Episode 6

And now… Cogs!

Episode 6: The More Things Change

EXT.  Underwater.  Day.  There's a school of small fish swimming merrily along just below the surface of the ocean; suddenly, there's a enormous splash and an eruption of bubbles as something man-sized strikes the surface of the water.    The school of fish scatters.  As the bubbles clear, we see Newton suspended in the sea. He remains under the water until a bunch of random debris strike as well. Then he claws his way toward the surface, breaking into the air with a loud gasp.

The Aether is already a distant speck, trailing smoking and losing altitude.

Newton Falk: Newton throws his arm over a bit of charred wreckage. "The more things change… the more they piss me off."  Newton throws his other arm over, it's clutching the Autopilot.  "Coral reef was handy. You forgive me?"  He watches the Aether for a moment.  "I deserve that."  He begins to kick.

CUT TO: The bridge.  Sparling, bloodied and charred, claws her way up the ladder, only to find Newton gone and an umbrella propped up to keep the airship on course.

Genevieve Sparling: "Hell. Mr. Falk," Sparling calls down the hall, "this is no time to be in the head!"

Michael: The Aether is losing altitude quickly.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling takes the wheel and attempts to bring the Aether into a climb.

Michael: The hull starts to shake, but she manages to stabilize the ship.

Genevieve Sparling: She breathes a sigh and secures the umbrella in place. "Hmm, that really does work." Then she proceeds to the lavatory, where she finds the door open and Newton nowhere to be found.

CUT TO: The lab.  Everyone has been tossed about by the explosion.  Evelyn has ended up on top of the still-naked Daniel.  Felix's gurney has fallen over on its side and he's half-consciously groaning.  Luka is upside-down, smashed against the wall.

Michael: "I don't believe we've been properly introduced," says Daniel, blushing slightly.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Doctor Evelyn Higgenbotham," he holds her hand up for a handshake. "Science Genius Extrodinare."

Luka Arlexi: Luka scrambles up and over to check on Felix.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "And you?"

Michael: "Daniel Aldridge.  Naked."

Felix's wound is bleeding again; some of the stitches have busted.

Luka Arlexi: "Erm, Doctor?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn gets up, "you should tend to Felix. I-" She opens a locker by her cot and grabs a very large harpoon weapon-"Am going to save everyone's collective arses." She cocks the gun. "Luka, I think you're needed in the engine room." She exits the room dramatically. "I tell you, when you want something done… You've got to get me to do it…"

CUT TO: The bridge.  Capt. Sparling is glancing around, confused.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling notes that the hatch which exits onto the observation balcony is open. "Chto za huy…"

Newton Falk: Somewhere, Newton sneezes.

CUT TO: Newton.

Newton Falk: "You think the Aether is pissed at me too?"  Kicks for a moment.  "Yeah, I heard you."  Watches the Aether getting closer somehow.  "I think I might really be going insane this time.  Where's Felix when you really need to drive someone mad?

"Tell you what, Autopilot old chum.  I'm treating you once we make land.  No more of this bent rusted metal business.  Time you were a proper instrument.  And I think I might talk to the Captain about a bit of field trip too…"

Michael: About fifty yards from Newton, the Gentleman in Black breaks through the surface of the water.

Newton Falk: -laughing as he kicks toward the setting sun-

Michael: Floating about five feet above the water, he flies back in the direction of land.  His neck seems to be mending itself back together.  He ignores Newton completely.

Newton Falk: "It's a good thing I know what's real and what's just my brain playing tricks on me.  Else I'd really be in trouble."

CUT TO: Sparling, on the balcony.
Genevieve Sparling: "He didn't seem suicidal…"

CUT TO: The past.  A smoky cantina.  Sparling, Felix and Newton sit on opposite sides of a booth.  Newton is sporting a hideous mustache.

Newton Falk: "Pip pip, old bean.  Cheerio and wot wot."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling furrows her brow. "Wot wot?" she whispers.

Newton Falk: "So you're looking to hire a pilot I hear.  I may know just the man you're looking for, miss?"

Genevieve Sparling: Genevieve bristles a little. "It's Captain Sparling, if you please. That's, ehm, good to hear.  We need someone as comfortable with military technology as he is with… unorthodox activity."

Newton Falk: "Quite, quite. Could be the gentleman in question has a background as a military pilot.  I expect a distinguished record may be seen as a negative?"

Genevieve Sparling: "It may, but there's a delicate balance to strike. I demand the highest quality from my crew, though my criteria are not necessarily in line with that of the Enlightenment. Felix has drafted a rough job description; perhaps that will help you decide whether your acquaintance is the man for the job."

Michael: Felix passes a sheet of paper, face down, across the table.

Newton Falk: "Yes, yes.  Capital…"  Reads over the document.  "Hmm, the description seems to fit my man to the letter… but the pay scale has much to be desired.  Tell me, is a share involved?"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling affects a broad grin, all the better for the lies to pass through her teeth. "I'll conduct a review every three months with the opportunity for a raise of twenty bolts a week, and all crewmembers receive five percent of the payment from each job. Room and board is included, of course, as is a fortnight of paid leave per year."

Newton Falk: "Ah, I see.  Quite standard considering the… delicate work involved."  The man who isn't Newton plays with his mustache a moment.  "Tell me, what is the make of your ship, and her name if you would?"

Genevieve Sparling: "It's a modified Cormorant light civilian airyacht, dubbed the Aether. A vintage model in near mint condition—I think your man will be terribly impressed."

Newton Falk: "The Aether, not Wilson Snyder's Aether?  Does it still have the Mk 8?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Number fifty-two," Sparling affirms. "Wouldn't replace it for anything."

Newton Falk: "Unbelievable."  He stares past her for a moment.  "I've seen her fly, you know.  Had to be no more than eight at the time.  Most graceful thing I've ever seen leave the earth.  It would be an honor to be her pilot."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling quirks a brow. "An honor for… your acquaintance, I presume?"

Newton Falk: "Ah, right."  Newton removes the mustache.  "I'm sure I couldn't fool someone of your caliber.  Do you have any other questions for me?"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling seems relieved that the mustache was false. "Right. What exactly are your qualifications then, Mister…"

Newton Falk: "Falk.  Newton Falk."  Smile, pose. "I'm the best pilot ever born."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling and Felix trade a glance.

Newton Falk: "I've never faced an oppoent in the air that I haven't bested."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling grimaces, accustomed though she is to bravado after two years in the Russian Resistance. "All well and good, Mr. Falk, and I know better than to ask for references. I suppose I'll just have to take my chances and see how you fly."

Newton Falk: "I've never flown a craft I wasn't perfectly capable of operating. And I choose my words carefully."

Genevieve Sparling: "It's hard to evaluate that statement when I don't know how many craft you've flown," Sparling replies coolly.

Newton Falk: "Hangliders, autogryo, props, semiridgids, and I once rode a weather balloon for over an hour before I got the rope untied.  Consequently I'm also an expect in aerial safety and the proper operation of parachutes."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling glances at Felix again; they have a silent conversation. After a moment she turns back to Newton. "Very well, Mr. Falk. We have a waiver for you to sign, and then we'll see how the best pilot ever born handles the finest airship in the sky."

Newton Falk: "Wonderful."  Signs.  "Now if you'll excuse me I'll meet you in the ship yard.  If anyone asks say you hit me and the gentleman at the bar will get you a free drink."  With that he winks and throws himself through the bar window behind him.

CUT TO: The Present. The engine room.  Luka is trying to get things in order.  There's smoke everywhere.

Genevieve Sparling: "Attention all crew: man overboard. Repeat, man overboard. I'm turning the ship around and initiating rescue operations; secure your station and prepare for retrieval. Unfortunately the man that's overboard is Mr. Falk, so this won't be the smoothest ride."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh bollocks."

Luka Arlexi: "Scheklat' ebalom"

Michael: As Sparling starts to turn the ship, the engine begins to groan menacingly.

Luka Arlexi: "Well, that's not good."

Genevieve Sparling: Over the speaking trumpet, Sparling says, "If you don't mind, Luka, I'd prefer to bring Mr. Falk up from the ocean rather than join him there. Again."

Luka Arlexi: Luka winces as she goes about tapping various pipes and adjusting some of the steam valves. "Working on it, Captain."

Genevieve Sparling: "All I can ask."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn finds the closest trumpet, "Can I assume the Gentleman is the cause of such turrbulence?"

Genevieve Sparling: "You can, Doctor Higgenbotham, and had you been present when he caused it I expect you would have enjoyed the show."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Had I been present he would have never exploded in the first place…"

Genevieve Sparling: "Next time I'll be sure to include you during any dissections I undertake."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "You dissected him! And you DIDN'T invite me?" She leaves the trumpet with a huff to see if she can find the gentleman.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling, unaware the doctor is no longer listening, replies, "Mm-hmm, and his innards were spectacular. So many moving parts!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She looks like a girl who didn't get invited to the prom. Her lip may be quivering.

Genevieve Sparling: "But alas, all those positronic pathways and marvels of engineering are at the bottom of the ocean now."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn finds the place on the ship that she may be able to see the Gentleman, or shoot him if she is able.

Genevieve Sparling: "I'm sure one of his fellows will come after us in a matter of hours, so you'll have another chance, Doctor!" Meanwhile, Sparling peers through a periscope aiming downward from the Aether for any sign of Mr. Falk.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh, she'll invite me this time…mumble…no I'll dissect it without her!…mumble."

Newton Falk: Meanwhile… "Boomdeyada, boomdeyada, boomdeyada, boomdeyad—eh? Oh good, they're coming back.  Down here!"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling's lips twitch upon seeing Mr. Falk gesticulating in the water below. "No more suicidal than usual, then."

Newton Falk: Yells, "Drop something that floats!"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling brings the Aether low enough to deploy the emergency ladder, though she has to fight the rudder to do it. She keeps one eye on Newton through the periscope, and the moment she sees him grasp the ladder she sends the ship skyward once more. With the Aether closer to cruising altitude and the umbrella in place once more, Sparling goes to the ship's lower hatch to help Newton aboard. "Mr. Falk," she greets him, "it seems the only way to keep you from flying this ship is to remove you from it by force."

Newton Falk: "I was wondering about that, Capt."  Looks around.  "Has some trouble while I was outside?"

Genevieve Sparling: "I'm afraid our esteemed guest saw fit to depart before I was finished interrogating him."

Newton Falk: "So he wasn't as dead as originally thought?  I'll have to see to that later."  Begins walking to the bridge.  "Two things need to be done first.  One of which requires your permission."

Genevieve Sparling: "What would that be, Mr. Falk?"

Newton Falk: "Leave to set a course to Mechanus.  Namely the area previously known as Coventry.  The Aether needs a proper refit.  We've been frankly abusing her and she's made it absolutely clear to us."  Getting to the bridge. "The second is this thing."  He pulls the umbrella, replaces the Autopilot, adjusts it as best he can, and walks back to the cargo bay.  "Go back to your master, you foul thing."  He throws the still closed umbrella through the opening.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling smiles. "Permission granted. I'll go see if Felix is well enough to plot our route."

Newton Falk: "Good.  I'm going to go mad if I don't have some other soul to torment on the bridge and you happen to pay my salary."

Michael: Sparling passes Evelyn in the hall.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn looks grumpy.

Genevieve Sparling: "Any sign of our dismembered, combustible friend, Doctor?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "No." She looks the other way. Anywhere but at the Captain.

Genevieve Sparling: For a moment, Sparling feels a little guilty. "Right, well, there's always next time, eh?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: ::sniff:: "For me maybe… Regardless, we have to prepare ourselves for an attack. I can only hope news of us doesn't spread. But… since you practically invited them… Should I put on the tea?" She walks past the Captain still sour. "You're lucky you have me, Captain," her voice drifts behind her.

Genevieve Sparling: "Yes, I thank the fates every day," Sparling shoots back as she proceeds more quickly than before to the laboratory.

CUT TO: The past.

Michael: Sparling and Felix are being chased by a giant robot.  Evelyn is riding astride the robot's head, cackling madly.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Hahahahahahahahahaaaa!"

Michael: "At least the robot squashed the landshark, Captain!" says Felix.

Genevieve Sparling: "Yes, I'll make sure to thank the fates for that one."

Michael: There's the sound of autogyros and sirens in the distance. Sparling and Felix duck behind some crates. Felix: "If we can just hold out until the authorities arrive — wait.  What am I saying?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn, still atop the robot, follows them. She pulls levers and the robot ducks down behind the crates as well. She looks furtively out from behind the crates.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling stares at the crouching robot/hidden Evelyn. "Felix," she whispers, "does she even know we're here?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Hush!" she says and pulls another lever. The robot's arm reaches out and a metalic hand covers the mouth, or head really, of the Captain.

Genevieve Sparling: "Mmmph!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Shhhhh!" Her eyes are crazy looking.

Genevieve Sparling: If Sparling's eyes were visible, they'd be glaring.

Michael: The autogyros pass over head, sirens wailing.

"Hey, you….crazy scientist!  Let her go!" says Felix, wishing he had his gun.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She pulls another lever and the other robot hand does the same thing to Felix.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling wrestles away from the robot hand and sputters in a dignified, captainly way. "Look, Doctor… whatever, we're really very sorry about the damage to your laboratory, but none of us will avoid attracting the attention of the authorities if you insist on chasing us down the streets of Mechanus on your giant… robot… thing."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Humphrey."

Genevieve Sparling: "Right. Humphrey."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "If you alert the authorities, which I know for sure you do not want to do, I will be forced to really show you my wrath. Also, I'll take your jacket. It's nice."

Genevieve Sparling: "Ehm, of course. We don't want to incur your wrath at all. As for the jacket, I may be able to do you one better, if you'll be so kind as to deactivate Humphrey here and have a nice, quiet conversation in an area where we haven't left a trail of destruction." Sparling attempts to make her smile look natural, and fails.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn looks suspiciously at Captain Sparling.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling smiles a little wider and elbows Felix to make him do the same.

Michael: Felix has to remove the hand from around his head first.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn slowly pulls another few levers without looking away from Captain Sparling. The robot continues to shrink in size till it is the size of a shetland pony. Evelyn slides out of her seat. "So, where is this…safe place?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Provided my pilot hasn't left us, just a few blocks northeast. Follow me."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Pilot? You have a ship?"

