Battlestar Galactica (1978) s01e18 Episode Script

They're going to end up killing each other.
Hey, Starbuck! You can't believe Starbuck did this? Lieutenant Starbuck to the brig - The brig? - It's the law.
I'm sorry.
They're gonna convict me.
Adama will send vipers after you! Then what? Fire on Sheba or Boomer or me? If I have to, yes.
'Our scouts have sent back word of yet another planet 'along the coordinates given us by our mysterious super race.
' More and more often, the planets we come across bear signs of the lost 13th tribe.
We are getting closer to Earth.
And once we have plotted her precise location, we will carefully formulate a plan for observing and sampling her culture.
Too sudden an appearance from their relations in space could send our sister world into a wave of culture shock from which she might never recover.
And are the inhabitants of Earth far in advance of us in their development or merely primitive animals fallen from a greater time? I feel we will soon know.
Oh! It appears to this commentator that Ortega rib-blocked Starbuck after the score.
The officiator couldn't see it.
How would you call it? I don't like to second-guess an officiator but Ortega likes to play to the limit of the rules.
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Every time Starbuck plays against Ortega, his body ends up black and blue the next morning.
Oh? Well, as a med tech, I usually end up patching him up.
- Oh, I see.
- Sheba! Ever since the academy, they've been at each other's throat.
If it wasn't gambling, it was women and now it's triad.
Starbuck can handle himself.
Maybe, but they're going to end up killing each other.
Yaah! Anything else, gentlemen? I'm going off duty soon.
No, thank you.
That'll be all.
His wingman is Flight Sergeant Barton.
Does Ortega always play this way? He's a very aggressive type.
Hates to lose at anything.
It's an asset in a viper but in triad Sure you don't want to watch at the court? It's just a short walk.
But these seats are more comfortable and we have good Ambrosa and good company.
- Huh? - Yes, of course.
'Cheap shot by Ortega!' Ortega, unnecessary blocking after the score.
Starbuck, free shot.
The officiator caught that one.
Ortega didn't even attempt to hide it.
Your friend's asking for it.
What friend? I fly with him because I'm assigned.
I play with him because he wins.
That ties the score.
And it could cost Ortega the game.
One more like that, Zed, and he'll be out of this game.
Ortega, rib-blocking after the score.
Out of the game.
Starbuck, fighting, out of the game.
What? It's the rules.
You let him get to you.
Now take a turbo wash and cool off.
I'll kill him.
- Where are you going? - I recognise that look on Starbuck's face.
- What do you want? - A few centons with you alone.
- You got it! - That's enough! - Stay out of this.
- Why? So you can fight? I said stay out of it! If you touch each other, I'll put you both on report.
You'll be grounded for a secton.
- You wouldn't do that.
- Try me.
All right, Starbuck, we'll finish this another time, when your woman is not around.
- You only delayed the inevitable.
- Act your age.
Just stay away from him.
- You're asking a lot.
- I'm gonna ask a lot more.
I'll be in the docking lounge.
The next Galactica Shuttle is in ten centons.
I want you to be on it or don't try and see me later.
That's hardly time to wash and dress! Or fight.
'They dive for the sphere.
Vargas has it.
'He sends a high, spinning deflection to Parem.
'Barton bodychecks him into the wall.
He's a little groggy.
' I knew it would come to this.
Score blue.
Hey, Starbuck! Why aren't you playing? I got a wager on you.
- Yeah, that's it! - 'Barton bodychecks him into the wall.
'He's a little groggy.
' You know, if we left now, we could avoid the crowd.
Adama, the game's tied.
Oh.
Oh.
You're on time.
The shuttle isn't.
They announced it'd be late.
I hope it won't be long.
The sooner I get out of here the better.
One laser blast to the heart.
He was dead before he started to fall.
Ortega's laser hasn't been fired.
- Who discovered the body? - I did.
- What's your name? - Chella.
- What were you doing here? - I work here.
I'd just got off shift and wanted to catch the end of the game.
Did you see anyone else here? Yes.
Starbuck.
He ran around the corner.
