{"data":{"id":17616,"title":"Lost Squad: \"Before the Fall\" Act 1","rsi_url":"https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/comm-link\/serialized-fiction\/17616-Lost-Squad-Before-The-Fall-Act-1","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-links\/17616","api_public_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/comm-links\/17616","channel":"Undefined","category":"Undefined","series":"Lost Squad: \"Before the Fall\"","images":[{"id":24279,"name":"Lost-Squad-Title-Page.jpg","rsi_url":"https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/media\/832p3zqdpf67vr\/source\/Lost-Squad-Title-Page.jpg","alt":"","size":55272,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","last_modified":"2020-05-22T19:10:31+00:00","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/24279","similar_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/24279\/similar"}],"images_count":1,"translations":{"en_EN":"Writer\u2019s Note: Lost Squad: \u201cBefore the Fall\u201d Act 1 was published originally in Jump Point 4.9.\nAct 1\nAttached is the actual production \u2018shooting script\u2019 used to film \u201cBefore the Fall,\u201d the first episode of the spectrum vid series Lost Squad. As you are reading through, you may notice differences between this script and the episode that was eventually broadcast. This is due to adjustments made by the director and actors on set while filming, and from the choices made afterwards by the editing team. We have purposely left these discrepancies in and hope you enjoy the light they shed on the creative process.\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD \u2013 BORO, CRION \u2013 SUNSET\nIn the distance, the yellow-blue setting sun lights up a busy skyline dotted by a few towering buildings. It is obvious by the herd of long-necked cranes that there will be plenty more buildings coming to the growing city soon.\n\nThe camera pans down past the city, through a sea of parked crafts of various indistinguishable makes, to reveal a conspicuously empty landing pad below, A-6.\n\nA lone figure with a duffel bag at his feet casts a long shadow across the empty pad as he waits at its edge. The figure flips on a small mobile display -\n\nCLOSE UP:\n\nA bright green mono-colored projection (just like your grandfather used to wax on about) shines out of the fliptop of a blocky Navy issue MT86 mobiComp. On the screen is an official transfer notice -\n\nSHUTTLE PICK UP\nBoro, Crion (Caliban III)\nCRASH\u2019S LANDING PAD: A-6\n18:00 SET, 04.26.2884\n\nThe projection switches off as the mobiComp is lowered and \u2026 yep. This is definitely pad A-6. The time on the mobiComp display reads \u2013 19:15.\n\nThe figure picks up the duffle bag at his feet and marches off the landing pad leaving it completely empty.\n\nBeat.\n\nThe WHINE of thruster rapidly grows as dust swirls. A ship is coming in to land. The figure jogs back to the pad as an ANVIL TERRAPIN bearing Navy colors drops into frame.\n\nThe Terrapin\u2019s running lights clearly illuminate the figure for the first time revealing -\n\nLT. BLAIR COBALT, a young, fresh-faced starman in a Navy BDU sporting his name. He scowls at the ship for a moment before wiping the hair out of his eyes, plastering a grin on his face, and going out to meet his ride as the rear hatch lowers.\n\nINT. TERRAPIN COCKPIT\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON, 30s, deep smile \/ worry lines carved into his face, moves his hand away from the hatch controls as he barks back towards the cockpit.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Snuff, keep everything hot. We won\u2019t be long.\nA large hulk, LEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY, dwarfs the cockpit chair as he adjusts the ship\u2019s power levels.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: You shouldn\u2019t be going at all, Fader.\nTyrese slings off a small EVA pack into a locker and pulls out a well-worn leather bomber jacket.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Imagine if they had said that to Croshaw.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY (O.S.): I\u2019m pretty sure they did.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Well, imagine if he had listened.\nBLAIR COBALT (O.S.): Hi, sir. I\u2019m Lt. Blair Cobalt.\nTurning as he finishes zipping up his coat, Tyrese sees an eager Blair waiting at the bottom of the hatch.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: I think you\u2019re my ride.\nTyrese scans the pilot over with an appraising glance.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Guess you\u2019ll do. Come on.\nHe pushes past Blair and heads out into the landing pad.\n\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD \u2013 CONTINUOUS\nBlair pulls his bag higher up on his shoulder as he follows Tyrese through the maze of ships.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Wait. Where are we going?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: To get a drink.\nTwo DOCKWORKERS stand near the side hatch of a massive cargo ship taking a stim break. Their faces split into huge grins when they see Tyrese approach.\n\nDOCKWORKER 1: Hey Fader, I hear O\u2019Bannon is looking for you.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: It\u2019s her lucky day then.\nTyrese pats Dockworker 1 on the stomach as he passes in the hull of the ship.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Diet\u2019s paying off, huh?\nDockworker 1 scowls.\n\nBlair smiles at the pair as he squeezes past with his bag.\n\nINT. CARGO SHIP \u2013 SUNSET\nThe expansive hull of the cargo ship is a beehive of activity as more dockworkers move pallets of crates off the ship.\n\nTyrese slows down for Blair to catch up. Tyrese gestures to the activity.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: See this, Lt? Do you know what this is?\nBlair reads a crate as it moves past. The side is marked \u201cDALTON\u2019S.\u201d\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Dalton\u2019s. They make clothing, right, sir?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: This is what Squadron 89 is in Caliban to protect.\nBLAIR COBALT: I see\u2026\nBlair looks around.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: My suggestion would be to use the Terrapin to set up a static defense point and then patrol out from there.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Not literally this cargo. I meant trade, commerce.\nTyrese walks down the loading ramp.\n\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD\nThe ramp leads out to a dock where the cargo is being transferred to trucks. We can see the landing pad\u2019s exit and a brightly lit street ahead.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: That\u2019s what it means to be a logistic squad. Forget all that heroics they pumped into you at the academy. Won\u2019t be needing it.\nEXT. CANDLE ROAD\nThis is Candle Road in its heyday. As the sun sets, the large hanging lanterns kick on. The night market is getting underway and vendors sell hot food from their carts. A young couple in love stroll arm in arm as a gang of kids rush past chasing a small, hopping red rooper.\n\nTyrese smiles at familiar hawkers as he moves down the street. Blair shakes his head no as they offer him goods to buy.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: We\u2019re here to make sure all this money keeps flowing. We set up route markers, repair beacons, and we patrol.\nTyrese ducks between two carts and into a narrow alley.\n\nEXT. ALLEY\nThe din of Candle Road dies out as they head down the alley.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: So very, very many patrols. You like patrolling, Lt?\nTyrese makes another sharp turn down another alley. The buildings begin to transition from the clay brick of new structures into pre-fab, drop-colony units.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Not sure me liking it has anything to do with it.\nTyrese\u2019s eyebrows pop up at that response.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Geez. I bet you brought your own jar of zipper polish with you, too.\nBlair ignores the jab.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Aren\u2019t there Vanduul raids out here?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: A few. Watch your step.\nTyrese takes a large step over a deep gully that has a jet-black river flowing quickly through it. The Blackwater. The border into old town.\n\nEXT. BLACKWATER\nThis neighborhood is in stark contrast to Candle Road. The stacked pre-fabs dirty and rusted. The PEOPLE match. A few stand huddled around solar heaters as the night cools.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: All that stuff you thought you\u2019d be doing \u2013 hunting outlaws, protecting the people, clashing with the \u2018duul. Well, our fine friends, the Crion Security Legion, do all of that for us.\nTyrese comes to a stop on a corner in front of a slightly crushed pre-fab. It looks like it was dropped from a great height. A neon sign above reads: CRASH\u2019S.\n\nHe slaps Blair on the back.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Now, what do you say we get you that drink?\nThe door slides open and Tyrese steps inside.\n\nBlair heaves his bag higher up on his shoulder and follows.\n\nINT. CRASH\u2019S BAR\nInside the dark bar there\u2019s a few PATRONS, but most eyes are turned to the small huddle of five in the back sporting Crion Security Legion (CSL) logos on their uniforms.\n\nBehind the well-worn bar sits an old Tevarin, CRASH, hunched over reading a copy of PLUCKED magazine. When he spots Tyrese, he lowers it.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Two drinks, Crash. I\u2019m thinking something tropical. (to Blair) You ever try a Shore Leave?\nCrash darts a glance at the CSL crew.\n\nCRASH: Look, Fader, you and your friend should come back a different time.\nOne of the CSL members, SASHA O\u2019BANNON, turns at the mention of Fader\u2019s name. Sporting close-cropped hair with a jagged scar line around the ear, she easily towers over the rest of her crew.\n\nO\u2019BANNON: I told you what would happen if you showed your face, Jackson.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Oh hey, O\u2019Bannon. You ever try a Shore Leave?\nO\u2019Bannon, without hesitation, walks up to Tyrese and takes a swing at him. Tyrese easily ducks and lands a punch squarely on O\u2019Bannon\u2019s jaw.\n\nO\u2019Bannon staggers back. Tyrese charges her, but the other CSL crew jump in. A full-on fray breaks out with Tyrese at the center.\n\nBlair drops his bag onto the bar \u2026\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Watch this for me.\n\u2026 and leaps into the fight.\n\nCUT TO:\n\nOPENING CREDITS\n\nLOST SQUAD\n\n\u201cBEFORE THE FALL\u201d\n\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 COMMANDER SALANA\u2019S OFFICE\nFrom orbit, the bright surface of Crion slowly spins below.\n\nCOMM. SALANA (O.S.): Any word on our new pilot, Captain?\nWe pull out to see that the planetary backdrop is the view from COMMANDER SALANA\u2019s office window. She sits upright in her desk chair, graying hair pulled back tightly. As she scans the notes on her comp, CAPTAIN HERST spins his hat in his hands.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: \u201cSupposed\u201d being the keyword.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Snuff commed to let us know they were having engine trouble.\nCOMM. SALANA: If it was anyone else but Fader, I might actually believe that.\nCAPTAIN HERST: I take it you saw the latest repair list from Chief Dunder?\nCOMM. SALANA: Two birds sitting dead in the hangar, and twice as many on their way to joining them. Don\u2019t know how Command expects us to keep doing our job if they won\u2019t give us the equipment to do it.\nCAPTAIN HERST: At least we\u2019ve been able to keep Caliban III on target.\nCOMM. SALANA: Ahead of schedule, actually. I noticed you\u2019ve been keeping Lt. Reese busy.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Thought she could use the distraction.\nCOMM. SALANA: Dismissed. (as Herst is about to exit) Make sure to send Snuff, Fader, and the new pilot to me when they get back.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Very good, Commander.\nCOMM. SALANA: I have a feeling I\u2019m going to want to hear all about their engine problems.\nINT. CRION SECURITY LEGION HQ \u2013 HOLDING CELL\nTyrese sits on the floor of a plain holding cell, idly fingering a new tear in the sleeve of his jacket.\n\nStanding with his back to him, Blair holds a blood-stained cloth to his split lip and stares out the plasti-steel door.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: You really should try a Shore Leave when you get a chance. Crash may not look it, but he\u2019s quite the bartender. Says the secret\u2019s his shaky hands.\nBlair looks over his shoulder at him.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Seriously? You get me grounded my first day on assignment, and you want to make jokes?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: What happened to \u201csir\u201d?\nBlair snaps.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: You don\u2019t even care. You want to screw up that\u2019s fine, but why drag me into it? Do you have any idea what I went through to become a pilot? And now, thanks to whatever that crap was in the bar, I\u2019m going to be booted before going on a single mission. So yeah, excuse me if I don\u2019t call you sir.\nTyrese holds out his hand. Blair doesn\u2019t move.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Call me Fader, then.\nBlair turns away, continuing to ignore him.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Fine. First off, I dragged you with me because you look like a fighter. Seems I was right. Second, that crap in the bar? Trust me, O\u2019Bannon had it coming. Third, you\u2019re not gonna get in trouble.\nRight on cue, a CSL GUARD appears at the door. He presses the panel and it slides open.\n\nCSL GUARD: Your charges have been dropped. Let\u2019s go.\nINT. CRION SECURITY LEGION HQ\nThe office has all the buzz you\u2019d expect. Security personnel moving arrests and bounties through processing. Loud comms chatter creates a din as squads are coordinated across the system.\n\nThe CSL Guard leads Blair and Tyrese through the maze of desks to where Len waits for them.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Snuff, you are a beautiful man. I owe you. I mean it this time.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Yeah, yeah.\nLen holds up a greasy brown paper bag.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Brought you two breakfast.\nTyrese sniffs. His eyes go wide.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Burrow cakes?!\nLen nods.\n\nCSL GUARD: Come on, you two still gotta sign your release forms.\nThe Guard leads them up to a wall panel. As Tyrese interacts with it, Len introduces himself to Blair.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Hi, you must be Lt. Cobalt, I didn\u2019t get to introduce myself last night. Lt. Len \u2018Snuff\u2019 Alexy. Everyone calls me Snuff.\nBLAIR COBALT: Nice to meet you. How the hell did you get us out?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: One of the Judicators assigned to this district is ex-Navy. Fader memorized her schedule so he always knows when she\u2019s gonna be the one doing the processing.\nSnuff leans down conspiratorially to Blair\u2019s height.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: As long as its minor, and you\u2019re not embarrassed to beg a bit, she\u2019s willing to let a few things slide.\nBlair can\u2019t help but notice Len\u2019s size.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Actually, one more question.\nTyrese leans in, done signing the release forms.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Why did I bring you to the bar, instead of old Snuff here?\nEXT. CANDLE ROAD\nBright morning sun beams down on the long-crowded street. As they stroll, Blair, Tyrese, and Len take bites from the large fried tubes of dough the locals call burrow cakes.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: You\u2019re telling me you\u2019re a pacifist? In the Navy?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: I like to avoid violence unless absolutely necessary.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Believe it or not, Snuff\u2019s parents were sojourners.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: I\u2019m not traveler myself, but I thought the Navy would be a good way to see the \u2018verse.\nBLAIR COBALT: So what do you do when you have to fight?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: You\u2019d be surprised. Doesn\u2019t come up that much actually.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Why do you think Snuff specifically requested the 89?\nTyrese\u2019s cake is suddenly knocked from his hand as O\u2019Bannon steps out from between two carts.\n\nO\u2019BANNON: I don\u2019t know how the hell you got released, Jackson, but this isn\u2019t over. You and your friends better watch your backs.\nTyrese steps up to her.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Or what? We\u2019ll end up like Piston?\nLen separates the two.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Enough.\nEven O\u2019Bannon is dwarfed by Len\u2019s size. She backs down.\n\nO\u2019BANNON: I\u2019ll see you soon.\nO\u2019Bannon storms off, crushing the burrow cake beneath her boot.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: I really wish you would just let it go. Piston wouldn\u2019t want this.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Why don\u2019t you ask him and then let me know.\nThe words hang in the air. Tyrese slaps Blair hard on the back and heads towards the Landing Pad.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Hurry up and finish your cake, Cobalt. You\u2019re piloting us home.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Actually\u2026\nLen gently takes the half-eaten cake away from him.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Might be better if you fly on an empty stomach.\nLen finishes the cake in one bite.\n\nEXT. OUTPOST TC3 \u2013 CALIBAN III\nIn the distance, the high energy pulse from an active terraformer can be seen punching through the atmosphere. Giant storm clouds churn where it hits the horizon.\n\nA small green shoot has broken through the ground; its frail leaves swaying in the wind. A pair of scissors clips a small cutting from its leaf. A man in a light blue protective suit, DR. TATE, puts the sample in a vial and holds it up.\n\nDR. TATE: There. The first botanical to take root on Caliban III.\nHe holds it out to a woman in a Naval flight suit, DORA REESE, but she continues to stare at the storm in the distance.\n\nDR. TATE: Lieutenant?\nDora turns and notices.\n\nDORA REESE: Sorry.\nShe takes the vial and places it inside a protective case.\n\nDORA REESE: It worked so hard to grow here, almost feels a shame to take it away.\nDR. TATE: I appreciate you having the labs back on your station run the analysis for us. After the questionable readings last week, the outside opinion will be valuable.\nDORA REESE: Not a problem, Dr. Tate. I\u2019m sure the nogs back at Herseron are chomping at the bit for the chance.\nReese looks straight up. The blackness of space can easily be seen through the thin atmosphere\n\nDORA REESE: Hard to believe it\u2019s going to be blue all the way up by the time I get back.\nCRACK! A huge lightning bolt touches down in the distance.\n\nDR. TATE: Looks like a storm\u2019s rolling in. We better get you to your ship.\nThe pair head toward a rover that waits nearby.\n\nINT. TERRAPIN COCKPIT\nBlair sits in the cockpit of the Terrapin, and runs his hands lightly over the controls. Tyrese leans over the back of the pilot\u2019s seat observing.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: So, you ever fly one of these before?\nBLAIR COBALT: Once.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY (O.S.): Did he say once?\nTyrese turns over his shoulder to where Len is strapped into the scan station.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: You just worry about scanning and let us know if we\u2019re going to hit anything.