GALAXY HIGH

 

                                                                            by

 

                                                               Elizabeth Chapin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registered 1998 Writer's Guild             Elizabeth Chapin

                                          

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                          CHARACTERS

 

 

 

SCOTT:  Scott is the jock.  Football quarterback, basketball center and all around great guy.  He is everyone's hero (especially his own).

 

JAKE:  Jake is the golden boy with a big heart.  He is the boy most likely to succeed.  He is smart, preppy and always able to worm his way out of his constant scheming.  Jake is a natural leader.  He has an easy spark that combines with his simple intelligence that puts the others at ease and makes them listen and believe anything he says.

 

KIP:    Kip is the classic nerd/brain.  No one can resist making fun of him, yet everybody loves his sweet, and uniquely charming, personality.

 

LIZZY:  Lizzy is the girl-next door.  She is obsessed with boys and movie magazines and celebrities only she's too smart to let her obsessions get in the way of her desire to succeed.  She is pretty, but not beautiful.  She is the girl you can take home to mother.  She's a pal, a confident -- the one who gets the guy at the end of the old movies.  She has a hidden fearless quality that surfaces when it is needed most or desired least.

 

ASHLEY:  Ashley is a contradiction.  She is every bit of the typical Beverly Hills, credit card carrying, spoiled rotten, daddy's girl -- only she's usually the first one to champion a cause and help out, albeit in her own mixed up way, those who need it most.  Ashley is African-American.

 

361:  361 is an engineer android.  He can do the job of ten men, is more intelligent than an the sum of a university of professors and has a glitch in his program that leads to a soft spot for our young space explorers.  He is the only "adult" aboard.

 

AMINA:  Five-year-old castaway from the planet Aurora.  She is human but armed with many telepathic gifts -- both good and bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            ACT ONE

                              

 

INT. NASA SEMESTER IN SPACE LECTURE HALL - EARTH

(Commander Collins, Scott, Lizzy, Ashley, various other children and parents)

(Day 1)

 

A GROUP OF ADULTS AND NINTH GRADERS ARE SITTING IN A STERILE LOOKING FUTURISTIC ROOM.  IT IS WHITE AND COLD WITH CEMENT WALLS AND SHINY FLOORS.  THE CEILINGS ARE HIGH AND SPACE ABOUNDS.  BLACK CHAIRS FACE A PODIUM BEHIND WHICH COMMANDER COLLINS 327 STANDS.  THE SIGN BEHIND HER READS:  WELCOME PARENTS -- SEMESTER IN SPACE 2025.

 

IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM IS AN OPEN TUNNEL.  BRIGHT WHITE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE IT -- BECKONING THOSE OUTSIDE.

 

                        COMMANDER COLLINS 327

              Welcome to our 10th semester in space

              program.  We hope you are all as

              excited to embark on our educational

              journey tomorrow as we are.  Now,

              please open your packets to page two.  This is a list of everything your student needs to make his or her stay on the Galaxy Electra comfortable.  Please note that clothes will be provided.

 

SCOTT, JAKE, LIZZY, AND ASHLEY SIT IN THE BACK ROW BEHIND THEIR PARENTS.  SCOTT LEANS OVER AND WHISPERS TO JAKE.

 

                        SCOTT

              It's all books.

 

                        JAKE

              Hence the term school in the stars.

 

                        COMMANDER COLLINS (UNINTERRUPTED)

              Everything else your student needs is already on board awaiting our arrival.  As you know this program is the result of our successful semester abroad and at sea programs that many of you parents participated in...

 

JAKE QUIETLY GETS UP.

 

                        LIZZY (WHISPERING)

              Where are you going?

 

                        JAKE

              To take a look inside...coming?

 

LIZZY LOOKS AROUND SHEEPISHLY, RAISES HER EYEBROWS UP AND DOWN, THEN FOLLOWS JAKE.

 

NEXT, JAKE LOOKS AT SCOTT WHO SHRUGS AND FOLLOWS.  SCOTT LOOKS TO ASHLEY.

 

                        SCOTT

              You just going to sit there?

 

ASHLEY LOOKS AT LIZZY, PRIMS HER HAIR AND FOLLOWS QUIETLY FOLLOWS THE OTHERS OUT OF THE ROOM AND DOWN THE LOOK GLOWING CORRIDOR.

 

INT. CORRIDOR - CON'T

 

                        LIZZY

              So how bad would being kicked out before the program starts look on a college application?

 

                        SCOTT

              Just hurry.

 

THE BRIGHT WHITE CORRIDOR LEADS INTO A CONTROL ROOM -- ALA STAR TREK.  COMPUTER LIKE CONSOLES, LIGHTS AND BUTTONS LINE THE WORK STATIONS.  THESE, MULTI-LEVEL, WORK STATIONS LOOK OUT A GIANT WINDOW.

 

THE KIDS ENTER THE ROOM AND FIND KIP TYPING AWAY AT ONE OF THE COMPUTERS.

 

                        JAKE

              Kipmiester...what are you doing here?

 

                        KIP

              I could ask you the same question...

 

ASHLEY LEANS ON THE COUNTER BESIDE HIM, TAKES OUT A MIRROR AND MOMENTARILY DISTRACTS KIP.  HE GIVES HER A DREAMY LOOK.  SHE IS OBLIVIOUS TO IT.  JAKE REACHES TO TOUCH ONE OF THE BOTTONS IN FRONT OF KIP.  KIP SWATS HIS HAND.

 

                        KIP (CON'T)

              But it's obvious you're here to annoy me.