I was wondering why.
- Starbuck? - Yes.
He almost knocked me down.
Colonel, find Starbuck and run a routine check on his laser.
One moment, Colonel.
Father, you can't believe Starbuck did this? What I believe is unimportant.
Everyone saw what was going on between Starbuck and Ortega and Starbuck was seen running away.
The sooner his laser is checked, the sooner he'll be cleared.
You're right.
May I look for him? Of course.
Colonel, Captain Apollo will find Starbuck.
- Count me in, sir.
- Let's go.
- You're being axfully quiet.
- I'm sorry.
My head is still back in the game.
'Galactica Shuttle ready for boarding.
' Maybe I can take your mind off it when we get back.
Hey, Starbuck! Don't tell me, we won - or rather, you won.
- Ortega's been killed.
- Ah What? - How? - A laser.
Someone saw you running, Starbuck.
Sure, to catch this shuttle.
What's that got to do with? Wait, you don't think I had anything to do with it? No, but we have to check your laser.
Apollo! It's just procedure.
It'd be the same for me or anybody else.
Come on, buddy.
I don't believe this.
Neither do I.
It's been fired.
Of course I fired it, I was on the laser range today.
So were Jolly and Greenbean and no one's accusing them.
Starbuck, no one is accusing you.
We're trying to clear you.
Did you fully recharge your laser when you left the range? Of course, it's procedure! Commander.
You all know our Chief Opposer, Sire Solon.
Just socially.
And I'd like to keep it that way.
So would I, but my position may dictate otherwise.
So Dr Wilker is doing a laseronics ergon test on the termination weapon? It's not the termination weapon! It's my weapon.
- Starbuck! - No, no.
He's quite right.
It wasn't a very tactful way of stating it.
My apologies, Lieutenant.
I'm ready.
This is a laseronic ergon scan taken from Ortega's body.
When I put it here, it shows the laser energy absorbed by his body when Ortega was shot.
Therefore, the termination weapon would be minus exactly the same number of ergons.
To see if the termination weapon and Starbuck's are the same, put it in here to see if we have a match.
But that's impossible! I wish this test weren't so precise, at least there'd be some doubt.
Your weapon terminated Ortega.
Somebody set me up! Lieutenant Starbuck, it's my duty to charge you with the termination of Wing Sergeant Ortega.
No! You gotta believe me.
I - Somebody used my laser.
- It's the only logical explanation.
The Chief Opposer can proceed only on the evidence available.
You know Starbuck as well as you know me.
He could never kill in cold blood.
Adama, if I may.
After viewing tapes of the game and taking into account Ortega's drawn laser, I would accept a plea of self-defence.
Forget it! I didn't kill Ortega, not in self-defence or any other way.
Don't answer so quickly.
If you plead self-defence you'd be dropped by the Colonial Service but only receive a suspended sentence.
If proven guilty of premeditated human termination, you'll spend your life on the prison barge.
I will not plead self-defence for something I didn't do.
As you wish.
Lieutenant Starbuck, I must ask you to enter a plea.
- I assume it's not guilty.
- That's right.
Security.
Escort Lieutenant Starbuck to the brig - The brig? -.
.
to await tribunal.
It's the law, I'm sorry.
I want to defend him.
Captain, you don't have enough experience.
The evidence against Starbuck is strong.
He's right.
You've studied the codes at the academy but you graduated a warrior, not a protector.
I believe him.
That may not be enough to defend a man's life.
It's good enough for me.
Very well.
Request granted.
But Captain Apollo, I want you to remember, the law states specifically, tribunal must convene in ten centares.
You don't have much time.
We've been in tighter spots.
- We have? - We'll get out of this one too.
I told you, I flew with him because I was assigned.
But you know who he associated with.
He was a loner, Captain.
Except on the Rising Star.
Try the dealer at table three.
Ortega gambled there and won big.
I saw him there with some people I don't know.
- Anyone want to kill him? - Anyone who met him.
Take your pick.
Rising Star.
Captain! Captain.
We were on a deep probe once.
It gets lonely, even Ortega talked.
