[Earth-type planet from space]

[Rock temple]

(to the accompaniment of thunder and lightning Sinofar, with arms outstretched, materialises in front of a statue with arms similarly outstretched. In each hand it has a broken weapon)
SINOFAR: Giroc. Giroc, I need you. ...You must come here to me ...now.
GIROC: All right, all right, I'm coming. Have a little patience. We of all people should have learnt patience. I'm tired, I deserve some peace.
SINOFAR: No, we must earn our peace.
GIROC: I have Sinofar, I have earned it.
SINOFAR: You still came when I summoned you.
GIROC: I had no choice, you used my power against me.
SINOFAR: It is not your power, Giroc.
GIROC: I know, I know, it's the power of the race, but it's in me. I never wanted to be The Keeper, you know that Sinofar.
SINOFAR: Nor I The Guardian.
GIROC: You could set us both free. If I controlled the power, that's what I'd do.
SINOFAR: You know that isn't possible. We must dissipate the power by restoring the balance, then you and I can be at peace, but first we must atone.
GIROC: Why us?
SINOFAR [OC]: We were chosen.
GIROC: I didn't ask to be chosen.
SINOFAR: One doesn't ask to be chosen.
(in the night sky they can see three spaceships)
GIROC [OC]: Are you sure about them, Sinofar?
SINOFAR [OC]: Not yet, this may not be their killing ground.

[Three Federation pursuit ships]

[Pursuit One flight deck]

TRAVIS: There!
(on the viewscreen a light is approaching the planet)
TRAVIS [OC]: Estimate approach speed.
MUTOID [OC]: Time distort six.
TRAVIS [OC]: Minimum scan, their sensors mustn't register the beam.
MUTOID: Scan complete.
TRAVIS [OC]: Analysis?
MUTOID: Identification confirmed.
TRAVIS: Blake. ...The other patrols have pushed him into this galaxy. I knew it, I knew it! This time I've got him.
MUTOID: Target vehicle maintaining course and speed.
TRAVIS: Set for orbital compensation, we'll use the planet to mask us from his scanners.
MUTOID: Orbital shift computed.
TRAVIS: Execute. Make it random pulse emission, I'm not going to lose him now.

[Liberator in flight]

[Flight deck]

(the planet is on the viewscreen)
AVON: I wonder what the surface conditions are like.
BLAKE: Jenna?
JENNA: Star is G 2. Planet is Earth-type right across the range, Earth-level gravity, breathable atmosphere. There's a lot of static too, the place is alive with electrical storms.
BLAKE: Cally, anything on the star charts or planet listings?
CALLY: Nothing in the data banks at all.
BLAKE: Hm, what do you think?
JENNA: It seems safe enough.
AVON: What Jenna thinks, is largely academic Blake, we've been running on full power for far too long. Slipping those Federation patrols has used up all our energy reserves.
JENNA: Four of our power banks are exhausted. If we had to make a run for it now, we couldn't do better than standard by two, and we couldn't hold that for long.
BLAKE: Recharge time?
AVON: Forty-eight hours.
BLAKE: All right, we'll hide here for a while. The planet should give us some protection from the detectors. Zen, take us into orbit as close as possible to the planet's surface. As close as possible Zen, the orbit could decay in forty-eight hours.
ZEN: Confirmed. The parameters were anticipated.
BLAKE: I get the distinct feeling I offended Zen's professional pride then.
AVON: It's just a machine, Blake.
VILA: And he should know.
GAN: Well Avon is the expert.
VILA: That's not what I meant.
AVON: No, he was calling me a machine, but since he undoubtedly defines himself as a human being, I shall choose to accept that as more of a compliment than anything else.
BLAKE: Yes, well since we've got some time on our hands, we might as well take a look at this planet. Anybody feel like some exercise.
JENNA: I'd be happy to get clear of this lot for a while.
BLAKE: Gan?
GAN: I could do with a change of air. I'll get kitted up.
BLAKE: Vila?
VILA: I'll stay here, thanks.
BLAKE: Then you can work the teleport.

[Three Federation pursuit ships stationary in space]

[Pursuit One flight deck]

MUTOID [OC]: Readings show target has assumed a stationary orbit.
TRAVIS: Excellent.
MUTOID: Orbit confirmed. One thousand spacials from the planet's surface.
(the Mutoid opens a flap in her uniform jacket front and puts a container with green liquid in it into a slot and refastens the flap)
TRAVIS [OC]: This is hardly the time for that.
MUTOID [OC]: Normally I wouldn't do it in the presence of an unmodified.
TRAVIS: Forget your coyness, I'm aware of your need for blood serum.
MUTOID: Most are, but few accept it for what it is, ...a functional convenience. Opponents of Mutoid modification call us vampires.
TRAVIS: Rather appropriate, isn't it?
MUTOID: It is immaterial. I await your orders, Commander.
TRAVIS: Attack formation, fifteen hundred spacials trajectory. Pursuit Ships Two and Three move to flank, fire on my command.

