"Alternatives" by Rygar First draft - 1/7/02 Final draft - 1/11/02 SCENE 1 - TOAD WORKSHOP Amid piles of metal and circuitry sits ENGINEER WILLY DUWITT, working feverishly on a new piece of technology to serve the toad empire. Over the past few days, he's worked on this same project, and he's constructed what appears on the outside to be a small metal box, but on the inside contains intricate wiring and complex electronic devices. Willy sits and ponders for a moment, then places a small chip inside the box and attaches it to the wiring. Grinning from ear to ear, he picks up a screwdriver and screws the box shut. WILLY Finished! As if on cue, a door to the room opens, and TOADBORG enters. Toadborg knows that Willy has been completely brainwashed and is fully loyal to the toads, but he has not received a status report from the human in days and is getting anxious. Plus, he's still a bit irritable after his recent encounter with the Cyber Spiders and his subsequent repair. TOADBORG How is the project coming, DuWitt? You know the deadline looms. It would be quite a pity if you were to miss it. WILLY Well, Toadborg, I told you that the mammals' warp drive technology is incompatible with toad technology. I've broken some ground, but it's still going to take me a few weeks ... TOADBORG (angrily) *Weeks*!? We do not *have* weeks. *You*, mammal, do not have weeks. WILLY Let me finish! Geez. (picks up the box) There's no rush. With this little piece of equipment here, you should be able to overrun Genus, or at the very least cause some major damage to UAC headquarters. TOADBORG (surprised) What did you say? Conquer Genus? Do not try to trick me, mammal. Their defense is too thorough. We can't sneak through it with anything larger than a handful of storm toads. WILLY Why would I want to trick you? Just listen for a sec. I know the basics of how Genus's radar and defense system works. Normally, even if you manage to get past the radar, the defense masers will sense you and fire. This device will not only cloak you from radar, it'll trigger the defense system's maintenance function for all the masers within a five hundred-yard radius of the device. TOADBORG (intrigued) And why would we want to do that? WILLY Well, you can't normally get past the defense masers; they'll shoot you down. However, when the system's in maintenance mode, the masers're turned off. It normally stays like that for only a minute, but this device will keep sending the signal, meaning it'll stay in maintenance mode pretty much for good. This means you can form a large, concentrated attack. I'd recommend coming in over UAC Headquarters; I can give you the coordinates. TOADBORG What makes you so sure that this will work? All attempts in the past to override Genus's defense technology with our own have been unsuccessful. WILLY I told you -- the two technologies aren't compatible. I built this more like a mammalian device. All it needs is electrical power, and that can be adapted for a mothership outlet without any trouble. There is a moment of uncomfortable silence as Toadborg looks Willy over. TOADBORG I must say, DuWitt, if this device of yours works ... is it yet functional? WILLY (looking down at the device) Almost. I've just got to put the finishing touches on it. It won't work otherwise. Willy reaches into his pocket to reveal his Aldebaran spell gem. Closing his eyes for a moment, he concentrates as the gem lights up. After a few seconds, the gem dulls, and Willy opens his eyes. WILLY (visibly a little drained) Phew. There. TOADBORG (seems slightly disturbed) Your Aldebaran magic? What did you do? WILLY Just completing the device. I built some of the technology in the device to adapt to it; I just had to infuse it. TOADBORG You combined the powers of the witch with mammalian technology, eh? I must admit, DuWitt, your presence has so far proved rather beneficial. WILLY Anything for KOMPLEX. TOADBORG How long will it take you to construct more of these devices? WILLY Um ... I can't. TOADBORG (surprised) What? And why not? WILLY Well, the Aldebaran magic that's working inside the machine is mine. I'm sort of a power source for it. I can't spread that out multiple machines. You won't be able to attack with more than one mothership initially, but that should really be plenty for a first assault. (beat) I'll get back to working on the warp drives soon, but I'd really appreciate a little break. I know you're a tireless machine, but I could really use some rest. And some food ... I'm still not too keen on the whole flies thing. TOADBORG (a little less enthusiastic than before) Very well. You may have one hour's rest. But first, install this new device of yours, while I assemble a fleet. WILLY Yes, sir. Toadborg exits the room, followed by Willy, who is carrying his invention. SCENE 2 - COCKPIT, DOCKED TOAD MOTHERSHIP