Breakaway, Part 2

1. ESTABLISHING SHOT: MOONBASE ALPHA

EARTH in the sky above it, now a distant blue dot.

2. INT. KOENIG’S OFFICE - NIGHT
COMM POST IN FOREGROUND

SOUND: computer beep

3. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG

He rises from his seat and walks over to the window.

4. VIEW FROM WINDOW

Saturn is just coming into view. Earth is a blue dot on the opposite side of the sky.

5. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG

He stares stoically out the window.

SOUND: door chime.

CUT TO:

6. SFX: COMM POST MONITOR

SIMMONDS ON SCREEN.

SIMMONDS

Ahh, John. Good, you’re still awake. We need to talk.

7. LONG SHOT: DOOR. KOENIG’S ARM WITH COMMLOCK IN FOREGROUND

SOUND: commlock tone.

8. CLOSE-UP: DOOR OPENS. SIMMONDS.

He enters, crosses in front of KOENIG.

KOENIG

Can this wait, Simmonds?

9. SIMMONDS OVER KOENIG’S SHOULDER

SIMMONDS

I think not. I need an update on the evacuation plans.

KOENIG

Evacuation plans?

10. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG

KOENIG

I thought I made myself clear, there were no evacuation plans.

11. CLOSE-UP: SIMMONDS

SIMMONDS

You can’t be serious! We have to abandon Alpha and return to earth while we still can. Before it’s too late.

KOENIG
(v/o)

It’s already too late, Simmonds!

12. MEDIUM SHOT: KOENIG, SIMMONDS

KOENIG crosses to the window, indicating Saturn over the horizon.

KOENIG

That’s the planet Saturn.

SIMMONDS

I know that, Koenig. Any child knows that.

13. KOENIG TURNS AROUND, FACES SIMMONDS

KOENIG

Do you know how far Saturn is from Earth, Commissioner?

14. CLOSE-UP: SIMMONDS

He shakes his head, clueless.

15. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG.

He turns back to the window.

KOENIG

At its closest, about a billion miles. An eagle traveling at maximum speed might make the journey in six months, if it could hold enough fuel. But there wouldn’t be room for three hundred passengers and enough provisions to keep them alive long enough to reach Earth.

16. CLOSE-UP: SIMMONDS

KOENIG
(v/o)

You see, Simmonds, we have no choice.

17. MEDIUM SHOT: KOENIG, SIMMONDS

KOENIG crosses in front of SIMMONDS, using his commlock to open the door.

18. SIMMONDS

Disgruntled, he steps out of the office, walking past KOENIG and down the corridor.

19. LONG SHOT: CORRIDOR

SIMMONDS walks away, stops, turns.

20. CLOSE-UP: SIMMONDS

SIMMONDS

We’ll just see about that, Koenig.

(drum roll into opening theme)

21. SFX: MOON IN SPACE DRIFTING AWAY FROM EARTH

Earth is now only a tiny blue dot, barely recognizable.

(caption)

Breakaway
(part two)

22. INT. MAIN MISSION

PAUL, SANDRA, repair crews in background.

23. MEDIUM SHOT: DOOR

KOENIG enters.

24. MEDIUM SHOT

PAUL, SANDRA

PAUL looks up.

25. CUT TO: MEDIUM SHOT

KOENIG

He enters and crosses toward PAUL, SANDRA.

PAUL
(v/o)

Good morning, Commander.

KOENIG

I don’t see what’s so good about it.

26. CLOSE-UP: PAUL

A little offended.

27. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG.

KOENIG

I’m sorry, Paul.

28. MEDIUM SHOT:

KOENIG turns to face the big screen. PAUL, SANDRA over his shoulder.

KOENIG

I didn’t sleep very well.

PAUL

None of us did, sir.

29. SIDE VIEW: SANDRA

Sits down at her workstation. PAUL, KOENIG behind her.

SANDRA

Commander, we’ve passed beyond the orbit of Pluto.

30. CLOSE-UP: PAUL

Looks up at main screen.

PAUL

We’ve left the solar system.

31. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG, COMPUTER in background.

KOENIG looks over at screen on computer wall.

ZOOM in on screen.

32. SFX: SCREEN DISPLAY

DATE: 09/14/1999
LUNAR TIME 09:12

33. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG, PAUL IN BACKGROUND

He turns back to PAUL.

KOENIG

It’s been less than 24 hours.

PULL FOCUS on PAUL.

PAUL

Our speed must be fantastic!

VICTOR
(v/o)

It is.

34. CUT TO: DOOR.

VICTOR entering. He’s holding some papers in his hand.

35. MEDIUM SHOT: VICTOR, KOENIG, PAUL.

SANDRA in foreground, seated at workstation.

VICTOR

The size of that explosion, assuming the waste material was completely exhausted, would have been incalculable. More than sufficient to change the course of an object the size and weight of the moon, especially given the havoc the initial electromagnetic pulse would have wrought with the Van Allen belts themselves.

PAUL

The effects on Earth would be catastrophic! They’re probably worse off than we are!

SANDRA

You heard what the news reports said, Paul...

36. VICTOR

SANDRA
(v/o)

the earthquakes... storms... tidal waves....

VICTOR

And no doubt it got worse as we pulled further and further away. Islands and coastal cities would have been inundated. I’m not at all sure I wouldn’t much rather be here than on Earth right now.

MUSIC builds.

CUT to:

37. INT. MEDICAL SECTION

MATHIAS at desk, door in background opens. HELENA enters.

MATHIAS turns to her.

MATHIAS

Good morning, Doctor Russell.

HELENA

Bob. Anything to report?

38. PAN SHOT: MATHIAS, HELENA AT DESK

MATHIAS

A few incidents overnight. About the only major thing was a pretty serious hand injury.

39. MEDIUM SHOT: TWO PATIENTS IN BEDS.

SOUND: MEDICAL COMPUTER TONES

MATHIAS
(v/o)

Lowry, from security. He was helping with a jammed door in the security section when it slammed closed on his hand.

40. MATHIAS OVER HELENA’S SHOULDER

MATHIAS

We had to amputate part of the index finger[1], but he’ll be all right. I gave him a sedative for the pain. He’s resting now.

HELENA

And Crawford?

41. CLOSE-UP: CRAWFORD IN BED

MATHIAS

No change. If anything, he’s gotten worse.

42. CLOSE-UP: HELENA

She looks very concerned for this patient, almost more than she should be.

HELENA

Thanks, Bob. You go get some sleep now; I’ll take over.

43. MEDIUM SHOT: HELENA, MATHIAS

MATHIAS places a reassuring hand on HELENA’s shoulder. She smiles.

MATHIAS

I’ll see you in twelve hours.

44. MEDICAL SECTION DOOR, HELENA IN FOREGROUND

Door opens. MATHIAS exits as SIMMONDS enters. He looks over his shoulder at MATHIAS as he exits, then turns back to HELENA.

SIMMONDS

Good morning, Doctor Russell.

45. HELENA, SIMMONDS IN BACKGROUND

HELENA turns her back to him.

HELENA
(coldly)

Commissioner.

SIMMONDS

I’d like to talk to you about John Koenig.

46. HELENA

She turns back around.

HELENA

What about John Koenig?

SIMMONDS
(v/o)

Do you believe him to be fit to command?

HELENA

What is that supposed to mean, Commissioner?

47. MEDIUM SHOT: SIMMONDS

He stands there with his arms folded.

SIMMONDS

Surely the commander’s decision to remain on Alpha instead of returning to Earth is not the act of a rational man.

HELENA
(v/o)

I see.

48. MEDIUM SHOT: HELENA

She keeps her composure, with some effort.

HELENA

You want me to say that John Koenig is unfit to command. He isn’t. In fact, I believe he stands a far greater chance of keeping us all alive than you do.

49. SIMMONDS

SIMMONDS

Doctor, need I remind you that you work for the International Lunar Comm--

50. CLOSE-UP: HELENA, OVER SIMMONDS’ SHOULDER

Facing him down.

HELENA

We’re a long way from the International Lunar Commission, Simmonds. I don’t see where my next paycheck’s coming from.

HELENA turns, walks away from SIMMONDS, turns back.

HELENA

I’m through lying for you, Commissioner. If you’ll excuse me now, I have patients to take care of.

51. SIMMONDS

He turns and leaves.

52. CLOSE-UP: HELENA

MUSIC.

CUT TO:

53. INT. MAIN MISSION

VICTOR in foreground. PAUL, SANDRA, KOENIG go about their business in the background.

54. COMPUTER, OVER VICTOR’S SHOULDER.

OUMA and an his assistant, KANO, work on the computers. Many panels are open, wires are exposed.

55. MEDIUM SHOT: OUMA

Looks up, sees VICTOR, walks over to him.

