Buck Rogers in the 26th Century Episode 105x " Beneath the Skin " Written by: Erin Weinstock I don't hold any of the copyrights in this story, and this story was made without profit . Teaser: The name "Sanopp" appears on the screen, which then fades off after a few seconds. We're in a city filled with towering black colored buildings. The sky is a light violet and a large sun hangs in its center. There are many Saurians moving about. They don't all look the way Taindair looks. Instead of having crocodile-like ridges on the head, some have boned-ridges moving around places of the skull that remind us of goats and rams. They also have different colored scales; some have ocean-blue, while others have violet wavering with green. This place doesn't look very nice, it's the poor section of the city. We see Wilma moving about the crowd, dressed in clothes like the Saurians. She's sweating. Something with a watch-like appearance is on one of her wrists. She looks up at the sky, putting up a hand to shield her eyes. Then looks back down and around herself. She moves off to the shade of one of the buildings and takes a thermos out of a baggy pocket, then drinks. A female Saurian comes up to Wilma, who has just finished her drink and is staring out at a space ship. This is the ship she came in on; it doesn't look like a Directorate ship. The lady Saurian off to Wilma's side, Fonthin: "You have been away from here for long, eh?" Wilma: "You could say that." Fonthin: "So long, the heat of home, you have weakness to it, like a human." Wilma: "Humans have a weakness in the heat?" Fonthin: "They cannot take it, the weak animals. But we Saurians can. Because you've been away for long, before you're put to work would you like to adapt in my house? I love hearing of other worlds, and you seem like you've been to many." Wilma: "That would be nice, thanks." Fonthin motions Wilma to follow her which she does. Cut to: ext: Fonthin's home: It's a one level building, with a fence-like structure around the roof. There's a colorful garden circling its walls against its edge. Cut to: int: Fonthin's Home: Fonthin: "So tell me what's the rest of the universe like?" Wilma: "You've never been off planet?" Fonthin: "No, passage costs so much. Years ago I almost joined the military just to travel." Wilma smiles at that. Cont: "You're in the military?" Wilma: "I was for a time. That's where my money came from for travel." Fonthin: "You fought on Earth didn't you?" Wilma: "Yes I [ beat ] no, no I never -." Fonthin: "It's OK, I'd never want to remember a planet like that either." Cut to: int: Palace: Buck and Taindair are being led down a long, high-ceilinged hallway that has intricate carvings cut into its walls. There are sparsely spaced doors on the walls with fine art work painted on them. Note these are all normal doors, not Phasoft ones. Also note Buck is wearing the same watch-like device on one of his wrists. Servant One: "While you are staying here the following places within the Palace are off limits to you: the queen's throne room, her living quarters, the conference room, the patch, the kitchen." Buck: "I understand there might be a restriction or two about where Taindair and I can go. But we're here to help you guys, to protect the monarchy." Servant One: "Oh the members of Earth's Defense Directorate want full access. Well sorry but -." Queen: "They will have access." She is off in the distance some way down the hallway, coming towards them. When she comes forward we see her in more detail. She looks old and her scales are of paler colors than the other Saurians. Servant One: "Your Majesty, I'm sorry but these people working for Earth have come here. They're insisting they're here to protect you!" Queen: "That is why I sent for them." Servant One: "But majesty, they're traitors, ones that should not even but in our hold!" Queen: "Quiet! They are not traitors to our home. Taindair here was sent to Earth to help us establish better peace with the humans." She points to Taindair, and then pointing to Buck. Cont: "And Rogers here was born off world on one of Ceyu's moons. Ceyu, a planet that has been in our empire since before the time of my great grandmother. They have the right to move about here as they please while they are here!" Servant One: "Understood Your Majesty. Is there anything I can do for you?" Queen: "Leave." Servant One: "Yes, as you order, Your Majesty," Servant One says bowing to her then running off. A beat as the Queen stares at Buck and Taindair. Queen: "The negotiations are tomorrow. Are the two of you prepared for this?" Buck holds up the wrist with the device on it. Buck: "We're at your guard, madam. Everything tomorrow will go as planned." Queen: "I've been told you were not around when the war was going on, Rogers. I have your word in honor you will do as you say you'll do?" Taindair: "He is an honorable man, Your Majesty. As well as the other human who is here, Colonel Deering." Queen: "For our worlds, for my empire, I hope you are right Toluo." Pre-Credits: End of teaser: Beginning of Act one: ext: Defense Directorate: Cut to: int: Huer's Office: Huer is standing before Buck, Wilma, and Taindair. Huer: "Why I've sent for the three of you is I have a mission for you. Taindair, you've known about this coming for some time. However Wilma, you and Buck have not. [ beat ] In three days on Sanopp - Buck, that's Taindair's home world - " Buck: "I knew that." Huer: "That's good, I've heard you two have worked together. [ beat ] In three days on Sanopp, the Saurian empire will be going into negotiations with the Ked about who owns land rights over the planets the two of them lost in the battle over the Wirose