I told him to change or someone would kill him before the Cylons did.
He laughed and said only one person in the fleet had nerve enough to try.
- Who? - Something like Karim No, Karim, Karib Karibdis.
That was it.
- Where do we find him? - Sorry, just know the name.
- Thanks, Sergeant.
- Hope you find him.
So do we.
At least now we have a name.
Could be all we need.
The computer should have the rest.
- Captain, what can I do for you, sir? - The fleet personnel computer.
If you'll both log in, station one is open.
- Lieutenant Boomer.
- Captain Apollo.
These computers get more complicated every yahren.
But Dr Wilker makes them simpler to operate.
Simpler to you, maybe, but it doesn't look like anything at the academy.
Sure you can operate it? It does take a bit of advanced knowledge, Boomer.
'Yes?' Full profile on Karibdis.
K-A-R-I-B-D-I-S.
Status and location first.
'There is no profile on anyone named Karibdis, K-A-R-I-B-D-I-S.
' - Maybe you misspelled it.
- 'Or on any name spelled like Karibdis.
' Do you think Barton lied? 'To answer that question I would have to know what Barton' - I wasn't speaking to you.
- 'Sorry.
' That's all right.
I mean, that's all.
Thank you.
'You're welcome.
' This may be modern but give me the old-fashioned keyboard and print-out.
This'll drive you crazy.
Barton had no reason to lie.
Maybe he just got the wrong name.
- No, he seemed pretty sure.
- What now? We check the dealer on the Rising Star.
It's all we've got.
An experienced protector would've advised Starbuck to plead self-defence but this is Apollo's first case and he has great faith in his friend's word.
Admirable but very foolish in light of the overwhelming evidence against him.
Would you say that you do not believe he has a chance for acquittal? - He has a slim one.
- Can you tell us what that is? Commander Adama, who, as you know, sits at the tribunal.
Most of us are aware that Starbuck is like a son to him, and some might question his impartiality.
But since I have brought the subject up on this interview, I think even with Adama on the tribunal, the case must be decided on the evidence alone.
'And even Captain Apollo will agree that under those conditions, 'Lieutenant Starbuck will be found guilty.
' He's got me convicted before I've been heard! That's just typical opposer rhetoric.
Why isn't Apollo being interviewed? Why isn't he defending me? He's preparing to defend you before the tribunal No, he's not there because he doesn't have a defence! And he isn't going to have one for the tribunal.
Cassthey're gonna convict me.
Starbuck it's not too late to change your plea to self-defence.
- I didn't do it.
- I know.
But you could spend the rest of your life on the prison barge.
You're not sure I didn't do it.
Starbuck I love you.
And if you say you didn't do it, I believe you.
Ah.
Ahh.
Don't you see? You, Apollo, Boomer, even the Commander, you all want to believe me but you still have your doubts.
That tribunal isn't being made up of my closest friends.
So then you will change your plea to self-defence, even if you didn't do it? I don't know.
I don't know.
No matter what, I love you.
I love you, too.
I just need some time to think.
OK.
'With the tribunal only a few centares away, 'it would seem to this reporter that, barring a miracle, 'the brilliant career of Lieutenant Starbuck will pass into history.
' Something's wrong with my scanner.
- I'll call a video tech.
- They're talking about my case now! - What's the trouble? - I don't know.
It's You, drop it! Drop it! Get inside.
- Where are you going to go? - Move! All right, can I have your security key? - Stay out or I'll fire! - It's me! - Stay where you are.
- Is that any way to talk to your protector? - I'll hurt you if you try and stop me.
- I won't stop you.
I just want to talk.
- That's close enough to talk.
- OK.
OK.
- Where are you gonna go? - I don't know.
I'll find a planet.
Someplace.
Any place but the prison barge.
- I know you didn't do it.
- You're not on the tribunal.
- You have no faith in me.
- In you, yes.
The tribunal, no.
Get off.
Adama will send vipers after you! I'll deal with that then.
Then what? Fire on Sheba or Boomer or me? If I have to, yes.
Now, get off.
You don't have the guts to do that.