56. VICTOR, OUMA, KOENIG IN BACKGROUND

KOENIG joins them.

OUMA

Computer sustained some damage in the breakaway. No important systems are affected, but we’ll still need to repair them.

57. KANO

He is stooped, working on a panel close to the floor. Looks up at the other three.

KANO

Considering the jolt we took, it’s a wonder anything around here held together.

58. KOENIG

Walks over, looks down at KANO.

KOENIG

I don’t think we’ve met, Mister...

59. KANO

Looking up at KOENIG.

KANO

Kano, sir. David Kano. And if you’ll excuse me, I’m a little busy right now...

60. KOENIG

A little surprised at KANO’s tone.

KANO

...bypassing this failing circuit board before we lose all life support.

KOENIG
(smiles faintly)

Then by all means, don’t let me interrupt.

61. MEDIUM SHOT

KOENIG crosses to VICTOR, OUMA.

OUMA returns to work, crosses to KANO.

62. KOENIG, VICTOR.

They turn and walk back into MAIN MISSION toward KOENIG’S OFFICE.

VICTOR

Brilliant young man, Mister Kano. Nobody knows computer like he does.

63. KANO AT WORK, OUMA SUPERVISING

KANO looks a little bit annoyed.

VICTOR
(v/o)

He was actually only supposed to be here on temporary assignment, helping install a system upgrade.

64. KOENIG, VICTOR

KOENIG

Looks like his tour of duty’s been extended.

65. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG

KOENIG

What have I done, Victor?

66. CLOSE-UP: VICTOR

VICTOR

The only thing you could.

67. KOENIG, VICTOR.

They look at each other.

MUSIC builds. CUT TO

68. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA, CLOSE-UP BETWEEN BUILDING.

EAGLE in sky above, taking off.

69. INT. EAGLE COCKPIT

CARTER

Eagle Seven to Moonbase Alpha.

70. INT. MAIN MISSION

PAUL seated at console. KOENIG, VICTOR, HELENA standing behind.

PAUL

Go ahead Eagle Seven.

71. INT. EAGLE COCKPIT

CARTER

I’ve located navigation beacon delta and I’m plotting a course for Area Two. What’s left of it.

KOENIG
(v/o)

Be careful, Alan.

72. MAIN MISSION, AS BEFORE.

HELENA

Commander, are you sure this is a good idea? The other astronauts....

73. KOENIG, VICTOR

KOENIG

Doctor, we have to see what’s out there. We need to know how extensive the damage was.

VICTOR

For all we know, the structure of the moon itself may have become unstable.

KOENIG looks up.

74. SFX: MAIN SCREEN

Lunar surface scrolling by.

KOENIG
(v/o)

We’ve reinforced the radiation shielding on Carter’s eagle as well. It should hold.

75. INT. EAGLE COCKPIT

CARTER

I’m coming up on it now.

76. EXTREME CLOSE-UP: CARTER

His eyes widen.

CARTER

Alpha, do you copy this?

77. MAIN MISSION

KOENIG and VICTOR talking in the background, not looking forward.

PAUL rises into foreground, wide-eyed in awe.

PAUL

My god!

78. SANDRA

Her eyes widen in shock and fear. She backs away.

79. HELENA

A numb, blank stare.

80. KOENIG, VICTOR

They look forward at the screen in shock.

81. SFX: MAIN SCREEN

Extreme wide angle shot of the moon. A massive man-made crater, dwarfing any that nature ever put there, has been gouged into the surface. Its scope is breathtaking. Black scorch marks radiate almost around the surface of the moon.

82. MEDIUM SHOT:

HELENA crosses to join KOENIG, VICTOR.

83. SFX: SAME VIEW AS MAIN SCREEN, ONLY "LIVE"

EAGLE flying into view.

84. INT. EAGLE COCKPIT

CARTER

That’s one hell of a bite of green cheese, Alpha!

85. CLOSE-UP: PAUL

He looks up in awe and shakes his head.

86. CLOSE-UP: VICTOR

VICTOR

It’s just as I feared.

87. KOENIG

KOENIG

Return to base, Eagle Seven. I think we’ve seen enough.

88. MEDIUM SHOT:

KOENIG walks away into foreground as HELENA, VICTOR, PAUL and SANDRA watch.

SOUND: commlock tone

89. INT. KOENIG’S OFFICE:

Great doors close behind KOENIG, leaving him alone in his office.

MUSIC builds.

FADE TO BLACK

90. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA

MUSIC: Harsh, dramatic.

91. SFX: MONITOR

SOUND: alarm klaxon

(caption)

RED
ALERT

92. MAIN MISSION

Doors open, KOENIG comes running out, PAUL and SANDRA stare at main screen, joined by VICTOR.

SOUND: alarm stops

93. SFX: MAIN SCREEN

RED ALERT caption disappears. Alpha Test Pattern Returns.

94. SFX: KANO appears on main screen, OUMA in background.

KANO

Sorry. Just a glitch in the system. We’re working on it.

95. INT. KOENIG’S OFFICE

KOENIG leans against comm post.

KOENIG

Well, work a little faster. We can’t have a computer that cries wolf on us.

96. MEDIUM SHOT: KOENIG’S OFFICE

KOENIG turns, retreats into his desk. There he picks up a glass from next to a half-empty bottle and takes a drink from it.

CUT TO:

97. INT. COMPUTER ROOM

KANO, OUMA

KANO

I think I’ve located the problem, sir. There’s a bad circuit bank relay in bank seven six four.

OUMA walks over, joins KANO.

98. CLOSE-UP: KANO

OUMA
(v/o)

I think you’re right, Kano.

KANO smiles.

99. OUMA

Notes KANO’s satisfaction with himself.

OUMA

For once.

100. KANO

Ego slightly bruised.

101. MEDIUM SHOT:

OUMA, KANO

KANO types commands into a keyboard.

KANO

That circuit bank is in sector alpha six four. Level three. It should take only a minute to repair.

KANO picks up a tool kit, OUMA take it from him.

OUMA

No, Mister Kano, I’ll go.

102. CLOSE-UP: KANO

OUMA
(v/o)

We want to make sure it’s done right. Can’t have you setting off another red alert, can we?

103. MEDIUM SHOT: KANO, OUMA

KANO glares impatiently at OUMA as he exits.

CUT TO

104. INT. SIMMONDS’ QUARTERS

SIMMONDS paces nervously back and forth, then steps up to the comm post and punches a button.

105. CLOSE-UP: SIMMONDS AT COMM POST

SIMMONDS

This is an alpha one priority transmission. This is Commissioner Gerald Simmonds calling the International Lunar Commission. Come in, Earth Control.

106. INT. MAIN MISSION

PAUL, SANDRA, VICTOR

They can hear SIMMONDS’ transmission.

SIMMONDS
(v/o)

Come in Earth Control. This is Commissioner Simmonds.

107. CLOSE-UP: PAUL, SANDRA IN BACKGROUND

PAUL looks over at SANDRA.

PAUL

Cut his channel. Let him think someone’s listening.

108. INT. SIMMONDS’ QUARTERS

He is growing frantic, psychotic. He is sweating.

SIMMONDS
(screaming)

Earth, this is Simmonds? Can you hear me? Can anybody hear me?

He pounds on the comm post with his fist.

SOUND: bleep from comm post

SFX: monitor on comm post goes blank

SIMMONDS walks away from the comm post, sits down.

109. CLOSE-UP: SIMMONDS

He has a lost, frightened look on his face.

CUT TO

110. INT. MEDICAL SECTION

HELENA, MATHIAS, PATIENT in bed.

SOUND: medical computer sound effects.

MATHIAS
(v/o)

You do realize, Doctor, that it’s only a matter of time?

111. CLOSE-UP: HELENA

MATHIAS crosses behind

HELENA

I know, Bob. But I just can’t pull the plug on him.

MATHIAS

I know he was a friend of yours...

HELENA

More than a friend, Bob....

112. CRAWFORD IN BED

HELENA
(v/o)

He and Lee[2] - my husband - they were like brothers. Jack was the best man at our wedding.

113. CLOSE-UP: HELENA

She continues to reminisce, as though realizing for the first time how many people and memories she is leaving behind.

HELENA
(tearfully)

Sue[3] was maid of honor.

114. SIDE VIEW: HELENA, MATHIAS

MATHIAS tries to bring HELENA back to reality.

MATHIAS

He’s suffering, Doctor.

115. CRAWFORD IN BED

He is unconscious, lying perfectly still.

MATHIAS
(v/o)

And we’re along way from Earth Space Medical.

116. SFX: MONITORS

Label below reads CRAWFORD

MUSIC: somber.

117. HELENA, MATHIAS

HELENA

I’ll give him something for his pain.