[Three Federation pursuit ships start attack]

[Teleport room]

BLAKE: Vila, try and stay alert.
VILA: Course I will. How can you doubt me?
BLAKE: It isn't easy, but somehow I manage it. (to Jenna and Gan) Come on. (to Vila) Put us down.

[Planet surface]

(the thunder and lightning are still evident)
BLAKE: (into bracelet) We're down safely. It looks very barren, there's nothing else to report.

[Teleport room]

BLAKE: (on communicator) We'll check with you when we've had a look round. ...All right?
VILA: (into communicator) Yes, all right.

[Planet surface]

(Blake and Jenna are examining the rocks)
BLAKE: What do you think?
JENNA: The surface seems to be melted. It's almost like the effect of a fusion bomb.

[Rock temple]

GAN: Blake! Jenna!
(Gan indicates the statue)
BLAKE: Well, at least we know the planet's inhabited.
GAN [OC]: Was inhabited. Look here.
(Blake and Jenna move through a gap in tall rocks)
GAN: As far as the eye can see.
BLAKE: Grave markers?
JENNA: So many.
(Gan turns to see Sinofar and Giroc)
GAN: Blake, we've got company.
(when Blake and Jenna turn round Sinofar and Giroc have disappeared)
GAN: They were here! ...Two women, ...watching us. ...There's nowhere they could have gone.
JENNA: So where are they now?
GAN: I hope my limiter hasn't malfunctioned.
BLAKE: Maybe we've all been on the ship too long.
(Jenna goes and has a closer look at the statue)
JENNA: Blake.
BLAKE: What is it?
JENNA: This broken weapon, could it be a symbol of peace?
BLAKE: Or defeat. This whole place is a memorial to the dead. Hm, maybe they were ghosts you saw.
GAN: Those aren't ghosts!
(in the night sky they can see the pursuit ships closing in on Liberator)
BLAKE: Pursuit ships. They've got to be.
JENNA: Where did they come from?
GAN: They must have been waiting for us.
BLAKE: A Travis strategy again. (into bracelet) Vila! Pursuit ships closing on you.

[Teleport room]

BLAKE: (on communicator) Vila! Full alert and get us up fast. Move it! They're right on top of you.
(they all materialise)
VILA: Sorry.

[Planet surface]

SINOFAR: See Giroc, the star ships are closing for battle. The choice is made.

[Flight deck]

(as they all run in the alarm is sounding)
AVON: What's going on?
VILA: Pursuit ships.
BLAKE: Zen, can we get past them?
ZEN: All possible flight trajectories would require Liberator to cross enemy strike range.
BLAKE: Avon, what's our power reserve?
AVON: Banks five, six, and seven, full power, zero on the rest.
BLAKE: Maximum speed and range?
JENNA: Standard by four, about eight million spacials.
BLAKE: We can't even outrun them this time.
VILA: We've got the neutron blasters.
CALLY: But there isn't enough power.
BLAKE: Zen, state battle computer tactics.
ZEN: Pre-emptive action was inhibited by manual overrides. Strategy options are now reduced to one. Battle computers suggest surrender.
AVON: Logic says we're dead!
BLAKE: Logic has never explained what dead means.
ZEN: Sensors report plasma bolt launched.
BLAKE: Direct vision.
GAN: On.
(on the viewscreen the plasma bolt can be seen approaching)
JENNA: Avon, put up the force wall.
BLAKE: No, wait.
JENNA: Why?
BLAKE: It's too much of an energy drain.
VILA: Blake!
AVON: They're closing fast, Blake. ...Come on!
BLAKE: I said wait!
JENNA: Blake!
BLAKE: ...Activate!
ZEN: Second bolt launched.
(Liberator is rocked by the explosion)
BLAKE: Deactivate. Track second bolt.
GAN [OC]: Tracking.
BLAKE: Power status?
AVON: Seventy percent on bank five.
ZEN: Third bolt launched.
GAN: Second bolt closing.
BLAKE: ...Activate!
(Liberator is rocked by the explosion)
GAN: Third bolt closing.
(Liberator is rocked by the explosion)
BLAKE: Deactivate.
AVON: Bank five has forty per cent remaining.
CALLY: They'll move in closer now and strike again.
BLAKE: Sensors on full alert.
VILA: Are we just going to sit here and let them shoot at us?
BLAKE: Yes! While they do they're using power faster than we are. Might even things up a bit. Shorten the odds, anyway.
VILA: The odds on what?
BLAKE: Us being able to blast a way through them and run.
ZEN: Three plasma bolts launched and running.
GAN [OC]: Bearing directly.
BLAKE: Right. Hang on everyone, this is going to be rough.
VILA: I don't mind rough. It's fatal I'm not too keen on.