Genevieve Sparling: "That, Doctor, will be the subject of our conversation."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "It may change the conversation entirely. Do you have an airship?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Yes, I do." Sparling starts to walk northeast, zigzagging between buildings and down soot-filled back alleys.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Freelance? or Company owned?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Freelance, madam, the only way to fly. And it just so happens that I have an extra room available for rent. It might suit your purposes, until such a time as your land-bound residence is fit for habitation again."

Michael: "Which could take a while," says Felix. "I think your giant robot may have caused more structural damage to the building than we did, knocking over those test tubes."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Which you will replace." Evelyn smiles a warm smile at the Captain, "Well, now, I say this is turning out to be quite an evening. Dr. Evelyn Higgenbotham, at your service." She holds out her hand.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling shakes the doctor's hand. "Captain Genevieve Sparling of the Aether; that's my navigator, Felix Cleary."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Aether?" she sounds like she may have heard it before.

Genevieve Sparling: "That's her name," Sparling affirms. "Of course, we'll reimburse you for all the damage we caused. In the meantime I may also be able to offer employment as a member of my crew, if you're so disposed… We haven't quite found a suitable engineer yet, and if I may say so it seems to me you're rather mechanikally inclined." Sparling gives Felix a sharp look to cut off any protest he may offer.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She giggles, a bit ominously. "Oh, indeed. You can use someone like me and I… I need the Aether. Yes, pretty soon you will see that I will be indisposable."

Genevieve Sparling: If this choice of words bothers Sparling, she doesn't show it. By this time they have reached the place where the Aether is tethered—its anchor line is wrapped tightly around a chimney, since Sparling can't currently afford the high price of docking in Mechanus' reputable ports. Genevieve takes a whistle from her jacket pocket and blows three short blasts; a rope ladder descends from on high. "After you, Doctor Higgenbotham."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn twists a knob on the side of Humphre and a grappling hook shoots out of it and catches onto the Aether. She jumps on the seat as Humphrew raises her to her new home. "You never know when you need a grappling hook, Captain," her voice floats down.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling grimaces. "Well," she says to Felix, "I suppose we needed a new dent."

Michael: "Captain, no offense but…is her insanity contagious to you?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: You can hear giggling as she meets Newton.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling sighs. "I know we were only in her laboratory for a few moments before it exploded, but you saw the same things I did, Felix. She's mad, obviously, but imagine what she could do with the Aether. No more mechanik's fees every time we dock, at any rate. I'm willing to overlook a lot for that.

"And as soon as we find a decent engineer, we can drop her in the next town."

Michael: "Fair enough, I suppose.  As long as the costs we save on her doing the repairs outweigh the costs on materials to repair the damage from the explosions she causes."

Newton Falk: Calls down "Captain?  Who is this woman and why is she talking about partitioning half the cargo bay for a lab?"

Genevieve Sparling: "I'll make sure the rent she pays will balance it out quite nicely." Sparling begins to climb up the ladder. "Don't worry, Mr. Falk, she's completely harmless."

Newton Falk: "Capt… does she know anything about steam engines?  She doesn't look like an engineer…" Eyes the robot.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn is not paying attention, she's looking about the ship, muttering about the possiblities.

Genevieve Sparling: "If she knows as much of steam engines as Felix knew of charts and compasses when he started on with the crew, she'll muddle through quite nicely."

Newton Falk: "Engineers smell like sweat and grease.  And the stuff they work on only moves when it's told."  Eyes the robot again.

Michael: The robot flips Newton off.

Genevieve Sparling: "And as soon as we can, Mr. Falk, we'll find one. Until then, try not to shoot her, eh?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Fire Spewing Antlions!…"

Newton Falk: "Can we get an engineer that smells funny?  Please?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "… croissant dispenser…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling claps Newton on the shoulder. "I'll do my best."

Newton Falk: "Aye, Capt." Newton says dejectedly.

CUT TO: The Present. The engine room.  Daniel enters to see what Luka is up to.  He's still not wearing any pants.

Michael: "Luka? Um…"

Luka Arlexi: "Yes?" She turns around, blinks, and takes a concentrated interest in the ceiling. "Why aren't you wearing pants?"

Michael: "Shit!  I knew I forgot something."

Luka Arlexi: Luka sighs, taking off her workshirt. "You can tie this around your waist for now, at least. Newton may have some spare pants you can use."

Michael: She tries to hand him the workshirt without actually looking at him.

Luka Arlexi: "I'd offer you a spare pair of mine, but if you end up exploding into a giant beast thing again, well… I'd rather it be his loss."

CUT TO: The Lab.  Sparling enters and moves over to Felix, who is semi-conscious.

Michael: "… Hey, Captain."

Genevieve Sparling: "Hello Felix. You missed a bit of fun, but it's good to see you're conscious. Think you've got enough vigor to get us to Mechanus?"

Michael: "I can give it my best.  Can you wheel the gurney to the bridge?"

Genevieve Sparling: "I wish I could say that would be a first." Sparling gets ready to tow Felix toward the bow.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn runs into her Lab, eyes wild!

Genevieve Sparling: "… Doctor? What is it?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I'm making tea!" She begins to work at her desk, mixing chemicals and doing sciency things.

CUT TO: The lab, a few minutes later.  Felix, the captain, and Evelyn are all drinking steaming mugs of hot tea.

Michael: "I hope this doesn't leak out my bullet hole," says Felix, grimacing.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "If we can somehow get the Gentlemen to drink this tea, it will gum up their works."

Genevieve Sparling: "Doctor… What's in this?""

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "It's completely safe for human consumption, but the Gentlemen's intricate machine components will erode."

Genevieve Sparling: "Ah. Very comforting." Sparling sets her mug down.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Just to be sure, you haven't felt in burning in your intestines, have you?"

Michael: "I have, " says Felix.  "But it's probably something else."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Probably, you're not a good sample."

Genevieve Sparling: "Hmm. I assumed mine was just another ulcer coming on."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh, well, I'm sure you'll be fine," she takes another sip.

CUT TO: The bridge.  Newton is letting the rebar pilot the ship, and is leaning back in his chair reading a copy of Ye Piloting Publicatione.  Over the top of the magazine, he sees Daniel walk in.  The magazine obscures Daniel's lower half.

Newton Falk: "Dan, right?  What can I do for you?"  Lowers book… raises it again.  "Ah…"

Michael: "Are you Mr. Falk?  Luka said you might be able to assist me."

Newton Falk: "Really?"  Newton looks puzzled.  "I'm going to have to ask you to to explain before you take a step closer."

Michael: "I need pants.  Do you have a spare pair? A shirt would be lovely, as well."

Newton Falk: "Oh!  Thank God…"  Newton carefully half turns and reaches under the console.  He produces a folded pair of pants and tosses them awkwardly to the upper half of Daniel.  "Hope they fit, otherwise I'm going to have to ask you to leave."  Careful holds the book for a minute.  "Those are my emergancy pants by the way, I'll need you to replace then next time we're in port."

Michael: "Of course, of course," says Daniel. "… except, I'm afraid I left my change in my other pair of pants." Daniel slips on the pants.