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Maybe you should fly, Fader.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: (to Blair) Len has a bit of a thing about rookie pilots.\nBLAIR COBALT: A thing?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: He may have gotten run over by one once.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: (pointing to Fader) He broke my arm.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: And I never did it again. Enough about me, what do you say we take this baby up? Now do you remember the start up \u2026\nBefore Tyrese can finish, Blair is flipping the switches like the ship is second home.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: (CONT\u2019D) \u2026 sequence.\nBLAIR COBALT: I think I got it. (into comms) Tower, this is Naval T14-L ready to take off.\nBORO FLIGHT CONTROL: You are clear, T14-L.\nWithout further ado, Blair pulls back on the stick, and the ship smoothly glides up.\n\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD\nThe Terrapin lifts off of the pad and heads up into the atmosphere.\n\nEXT. OUTPOST TC3 \u2013 CALIBAN III\nReese steers the Rover towards a small outcropping of buildings in the distance. An Avenger with Navy livery waits on a landing pad nearby.\n\nDR. TATE: I got to say, Lieutenant. It has been a lifesaver having you down here with us. I think we might be the first terraforming project in history to finish ahead of schedule, thanks to you.\nDORA REESE: You act like I\u2019m leaving for good.\nDR. TATE: Don\u2019t joke. A week\u2019s bad enough.\nKABOOM! A huge lightning strike hits one of the buildings up ahead.\n\nDORA REESE: Some storm.\nCRACK! Another!\n\nDR. TATE: Something\u2019s not right. There\u2019s too much energy. (into comms) Kaylie, are you getting these readings? What the hell is happening?\nKAYLIE: (over comms) Dr. Tate. It\u2019s the atmosphere ionizer. I\u2019ve never seen-\nAnother light bolt hits the tower and the line goes dead.\n\nDR. TATE: (into comms) Kaylie? Kaylie! (to Reese) We need to get to the lab!\nDORA REESE: Guess I\u2019m not leaving after all.\nDora punches the throttle. The rover lurches forward and races towards the landing pad. A huge lightning burst strikes again, flaring the screen to white.\n\nEXT. SPACE\nThe Terrapin flies towards a former terraforming rig perched above Crion. It has been converted to serve as a Naval base. This is HERSERON STATION.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON (O.S.): There she is.\nINT. TERRAPIN COCKPIT\nBlair watches the station grow larger as they approach.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Your new home for the next however long.\nBLAIR COBALT: Looks like a terraforming rig.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: That\u2019s because it was. Once Crion was cleared to live on, the Navy converted it into a base. Been the 89\u2019s ever since. (into comms) Come in, Herseron Control. This is T14-L requesting a hangar.\nA young starman with large optical implants appears on the comm screen, MALORY FISHER, flight control for Herseron.\n\n(Note: Cybernetic eyes from this era had visible apertures. We should see when Malory focuses in on things.)\n\nMALORY FISHER: (over comms) Better late than never, eh Fader? (to Blair) You must be the new Pilot. I\u2019m Fisher, flight ops. Welcome to the 89. Hangar B-2 is all yours.\nBLAIR COBALT: Thanks, Fisher.\nBlair swings the ship towards the opening hangar doors.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Uh guys, speaking of terraforming. I\u2019ve been getting some weird energy readings from Caliban III.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Weird how?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: No clue. Reese is still down there, right? We could comm her.\nTyrese answers too harshly.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: No.\nHe realizes how that sounded and tries to course correct.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: It\u2019s fine. If something\u2019s wrong, I\u2019m sure the Commander will be all over it. Plus, I have a feeling we have our own problems to deal with.\nTyrese points to a small figure waiting just inside the hangar\u2019s air shield.\n\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 HANGAR\nAs the Terrapin\u2019s ramp lowers, Captain Herst is already waiting for them.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: Well, I\u2019ll be damned.\nTyrese, Blair, and Len step off the ship.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Captain Herst, sir. Apologies for the delay, we ran into some \u2013\nCAPTAIN HERST: Engine problems. (looks at Blair) Those the same engine problems that gave our new pilot a split lip?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Sir, it really was the darnedest thing really.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Save the BS, Fader. The Commander wants to hear it herself. You three are to report directly to her office as soon as you drop the rookie\u2019s gear off in quarters.\nBlair blanches. He realizes he doesn\u2019t have his duffel bag with him.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: Where the hell is your gear, Lt. Cobalt?\nBlair opens his mouth, hoping an answer will come to him when the Captain\u2019s comm chirps.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: (over comms) Captain Herst.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Yes, Commander. I was just sending our wayward pilots to you now.\nCOMM. SALANA: (over comms) Change of plans, Captain.\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 SALANA\u2019S OFFICE\nThe Commander looks over a map showing the beacons in the system. One flashes an angry red.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: (into comms) One of the early warning beacons on the far line just went dark. We need it fixed now.\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 HANGAR\nCaptain Herst smiles at the three pilots.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: (into comms) Not a problem, Commander. I know just the crew for the job.\nEND ACT ONE","de_DE":"Anmerkung des Verfassers: Verlorener Kader: \"Before the Fall\" Act 1 wurde urspr\u00fcnglich in Jump Point 4.9 ver\u00f6ffentlicht.\nAkt 1\nBeigef\u00fcgt ist das Drehbuch der eigentlichen Produktion, mit dem \"Before the Fall\", die erste Episode der Spektrum-Vid-Serie Lost Squad, gedreht wurde. Beim Durchlesen werden Sie vielleicht Unterschiede zwischen diesem Drehbuch und der Episode feststellen, die schlie\u00dflich ausgestrahlt wurde. Dies ist auf Anpassungen zur\u00fcckzuf\u00fchren, die der Regisseur und die Schauspieler w\u00e4hrend der Dreharbeiten am Set vorgenommen haben, sowie auf die Entscheidungen, die das Schnittteam danach getroffen hat. Wir haben diese Diskrepanzen bewusst belassen und hoffen, dass Sie das Licht, das sie auf den kreativen Prozess werfen, genie\u00dfen werden.\nEXT. ST\u00c4DTISCHER LANDEPLATZ - BORO, CRION - SONNENUNTERGANG\nIn der Ferne erhellt die gelb-blaue untergehende Sonne eine gesch\u00e4ftige Skyline, die von einigen hoch aufragenden Geb\u00e4uden ges\u00e4umt wird. An der Herde langhalsiger Kr\u00e4ne ist zu erkennen, dass bald noch viele weitere Geb\u00e4ude in die wachsende Stadt kommen werden.\n\nDie Kamera schwenkt an der Stadt vorbei durch ein Meer geparkter Boote verschiedener nicht unterscheidbarer Marken, um einen auffallend leeren Landeplatz unterhalb von A-6 zu enth\u00fcllen.\n\nEine einsame Gestalt mit einem Seesack zu seinen F\u00fc\u00dfen wirft einen langen Schatten auf das leere Polster, w\u00e4hrend er an dessen Rand wartet. Die Figur dreht sich auf einem kleinen Handy-Display um -\n\nSCHLIESSEN:\n\nEine hellgr\u00fcne, einfarbige Projektion (so wie Ihr Gro\u00dfvater sie etwa mit Wachs \u00fcberzogen hat) leuchtet aus dem Fliptop einer blockigen Navy-Ausgabe MT86 mobiComp heraus. Auf dem Bildschirm ist ein offizieller Versetzungsbescheid -\n\nSHUTTLE-AUFNAHME\nBoro, Krion (Caliban III)\nLANDEPLATZ DES ABSTURZES: A-6\nSATZ UM 18:00 UHR, 26.04.2884\n\nDie Projektion schaltet sich aus, wenn der mobiComp abgesenkt wird und ... ja. Dies ist definitiv Pad A-6. Die Uhrzeit auf dem mobiComp-Display lautet - 19:15.\n\nDie Figur nimmt den Seesack zu seinen F\u00fc\u00dfen, marschiert vom Landeplatz und l\u00e4sst ihn v\u00f6llig leer.\n\nSchlagen.\n\nDas Wimmern des Triebwerks w\u00e4chst schnell, wenn Staub aufgewirbelt wird. Ein Schiff kommt zur Landung herein. Die Figur joggt zur\u00fcck zum Polster, als eine ANVIL TERRAPIN in Marinefarben in den Rahmen f\u00e4llt.\n\nDie Lauflichter der Sumpfschildkr\u00f6te beleuchten die Figur zum ersten Mal deutlich und enth\u00fcllen -\n\nLT. BLAIR COBALT, ein junger, frisch aussehender Starman in einem BDU der Navy, der seinen Namen tr\u00e4gt. Er blickt das Schiff einen Moment lang finster an, bevor er sich die Haare aus den Augen wischt, sich ein Grinsen ins Gesicht pflastert und hinausgeht, um seiner Mitfahrgelegenheit entgegenzukommen, w\u00e4hrend sich die hintere Luke senkt.\n\nINT. SCHILDKR\u00d6TEN-COCKPIT\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON, 30er Jahre, tiefes L\u00e4cheln \/ Sorgenfalten in sein Gesicht gemei\u00dfelt, bewegt seine Hand von den Lukenkontrollen weg, als er zur\u00fcck ins Cockpit bellt.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Schnupftabak, halten Sie alles warm. Es wird nicht lange dauern.\nEin gro\u00dfer Schiffsrumpf, LEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY, stellt den Cockpit-Stuhl in den Schatten, w\u00e4hrend er die Leistungsstufen des Schiffes einstellt.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Du solltest \u00fcberhaupt nicht gehen, Fader.\nTyrese schleudert ein kleines EVA-P\u00e4ckchen in einen Spind und zieht eine abgetragene Bomberlederjacke heraus.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Stellen Sie sich vor, sie h\u00e4tten das zu Croshaw gesagt.\nLEN 'SCHNUPFT' ALEXY (O.S.): Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass sie es getan haben.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Nun, stellen Sie sich vor, er h\u00e4tte zugeh\u00f6rt.\nBLAIR COBALT (O.S.): Hallo, Sir. Ich bin Lt. Blair Cobalt.\nTyrese dreht sich um, als er damit fertig ist, seinen Mantel zuzumachen, und sieht eine eifrige Blair am Boden der Luke warten.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Ich glaube, Sie sind meine Mitfahrgelegenheit.\nTyrese \u00fcberfliegt den Piloten mit einem pr\u00fcfenden Blick.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Ich sch\u00e4tze, Sie werden reichen. Kommen Sie!\nEr schiebt sich an Blair vorbei und macht sich auf den Weg zum Landeplatz.\n\nEXT. ST\u00c4DTISCHER LANDEPLATZ - KONTINUIERLICH\nBlair zieht seine Tasche weiter oben auf seiner Schulter, w\u00e4hrend er Tyrese durch das Labyrinth der Schiffe folgt.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Warten Sie. Wo gehen wir hin?\nWir holen uns einen Drink.\nZwei DOCKWORKER stehen in der N\u00e4he der Seitenluke eines riesigen Frachtschiffes und machen eine Stimulationspause. Ihre Gesichter spalten sich in ein breites Grinsen, als sie sehen, wie sich Tyrese n\u00e4hert.\n\nDOKKWERKER 1: Hey, Fader, wie ich h\u00f6re, sucht O'Bannon nach Ihnen.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Dann ist heute ihr Gl\u00fcckstag.\nTyrese klopft Dockarbeiter 1 auf den Bauch, als er im Rumpf des Schiffes vorbeikommt.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Die Di\u00e4t zahlt sich aus, hm?\nHafenarbeiter 1 blickt finster drein.\n\nBlair l\u00e4chelt das Paar an, w\u00e4hrend er sich mit seiner Tasche vorbeidr\u00e4ngt.\n\nINT. FRACHTSCHIFF - SONNENUNTERGANG\nDer expansive Rumpf des Frachtschiffes ist ein Bienenstock an Aktivit\u00e4t, da immer mehr Hafenarbeiter Paletten mit Kisten vom Schiff bewegen.\n\nTyrese verlangsamt sich, damit Blair aufholen kann. Tyrese gestikuliert zur Aktivit\u00e4t.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Sehen Sie das, Lt? Wissen Sie, was das ist?\nBlair liest eine Kiste, w\u00e4hrend sie vorbeil\u00e4uft. Die Seite ist mit \"DALTON'S\" beschriftet.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Dalton's. Die stellen Kleidung her, nicht wahr, Sir?\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Das ist es, was Squadron 88 in Caliban besch\u00fctzen soll.\nBLAIR COBALT: Ich verstehe...\nBlair schaut sich um.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Mein Vorschlag w\u00e4re, die Schildkr\u00f6te zu benutzen, um einen statischen Verteidigungspunkt zu errichten und von dort aus zu patrouillieren.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Nicht buchst\u00e4blich diese Ladung. Ich meinte Handel, Kommerz.\nTyrese geht die Laderampe hinunter.\n\nEXT. ST\u00c4DTISCHER LANDEPLATZ\nDie Rampe f\u00fchrt hinaus zu einem Dock, wo die Ladung auf Lastwagen umgeladen wird. Wir k\u00f6nnen den Ausgang des Landeplatzes und eine hell erleuchtete Stra\u00dfe vor uns sehen.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Das ist es, was es bedeutet, ein Logistikkader zu sein. Vergessen Sie all die Heldentaten, die sie Ihnen auf der Akademie eingefl\u00f6\u00dft haben. Wir werden sie nicht brauchen.\nZUR\u00dcCK. KERZENSTRA\u00dfE\nDies ist die Candle Road in ihrer Bl\u00fctezeit. Wenn die Sonne untergeht, werden die gro\u00dfen H\u00e4ngelaternen angez\u00fcndet. Der Nachtmarkt beginnt, und die Verk\u00e4ufer verkaufen warmes Essen aus ihren Karren. Ein verliebtes junges Paar schlendert Arm in Arm, w\u00e4hrend eine Kinderbande an einem kleinen, h\u00fcpfenden roten H\u00fcpfer vorbeieilt.\n\nTyrese l\u00e4chelt vertraute Stra\u00dfenh\u00e4ndler an, w\u00e4hrend er die Stra\u00dfe entlang geht. Blair sch\u00fcttelt den Kopf, als sie ihm Waren zum Kauf anbieten.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Wir sind hier, um sicherzustellen, dass all dieses Geld weiter flie\u00dft. Wir stellen Wegmarkierungen auf, reparieren Leuchtfeuer und patrouillieren.\nTyrese duckt sich zwischen zwei Karren und in eine enge Gasse.\n\nEXT. ALLEY\nDer L\u00e4rm der Candle Road stirbt aus, als sie die Gasse hinuntergehen.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: So sehr, sehr viele Patrouillen. Patrouillieren Sie gerne, Lieutenant?\nTyrese macht eine weitere scharfe Kurve in einer anderen Gasse. Die Geb\u00e4ude beginnen, sich von den Lehmziegeln der neuen Strukturen in vorgefertigte, in Tropfenform errichtete Kolonieeinheiten zu verwandeln.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob es etwas damit zu tun hat, ob es mir gef\u00e4llt.\nTyrese's Augenbrauen tauchen bei dieser Antwort auf.\n\nOje. Ich wette, Sie haben auch Ihre eigene Dose Rei\u00dfverschlusspolitur mitgebracht.\nBlair ignoriert die Spritze.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Gibt es hier keine Vanduul-Angriffe?\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Ein paar. Passt auf, wo Ihr hintretet.\nTyrese macht einen gro\u00dfen Schritt \u00fcber eine tiefe Schlucht, durch die ein tiefschwarzer Fluss schnell flie\u00dft. Der Blackwater. Die Grenze zur Altstadt.\n\nEXT. BLACKWASSER\nDiese Nachbarschaft steht in krassem Gegensatz zur Candle Road. Die gestapelten Fertigh\u00e4user sind schmutzig und verrostet. Das Spiel PEOPLE. Einige wenige stehen um Solarheizungen gekauert, w\u00e4hrend die Nacht abk\u00fchlt.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: All die Dinge, von denen Sie dachten, dass Sie sie tun w\u00fcrden - Gesetzlose jagen, das Volk besch\u00fctzen, mit dem 'Duul' aneinander geraten. Nun, unsere guten Freunde, die Crion Security Legion, tun all das f\u00fcr uns.\nTyrese kommt an einer Ecke vor einem leicht zerdr\u00fcckten Fertighaus zum Stehen. Es sieht aus, als w\u00e4re es aus gro\u00dfer H\u00f6he heruntergefallen. Oben ist eine Leuchtreklame zu sehen: CRASH'S.\n\nEr ohrfeigt Blair auf den R\u00fccken.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Nun, was halten Sie davon, wenn wir Ihnen diesen Drink besorgen?\nDie T\u00fcr gleitet auf und Tyrese tritt ein.\n\nBlair hebt seine Tasche h\u00f6her auf seine Schulter und folgt ihm.\n\nINT. KRASH'S BAR\nIn der dunklen Bar gibt es ein paar PATRONEN, aber die meisten Augen sind auf die kleine Ansammlung von f\u00fcnf Personen im Hintergrund gerichtet, die das Logo der Crion Security Legion (CSL) auf ihren Uniformen tragen.\n\nHinter der abgedroschenen Bar sitzt ein alter Tevarin, CRASH, geb\u00fcckt \u00fcber der Lekt\u00fcre eines Exemplars der Zeitschrift PLUCKED. Als er den Tyrese sieht, senkt er ihn ab.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Zwei Drinks, Crash. Ich denke an etwas Tropisches. (zu Blair) Haben Sie jemals einen Landgang versucht?\nCrash wirft einen Blick auf die CSL-Crew.\n\nCRASH: H\u00f6ren Sie, Fader, Sie und Ihr Freund sollten zu einer anderen Zeit zur\u00fcckkommen.\nEines der CSL-Mitglieder, SASHA O'BANNON, wendet sich bei der Erw\u00e4hnung von Faders Namen um. Mit ihren kurz geschnittenen Haaren und einer gezackten Narbenlinie um das Ohr \u00fcberragt sie den Rest ihrer Crew mit Leichtigkeit.\n\nO'BANNON: Ich habe Ihnen gesagt, was passieren w\u00fcrde, wenn Sie Ihr Gesicht zeigen, Jackson.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Oh hey, O'Bannon. Haben Sie jemals einen Landgang versucht?\nO'Bannon geht ohne zu z\u00f6gern auf Tyrese zu und schwingt sich auf ihn ein. Tyrese duckt sich leicht und landet einen Schlag direkt auf O'Bannons Kiefer.\n\nO'Bannon taumelt zur\u00fcck. Tyrese klagt sie an, aber die andere CSL-Crew springt ein. Es kommt zu einem heftigen Gefecht mit Tyrese in der Mitte.\n\nBlair l\u00e4sst seine Tasche auf die Stange fallen ...\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Passen Sie f\u00fcr mich darauf auf.\n... und st\u00fcrzt sich in den Kampf.\n\nSCHNITT ZU:\n\nVORSPANN\n\nVERLORENER SQUAD\n\n\"VOR DEM FALL\"\n\nINT. HERERON STATION - B\u00dcRO DES BEFEHLSHABERS SALANA\nVom Orbit aus dreht sich die helle Oberfl\u00e4che von Crion langsam nach unten.\n\nCOMM. SALANA (O.S.): Irgendwas Neues von unserem neuen Piloten, Captain?\nWir ziehen uns zur\u00fcck, um zu sehen, dass der planetarische Hintergrund der Blick aus dem B\u00fcrofenster von COMMANDER SALANA ist. Sie sitzt aufrecht in ihrem Schreibtischstuhl, die grauen Haare fest nach hinten gezogen. W\u00e4hrend sie die Notizen auf ihrem Kompass scannt, dreht CAPTAIN HERST seinen Hut in seinen H\u00e4nden.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: \"Angenommen\" ist das Schl\u00fcsselwort.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Schnupftabak kam, um uns mitzuteilen, dass sie Motorprobleme haben.\nCOMM. SALANA: Wenn es jemand anderes als Fader w\u00e4re, k\u00f6nnte ich das tats\u00e4chlich glauben.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Ich nehme an, Sie haben die letzte Reparaturliste von Chief Dunder gesehen?\nCOMM. SALANA: Zwei V\u00f6gel sitzen tot im Hangar, und doppelt so viele sind auf dem Weg dorthin. Ich wei\u00df nicht, wie das Kommando von uns erwartet, dass wir weiter unsere Arbeit tun, wenn sie uns nicht die Ausr\u00fcstung daf\u00fcr geben.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Wenigstens konnten wir Caliban III auf Kurs halten.\nCOMM. SALANA: Dem Zeitplan sogar voraus. Ich habe bemerkt, dass Sie Lieutenant Reese besch\u00e4ftigt haben.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Ich dachte, sie k\u00f6nnte etwas Ablenkung gebrauchen.\nCOMM. SALANA: Wegtreten. Schicken Sie mir Snuff, Fader und den neuen Piloten zu mir, wenn sie zur\u00fcckkommen (da Herst gerade gehen will).\nCAPTAIN HERST: Sehr gut, Herr Kommandant.\nCOMM. SALANA: Ich habe das Gef\u00fchl, dass ich alles \u00fcber ihre Triebwerksprobleme erfahren m\u00f6chte.\nINT. CRION SICHERHEIT LEGION HAUPTQUARTIER - HAUPTBAHNHOF\nTyrese sitzt auf dem Boden einer einfachen Arrestzelle und tastet unt\u00e4tig nach einem neuen Riss im \u00c4rmel seiner Jacke.\n\nMit dem R\u00fccken zu ihm stehend, h\u00e4lt Blair ein blutverschmiertes Tuch an seine gespaltene Lippe und starrt aus der T\u00fcr aus Plastikstahl.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Sie sollten wirklich einen Landgang versuchen, wenn Sie die Gelegenheit dazu haben. Crash sieht vielleicht nicht so aus, aber er ist ein guter Barkeeper. Er sagt, das Geheimnis sind seine zittrigen H\u00e4nde.\nBlair schaut ihm \u00fcber die Schulter.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Im Ernst? Sie geben mir an meinem ersten Arbeitstag Hausarrest und wollen Witze machen?\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Was ist mit \"Sir\" passiert?\nBlair schnappt \u00fcber.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Es interessiert Sie nicht einmal. Wenn Sie es vermasseln wollen, ist das in Ordnung, aber warum ziehen Sie mich da mit rein? Haben Sie eine Ahnung, was ich durchgemacht habe, um Pilotin zu werden? Und jetzt werde ich, dank dem, was auch immer dieser Mist in der Bar war, gebootet, bevor ich auf eine einzige Mission gehe. Also ja, entschuldigen Sie mich, wenn ich Sie nicht Sir nenne.\nTyrese streckt seine Hand aus. Blair bewegt sich nicht.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Dann nennen Sie mich Fader.\nBlair wendet sich ab und ignoriert ihn weiterhin.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Gut. Zun\u00e4chst einmal habe ich Sie mitgeschleift, weil Sie wie ein K\u00e4mpfer aussehen. Anscheinend hatte ich Recht. Zweitens, dieser Mist in der Bar? Glaub mir, O'Bannon hatte es verdient. Drittens: Du kriegst keinen \u00c4rger.\nGenau aufs Stichwort erscheint ein CSL-W\u00e4rter an der T\u00fcr. Er dr\u00fcckt auf das Paneel und es gleitet auf.\n\nCSL WACHE: Ihre Anklage wurde fallen gelassen. Los geht's.\nINT. HAUPTQUARTIER DER CRION-SICHERHEITSLEGION\nDas B\u00fcro hat alle Schwingungen, die man erwarten w\u00fcrde. Das Sicherheitspersonal bringt Verhaftungen und Kopfgelder durch die Bearbeitung. Lautes Kommunikatonsgeplapper erzeugt einen L\u00e4rm, w\u00e4hrend die Truppen im gesamten System koordiniert werden.\n\nDie CSL-Garde f\u00fchrt Blair und Tyrese durch das Labyrinth der Schreibtische dorthin, wo Len auf sie wartet.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Schnupftabak, Sie sind ein sch\u00f6ner Mann. Ich stehe in Ihrer Schuld. Diesmal meine ich es auch so.\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Ja, ja.\nLen h\u00e4lt eine schmierig-braune Papiert\u00fcte hoch.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Ich habe Ihnen beiden Fr\u00fchst\u00fcck gebracht.\nTyrese schn\u00fcffelt. Seine Augen werden gro\u00df.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Kuchen buddeln?!\nLen nickt.\n\nCSL WACHE: Kommen Sie, Sie beide m\u00fcssen noch Ihre Entlassungsformulare unterschreiben.\nDie Wache f\u00fchrt sie zu einer Wandtafel. W\u00e4hrend Tyrese mit ihr interagiert, stellt Len sich Blair vor.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Hallo, Sie m\u00fcssen Lt. Cobalt sein, ich hatte gestern Abend keine Gelegenheit, mich vorzustellen. Lt. Len \"Schnupftabak\" Alexy. Alle nennen mich Snuff.\nBLAIR COBALT: Freut mich. Wie zum Teufel haben Sie uns rausgeholt?\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Einer der diesem Bezirk zugeteilten Richter ist Ex-Navy. Fader hat sich ihren Zeitplan gemerkt, so dass er immer wei\u00df, wann sie diejenige sein wird, die die Bearbeitung durchf\u00fchrt.\nSnuff beugt sich verschw\u00f6rerisch auf Blairs H\u00f6he herunter.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Solange sie minderj\u00e4hrig ist, und es Ihnen nicht peinlich ist, ein bisschen zu betteln, ist sie bereit, ein paar Dinge schleifen zu lassen.\nBlair kann nicht umhin, Lens Gr\u00f6\u00dfe zu bemerken.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Eigentlich noch eine Frage.\nTyrese beugt sich vor, fertig mit der Unterzeichnung der Entlassungsformulare.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Warum habe ich Sie in die Bar gebracht, anstatt den alten Snuff hier?\nEXT. KERZENSTRA\u00dfE\nDie helle Morgensonne strahlt auf die langgezogene Stra\u00dfe. Auf ihrem Spaziergang bei\u00dfen Blair, Tyrese und Len in die gro\u00dfen gebratenen Teigr\u00f6hren, die die Einheimischen Burrow Cakes nennen.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Wollen Sie mir sagen, dass Sie Pazifist sind? In der Navy?\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Ich vermeide gerne Gewalt, wenn es nicht absolut notwendig ist.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Ob Sie es glauben oder nicht, Snuff's Eltern waren G\u00e4ste.\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Ich selbst bin kein Reisender, aber ich dachte, die Navy w\u00e4re eine gute M\u00f6glichkeit, den 'Vers' zu sehen.\nBLAIR COBALT: Was machen Sie also, wenn Sie k\u00e4mpfen m\u00fcssen?\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Sie w\u00e4ren \u00fcberrascht. Kommt eigentlich nicht so oft vor.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Was glauben Sie, warum Snuff speziell die 88 verlangt hat?\nTyrese's Kuchen wird pl\u00f6tzlich aus seiner Hand geschlagen, als O'Bannon zwischen zwei Karren aussteigt.\n\nO'BANNON: Ich wei\u00df nicht, wie zum Teufel Sie freigelassen wurden, Jackson, aber es ist noch nicht vorbei. Sie und Ihre Freunde passen besser auf sich auf.\nTyrese tritt auf sie zu.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Oder was? Werden wir wie Piston enden?\nLen trennt die beiden.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Genug.\nSogar O'Bannon wird von Lens Gr\u00f6\u00dfe in den Schatten gestellt. Sie macht einen R\u00fcckzieher.\n\nO'BANNON: Wir sehen uns bald.\nO'Bannon st\u00fcrmt davon und zerkleinert den Erdh\u00f6hle-Kuchen unter ihrem Stiefel.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Ich w\u00fcnschte wirklich, Sie w\u00fcrden es einfach gut sein lassen. Piston w\u00fcrde das nicht wollen.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Warum fragen Sie ihn nicht und sagen mir dann Bescheid.\nDie Worte h\u00e4ngen in der Luft. Tyrese ohrfeigt Blair hart auf den R\u00fccken und steuert auf den Landeplatz zu.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Beeilen Sie sich und essen Sie Ihren Kuchen auf, Cobalt. Du fliegst uns nach Hause.\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Eigentlich...\nLen nimmt ihm vorsichtig den halb gegessenen Kuchen weg.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Es w\u00e4re vielleicht besser, wenn Sie mit leerem Magen fliegen w\u00fcrden.\nLen beendet den Kuchen mit einem Bissen.\n\nEXT. VORPOSTEN TC3 - CALIBAN III\nIn der Ferne kann man sehen, wie der Hochenergieimpuls eines aktiven Terraformers durch die Atmosph\u00e4re dringt. Riesige Sturmwolken wirbeln dort auf, wo er auf den Horizont trifft.\n\nEin kleiner gr\u00fcner Trieb hat den Boden durchbrochen; seine zarten Bl\u00e4tter wiegen sich im Wind. Eine Schere schneidet einen kleinen Schnitt aus seinem Blatt. Ein Mann in einem hellblauen Schutzanzug, DR. TATE, steckt die Probe in ein Fl\u00e4schchen und h\u00e4lt sie hoch.\n\nDR. TATE: Dort. Das erste Botanikum, das auf Caliban III Wurzeln geschlagen hat.\nEr h\u00e4lt ihn einer Frau in einem Marine-Fluganzug, DORA REESE, entgegen, aber sie starrt weiter auf den Sturm in der Ferne.\n\nDR. TATE: Lieutenant?\nDora dreht sich um und bemerkt.\n\nDORA REESE: Entschuldigung.\nSie nimmt das Fl\u00e4schchen und legt es in eine Schutzh\u00fclle.\n\nDORA REESE: Es hat so hart gearbeitet, um hier zu wachsen, dass es fast eine Schande ist, es wegzunehmen.\nDORA REESE: DR. TATE: Ich wei\u00df es zu sch\u00e4tzen, dass die Labore auf Ihrer Station die Analysen f\u00fcr uns durchf\u00fchren. Nach den fragw\u00fcrdigen Messwerten der letzten Woche wird die Meinung von au\u00dfen wertvoll sein.\nDORA REESE: Kein Problem, Dr. Tate. Ich bin mir sicher, dass die Kollegen von Herseron sich die Chance nicht entgehen lassen wollen.\nReese schaut aufrichtig nach oben. Die Schw\u00e4rze des Weltraums ist durch die d\u00fcnne Atmosph\u00e4re leicht zu erkennen.\n\nDORA REESE: Kaum zu glauben, dass es bis zu meiner R\u00fcckkehr ganz blau sein wird.\nKRASS! Ein riesiger Blitz landet in der Ferne.\n\nDR. TATE: Sieht aus, als w\u00fcrde ein Sturm aufziehen. Wir bringen Sie besser zu Ihrem Schiff.\nDie beiden gehen zu einem Rover, der in der N\u00e4he wartet.\n\nINT. SCHILDKR\u00d6TEN-COCKPIT\nBlair sitzt im Cockpit der Terrapin und f\u00e4hrt mit den H\u00e4nden leicht \u00fcber die Steuerung. Tyrese beugt sich \u00fcber die R\u00fcckenlehne des Pilotensitzes und beobachtet.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Also, sind Sie schon einmal mit so einem Ding geflogen?\nBLAIR COBALT: Einmal.\nLEN 'SCHNUPFEN' ALEXY (O.S.): Hat er einmal gesagt?\nTyrese dreht sich \u00fcber die Schulter, wo Len in die Scan-Station geschnallt wird.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: K\u00fcmmern Sie sich einfach um das Scannen und lassen Sie uns wissen, ob wir etwas treffen werden.\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Vielleicht sollten Sie fliegen, Fader.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: (zu Blair) Len hat eine Schw\u00e4che f\u00fcr Pilotenanf\u00e4nger.\nBLAIR COBALT: Etwas?\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Er ist vielleicht einmal von einem \u00fcberfahren worden.\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: (zeigt auf Fader) Er hat mir den Arm gebrochen.\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Und ich habe es nie wieder getan. Genug von mir, was halten Sie davon, wenn wir dieses Baby hochbringen? Erinnern Sie sich jetzt an den Start ...\nBevor Tyrese fertig werden kann, legt Blair die Schalter um, als ob das Schiff ein zweites Zuhause w\u00e4re.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: (CONT'D) ... Reihenfolge.\nBLAIR COBALT: Ich glaube, ich hab's. (Funk) Tower, hier ist Naval T14-L, bereit zum Start.\nBORO-FLUGKONTROLLE: Sie haben gr\u00fcnes Licht, T14-L.\nKurzerhand zieht Blair den Steuerkn\u00fcppel zur\u00fcck, und das Schiff gleitet sanft nach oben.\n\nEXT. ST\u00c4DTISCHER LANDEPLATZ\nDie Sumpfschildkr\u00f6te hebt vom Pad ab und fliegt in die Atmosph\u00e4re.\n\nEXT. VORPOSTEN TC3 - CALIBAN III\nReese steuert den Rover auf einen kleinen Geb\u00e4udeausschnitt in der Ferne zu. Ein Avenger in Navy-Lackierung wartet auf einem Landeplatz in der N\u00e4he.\n\nDR. TATE: Ich muss schon sagen, Lieutenant. Es war lebensrettend, Sie hier unten bei uns zu haben. Ich denke, dass wir dank Ihnen das erste Terraforming-Projekt in der Geschichte sein k\u00f6nnten, das vor dem Zeitplan abgeschlossen wird.\nSie tun so, als ob ich f\u00fcr immer verschwinden w\u00fcrde.