 

                        LIZZY

              What are you doing here?

 

 

 

                        KIP

              Analyzing the operations systems so that

              I have a full understanding of the ship's

              capabilities before we embark on our journey.

 

                        SCOTT

              Why?...it's not like we're going to be out

              there alone.

 

                                                CUT TO:

 

INT. ENGINE ROOM - SAME

 

361, A BRILLIANT, ANDRIOD ENGINEER IS TINKERING WITH THE ENGINES; DOING A FINAL CHECK.  361 LOOKS VERY HUMAN.  HIS HEAD IS BURIED UNDER A MASS OF METAL.  HE REACHES HIS HAND OUT -- FEELING FOR THE TOOLS AROUND HIM.  THERE IS A HUGE BUTTON LABELED: JUMP SWITCH.  HE ACCIDENTLY HITS THE BUTTON AND THE SHIP BEGINS TO RUMBLE.

 

INT. - CONTROL ROOM - SAME

 

THE GROUP IS STARTLED. ASHLEY DROPS HER COMPACT.

 

                        ASHLEY

              What was that?

 

KIP CRAWLS DOWN TO PICK UP THE COMPACT.  HE BUMPS HIS HEAD ON THE COUNTER ON HIS WAY UP, REACHING ON TOP TO STEADY HIMSELF -- FLIPPING A SWITCH MARKED -- EMERGENCY IGNITION.

 

AGAIN, THE SHIP RUMBLES.  THE ENGINES FIRE AND THE SHIP IS OFF.

 

361 COMES RUNNING INTO THE ROOM.  HE SEES THE KIDS AND IS STARTLED.  HE RECOVERS QUICKLY.  THE KIDS SEEM TO RELAX WHEN THEY SEE HIM.  UNTIL HE RUNS TO THE WINDOW.  THE OTHERS FOLLOW -- WIDE EYED AND OPENED MOUTHED.

 

VIEW LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW AS THEY PULL AWAY FROM THE EARTH.

 

                        JAKE

              This does not look good.

 

KIP STARTS TO HYPERVENTILATE.  LIZZY HELPS HIM TO SIT DOWN.  THE OTHERS GATHER AROUND.

 

                        LIZZY

              Someone find me a bag.  (TO KIP)

              Breathe Kip.  Relax and breathe...

              everything's going to be just fine.

 

 

 

                        361

              Actually, it may not be --

              we are about to break out of the

              earth's atmosphere.

 

                        ASHLEY

              Oh God, oh God, oh God...we're going

              to die.

 

                        JAKE

              We're not going to die.  (TO 361)

              Are we sir?

 

HEAVY STATIC FILLS THE AIR.  THEN A VOICE BREAKS THROUGH.  IT IS COMMANDER COLLINS.

 

                        COMMANDER COLLINS

              Engineer 361?  Engineer 361?

              Answer immediately.

 

INSTANTANEOUSLY, COMMANDER COLLINS' PICTURE APPEARS ON THE SCREEN IN FRONT OF THEM.  IT IS A TELE-RADIO.  HER IMAGE SCANS THE ROOM.

 

                        COMMANDER COLLINS

              361!  Why is it that I am seeing students

              beside you?                      

 

Kip is carrying the paper bag he is breathing into running around the room.

 

                        KIP

              Big boom, lots of bumping, grab seats,

              lock seat belts -- we're busting out of the

              atmosphere!  Seat belts I tell you!  Seat belts.

 

                        361

              Good question ma'am.  Excuse me.

 

361 TURNS TO KIP AND SLAPS HIS FACE.  KIP IMMEDIATELY FREEZES.

 

                        361

              The ship is equipped with a quadro-stabilizing

              buffer.  The impact will be minimal. (BACK TO             COMMANDER)  Ma'am?

 

                        COMMANDER COLLINS

              How did this happen 361?

 

                        LIZZY

              Better question is -- how do we

              get back?

 

                        JAKE

              Jake Emerson, Commander.  Can you

              instruct us down?

 

                        KIP

              (TO 361)  Do you understand the operating

              system?

 

                        361

              I help to build it.  The landing system

              is a 240 EXL.  Top of the line.

 

                        KIP

              Great!  So we can get back easily.

 

                        COMMANDER

              Is that Kip James?

 

                        KIP

              Yes ma'am.

 

                        COMMANDER

              Good, now listen carefully.  You and

              Engineer 361 will have to land

              the ship.

 

THE RUMBLING BEGINS AGAIN.

 

                        SCOTT

              What's that?

 

JAKE RUNS TO THE WINDOWS.

 

                        JAKE

              This is no where near a good thing.

 

OUT OF THE WINDOW IS A STORM OF ASTEROIDS.

 

                        KIP

              We just past Saturn.  361 -- we're

              in the asteroid belt      .  This thing

              move fast enough to duck out?

 

Lizzy is staring off into the distance.

 

                        LIZZY

              We have bigger problems.  Look.

 

On the horizon a purplish haze surrounds a floating, mobile hole type object.

 

 

                        361

              Worm hole.

 

361 JUMPS INTO ACTIONS.

 

                        361

              (TO JAKE)  Grab the sticks.

              (INDICATES THE STEERING OBJECT.)  You

              (TO LIZZY) Man the radio...

              (TO SCOTT).  Man the computer -- type in

              the turbo sequence and isolate the

              conductor for...

 

SCOTT SITS AT THE COMPUTER.

 

                        SCOTT

              I knew I shoulda been paying closer

              attention in class.

 

KIP PUTS HIS HANDS ON THE KEYS AND PUSHES SCOTT TO THE FLOOR.

 

                        KIP

              Let me do that.

 

SCOTT IS STUNNED THAT KIP COULD GET HIM TO THE FLOOR.  JAKE IS TRYING TO CONTROL THE SMALL JOY-STICK TYPE STEERING DEVICES BUT HE IS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME.

 

                        JAKE

              I can't hold it.  I can't hold it.

 

                        SCOTT

              Step aside Preppy-boy (FLEXES)  Let a

              real man hand this.

 

                        JAKE

              Let me know when one arrives.

 

THE SHIP BUCKS AND ROCKS -- THERE IS A LOUD "POP".  SMOKES STREAMS FROM THE RADIO CONSOLE.

 

                        LIZZY

              This could be very bad.

 

ASHLEY, AT WINDOW.

 

                        ASHLEY

              Not as bad as this.

 

THEY ARE RAPIDLY APPROACHING THE FLOATING BLACK-BLUE WORM HOLE.  THE SHIP JERKS ONE LAST TIME THEN SUDDENLY SETTLES INTO A SOFT FLOW.

 

                        JAKE

              Can't be too bad.  We beat the asteroids

              and sailing is smooth.

 

KIP GETS UP AND SLOWLY WALKS TO THE WINDOW.

 

                        KIP

              That's because we're in the vacuum

              pull of the worm hole.

 

                        LIZZY

              Without a radio.

 

                        361

              Excuse me?

 

                        LIZZY

              Big explosion, lots of smoke,

              no more radio.

 

361 SLOWLY MOVES TO HIS SIDE -- THE OTHERS FOLLOW.

 

                        JAKE

              Any way out of this Chief?

 

                        361

              Too late.

 

                        ASHLEY

              Will we make it through?

 

THE SHIP GETS BUMPY AGAIN.

 

                        361

              Man the stations you learned in

              pre-cadet training.  We must

              try to keep this ship from breaking

              apart.

 

                        ASHLEY

              Breaking apart?!!

 

                        KIP

              Yes, there is a fifty-fifty chance

              the ship will burst apart into a

              billion tiny particles of space dust.

 

EVERYBODY RUNS TO THEIR POSITIONS.  AND "WHOOSH" THE HOLE SWALLOWS THEM UP.

 

 

 

 

                            ACT TWO

                           Scene One

 

EXT. - THE DEEPEST, DARKEST OUTER EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE - CON'T

(Jake, Josh, Lizzy, Ashley, Kip and 361)

(Day 1)

 

OUT OF NOWHERE, THE SHIP APPEARS IN THE BLACK VASTNESS.

 

INT. - CONTROL ROOM - CON'T

 

AS THE SHIP BUMPS TO A HALT, THE HAGGARD CREW JERKS TO A STOP.

 

                             KIP

                   Did we make it?

 

                             ASHLEY

                   I feel all funny inside.

 

                             JAKE

                   That's because the molecules

                   in your body just broke up to

                   travel a kazillion miles an

                   hour and then came back together

                   again.

 

                             SCOTT

                   Ok, let's turn this puppy around

                   and head on back through.  I'm dying

                   for a cheese burger and fries.

 

KIP, 361, LIZZY AND JAKE LOOK FROM ONE TO ANOTHER.

 

                             361

                   That is not possible.

 

                             SCOTT

                   What do you mean -- not possible?

 

                             LIZZY

                   Worm holes aren't fixed.  The appear

                   and disappear.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   So let's just find another.

 

                             KIP

                   It isn't that easy.  If we find

                   another we may end up even farther

                   away.

 

 

                             JAKE

                   Lizzy, find out where we are.

 

LIZZY INSTANTLY GOES AT HER COMPUTER.  361 POINTS TO ASHLEY.

 

                             361

                   You...sit!  assess the ship for damages.

                   This works like the classroom terminals you

                   are aquainted with.

 

ASHLEY IMMEDIATELY SITS AND SCANS THE SHIP.

 

                             SCOTT

                   So let's just go warp speed and

                   sail home.

 

                             361

                   That will take

                   over fifty years.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Make that eighty. (POV HER

                   COMPUTER MAP OF THE UNIVERSE)

                   We're in the Critron sector of

                   the outer quadrant of Antiphiny.

                   It was mapped in 2010 by the first

                   Star Depth Satellite.  They never

                   made it home.

 

                             SCOTT

                   I'm never going to see my dog

                   again am I?

 

                             361

                   Let's get the radio fixed and

                   ask the commander.  She is abreast

                   on the newest star maps and transport

                   options.  She will get us home.

 

                             KIP

                   I'll give it a whirl.

 

KIP APPROACHES THE RADIO WITH A SCREWDRIVER, TRIPS OVER HIS OWN TWO FEET, BASHES INTO THE RADIO AND SENDS SMOKE STREAMING INTO THE ROOM AGAIN.  SCOTT GRABS THE SCREWDRIVER.

 

KIP'S VOICE SCREECHES.

 

                             KIP

                   Ooopppy.                    

 

 

                             SCOTT

                   Give me that...and sit before you

                   really screw it up.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   There's a foreign object attached

                   to our ship.  And it seems to be

                   emitting radiation.  Darn!

 

                             JAKE

                   What now?

 

                             ASHLEY

                   I broke another nail.

                   And the air in here is so dry.  It's

                   ruining my skin.  I want my mother and

                   my astethesian.

 

LIZZY ROLLS HER EYES.  SHE AND JAKE EXCHANGE LOOKS.  IS THERE SOMETHING BETWEEN THEM OR IS IT JUST FEAR. 

