EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT
SEASON 1
"Law And Order"
A Taelon shuttle zips out of interdimensional.
Dozens of reporters are milling around the inside of the White House.
One reporter is speaking.
REPORTER: The announcement for the Rho-ha case is expected momentarily.
This is the alleged murder that has caused such an uproar in the United
States and around the world.
Camera footage of Rho-ha grabbing McIntyre's head.
REPORTER (V/O): This scene occurred in the hospital room of Army captain
Lucas Johnson. This is security camera footage that apparently shows Rho
ha, a Taelon scientist, causing the death of Major Raymond Mcintyre,
Johnson's commanding officer.
The footage ends, and the camera shows the reporter again.
REPORTER: Even the most strident Companion supporters are demanding that
Rho-ha be tried in a human court of law. President Thompson has been
working arouno the clock to reach an acceptable compromise with the
Taelon Synod.
UNSEEN MAN: Ladies and gentleman, the American Companion, Da'an, and the
President of the United States, Mr. Thompson.
Thompson and Da'an step onto the podium, followed by Sandoval and Boone.
DA'AN: I speak for the Taelon Synod. We have had lengthy discussions
with President Thompson... Rho-ha will stand trial, in a human court.
The reporters buzz with excitement.
REPORTER: What are the charges against Rho-ha?
Da'an glances to Boone.
DA'AN: Rho-ha has been charged with murder.
The reporters buzz again.
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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The scene picks up where it left off, with Thompson still smiling, Da'an
looking uncomfortable, and the reporters hungry for news.
REPORTER: Who will defend Rho-ha?
Thompson steps up to the mike.
THOMPSON: The Companions have appointed Agents Ronald Sandoval and
Commander Boone to act as Rho-ha's legal representatives.
REPORTER: But they're not lawyers.
THOMPSON: Agent Sandoval is an attorney, and Commander Boone has been
granted special dispensation by the State Bar of New York, to try this
case with Agent Sandoval.
SECOND REPORTER: How will Rho-ha plead?
Thompson turns to Sandoval.
THOMPSON: Agent Sandoval?
SANDOVAL: That determination has not yet been made.
REPORTER: Who will hear Rho-ha's case?
THOMPSON: This is obviously an unprecedented situation....
Da'an gives him a sharp look.
THOMPSON (CONT): With the approval of Congress I have appointed Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court Evelyn Hill to preside over the trial court precedings.
SECOND REPORTER: Who will prosecute?
THOMPSON: New York District Attorney Joshua Doors.
Cameras swivel to Joshua Doors, a handsome young man.
REPORTER: Mr. Doors, will you be seeking the death penalty if Rho-ha is convicted?
JOSHUA DOORS: Absolutely.
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A small metal trailor is set in the snow, surrounded by pine trees by a
lake. The inside has Taelon-themed toys and photos, and a TV with a Web
broadcast. It is watched by a stocky PSYCHO wich a shaved head and a
pseudo-Taelon jumpsuit.
REPORTER: And in a surprise, President Thompson announced today that the
prosecuter for the Rho-ha case will be Joshua Doors, son of Liberation
leader Jonathan Doors. At age 31, Joshua Doors became the youngest
District Attorney in the history of New York City.
The psycho starts savagely SLASHING a pinned-up photo of Joshua with a knife.
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Joshua Doors is pacing while holding a notebook computer.
JOSHUA DOORS: Okay, let's go over this one more time.
MARQUETTE: We've discussed this already. If something's bothering you,
why don't you just lay it on the table!
JOSHUA DOORS: The judge threw out the security camera footage, because
we couldn't authenticate it. Now your testimony is key to convicting
Rho-ha. Well, obviously the Companions wouldn't look too favorably on
you for helping to convict one of their own.
MARQUETTE: Are you suggesting that I might alter my testimony to help
Rho ha?
Joshua Doors shrugs and starts to speak. Marquette rises.
MARQUETTE: Hey, you raised the issue. At least have the guts to follow
through with your accusation.
JOSHUA DOORS: Actually, I'm not suggesting anything. I'm just asking.
MARQUETTE: Well, if you have any doubts whatsoever, just don't put me on
the stand.
Joshua Doors stares at her, then EXITS.
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Boone is flipping through pages, while Sandoval stares at a computer
screen.
BOONE: When did you practice law?
SANDOVAL: Never. I joined the FBI right out of law school.
Boone didn't know this.
BOONE: Then Rho-ha will not receive a legitimate defense.
SANDOVAL: What's your point?
Boone slams the hardback shut and stalks over to Sandoval's desk.
BOONE: You've never practiced law, I only have a Master's in criminal
justice. We need help!
SANDOVAL: The Companions would never trust the defense of this case to
non-implants. There's too much sensitive information at stake.
Boone tosses the book onto his desk.
BOONE: That's my point. Our duty is to our client, not the Companions!
SANDOVAL: Our duty is always to the Companions.
BOONE: Rho-ha will not receive an adequate defense if we're prohibited
from introducing evidence that could prove his innocence.
Sandoval stares at Boone.
SANDOVAL: I am the lead attorney in this case. Don't forget.
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Da'an and ZO'OR are seated in Da'an's office, speaking to QUO'ON.
QUO'ON: You argued that our refusal to allow Rho-ha to be tried in a
human court would damage our relations with the people of Earth.
DA'AN: However, once we have agreed to let the trial proceed, we are
obligated to abide by the results.
ZO'OR: (alarmed) We cannot risk having Rho-ha incarcerated in a human
prison. No Taelon has ever been so confined. It is unclear what Rho-ha
might divulge in such a circumstance.
QUO'ON: This discussion is premature.
DA'AN: It was the Synod which called for injecting Rho-ha with the human
gene for aggression. Rho-ha should not bear the consequences of this ill
conceived act!
ZO'OR: Rho-ha welcomed the opportunity to participate in this experiment.
(addresses Quo'on)
He is ready to make whatever sacrifice is necessary.
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Rho-ha is sitting inside the confinement area. Sandoval is walking
around while Boone watches.
SANDOVAL: Our defense will be that you acted in self-defense because
Major Mcintyre threatened to kill you.
RHO-HA: Will a human jury believe that a Taelon was truly in fear for
his life from a human?
Sandoval's face falls.
SANDOVAL: That is the only defense open to us, Rho-ha.
BOONE: Not necessarily. If Rho-ha was not in complete control of his
actions, because he was injected with human DNA, then we should consider
a plea of temporary insanity, or a similar diminished capacity defense-
SANDOVAL: Impossible!
RHO-HA: That is the true account of what happened.
SANDOVAL: (looks at Rho-ha) The only way we can admit such a defense, is
to admit that the Taelons experiment in human violence.
Rho-ha is bewildered.
RHO-HA: But I could never havecommitted such a violent act without being
under the influence of
Captain Johnson's unrestrained rage. I am truly ashamed for having
caused the death of this
human being. I want humanity to understand that.
SANDOVAL: The Synod will decide the strategy for this trial.
Sandoval tums to leave, but Boone isn't finished. Sandoval looks irritated.
BOONE: Rho-ha. We may have to put you on the witness stand to show your
remorse, and the
prosecution's going to try and provoke you. So are you in complete
control of your actions?
RHO-HA: (thinks) I have undergone extensive procedures to remove the
human DNA from my system. I believe that I can now control my rage.
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On a computer screen in the Liberation HQ the reporter is continuing to
talk about the trial and about Joshua Doors.
REPORTER: From every corner of the world, people are descending onto
Washington DC.
Jonathan Doors and Marquette are sitting in front of the screen on a
sofa, watching the reporter speak.
REPORTER: You'd have to go back to 1995 to the OJ Simpson trial to find
a case that has captivated the entire world as this one has....
Marquette stares at Doors for a moment.
MARQUETTE: Jonathan, why have you never told me that you had a son?
Doors sighs.
MARQUETTE: Too busy building an empire to concentrate on being a father?
DOORS: I'm certainly not proud of it.
MARQUETTE: How does he feel about the Companions?
DOORS: He's supportive, or at least he was the last time we spoke...
MARQUETTE: Then why did he go into a case where he's prosecuting a Taelon?
Doors doesn't answer.
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The psycho is painting a mouth on a burlap dummy. Another half-finished
dummy is sitting nearby. Then he puts down the brush and holds a mirror
in front of the dummy's face. It morphs slowly into the face of Joshua Doors.
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Joshua Doors and his bodyguard WILLIE COLLIER enter the building and are
surrounded by reporters.
COLLIER: Aw, you should have let me bring you in from the back. I can't
protect you here.
JOSHUA DOORS: How many years have you been telling me that?
THIRD REPORTER: Does the defense have a problem with the jury selection?
Joshua Doors is interrupted by the ROAR of a shuttle coming out of
interdimensional overhead.
JOSHUA DOORS: We'll soon find out.
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The shuttle glides out of interdimensional and lands in front of the building.
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The reporter is speaking to the camera.
REPORTER: It is a circus atmosphere here today on Day One of the Rho ha
trial. The Voir Dire proces has been completed, and a jury has been
selected. We have been told that the jury will consist of seven women
and five men. However, the defense has filed a motion concerning the
makeup of the jury.
Boone is escorting Da'an into the courtroom, and Zo'or is speaking
softly and urgently to Sandoval.
ZO'OR: I must be on that jury. Do not fail.
SANDOVAL: You want to control Rho-ha's fate. I understand.
They enter the courtroom. An intense middle-aged woman named Evelyn
Hill, wearing a black robe enters the room.
UNSEEN MAN: All rise. The court is now in session. Chief Justice Evelyn
Hill presiding.
Rho-ha stares around him as everyone rises, then awkwardly gets to his
feet. Boone whispers something to Rho-ha just before everyone is seated
again.
HILL: We have agreed on a jury. What is the purpose of your motion?
Sandoval rises.
SANDOVAL: Although we have agreed on the human component of the jury,
the defense believes that there must be a representative number of
Taelons on the jury.
HILL: I've read your brief. But I'm not inclined to agree with your conclusions.
SANDOVAL: Your Honor, the Constitution garantees a trial by jury of your
peers. Certainly a jury
comprised solely of humans could not be considered the defendent's peers.
Joshua Doors rises.