[Pursuit One flight deck]

TRAVIS: He's low on power! He'd have made a run for it otherwise. (into communicator) Leader to Pursuit Three. Continue barrage. Leader to Two. Hold your fire. (to the Mutoid) We'll make him keep that defence shield in operation, bleed his energy banks.
MUTOID: If Pursuit Three keeps firing, it won't have enough reserve to put up its own defence shield.
TRAVIS: Pursuit Three is expendable, so is Two. Let Blake destroy them both. Between them, they can run his reserves down to zero. This ship will still have full power, and we can move in, and finish him.

[Flight deck]

(Liberator is rocked by another explosion)
BLAKE: Deactivate.
AVON: Bank five is finished. Drawing on six.
BLAKE: Zen, power reserves?
ZEN: At the present level of discharge, reserves will be exhausted in two point three hours.
JENNA: Which is when they'll move in for the kill.
GAN: Yes, and we'll be helpless.
ZEN: Plasma bolt launched.
GAN [OC]: Bearing directly.
BLAKE: Avon, Cally. Jenna, take command. Gan, Vila, you help her.
BLAKE: Now watch the screen. This...
(as Blake draws on an electronic pad his marks appear on the viewscreen)
BLAKE [OC] ...is the Liberator, surrounded by ...one, ...two, ...three pursuit ships. They're trying siege tactics.
BLAKE: Our only chance is to break out and run before we're too weak, do you agree?
(Cally nods agreement)
JENNA [OC]: Activating.
AVON: We know we can't outrun them.
(Liberator is rocked by another explosion)
BLAKE: I wasn't planning to try.
GAN [OC]: Activity complete.
JENNA [OC]: Deactivating.
(Blake's drawings continue to appear on the viewscreen)
BLAKE: Now, this is the pursuit ship that's done all the firing. That'll be low on power now, so it won't be a problem.
CALLY: So we can ignore it.
BLAKE: Right. This one hasn't fired at all yet, so this must be Travis. We're going straight for it. Not over, under, or around, but right through it.
ZEN: Plasma bolt launched.
GAN [OC]: Bearing directly.
AVON: Ram it?
BLAKE: The Liberator should be able to take the impact.
AVON: I admire your confidence.
CALLY: So that would leave only one more to deal with.
BLAKE: That's right, a straight fight, one against one.
CALLY: I agree.
AVON: If any of our control systems are damaged by the impact, we will be helpless.
BLAKE: We're not exactly in a commanding position now.
JENNA [OC]: Activating!
BLAKE: Have you got any better ideas?
(Liberator is rocked by another explosion)
AVON: As a matter of fact, no I haven't.
BLAKE: Does that mean you agree?
AVON: Do I have a choice?
BLAKE: Yes.
AVON: Then I agree.
JENNA [OC]: Deactivating.
BLAKE: Vila, Gan, Jenna, we're going for a ram, take out the command ship.
GAN: A ram?
BLAKE: I don't see that there's any other hope for us.
JENNA: Neither can I, so let's get on with it.
BLAKE: Jenna, you'll have to fly us on manual.
JENNA: Yes, we'll need to take the impact on the lower hull.
ZEN: Plasma bolt launched.
GAN: Bearing directly.
BLAKE: Right, as soon as this one hits, we move. Stand by. ...Activate!
(Liberator is rocked by another explosion)
AVON [OC]: Force wall deactivated.
BLAKE: Right, now, Jenna!

[Pursuit One flight deck]

MUTOID: Pursuit Three reports total power shutdown. They're incapable of further action.
TRAVIS: (into communicator) Pursuit Two, commence firing.
MUTOID [OC]: Target ship is underway. ...It's turning.
TRAVIS: He's running. There's nowhere to run, Blake! Compute course, speed, and lock on.
MUTOID: Time distort three and rising. Course zero-zero-zero, they're coming straight at us!
TRAVIS: (into communicator) Stand by plasma bolts.
MUTOID: Holding course. Computers propose evasive action.
TRAVIS: No! Hold your position.

[Liberator approaching Pursuit One]

[Flight deck]

BLAKE: Zen, count down to impact.
ZEN: Thirty-six,...
(the countdown continues in the background)
BLAKE: When Travis realises we're going for a ram, he'll fire a full salvo.
GAN: Will the force wall hold at this rate?
BLAKE [OC]: We're about to find out.
GAN: Salvo fired, ...four of them!
BLAKE: Stand by the force wall.
JENNA: We're losing power, we're slowing.
BLAKE [OC]: Full thrust.
JENNA: It's not responding. ...Blake, we're stopping!