 

361 IS ON THE FLIGHT DECK.

 

                             361

                   You two are going to have to

                   check it out.  Until we re-establish contact

                   with the commander I should not leave

                   the control room.

 

JAKE AND LIZZY HEDGE NERVOUSLY TO THE DOOR.  SCOTT CATCHES THEIR EYE.

 

                             SCOTT

                   It'll be ok.  I'll get this

                   fixed and we'll be home before

                   you know it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            ACT TWO

                            Scene 2

 

EXT. - SICKBAY - SAME

(Lizzy, Jake)

(Day 1)

 

SICK BAY IS A WHITE-STERILE, HIGH TECH ROOM.  A SINGLE BED/GURNEY OCCUPIES THE VAST FLOOR SPACE.  THE WALLS ARE SLEEK AND SPACESHIP LIKE.  TWO DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTERS SIT ON AN OTHERWISE EMPTY COUNTER.  A CHEST OF DRAWERS IS BUILT INTO ONE OF THE SMOOTH WALLS.  THE DOOR TO THE HALLWAY IS UNDETECTABLE EXCEPT FOR THE FINGERTIP SECURITY READER BY IT'S SIDE.  AN EXTERIOR HATCH IS SEALED OFF.

 

THE DOORS SLIDE OPEN -- LIZZY AND JAKE APPEAR.  LIZZY IS CARRYING WHAT LOOKS LIKE A REMOTE CONTROL.  IT IS SILENT WHEN THEY ENTER BUT STARTS TO BEEP SLOWLY AS THEY WALK FARTHER INTO THE ROOM.  THE BEEPING GETS LOUDER AND MORE FREQUENT AS THEY APPROACH THE HATCH.

 

LIZZY READS THE SCANNER.

 

                             LIZZY

                   It's definitely whatever

                   attached onto us.

 

                             JAKE

                   Do you remember how to do

                   a security hatch sequence?

 

                             LIZZY

                   I hope so.  (BEAT)  Jake?  Do

                   you think we're stranded here forever.

 

                             JAKE

                   I don't know Lizzy.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Are you scared.

 

                             JAKE

                   In a major way.

 

                             LIZZY

                   I just keep thinking that the

                   castaways on Gilligan's Island

                   were only 300 miles away from

                   Hawaii and they couldn't get

                   home -- We're light years away

                   from earth.  How are we ever

                   going to get back?

 

JAKE GIVES HER A HUG.

 

                             JAKE

                   We'll find a way.  Trust me.

 

THEY PULL AWAY, BUT ONLY A BIT.  THEIR EYES MEET.  IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THEY MAY KISS...A CLINKING OUTSIDE STOPS THEM.  THEY JUMP APART, STARTLED AND A LITTLE EMBARRASSED.  THE KNOCKING PERSISTS.

 

                             JAKE

                   I think it wants in.  Is the

                   level dangerous?

 

                             LIZZY

                   Not with the ship between us.

                   Maybe we should Put on isolation

                   suits.

 

                             JAKE

                   Probably not a bad idea.

 

JAKE GOES TO THE SMOOTH WALL, RUNS HIS HAND ALONGSIDE AND A CABINET SPRINGS OPEN.

 

                             JAKE

                   Tada!  Your gown m'lady.

 

LIZZY EXAMINES THE SILVER BODYSUIT AND HELMET.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Definitely a fashion statement.

 

JAKE STRUGGLES INTO HIS.

 

                             JAKE

                   But what's it trying to say?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            ACT TWO

                            Scene 3

 

INT. - CONTROL ROOM - CON'T

(361, Ashley, Kip, Josh)

 

ASHLEY IS STILL AT HER COMPUTER AND 361 IS READING FROM A MACHINE THAT LOOKS LIKE A GAMEBOY.  ASHLEY HANDS HIM A SMALL MICRO-DISK.  HE PLUGS IT INTO HIS GAMEBOY SIZE MINI-COMPUTER.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   The computer says that this is

                   the quickest way home.  Besides

                   the way we came.

 

                             361

                   Seventy-one point three years.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   ...Two days, six hours and seven minutes.

 

                             361

                   How are you progressing on the transmitter?

 

                             SCOTT

                   Still broken.

 

                             KIP

                   We're getting there.

 

KIP IS REACHING INSIDE -- STRUGGLING TO ATTACH TWO WIRES BUT HE CANNOT QUITE REACH THEM.  361 APPROACHES, INDICATES FOR KIP AND SCOTT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY.  361 ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVE AND MECHANICALLY STRETCHES HIS HAND, REACHES INTO THE CONSOLE AND REATTACHES THE WIRES.  THE OTHERS LOOK ON WITH WIDE EYES.

 

                             361

                   I am an LLX 2000.

                  

                             SCOTT

                   You're a driod!  You mean

                   we're stranded out here without

                   an adult?

 

                             KIP

                   This would be a good thing.

                   Driods can do the work of an

                   entire crew and have the programmed

                   intelligence of whole libraries.

 

 

 

                             SCOTT

                   Unfortunately none of us can fix him

                   if he breaks down.  We don't know what

                   or when his maintenance is required.

                  

                             361

                    I am self-maintained.  Programmed

                   and indestructible for 100 years.  Besides

                   you will discover that you have the capacity

                   to live and work well beyond your years.

 

ASHLEY IS STEAMING UP THE COMPUTER SCREEN AND DRAWING HEARTS.

 

                             SCOTT

                   Why am I not convinced?