Newton Falk: "We just sprung you from a maximum security prison facility and you're concerned about pants?"  Newton turns away. "But you should replace the pants before you go paying us back.  You know how important it is to have a spare pair on hand."

Michael: "I certainly do. Now."

CUT TO: The engine room.  Sparling enters with a cup of tea for Luka.

Genevieve Sparling: "Try this, Luka—it's supposed to dissolve the innards of semi-mechanical villains!"

Luka Arlexi: Luka takes it and eyes it curiously. "I wonder if it would work to strip rust off of some of the piping…" She takes a sip.

Genevieve Sparling: "Worth a try. How's the Mark 8 holding up?"

Luka Arlexi: "As well as it can, considering what we've been putting it through. You can hear the strain on some of the sharper turns, but none of it is showing up in the metal, yet."

Genevieve Sparling: "Well, the good news is that we're headed to Mechanus for a thorough refit. The bad news is that we're headed to Mechanus."

Luka Arlexi: "Ah." Luka picks up a few stray bolts and drops them in the tea, watching the result with interest.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling gazes into the mug as if she intends to read the future in the tea dregs. "Normally I'd think twice about flying into the Enlightenment's capital after what we just did, but my father used to say sometimes the best place to hide is out in the open. I hope, for our sakes, he was right."

Luka Arlexi: "He may be. All the same, I think I'll make you a list of things I need and keep to the ship."

Genevieve Sparling: "Good idea. You and Danny both."

Luka Arlexi: Luka nods. "Thank you, Captain. I… I don't think there's anything I can do to repay you for that."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling shakes her head. "Don't trouble yourself. Family does for family."

Luka Arlexi: Luka examines her tea. "So it does."

CUT TO: the past.  There are a thousand Turkish Automatons with sabres running towards the ship.  The engine on the ship seems to be trying to start.  Sparling sees that the last of the refugees seems is climbing up the gangplank, and Felix close behind them.  Looking down the hall to the open laboratory door, Sparling sees that Dr. Higgenbotham seems to be creating some sort of steam-powered mechanikal bottle opener.

Michael: Newton is shouting something from the bridge.

Genevieve Sparling: "Dr. Higgenbotham, surely there's something more urgent you could be doing right now?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Hm? Oh probably not… I—oh yes. I suppose I could put this down for a bit." She gets up and starts moseying to the engine room. She runs back to her machine. "Maybe I'll just take it with me."

Newton Falk: -Over the speaking tube- "No power!  No power means no fly!  No fly means we're boned!  I don't want to be boned Captain!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I do," Evelyn mutters. She picks up her machine and the tools she can.

Genevieve Sparling: "The feeling is entirely mutual, Mr.  Falk, but unless the automatons out there have screw-on heads, Doctor Higgenbotham isn't helping our cause."

Michael: A mechanikal chant of "Die, infidels!" strikes up outside the ship.  Very near.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Are you sure this can't wait? I could make it spew acid…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling mutters various Russian curses as she cranks the gangplank into its closed position.

Michael: "I told you we should have let her install those cannons," Felix mutters to Sparling.

Genevieve Sparling: "They'd probably shoot turtledoves," Sparling replies.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh no, not turtledoves. Hawks maybe, but not doves. I'm more keen on incendiaries." She looks lost in thought.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling prepares to enter the engine room herself and try to decode the myriad pipes and dials therein as best she can. "I'm going to kill Pavel for sending us on this absurd rescue mission…"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Shaped like turtledoves maybe…"

Newton Falk: -Over the horn- "Chainsaws?  A gun that shoots exploding chainsaws would be helpful right now!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn shakes herself out of thought and realizes her machine has to wait.

Luka Arlexi: One of the refugees is already in the engine room, adjusting one of the pipes with a wrench. "Oh. Er. Hi."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling stops short in the doorway. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn arrives behind her. "Oh, hello," she waves.

Luka Arlexi: "I don't think that's nearly as important or as concrete as the fact that I'm trying to keep your Mark 8 from exploding and killing us all. Could you hand me the .12 spanner to your left?"

Genevieve Sparling: Before she realizes what she's doing, Sparling hands her the spanner. "Well, thank you very much for the attempt, but we have a…" She glances over her shoulder at Doctor Higgenbotham, and stops talking.

Luka Arlexi: She mumbles to herself, "Who modified this, anyway? None of the standard measurments are in place…"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "They're much better than the standards," Evelyn defends her modifications. "Standards are meant to be broken!" She raises a finger in crazy sage wisdom. "Or was that rules," she mutters to herself, "or ice?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Do you know anything about these engines, then?"

Luka Arlexi: "What, the Proctor Vulcan Steam Props? Or the Mulvilll & Ventner Vernier Venting Props?"

Michael: The first of the Automatons has clawed his way onto the observation lounge.  Felix shoots him off. Two more appear.

Newton Falk: -Over the horn- "Whoever is there, keep doing whatever you did… We have enough pressure for half thust, and the gauge is rising."

Genevieve Sparling: "Well, that answers that. If you can get us in the air, whatever your name is, you've got yourself a job."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh, she's doing the engine thing now? I'm going to help Mr. Falk, then." Evelyn leaves.

Luka Arlexi: "Fair enough." She kicks one of the pipes running under the main console, and flips a few switches.

Newton Falk: -Over the horn-  "No!  Get away, I don't want- Ah!  It bit me!  AH!  Capt.!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: BLAM!!

Newton Falk: Silence.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Hahahaha!"

Luka Arlexi: Luka mutters in Russian.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling grabs a speaking trumpet. "… Mr. Falk? Can you describe the situation in complete sentences?"

Newton Falk: "I'm piloting with one arm." Sounds of struggle. "I'm using the other to hold this thing at bay, but it's trying to twist off my fingers!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Hold still so I can kill you!" BLAM BLAM!!

Newton Falk: "Are you talking to me!  Oh crap!" Crash. "Stop it!  Kill it!"

Genevieve Sparling: "Twist off your fingers?" Sparling echoes.

Luka Arlexi: "I think this is under control." Something bursts into flames. "Oh, hell. Go help him." Luka takes off her cloak and tries to smother the fire.

Newton Falk: "It's got my leg!"  Another louder crash.

Genevieve Sparling: "Just keep us from exploding," Sparling says to Luka as she heads to the bow. On the way she ducks into Doctor Higgenbotham's lab and grabs the mechanikal bottle opener, just in case.

Newton Falk: -As she reaches the bridge- "—I don't care!  I'll handle the piloting and the autopiloting, thank you!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn has taken one out and is pulling parts she wants and throwing them in the direction of her lab.

Newton Falk: -Looking back- "Capt. on the bridge!"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling sighs, not quite used to that yet. "Are we out of firing range yet, Mr. Falk?"

Newton Falk: "Keep her away from my console and out of the linkages and we just might get there."  Catches sight of something on a mirror, leans onto the rudder sending the ship hard to the right.  "Blast…"

Luka Arlexi: Profuse swearing is heard from the Engine Room, along with some loud crashing.

Genevieve Sparling: Grabs hold of a stabilizing strap in time to keep from sliding across the deck. "Where's Felix gotten off to?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn falls over.

Newton Falk: -Felix slides out from under the chart table-

Michael: "Here, Captain!"

Genevieve Sparling: "Right. All accounted for, then."