[Pursuit One flight deck]

TRAVIS: Impossible. ...They're holding course. ...They're going to ram us. ...Evasive trajectory, full thrust.
MUTOID: Controls are not responding. All systems are locked.
TRAVIS: Operate boosters.
(an ethereal chanting is heard)
MUTOID: Still no response.
(the fear on Travis' face turns to a smile)

[Flight deck]

(the same ethereal chanting can be heard)
BLAKE: (very slowly) Activate the force wall.
ZEN: ...ten, ...nine, ...eight, ...seven,...
AVON: (very slowly) Force wall activated.
ZEN: ...six, ...five,...

[Liberator and Pursuit One stop 'face to face']

[Pursuit One flight deck]

(there is now a high-pitched whine and Travis and the Mutoid crew, with their hand over their ears, are writhing in pain)
SINOFAR: (distorted) Travis.

[Flight deck]

(while the rest of the crew look around wondering what is going on only Blake is writhing in pain with his hands over his ears and Jenna is holding her head in one hand)
SINOFAR: (distorted) Blake.

[Rock temple]

(Blake and Travis dematerialise, seem to partially recover and stand rigid. Sinofar comes out of a trance)
GIROC: Listen to me, listen to me all of you.
(the four ships can be seen in the sky)
GIROC [OC]: We are Giroc The Keeper, we are Sinofar The Guardian.

[Flight deck]

(the crew can hear Giroc)
GIROC [OC]: Your ship is tethered, held in a stasis beam, it cannot break free.

[Pursuit One flight deck]

(the Mutoid crew can hear Giroc)
GIROC [OC]: Only your life support systems will function normally, the rest will remain in our control, until we have completed our task.

[Flight deck]

GIROC [OC]: You yourselves have been released, so that you may watch, listen and understand.

[Rock temple]

GIROC: We are ready, the warriors can be released.
(Blake and Travis become aware of their surroundings)
TRAVIS: Blake?!
(Travis tries his laseron destroyer on Blake to no effect)
SINOFAR: No.
GIROC: The weapon built into that hand will not work here, primitive.
SINOFAR: Nor will brute force, until I allow it.
GIROC: His impulse to kill is primitive.
SINOFAR: As ours was not?
TRAVIS: Who are you?
SINOFAR: I am Sinofar, the Guardian. This is Giroc, the Keeper.
TRAVIS: I am Space Commander Travis, an officer and representative of the Earth Federation. As an agent of my government, I demand an explanation.
GIROC: Not only is he primitive, he's pompous as well. (to Blake) And you, do you also make demands?
BLAKE: I am not a Federation officer, but ...I would like some answers.
TRAVIS: This man is an enemy of the state and a fugitive. He is my prisoner.
(Travis makes a lunge at Blake but finds they are both rooted to the ground)
GIROC: Primitive, pompous, and stupid.
SINOFAR: Giroc!
GIROC: All right, all right. It's just that there is such violence in him, it's exciting. Old instincts die hard, Sinofar.
SINOFAR: I know.
TRAVIS: You will lift this forcefield.
SINOFAR: There are things you must understand first.
TRAVIS: You do realise that any hostile act against me will be regarded as a hostile act against the Federation.
(Giroc laughs)
TRAVIS: Have you any idea of the risk you're running?
(Giroc laughs harder)
BLAKE: They don't seem very impressed, Travis. Why don't you try stamping your foot?
TRAVIS: Oh, that's very amusing, Blake, ...for a dead man.
BLAKE: Do you intend to keep us prisoners?
GIROC [OC]: Only for the moment.
BLAKE: You were responsible for what happened to my ship.
SINOFAR: It will be restored when this matter has been settled, (to Travis) as will yours.
SINOFAR [OC]: No harm will come to your crews or your ships.
GIROC: You have seen what we can do. We are capable of protecting our planet, your threats of reprisal are meaningless.
SINOFAR: Our powers grew out of a thousand years of war, out of hate, and fear ...and the will to survive.

[Flight deck]

GIROC [OC]: (on viewscreen) We built destruction, weapons that your peoples have not yet dreamed of.
GIROC: (on viewscreen) Every passing year brought new ways to kill, and throughout the centuries the war raged across our planet.