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                           ACT THREE

                            Scene 1

 

INT - SICK BAY - CON'T

(Lizzy, Jake, AMINA)

 

JAKE AND LIZZY ARE IN THEIR SILVER SUITS AND HELMETS.

 

                             JAKE

                   I feel like a total nerd.

 

LIZZY SNEAKS A PEEK AT HIS BOTTOM.

 

                             LIZZY

                   I don't know.  Your lookin'

                   pretty good from here.

 

                             JAKE

                   Zero atmosphere walk.

 

THEY BOTH GO INTO A SILLY, SLOW MOTION WALK.  MIMING THAT THERE IS NOT GRAVITY. 

 

                             LIZZY

                   We're stalling.

 

                             JAKE

                   In a large way.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Ok. (SIGH) One of us has to stand beyond

                   she shield zone and one of us has

                   to activate the shield.

 

                             JAKE

                   I'll go out.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Actually I will.

 

                             JAKE

                   Actually you won't.  It's too dangerous.

                   I'm the man.  I should go.

             

                             LIZZY

                   I'm pretending you didn't say that.

 

LIZZY OPENS A PANEL IN THE FLOOR AND PULLS OUT A SAFETY LINE.

 

 

 

 

                             LIZZY

                   However, because you are a boy and stronger

                   than this girl you have to let me go.  If

                   something goes wrong -- I'd never be able

                   to pull you back in.

 

JAKE TAKES A DEEP BREATH.  HE DOESN'T LIKE IT BUT HE GIVES IN.

 

                             JAKE

                   Graba a helmet.

 

BOTH PUT ON BUBBLE HELMETS.

 

                             JAKE

                   Ready?

 

LIZZY, LOOKING SCARED, MUSTERS UP A SMILE.

 

                             LIZZY

                   As I'll ever be.

 

LIZZY ATTACHES THE GUIDE CORD AROUND HER WAIST (IT IS FED DOWN THROUGH THE FLOOR THEN UP BY HER SIDE SO THAT WHEN THE SHIELD ENCOMPASSES HER IT WILL STILL BE AIRTIGHT) AND TAKES HER PLACE IN FRONT OF THE DOOR.  JAKE RUNS HIS HAND ALONG A LIGHT PANEL AND THE CEILING OPENS UP.  A PLASTIC SHIELD OPENS UP AND BUBBLES THE DOOR -- CAPTURING LIZZY IN AN AIR TIGHT CYLINDER.

 

SHE LOOKS OVER HER SHOULDER TO JAKE.  JAKE GIVES HER THE THUMBS UP, SHE TURNS BACK TO THE DOOR AND RUNS HER HAND OVER THE LIGHT SENSOR THAT OPENS THE DOOR.  SLOWLY THE HEAVY DOOR OPENS AND SHE IS SUCKED OUT.  JAKE GRABS THE CORD AND PULLS HER BACK WITHIN VIEW.  SHE IS FLOATING.

 

JAKE SPEAKS THROUGH THE MICROPHONE IN HIS SUIT.

 

                             JAKE

                   You ok?

 

                             LIZZY

                   This is very cool?

 

LIZZY PRETENDS TO SWIM AROUND SPACE.

 

                             JAKE

                   Excuse me? Ahhh...Lizzy?  I don't mean to

                   interrupt your little game but the ship.

 

LIZZY LOOKS LIFT THEN RIGHT.

 

 

 

                             LIZZY

                   It's a tiny space capsule.

                   Let me...get around here...to

                   get a closer look.

 

                             JAKE

                   Lizzy, be careful.

 

                             LIZZY

                   There's a window.  Maybe

                   I can see inside.

 

                             JAKE

                   Just see how it's attached to

                   us so we can figure out how to

                   get it lose and get you back inside.

 

POV -- LIZZY

 

                             LIZZY

                   There's a little girl in here.

 

THROUGH THE WINDOW A LITTLE GIRL SLEEPS IN THE FETAL POSITION.  SHE APPEARS TO BE ABOUT FIVE-YEARS-OLD.

 

BACK IN SHIP -- JAKE CHECKS THE RADIATION EMISSION.

 

                             JAKE

                   Liz the radiation is off the register.

 

BACK TO LIZZY

 

LIZZY IS TRYING TO OPEN THE SHIP.

 

                             LIZZY

                   It won't come open.  If I can just get

                   around.

 

LIZZY FLOATS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LITTLE CAPSULE, TANGLING HER SAFETY CORD ON THE SHIP.  IT LOOSENS AROUND HER WAIST AS SHE TRIES TO TUG FREE.  SHE TUGS ONE LAST TIME AND IT FLIES FROM HER WAIST.  SINCE THE SHIP IS MOVING SLOWLY FORWARD.  LIZZY SLAMS INTO THE LITTLE CAPSULE AS SHE FLIES BACKWARDS.

 

BACK TO JAKE

 

                             JAKE

                   Lizzy hold on...I'll be right there.

 

JAKE FRANTICALLY FULLS ON THE CORD.

 

 

BACK TO LIZZY

 

IN THE CAPSULE, THE LITTLE GIRL STIRS.  SEEMS TO SENSE DANGER.  HER CAPSULE OPENS.  JAKE FREEZES -- AS THE LITTLE GIRL, DRESSED IN MERELY A BODYSUIT, FLOATS OUT, FLINGS HERSELF TO LIZZY, GRABS HOLD AND RETURNS HER SAFETY TO THE DOOR OF THE ELECTRA.  LIZZY RETAINS HOLD OF THE LITTLE GIRL'S HAND.  THE LITTLE GIRL WAVES AND HER CAPSULE SAILS AWAY.