Newton Falk: -Takes his seat and begins concentrating to right the ship-

CUT TO: Exterior.  The Aether roars away into the sky.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I like the engine girl…"

Genevieve Sparling: "Doctor Higgenbotham, I'm terribly glad to hear that. She just put you out of work."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "She just put me out of the boring work." Evelyn gets up.

Genevieve Sparling: "Yes, the everyday monotony of keeping an airship in the air. I'm glad you're not sore about it or anything." Sparling dusts herself off and goes aft to the engine room.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn begins to pick up the parts she wants.

Luka Arlexi: The refugee is currently under the main console, her singed cloak smoking slightly in a corner.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling clears her throat. "Not a bad job, Miss…"

Luka Arlexi: "…Arlexi. Luka Arlexi. You're the Captain, correct?" Luka slides out from under the console, covered in dust and grease. She takes off a glove and extends her hand.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn looks like she's heard of Luka. But says nothing.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling shakes her hand. "I am, and this is the Aether. I've been posting notices in every port town I've visited in the past two years and have yet to find anyone as capable as you."

Luka Arlexi: "I try to stay out of port towns," Luka says simply. "And up until a few weeks ago, I would not have needed the job."

Genevieve Sparling: "I see. Well, as you have noticed, we've got a ship in poor repair, made poorer by our" she glances to Evelyn"resident inventor here. I can't offer you much: room and board, a few bolts when we have employment, and a lot of thankless work. But if you want the post, it's yours."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I'll thank you!" Evelyn says waving a hand.

Genevieve Sparling: "For whatever that's worth," Sparling murmurs.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Not killing you in your sleep," Evelyn mutters.

Genevieve Sparling: "Good thing I installed the trap door under your quarters," Sparling mumbles.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Good thing, I've deactivated it," she whispers. "And put one in yours…" even quieter.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling scowls.

Luka Arlexi: Luka looks around the engine room thoughtfully, and appears not to be paying them any attention. "Well, they surprised me, but the modifications weren't all bad. I'll stay."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn smiles.

Genevieve Sparling: "Wonderful." Sparling adopts some of the smiling bluster seen in previous flashbacks. "You won't regret it, I promise."

Luka Arlexi: Luka smiles and nods. She adds quietly to herself, "I don't have anywhere else to go."

CUT TO: The present! The Aether lands in the section of Mechanus formerly known as Coventry. Specifically the service hanger of Elwyn Airships.

Michael: Bartholomew Elwyn watches as the Aether is secured to the maintenance scaffolding.  "Good lord," he mutters.  "Number five.  What have they done to you?"

Newton Falk: "You don't want to know,"  Newton says after jumping from the prow.  "Newton Falk, pilot."  Offers his hand.

Michael: "Bartholomew Elwyn, Mr. Falk.  Nice to see you're getting your money's worth out of her.  I'll have to have some strong words with your captain."

Newton Falk: "Ah, she's all right."  Turns to look at the ship.  "They don't make them like this anymore."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling lowers the gangplank and walks down to join Newton. "Right, I've got a list of mechanikal and medical supplies to procure, and I need a bath. I'm going to see Pavel. Mr. Falk, try to keep anything from disintegrating while I'm gone, and… good Lord, that's not Bartholomew Elwyn, is it?"

Michael: "Captain Sparling.  I see you've been taking good care of my ship.  For iterations of Good Care that involve nearly killing her."

Genevieve Sparling: "What doesn't kill her makes her stronger, Mister Elwyn. Or, at least, gives her character…"

Newton Falk: "Mr. Elywn, there doesn't happen to be a parts yard or junk shop around here does there?"

Michael: "There is, Mr. Falk.  I'll have someone show you the way.  In the meantime, might I recommend someone place a tarp over the name of your vessel?  You are not without reputation, Captain, and there are those who would seek to profit from the knowledge of your arrival.  Not the least of which is my sister in law, Patricia."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn walks down the gangplank. She's wearing a normal dress (complete with puffy sleeves and a bustle) and a hat with lots of netting and feathers. Her hair is down and she actually looks quite pretty. A folded Parosal is in one hand and a drawstring pouch around the wrist of her other.

Newton Falk: "Thank you, but I know my way around town.  I'll ask one of the lads for directions."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling glances at the Aether and clears her throat. "Erm, yes. We'll do that, Mister Elwyn." To Newton she mutters, "Not that any amount of tarp can keep us from being the subject of unwanted attention in this city." Then she brightens and declares more loudly, "I'll be back in a couple hours. Mister Falk, Mister Elwyn, I leave the Aether in your capable hands."

Michael: Daniel emerges from the ship wearing clothes that don't fit quite right.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling spots Daniel and elbows Newton. "Keep him inside," she hisses.

Newton Falk: "You know, Capt.  With the right clothes no one will suspect a thing.  Look at the doc over there.  I bet not a single one of those guys knows she's as mad as three hatters in solitary."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn is already walking out of the docking bay.

Genevieve Sparling: "I'm sure she's betting on that, Mister Falk. It's not the clothes I'm worried about—it's what happens when he abruptly outgrows the clothes."

Michael: The dock workers are whistling after her.

Newton Falk: "And here I was hoping to get some help hauling back engine parts…"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She giggles and waves at them coyly.

Genevieve Sparling: "You're on your own there, I'm afraid." Sparling salutes Newton with her list of supplies and heads out of the docking bay.

Newton Falk: "Right right."  Waits a moment.  Turns.  "Felix!  Capt. says you need to help me haul parts!"

Genevieve Sparling: "Nice try, Mister Falk," Sparling calls back.

Newton Falk: "Blast…"

CUT TO: Pavel's building.

After asking the two guards if they have any vodka (the secret passphrase), Sparling enters the warehouse, where scurry busy workers, buyers, and more guards.  Pavel's quarters and office are up a flight of stairs to a small building-within-a-building.  Another passphrase gains Sparling access to the stairs, and she knocks on the door.

Michael: "Go away," growls Pavel's voice from inside.

Genevieve Sparling: "Still operating under your open door policy, then?" Sparling calls through the door.

Michael: There's a pause.  The door opens to Pavel, looking much rounder and a fair bit older than he did in the pilot episode flashback.  He's dressed in finer clothes, his nose is a bit ruddy, and he's holding a half-empty bottle of vodka.  "Genevieve!  How good to see you.  Come in, please!"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling smiles, far more genuinely than usual. "Good to see you too, Comrade. I'm afraid this isn't a social call, though. I have a few items I need, and it's a bit of a rush job."

Michael: "Of course, of course!  Surely you have time for one drink with an old friend, though, eh?"

Genevieve Sparling: She eyes the bottle and considers for a moment. "That depends."

Michael: "On what, comrade?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Do you still have that clawfoot tub I brought you from Paris?"

Michael: "Yeah, it's still here.  I even have it hooked up to one of those new Automatic Plumbing devices, illegally imported from the East. Why, you want to use it?  I'll have someone turn on the hot water.  Here, let me give you the key to the room."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling breathes a happy sigh. "Sounds divine. I won't be long."

Michael: He rifles through his desk, and hands her a key.  "Take your time.  I have the bottle to keep me company. Where's Felix got to?  He should be here, too.  Running errands across the city for you, I suppose?"