Or the guts to face that tribunal! I didn't kill Ortega! Then trust me! Give me the chance to prove it! You've had your say, now get off.
Or I'll take you down that launch tube with me.
OK.
But I never thought I'd see Starbuck run from anything! I thought you were gonna do it.
I almost did.
- I'm glad you found him before security.
- So am I.
I want a postponement.
I need more time.
I cannot grant that.
I'm sorry.
By law, in a case like this, tribunal must be convened within ten centares.
- You have less than two left.
- But Commander, we We have to talk to Ortega's acquaintances.
- We have to find someone called Karibdis.
- Karibdis? - You know him? - I know of him.
And so do you - under the codename Proteus.
- Proteus.
- Baltar's pilot and electronics expert.
The saboteur of the defence computers the night the Cylons attacked? His treachery was responsible for the death of a million Capricans.
But I don't see how could he have been involved in Ortega's death.
He was killed in the first Cylon attack wave.
- Are you sure? - I remember it being reported.
Who can be sure of anything that night? Then it is possible that he's alive and aboard this fleet.
If he is, he's under a cover.
And I, for one, would love to get my hands on him.
- I'll have Colonel Tigh start a check.
- Sir, could you identify him? No, I never met him.
I don't even know of any survivors who might've known him.
I do.
Karibdis.
Hm Yes, the name is familiar.
But what can Karibdis have to do with Starbuck? You must have quite a grapevine here.
We believe Karibdis is aboard this fleet.
You believe? Ah.
Then you don't have him.
And you need me to identify him? Something to do with Starbuck's defence? I believe Karibdis killed Ortega.
Very well.
I'll do it.
- You will? - Of course.
Do you think me a fool? I'll point out Karibdis for you for a price.
- Your release from the prison barge.
- Bright lad.
You'll go far.
- You know we can't do that.
- I know no such thing.
But if you'd come to me for help, Apollo, I believe you'd do anything.
Guard! Let us out! Think about it, Apollo.
There's more than one prisoner who'd love to have Starbuck here.
He won't live long enough to reach his cell! - 80 centons until the tribunal convenes.
- What do you want me to do, give up? I'm sorry, Boomer.
Forget it, Apollo.
Forget it.
Maybe we'll get lucky on the Rising Star.
Starbuck always did.
Funny how saving him may come down to a pyramid dealer.
- Table three is in the corner.
- Hope this isn't another dead end.
I don't think so.
Look.
The man who found Ortega's body.
- Coincidence? - I wouldn't bet on it.
Capstone, no winners.
We want a word with you, Chella.
I gave my testimony in the deposition to Solon.
- Excuse me, I'm on duty.
- Not any more.
Why didn't you tell them Ortega often played at your table? And often left a big winner.
- A lot of people play at my table.
- But only one was killed.
I don't remember him playing.
Funny, for a pyramid dealer who has to keep track of all the cards, you have a very poor memory.
It's not getting any better with you pressing me.
It won't have to.
We'll take you to the Galactica and check a memory that recalls everything.
- What's that supposed to mean? - Personnel computer.
We'll also look at how much table three has lost and to whom.
Let's go.
That won't be necessary.
I'll tell you.
You'll find out anyway.
I'm not in the computer.
My name isn't Chella.
It's really Rifkis.
I used to be Chief Administrator of Solius.
'The night the Cylons attacked, I did a terrible thing.
'I didn't set out to, I was just trying to survive.
'I stayed as long as I could but I realised Caprica was doomed 'and so was anyone who didn't escape.
'I was to be evacuated on a Gemonese freighter.
'I ran to it, watching the death around me, 'but I became frightened.
'Finally, I reached my destination but my freighter had left.
'I panicked.
I had nowhere to turn.
'I thought I was as good as dead.
'Then I spotted the only ship left - the Rising Star.
'I knew it was my only hope.
' Sorry, children and nursery attendants only.
I'm the Chief Administrator.
I must get off Caprica.
- I have my orders! - I'll do anything! Cubits.
I have cubits.
Here.
There are over 8,000 here.