 

LIZZY MOVES HER BACK AND CLOSES THE HATCH.  JAKE RAISES THE BUBBLE.  JAKE ARE A LITTLE STUNNED.

 

                             LIZZY

                   A little girl...

 

JAKE CHECKS THE RADIATION.

 

                             JAKE

                   Back to normal.

 

LIZZY TAKES OFF HER HELMET AND GLOVES.

 

                             JAKE

                   Lizzy don't.

 

THE LITTLE GIRL LOOKS FRIGHTENED.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Thanks for saving me.

                   Don't be afraid, sweetheart.

                   We won't hurt you.

 

THE LITTLE GIRL DROPS THE PAPER SHE IS HOLDING HAD LITERALLY JUMPS INTO LIZZY'S ARMS.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Opp.  Ohhhh.  It's ok, honey, it's

                   ok.

 

JAKE PICKS UP THE PAPER.

 

                             JAKE

                   Lizzy, I think you should

                   put your suit back on.

 

LIZZY IGNORES HIM, STROKING THE LITTLE GIRLS HAIR.

 

                             LIZZY

                   What does the letter say?

 

                             JAKE

                   Her name's Amina.

 

LIZZY TO AMINA.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Hi, Amina.

 

AMINA LET'S GO OF HER GRIP A BIT AND SMILES AT LIZZY.

 

                             JAKE

                   It's in English, sort of.                 

                   She's from a planet called Aurora.

                   She is the daughter of the king.  They

                   put her in her capsule right before

                   the planet exploded -- some sort of

                   nuclear meltdown. (LOOKS AT LIZZY)

                   She's the only survivor.

 

JAKE PICKS THE RADIOACTIVE READER AND RUNS IT NEAR AMINA.

 

                             JAKE

                   She's ok but the room seems to be at

                   a higher level.

 

                             LIZZY

                   It must be the ship.  I would assume

                   they would take every precaution to

                   seal their little princess off from the

                   radiation but...

 

LIZZY STUMBLES BACKWARDS, HER FACE TURNS RED.  SHE DROPS THE GIRL AS BURNS START TO WELL ON HER HANDS.

 

JAKE IS AT HER SIDE.

 

                             JAKE

                   Amina's suit must be contaminated.

 

JAKE TAKES TO A PENDENT AROUND HIS NECK.

 

                             JAKE

                   Jake to control room.  Come in

                   control room.

 

                             361 (VO)

                   Everything all right down there?

 

                             JAKE

                   Send down Ashley.  Make sure

                   she puts on an isolation suit.

 

                             361 (VO)

                   Ashley is busy.  I'll send Scott.

 

                             JAKE

                   Hasta be Ashley.  I'll explain later.

                   Just hurry.  Out.

 

THE LITTLE GIRL IS FRIGHTENED AND HOVERING OVER A NOW UNCONSCIOUS LIZZY.  JAKE GETS ON HIS KNEES NEAR THE LITTLE GIRL, PICKS UP LIZZY AND MOVES HER TO THE BED/GURNEY.

 

ASHLEY ENTERS WEARING A SILVER SUIT.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Oh, my God!  Lizzy!

 

She runs to Lizzy.

 

                             JAKE

                   I'll take care of this...you get the girl.

 

ASHLEY SEES AMINA FOR THE FIRST TIME.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Where did she come from?  Hi honey.

 

ASHLEY GOES TO REMOVE HER HELMET.

 

                             JAKE

                   Stop!

 

ASHLEY FREEZES.

                             JAKE

                   Leave it on.  Her clothes are

                   toxic!  Take her to the showers.

                   Eject her clothes and scrub her until

                   this...

 

JAKE TOSSES ASHLEY THE RADIOACTIVITY MONITOR.

 

                             JAKE (CON'T)

                   Reads normal.

 

JAKE GOES TO ONE OF THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTERS.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   What about Lizzy?

 

                             JAKE

                   I'll take care of her.  Hey,

                   you think 361 knows how

                   to operate one of these diagnostic

                   programs.

 

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Um, Jake...361 is a droid.

 

JAKE FREEZES.

 

                             JAKE

                   You didn't just tell me that we

                   were stranded here without an adult

                   did you?

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Well, I guess you could interpret it

                   that way.  (BEAT)  This is way bad, huh?

 

                             JAKE

                   We'll be ok...I don't know how...but we WILL

                   be ok.  (BEAT)  Ashley, this is Amina.

                   Amina, Ashley's going to get give you a

                   nice hot shower and get you some new

                   clothes.  (TO ASHLEY)  Use the anti-tox

                   soap and burn her clothes.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Come on Amina -- let's get you all

                   cleaned up and pretty.

 

ASHLEY TAKES THE HAND OF THE LITTLE GIRL.  BOTH ASHLEY AND AMINA LOOK BACK AT LIZZY LYING ON THE GURNEY AND SIGH.  AMINA RUNS TO LIZZY AND APPEARS TO HUG HER, HER EYES ARE FACING THE WALL.  THE BEGIN TO GLOW AS AMINA SECRETLY PULLS OUT A HANDFUL OF LIZZY'S HAIR.  SHE PUTS IT INTO HER POCKET AS SHE RETURNS TO ASHLEY.  THEY LEAVE THE ROOM.

 

JAKE IS HAMMERING AWAY ON THE COMPUTER.  HE LOCATES HIS SPOT AND READS OFF THE SCREEN.

 

                             JAKE

                   Come on.  Come on...poisoning...poisoning...

                   radioactivity...there we go...772038.