Willy is lying on his back underneath the mothership's control panel, reaching up into the panel to install the device. Toadborg and the TOAD AIR MARSHAL are standing in the cockpit, waiting for him to finish. WILLY Almost got it ... now, when you're nearing Genus, press the fly dispenser button. I wired it so that'll activate the machine, meaning this mothership can get through anything. Just leave it on; it'll protect you whenever you're in range, meaning your entrance and escape will both be covered. AIR MARSHAL You ... you disabled the fly dispenser! What if we get hungry on the way? WILLY Sorry, but it was the best adaptation, considering the way this panel is set up. I still don't know enough about toad technology to do a better job, but I'll get on it. TOADBORG See that you do. AIR MARSHAL (rubs his stomach) In fact, I'm getting hungry right now. WILLY (fidgets a little more with the panel) That should do it. I had to install it on the outside of the panel; there was no room for it to fit inside the panel. It's a little exposed, so don't kick it or anything. AIR MARSHAL (still lamenting his hunger) Oh well. So when do I get to attack Genus? TOADBORG You? I dare not entrust this mission to *you*, Air Marshal. AIR MARSHAL W-what!? Why not? KOMPLEX appears on a monitor in the mothership's control panel. KOMPLEX Quiet, Air Marshal. You know how important this mission is. By extension, you should understand why I dare not entrust it to anyone other than Toadborg. AIR MARSHAL I'm tired of having my authority overlooked! Just because I blew a few missions doesn't mean I'm not capable of ... TOARBORG (speaking over the Air Marshal) I thought you said you were hungry, Air Marshal. AIR MARSHAL ... commanding a ... yes, I am. TOADBORG Then shut up and go eat! AIR MARSHAL (throwing his hands in the air) Fine, fine! I'll go do just that! No use in hanging around here anymore. I could use a little break. WILLY (sliding out from underneath the control panel) Mind if I come with you? The device is installed, and I have an hour off anyway. KOMPLEX Yes, Air Marshal. I think you function well as the human's tour guide. AIR MARSHAL (insulted) Tour guide?! I am not a ... I'm ... I'm hungry. (sighs) Fine. Come on, boy. Willy gets up and walks out with the Air Marshal, who grumbles as he exits. KOMPLEX So we will be able to bypass Genus's defenses and attack with this mothership? TOADBORG Yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX Why can we not send multiple motherships? Surely the human can build more of this device. There is no need to hurry. TOADBORG He tells me he cannot build more. He used witch magic to power this one; he cannot do the same for others. I am certain he would not lie to us. This is the best time to attack, anyway. Bucky O'Hare's ship will be crippled without the human, and they have not had the time to make use of whatever data that miserable warm-blooded cyborg managed to get to them. (beat) Conquering Genus with one mothership is not possible, but if we can devastate the UAC's headquarters, we will deactivate the defense systems for good. We will have other motherships waiting outside the range of Genus's radar, and once I accomplish my mission, the other motherships will be free to demolish everything in their paths. KOMPLEX An interesting strategy, Toadborg. I see its wisdom. Be sure that you do not fail me. TOADBORG Never, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX Do not get cocky with me, Toadborg. You've failed me almost as many times as that miserable little fireplug has. If you fail me again, there may well be consequences. TOADBORG I understand and obey, KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX Good. KOMPLEX disappears from the monitor. Toadborg activates the mothership's comm-link in order to address the fleet he's amassed -- five other motherships and two hundred and fifty double bubbles. TOADBORG All units, prepare for launch. Destination: Genus. SCENE 3 - TOAD LOUNGE The lounge is a sparsely decorated room with a dilapidated easy chair in the middle. A row of wall-mounted television screens circles the room, with all the screens blaring Toad TV. The Air Marshal is reclining in the chair and munching on a bowl of popcorn flies he's prepared for himself. Willy is sitting on the ground next to him, eating some leaves out of a bowl. WILLY These taste funny. AIR MARSHAL They're called eucalyptus, or something. For some reason, we got a whole bunch of them in storage when we took over the koalas in Rigel V. WILLY Ugh. Well, anything's better than more flies. AIR MARSHAL Don't worry. After we conquer Genus, we'll be able to get food you can eat. WILLY Why do you have to conquer Genus to do that? I mean, you've already enslaved some other mammalian races, haven't you? Just get some food from them. AIR MARSHAL (blinks) Huh. I