Genevieve Sparling: Her expression dims for a moment. "Actually, that's what I'm here about." She unfolds the list and hands it to him. "He's a bit the worse for wear. We have the good fortune to have acquired a physician on our last trip, but the Aether isn't particularly well-stocked with the kinds of supplies he needs."

Michael: "Medical supplies, eh?  Expensive…but for you, not so much, of course."  Pavel smiles.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling smiles back. "I knew I could count on you, comrade." She proceeds to his living quarters.

Michael: Just before we actually get a shot of nudity, CUT TO: the junk yard.  Newton is looking for some parts.

Newton Falk: "Soooo, do you have anything that doesn't look like was shot out of the sky a hundred years ago and left to rot where it fell?"  Turns a smile on the proprieter of the shop.

Michael: The yard's keeper is holding up his cheaters to read the lengthy list that Newton has given him.  "I'm afraid we don't carry some of these," he says.  "We can order it for you, or you can have it made special.  Should take about two weeks."

Newton Falk: "Ain't got two weeks."  Newton turns to look out the window.  "This is Coventry man!  Someone has got to have that stuff."

Michael: "It's your Mk 8 that's causing the problems," says the man.  "It's a dem fine piece of hydrodynamic machinery, but it's god awful hard to find the parts for it these days.  Only place I know you could find one of those is under lock at the Glorious and Sublime Museum of the Ministry of Transportation.  And they ain't selling."

Newton Falk: "Oh really?"  Newton says scratching his chin.  "Old man Creely still night watchman?  He used to let me in back in the day."

Michael: "Far as I know.  But you're not seriously thinking of… What ship did you say you came in on?"

Newton Falk: "Ah… The Lightning."  Newton smiles again.  "I'll be taking my leave.  Please have those parts ready, I'll send my unspecified man at an unspecified time this week and pay half up front.  How's that sound?"

Michael: "The…Lightning?  I…ah…yessir.  I'll have those parts ready for you."

Newton Falk: "Capital…"  Newton takes his coat from the hook by the door.  "Now I have some business to attend to."

CUT TO: The Aether.  Felix, Daniel, and Luka are playing cards in the lab.

Michael: "Does anyone have any salve?" says Daniel.  "My skin itches."

Luka Arlexi: "I've got engine grease. That's about it."

Michael: "Ah well.  I'm sure it'll go away."

CUT TO: Sparling exits the bathroom fully dressed.

Genevieve Sparling: Whistling a little, she spins the keychain around her finger as she heads back to Pavel's office.

Michael: Pavel, his bottle drained rather a bit more, pours her a glass of vodka. "You seem happy," he says. "Your mad doctor still hasn't installed a shower on that ship of yours?

Genevieve Sparling: "Mm, there's a spigot in the head, but it's not exactly the height of mod cons." Sparling takes a swig of vodka. "I haven't seen you go through a bottle this fast in the past ten years. Business troubles?"

Michael: "Ah… yes.  They've been cracking down pretty hard on us businessmen, I'm afraid.  I've lost quite a few clients in the past few months.  Taken by the Gentlemen, you know.  Some of them came back, after.  But you know how that goes.  They were… different."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling regards her glass solemnly. "Yes," she murmurs distantly.

Michael: "The past few weeks I am feeling like a noose is around my neck.  It's only a matter of time before they hear of my little operation.  We're trying to lie low, but…people talk.  They only need to follow up on what my clients knew."

Genevieve Sparling: "Well, God knows I've never made that any easier for you. These days it seems everywhere I go, the Gentlemen are only a step or two behind. And then there are the times when they're a step or two ahead…" She takes another swig.

Michael: "I've been considering visiting Old Iceland," says Pavel.  "There's a man there I know, makes a living taking people to the New World."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling blows a terribly undignified raspberry, due in large part to the vodka. "Oh yes, the New World. There's ever so much to see there."

Michael: "Have you been there?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Once or twice. It's like Australia, but bigger."

Michael: "I would like to live in Montana.  And I think I shall need TWO wives."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling can't hold back a laugh. "My friend, when you decide to relocate, I'll gladly take you there. You can marry Doctor Higgenbotham if you like."

Michael: "And young Luka, too, please." He laughs so that she knows he's joking…mostly.

Genevieve Sparling: "Hmmph. You'll have to take that up with Mister Falk."

Michael: "Ah…yes, I always suspected he might have a thing for her.  But I have a proposition of another sort for you, Genevieve.  It's a job; and if it works out I think it could us all to the Americas to live like kings."

Michael: "Or queens, in your case."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling perks up noticeably. "I'm listening."

Michael: He leans in to whisper.

INT.  THE AETHER.  Luka is looking for Daniel, who seems to have gone missing.

Luka Arlexi: "Felix?" Luka  seems to have finished looking around the lab, and she glances over where the navigator is sitting. "Erm… Lock the door behind me. Just in case." She exits the lab.

Michael: The Aether is quiet.  Too quiet.

Luka Arlexi: Luka glares at some of the piping. "You should at least be creaking."

Michael: Luka hears a moan from the bridge.

Luka Arlexi: "Danny?" She makes her way towards the bow.

Michael: "Stay away, Luka!  I'm not sure I can hold it in much longer—!"

Luka Arlexi: "Chyort voz'mi," she mutters, looking around for something to brace the door with. "Danny, if I lock you in there, do you think you'll hurt yourself trying to get out?"

Michael: "I could still get out through the observation port."

Luka Arlexi: Luka swears again, entering the bridge. "We'll have to figure something else out then."

Michael: Daniel is hunched over underneath Newton's control deck.  There are patches of fur on his face and hands.

Luka Arlexi: Luka quietly locks the door behind her, and starts slowly moving towards him. "It's going to be okay, Danny."

CUT TO: Pavel's warehouse.  Pavel and Sparling are overseeing the collection of her supplies.

Michael: "…So.  You still have it?" says Pavel.  "It is still safe?"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling looks askance at Pavel and scowls. "I know you surround yourself with people you trust implicitly, comrade, but do you really have to mention that where others can overhear?" As she says this, her hand moves of its own accord to her waistcoat pocket where the envelope still resides.

Michael: Pavel smiles.  "You still keep it on you, eh?  Are you not afraid of being captured and searched?"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling notices her involuntary motion and grimaces. "I'm not about to keep it anywhere else. So far I've been lucky."

Michael: Pavel nods.  "Let us hope you continue to be, Comrade.  If the authorities at Jordan College ever discovered that that paper still exists…I think the Gentlemen in Black would be the least of our worries."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling grunts an approximation of a bitter laugh. "With every passing day I find something that worries me more than the Gentlemen." She ruminates for a moment, then rouses herself and musters a smile for Pavel. "I've put you in far more danger than you deserve over the last ten years, my friend."

Michael: "And I've enjoyed every minute of it," he laughs, raising his second bottle of vodka.

Genevieve Sparling: She grins. "You know, you're to blame for all of it. If you hadn't inspired me to join the Resistance I would have stayed on my father's crew and never done anything the least bit insubordinate or clandestine."

CUT TO: THE PAST.  ST. PETERSBERG.  A young Genevieve Sparling and her father (Frederick Sparling) are arguing on the docks.

Genevieve Sparling: Genevieve attempts to express her frustration without using terms specific enough to tip off any Enlightenment-loyal listeners. "They need us," she protests. "They're sending dispatches on foot to the other bases—you know what will happen if one of them gets intercepted. With the Aether they could communicate ten times faster without the risk of being caught. You can't turn your back on that!"

Michael: "You're too young to understand, Genevieve.  As your father—"

Genevieve Sparling: "As my father, you always taught me to have principles." As soon as the words leave her mouth she catches herself, aware that she went too far.

Michael: "Just before your mother died, she made me swear to always protect you.  I'll not have you risking your life for the sake of some two-bit criminals with a death wish."

Genevieve Sparling: Genevieve gazes skyward and lets out a frustrated groan. "They're not criminals, father. They're freedom fighters. Sergei and Pavel are the only ones keeping everyone in this city from being vivisected into horrors."

Michael: "I don't care what they are.  I won't risk my ship for them, and I won't let them risk your life.  I'm afraid it's them or me, Geneveive.  You're old enough to make your own decisions.  If you want to help them, you can, but not on the Aether."

Genevieve Sparling: For just a moment, Genevieve looks like she might cry. Then she regains control of herself, straightens her shoulders, and says, "I'd rather die with them than live with the knowledge that I could have done something and I didn't." With that, she turns and walks away. She manages to make it out of the docks without looking back.

CUT TO: THE PRESENT.   The bridge of the Aether.

Michael: "Luka, if I change and come after you… I want you to shoot me," says Daniel.

Luka Arlexi: Luka smiles wryly. "Family does for family." She's standing behind him, a hand on his shoulder. A quick pan down reveals that she's unarmed, and a brief shot of the lab shows the holster and gun she claimed from the re-education camp resting on the back of a chair.

Michael: The pan also shows that they've tied Daniel into Newton's chair. Daniel starts to writhe and slobber and growl. His body hair starts to grow rapidly.

Newton walks through the portal onto the bridge.

Newton Falk: "Hey Felix, I— My chair! What the hell are you doing!"

Luka Arlexi: "Mr. Falk, I had to borrow your chair. …Sorry."

Newton Falk: Newton creeps over and gingerly takes the auto pilot.

Michael: Daniel gingerly doubles in body mass, ripping all his clothes again in a browner imitation of the Hulk. Also, fuzzier.

Newton Falk: "Luka,"  He looks at her with a confused and slightly hurt expression on his face. "Why is he still wearing my pants, and what made his go ape like this?"

Luka Arlexi: "He's still wearing your pants because it never occured to me to de-pants him, and I haven't the slightest idea."

Newton Falk: "This could be an issue you…" Newton looks thoughtfully at the slobbering mass of Daniel. "And you're telling me he started wigging out and you honestly didn't expect my pants to be a casualty?"

Michael: Daniel roars and gingerly snaps all of the cords binding him.

Newton Falk: "Oh, damn—" Grabs Luka and pulls her through the hatch and seals the bulkhead

Luka Arlexi: "Gah!"

Newton Falk: "Luka."  Newton is worried. "There is a werewolf on the bridge, the Captain's bridge, and we're in dock, a dock full of people.  This is very bad."

Michael: There's the sound of crashing glass from the bridge.

Luka Arlexi: "That's why I was trying to keep him from getting off the ship. I seem to have left my 'Care and Containing of Werewolves" guide in my other pants."

Michael: And then a loud howl from somewhere outside the ship

Newton Falk: "But, the bridge is mostly glass… I, I just… I expected more out of you on the material science front."

Luka Arlexi: Luka opens the door. "I was trying to work with what I had, Mr. Falk. Why did you have a coil of rope under your chair, anyway?"

Newton Falk: "Honestly?  For Felix."  Newton begins rushing to toward the howl. And stops.

Luka Arlexi: "Erm…"

Newton Falk: "You should bolt his chair down for him."  He looks at her. "…that's all."

Luka Arlexi: Luka takes off after him (and, presumably, Daniel). "Ah. I'll get right on that."

Newton Falk: "How are you explaining this to the Capt.?"

Michael: Another howl, and then the Wilhelm Scream.

Newton Falk: Newton winces.

Michael: Cut to: Evelyn is shopping at the same store we found her at in the first scene of the Pilot. We see her through the window, and then Daniel runs past, and there's a lot of running… and then, screaming…

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham:  She looks behind her through the window when she hears the noise. "Pardon me, could you direct me to the lavatory… I have to fix something."

Michael: The kind storekeep directs her to the ladies' facility.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Thank you." She hands him some money for the purchases she's made and the delivery of them. She walks over to the restroom, opens the door, turns and smles to the store keep and then walks inside.

After the door shuts behind her, her face gets equal parts angry and irritated.

You see the outside of the store and the window that presumably leading to the lavatory. A fine woman's boot shatters the glass and Evelyn emerges, trusy harpoon gun in hand, safety goggles in place.

Michael: As Evelyn runs after Daniel, the streets have cleared of civilians, replaced by Steam Guards chasing the werewolf. Newton and Luka follow soon after.

Newton Falk: Running. "Fancy meeting you here, Doc."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Honestly, can you people not do anything right?" She fires a harpoon and misses Daniel, exploding a box of apples. She reels in the hapoon as she keeps running.

Luka Arlexi: Luka is eyeing the Steam Guards thoughtfully.

Newton Falk: "Aim for the steam guards, they go down easier."

Michael: The camera stays in place as the whole parade flows quickly past; first panicked civies, then Daniel, mauling one of the slower civilians, then the steam guards and the crew.  There's a pause, and a few civilians peek outside their doors.  Then, whistling, a Gentleman in Black slowly jaunts by, twirling his umbrella and all the doors slam quickly shut.  The camera catches up to the crew.  The Steam Guards are opening fire on the werewolf, but so far they've only managed to hit a few civilians.

Luka Arlexi: "Doctor, how would you feel about aquiring some Steam Armor?" Luka eyes the harpoon gun, and the guards ahead.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Very good!" She shoots at a steam guard.

The harpoon hits a steam guard in the back, piercing his heart. Evelyn pulls a lever and the rope tightens immediately, pulling the guard back swiftly and violently. Evelyn runs over the fallen body and pulls upward on a switch on the harpoon. Internally, the blades snap into the shaft and the projectile cleanly leaves the metal carcas. She continues running while re-loading the weapon.

Luka Arlexi: Luka stops and begins removing the former occupant from the armor.

Newton Falk: Newton stops to help.

Luka Arlexi: After a bit of effort, and some swearing, Luka is wearing the armor and chasing after the Doctor, the other Power Armor Guards, and Daniel… and carrying Newton.

Newton Falk: Who is standing on her back with his foot in the harpoon hole, turning her head to direct her and shouting about a shortcut.

Luka Arlexi: "I'd nod but I can barely move my neck!" She turns the way he indicates.

Newton Falk: Newton directs her down a series of dark alleys at dizzying speeds until they burst forth into a crowd of people, who are running from an on coming werewolf!

Michael: The crowds veers to the left and right to avoid the steam guard standing in their way, and then Daniel reaches them! Behind his shoulder, Evelyn can be seen pulling her harpoon out of another power armor guard.