JOSHUA DOORS: Your Honor, when this crime was committed, the defendent
was living and working here on Earth. So when the defendent killed Major
Mcintyre his peers were human. Furthermore, I exercise my preemptory
challenges to reject the potential Taelon jurors in question.
The trial hasn't even begun, and Hill is already displeased.
HILL: I am loath to upset the complex procedures involved in selecting a
jury. However, the issues in this are unprecedented. I will not agree to
place an equal number of Taelons in the jury, but fairness dictates that
the jury shall include one Taelon. The defense has resubmitted Zo'or for
consideration. Will you accept this consideration, or reopen the Voir
Dire process?
JOSHUA DOORS: (unhappy) No, Your Honor. We accept Zo'or.
Zo'or smiles and blushes.
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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Collier is waiting for Joshua Doors outside a room.
COLLIER: Yeah, but this is different. You've never let yourself be this
exposed before.
Joshua Doors emerges from a conversation with someone, and the two walk
down the stairs.
JOSHUA DOORS: You know, you said that on my first day of high school.
And college. You always say that.
COLLIER: Yeah, and I'm right. I'd say the same thing to my own son, but
he's not a target for some lunatic looking to make a name for himself.
JOSHUA DOORS: Hey, I'm not arguing, but you've always been there to
protect me.
COLLIER: Yeah, that's why your dad hired me.
JOSHUA DOORS: You know, you have got to learn to relax.
COLLIER: Yeah, I'll relax. When this trial is over. And you're safe and sound.
JOSHUA DOORS: All right, all ready.
Collier EXITS, passing Marquette on the way, dressed in pretty clothes.
JOSHUA DOORS: Hi.
MARQUETTE: Hey.
He opens the door to his office. There is Chinese food sitting on his desk.
JOSHUA DOORS: Listen, thanks for meeting me here. Needless to say, I've
been working around the clock at this point. I hope you don't mind the
takeout Chinese food.
MARQUETTE: No, not at all. But if you do win this case, I expect a real meal.
JOSHUA DOORS: No problem. As a matter of fact, dinner is on the go as a result.
He takes off her coat, and Marquette smirks.
MARQUETTE: Ha. So, you're conceding that you have some doubts as to
whether you can win this case.
They start unwrapping the food, sitting down.
JOSHUA DOORS: Humility sells well with the jury.
MARQUETTE: Nah, you pretend you're in it for the glory, but that's not
what it's all about, is it?
JOSHUA DOORS: What do you think it's about?
MARQUETTE: I think you really care about the law, and you wanted a case
that would prove to the whole world that nobody's above the law, even a Taelon.
JOSHUA DOORS: Uh, yeah. That is, umexactly why I took this case... and
why I can't lose it.
He stops and settles on a different subject.
JOSHUA DOORS: I know you had an opportunity to, uh, spend some time with
my father, when you were shuttling him around for the Companions.
MARQUETTE: Yeah.
JOSHUA DOORS: Did you, uh, get to know him at all?
MARQUETTE: We, uh, we had a few conversations.
JOSHUA DOORS: Well, I'd be interested to know your observations about
him. We didn't get a chance to know each other very well.
MARQUETTE: He's very intelligent, extremely focused.... And uh, not the
warmest man I've ever met in my life.
JOSHUA DOORS: Did he ever mention me?
Marquette looks sympathetic.
MARQUETTE: No. I'm sorry to say he didn't.
Joshua Doors tries to shrug it off, even though it's obvious that he
cares a great deal.
JOSHUA DOORS: Well, I'm not surprised.
He chuckles in a strained manner and drinks some bottled water.
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The psycho is drilling at a small plastic box, the size of a Walkman. He
rapidly attaches it to a large belt. He straps plastic explosives and
vials of green chemicals to the belt as well. He holds a detonator,
which will go off if he holds it and then releases it. He picks up the
"Church of the Companions" card showing Da'an and sticks it to the front
of his suicide machine.
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The shuttle whizzes out of interdimensional near the embassy. Boone,
Da'an, and Sandoval are walking around Da'an's offce.
SANDOVAL: Zo'or will be sequestered with the rest of the jury until a
verdict is reached. You will not be able to communicate with him.
BOONE: If Zo'or is included on the jury, it could hurt Taelon credibility.
Da'an sits.
DA'AN: Please explain.
BOONE: If all the human members of the jury are in favor of a conviction
and only Zo'or wants to hold out for an aquittal, the public will not be satisfied.
DA'AN: I can assure you that the Synod has instructed Zo'or to exercise
his judgement in accordance with human principles.
BOONE: Then why was it so important to have a Taelon on the jury?
Da'an looks disapprovingly at Sandoval when Sandoval turns to snap at Boone.
SANDOVAL: Why do you continue to question my strategy in this case?
BOONE: Because I don't agree with it.
Sandoval grimaces, then turns his attention to Da'an.
SANDOVAL: My direction is clear. Is the Synod satisfied with my performance?
DA'AN: We are.
SANDOVAL: Then I would ask that Commander Boone be removed from the
defense! His ruminations are... unproductive and distracting!
DA'AN: Commander Boone's opposing point of view will only strengthen
you. He will remain.
Sandoval looks furious, then stalks out.
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Joshua Doors is questioning Marquette on the witness stand. The jury,
including Zo'or, is watching with interest.
JOSHUA DOORS: Please recount for the court the events of of August 20th.
MARQUETTE: I was at Veteran's Memorial Hospital, searching for Rho-ha.
In a flashback, Marquette is roaming the high-security wing of Veteran's
Memorial Hospital. She runs up to a large window.
MARQUETTE: As I was running down the corridors, I could see through a
glass wall into the room of Captain Lucas Johnson.
JOSHUA DOORS: And what exactly did you see?
Through the window, Rho-ha is pressing his shakarava the the head of the
screaming Major Mcintyre.
MARQUETTE: Rho-ha was clutching the head of Major Mcintyre. After a
moment, the major slumped to the floor.
Then Mcintyre drops limply to the floor at Rho-ha's feet. The Taelon
runs out.
JOSHUA DOORS: And what did you do next?
MARQUETTE: I ran into the room to help Major Mclntyre.
Marquette dashes in and rolls Mcintyre over. She presses her fingers to
his neck, checking for a pulse.
JOSHUA DOORS: And did you attend to the major?
MARQUETTE: Yes, I did. But he was already dead.
JOSHUA DOORS: Thank you, Captain.
Marquette nods amiably. Joshua Doors seats himself in front of his
laptop while Sandoval rises.
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The psycho is standing in front of a poster of Da’an, wearing his
explosive belt.
PSYCHO: This is my... solemn promise.... no one .... shall sit in
judgement.... over you.
Having made this vow to all the Taelons, he turns and walks unsteadily away.
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Sandoval straightens his coat and walks to the witness stand.
SANDOVAL: Captain, did you see what motivated Rho-ha to attack Major Mcintyre?
MARQUETTE: When I first saw Rho-ha, he was already clutching the head of
Major Mcintyre.
In the audience, Da'an looks down, then at Sandoval.
SANDOVAL: So it is possible, then, that Major Mcintyre threatened Rho-ha
prior to the attack?
MARQUETTE: I wouldn't know.
SANDOVAL: Hmm. That'll be all. Thank you.
Sandoval turns and walks back to the defense table.
HILL: You may step down.
Marquette nods and starts to get up. At the defense table, Boone leans
over and hisses at Sandoval.
BOONE: What kind of cross-examination was that?
SANDOVAL: Precisely the kind I believed was appropriate.
Boone stands.
BOONE: Your Honor, I have some additional questions for the witness.
HILL: Proceed.
BOONE: Thank you, Your Honor.
Marquette sits back down when Boone walks forward to the witness stand.
BOONE: Captain, were you aware that Major Mcintyre and Captain Johnson
were involved in the kidnapping of Da'an?
Joshua Doors stands up.
JOSHUA DOORS: Objection! Relevence...
BOONE: Your Honor, I'm trying to establish that the relationship between
Major Mcintyre and Captain Johnson led Major Mcintyre to attack the
defendent, Rho-ha. As an officer who has commanded troops in combat,
Captain Marquette is qualified to testify to this kind of relationship.
HILL: I'll allow it. You may answer the question.
Joshua Doors sits down in defeat.
MARQUETTE: Yes, Major Mcintyre was Captain Johnson's commanding officer.
BOONE: Did Major Mcintyre feel responsible for Captain Johnson's medical condition?
JOSHUA DOORS: Objection! The witness cannot testify to the victim's
state of mind!
BOONE:
I'll rephrase. If you were to put yourself in Major Mcintyre's shoes,
would you feel responsible for Captain Johnson?
MARQUETTE: It-it is my understanding that Major Mcintyre volunteered
some of his best soldiers, including Captain Johnson, for this
assignment which resulted in Captain Johnson's illness. So, if I had
done the same, then yes, I would be responsible.
BOONE: Captain, how would you react to the endangerment of one of your soldiers?
MARQUETTE: I would do anything in my power to protect them.
BOONE: Would that include killing anyone who you considered a threat?
MARQUETTE: Yes, it would.
BOONE: So, in your expert opinion, did Major Mcintyre consider the
Taelons a threat to the safety of Captain Lucas Johnson?
Sandoval covers his eyes with one hand.
MARQUETTE: Yes, he did.
BOONE: Thank you, Captain.
As Boone sits back down, Sandoval's jaw works in anger.
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AUGUR and Doors are seated in front of a computer screen, watching a
news report. Doors is fiddling with what looks like a tiny CD-Rom disc.
REPORTER: And the most solid defense arguments today were made not by
lead counsel Ronald Sandoval, but surprisingly by Second Sheriff William
Boone. Mr. Boone elicited testimony suggesting that the defendent may
well have acted in self-defense, in the killing on Major Mcintyre.
Doors turns the disc over in his fingers.
DOORS: We have tangible evidence of Taelon experimentation on humans. We
just can't waste this opportunity to let the world know about it.
AUGUR: Boone's walking a fine line. I hope he's up to it.
DOORS: Yeah. If he tries to get the really sensitive information out in
court, the Taelons will know he's being compromised.
AUGUR: Joshua likes to win. Like me. Trust me, he'll jump at the chance
to discredit the Taelons if it helps him win.