\nDR. TATE: SIE TUN SO, ALS OB ICH F\u00dcR IMMER GEHE: Machen Sie keine Witze. Eine Woche ist schlimm genug.\nKABUOM! Ein riesiger Blitz hat eines der Geb\u00e4ude da vorne getroffen.\n\nDORA REESE: Irgendein Sturm.\nKRACHE! Noch einer!\n\nDR. TATE: Irgendwas stimmt da nicht. Da ist zu viel Energie. Kaylie, bekommst du diese Messwerte? Was zum Teufel geht hier vor?\nDr. Tate. Es ist der Atmosph\u00e4ren-Ionisator. Das habe ich noch nie gesehen.\nEin weiterer Blitz trifft den Turm und die Leitung ist tot.\n\nDR. TATE: Kaylie? Kaylie! (zu Reese) Wir m\u00fcssen ins Labor!\nDORA REESE: Ich sch\u00e4tze, ich werde doch nicht gehen.\nDora dr\u00fcckt aufs Gaspedal. Der Rover taumelt nach vorne und rast auf den Landeplatz zu. Ein riesiger Blitz schl\u00e4gt wieder ein und fackelt den Bildschirm wei\u00df ab.\n\nEXT. RAUM\nDie Sumpfschildkr\u00f6te fliegt auf eine ehemalige Terraforming-Plattform \u00fcber Crion zu. Sie wurde umgebaut, um als Marinest\u00fctzpunkt zu dienen. Dies ist die HERSERON STATION.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON (O.S.): Da ist sie.\nINT. SCHILDKR\u00d6TEN-COCKPIT\nBlair beobachtet, wie der Sender gr\u00f6\u00dfer wird, w\u00e4hrend sie sich n\u00e4hern.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Ihr neues Zuhause f\u00fcr die n\u00e4chste wie lange auch immer.\nBLAIR COBALT: Sieht aus wie eine Terraforming-Plattform.\nDas ist, weil es eine war. Nachdem Crion zum Leben freigegeben wurde, baute die Navy es in eine Basis um. Seitdem waren es die 88er. Bitte kommen, Herseron Control. Hier ist T14-L, erbitten einen Hangar.\nEin junger Starman mit gro\u00dfen optischen Implantaten erscheint auf dem Kommunikationsschirm, MALORY FISHER, Flugkontrolle f\u00fcr Herseron.\n\n(Anmerkung: Kybernetische Augen aus dieser \u00c4ra hatten sichtbare \u00d6ffnungen. Wir sollten sehen, wann Malory sich auf die Dinge konzentriert).\n\nMALORY FISHER: (over comms) Besser sp\u00e4t als nie, eh Fader? (zu Blair) Sie m\u00fcssen der neue Pilot sein. Ich bin Fisher, Flight Ops. Willkommen auf der 88. Der Hangar B-2 geh\u00f6rt ganz Ihnen.\nDanke, Fisher.\nBlair schwenkt das Schiff zu den sich \u00f6ffnenden Hangart\u00fcren.\n\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: \u00c4h, Leute, wo wir gerade von Terraforming sprechen. Ich habe einige seltsame Energiewerte von Caliban III erhalten.\nInwiefern merkw\u00fcrdig?\nLEN 'SNUFF' ALEXY: Keine Ahnung. Reese ist immer noch da unten, richtig? Wir k\u00f6nnten mit ihr kommunizieren.\nTyrese antwortet zu schroff.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Nein.\nEr merkt, wie das geklungen hat und versucht, den Kurs zu korrigieren.\n\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Ist schon gut. Wenn etwas nicht in Ordnung ist, bin ich sicher, der Commander wird sich darum k\u00fcmmern. Au\u00dferdem habe ich das Gef\u00fchl, dass wir uns um unsere eigenen Probleme k\u00fcmmern m\u00fcssen.\nTyrese deutet auf eine kleine Gestalt, die direkt im Luftschild des Hangars wartet.\n\nINT. HERERON STATION - HANGAR\nW\u00e4hrend sich die Rampe der Schildkr\u00f6te senkt, wartet Hauptmann Herst bereits auf sie.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: Nun, ich will verdammt sein.\nTyrese, Blair und Len verlassen das Schiff.\n\nCaptain Herst, Sir. Entschuldigen Sie die Versp\u00e4tung, wir trafen auf einige.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Motorprobleme. (schaut zu Blair) Sind das die gleichen Motorprobleme, die unserem neuen Piloten eine gespaltene Lippe beschert haben?\nTYRESE 'FADER' JACKSON: Sir, das war wirklich die verr\u00fcckteste Sache, wirklich.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Sparen Sie sich den Bl\u00f6dsinn, Fader. Der Commander will es selbst h\u00f6ren. Sie drei sollen sich direkt in ihrem B\u00fcro melden, sobald Sie die Ausr\u00fcstung des Neulings im Quartier abgeben.\nBlair blanchiert. Ihm wird klar, dass er seinen Seesack nicht dabei hat.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: Wo zum Teufel ist Ihre Ausr\u00fcstung, Lt. Cobalt?\nBlair \u00f6ffnet den Mund, in der Hoffnung, dass er eine Antwort erh\u00e4lt, wenn das Kommando des Captains zwitschert.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: (\u00fcber Funk) Hauptmann Herst.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Ja, Commander. Ich wollte gerade unsere eigenwilligen Piloten zu Ihnen schicken.\nCOMM. Plan\u00e4nderung, Captain.\nINT. HERERON STATION - SALANAS B\u00dcRO\nDer Kommandant schaut \u00fcber eine Karte mit den Baken im System. Einer blinkt in einem w\u00fctenden Rot.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: (in Comms) Einer der Fr\u00fchwarnbaken auf der Fernleitung ist soeben erloschen. Das muss sofort behoben werden.\nINT. HERERON STATION - HANGAR\nKapit\u00e4n Herst l\u00e4chelt die drei Piloten an.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: (ins Funkger\u00e4t) Kein Problem, Commander. Ich kenne genau die richtige Besatzung f\u00fcr diese Aufgabe.\nENDEHANDEL EINS","zh_CN":"Writer\u2019s Note: Lost Squad: \u201cBefore the Fall\u201d Act 1 was published originally in Jump Point 4.9.\nAct 1\nAttached is the actual production \u2018shooting script\u2019 used to film \u201cBefore the Fall,\u201d the first episode of the spectrum vid series Lost Squad. As you are reading through, you may notice differences between this script and the episode that was eventually broadcast. This is due to adjustments made by the director and actors on set while filming, and from the choices made afterwards by the editing team. We have purposely left these discrepancies in and hope you enjoy the light they shed on the creative process.\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD \u2013 BORO, CRION \u2013 SUNSET\nIn the distance, the yellow-blue setting sun lights up a busy skyline dotted by a few towering buildings. It is obvious by the herd of long-necked cranes that there will be plenty more buildings coming to the growing city soon.\n\nThe camera pans down past the city, through a sea of parked crafts of various indistinguishable makes, to reveal a conspicuously empty landing pad below, A-6.\n\nA lone figure with a duffel bag at his feet casts a long shadow across the empty pad as he waits at its edge. The figure flips on a small mobile display -\n\nCLOSE UP:\n\nA bright green mono-colored projection (just like your grandfather used to wax on about) shines out of the fliptop of a blocky Navy issue MT86 mobiComp. On the screen is an official transfer notice -\n\nSHUTTLE PICK UP\nBoro, Crion (Caliban III)\nCRASH\u2019S LANDING PAD: A-6\n18:00 SET, 04.26.2884\n\nThe projection switches off as the mobiComp is lowered and \u2026 yep. This is definitely pad A-6. The time on the mobiComp display reads \u2013 19:15.\n\nThe figure picks up the duffle bag at his feet and marches off the landing pad leaving it completely empty.\n\nBeat.\n\nThe WHINE of thruster rapidly grows as dust swirls. A ship is coming in to land. The figure jogs back to the pad as an ANVIL TERRAPIN bearing Navy colors drops into frame.\n\nThe Terrapin\u2019s running lights clearly illuminate the figure for the first time revealing -\n\nLT. BLAIR COBALT, a young, fresh-faced starman in a Navy BDU sporting his name. He scowls at the ship for a moment before wiping the hair out of his eyes, plastering a grin on his face, and going out to meet his ride as the rear hatch lowers.\n\nINT. TERRAPIN COCKPIT\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON, 30s, deep smile \/ worry lines carved into his face, moves his hand away from the hatch controls as he barks back towards the cockpit.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Snuff, keep everything hot. We won\u2019t be long.\nA large hulk, LEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY, dwarfs the cockpit chair as he adjusts the ship\u2019s power levels.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: You shouldn\u2019t be going at all, Fader.\nTyrese slings off a small EVA pack into a locker and pulls out a well-worn leather bomber jacket.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Imagine if they had said that to Croshaw.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY (O.S.): I\u2019m pretty sure they did.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Well, imagine if he had listened.\nBLAIR COBALT (O.S.): Hi, sir. I\u2019m Lt. Blair Cobalt.\nTurning as he finishes zipping up his coat, Tyrese sees an eager Blair waiting at the bottom of the hatch.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: I think you\u2019re my ride.\nTyrese scans the pilot over with an appraising glance.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Guess you\u2019ll do. Come on.\nHe pushes past Blair and heads out into the landing pad.\n\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD \u2013 CONTINUOUS\nBlair pulls his bag higher up on his shoulder as he follows Tyrese through the maze of ships.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Wait. Where are we going?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: To get a drink.\nTwo DOCKWORKERS stand near the side hatch of a massive cargo ship taking a stim break. Their faces split into huge grins when they see Tyrese approach.\n\nDOCKWORKER 1: Hey Fader, I hear O\u2019Bannon is looking for you.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: It\u2019s her lucky day then.\nTyrese pats Dockworker 1 on the stomach as he passes in the hull of the ship.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Diet\u2019s paying off, huh?\nDockworker 1 scowls.\n\nBlair smiles at the pair as he squeezes past with his bag.\n\nINT. CARGO SHIP \u2013 SUNSET\nThe expansive hull of the cargo ship is a beehive of activity as more dockworkers move pallets of crates off the ship.\n\nTyrese slows down for Blair to catch up. Tyrese gestures to the activity.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: See this, Lt? Do you know what this is?\nBlair reads a crate as it moves past. The side is marked \u201cDALTON\u2019S.\u201d\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Dalton\u2019s. They make clothing, right, sir?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: This is what Squadron 89 is in Caliban to protect.\nBLAIR COBALT: I see\u2026\nBlair looks around.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: My suggestion would be to use the Terrapin to set up a static defense point and then patrol out from there.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Not literally this cargo. I meant trade, commerce.\nTyrese walks down the loading ramp.\n\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD\nThe ramp leads out to a dock where the cargo is being transferred to trucks. We can see the landing pad\u2019s exit and a brightly lit street ahead.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: That\u2019s what it means to be a logistic squad. Forget all that heroics they pumped into you at the academy. Won\u2019t be needing it.\nEXT. CANDLE ROAD\nThis is Candle Road in its heyday. As the sun sets, the large hanging lanterns kick on. The night market is getting underway and vendors sell hot food from their carts. A young couple in love stroll arm in arm as a gang of kids rush past chasing a small, hopping red rooper.\n\nTyrese smiles at familiar hawkers as he moves down the street. Blair shakes his head no as they offer him goods to buy.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: We\u2019re here to make sure all this money keeps flowing. We set up route markers, repair beacons, and we patrol.\nTyrese ducks between two carts and into a narrow alley.\n\nEXT. ALLEY\nThe din of Candle Road dies out as they head down the alley.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: So very, very many patrols. You like patrolling, Lt?\nTyrese makes another sharp turn down another alley. The buildings begin to transition from the clay brick of new structures into pre-fab, drop-colony units.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Not sure me liking it has anything to do with it.\nTyrese\u2019s eyebrows pop up at that response.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Geez. I bet you brought your own jar of zipper polish with you, too.\nBlair ignores the jab.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Aren\u2019t there Vanduul raids out here?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: A few. Watch your step.\nTyrese takes a large step over a deep gully that has a jet-black river flowing quickly through it. The Blackwater. The border into old town.\n\nEXT. BLACKWATER\nThis neighborhood is in stark contrast to Candle Road. The stacked pre-fabs dirty and rusted. The PEOPLE match. A few stand huddled around solar heaters as the night cools.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: All that stuff you thought you\u2019d be doing \u2013 hunting outlaws, protecting the people, clashing with the \u2018duul. Well, our fine friends, the Crion Security Legion, do all of that for us.\nTyrese comes to a stop on a corner in front of a slightly crushed pre-fab. It looks like it was dropped from a great height. A neon sign above reads: CRASH\u2019S.\n\nHe slaps Blair on the back.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Now, what do you say we get you that drink?\nThe door slides open and Tyrese steps inside.\n\nBlair heaves his bag higher up on his shoulder and follows.\n\nINT. CRASH\u2019S BAR\nInside the dark bar there\u2019s a few PATRONS, but most eyes are turned to the small huddle of five in the back sporting Crion Security Legion (CSL) logos on their uniforms.\n\nBehind the well-worn bar sits an old Tevarin, CRASH, hunched over reading a copy of PLUCKED magazine. When he spots Tyrese, he lowers it.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Two drinks, Crash. I\u2019m thinking something tropical. (to Blair) You ever try a Shore Leave?\nCrash darts a glance at the CSL crew.\n\nCRASH: Look, Fader, you and your friend should come back a different time.\nOne of the CSL members, SASHA O\u2019BANNON, turns at the mention of Fader\u2019s name. Sporting close-cropped hair with a jagged scar line around the ear, she easily towers over the rest of her crew.\n\nO\u2019BANNON: I told you what would happen if you showed your face, Jackson.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Oh hey, O\u2019Bannon. You ever try a Shore Leave?\nO\u2019Bannon, without hesitation, walks up to Tyrese and takes a swing at him. Tyrese easily ducks and lands a punch squarely on O\u2019Bannon\u2019s jaw.\n\nO\u2019Bannon staggers back. Tyrese charges her, but the other CSL crew jump in. A full-on fray breaks out with Tyrese at the center.\n\nBlair drops his bag onto the bar \u2026\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Watch this for me.\n\u2026 and leaps into the fight.\n\nCUT TO:\n\nOPENING CREDITS\n\nLOST SQUAD\n\n\u201cBEFORE THE FALL\u201d\n\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 COMMANDER SALANA\u2019S OFFICE\nFrom orbit, the bright surface of Crion slowly spins below.\n\nCOMM. SALANA (O.S.): Any word on our new pilot, Captain?\nWe pull out to see that the planetary backdrop is the view from COMMANDER SALANA\u2019s office window. She sits upright in her desk chair, graying hair pulled back tightly. As she scans the notes on her comp, CAPTAIN HERST spins his hat in his hands.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: \u201cSupposed\u201d being the keyword.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Snuff commed to let us know they were having engine trouble.\nCOMM. SALANA: If it was anyone else but Fader, I might actually believe that.\nCAPTAIN HERST: I take it you saw the latest repair list from Chief Dunder?\nCOMM. SALANA: Two birds sitting dead in the hangar, and twice as many on their way to joining them. Don\u2019t know how Command expects us to keep doing our job if they won\u2019t give us the equipment to do it.\nCAPTAIN HERST: At least we\u2019ve been able to keep Caliban III on target.\nCOMM. SALANA: Ahead of schedule, actually. I noticed you\u2019ve been keeping Lt. Reese busy.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Thought she could use the distraction.\nCOMM. SALANA: Dismissed. (as Herst is about to exit) Make sure to send Snuff, Fader, and the new pilot to me when they get back.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Very good, Commander.\nCOMM. SALANA: I have a feeling I\u2019m going to want to hear all about their engine problems.\nINT. CRION SECURITY LEGION HQ \u2013 HOLDING CELL\nTyrese sits on the floor of a plain holding cell, idly fingering a new tear in the sleeve of his jacket.\n\nStanding with his back to him, Blair holds a blood-stained cloth to his split lip and stares out the plasti-steel door.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: You really should try a Shore Leave when you get a chance. Crash may not look it, but he\u2019s quite the bartender. Says the secret\u2019s his shaky hands.\nBlair looks over his shoulder at him.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Seriously? You get me grounded my first day on assignment, and you want to make jokes?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: What happened to \u201csir\u201d?\nBlair snaps.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: You don\u2019t even care. You want to screw up that\u2019s fine, but why drag me into it? Do you have any idea what I went through to become a pilot? And now, thanks to whatever that crap was in the bar, I\u2019m going to be booted before going on a single mission. So yeah, excuse me if I don\u2019t call you sir.\nTyrese holds out his hand. Blair doesn\u2019t move.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Call me Fader, then.\nBlair turns away, continuing to ignore him.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Fine. First off, I dragged you with me because you look like a fighter. Seems I was right. Second, that crap in the bar? Trust me, O\u2019Bannon had it coming. Third, you\u2019re not gonna get in trouble.\nRight on cue, a CSL GUARD appears at the door. He presses the panel and it slides open.\n\nCSL GUARD: Your charges have been dropped. Let\u2019s go.\nINT. CRION SECURITY LEGION HQ\nThe office has all the buzz you\u2019d expect. Security personnel moving arrests and bounties through processing. Loud comms chatter creates a din as squads are coordinated across the system.\n\nThe CSL Guard leads Blair and Tyrese through the maze of desks to where Len waits for them.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Snuff, you are a beautiful man. I owe you. I mean it this time.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Yeah, yeah.\nLen holds up a greasy brown paper bag.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Brought you two breakfast.\nTyrese sniffs. His eyes go wide.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Burrow cakes?!\nLen nods.\n\nCSL GUARD: Come on, you two still gotta sign your release forms.\nThe Guard leads them up to a wall panel. As Tyrese interacts with it, Len introduces himself to Blair.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Hi, you must be Lt. Cobalt, I didn\u2019t get to introduce myself last night. Lt. Len \u2018Snuff\u2019 Alexy. Everyone calls me Snuff.\nBLAIR COBALT: Nice to meet you. How the hell did you get us out?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: One of the Judicators assigned to this district is ex-Navy. Fader memorized her schedule so he always knows when she\u2019s gonna be the one doing the processing.\nSnuff leans down conspiratorially to Blair\u2019s height.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: As long as its minor, and you\u2019re not embarrassed to beg a bit, she\u2019s willing to let a few things slide.\nBlair can\u2019t help but notice Len\u2019s size.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: Actually, one more question.\nTyrese leans in, done signing the release forms.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Why did I bring you to the bar, instead of old Snuff here?\nEXT. CANDLE ROAD\nBright morning sun beams down on the long-crowded street. As they stroll, Blair, Tyrese, and Len take bites from the large fried tubes of dough the locals call burrow cakes.\n\nBLAIR COBALT: You\u2019re telling me you\u2019re a pacifist? In the Navy?