That should be more than enough.
- Hardly.
- Please take it.
I'll get you more.
Let me aboard.
I promise.
I swear! All right.
'So he let me aboard.
' And because of it, a child was left behind to perish.
I don't know how you found me but in a way I'm glad.
The memory of that dead child will live with me forever.
But at least I won't have the fear of being caught any more.
- What do you think? - I think we've found Ortega's killer.
You think I killed Ortega to stop him talking? No.
Because he knew who you really are.
So what? He knew who the other two really are.
- Other two? - Elias and Pallon.
They got aboard the same way.
He was blackmailing both of them.
- Why did you tell 'em? - They were accusing me of murder.
If they knew Ortega was blackmailing me, they'd find out about you.
- You involve us to save yourself? - Hold it.
He's right.
They would have found out we're all onboard under an alias.
We mustn't get trapped into getting accused of something we didn't do.
Hm? I assume neither of you killed Ortega.
- I didn't.
- I wanted to but I didn't.
And neither did I.
So Apollo can only prove we're onboard the Rising Star illegally.
We might get punished but we won't spend our lives on the prison barge.
You're right.
We know Starbuck killed Ortega.
I saw him running.
You said that in all your depositions.
Say that if you have to testify.
The truth.
We've barely enough time to dock and make the tribunal.
Do you think one of them killed Ortega? - Yes.
- Which one? - Karibdis.
- Karibdis? It's the only thing that makes sense.
Ortega told Barton only one man would kill him - Karibdis.
The people he was blackmailing live under aliases.
One of them has to be Karibdis.
Aren't you reaching just a bit? Maybe, but all three of those men are tied to Ortega, all three were on Caprica and all three got aboard the Rising Star using aliases.
I could be wrong but it's Starbuck's only chance.
But how do we find out which one? Take over the controls, I'll show you.
I'll keep my mike open.
Here comes Apollo.
Like I told you, stay calm.
Look, I want to apologise for accusing you.
We just got word that Ortega's killer's been identified.
- Who? - A man called Karibdis.
- Who's Karibdis? - A traitor who caused millions of deaths.
He was thought to be dead.
Ortega knew he was here and was blackmailing him, too.
Karibdis had more to lose if he was caught than you did.
- You found him? - No, but somebody can identify him.
His old commander, Baltar.
As soon as we dock, I'm going back to the prison barge.
We'll find this Karibdis.
I'm really sorry I put you through all this.
Then we're free to go back to the Rising Star? Yes.
You'll probably get off with a light sentence.
- Captain, thank you.
- Yeah.
- I'm glad your friend Starbuck is innocent.
- So am I.
- If one of them's Karibdis, you're a target.
- I'm counting on it.
When we dock, head straight for that tribunal.
Tell the launch crew I want those three left alone.
So Karibdis can slip back onboard and kill you.
You're crazy.
He'll wait until I've got Baltar.
He'll try to kill him too - he's the only person alive that can identify him.
He'll try it on the way back.
- Apollo - I'll keep Alpha channel open.
Maybe he'll give himself away - admit that he killed Ortega.
Before he kills you.
You have to get that tribunal to listen to Alpha channel.
Great.
If it works, Starbuck is free.
You're dead.
Don't give up on me yet.
How are you going to take on Karibdis and Baltar alone on this shuttle? I'm not.
Baltar's going to be on my side.
'Canaris Shuttle arriving at station Gamma, 'port landing bay, in three centons.
'Medical Shuttle ready for departure from starboard landing bay.
'All arriving civilian passengers 'must clear security before attending the tribunal.
'Security stations three, four and five are now open.
' Galactica Shuttle requesting clearance to launch for prison barge.
Tribunal business.
'Stand by, Galactica Shuttle.
' 'Station Beta.
' 'All civilians must clear security stations three, four and five.
' 'Galactica Shuttle, you are clear to launch.
' Thank you.
Lieutenant Boomer.
- Where is the protector? - Temporarily detained, sir.
I will act as protector if there are no protests.
Objection? Objection? - You've never defended anyone.
- Neither has Apollo.