Doors pops the disc into a Walkman-like player.
DOORS: This is our chance to show the world what the Taelons are doing,
and it's all right here.
Up on the screen is a picture of Rho-ha in the hospital, his face
blushing to Captain's Johnson's face.
AUGUR: Well, then we'll just have to make sure Joshua gets this disc,
won't we?
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Next to the cold lake, the psycho is propping the two man-sized dummies
into standing positions. The "Joshua Doors" dummy has the explosive belt
around its waist.
PSYCHO: My boy! Hey...
His lighthearted mood darkens. He leans closer, shielding his one-sided
conversation from the "Willie Collier" dummy's painted ears.
PSYCHO: Are you ready to make the ultimate sacrifice? Are you?... You're
my hero.
He gives the dummy a kiss on its painted mouth, and walks back with a
sad sniffle. He picks up the detonator and holds its two parts together.
An ELECTRONIC WHINE fills the air. He lets go, and the two dummies
EXPLODE!
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A guard strides to Rho-ha, in the witness stand. He holds out a Bible.
Rho-ha stares at it, not knowing what to do. Hill indicates that the
guard should take it away.
HILL: Please sit down.
Sandoval rises.
SANDOVAL: Did you cause the death of Major Raymond Mcintyre?
Rho-ha looks at Sandoval, off to the side, and back to Sandoval again.
He looks extremely repentent.
RHO-HA: Yes.... Apparently I did.
SANDOVAL: Why?
In flashback, Mcintyre runs into the room, gun drawn and aimed at Rho ha.
RHO-HA: The major burst into Captain Johnson's room, with his weapon
aimed at me, ready to fire.
SANDOVAL: Was Major Mcintyre yelling?
RHO-HA: Yes...
Mcintyre is hissing violently, aiming his gun at Rho-ha.
FLASHBACK MCINTYRE: Get away from him!
RHO-HA: He was telling me to get away from Captain Johnson.
SANDOVAL: Did you believe that Major Mcintyre intended to discharge his weapon?
RHO-HA: Yes...
SANDOVAL: What happened next?
Rho-ha, shakarava flaring, runs forward and slaps the gun out of
Mcintyre's hand, throwing it to the floor.
RHO-HA: I knocked the weapon from his hands and....
Rho-ha presses his shakarava to Mcintyre's head. Mcintyre screams wildly.
RHO-HA: ... instinctively applied pressure to his head as a defensive measure.
SANDOVAL: Did you intend to kill Major Mcintyre?
RHO-HA: No.
SANDOVAL: Thank you. (to Joshua Doors) Your witness.
Joshua Doors has been fiddling with the tiny disc He puts it down on
the table and gets up.
JOSHUA DOORS: So, it's your testimony that your "defensive measure" of
applying pressure to Major Mcintyre's head was purely a reaction of self defense?
RHO-HA: Yes...
JOSHUA DOORS: Yet, you did not intend to kill him?
In flashback, Mcintyre topples to the floor, shrieking. Rho-ha stares at
him stonily before letting go of his head.
RHO-HA: No... in the heat of the moment, I reacted violently.
JOSHUA DOORS: Well, were there any other factors that would have caused
you to act so violently?
Sandoval takes notice. Rho-ha looks at Joshua Doors in confusion.
RHO-HA: I'm sorry, I... don't understand the question.
JOSHUA DOORS: Come on, isn't it true that were injected with the DNA of
Captain Johnson in a secret Taelon experiment?
Boone grabs Sandoval's arm. Sandoval jumps up and slaps the table.
SANDOVAL: Objection! There is absolutely no foundation for this baseless accusationl
HILL: (glaring at Joshua Doors) Sustained.
Joshua Doors ignores Hill. Rho-ha is beginning to look odd.
JOSHUA DOORS: And you didn't receive all of Captain Johnson's DNA
either: you only received the genes linked to aggression and violence-
SANDOVAL: OBJECTION! SUPPOSITION!
JOSHUA DOORS: —weren't even in control of your own actions—
HILL: Counselor, you're out of line! I've sustained the objection!
JOSHUA DOORS: —part of an experiment that failed—
Both Hill and Sandoval are shouting now, trying to get across to Joshua
Doors. Hill is banging her gavel and Sandoval is banging the table.
SANDOVAL: OBJECTION! Sup-po-sit-ion!
HILL: One more word and I will clear—
JOSHUA DOORS: —I think Captain Johnson's overtaken you!
Rho-ha has conflicting emotions written across his face. Suddenly his
face blushes into that of Captain Johnson, screaming in a voice that is deeper.
RHO-HA: I'll kill you!
Joshua Doors jumps back in shock. At the witness stand, a guard
restrains Rho-ha whose face slowly returns to normal. He is still
glaring at Joshua Doors.
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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Joshua Doors and Collier are walking down the steps of the building. The
psycho is trying to discreetly push his way to Joshua Doors, who is
speaking to the reporter.
JOSHUA DOORS: Well, all I'm thinking about right now is this case, and
that after the trial we can go ahead and put everything in perspective.
REPORTER: Was it your goal from the outset to discredit the Companions?
The psycho tries to worm around to the prosecuter.