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: I like to avoid violence unless absolutely necessary.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Believe it or not, Snuff\u2019s parents were sojourners.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: I\u2019m not traveler myself, but I thought the Navy would be a good way to see the \u2018verse.\nBLAIR COBALT: So what do you do when you have to fight?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: You\u2019d be surprised. Doesn\u2019t come up that much actually.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Why do you think Snuff specifically requested the 89?\nTyrese\u2019s cake is suddenly knocked from his hand as O\u2019Bannon steps out from between two carts.\n\nO\u2019BANNON: I don\u2019t know how the hell you got released, Jackson, but this isn\u2019t over. You and your friends better watch your backs.\nTyrese steps up to her.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Or what? We\u2019ll end up like Piston?\nLen separates the two.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Enough.\nEven O\u2019Bannon is dwarfed by Len\u2019s size. She backs down.\n\nO\u2019BANNON: I\u2019ll see you soon.\nO\u2019Bannon storms off, crushing the burrow cake beneath her boot.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: I really wish you would just let it go. Piston wouldn\u2019t want this.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Why don\u2019t you ask him and then let me know.\nThe words hang in the air. Tyrese slaps Blair hard on the back and heads towards the Landing Pad.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Hurry up and finish your cake, Cobalt. You\u2019re piloting us home.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Actually\u2026\nLen gently takes the half-eaten cake away from him.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Might be better if you fly on an empty stomach.\nLen finishes the cake in one bite.\n\nEXT. OUTPOST TC3 \u2013 CALIBAN III\nIn the distance, the high energy pulse from an active terraformer can be seen punching through the atmosphere. Giant storm clouds churn where it hits the horizon.\n\nA small green shoot has broken through the ground; its frail leaves swaying in the wind. A pair of scissors clips a small cutting from its leaf. A man in a light blue protective suit, DR. TATE, puts the sample in a vial and holds it up.\n\nDR. TATE: There. The first botanical to take root on Caliban III.\nHe holds it out to a woman in a Naval flight suit, DORA REESE, but she continues to stare at the storm in the distance.\n\nDR. TATE: Lieutenant?\nDora turns and notices.\n\nDORA REESE: Sorry.\nShe takes the vial and places it inside a protective case.\n\nDORA REESE: It worked so hard to grow here, almost feels a shame to take it away.\nDR. TATE: I appreciate you having the labs back on your station run the analysis for us. After the questionable readings last week, the outside opinion will be valuable.\nDORA REESE: Not a problem, Dr. Tate. I\u2019m sure the nogs back at Herseron are chomping at the bit for the chance.\nReese looks straight up. The blackness of space can easily be seen through the thin atmosphere\n\nDORA REESE: Hard to believe it\u2019s going to be blue all the way up by the time I get back.\nCRACK! A huge lightning bolt touches down in the distance.\n\nDR. TATE: Looks like a storm\u2019s rolling in. We better get you to your ship.\nThe pair head toward a rover that waits nearby.\n\nINT. TERRAPIN COCKPIT\nBlair sits in the cockpit of the Terrapin, and runs his hands lightly over the controls. Tyrese leans over the back of the pilot\u2019s seat observing.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: So, you ever fly one of these before?\nBLAIR COBALT: Once.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY (O.S.): Did he say once?\nTyrese turns over his shoulder to where Len is strapped into the scan station.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: You just worry about scanning and let us know if we\u2019re going to hit anything.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Maybe you should fly, Fader.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: (to Blair) Len has a bit of a thing about rookie pilots.\nBLAIR COBALT: A thing?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: He may have gotten run over by one once.\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: (pointing to Fader) He broke my arm.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: And I never did it again. Enough about me, what do you say we take this baby up? Now do you remember the start up \u2026\nBefore Tyrese can finish, Blair is flipping the switches like the ship is second home.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: (CONT\u2019D) \u2026 sequence.\nBLAIR COBALT: I think I got it. (into comms) Tower, this is Naval T14-L ready to take off.\nBORO FLIGHT CONTROL: You are clear, T14-L.\nWithout further ado, Blair pulls back on the stick, and the ship smoothly glides up.\n\nEXT. MUNICIPAL LANDING PAD\nThe Terrapin lifts off of the pad and heads up into the atmosphere.\n\nEXT. OUTPOST TC3 \u2013 CALIBAN III\nReese steers the Rover towards a small outcropping of buildings in the distance. An Avenger with Navy livery waits on a landing pad nearby.\n\nDR. TATE: I got to say, Lieutenant. It has been a lifesaver having you down here with us. I think we might be the first terraforming project in history to finish ahead of schedule, thanks to you.\nDORA REESE: You act like I\u2019m leaving for good.\nDR. TATE: Don\u2019t joke. A week\u2019s bad enough.\nKABOOM! A huge lightning strike hits one of the buildings up ahead.\n\nDORA REESE: Some storm.\nCRACK! Another!\n\nDR. TATE: Something\u2019s not right. There\u2019s too much energy. (into comms) Kaylie, are you getting these readings? What the hell is happening?\nKAYLIE: (over comms) Dr. Tate. It\u2019s the atmosphere ionizer. I\u2019ve never seen-\nAnother light bolt hits the tower and the line goes dead.\n\nDR. TATE: (into comms) Kaylie? Kaylie! (to Reese) We need to get to the lab!\nDORA REESE: Guess I\u2019m not leaving after all.\nDora punches the throttle. The rover lurches forward and races towards the landing pad. A huge lightning burst strikes again, flaring the screen to white.\n\nEXT. SPACE\nThe Terrapin flies towards a former terraforming rig perched above Crion. It has been converted to serve as a Naval base. This is HERSERON STATION.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON (O.S.): There she is.\nINT. TERRAPIN COCKPIT\nBlair watches the station grow larger as they approach.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Your new home for the next however long.\nBLAIR COBALT: Looks like a terraforming rig.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: That\u2019s because it was. Once Crion was cleared to live on, the Navy converted it into a base. Been the 89\u2019s ever since. (into comms) Come in, Herseron Control. This is T14-L requesting a hangar.\nA young starman with large optical implants appears on the comm screen, MALORY FISHER, flight control for Herseron.\n\n(Note: Cybernetic eyes from this era had visible apertures. We should see when Malory focuses in on things.)\n\nMALORY FISHER: (over comms) Better late than never, eh Fader? (to Blair) You must be the new Pilot. I\u2019m Fisher, flight ops. Welcome to the 89. Hangar B-2 is all yours.\nBLAIR COBALT: Thanks, Fisher.\nBlair swings the ship towards the opening hangar doors.\n\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: Uh guys, speaking of terraforming. I\u2019ve been getting some weird energy readings from Caliban III.\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Weird how?\nLEN \u2018SNUFF\u2019 ALEXY: No clue. Reese is still down there, right? We could comm her.\nTyrese answers too harshly.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: No.\nHe realizes how that sounded and tries to course correct.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: It\u2019s fine. If something\u2019s wrong, I\u2019m sure the Commander will be all over it. Plus, I have a feeling we have our own problems to deal with.\nTyrese points to a small figure waiting just inside the hangar\u2019s air shield.\n\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 HANGAR\nAs the Terrapin\u2019s ramp lowers, Captain Herst is already waiting for them.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: Well, I\u2019ll be damned.\nTyrese, Blair, and Len step off the ship.\n\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Captain Herst, sir. Apologies for the delay, we ran into some \u2013\nCAPTAIN HERST: Engine problems. (looks at Blair) Those the same engine problems that gave our new pilot a split lip?\nTYRESE \u2018FADER\u2019 JACKSON: Sir, it really was the darnedest thing really.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Save the BS, Fader. The Commander wants to hear it herself. You three are to report directly to her office as soon as you drop the rookie\u2019s gear off in quarters.\nBlair blanches. He realizes he doesn\u2019t have his duffel bag with him.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: Where the hell is your gear, Lt. Cobalt?\nBlair opens his mouth, hoping an answer will come to him when the Captain\u2019s comm chirps.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: (over comms) Captain Herst.\nCAPTAIN HERST: Yes, Commander. I was just sending our wayward pilots to you now.\nCOMM. SALANA: (over comms) Change of plans, Captain.\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 SALANA\u2019S OFFICE\nThe Commander looks over a map showing the beacons in the system. One flashes an angry red.\n\nCOMM. SALANA: (into comms) One of the early warning beacons on the far line just went dark. We need it fixed now.\nINT. HERSERON STATION \u2013 HANGAR\nCaptain Herst smiles at the three pilots.\n\nCAPTAIN HERST: (into comms) Not a problem, Commander. I know just the crew for the job.\nEND ACT ONE"},"links_count":0,"comment_count":46,"created_at":"2020-05-27T00:00:00+00:00","created_at_human":"5 years ago"},"meta":{"processed_at":"2026-05-07 21:08:44","valid_relations":["images","links"],"prev_id":17615,"next_id":17617}}