Solar System. Now the Ked, the Saurian monarchy doesn't think will do anything of an aggressive nature during the negotiations. But however during the negotiations the monarchy will have to be present. And it is well known fact that in the past the Saurian government has not always been at good peace with its own people. For these negotiations to be a fact that is open to public knowledge. Ones on Sanopp, and ones on Earth tried to interfere with the peace negotiations when our war with them ended. It is your job to protect the monarchy during the negotiations. If you fail, then war might rise up again between the two of them. Maybe even with Earth once more." Wilma: "We accept, but most Saurians still don't like to be in the presence of humans. How will Buck and I do our job when no one around us is at ease with us being there?" Taindair: "I've been working with Mallory on that. Dr. Huer, do you have them?" Huer: "Yes, I do." Huer turns around to his desk for a moment and takes two small boxes off of it. Then hands the two boxes to Buck and Wilma. While Buck and Wilma are opening their boxes, which we soon see contain the watch looking devices. Taindair: "When those are active and set properly, to anyone of Saurian body chemistry, you'll appear as one of them." Buck: "Amazing," he says while putting on his wrist. Cont: "But what about the Ked?" Huer: "The settings on it can be changed, Buck. If you want you can appear to the Ked as one of their own." Wilma: "Although I wouldn't advise doing that." Buck: "Oh, why not?" Wilma: "Well to what we know of so far in the universe, there are many beings out there that are shaped like we are. The Ked are not; our movements to them, if we look like them in their eyes, would be very strange." Buck: "What, do they have eight legs or something?" Taindair: "The Ked move around on all fours, because of their shape. But with the assistance of a thin vehicle they can sit upon, they can move around and interact better with species that when moving tend to be upright." Buck: "So when do we leave?" Huer: "In a few hours. The ships you'll be traveling in to reach Sanopp, aren't Defense Directorate ships. I've talked with the Transportation Directorate, who in turn on my behalf have talked to some of couriers we deal with who use alien ships. When you arrive in Sanopp, you cannot be seen coming in on a Defense Directorate ship! If that were to happen who knows what kind of trouble that could stir up." Wilma: "Ships?" Huer: "I should have said this earlier. Buck, Taindair, you two will be working together. Wilma, you will be working by yourself." Wilma: "Why?" Huer: "Where I'm having you sent is a place on Sanopp I believe to be too dangerous to send a couple of trainees. In the planet's main city "Ditas", there is believed to be a group planning to overthrow the government. As also could well be the case within the government itself. That's why we're so fearful of these negotiations being in public knowledge: the chance for one or maybe two of these groups, if they exist, to bring down two planetary governments with just one stone's throw. [ beat ] It's also certain that that first group outside the government exists. I want someone I well know can do that job to take them down if needed. That's why you'll be away from Taindair and Buck, Wilma." Buck: "So Taindair and I will be on the lookout within the government for there maybe being another group looking to overthrow it?" Taindair: "I'd be honored, sir. Is that your will?" Huer: "It is, Taindair. I insist the three of you get ready for your trip." Wilma: "Will do." Talking to Buck and Taindair, Cont: "Gentlemen?" And with that having been said they leave Huer's office. [ Flash, change scene to ... ] int: Fonthin's Home: Wilma and Fonthin are sitting at a table. Wilma has a mug of something between her hands. Fonthin: "Are you feeling any better now?" Wilma: "Yeah, the planets I've been on. They're not the same, too cold." Fonthin: "Too far away from the sun, the poor creatures that live on those worlds. How could you stand to live for so long without the heat of Sanopp's fire?" Wilma: "You've been a wonderful hostess Ms. Fonthin, but I'm afraid I must leave now." Fonthin: "It's Miss Fonthin, by the way, and what's the hurry?" Wilma: "There's someone I'm supposed to meet in town. He's not the kind of man you want to keep waiting." Fonthin: "The nerve! Maybe I know him, what's his name?!" Wilma: "The nerve? What's the big deal?" Fonthin: "You've just arrived here, you've been away from home for far too long! You need relaxing before whatever business needs doing!" Wilma: "It's OK, Miss Fonthin! You see why I'm in such a hurry to reach this man, he has my son. And I've heard he's fallen in with the wrong crowd." Fonthin: "You and me both." Wilma: "Oh dear, I feel so sorry for you. If you don't mind my asking, what has yours been up to?" Cut to: ext: Palace: Buck is standing on a balcony with Taindair by his side. They're both looking down off it, but Buck is looking down off it like a hawk looking for its prey. Taindair: "You think the danger will come from down there?" Buck: "Maybe, maybe not. I'm not used to being around royalty, Taindair. And the queen I don't think she really likes it that I'm here." Taindair: "The war between our people I've been told, was a long and bloody one. The queen is very old, she was there when it started and when it ended. But she is a diplomat and I am sure she understands you took no part in that war." Buck: "I wonder if how we're being treated right now is the same as anyone of Middle Eastern appearance was treated in my time when traveling in the U.S.?" Taindair: "What do you mean?" Buck: "In 2001 there was a terrorist attack on New York City and Washington DC. Once it came out that some people of Middle Eastern origin were responsible for the attack, many people in the U.S. treated anyone of Middle-eastern background differently. That led to what I told you about airports a few days ago." Taindair: "That's unfortunate, and for my people to behave now as yours did long ago." Buck: "I think some things like this might be sadly timeless. The separating of one group from another out of fear. That was going on years even before I was born, but it never lasts." Buck turns away from the balcony, and looks towards the palace. Cont: "Taindair, what's The Patch?" Taindair: "It's a wonderful place. Every home on Sanopp has one, but here in the Palace it must be great. Buck, do you want to go there? True, no work would happen there, but it's quite the place to regenerate." Buck: "Why wouldn't we be doing our job there?" Taindair: "Who would want to be going about bad business when they're having such a good time." Buck: "Well I still have no idea what it is, but you certainly have me intrigued about it. OK, I'll go." And at this they both leave the balcony to back inside the Palace. [ Flash, change scene to ... ] ext: Defense Directorate: Cut to: int: Buck's living room: He's laying down on his couch in very laid back, relaxed position. His work lamp that we saw in the last episode is over his shoulder. He's reading a book. Wilma enters the scene. We see this happen with a back view of her coming towards Buck. Wilma: "What are you doing?" Buck: "Reading a book, what else does it look like I'm doing?" Wilma: "That's a book?" Wilma walks over to Buck and sits half way on his couch. She's finished doing this by the time Buck has finished saying the next line. Buck: "Well it's a bound print-out from the Directorate's historical files. [ beat ] But yeah it's been made into a book." Wilma: "What ever it is you're reading, why didn't you just read it off one of the computers that shows screen type?" Buck: "I've never been too wild about learning stuff off a computer screen. I'd rather have a real copy of the text in my hands. By the way what I'm reading about is the war we had with the Saurians. Thought it would be nice to know why some of them hate us before we go to Sanopp." Wilma: "2491, I was a little girl when that war ended. But I can still remember how happy people were when it did." Buck: "But some weren't, really something how both sides handled the signing of the treaty." Wilma: "So what do you think of Taindair, now?" Buck: "He's my co-worker, someone best to my knowledge I can trust. Reading about what his people have done in the past doesn't change a thing." Wilma: "Nice to know you're becoming more understanding of alien cultures." Buck: "Nice to know you at the age of 33, now know what a book is." Wilma: "You boar!" Buck: "And I think you're lovely too." Wilma: "I am never going to understand you, Buck Rogers! And I am so grateful to the fact we're not going to be working together on Sanopp!" With this having been said she leaves his side and storms out of his living quarters. Buck: "Wonderful, lovely woman." End of Act One: Beginning of Act Two: Fonthin and Wilma are siting on top of the roof to her house, in the fenced in area. Fonthin acts like she's sunbathing. Wilma is uncomfortable with the heat but is trying to hide it. Wilma: "So in recent weeks he's been acting more and more amiss to you?" Fonthin: "Not only to me but to other family as well. Some of his friends, ones he's had since he was fresh from shell. They're afraid of him, some of their parents have come to me. They claim he's been trying to get their children into some kind of group. This group I'm hearing of, they don't want to live by society's laws, and government. Oh Wilma, I don't know what to do with him. He won't listen to me." Wilma: "Sounds like the kind of sort I've been told mine is hanging around. Can I speak to him? Maybe I can talk some sense into him." Fonthin: "I believe he'll be coming home soon. I'm not sure, I'm not wearing a time piece. And Sanopp's fire is going quickly out of sight by the clouds. When the fire is fully overhead, he'd said he'd come." Wilma: "Looks like it wants to rain, but the clouds - " The view being used when Wilma says this is looking up from Wilma into the sky. The storm clouds have a greenish look to them. Fonthin: "It is going to rain! We must leave here before it comes." The rain starts to fall just in here and there drops. Wilma: "I welcome it, so refreshing." Wilma is starting to look pleased facing the sky. Fonthin: "Fine, you stay in the patch, and relearn the spring rains. I'm going back inside, when you come in I'll be ready for you." Fonthin goes over to a doorway built into the roof. Then down into it, closing the door behind her. The rain with the greenish look starts to pour, and Wilma just sits smiling. Cut to: int: Fonthin's home: This scene is taking place just below the roof door. Fonthin is standing in a stairwell looking up. She's listening to the falling rain. After a beat she shakes her head back and forth in disappointment and walks down the stairs. Cut to: int: Fonthin's kitchen which is connected to the stairwell, and other rooms. The camera moves to follow her come into this room, and move off into another room. When she does this her son "Fassuh" comes through the front door to see her do this. Fassuh is wearing a rain slicker, the hood of which he now takes off. After Fonthin has entered the next room. V.O Fonthin: "Fassuh?" Fassuh: "Mother." V.O. Fonthin: "Where have you been? I have a guest here who would like to talk to you. [ beat ] Do you know