                  

HE SCRIBBLES THE NUMBER ON A PIECE OF PAPER.

 

                             JAKE

                   Program 772038 into healer component and scan                  patient within ten minutes of exposure or                 damage will be irreversible.  Ten minutes!

 

HE LOOKS AT HIS WATCH.

 

                             JAKE

                   It may already have been 10 minutes!

 

JAKE TEARS THROUGH THE DRAWERS!

 

                             JAKE

                   Healer!  Healer!  Where the heck is

                   the stupid healer?

 

IN THE LAST DRAWER HE LOCATES IT AND SIGHS.  HE CHECKS THE PAPER AND PUNCHES IN THE NUMBER.

 

VIEW OF TINY SCREEN -- AN ERROR MESSAGE GLOWS.

 

                             JAKE

                   Please don't do this to me.

 

HE TRIES AGAIN -- GROWING VERY FRUSTRATED.  BUT NOTHINGS.

 

LIZZY'S BREATH IS SLOWING.  HER SKIN IS SHRIVELING.  SHE IS FADING MORE RAPIDLY AS TIME PROGRESSES.

 

JAKE TRIES AGAIN AND NOTHING.  FULLY FRUSTRATED HE THROWS THE HEALER ON THE FLOOR.  IT BEEPS LOUDLY -- BUZZING TO LIFE.

 

JAKE LOOKS AT IT SLOWLY -- THEN RUNS TO IT.  HE SCRAMBLES FOR THE PAPER WITH THE CODE ON IT AND PUNCHES THE CODE IT.  IT WORKS.  HE GOES TO LIZZY AND RUNS THE MACHINE ABOUT AN INCH OVER HER BODY, CONCENTRATING ON HER HANDS AND FACE.  SLOWLY HER SKIN BEGINS TO TIGHTEN, TURNING BACK TO NORMAL.  THE TRANSFORMATION TAKES SECONDS.  SHE REMAINS UNCONSCIOUS.  JAKE PUTS THE HEALER DOWN AND PICKS UP A RADIOACTIVITY READER AND TAKES A READING.

 

                             JAKE

                   It's normal Liz.  Come back to me.

 

HE PLACES A HAND ON HER FOREHEAD THEN RUNS HIS FINGERS DOWN HER CHEEK.  SLOW SECONDS PASS.  FINALLY HER EYES FLUTTER.  JAKE SIGHS.

                             JAKE (whispers)

                   Thank God.

 

LIZZY'S EYES OPEN AND SHE MOVES HER HEAD TO HIM.

 

                             JAKE

                   Hey.  Welcome back.

 

LIZZY SMILES.

         

                             LIZZY

                   Tell me I was dreaming and I'm

                   really back home in my room.

 

                             JAKE

                   I wish.  How do you feel?

 

                             LIZZY

                   Tired and thirsty.  How's the little

                   princess?

 

                             JAKE

                   Ashley's bathing her.

                            

LIZZY SLOWLY TRIES TO GET UP.

 

                             JAKE

                   Maybe you should rest here for a while.

                   I'll go get Scott and we'll get rid of

                   Amina's ship.

 

LIZZY CAREFULLY GETS UP.

 

                             LIZZY

                   I'm not staying here alone.  Just

                   let me lean on you.

 

JAKE CATCHES AND HOLDS HER EYE.

 

                             JAKE

                   Anywhere, anytime.

 

BEAT.

 

                            LIZZY

                   Thanks for saving my life.

 

                             JAKE

                   Anywhere, anytime.

 

THE DOOR SLIDES OPEN.  ASHLEY AND AMINA ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE.  AMINA IS DRESSED IN A LIGHT GREEN UNITARD.  SHE RUNS TO LIZZY AND JUMPS INTO HER ARMS.  JAKE STEADIES LIZZY AND BASICALLY HOLDS THEM BOTH UP.

 

ASHLEY HUGS LIZZY TOO.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   You ok?

 

                             LIZZY

                   Let's just say I've had better days.

                   Hey little one.  How are you feeling?

 

                             ASHLEY

                   I don't think she talks.  I mean, she's

                   a sweet kid.  Seems to understand and all,

                   just doesn't talk.  And that de-tox soap?

                   My hands are ruined.

 

                             JAKE

                   Let's go introduce her to the others.

 

THERE IS A GRINDING AND A RUMBLING COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE WALL WITH THE EXTERIOR DOOR.  THE SHIP ROCKS.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   I want to be home.

    

                             LIZZY

                   Jake, what is that?

 

JAKE SCANS HIS HAND ACROSS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A LIGHT PANEL.  A PIECE OF THE WALL SLIDES AWAY TO REVEAL A WINDOW.  THEY WATCH AS AMINA'S SHIP DISLODGES AND SAILS AWAY.

 

                             JAKE

                   I was hoping to get a look inside

                   before we let it go.  I wonder if

                   she's the only one of her people left?

 

                             LIZZY

                   I wonder what she eats or if she's

                   even human.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   She looks human.

 

                             JAKE

                   Remember that species occupying

                   Colony 9 on Saturn.  We all thought they

                   were human too.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Not human but perfectly harmless.

 

                             LIZZY

                   I'm more worried about how to take

                   care of her than about being harmed by her.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   What about that diagnostic wand thingy?

                   Can't that tell if something's human?

 

                             JAKE

                   Ashley, sometimes you can be brilliant.

 

SHE BEAMS.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Thank you.

 

JAKE SEARCHES THE DRAWERS ONCE MORE, PRODUCES A WAND, AND FIRES IT UP.

 

                             JAKE

                   Sure this works on the first try.