[Rock temple]

SINOFAR: With each generation there were fewer of us. The dead vastly outnumbered the living, and still there was not victory for either side.
BLAKE: How did it end?
GIROC: How? Another development of another weapon. We demanded their surrender, they refused, the weapon was used. Those that we call our enemy were annihilated.
TRAVIS: You won, that's all that matters.
SINOFAR: It wasn't a victory, it was only the end of the war. We were left with a planet made barren by radiation. Our children were monsters, or died, or were never born. This, we won.
BLAKE: How many of you are there now?
GIROC: None. We are a dead race.
(there is a flash of lightning and a loud clap of thunder)
SINOFAR [OC]: We tell you this so that you will understand our reasons for intervening in your dispute.
GIROC: Tell us, what is your dispute?
TRAVIS: I have told you. This man is an enemy of the Federation, tried and convicted. I must bring him back to justice or kill him.
GIROC: (to Blake) You?
BLAKE: I am an enemy of the Federation, but it is corrupt and oppressive. I will destroy it, ...if I can.
SINOFAR: Irreconcilable viewpoints. Your differences can only be resolved by the destruction of the other's belief. The classic pattern for war.
TRAVIS: I was about to resolve them when you interfered.
SINOFAR: (to Blake) How many are there in your group?
BLAKE: There are ...six of us.

[Flight deck]

SINOFAR [OC]: (on viewscreen) And in your ships, Travis?
TRAVIS [OC]: (on viewscreen) Nine.
SINOFAR [OC]: (on viewscreen) Fifteen people could die because of your beliefs.
BLAKE [OC]: (on viewscreen) My crew are with me by their own choice.
AVON: Really?

[Pursuit One flight deck]

TRAVIS: (on viewscreen) Mine have sworn allegiance to the Federation.
GIROC: (on viewscreen) I'm sure they're all splendidly loyal and dedicated. I'm sure that you will both find supporters for your cause...
GIROC [OC]: (on viewscreen) ...and each of you could be backed by a massive army eventually.
SINOFAR [OC]: (on viewscreen) But would numbers change the nature of the dispute?

[Rock temple]

BLAKE: Probably not.
SINOFAR: What do you say?
TRAVIS: Numbers? ...Immaterial.
SINOFAR: We understand that men will kill for their beliefs.
GIROC: Since each of you wishes to destroy the other, we are going to give you the chance.
TRAVIS: A duel? Is that what you are suggesting?
GIROC: A fight to the death.
SINOFAR: But this way, there will be a limit to the deaths, and we will ensure that the loser's ship has an opportunity to get away.
SINOFAR[ OC]: Don't you find that rational?
TRAVIS: No. When I've killed Blake, I'll simply hunt down the others.
SINOFAR: There will be no destruction within our influence, but we cannot control your actions beyond this planet.
BLAKE: I don't think I want to kill for your entertainment.
GIROC: You have no choice.
BLAKE: We could agree not to fight.
TRAVIS: Could we?
GIROC: If you trusted one another.
SINOFAR: There is another matter, a lesson you must learn about death.
BLAKE: I think we both know enough about that already.
SINOFAR: You both know how to kill. But here you must take a life.
SINOFAR [OC]: There will be no machines to make the act unreal. You must touch the life you take.
TRAVIS: Shall we get on with it!
GIROC: How anxious he is to reach the forest. Once there, you can only return when it is over.
TRAVIS: Weapons?
SINOFAR: Tools for survival.
(a machete-like tool in a scabbard materialises in each of Blake and Travis' right hands)
BLAKE: How long have we got?
SINOFAR: There is no limit, except your physical endurance.
TRAVIS: So this is your lesson. ...Pathetic.

[Flight deck]

GIROC: (on viewscreen) Half the lesson the death of an enemy,...
GIROC [OC]: (on viewscreen) ...the other half is the death of a friend.
VILA: What does she mean?

[Rock temple]

BLAKE: I've seen friends die.
SINOFAR: Travis?
TRAVIS: Nothing concerns me but my duty. I don't give a damn about their lessons, I shall enjoy taking your life, Blake.
BLAKE: You talk a good fight, Travis.
SINOFAR: But now the talking is done. ...Learn.
(Sinofar closes her eyes and seems to go back into a trance. Jenna and the Mutoid are teleported from their seats)

[Forest clearing 1]

(Blake materialises and looks around cautiously. An image of Giroc, invisible to him, watches. Loud clicking noises disorient him and he staggers around with his hands over his ears. The invisible Giroc is taking great pleasure in his discomfort. Travis materialises and sees the disoriented Blake. Approaching him from the rear he takes the machete from its scabbard, which he throws away. The sound of the scabbard hitting the ground alerts Blake)
TRAVIS: Blake.
(as Blake spins round Travis knocks him to the ground with blows to the stomach and chin. The invisible Giroc watches)
TRAVIS: Come on Blake, you don't want to die on your back.
(Blake leaps at Travis who dodges and knocks Blake to the ground again with a blow to the back. Seizing Blake by the hair, Travis prepares to cut his throat)
TRAVIS: Goodbye Blake.
(the action freezes)
SINOFAR [OC]: Giroc!
(the image of Giroc disappears)