where the spring towels are?" Fassuh: "I think they're up on the top shelf, towards the back. Why do you need them? Get caught in the rain?" After a beat, a loud scream from Wilma can be heard from above. V.O. Fonthin: "Our guest." Cut to: int: Bathroom: Fonthin then quickly reaches up to where Fassuh indicted and takes down the towels. Cut to: int: Kitchen: Wilma is slowly coming down the stairwell. While she's doing this we notice shes covered in patches of moss. All over her where the rain was hitting her. The look on her face is priceless; it says "Oh dear god, why me." Fonthin comes out of the bathroom with the towels to see this. Fassuh laughs at the sight of Wilma. After a beat, Fonthin: "She's not dumb, Fassuh. She's just a bit out of her element at the moment. She's been away from Sanopp for a long time." Wilma just stops in her tracks at hearing this and stares at Fonthin. Fassuh: "That isn't possible, mom. I am not dumb. I have been - " Fonthin: "Yes I know you've been to other worlds because of some of your friends. But you weren't away for years, she was and now because of that nearly an outsider to this world." Fonthin comes closer to Wilma who is still standing in the stairwell. That look of "why me", has now turned into a type of wondering shock. Cont: "I know I should have warned you about the rain. But it's common knowledge that this is the time of year we get the raining green. [ beat ] Let me dry you off, it's the least I can do for you to say I'm sorry." Fassuh: "You know they're not my friends any more, the rich warm-bloods." He says this in the voice of a nasty hate. While this is being said Wilma finishes making her way down the stairs. Wilma looks a bit dead in the face now. Fonthin: "What an awful thing to call them, Fassuh! Ms. Wilma, he didn't pick that up from me, I swear." Wilma: "Pick what up?" Fonthin: "Calling people "warm-bloods", the sick word." Fonthin tries to wipe off Wilma with one of the towels she had hugged against herself. Wilma: "I, thanks for wanting to do that. But if you don't mind I'd like to clean myself off." Fonthin: "Why?" Wilma: "I [ beat ], long story." Fonthin: "Do tell." Wilma: "I'd rather not", Wilma says this looking a little melancholic. Fonthin hands her the towel she tried to use on her, which Wilma takes, softy. Wilma towels herself off, rubbing once in a while to get the moss off. Cut to: ext: Palace: We see an overhead view of it. But the main focus is on a glass dome covered in the moss we saw on Wilma. The whole roof top in fact a covered in this moss, and some running down the outside walls as well. At this point it should be noted it's raining only lightly. Cut to: int: Palace: Buck is about to enter the palace's patch, through a massive doorway. Taindair has his hand resting on the door, he's facing Buck. Buck is holding a stack of shimmering blue pads with script on them in one hand. Taindair: "Through this door is the patch, its purpose is to make you feel life ." Buck: "Feel life?" Taindair: "Its warmth comes from Sanopp's fire. You'll feel so relaxed you'll feel like you're in a place you've always belonged." Buck: "A place I've always belonged? I'll [ he sighs ], let's do this." Grawl, a short, fit looking Saurian comes up fast on the two. Grawl: "DO what!" Buck turns around to Grawl. Buck: "Enter the patch." Grawl: "You do not have permission! I forbid it! What is that you have in your hand!" He points to Buck. Buck: "None of you every loving bee's wax." Taindair: "The queen has it we can go where ever we want to while we're here." Grawl: "Says her I'm sure. I'll look into that. Guards!" Grawl shouts down the hallway on that final word. Many footsteps can be heard moving about, getting louder. Buck: "My you're friendly, care to explain to us who you are?" Grawl: "I am Grawl, the second in the queen's council, and leader of Sanopp's military forces!" The guards, there are five of them, have now come into view, and they come to the sides of Grawl. Buck: "Taindair and I are here by invitation, in peace to protect the monarchy. We were just about to go the patch to relax." Grawl: "Says her! Guards, take them and follow me. We'll see, says her!" The guards take hold of Buck and Taindair. Grawl moves out of view, and with the two being held, the guards move to follow. Cut to: int: Throne Room: Grawl enters this very elaborate looking room followed by Buck and Taindair, still in the guard's hold. This room is very large and tall. On its ceiling if the camera was pointing upwards, stars and planets are painted. Now some of these planets have a highlight painted around them. This highlight color reaches from planet to planet, like a connect the dots but with planets. A beat after they have all entered the room, Grawl looking off camera, to where the queen's throne is, forward, Grawl under his breath: "Not now," despite not meaning for others to hear him. It catches Buck's attention. Cont: "To the Land of the Heated Sands, WHERE IS THE QUEEN!" Pan camera around to the throne to see she's not in it. Buck: "Taindair and I are here to help, Grawl if you'd just let us -." Grawl: "Quiet! Do not speak!" Buck tries to shake off the guards from himself as best he can while holding the pads. Taindair: "Buck." Buck: "By invitation here, with a job to do. Grawl, this is a very large palace. She might just be elsewhere in it." Buck has gotten the guards off him. They try to grab him again, but he fights them off. Buck then moves up to Grawl. Grawl: "Sure by invitation. For what reason whatever that is, I give doubt." Buck: "The negotiations coming up." Grawl: "You're here to help the Ked." Buck: "We're here to protect the monarchy." Grawl: "From