Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

DEVEREUX (CONT’D)

Okay, Hope. We’re here.

CUT TO:

68. INT. BRIDGE

Hope pauses for a moment before answering.

Rusty watches her uneasily for a moment, followed a few seconds later by Hawkes.

HOPE

Proceed eighty-four meters aft.

DEVEREUX’S COMM VOICE

You’re sure?

HOPE
(after a very brief hesitation)

Yes.

CUT TO:

69. INT. ALIEN VESSEL CORRIDOR

Elizabeth points to the right. Devereux nods.

Devereux and Elizabeth move down the corridor. Their helmet spotlights illuminate the dark passageway.

The corridor appears very similar to the one they had previously traversed. As expected, the periodic markings are different.

ELIZABETH

Is it me? Or does a meter seem a lot further in the dark?

DEVEREUX
(with calm amusement)

It’s not you. (consults arm display) We’re almost there.

A few moments later, Devereux and Elizabeth arrive at another intersection of corridors.

ELIZABETH
(whispers)

I’m starting to feel like a rat in a maze.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

I don’t think we’ll find any cheese at the end, Lizzie.

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. She appears embarrassed at her remark being overheard.

DEVEREUX
(whispers)

We just won’t tell anyone that we had help.

Elizabeth gives a faint smile and relaxes somewhat.

DEVEREUX (CONT’D)
(louder)

What now, Hope?

HOPE’S COMM VOICE

Fifty-three meters starboard.

DEVEREUX

Acknowledged.

Devereux and Elizabeth move off in the indicated direction.

CUT TO:

70. INT. BRIDGE

Rusty and Hawkes watch the images on the main bridge displays.

RUSTY

It’s not really a maze, is it, Doc?

HOPE

It is not.

RUSTY
(mutters)

Could have fooled me.

The displays show bulkheads and occasional joints and conduits as Devereux and Elizabeth pass them.

The progression of images stop.

DEVEREUX’S COMM VOICE

I think we’re there.

RUSTY

How do you know?

CUT TO:

71. INT. ALIEN VESSEL CORRIDOR

Devereux and Elizabeth stand before a large and very sturdy-looking hatch.

DEVEREUX

Trust me. I know.

HOPE’S COMM VOICE

Command Center.

Devereux stares at the large hatch.

DEVEREUX

Okay, Hope. It’s time--

ELIZABETH
(with quiet urgency)

Captain.

Devereux turns her head to look at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth taps the display at her wrist. Devereux looks down at her own.

The available air indicator shows well below the half-full mark.

DEVEREUX
(quietly)

Damn. (louder) We’re on our way back. (beat) Pyra, prep the shuttle for launch. We’re heading back.

Devereux takes one long, last look at the massive hatch.

DEVEREUX (CONT’D)

Hope, I want to see you in my office the moment we’re out of decon.

CUT TO:

72. INT. BRIDGE

Hope’s expression reveals nothing of her feelings.

HOPE

Yes, Captain.

DISSOLVE TO:

73. INT. SHUTTLE

Devereux and Elizabeth enter through the open airlock.

Elizabeth closes and seals the airlock.

ELIZABETH

Airlock secure.

Devereux and Elizabeth continue to stand, making no move to remove their EVA suits. They each grab one of the vertical bars mounted on the bulkhead near the airlock.

Reaction shot of Devereux. She appears unhappy.

DEVEREUX

Just take us home, Ensign.

PYRAFOX

Yes, Captain. (beat) Engaging thrusters.

Devereux and Elizabeth cling to the handholds while the shuttle maneuvers.

CUT TO:

74. EXT. SPACE

SFX: The shuttle turns and heads back toward the ship.

DISSOLVE TO: