Dark Matter was prematurely canceled after its third season, ending the series on a cliffhanger and leaving unresolved plotlines. In an effort to wrap up those plotlines, the series creator Joseph Mallozzi took to Twitter to outline the plan for wrapping up those plotlines in the fourth season that never came to be. Mallozzi only posted the outlines for the first three episodes, which unfortunately does result in new plotlines that are unfinished. I have compiled those tweets into a Markdown document to post here on Lemmy. Due to the limits on size of posts on Lemmy, I will be posting each episode individually.

with images

Act 1

2018-05-17

The Raza and its allies start taking fire from the alien armada. It’s a battle for the ages and they’re getting their asses kicked. One by one, the allies abandon the field of battle - first Truffault then Teku, leaving FIVE, now in command, to decide their next move.

As The Raza comes under heavy fire, FIVE reluctantly orders a retreat, haunted by the thought she is abandoning SIX. Despite the dire situation, she believes he is still alive, somewhere on the other side of the interdimensional rift.

The Raza drops out of FTL. FIVE, Ryo and Wexler assess the situation. They check systems and the damage to the ship. FIVE informs them that they will need to make repairs before going back. Go back?!

Wexler and Ryo aren’t so sure that’s a good idea, but FIVE believes SIX may still be alive on the other side of the rift. They argue over who is in charge - at which point the Android, having completed self repair, appears on the bridge and backs FIVE’s command. End of debate.

The Android injects a subcutaneous transponder into Ryo and Wexler. It will allow her to monitor their movements while on board. Wexler is deeply offended - and objects, but the Android informs him it’s either this, or they space him. Wexler happily obliges.

TWO/Alien awakens in the isolation chamber. The Android interrogates her but TWO, as the alien, reveals little - except to assure her that SIX is dead.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the inter dimensional rift, SIX awakens in the Marauder and finds himself floating in a bizarre atmosphere.

The shuttle’s long range scanners pick up a structure - what turns out to be the Ferrous Corps shipyard facility that also made the journey to “the other side”. He sets course.

Back on The Raza, Wexler is not at all happy about the situation and quietly broaches the topic of “the kid’s” ability to lead. Ryo professes his loyalty to FIVE and vows to defend her to the death… Wexler does a 180 turn. Upon further reflection, why not give the kid a shot?

FIVE has joined the Android. She asks the alien about TWO and is informed that TWO’s consciousness has been effectively erased. But FIVE isn’t buying it. She knows that TWO is in there, somewhere. We PUSH into TWO/Alien’s eye and find ourselves -

Establish a pastoral rural setting. A lone farmhouse.

Inside the farmhouse, we discover TWO living a happy life, years after leaving The Raza. She shares a platonic yet very close relationship with a man named Kryden - and, we reveal, her infant daughter.

Elsewhere, in the Alt Marauder, THREE asks Alt Portia where they’re headed. She says she’s going to use him (and his knowledge of himself) to break into Alt Boone’s lock-up. Her former cohort has been hitting the bottle hard lately and is fast becoming a liability.

She is going to use THREE to double-cross him. THREE, however, is not so enthusiastic. After all, what’s to stop her from double-crossing him after he’s helped? Portia informs him - nothing. But it’s not like he has much of a choice.

Back on The Raza, Five and the Android retreat to the corridor where FIVE orders the Android to set a course and drop out closer, within scanning range of the ship’s long-range sensors.

The Raza drops out of FTL.

The rift is still open and FIVE believes there’s a chance they could get through. Wexler, even Ryo, argue against such a course of action. Who knows what lies on the other side? But before they can act, the Android gives them some news.

The Raza’s sensors reveal that the alien ships are drawing power from the rift. And that could be something they can use against them.

Act 2

2018-05-18

Establish The Raza in sublight…

Ryo, alone in his quarters, receives a transmission from Teku who informs him that loyalist troops eager to see him back on the throne of Zairon await his command.

But Ryo turns down the opportunity to lead, informing his old friend that he is not fit to rule. He has let down his people, his friends. And now, his future lies not on Zairon, but on The Raza. A shattered Teku attempts to convince him otherwise, but Ryo ends the transmission

FIVE and the Android discuss the Android’s plan to use Traugott’s white hole bomb to collapse the rift. FIVE is horrified by the idea, but it may be their one chance to cut off the aliens off from their lifeline, a power source on the other side of the gateway.

On the other side of the rift, SIX gains access to Ferrous Corp shipyard. He makes his way through the seemingly deserted facility. The place is eerily quiet and appears to be abandoned.

SIX hears movement up ahead. He discovers a section beyond a sealed bulkhead damaged and exposed to space. As he prepares to double back, an footfall causes him to turn, gun raised. He finds himself staring down Alt Tash, also armed. Stalemate. Hey, what’re the chances?

Ryo finds Wexler in the mess, having a drink. Ryo warns him THREE doesn’t like to share his whisky.

Wexler: “Hey, I don’t see his name on the bottle.”
Ryo: “Look closer.”
Wexler does, arcs an eyebrow: “Shit, his name IS on the bottle.”

Wexler again expresses misgivings about FIVE’s command. He understands how Ryo may want to look out for the kid, but this is a huge responsibility. Ryo warns Wexler not to underestimate her.

On the bridge, the Android and FIVE pitch their plan to Commander Truffault. It will fall on her to acquire the white hole bomb from Traugott - the REAL one this time as all the corps must now form a united front against the alien threat.

On the other side of the rift, on the Ferrous Corp facility, SIX and Tash still stand, guns leveled, waiting. Finally, SIX concedes his arm is probably as tired as hers and suggests they lower their weapons. Tash obliges. The two strike an unlikely alliance.

Ryo and Wexler’s mess hall discussion is interrupted by the Android and FIVE who enlist their help in dealing with TWO…

In the infirmary, the shield to the isolation chamber is lowered and TWO is rendered unconscious by an energy weapon. With Ryo and Wexler’s help, the Android and Five place her in a stasis pod.

But, rather than respond like the alien did in a similar situation back when THREE was compromised, the entity embodying TWO does not abandon its human host. Now what?

We PUSH INTO TWO’s eye, then PULL OUT, we are back in the cabin. TWO, now Rebecca, expresses regret about leaving her friends on The Raza. Kryden tells her this is her life now, one she always dreamt about, with her daughter. There’s no point in dwelling on the past.

Alt Portia and THREE make their way through a plethora a security barriers. THREE leads, submitting to an iris scan, using a pinprick of his blood to establish DNA entry, then a handprint to finally gain access to Alt. Marcus Boone’s hidden storehouse.

THREE roots through the various items, much from an unremembered past. Suddenly, he hears an all too familiar sound that makes him turn - to find Alt Portia pointing her gun at him. As he suspected, now that she’s used him to gain entry, she no longer needs him…

No way he’s talking his way out of this one - but that doesn’t stop him from trying. And, while he’s talking, the storehouse door slides shut. She orders him to open it. He tries but, it prompts him for a passcode. Which he doesn’t know. They’re trapped!

Act 3

2018-05-19

Picking up where we left off, THREE and Portia trapped in Boone’s vault. Without the passcode, they are screwed. But maybe not! Portia pulls out a small explosive device and informs THREE she’ll simply blow the door.

THREE: That won’t work.
Portia: Yes, it will.
THREE: No, it won’t. All it’s going to do is cause a lot of damage, to this place and us.
Portia: My nanites will heal me.
THREE: I don’t have nanites.
Portia: And what’s your point?

THREE appeals to Portia’s pragmatic side. Let him search. Maybe he can find something to force the door that will allow them an exit without damaging any of the goods. And by goods, he means all of Boone’s swag. Also, yes, select body parts. Portia tells him to start looking.

Elsewhere, two Mikkei cruisers drop out of FTL next to The Raza. A shuttle leaves one of the cruisers and streaks towards our ship.

Truffault has bad news. Traugott is refusing to give up the white hole bomb for use against the aliens. FIVE can’t understand why they’re allowing petty corporate politics to take precedence here. They need to work together to save the galaxy. Truffault has a theory…

Traugott no longer has the bomb. According to her intel, weeks ago, their research facility was hit by a highly trained retrieval team. By process of elimination, there is only one group capable of pulling off this type of heist: The Galactic Authority. The G.A. has the bomb.

On the other side of the rift, SIX and Tash exchange barbs as they search the facility for a control center that will allow them scan and pinpoint the location of the rift - and their ticket home. The Marauder’s sensors have been compromised by the alien atmosphere.

Back in Boone’s vault, THREE’s search is coming up empty. He is distracted by items from his unremembered past, but Portia reminds him he’s on the clock. THREE switches gears and attempts to charm Portia - but she aint buying what he’s selling.

Before leaving, Truffault offers some parting advice on dealing with the alien inside TWO. Recently, they captured a “simulant” attempting to infiltrate Mikkei. The alien abandoned that body, but only under extreme torture.

It may be their only option.

SIX and Tash encounter a trio of Ferrous Corp guards abandoned by their comrades, desperate to take The Marauder. Our heroes are outgunned 3-2. "Actually, four to one,"Tash informs SIX, turning to level her sidearm at his head. So much for that unlikely alliance.

Act 4

2018-05-20

FIVE contacts Anders. He knows nothing about the GA’s heist of the white hole bomb and is reluctant to investigate for fear of risking his career. FIVE reveals SIX sacrificed much more. Anders, shocked by this news, vows to help.

FIVE, Android, Ryo and Wexler discuss what appears to be their only option for ridding TWO of the alien: torture.

But FIVE can’t bring herself to do it.

And neither can the Android.

While Ryo deems it dishonorable.

They turn to Wexler who shrugs: “Sure, why not?”

THREE and Portia banter as the search for a way out continues. Suddenly, they are interrupted by Boone whose face flashes up on the security monitor. He just received an automated alert to someone accessing his stash. He is enroute and will deal with them when he gets there.

Portia threatens to blow the door - and all his stuff with it. Boone thinks she’s bluffing. She pulls out the explosive device and holds it up to camera, then sticks it to the door. As Boone looks on apprehensively - a beat, then the camera shorts out. Shit!

Reveal THREE merely took the camera offline - but was it enough to convince Boone? Portia says it doesn’t matter. Time to blow the door.

THREE: That thing won’t blow the damn door!

Portia: Yes, it will.

THREE: No, it won’t!

She triggers the device. THREE scrambles for cover!

Portia retreats and the device explodes. When the dust settles, an injured but rapidly healing Portia steps through the debris and examines the door: not a scratch. She throws a look back at an unconscious THREE -

Portia: Well, I stand corrected.

A bound SIX lies on the floor of the Marauder as Tash and the three Ferrous Corps guards prepare to fly the shuttle to the nearest data hub where they will run a scan and pinpoint the location of the extra dimensional rift - and the access point back to their reality.

Tash turns to the guards: “Which one of you is the pilot?”

The guards stare back blankly: “None of us. We thought YOU knew how to fly this thing.”

Tash sighs, quickdraws, and guns down the guards.

She pulls a knife, crouches, and frees SIX. Informs him: “You’re up, flyboy.”

The possessed TWO is bound to a chair in a sealed section of corridor the Android has retrofitted to create an impromptu Faraday Cage. Wexler walks in, shock stick in hand, and explains the situation. On his signal, the Android will disable TWO’s nanites with a confined EMP.

Then, he will force the alien out. The shock stick sparks menacingly for effect. Wexler: Oh, and hey, TWO, if you can hear me in there and this works, don’t take this personally. Or kill me once we’re done.

The possessed TWO glares back at him.

Wexler: Alrighty. Ready?

No response. Wexler glances up at the camera in a corner of the corridor.

Wexler: Hit it.

The EMP is triggered. The lights die. TWO’s nanites shut down.

Wexler triggers the shock stick and advances: “Let’s get started.”

Act 5

2018-05-21

Establish a remote farmhouse. It’s a beautiful day. TWO steps out outside - “She finally fell asleep…” - and trails off at the sight of a shirtless Kryden returning from his chores.

His lean, muscled body is covered with a web of cybernetic circuitry running from his fingertips to his very core. He’s augmented.

Kryden puts on his shirt, tells her: “She’s sleeping a lot better now that you’re here. You were gone so long, I didn’t think you were coming back.”

TWO is about to respond when, suddenly, she is assailed by a violent headache. She loses her balance. Kryden goes to her. As she shakes it off, a thunderclap causes them to look skyward. Ominous storm clouds moving in. Lightning flashes. He suggests they head inside.

On The Raza, a possessed TWO arcs her back, her mouth open in a silent scream as the charge of the shock stick washes over her. Wexler steps back to catch his breath, and warns: “I can do this all day.”

But the look he throws the security camera suggests otherwise.

Back on the bridge, FIVE, watching the proceedings on the big monitor, hesitates, then tells him: “Keep going.”

He does.

The door to Marcus Boone’s vault slides open to reveal Boone, armed and enraged at the sight of the devastation. He scans the room, takes in his destroyed loot, an unconscious THREE in the corner, and steps inside.

The second he does -

THREE’s eyes flash open and he shouts a warning: “Look out!”

Boone looks up, just catching sight of Portia positioned directly overhead, gun leveled. He moves. She fires. And misses. He grabs her wrist and yanks, bringing her down hard. But she is quickly on her feet.

He levels his gun but she swats it away. It clatters across the floor where a battered THREE picks it up, then bolts.

Portia and Boone throw down. She’s faster, pins him to the wall. Suddenly, he shouts: “Door!”

Too late! She turns just in time to see the door slide shut.

Safely in the corridor on the other side of the sealed door, THREE shoots out the security console, effectively sealing them inside.

THREE: “I’m sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. I’ll leave you to it.”

He leaves them, trapped, warily eyeing each other

The possessed TWO twists and strains against her bonds, to no avail. Wexler, clearly exhausted, appeals: “Hey, if you can hear me in there - I can’t do this alone. Help me kick this bastard out of you!” And he shocks her again.

Back on the bridge, FIVE can barely watch.

Inside the farmhouse, TWO stares out the window at the terrifying storm. A sudden stutter-flash in the distant darkness mimics the familiar FTL effect. And, in that instant, TWO is suddenly struck by a realization. She throws a look to Kryden and tells him: “I have to go.”

Kryden appeals, but she insists: “I can’t stay here.” She makes for the door - at which point the baby starts to cry. She holds up, conflicted.

Kryden: Rebecca, she needs you.

TWO: I’ll come back for her. I promise.

Then, she throws open the door and ventures out into the storm.

On The Raza, Wexler steps back as the alien begins to leave TWO, a roiling oily blackness escaping through her eyes, ears, and mouth to loom over them.

Wexler: Shit!

Back on the bridge, FIVE gives the signal: “Now!”

At which point one of the bulkhead doors slide opens.

The Android steps in, grabs TWO’s chair, and yanks her out of the compartment.

Wexler, back to a wall, stares up in horror at the hovering alien presence. Then Ryo grabs him and pulls him to safety as -

The bulkhead door slides shut, trapping the alien within.

On the other side of the spacetime rift, in one one of the Ferrous shipyard’s control hubs, Ferrous Corp guards attempt to send a distress signal to the outside world.

The door slides open. SIX and Tash walk enter.

The Ferrous Corp guards react at the sight of SIX.

"What is he doing here?!"shouts one of the guards.

Tash shoots them both.

She catches a look from SIX and shrugs: “It’s just faster than having to explain.”

SIX accesses the long-range sensors and pinpoints the location of the rift, their gateway back to their reality.

Tash: You got it?
SIX: Yeah.
Tash: Then let’s go.
SIX: It’s too far.
Tash: What do you mean?
SIX: The Marauder isn’t FTL-capable. It’ll take us three years to get there by shuttle.

And the enormity of the dire situation settles. So near and yet so very, very far…

Android, Ryo, and Wexler are on the bridge, studying their alien prisoner via security feed. The Android intends to study it for now.

FIVE joins them and lets them know TWO is resting comfortably.

They are interrupted by a communication. It’s Anders.

He tells them that he has learned where the Galactic Authority is holding the white hole bomb.

All silent beat as all eyes swing over to FIVE for the call. She doesn’t even hesitate: “Let’s go get it!”

And off a resolute FIVE, we end episode

without images

Act 1

2018-05-17

The Raza and its allies start taking fire from the alien armada. It’s a battle for the ages and they’re getting their asses kicked. One by one, the allies abandon the field of battle - first Truffault then Teku, leaving FIVE, now in command, to decide their next move.

As The Raza comes under heavy fire, FIVE reluctantly orders a retreat, haunted by the thought she is abandoning SIX. Despite the dire situation, she believes he is still alive, somewhere on the other side of the interdimensional rift.

The Raza drops out of FTL. FIVE, Ryo and Wexler assess the situation. They check systems and the damage to the ship. FIVE informs them that they will need to make repairs before going back. Go back?!

Wexler and Ryo aren’t so sure that’s a good idea, but FIVE believes SIX may still be alive on the other side of the rift. They argue over who is in charge - at which point the Android, having completed self repair, appears on the bridge and backs FIVE’s command. End of debate.

The Android injects a subcutaneous transponder into Ryo and Wexler. It will allow her to monitor their movements while on board. Wexler is deeply offended - and objects, but the Android informs him it’s either this, or they space him. Wexler happily obliges.

TWO/Alien awakens in the isolation chamber. The Android interrogates her but TWO, as the alien, reveals little - except to assure her that SIX is dead.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the inter dimensional rift, SIX awakens in the Marauder and finds himself floating in a bizarre atmosphere.

The shuttle’s long range scanners pick up a structure - what turns out to be the Ferrous Corps shipyard facility that also made the journey to “the other side”. He sets course.

Back on The Raza, Wexler is not at all happy about the situation and quietly broaches the topic of “the kid’s” ability to lead. Ryo professes his loyalty to FIVE and vows to defend her to the death… Wexler does a 180 turn. Upon further reflection, why not give the kid a shot?

FIVE has joined the Android. She asks the alien about TWO and is informed that TWO’s consciousness has been effectively erased. But FIVE isn’t buying it. She knows that TWO is in there, somewhere. We PUSH into TWO/Alien’s eye and find ourselves -

Establish a pastoral rural setting. A lone farmhouse.

Inside the farmhouse, we discover TWO living a happy life, years after leaving The Raza. She shares a platonic yet very close relationship with a man named Kryden - and, we reveal, her infant daughter.

Elsewhere, in the Alt Marauder, THREE asks Alt Portia where they’re headed. She says she’s going to use him (and his knowledge of himself) to break into Alt Boone’s lock-up. Her former cohort has been hitting the bottle hard lately and is fast becoming a liability.

She is going to use THREE to double-cross him. THREE, however, is not so enthusiastic. After all, what’s to stop her from double-crossing him after he’s helped? Portia informs him - nothing. But it’s not like he has much of a choice.

Back on The Raza, Five and the Android retreat to the corridor where FIVE orders the Android to set a course and drop out closer, within scanning range of the ship’s long-range sensors.

The Raza drops out of FTL.

The rift is still open and FIVE believes there’s a chance they could get through. Wexler, even Ryo, argue against such a course of action. Who knows what lies on the other side? But before they can act, the Android gives them some news.

The Raza’s sensors reveal that the alien ships are drawing power from the rift. And that could be something they can use against them.

Act 2

2018-05-18

Establish The Raza in sublight…

Ryo, alone in his quarters, receives a transmission from Teku who informs him that loyalist troops eager to see him back on the throne of Zairon await his command.

But Ryo turns down the opportunity to lead, informing his old friend that he is not fit to rule. He has let down his people, his friends. And now, his future lies not on Zairon, but on The Raza. A shattered Teku attempts to convince him otherwise, but Ryo ends the transmission

FIVE and the Android discuss the Android’s plan to use Traugott’s white hole bomb to collapse the rift. FIVE is horrified by the idea, but it may be their one chance to cut off the aliens off from their lifeline, a power source on the other side of the gateway.

On the other side of the rift, SIX gains access to Ferrous Corp shipyard. He makes his way through the seemingly deserted facility. The place is eerily quiet and appears to be abandoned.

SIX hears movement up ahead. He discovers a section beyond a sealed bulkhead damaged and exposed to space. As he prepares to double back, an footfall causes him to turn, gun raised. He finds himself staring down Alt Tash, also armed. Stalemate. Hey, what’re the chances?

Ryo finds Wexler in the mess, having a drink. Ryo warns him THREE doesn’t like to share his whisky.

Wexler: “Hey, I don’t see his name on the bottle.”
Ryo: “Look closer.”
Wexler does, arcs an eyebrow: “Shit, his name IS on the bottle.”

Wexler again expresses misgivings about FIVE’s command. He understands how Ryo may want to look out for the kid, but this is a huge responsibility. Ryo warns Wexler not to underestimate her.

On the bridge, the Android and FIVE pitch their plan to Commander Truffault. It will fall on her to acquire the white hole bomb from Traugott - the REAL one this time as all the corps must now form a united front against the alien threat.

On the other side of the rift, on the Ferrous Corp facility, SIX and Tash still stand, guns leveled, waiting. Finally, SIX concedes his arm is probably as tired as hers and suggests they lower their weapons. Tash obliges. The two strike an unlikely alliance.

Ryo and Wexler’s mess hall discussion is interrupted by the Android and FIVE who enlist their help in dealing with TWO…

In the infirmary, the shield to the isolation chamber is lowered and TWO is rendered unconscious by an energy weapon. With Ryo and Wexler’s help, the Android and Five place her in a stasis pod.

But, rather than respond like the alien did in a similar situation back when THREE was compromised, the entity embodying TWO does not abandon its human host. Now what?

We PUSH INTO TWO’s eye, then PULL OUT, we are back in the cabin. TWO, now Rebecca, expresses regret about leaving her friends on The Raza. Kryden tells her this is her life now, one she always dreamt about, with her daughter. There’s no point in dwelling on the past.

Alt Portia and THREE make their way through a plethora a security barriers. THREE leads, submitting to an iris scan, using a pinprick of his blood to establish DNA entry, then a handprint to finally gain access to Alt. Marcus Boone’s hidden storehouse.

THREE roots through the various items, much from an unremembered past. Suddenly, he hears an all too familiar sound that makes him turn - to find Alt Portia pointing her gun at him. As he suspected, now that she’s used him to gain entry, she no longer needs him…

No way he’s talking his way out of this one - but that doesn’t stop him from trying. And, while he’s talking, the storehouse door slides shut. She orders him to open it. He tries but, it prompts him for a passcode. Which he doesn’t know. They’re trapped!

Act 3

2018-05-19

Picking up where we left off, THREE and Portia trapped in Boone’s vault. Without the passcode, they are screwed. But maybe not! Portia pulls out a small explosive device and informs THREE she’ll simply blow the door.

THREE: That won’t work.
Portia: Yes, it will.
THREE: No, it won’t. All it’s going to do is cause a lot of damage, to this place and us.
Portia: My nanites will heal me.
THREE: I don’t have nanites.
Portia: And what’s your point?

THREE appeals to Portia’s pragmatic side. Let him search. Maybe he can find something to force the door that will allow them an exit without damaging any of the goods. And by goods, he means all of Boone’s swag. Also, yes, select body parts. Portia tells him to start looking.

Elsewhere, two Mikkei cruisers drop out of FTL next to The Raza. A shuttle leaves one of the cruisers and streaks towards our ship.

Truffault has bad news. Traugott is refusing to give up the white hole bomb for use against the aliens. FIVE can’t understand why they’re allowing petty corporate politics to take precedence here. They need to work together to save the galaxy. Truffault has a theory…

Traugott no longer has the bomb. According to her intel, weeks ago, their research facility was hit by a highly trained retrieval team. By process of elimination, there is only one group capable of pulling off this type of heist: The Galactic Authority. The G.A. has the bomb.

On the other side of the rift, SIX and Tash exchange barbs as they search the facility for a control center that will allow them scan and pinpoint the location of the rift - and their ticket home. The Marauder’s sensors have been compromised by the alien atmosphere.

Back in Boone’s vault, THREE’s search is coming up empty. He is distracted by items from his unremembered past, but Portia reminds him he’s on the clock. THREE switches gears and attempts to charm Portia - but she aint buying what he’s selling.

Before leaving, Truffault offers some parting advice on dealing with the alien inside TWO. Recently, they captured a “simulant” attempting to infiltrate Mikkei. The alien abandoned that body, but only under extreme torture.

It may be their only option.

SIX and Tash encounter a trio of Ferrous Corp guards abandoned by their comrades, desperate to take The Marauder. Our heroes are outgunned 3-2. "Actually, four to one,"Tash informs SIX, turning to level her sidearm at his head. So much for that unlikely alliance.

Act 4

2018-05-20

FIVE contacts Anders. He knows nothing about the GA’s heist of the white hole bomb and is reluctant to investigate for fear of risking his career. FIVE reveals SIX sacrificed much more. Anders, shocked by this news, vows to help.

FIVE, Android, Ryo and Wexler discuss what appears to be their only option for ridding TWO of the alien: torture.

But FIVE can’t bring herself to do it.

And neither can the Android.

While Ryo deems it dishonorable.

They turn to Wexler who shrugs: “Sure, why not?”

THREE and Portia banter as the search for a way out continues. Suddenly, they are interrupted by Boone whose face flashes up on the security monitor. He just received an automated alert to someone accessing his stash. He is enroute and will deal with them when he gets there.

Portia threatens to blow the door - and all his stuff with it. Boone thinks she’s bluffing. She pulls out the explosive device and holds it up to camera, then sticks it to the door. As Boone looks on apprehensively - a beat, then the camera shorts out. Shit!

Reveal THREE merely took the camera offline - but was it enough to convince Boone? Portia says it doesn’t matter. Time to blow the door.

THREE: That thing won’t blow the damn door!

Portia: Yes, it will.

THREE: No, it won’t!

She triggers the device. THREE scrambles for cover!

Portia retreats and the device explodes. When the dust settles, an injured but rapidly healing Portia steps through the debris and examines the door: not a scratch. She throws a look back at an unconscious THREE -

Portia: Well, I stand corrected.

A bound SIX lies on the floor of the Marauder as Tash and the three Ferrous Corps guards prepare to fly the shuttle to the nearest data hub where they will run a scan and pinpoint the location of the extra dimensional rift - and the access point back to their reality.

Tash turns to the guards: “Which one of you is the pilot?”

The guards stare back blankly: “None of us. We thought YOU knew how to fly this thing.”

Tash sighs, quickdraws, and guns down the guards.

She pulls a knife, crouches, and frees SIX. Informs him: “You’re up, flyboy.”

The possessed TWO is bound to a chair in a sealed section of corridor the Android has retrofitted to create an impromptu Faraday Cage. Wexler walks in, shock stick in hand, and explains the situation. On his signal, the Android will disable TWO’s nanites with a confined EMP.

Then, he will force the alien out. The shock stick sparks menacingly for effect. Wexler: Oh, and hey, TWO, if you can hear me in there and this works, don’t take this personally. Or kill me once we’re done.

The possessed TWO glares back at him.

Wexler: Alrighty. Ready?

No response. Wexler glances up at the camera in a corner of the corridor.

Wexler: Hit it.

The EMP is triggered. The lights die. TWO’s nanites shut down.

Wexler triggers the shock stick and advances: “Let’s get started.”

Act 5

2018-05-21

Establish a remote farmhouse. It’s a beautiful day. TWO steps out outside - “She finally fell asleep…” - and trails off at the sight of a shirtless Kryden returning from his chores.

His lean, muscled body is covered with a web of cybernetic circuitry running from his fingertips to his very core. He’s augmented.

Kryden puts on his shirt, tells her: “She’s sleeping a lot better now that you’re here. You were gone so long, I didn’t think you were coming back.”

TWO is about to respond when, suddenly, she is assailed by a violent headache. She loses her balance. Kryden goes to her. As she shakes it off, a thunderclap causes them to look skyward. Ominous storm clouds moving in. Lightning flashes. He suggests they head inside.

On The Raza, a possessed TWO arcs her back, her mouth open in a silent scream as the charge of the shock stick washes over her. Wexler steps back to catch his breath, and warns: “I can do this all day.”

But the look he throws the security camera suggests otherwise.

Back on the bridge, FIVE, watching the proceedings on the big monitor, hesitates, then tells him: “Keep going.”

He does.

The door to Marcus Boone’s vault slides open to reveal Boone, armed and enraged at the sight of the devastation. He scans the room, takes in his destroyed loot, an unconscious THREE in the corner, and steps inside.

The second he does -

THREE’s eyes flash open and he shouts a warning: “Look out!”

Boone looks up, just catching sight of Portia positioned directly overhead, gun leveled. He moves. She fires. And misses. He grabs her wrist and yanks, bringing her down hard. But she is quickly on her feet.

He levels his gun but she swats it away. It clatters across the floor where a battered THREE picks it up, then bolts.

Portia and Boone throw down. She’s faster, pins him to the wall. Suddenly, he shouts: “Door!”

Too late! She turns just in time to see the door slide shut.

Safely in the corridor on the other side of the sealed door, THREE shoots out the security console, effectively sealing them inside.

THREE: “I’m sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. I’ll leave you to it.”

He leaves them, trapped, warily eyeing each other

The possessed TWO twists and strains against her bonds, to no avail. Wexler, clearly exhausted, appeals: “Hey, if you can hear me in there - I can’t do this alone. Help me kick this bastard out of you!” And he shocks her again.

Back on the bridge, FIVE can barely watch.

Inside the farmhouse, TWO stares out the window at the terrifying storm. A sudden stutter-flash in the distant darkness mimics the familiar FTL effect. And, in that instant, TWO is suddenly struck by a realization. She throws a look to Kryden and tells him: “I have to go.”

Kryden appeals, but she insists: “I can’t stay here.” She makes for the door - at which point the baby starts to cry. She holds up, conflicted.

Kryden: Rebecca, she needs you.

TWO: I’ll come back for her. I promise.

Then, she throws open the door and ventures out into the storm.

On The Raza, Wexler steps back as the alien begins to leave TWO, a roiling oily blackness escaping through her eyes, ears, and mouth to loom over them.

Wexler: Shit!

Back on the bridge, FIVE gives the signal: “Now!”

At which point one of the bulkhead doors slide opens.

The Android steps in, grabs TWO’s chair, and yanks her out of the compartment.

Wexler, back to a wall, stares up in horror at the hovering alien presence. Then Ryo grabs him and pulls him to safety as -

The bulkhead door slides shut, trapping the alien within.

On the other side of the spacetime rift, in one one of the Ferrous shipyard’s control hubs, Ferrous Corp guards attempt to send a distress signal to the outside world.

The door slides open. SIX and Tash walk enter.

The Ferrous Corp guards react at the sight of SIX.

"What is he doing here?!"shouts one of the guards.

Tash shoots them both.

She catches a look from SIX and shrugs: “It’s just faster than having to explain.”

SIX accesses the long-range sensors and pinpoints the location of the rift, their gateway back to their reality.

Tash: You got it?
SIX: Yeah.
Tash: Then let’s go.
SIX: It’s too far.
Tash: What do you mean?
SIX: The Marauder isn’t FTL-capable. It’ll take us three years to get there by shuttle.

And the enormity of the dire situation settles. So near and yet so very, very far…

Android, Ryo, and Wexler are on the bridge, studying their alien prisoner via security feed. The Android intends to study it for now.

FIVE joins them and lets them know TWO is resting comfortably.

They are interrupted by a communication. It’s Anders.

He tells them that he has learned where the Galactic Authority is holding the white hole bomb.

All silent beat as all eyes swing over to FIVE for the call. She doesn’t even hesitate: “Let’s go get it!”

And off a resolute FIVE, we end episode