- Where is he? - Out trying to save your life.
This is highly irregular.
However, if there are no objections Lieutenant Starbuck, will you accept Lieutenant Boomer as your protector? - Yes, sir.
- Opposer? - No protest.
- Very well.
This tribunal is convened.
The case against Lieutenant Starbuck will now commence.
Opposer Solon.
Esteemed members of the tribunal, as my first piece of documentation, look at your scanner, where the computapes for the final centons of the last game between the accused and Flight Sergeant Ortega will be displayed.
Boomer, what are you doing? Just trust me, Starbuck.
Apollo said that and he isn't even here.
'Galactica Shuttle requesting launch clearance.
' I knew that sooner or later you'd come to your senses and decide to release me.
- I decided to let you live.
- Live? 'Stand by, Galactica Shuttle.
Traffic ahead of you.
' Only two people could positively identify Karibdis.
Ortega and you.
He's already killed Ortega.
You're a wonder, Captain.
Instead of offering me freedom to identify Karibdis, you offer me my life.
- How touching.
- It's your only chance.
You mean Lieutenant Starbuck's only chance.
True, but your instinct for survival is stronger than your desire to see Starbuck wrongly convicted.
You must think me a fool.
The affection Karibdis had for me was that of a son for a father.
He would never be a threat to my life.
Then why is he on this shuttle? I don't believe you.
If he were on this shuttle, it would only be for one reason - to kill you.
You're right, first.
Then he'll kill you with my laser.
It'll look like we both killed each other.
How would he explain that I did this while wearing shackles? He'll remove them.
After you're dead.
'Galactica Shuttle, launch when ready.
' Launching.
What did he say? UhI can't remember.
You can't remember what the man you have a relationship with said? Just a centon! I mean, hethe opposer I mean, the opposer has not proved that such a relationship exists.
Not quite properly protested but allowed.
My apologies.
Cassiopeia, do you have a relationship with the defendant? We're friends.
- How close? - Very close.
Then you will tell the tribunal what your very close friend said after Ortega left for his dressing quarters.
The witness will answer the question.
Hehe said that I was only delaying the inevitable.
If the tribunal pleases, that concludes the opposition.
You're wrong, Apollo.
We're nearly there and nothing's happened.
No one's aboard this shuttle but us.
Why are you sweating? - Karibdis.
- Commander Baltar.
Good to see you again, sir.
I will ask the question again.
Is the protector ready to defend? Commander, our defence is on Alpha channel.
- I protest.
- Upheld.
Will the opposer and the protector please approach the tribunal? In the name of the Lords of Kobol, what is going on? More importantly, where is Captain Apollo? On Alpha channel, sir, with our defence.
You leave this tribunal no choice but to make a decision.
Sir, by the Lords of Kobol, listen! 'Release these shackles.
' 'Once you activate the automatic pilot.
'It's that green button.
' Karibdis, I order you to release these shackles now.
As soon as you turn on the automatic pilot and I dispose of Captain Apollo.
'Like you disposed of Ortega?' 'Terminating Ortega was easy.
'You've become a much more dangerous opponent.
'Your laser, Captain.
' Turn on the automatic pilot, Baltar.
Gently, Captain.
Boomer, did the tribunal hear that? We have it.
Are you all right? 'Yeah, I'm fine.
I'll be docking in a few centons.
'Call a med tech and security.
I had to knock out Pallon - or, rather, Karibdis.
' Apollo Thanks.
I owe you my life.
Don't thank me, thank Baltar.
He saved both of us.
But he's not very thrilled about it.
Starbuck, would you slow down? You're making me tired.
Would you save it for the game? Sorry, I've got all this excess energy from being locked up.
They ought to lock you up more often.
It's OK.
You're gonna be wonderful, OK? - I know.
- So do I.
I've put a wager on you and Apollo as an added incentive.
That's great.
I can see a very bleak evening ahead.
Well, that's us.
Good luck.
'Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, 'the last battlestar, Galactica, 'leads a ragtag fugitive fleet 'on a lonely quest 'a shining planet 'known as Earth.
'