what." Buck: "Maybe you." Grawl: "And what do you mean by that?" Buck: [ beat ] "Not now?" Buck says that with a slight smile. Grawl gains a look of horror on his face that then changes quickly to anger. Grawl: "I am Grawl the second in the queen's council, and leader of Sanopp's military forces. I would never do wrong to the monarchy!" Taindair notices Servant One come through the doorway, and coming towards Grawl and Buck. Servant One: "Grawl, by request of the queen. You are ordered to meet with her in the Gallery." Taindair is glaring at the guards and speaking low to them. We can't hear what he's saying. After a beat, they let go of him. Grawl: "Restrain them! I will speak to the queen alone to find out why they are really here ." Buck turns back to the guards, and makes a couple moves to show he's ready for a fight. Taindair does the same. Buck: "We're coming with you without the guards. I'm tired of this unwelcome treatment, so unless you want to make something of it, you'll let this happen." Grawl: "The guards will come but without restraining the both of you, and walk a few feet behind." End of Act Two: Beginning of Act Three: Fassuh: "My friends are a concern to you because of what? You've been told your son might be with them? His name, what is it warm-blood?" Wilma: "His name is Chesarr, and please stop calling me warm-blood." Fassuh: "I'll call you warm-blood if I want! You don't live here! I've never heard of anyone named Chesarr before! So leave here and return to your house of riches!" Fonthin: "Fassuh! I have no idea what has gotten into you lately, but it has got to stop! I invited Wilma here, and the only way she is leaving is if she wants to go or I tell her to go! Now please stop this awful behavior!" Fassuh: "She doesn't belong here among us! She's traveled among the stars, to far off worlds! She's of a better class! One that my friends and I plan to put a stop to!" Wilma: "What do you mean by that?" Fonthin: "Fassuh?" Fassuh heads towards the door, now hand on the door knob. Fassuh: "You'll find out soon, you rich warm-blood!" And after he says this, he opens the door and leaves, slamming the door behind himself. Wilma unholsters her firearm and goes for the door. Fonthin: "What are you doing, why are -?!" Fonthin stares at Wilma with a dead look of realization on her face. Cont: "[ beat ] Is your firearm? It looks like, [ beat ] is it?" Wilma at the door holds up her sidearm, and gives it a look. Then she turns to Fonthin who still looks in shock. Wilma: "It is [ beat ], I'm here for your own protection Fonthin, for your monarchy." Wilma then turns away from Fonthin. Cont: "I'm sorry." And with that said Wilma leaves. Fonthin stands still in shock for a beat, then goes out the door Wilma just used. Cut to: ext: Street: It looks like the sign of a bad neighborhood. Cracked pavement with weeds growing about it. Garbage litters it in some places. Some of the houses to its sides look nice. But for the most part that isn't the trend to the others. Note it is no longer raining. This scene starts with Fassuh running who has Wilma hot on his tail. The camera is in front of Fassuh. Another note the camera is stationary. Fassuh runs past the camera. Then after a beat Wilma does the same. Wilma has a determined look on her face. Firearm still drawn, the Saurians she runs past get out of her way. Their main attention on her as she goes past is on the sidearm. Zoom camera into and far back on the street. Fonthin is very unsurely moving towards the camera. Cut to: ext: Alley: Wilma has just entered the alleyway from the street. She lifts her sidearm out from herself. Pointing it straight forward. Swoop camera around to behind her fast, to see a gang ready for business. Fassuh is in the lead of them and they're all pointing guns at her. Gang Member Two: "Earth's Defense Directorate?" Wilma: "I want you to spill the beans now on what you're planning, Fassuh!" Fassuh: "And I should do that, why? We have you out numbered." Wilma: "True, but my blaster can still do a lot of damage if one of you doesn't talk." Fassuh walks up to Wilma and points his firearm towards her head. In response to this Wilma lowers her firearm, then quickly gives Fassuh a side swiping kick, knocking him down. She quickly yanks him into a locked position with herself and bears her firearm against his head. Wilma: "Now tell me what these plans of yours are, or the last thing you'll ever see is this cement coated in your cold-blood!" Gang Member Three: "You're not going to get anything out of him, warm-blood. So drop the filthy little Earth gun you've got. Before "you" become the mess on the ground." Swoop camera back to the alleyway's entrance, to see Fonthin unsurely enter. Fonthin gets shot in the gut. We see that Fassuh has caught sight of this. Fassuh speaks in a low voice towards Wilma. Fassuh: "Let me go, I'll tell." Wilma lets go of him and he quickly runs to Fonthin. After a beat, Fassuh speaks to the gang, bent down over the fallen Fonthin. Fassuh: "I'm out." Gang Member Two: "Why?" Fassuh: "Leave and continue, but don't count me in!" Gang Member Two: "Fassuh?" Fassuh points his firearm out at the gang. Fassuh: "Leave!" After a moment of unsure hesitation about what to truly do they make their way out of the alleyway. Passing Wilma, Fassuh, and Fonthin, they stare at the group unmoving. But Fassuh holding Fonthin. Once they have left the scene, Wilma: "I will get medical attention for her. Tell me of their plans." Cut to: ext: palace: Cut to: int: Gallery: The Gallery looks like a very exotic greenhouse, filled with all sorts of insects: strange and colorful ones, flying and crawling all over the place. There is a path