Newton Falk: Newton hops off and stands next to Luka, brandishing the Autopilot.  He smiles wryly at Luka and realizes she can't see.  He looks a little depressed at that.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Daniel is in a market square with no easily discernible exits for a large wolfman thing. He turns and faces the group. Daniel stares at them and they stare back, waiting to make a move. Newton rolls dramatically behind Luka. Luka does see that and rolls her eyes just as dramatically. Daniel roars and charges them. Luka readies her arms for…grabing and such. Evelyn, cocking her harpoon gun in a fashion similar to a shotgun to load her newly added steel net launcher. Taking aim calmly, just as Daniel is about to swipe at her, she fires. The net, well, launches into the air and wraps successfully around Daniel. The force knocks him back to the dirt, snarling. Evelyn steps over to him and clubs him on the head with the butt of her gun. It does nothing. Sighing, she hits him again, this time harder. The blow knocks Daniel unconcious. Luka finally manages to get the armor to take a step, cursing in Russian about the minor ankle malfunction. Newton peeks out from behind Luka's other leg, like a child behind his mother's skirt.

Newton Falk: "Woohoo!"  Newton lifts his arms above his head a few times before he becomes self consious and stops. "Grab him and lets get out of here before more Stea-I mean Power Armor Guards show up."

Luka Arlexi: "Right." Luka picks up the unconscious bundle of netted were-Daniel, and starts heading for the ship. "I suggest we resume running."

Michael: The group hears someone approaching casually, whistling a cheerful tune.

Newton Falk: "Ah shit, this way."  Newton ducks into an alley.

Michael: Everyone follows.  After they're gone, the Gentleman in Black walks into the square.  He stops whistiling, and looks around a moment. He taps his umbrella a few times on the pavement at the spot where Daniel fell.  Then, tucking his umbrella under his arm, he turns around and walks back the way he came, whistling again.

CUT TO: Sparling returns to the ship with supplies, to find the hanger dark, the Aether empty on first glance, and the observation window broken into pieces.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling sighs and trudges into the ship. "One uneventful night in port, that's all I ask." She heads for the laboratory. "Felix, what the hell happened here?"

Michael: "I don't know, Captain.  There was a lot of noise outside the laboratory, and then it got all quiet.  I thought I heard my name mentioned for a moment, but then everyone was gone."

Genevieve Sparling: "Govno." Sparling heads for the bridge and sees the remains of the rope that held Daniel. "I knew I'd regret that." She goes back to the laboratory. "Do you think you can walk, Felix?"

Michael: "Perhaps with the assistance of the autopilot.  I don't suppose Mr. Falk left it behind? Or has 'it' graduated into a him or her yet?"

Genevieve Sparling: "No, I'm afraid they're the best of friends." Sparling casts about the lab for anything that could act as a crutch. She grabs what seems to be a thin support strut with no apparent purpose and tests her weight on it. It holds, and she passes it to Felix.

Michael: "Thanks," he says.  They walk (and hobble) out of the Aether.

Genevieve Sparling: "Follow the trail of carnage, I suppose."

Newton Falk: Newton emerges from the harger offices, his arm over the shoulder of Mr. Elwyn.  "So if we have a deal we can get everyone back to work and we'll be out of your hair in no time."  Smile.  "AH!  Captain!  Mr. Elwyn here has just offered to finish repairs by working around the clock.  Unfortunately it seems like we will have to pay double the original sum."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling tilts her head to one side. "That's… some fast work, Mr. Falk." To Mr. Elwyn she says, "I do appreciate your haste, sir."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: A group of mover-looking type men arrive with a bunch of boxes and crates. "Where do you want this?" one of the men asks. Evelyn walks past the group, clearly annoyed and cranky.

"Follow me, I'll show you." She looks back at everyone, "Luckily, I had just finished ordering all of my necessary equiptment and supplies."

Genevieve Sparling: "How fortunate," Sparling mutters.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She turns on her heel and storms into the Aether, gun slung over her shoulder. The men follow her with her purchases.

Newton Falk: "Felix, if you're up to it I need to make a quick trip into town tonight."  Newton winks in a very obvious manner. "Should be about a half a ton of fun, give or take a hundred pounds. Drinks are on me?"

Luka Arlexi: Luka is overseeing the loading of two large crates. "Careful, please. The cargo is… fragile."

Michael: "I'm in.  Just keep your autopilot away from my crutch. We don't want little slivers of metal running around the ship."

Genevieve Sparling: "Mr. Falk, try to bring Felix back in one piece. Whatever you have in mind, I expect it will involve running."

Newton Falk: "I need to run out now and see a black smith about the Autopilot, remind me to stop by the engine room and nick Luka's crowbar before we go."

Michael: "All right.   In the meantime, Dr. Higgenbotham, could you perhaps do something so that our guest doctor doesn't turn into a hideous beast and go on a rampage again?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Grumbles, grabs Daniel by a leg and drags him to her lab, sighing and muttering all the way.

Luka Arlexi: Luka busies herself in bolting Felix's chair to the floor, complete with a locking swivel mechanism. Some of the parts look cannibalized from the power armor. As an afterthought, she adds a seatbelt to his chair and Newton's.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling takes Felix by the arm as he starts to follow Newton. "Don't let him get you both killed tonight," she says quietly.

Michael: "I won't," says Felix.

CUT TO: THE MYSTERIOUS PAST. The Aether is nearly empty.  Captain (Genevieve) Sparling is shuffling through her father's papers on the navigation table.

It's evening, so the sun is casting long shadows through the observation windows.  Someone clears his throat, and Sparling looks up to see Felix.

Michael: "I'm sorry, Miss Sparling, I just wanted to let you know that the last of the old crew has left with their things."

Genevieve Sparling: "Good," Genevieve says. "I hope their severance pay was sufficient. It'll be a while before I can withdraw any more from my inheritance." She stacks a few papers and straightens up to regard Felix fully. "You look like you belong in secondary school."

Michael: "If you'll pardon my saying so, Miss Sparling, I'd like to think I belong here on the Aether."

Genevieve Sparling: "I expect my father thought so as well, though I can't understand what possessed him to hire you." She heads for the galley. "Do we have any eggs? I haven't had eggs in two years. I expect that's what I get for aligning myself with Communists, but still."

Michael: Felix nods.  "I'll fix some up for you.  I believe you like them poached?  That's what your father used to say."

Genevieve Sparling: Genevieve grimaces. "At least he talked about me, then." She seats herself at the counter. "Tell me, Navigator Cleary, why I ought to keep you on the crew of this vessel when I just dismissed the people with whom I spent most of my life?"

Michael: "Well Captain," he says, putting emphasis on the second word.  "Speaking of aligning yourself with Communists, as I was seeing the others off, I just happened to notice some well dressed gentlemen speaking to the dock manager, and heard your name mentioned.  I think you should keep me on because it takes more than one person to get the ship the hell out of here. If I get you out of here alive, you can think about keeping me on for another year's term as navigator."

Genevieve Sparling: Genevieve bites her lip, her hand moving involuntarily to her waistcoat pocket. "Right," she says after a moment's thought. "In that case, Navigator Cleary, plot us a course and let's go hire our crew."

Michael: "Aye, captain."

FADE TO CREDITS

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