[Rock temple]

(there is a clap of thunder as Giroc appears)
GIROC: I just wanted to see how vicious he was. I wouldn't have let him kill yet.
SINOFAR: You misuse the power.
GIROC: Separate them, wipe it from their minds. Nothing's lost.
SINOFAR: How long must I suffer you, Giroc?
GIROC: Restart the contest Sinofar, these two show promise.
(Sinofar closes her eyes again)

[Forest clearing 1]

(Blake gets up, retrieves his machete and moves on cautiously)

[Flight deck]

(Blake, in the forest, is on the viewscreen. He spots something and takes cover)
AVON: I don't understand it. How can we be seeing this?
CALLY: We see and hear through the mind of the being called Sinofar.
GAN: It doesn't matter. Blake's in trouble.
AVON: It could be just an illusion.
CALLY: No, it is happening. It is the truth beyond question.

[Forest undergrowth]

(Jenna is making her way through the bushes and trees. She walks past a concealed Blake)
BLAKE: Jenna!
(Jenna spins round and Blake comes out from his concealment)
BLAKE: How did you get here?
JENNA: I don't know. ...It seems your weird ladies have picked on me to demonstrate the death of a friend.
BLAKE: You heard all that?
JENNA: They beamed it into the ship's main screen. Everything else is on some sort of stasis beam. ...What are we going to do?
BLAKE: Seen any sign of Travis?
JENNA: Have you?
BLAKE: No. We'd better make ourselves some weapons.
(later Blake is fashioning two stave-spears from branches with his machete)
BLAKE: Finding Travis shouldn't be too difficult. If he runs true to form, he'll set a trap and then try and draw us into it.
JENNA: Who do you suppose he's got with him?
BLAKE: I don't know, his pilot maybe. Must present our hosts with something of a problem. How do you demonstrate the death of a friend to a man who hasn't got any?

[Forest clearing 2]

TRAVIS: Anything?
MUTOID: No Commander.
TRAVIS: You've searched thoroughly?
MUTOID: Your opponent is not yet within this vicinity.
TRAVIS: Good, then I have a little plan we can put into operation. ...Come.

[Forest undergrowth]

(Blake finishes the second stave-spear which he hands to Jenna)
BLAKE: Not exactly a neutron blaster, but it's better than nothing.
JENNA: Not much better, though.

[Forest clearing 2]

(Travis is pulling long creepers from a holly bush. An invisible Sinofar watches)

[Flight deck]

(Travis, at work, is on the viewscreen)
GAN: He seems to be working to a plan.
VILA: I wish we were.
AVON: (comes in) Well? Did any of the controls respond?
GAN: Nothing here.
VILA: Nothing on mine.
CALLY: Nothing on these.
AVON: That's it, then, I've done everything I can. Every machine except life support is frozen.
CALLY: Even Zen.
AVON: Zen is a machine.
VILA: Unless he just doesn't want to get involved.
AVON: What's Travis going?
CALLY: As Blake said, he's probably preparing a trap. It could be a mistake. That sort of war is best fought on the move.

[Forest by night]

(bright moonlight and animal sounds)
BLAKE: We'd better try and find somewhere safe.
JENNA: The quicker, the better.
(Travis and the Mutoid have resumed working on the trap with branches and the creepers)
MUTOID: The night hunters are at work.
TRAVIS: Come on, let's take shelter. Bring my knife.
(in a tree)
BLAKE: Let's hope those things can't climb trees.
JENNA: Or fly. I don't know these star charts well enough to be sure, but I'd say we're still on the same planet.
BLAKE: They must have teleported us to a different part of it.
JENNA: Do you believe what they told us? About themselves, I mean.
BLAKE: With that much power why bother to lie?
JENNA: That's one way to become a hunted man, trust the powerful.
BLAKE: True. What's your excuse?
JENNA: Oh, I wasn't clever enough, we none of us were. The Federation's beaten us all at least once.
BLAKE: At least.
JENNA: If we get out of this, it still won't be any better.

[Flight deck]

(snatches of Blake and Jenna's conversation from the planet on the viewscreen can be heard)
VILA: She's right. Jenna's right, you know, why should it be any different? We'll have the Federation after us till the day we die.
GAN: Who says? We've been lucky up till now, we'll be lucky again.
VILA: You hope. Have you thought what might happen if those two don't get back? I mean, could you operate this ship properly?
GAN: Let's just listen.
VILA: ...Well, could you?