winding its way through this. Grawl has just entered, followed by Taindair and Buck. The guards are behind the group, Buck makes a motion to them in telling them they had better not follow. Grawl: "Did you have to prove yourself like that a moment ago?" The Buck and Taindair follow Grawl who is moving down the path. Buck swipes at a bug floundering near to his face. The bug then flies quickly away after this movement. Buck: "How else was I supposed to prove that the Defense Directorate was on the same side as the monarchy of Sanopp." Taindair notices the bugs too, only he tries to catch them as they move along. Grawl: "Well you may have them convinced, but not me." As they continue walking Buck continues to get annoyed by the flying bugs about him. Taindair manages to catch one here and there. After clapping his hands on the caught bug, Taindair then pockets the bug, smiling in satisfaction to his work. After a couple of beats we see the queen with her back turned against the trio. She's sitting on a stone bench, staring at the wall of the gallery. At coming to the sight of her, Queen: "You have company with you, Grawl. The two from Earth's Defense Directorate?" Grawl: "Yes, Your Majesty." He bows down to her. Queen: "I can stop you bow to me, Grawl. It's not quite needed when I have no sight of it. But it is still much appreciated none the less." Buck and Taindair react to this. Taindair puts a bigger grin on his face than the one he had during his bug catching. Buck looks to Grawl with a look of confident amusement. Grawl: "Yes, Your Majesty." With this said Grawl stands up straight again. Queen: "Grawl, the guard, they know what behavior I don't want of them tomorrow, correct?" Grawl: "The ones that I don't trust attending the negotiations have been removed, Your Majesty." Queen: "Very good, Grawl. [ beat ] And the reason the two of Earth's Defense Directorate are here?" Grawl: " "I" don't trust them being in your company here, Your Majesty. But they keep claiming you're the one who sent for them to come. For your protection." Queen: "Again, how many times has something like this happened today?" Taindair: "At my last count, this makes ten times, it's happened." Grawl: "They work for Earth." Queen: "A planet that we've been at peace with for 28 years now. Grawl, we have nothing to fear from them." Grawl: "Was there anything else you needed me here for, Your Majesty?" Queen: "Yes, when the delegation from the Ked empire arrive I want you to keep your distance." Grawl: "Queen, why? I'm second to your council!" Queen: "And leader of Sanopp's military forces. The Ked don't need to see you. A good show for our military, at the negotiations." Grawl: "But Earth's military!?" Queen: "Will be of no concern to the Ked, and should well not be. They haven't had many dealings with Earth." Grawl: "Then it's a good thing they're Saurians and not Humans. If they were Humans, Your Majesty, I know the war is long over, but I still couldn't even stand to be in the same room as one if one were here." This speech is done with Buck shown just a couple feet behind Grawl. Queen: "Toluo and Grawl, leave. I'd like to talk to Rogers alone." Taindair and Grawl leave, Buck stands at ready for the queen, where he's been standing. Queen: "This hasn't been easy for you has it, Rogers?" Buck: "It hasn't been welcome, I never fought in the war. And just because I came from Earth, Taindair has this happen - " Queen: "When he's the one on your planet. [ beat ] It will end one day, be forgotten with time." Buck: "Well I'm one to not want to forget history. But some things are better off forgotten." Queen: "Rogers, I want you to help me make things anew." Buck: "By doing what, Your Majesty?" Queen: "What have you observed of Grawl?" Buck: "Aside from the fact that only a rat's butt has more charm than him?" Queen: "What does he think of current state of government?" Buck: "Well I don't think he's too wild about you, having more say than him. [ beat ] In fact I think he might just might be planning something of a bad sort against you." Queen: "He is, and that's why I sent for Toluo and you." After having said this she turns around to face Buck. Buck: "You know he's up to no good." Queen: "He wants our government in the power the way it knew once long ago. There was a time when Sanopp rule reached farther than the Draconian empire does now. But we've had to let go of that rule slowly, due to lost battles and resources. To Earth, to the Ked, to many others. Grawl believes he can return our rule back to what it once was but it can't be done. If the government, the monarchy was to conquer in the way it once did, my people would not have the resources which are to provide good home and life. Rogers, Grawl believes me to be weak right now. Not only in my mind but also in my body." Buck: "You're not, are you?" Queen: "My mind is as sharp as ever, but my body on the other hand - I fear in my current state he is all too right on that account. That is why I am sure he is up to something sinister. I want you and Toluo to beat him at what ever arsenic-lined game I'm sure he has set forth." Buck: "But there's something you'd rather just have me do?" Queen: "Your being here in this palace, without fear or show of harsh judgment of me. It's a sign to me of changing times, for the better. I need you to help me make a change. [ beat ] What is that you're holding by the way?" Buck hands the pads over to her. She smiles looking at them. End of Act three: Beginning of Act Four: This scene is taking place in the Queen's bedroom. This is just as fancy a place as the rest of the palace is. Its appearance shows true signs it's run by one of blue blood. The Queen