives to do that!

D'argo comes out with a handful of gems.

D'ARGO: What are you trying to buy, Rygel?

RYGEL: I don't see that it's your business.

D'ARGO: What are you after? An escape route?

RYGEL: Well what if I am?

D'ARGO: Then just say so. Don't pretend you give a Barraks about Crichton, Aeryn, or anyone else, you selfish piece of dren.

Rygel lunges at him with a knife.

RYGEL: See this knife, Luxan? I carried it in my teeth when I swam to the bottom of that freezing cold lake. I used it to cut Aeryn's corpse free of it's harness. And if you ever lay hands on me again, I'll use it to slice off your mivonks!

D'argo huffs and shoves Rygel away.

Corridor.

RYGEL: The ship I ordered. Where is it?

GRUNSCHLIK: Henzoids cancelled it. They're notoriously undependable.

RYGEL: Well, find another source!

GRUNSCHLIK: I don't know one, sorry.

RYGEL: That's hardly good enough. I gave you a deposit. What happened to "Service paid, service rendered"?

Grunschlik stammers, then begins reaching in his pockets. He takes out the biggest gem Rygel had given him, and places it in Rygel's mouth. He walks away oddly. Rygel watches him a moment, then crosses his eye to look at his gem.

Pilot's den. Aeryn sits by him, hand on his head.

PILOT: I - I still can't believe it! It's a miracle!

AERYN: Well, Pilot, apparently miracles can happen.

PILOT: Welcome back.

They put their heads together, and she strokes his face.

END OF DELETED SCENES.