HELENA prepares a syringe and applies it to CRAWFORD’s jugular vein.

118. CLOSE-UP: CRAWFORD IN BED

As the syringe is applied, he seems to relax a little bit more.

HELENA
(v/o)

It’s up to God from here.

119. CLOSE-UP: HELENA.

She looks over her shoulder at MATHIAS, then back down at CRAWFORD.

120. CRAWFORD, PAN UPWARD TO MONITORS

SFX: MONITOR

PROBABILITY OF
SURVIVAL
15%

then changes to

PROBABILITY OF
SURVIVAL
14%.

121. CLOSE-UP: HELENA, PAN OVER TO MATHIAS.

CUT TO

122. INT. CORRIDOR

OUMA.

Tool kit over his shoulder, he approaches a door.

123. CLOSE-UP: SIGN NEXT TO DOOR

WARNING!
Provisional
Atmosphere Zone
Please Wait For
Pressurization
Before Entering

SFX: Lighted display below flashes

PRESSURIZING

then changes to

PRESSURIZATION
COMPLETE

124. INT. CORRIDOR

Door opens, OUMA enters. Door closes behind him.

125. INT. COMPUTER ROOM

One panel has fallen loose from the wall. Ouma walks over and removes it to reveal damaged circuitry behind him.

126. CLOSE-UP: WINDOW LOOKING OUT ONTO LUNAR SURFACE

ZOOM in on minute hairline crack.

CUT TO

127. INT. MAIN MISSION

PAUL

SOUND: warning tone from workstation.

PAUL looks down. Pushes a button.

SOUND: bleep as PAUL pushes button.

PAUL

Technical, this is Main Mission. I’m reading a structural integrity alert in sector alpha six four. Level three. Can you check it out and make sure it’s not a glitch?

128. INT. MAIN COMPUTER ROOM

KANO receives PAUL’s message, looks down at sensor.

129. SFX: WARNING LIGHT.

MUSIC: low, building violins, as before astronauts went berserk in Part 1.

130. EXTREME CLOSE-UP: KANO

KANO

Mister Ouma, get out of there!

131. INT. SECOND COMPUTER ROOM

OUMA looks over at window.

132. CLOSE-UP: WINDOW

Crack spreads rapidly across it.

133. EXTREME CLOSE-UP: OUMA

He barely has time to react before...

134. SFX: WINDOW EXPLODES OUTWARD

135. EXTREME CLOSE-UP: OUMA

With a stifled scream, he is sucked forward.

136. SFX: OUMA FLYING THROUGH WINDOW

137. EXTREME CLOSE-UP: KANO

KANO

No!!!!!!!!!!

CUT TO

138. EXT. MOONBASE ALPHA

KANO’s scream can still be heard echoing off.

CUT TO

139. KOENIG’S OFFICE

KOENIG sitting at his desk, PAUL, KANO standing before him.

PAUL

The room was designed for computer equipment, not people. Most of the time it was kept a vacuum to save on atmosphere.

KANO

We only pressurized it when we needed to go in there to make repairs.

140. KOENIG AT HIS DESK

PAUL
(v/o)

It probably started as a minute crack, too small for anyone to notice even if they had been looking for it.

KOENIG

I see.

141. KOENIG RISES FROM DESK.

KOENIG

Paul, I want every window, every nut, every bolt and every transistor on this base checked, I don’t care where it is. I don’t want any more surprises like this.

142. KANO, PAUL

KOENIG crosses behind them.

143. CLOSE-UP: KOENIG

KOENIG

Mister Kano...

144. CLOSE-UP: KANO

KOENIG
(v/o)

It looks like you’ve got yourself a steady job.

KANO

Yes, Commander.

MUSIC builds.

CUT TO

145. EXT. EAGLE LAUNCH PAD

146. INT. EAGLE REPAIR BAY

Several crew members wearing various colors, mostly red and yellow with one or two brown are assembled, a small crowd of lower-level personnel.

147. CLOSE-UP: TECHNICIAN #1

TECHNICIAN #1

Who the hell does Koenig think he is?

ALL
(ad lib)

Yeah!

TECHNICIAN #1

He thinks we should all stay here!

148. PAN PAST CROWD

TECHNICIAN #1
(v/o)

Stay on this god-forsaken rock and let it take us god-knows-where! Who know what we might run into out there? One thing’s for sure, none of us are ever going to see our homes again!

149. CUT TO CORRIDOR NEARBY

SIMMONDS

He is listening in.