sits on a padded bench near a window, she's holding a mirror looking at herself. Buck stands behind her, with something that looks like a small trash can beside him. While they're talking and as this scene opens, Buck is peeling off her skin as if it were tissue paper, and putting the dead scaled look hide in the can. She sits with a towel covering her like a toga. The scene out the window is of the night sky. As Buck moves about his business he shifts her towel a little around. Where Buck has taken off her old hide a new one is shown, one that is brighter in color and shiny. Queen: "The royal family, in my line, we are different from the other Saurians. Ages ago when our rule was at its greatest, we had ourselves genetically altered. We live now long, longer any others in our species. But when it comes time to shed our skin, a weakness near death strikes us." Buck: "I understand, Your Majesty. This is the second time you've told me." Queen: "Rogers, what you are doing now, it means so much to me. A human helping my people in this manner, it's been unheard of until now. [ beat ] Your plans for Grawl?" Buck: "I took care of him before we started this." Queen: "Oh, and what did you do?" [ flashback ] int: Grawl's living quarters: Starting at Buck's feet the camera moves up on him. We can see that his forearms are up at some task as we move up. In one hand he's holding a shimmering blue pad that's transparent with words written on one side. In the other hand he holds up a bunch of these pads. A note on his appearance, he's not wearing the watch-like device we've seen him wearing most of this episode. A door can be heard closing, and without looking away from the pad. Buck: "Well hi there Napoleon. Wasn't sure when you'd show up so I came in early." Move camera off Buck now to Grawl, who has the most mortified look on his face one could imagine. Grawl: "W-w What are you doing in here? Human!?" Buck walks over to Grawl, with his eyes still mainly looking at the pad. Buck: "Human? You sound shocked. You mean to tell me the entire time I've been here you didn't know what I was?" Grawl: "That voice! You're Rogers!" Buck: "Yeah, and you know I think because of what I see on this pad, you should be in jail right now." Grawl: "For what! Never mind, you know nothing, human! You being what you are could have never slipped past me!" Buck: "Oh, I know things like what is written on this." Buck puts the single pad he's holding in one hand close to Grawl's face. Cont: "The people you make deals with. They like to keep records to make sure their deals go through." The look of horror on Grawl's face becomes more intense. But his mouth stays closed as Buck continues. Cont: "Having the Queen kidnapped to be taken to a secure area. To watch those with support of your actions kill the Delegation from the Ked empire. Just to prove to the masses that know of this, that once more you think this planet's military can conquer any world that it chooses." Grawl: "How did you find those pads?" Buck walks around Grawl. Buck: "If you remember, your queen gave Taindair and myself full access to every area of this palace. Now Taindair and I, we found these shortly before you caught us by the patch. On another note to that, you saw me with them when we met." Grawl speaking low and long. Grawl: "All that time." Now back in his more pronounced voice. Cont: "Those say nothing of me. If they had, you would have spoken to me hours ago." Buck: "True, your name doesn't come up on a single one of these. But there is a person in this palace who is higher than you that knows the events mentioned on these pads, revolves around "your" actions." Grawl: "She says! You take her word?!" Buck: "That and the numerous other humans I work with here." Grawl: "What!" Buck turns to the doorway. Buck: "Taindair, would you come in here please?" After a beat, Taindair enters the room, holding a metal cylinder in one hand. Note he's wearing the watch-like device we've been seeing on Wilma and Buck. And also to this note, we're seeing the actor who plays Taindair without the reptile makeup. Grawl sees Taindair enter and makes a little noise of shock and horror at seeing this. Buck turns his attention back to Grawl. Buck: "Hope you don't mind the handcuffs, but it's necessary." Grawl: "He's one?" Grawl says in a small voice. Taindair: "Since the day I was born." Grawl: "No, no you can't arrest me!" Buck: "Do you plan on giving Taindair and I a hard time with this?" Grawl: "Give me one reason why I shouldn't?!" Buck: "I'd say your loyalty to the monarchy, but you have none." Buck turns once more to the door. Cont: "Wilma, could you come in here, please? I think I might need your help in a moment." Wilma enters the room now. Note it's her watch-like device that's on Taindair's wrist. Grawl: "Another! But I've been told Earth's Defense Directorate only sent you and and -" Grawl, in fear and panicked excitement, is now stammering, not being sure what to say. Buck: "Taindair." Grawl walking backwards but still facing the group. Grawl: "Stay back, stay back!" Buck: "Now if we stayed back, Taindair couldn't handcuff you." Buck is moving towards Grawl, with Taindair and Wilma moving with him in unison. Grawl has now backed himself up to a wall. Grawl: "You filthy warm-bloods." The group now have Grawl surrounded. Buck grabs Grawl by his wrists and moves them out to in front of himself. Taindair moves the metal cylinder in between the open space between Grawl's hands. On both ends of the cylinder a ball of white light comes out and covers the hands. Then the balls of light shrink in size around the hands inside them, changing color to a deep purple. [ flash forward ] int: Queen's Bedroom: Everything looks the same as before, only now Buck has just finished his work on the Queen. The camera has both the Queen's and Buck's back turned against it. As Buck is lifting the towel toga back on to the Queen's shoulder, the Queen is laughing. Queen: "What a fine and fitting way to arrest him, Rogers. I applaud you for it, but tell me. Deering, I thought she wasn't to be found here; that her work in Ditas was going to be done outside the palace." Buck: "It was. When I tapped her to help me with Grawl, she snapped to attention fast. Said she had taken care of her job already. Odd thing is, normally she doesn't tend to listen to me." Queen: "I must thank her the next time I see her. And you now, thank you, Rogers." She says this getting up from where she's been sitting. She is now face turned towards Buck, she looks young. Buck bows before her. Buck: "You're welcome, Your Majesty." Cut to: ext: Palace: We see a carpeted path leading into the palace. Lining both sides of it are Saurians and Ked dressed in dress military uniforms. Most of the Ked seen on these sidelines are perched on thin vehicles that somewhat resemble a stalactite with a blue squashed ball on its bottom. They stand at attention for their representatives. The Ked that aren't on these vehicles are trying their best at standing, using their tails for balance. Just at the palace stand the monarchy and other representatives of Sanopp's government. Note Grawl isn't there. At the other end of this carpeted path comes the Ked delegation. The ship they used to get to the planet, at the long end of it. The Ked going down this path are on the thin vehicles. Buck, Wilma, and Taindair stand off on the sidelines, watching this. It should be noted, Buck and Wilma are now wearing their watch-like devices again. Buck without looking to Wilma. Buck: "What happened?" Wilma: "It was a gang uprising for the poorer class. [ beat ] Once the leader of the gang dropped out, he told me everything I wanted to know. After that I just told the local authorities, to let them handle things." Buck: "The leader just straight out of the blue told you the plans?" Wilma: "After his mother was accidentally shot by one of his followers. He broke down, said he couldn't be with them any more." Buck: "I see. His mom, is she - ?" Wilma: "She's alive but it will be some time before she can leave being in hospitalization." Wilma turns to Buck. Cont: "I'm having it billed to the Defense Directorate. We owe it to her." Buck: "Owe it to her?" Wilma: "When the war was going on, her husband fought in it. He was the bread maker of the family. When he was lost [ beat ], we're at fault for the state she and her son are in." Buck: "The Defense Directorate of 29 years ago is at fault. You did nothing to hurt these people. But I understand what you're saying." Wilma: "The son, his father's death - If he hadn't died - [ beat ] She hates us so much for what happened." Buck: "When wars are waged, their aftermaths only rarely bring good. Much tragedy came with the one these people fought in years ago. But if it hadn't happened, someone like Grawl would be having his way in their military power right now." Wilma: "Do you think there's any hope of it ever ending?" Buck: "I don't know if there is. But who knows what the next day will bring. Hope is what drives all of us to want something better. From what I've seen here in my stay, it's that there are some that would greatly like to see change from the old ways. To make waging wars a thing of the past. Hope for a better tomorrow." Wilma: "With help and luck on tomorrow's dawn." Buck: "I'm with you on that." Taindair: "Buck, I know I got you in to this. And the job we got done, that all three of us got done. We did a fine one of it. If there's anything I could ever do for you?" Buck: "Shortly after I was brought out of stasis, I was offered therapy by one of the Directorate's psychiatrists to help me deal with my new situation in life better. I turned down the offer, but now, well, I think I'd like to talk to that psychiatrist, if you could get that arranged?" Taindair: "Why do you want to see a psychiatrist now? I thought you said you were getting used to how things are now in your life?" Buck: "I am, it's just, something I did last night. I feel I could definitely use a good psychiatrist now." Wilma: "What happened last night that makes you feel the need to have talks with a psychiatrist?" Buck: "I don't want to talk about it." We see the group watch the Ked Delegation meet the representatives of Sanopp's government and its monarchy. Taindair: "I'll try when we get back to Earth. In the mean time, would you like to have some?" Taindair reaches into his pocket and pulls out its contents, which look like a crushed mass of something smooth and shiny in places, while in others (it truly looks bad) you can tell this lump is made from insects. Buck: "What is that?" Taindair: "A snack I've been working away at. I caught them in the gallery, yesterday." Buck: "[ beat ] No thank you, Taindair." Wilma: "Why not? You seemed to go pale when you were talking about needing a psychiatrist. And when you were watching the monarchy with the Ked a moment ago." Wilma has a wide grin on her face. Cont: "Have some." Buck gives Wilma a look that is truly just for her of "Cute real, real cute ." Buck: "All right, I'll have some." Taindair: "You and Wilma, the looks you gave each other a moment ago. What do they mean?" Buck: "It means, she'd like to try some too." Taindair cheerfully hands some bug-mush to Wilma, who's eyes widen in a type of shock. Buck smiles at Wilma's reaction. Hold on this for a beat and ... End Of Act Four. The End. Roll Credits.