[Forest by night]

BLAKE: ...hasn't got a chance. ...Right, are you going to go to sleep first, or shall I?
JENNA: You can.
BLAKE: Right, wake me when you're tired.
(Travis and the Mutoid are also in a tree)
TRAVIS: Tell me something, do you remember who you were?
MUTOID: I don't understand the question, Commander.
TRAVIS: Yes you do, ...in your previous life before you were modified. Do you know who you were?
MUTOID: Of course not.
TRAVIS: Aren't you curious about it?
MUTOID: No.
TRAVIS: I find that hard to believe.
MUTOID: Memory is an encumbrance. All trace of it is removed and with it all trace of identity.
TRAVIS: And it doesn't concern you?
MUTOID: Why should it? That identity doesn't exist, ...even in the central computers.
TRAVIS [OC]: Yes it does.
TRAVIS: I know who you were.
TRAVIS [OC]: Your name was Keyeira.
TRAVIS: Keyeira.
MUTOID: Keyeira.
TRAVIS: You were very beautiful, very much admired. Shall I go on?
MUTOID: As you wish.
TRAVIS: This doesn't interest you at all, does it?
MUTOID: How could it?
TRAVIS: Keep watch.
MUTOID: Yes Commander.
(Jenna is aroused by an animal howl and spots a small bat on Blake's left hand)
JENNA: Blake!
BLAKE: Huh?
(he shakes the bat off)
JENNA: Are you all right?
BLAKE: Oh, it's just a small cut, that's all.
JENNA [OC]: I'm sorry. I went to sleep.
BLAKE: No, it's all right, it was my fault. We should have both stayed awake.

[Flight deck]

(the crew are watching the viewscreen)
VILA: Have you thought of another plan?
AVON: Yes. I'm going to get some sleep.
VILA [OC]: How can you sleep with all this happening?
AVON: With all what happening? Blake is sitting up in a tree, Travis is sitting up in another tree. Unless they're planning to throw nuts at one another, I don't see much of a fight developing before it gets light.
GAN: You're never involved, are you Avon? You ever cared for anyone?
VILA: Except yourself?
AVON: I have never understood why it should be necessary to become irrational in order to prove that you care, or indeed, why it should be necessary to prove it at all.
VILA: Was that an insult or did I miss something?
CALLY: You missed something.

[Forest by day]

(Blake and Jenna descend from the tree)
JENNA: It's a very big bite, looks inflamed.
BLAKE: Yes, it makes my arm a bit sore. It's nothing that I can't cope with.
(Travis the Mutoid have resumed working on the trap, the sharpened branches pointing upwards. Travis has picked up a dead bat which he then throws away)
TRAVIS: What were these things doing at the foot of the tree, hm?
MUTOID: They came in the night. I trapped them.
TRAVIS: You did more than that.
MUTOID: My serum supply is running low, there was a little blood in each of them.
TRAVIS: There's a lot of blood in me.
MUTOID: There still is, Commander. You are a Federation officer, as I am.
TRAVIS: Yes, just so long as you remember that.
MUTOID: Do you now believe we Mutoids are vampires?
TRAVIS: I believe you're useful. Get on with it.
MUTOID: My function will be impaired if I don't get further serum soon.
TRAVIS [OC]: Maybe that could be arranged.
(Blake and Jenna are moving cautiously through the forest)

[Flight deck]

(Travis and the Mutoid working on the trap are on the viewscreen)
VILA: Is that what I think it is?
AVON: I don't imagine that it is a recreational aid.
VILA: I can't see Blake throwing himself on it, though. Can you?
AVON: I can't ever see Blake finding the right place.
GAN: How is he supposed to find it. I mean, he hasn't got anything to go on, has he?
CALLY: I've been watching Blake. He's quartering the area. That is the correct search pattern.
AVON: If it is the correct area.

[Forest by day]