JOSHUA DOORS: No no. I have one goal, and that is to prove to the world
that we are a nation of laws. And that true freedom can only exist where
everyone, including the Taelons, are bound by those laws.
REPORTER: Do you think the judge is going to declare a mistrial?
JOSHUA DOORS : Well, I can't really comment on that, can l?
Collier opens a car door for Joshua Doors. The psycho tries to shove
past the others.
REPORTER: Will you be introducing more evidence in regards to the experiments?
JOSHUA DOORS: We'll just have to wait and see.
As the car drives off, the onlookers wander away. The psycho stares
after it down the street, looking defeated.
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Doors and Augur are watching the news broadcast.
REPORTER: The stunning revelations in the Rho-ha trial today have
reverberated around the world. Concerned citizens are demanding to know
if there's truth to the allegations of secret Taelon experiments. Chief
Justice Hill has ruled that no additional evidence on the alleged Taelon
experimentation can be admitted. The judge agreed with the defense
contention that all of Mr. Doors's evidence wasuncorroborated.
The screen shows Rho-ha leaping up and screaming, his face blushing into
that of Captain Johnson.
REPORTER: And that Rho-ha's face blush was insufficient to justify
further questioning on the issue of Taelon experimentation.
AUGUR: Good call! Joshua reacted exactly as I expected!
Doors says nothing. Perhaps he feels for his estranged son.
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Joshua Doors is wandering around, speaking to the jury.
JOSHUA DOORS: Let us remind ourselves what is not a dispute in this
case. That the defendent caused the death of Major Raymond Mcintyre with
his bare hands. Now the defendent claims that he acted in self-defense.
Yet Major Mcintyre, a decorated Sl veteran, did not have time to fire
even a single shot, even though according to the defendent's own
testimony, the major entered the room with his weapon drawn, ready to
fire! Now the defendent stated that he knocked the gun away, and applied
a Taelon grip to the sides of Major Mcintyre's head with sufficient
pressure to kill him! An eyewitness has corroborated this testimony. Now
the defendent's use of deadly force can only be justified if he was in
fear for his life. Now this was clearly not the case here! Because, at
the time that the defendent killed Major Mclntyre, the major was
unarmed, and at the mercy of the defendent. Therefore, as a matter of
law, the defendent's actions cannot be self defense. And we have no
choice but to find the defendent guilty of murder.
He walks away and sits down. The judge and jury are silent. Sandoval
gets up and looks at his pocketwatch. He then looks unwaveringly at the jury.
SANDOVAL: Mr. Doors presents a rather eloquent and compelling appeal.
There is only one problem. The reasoning is incorrect. Let us examine
additional facts that are not in dispute. Although Mr. Doors continues
to refer to Major Mcintyre as a decorated war veteran, some of his
recent activites are far less impressive. Assault. Kidnapping. Crime, in
any galaxy. A heavily armed Mcintyre broke into a high-security
facility, and threatened to kill the defendent, in retaliation for what
he considered unfair treatment of his friend, Captain Johnson. Some of
you might respect the Major for his loyalty, and maybe you wishthat you
had the courage to do the same thing. But there is one incontrovertible
fact. His actions violated the law. When Mr. Mcintyre aimed a gun at the
defendent and threatened to kill him, the law allowed the defendent to
protect himself by whatever means. If an experienced soldier....
threatened to kill you.... with a loaded gun... pointed directly at your
chest... what would you do?
He turns away and walks off.
----------------------------------------------------------------
All the jurors are seated around a large oval wooden table.
LEAD JUROR: This major obviously had a vendetta against the Companions.
He kidnapped Da'an, for goodness's sake! All I know is that if anyone
pointed a loaded gun at me, I'd do anything to defend myself.
All the jurors look at her. Zo’or is smiling
LEAD JUROR: I vote "not guilty."
Murmurs of "yes" drift through the room as the jurors discuss it.
ZO'OR: Guilty.
The lead juror is startled and perhaps a little angry.
LEAD JUROR: Please explain yourself!
ZO'OR: Let me make sure I understand your system. For us to aquit
Rho-ha, we must believe he was acting in self-defense. Is that correct?
LEAD JUROR: Yes.
ZO'OR: To act in self-defense, one must believe one's life is in danger.
A Taelon would never have to kill a human in self-defense, because
humans do not have the ability to kill Taelons. And every Taelon knows that....
LEAD JUROR: A nine-millimeter handgun can't kill a Taelon?
Zo'or rises and walks to the lead juror, who also rises out of her seat.
ZO'OR: Our physical form consists primarily of energy. It is impervious
to bullets.
(he grabs her hand and brings it to his forehead)
Examine for yourself.
She hesitates, then sticks her finger into Zo'or's head!
ZO'OR: This is not a proud moment for me or any Taelon. We honor and
respect Earth's customs. Rho-ha must pay for the violent act of murder
that he has committed!
----------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL
----------------------------------------------------------------
The courtroom is abuzz with activity and talking. Hill bangs her gavel.
HILL: Order! Order!
The noise dies down. Hill looks to the jury.
HILL: Has the jury reached a verdict?
The court is now silent. The lead juror stands, grim-faced.
LEAD JUROR: We have, your Honor.
The lead juror hands a notebook computer to the guard, who presents it
to Hill.
HILL: How do you find?
LEAD JUROR: We find the defendent, Rho-ha... guilty of murder.
Cries of "no" and "yes" come from the audience.
HILL: Order! Order! I said order!
LEAD JUROR: And we sentence the defendent to the maximum penalty: death.
(sits back down)
Sandoval lowers his head in misery.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Once again, the reporter is speaking, while dazed people mill about.
REPORTER: And the world was rocked not once but twice, as the most
watched trial in hostory ended in a guilty verdict. Chief Justice Hill
has scheduled formal sentencing of Rho-ha for tomorrow.
The reporter turns as Joshua Doors and Collier exit the building. To the
side, an unhappy Boone and Sandoval walk down the stairs Boone waves
away a cameraman.
BOONE: Not right now, not now.
The reporter sticks his microphone next to the prosecuter's mouth as
Joshua Doors emerges.
REPORTER: Mr. Doors, are you satisfied with the verdict?
JOSHUA DOORS: Well, the people have spoken, and they said clearly that
everyone is accountable under the law.
REPORTER: Did the jury need to return a death sentence to prove that point?
The psycho runs from behind the car amid the pedestrians.
JOSHUA DOORS: Well, I think what's important is the sanctity of the jury
system. I respect their decision—
The psycho throws his arm around Joshua Doors's throat, nearly choking
him. Collier aims his gun at the psycho, as people scream and scatter to
a safe distance. The psycho holds up the detonator.
PSYCHO: You shoot me, I'll let go of this, and we all blow!
JOSHUA DOORS: Get away... Willie! There's nothing you can do!
PSYCHO: You put the Companions on trial, and this man is the arm of the
devil! How could you let this happen?!
A tense-looking Boone raises his arm. Sandoval grabs his wrist.
SANDOVAL: Boone! You skrill the psycho and he takes Doors with him!
BOONE: The psycho isn't my target...
Boone's skrill fires and hits Joshua Doors. The young man flies backward
and sprawls on the grass under a tree. The psycho EXPLODES, flinging
Collier to the pavement. Sandoval and Boone race to help Joshua Doors,
while the reporter gasps to the camera.
Jonathan Doors is sitting and watching the Web TV broadcast.
REPORTER: It's horrifying... just horrifying! A suicide bomber has just
succeeded in killing himself, and quite possibly his target, Rho-ha
prosecuter Joshua Doors!
Doors's face is unreadable, but he blinks tears away.
Boone is performing CPR, pumping on the younger man's chest. Sandoval
holds up a hand, warding people off.
SANDOVAL: Stand back!
Everyone stands and watches the screen. Their faces are sober. Collier
is sprawled on the pavement. His strangely peaceful face is framed by a
puddle of blood. Doors is crying a a little.
REPORTER: The death of Willie Collier, bodyquard to Joshua Doors, has
already been confirmed. This is Commander William Boone with Joshua Doors.
Boone helps Joshua Doors to sit up. Joshua Doors is coughing hard
----------------------------------------------------------------
Boone stands at his desk, staring out the window at Washington. He is
resting a beer on his computer. Da'an walks out of the elevator.
BOONE: l-I'm sorry.
DA'AN: Do you believe the verdict is incorrect?
BOONE: I do.
DA'AN: But Rho-ha has killed a human. Should he not pay for that crime?
BOONE: Yes, but Rho-ha shouldn't be put to death if he wasn't in control
of his actions!
DA'AN: I believe that your legal system allows for recourse to a higher authority.
BOONE: Only if there is sufficient grounds for an appeal. Right now I
can't see that any reversible error was committed!
DA'AN: If it is only the punishment you believed was unjust, then
perhaps you should focus your attention in that area.
Da'an EXITS. Boone stares after him, thinking.
----------------------------------------------------------------
People are arguing.
HILL: Order! Order!
The crowd settles down.
HILL: I'm prepared to formally sentence the defendent. First, however,
the defense has requested to be heard.
Boone stands up.
BOONE: Your Honor, the defense moves that the court set aside the death penalty.
HILL: On what basis?
BOONE: In this case, Your Honor, I would argue that the death penalty
violates public policy. That would render the sentence moot.
Joshua Doors seizes the opportunity that might be slipping away from
him. He stands.
JOSHUA DOORS: With all due respect, Your Honor, it would be
unconscionable to frustrate the will of a jury that has so clearly spoken!
HILL: I'm not inclined to quash a good-faith request by the defense.
Especiallv in a death penalty case. I'll hear counsel tomorrow on the issue.
Sandoval's face is hard. He leans over and turns his head to stare into
Boone's face.
In Da’an’s office, Da'an is sitting in his chair, and Boone and Sandoval
and Zo’or nearby.
SANDOVAL: How dare you embarrass me in open court?
BOONE: Embarrass you? We're talking about a life here!
ZO'OR: That isn't the point. Why did you attempt to overturn a jury verdict?
BOONE: I was under the impression that the Synod wanted me to defend Rho ha!
DA'AN: It was the Synod's desire that we operate within the boundaries
of human custom.
Da'an looks at Zo'or, perhaps about to reprimand him.
ZO'OR: How did your actions serve the interests of the Companions?
BOONE: I am following the desires of the Synod. That is how I'm serving
the Companions!
----------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL BREAK
----------------------------------------------------------------
HILL: Mr. Doors?
Joshua Doors gets up to address the court.
Doors is watching the Web broadcast.
JOSHUA DOORS: For purposes of the current motion, my burden is to
demonstrate the fact that capital punishment does not violate public
policy! As a matter of fact, capital punishment is exercised in cultures
around the world, including the United States, where this crime was
committed! Why? Well, for several reasons. Deterrent. Society's need for
a sense of fairness. Revenge. Protection. The fact that capital
punishment exists in jurisdictions around the world for reasons that are
not illegal, nor immoral, more than meet this burden. Thank you, Your Honor.
HILL: Mr. Boone?
Boone stands up.
BOONE: Your Honor, classic death penalty arguments are irrelevent in
this case. Because I can see that much of the world agrees that capital
punishment is—is an appropriate punishment. So I'm not here to argue for
or against capital punishment. However, it is the defense's position
that in this case only, the death sentence is against public policy. Why
here? Because in this case only, we're talking about putting an alien
being to death!
Boone points at Rho-ha, who looks startled.
BOONE: Not a human being. If we choose to put a member of our own
species to death... So be it! The majority has ruled. But an alien
being? One that we've only known for three years? Are we so arrogant, as
a species, as human beings, to presume that we know the impact of
killing a member of an alien species? Even if that species has given us
the right to do so? I hope not. I really hope not. Thank you, Your Honor.
The audience murmurs excitedly as Boone takes his seat.
HlLL: Order! I will not use this forum to comment on public policy!
Whether capital punishment is appropriate is the domain of the
lawmakers, not the courts. However, defense counsel's arguments are
compelling. I will not be responsible forapproving the death sentence of
a being I do not yet understand. At some future point, we may determine
that the death sentence is appropriate for a Taelon. Then the
defendent's sentence can be revisited.
In the Liberation HQ, Augur and Doors look at each other.
HILL: Until that time, I order Rho-ha to be incarcerated in a joint
human Taelon facility.
Sandoval stands up.
SANDOVAL: Your Honor, the defense requests that Rho-ha be remanded to
the custody of the Taelons for a reasonable period, sufficient to
arrange his affairs.
Hill nods. Joshua Doors jumps to his feet.
JOSHUA DOORS: Your Honor, the defendent has been convicted of a capital offense—
HILL: Is counsel agreeable to negotiating a mutually acceptable
procedure, that would allow the defendent the time he has requested?
Joshua Doors glances back at the defense table.
JOSHUA DOORS: I am, Your Honor.
HILL: So ordered!
She bangs her gavel. The audience murmurs wildly.
In the Liberation HQ, Doors continues to stare at the screen, but he is
clearly not paying attention.
The audience has risen, and people are talking excitedly. Joshua Doors
rises and walks to the defense table.
JOSHUA DOORS: Will...
Boone has been conversing softly with Rho-ha. Joshua Doors offers his hand.
BOONE: (to Rho-ha) Excuse me, just for a minute.
He stands up and takes Joshua Doors's hand.
JOSHUA DOORS: That's damn good lawyering.
BOONE: Thanks.
JOSHUA DOORS: And I'm satisfied: We made our point. And if the Taelons
are bound by our laws, then I can rest comfortably.
BOONE: We better make sure that the Taelons continue to be bound by our laws.
JOSHUA DOORS: Listen, thanks. Thanks for everything.
Boone shakes his hand.
BOONE: You're welcome.
REPORTER: Mr. Doors! Can we speak with you?
BOONE: (whaps Joshua Doors affectionately on the shoulder) Go. You've
earned it.
As Joshua Doors moves away into the crowd, Boone sits down next to
Rho-ha and whispers to the Taelon.
BOONE: I'll continue to search for grounds for an appeal. We'll make new
law if we have to.
Rho-ha holds out a hand to Boone. Boone looks at it, and takes it.
RHO-HA: You have my great admiration and respect.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Rho-ha is Iying on a bed that is levitating on a shimmering energy
field, wrapped in a golden, robelike glittery garment. Zotor enters and
looks down at the imprisoned scientist.
ZO'OR: Your death at the hands of the humans would have served the
Taelons well, by further convincing humanity that we honor its ways.
This doesn't seem to surprise Rho-ha.
RHO-HA: Is that why you convinced the other jurors to convict me?
ZO'OR: Of course. But William Boone took that away from you.
RHO-HA: He fought for me.
Zo'or doesn't debate this with Rho-ha, but switches topics.
ZO'OR: We cannot cleanse your system of the human DNA. Such an impurity
in the Taelon Commonality poses an unacceptable danger to the Taelons.
Your choice is clear.
Rho-ha lifts his chin a little in pride.
RHO-HA: Tell William Boone, that despite my ultimate fate, his defense
of my life has made me proud to carry a piece of humanity within my being.
Zo'or says nothing, but only blushes as Rho-ha dies. The scientist's
body becomes transparent in its natural state, then dematerializes into
a spray of particles that whizz out into space.