 

                             LIZZY

                   What?

 

                             JAKE

                   Nothing.

 

JAKE WAVES THE WAND OVER AMINA.

 

                             JAKE

                   She's human alright.  Five point three

                   years old and her favorite food is

                   ice cream.

 

AMINA SMILES.  HER EYES BRIGHTEN.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   The reader says all that?

 

                             JAKE

                   The ice cream was a guess.

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Can that thing find the nearest mall?

 

                             JAKE

                   Let's go check on the others.

 

                             AMINA

                   And get some ice cream.

 

THE OTHERS ARE STARTLED.  THEN THEY LAUGH.

 

                             LIZZY

                   And see if we can find some ice cream

                   for our little princess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                           ACT THREE

                            Scene 2

 

INT. - CONTROL ROOM - CON'T

(Jake, Lizzy, Ashley, Scott, Kip, 361, and Amina)

(Day 1)

 

ASHLEY, JAKE, LIZZY AND AMINA ENTER.  ALL EYES ARE ON THEM.

 

                             KIP (sweetly)

                   Who is this?

 

JAKE HANDS KIP THE AMINA'S LETTER.

 

                             JAKE

                   Long story.  Nutshell...she's human.

                   She's the only survivor of a destroyed

                   planet and she wants some ice cream.

 

                             KIP

                   I want some ice cream.

 

                             SCOTT

                   Do we even have ice cream?

 

                             ASHLEY

                   Let's go look.

 

                             SCOTT (To Lizzy)

                   You look like death.

 

LIZZY AND JAKE EXCHANGE LOOKS.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Something like that.

 

THE RADIO SPUTTERS, THERE IS A WHIRLING NOISE, THEN A VOICE.  ALL RUSH TO THE RADIO.

 

                             COMMANDER (vo)

                   Electra 18, Electra 18 do you read

                   me?...come in Electra 18, come in.

 

                             JAKE

                   The commander!

 

KIP PICKS UP THE MICROPHONE.  HE EXAGGERATES -- VOICE SCREECHING.

 

                             KIP

                   Commander!  Commander I'm so glad

                   to hear your voice!

 

 

                             COMMANDER

                   Kip.  Thank God.  State your

                   location and we'll get you home.

 

JAKE TAKES THE MICROPHONE.

 

                             JAKE

                   That could be a problem commander.

                   See there was this worm hole...

 

                             ASHLEY

                   ...and now we seem to be in Critron sector of

                   the outer quadrant of Antiphiny.  Without

                   a manicurist -- I may add.

 

                             LIZZY

                   Can you tell us anything about the

                   planet Aurora?

 

                             SCOTT

                   Like would we treat a kid from

                   there like we would treat an earthling?

 

                             COMMANDER

                   The Critron sector of

                   the outer quadrant of Antiphiny!

                   Where is Engineer 361?

 

                             361

                   Right here ma'am.

 

                             COMMANDER

                   Get them home 361.

 

                             361

                   Any suggestions on the execution

                   of that ma'am?

 

                             COMMANDER

                   Is everybody safe?

 

                             361

                   Everyone is safe.  There is a new

                   addition.  A child from Aurora.  My

                   internal research indicates that she

                   is a harmless and sole survivor of

                   a once great empire.

 

 

 

 

 

                             COMMANDER

                   Your research is correct. Do not sign off.                     I'm going to find the General to get you kids                  back home.  In the meantime, keep your radio-                  transmitter on.  Is that clear?

 

                             JAKE

                   As a bell Commander.

 

                             COMMANDER

                   Then I'm out...

    

                             LIZZY

                   Ah, wait!

 

                             COMMANDER

                   Yes?

 

                             LIZZY

                   Please tell out parents that we love

                   them.

 

                             COMMANDER

                   Copy that Lizzy.  I'm out.

 

THE RADIO GOES SILENT.  ALL STAND IN QUIETLY -- JUST LOOKING AT EACH OTHER FOR A MOMENT.

 

                             AMINA

                   Can we have ice cream now?

 

                             JAKE

                   You bet we can.

 

                             SCOTT

                   Anybody even know where the kitchen is?

 

                             LIZZY

                   We'll find it.

 

KIP LAGS BACK.

 

                             LIZZY

                   You coming?

 

                             KIP

                   I think I'll stay here with

                   361.

 

 

 

 

                             JAKE

                   That's right.  Our lives are

                   completely different now.

 

                             SCOTT

                   This is like responsibility huh.

 

                             JAKE (sarcastically)

                   Something like that.

 

                             361

                   Just bring him back some chocolate.

 

                             KIP

                   It is my favorite.

 

                             LIZZY

                   You got it.

 

LIZZY, CARRYING AMINA, JAKE, SCOTT AND ASHLEY OPEN AND EXIT THE DOOR.  KIP TAKES A SEAT BESIDE 361 AND THEY LOOK OUT INTO THE DEEP DARK SKY.

 

INT - HALLWAY - CON'T

 

LIZZY AND AMINA ARE TRAILING THE OTHERS.  LIZZY'S BACK IS TO US, HOLDING AMINA - WHO IS FACING US.  AMINA IS HOLDING THE HAIR THAT SHE PREVIOUSLY TOOK FROM LIZZY'S HEAD.  IT SEEMS ALIVE AS IT PULSATES OMINOUSLY.

 

INT - BACK TO SCENE - CON'T

 

                             KIP

                   Think we'll get home before Christmas.

 

                             361

                   Depends on what year you are referring.

 

                             KIP

                   Just what we need -- a driod with a sense

                   of humor.