TRAVIS: Any sign?
MUTOID: None, Commander.
TRAVIS: I've lit a fire, it'll draw Blake to us. Since I was given you, he must have been given a companion as well. Whoever it is, I want you to find them, bring them back here. Dead or alive, it doesn't matter, just bring them.
MUTOID: And Blake?
TRAVIS: No! Don't touch Blake. he belongs to me. Well, go on, ...what's the matter with you?
MUTOID: The blood of those creatures, it was not suitable.
TRAVIS: When you've found Blake's companion, there'll be plenty of blood.
(Blake and Jenna continue the search)
BLAKE: We can't even be sure they're in this area.
JENNA: We have to assume they are.
BLAKE: Well, maybe I can see something from up there.
(Blake climbs tree. Jenna hears a sound and goes to investigate. As she goes to return to the Mutoid confronts her and knocks her out)
BLAKE: Jenna. ...Jenna! ...There's some smoke over there. ...Jenna?
(Blake descends to the ground and looks around)
BLAKE: Jenna. ...Jenna!
(the trap is suspended from the top of a large tree. At the foot of a tree the Mutoid is tying the hands an already gagged Jenna behind her back and to the tree. Her feet are already tied to a stake. The Mutoid extends a needle from the wrist of her glove to draw blood from Jenna's neck)
TRAVIS: No! Not yet. Get to your position. ...Now!
(Travis throws his machete into the ground. The Mutoid pulls it out and moves off followed by Travis who has picked up his own stave-spear. Blake and Travis are moving through the forest)
TRAVIS: Blake!
TRAVIS [OC]: Blake, can you hear me? ...I know you're there Blake.
TRAVIS: I know you're close by. ...Hear me Blake. ...I have your friend. ...Your friend will die Blake, unless you give yourself up.
(Blake runs from cover and cuts Jenna free from the tree)
JENNA: (muffled by the gag) Blake, Up there!
(Blake starts to release Jenna's feet)
JENNA: (muffled by the gag) Blake, look out! Up there...
TRAVIS: Now!!
(the Mutoid takes four cuts to sever the rope holding the trap. Blake frees Jenna's feet and they just have time to roll clear before the trap embeds itself in the ground. Blake sticks his machete into the ground and he and Travis fight with their improvised stave-spears. Jenna starts to use Blake's machete to free her hands. The invisible Sinofar watches. The Mutoid approaches Jenna who kicks her away and then finally manages to release her hands. Blake and Travis are using their stave-spears to fight each other in Robin Hood style. Jenna pitches the Mutoid headfirst against the tree knocking her unconscious. Blake finally manages to knock Travis onto his back, disarming him. Blake hesitates as he is about to deliver the killer blow)

[Flight deck]

(the fight is on the viewscreen)
VILA: You've got him.
GAN: Go on!
CALLY: (telepathic) Kill him.
(Avon shakes his head)

[Forest by day]

(Blake withdraws his stave-spear and throws it away. Sinofar teleports him away)

[Rock temple]

(Blake and Jenna materialise)
GIROC: You fought well, Blake.
BLAKE: I'm glad you enjoyed it.
GIROC: Why didn't you kill him?
BLAKE: Too weak? ...Or maybe I didn't entirely trust your motives. ...Besides, as long as he's alive, he'll be the one chasing me, and I know I can beat him.
GIROC: At least you're not stupid.
BLAKE: (to Sinofar) I need time enough to get my ship away and to recharge the energy banks.
SINOFAR: They have been recharged. I will see that your ship gets away.
BLAKE: Another reason why I didn't kill Travis, I would have enjoyed it.
SINOFAR: Perhaps there was nothing for you to learn.

[Liberator backing away from the pursuit ship]

[Flight deck]

BLAKE: Jenna, what speed?
JENNA: Standard by six.
ZEN: Confirmed.
(Gan is treating Blake's wounded hand)
GAN: What was she like?
BLAKE: Who?
GAN: Sinofar.
BLAKE: Of course. You never saw her.
GAN: No.
BLAKE: Thank you. She was, er, she was very beautiful, wasn't she, Jenna?
JENNA: Yes. Very.
VILA: All we saw was the ugly one. How is it you get all the fun?
BLAKE: Oh, I don't know, some of us are born lucky and some...

[Rock temple]

TRAVIS: Where is Blake?
SINOFAR: He won the right to go. It was agreed.
TRAVIS: It changes nothing.
GIROC: And what about your friend?
(the Mutoid is propped up against a rock)
TRAVIS: A Mutoid? It is little better than a machine. In any case, she's dead.
SINOFAR: Travis. Your companion is not dead. I will heal her.
TRAVIS: She is of no further value to me. I have a fugitive to hunt. Return me to my ship.
GIROC: It is good to see a man like Travis again after so long.
SINOFAR: You remind her of our people.
GIROC: He is just like our people, and like them he learns nothing.
SINOFAR: That's why we're prisoners. You keep us prisoners, Giroc. Never return to this planet, Travis.
(there is a crash of thunder and she teleports Travis away and then she dematerialises herself)

[Pursuit One flight deck]

(Travis picks up an empty serum container)
TRAVIS: The condemned ate a hearty meal.
(he throws away the container and turns the Mutoid's face towards him)
TRAVIS: Your failure cost me Blake.
MUTOID: I warned you that my function would be impaired, Commander.
TRAVIS: Well, perhaps the court martial will take that into account, ...but I doubt it. ...Tell me, what happens to a Mutoid that's dismissed the service?
MUTOID: We exist only to serve.
TRAVIS: Oh? Then you'll probably cease to exist.
MUTOID: Ready, Commander.
TRAVIS: Follow Blake's course.
MUTOID: We can't match his speed.
TRAVIS: We don't have to, just match his course. You see, he made one fatal error. He should have killed me.