never thought of that. WILLY (jokingly) Just how much padding did you put in that hat of yours, anyway? AIR MARSHAL (voice rising) What was that? WILLY Just kidding, Air Marshal! Sorry. Thought you could take a joke. (beat) So you guys watch a lot of TV around here, huh? I hardly ever watch TV nowadays. AIR MARSHAL You don't? Well, you should! How do you spend your free time if you're not watching TV? WILLY Usually reading books or listening to music. AIR MARSHAL Why would you read books? Those are only good for military information. WILLY What do you mean? There are all sorts of books you can read just to entertain yourself with a good story. AIR MARSHAL Really? WILLY Yeah. I think you need to broaden your horizons. (beat) I suppose I should as well. I haven't seen any Toad TV yet. AIR MARSHAL None at all? (beat) Oh, that's right. They've kept you cooped up in that lab. Well, don't worry. This is some quality stuff you're about to see ... The Air Marshal and Willy fix their gaze on Toad TV, and the Air Marshal becomes hypnotized. After a few minutes of staring, a little bit of drool forms at the corners of his agape mouth. Willy, who is unaffected by the Toad TV, looks at the screens, then at the Air Marshal, then back at the screens. WILLY (slightly contemplative) Huh. I must be missing something ... this is awful! SCENE 4 - BUCKY'S APARTMENT, GENUS CAPTAIN BUCKY O'HARE is pacing about in his living room, going back and forth. He's talking to himself, practically in his own little world. FIRST MATE JENNY, who is sitting down on the couch, is trying to calm him down, as she has been for the past half hour. BUCKY (in a slightly edgy tone) I don't like it! JENNY I know. I don't either. Please, stop pacing ... BUCKY They won't deal with us. They won't let us know how Willy's doing. Toadborg threatened me with him on the moon base. And worst of all, they're not acting! No toad activity in a week. What are they up to? JENNY I don't know, Bucky, but you've got to calm down. You're worrying about something you can't fix. BUCKY You saw the advantage we got when Willy came on board! Now, he's probably building weapons for the toads. If he builds them a mark-5 accelerator ... JENNY *Bucky*! Bucky's head tilts up suddenly, as if he's had a spell on him broken. He keeps pacing, but he does so much more slowly now. BUCKY Huh? JENNY (motions to the rest of the couch) Sit. Down. BUCKY Dammit Jenny, I may be worrying too much, but you're not worrying enough. JENNY We have to wait. You know Fritz is working on a plan to get Willy back. Our best scientists are analyzing the data Dallion got for us. We can't just rush in there and attack the Toad Homeworld. We'd be vaporized before we could blink. There's nothing we can do. BUCKY Nothing we can do? No. No, there's got to be something we can do. If we could even see what Willy's doing, we could ... hey! JENNY What? BUCKY (snaps his fingers) Of course! Call out to him! I assume he's still got his Aldebaran powers. JENNY Well, I'd thought of that, but I was worried about tapping into his mind like that, since he's been brainwashed. There's no telling what ... Bucky stops pacing. BUCKY There. I've calmed down. Now you do me a favor. JENNY I'm worried, Bucky. What if ... BUCKY (a little smug) Good, now you're worried too. So do something about it. Jenny shoots him a look. She's not happy with Bucky's demeanor since Willy's kidnapping. Still, she realizes that she's got to try contacting him. Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes and begins to focus her telepathic energy on finding him. She seems have some trouble doing so, and her brows knit together as she concentrates. Jenny sees blackness, the deep utter blackness of space. Suddenly, an image fills her mind and an unexplained surge of power hits her, startling her out of her trance with enough force to knock her over physically. BUCKY (seeing Jenny hit the floor) Jenny! Bucky rushes over to Jenny and helps her up. She turns to him, her eyes wide. JENNY (voice distant, eyes unfocused) Something's coming. BUCKY What? JENNY I felt some Aldebaran energy coming towards Genus. But it's been ... tainted. I could feel the touch of technology all over it. And the toads. I felt the toads ... I felt Willy's presence, too. The magic came from him. And it's dangerous. BUCKY (alarmed) Did they do something to Willy? JENNY No. I didn't feel his actual presence, just his magic. I only felt, only saw one presence ... Toadborg. BUCKY (growling) Toadborg! Coming towards Genus? JENNY In a mothership. We have to get the crews ... Bucky grabs Jenny by the arm, cutting her off. She can feel how tense he is, and she realizes that words aren't going to have any effect now. They race out of the building, and Jenny begins fumbling with her wrist-comm to contact GUNNER DEADEYE DUCK, AFC BLINKY, and BRUISER. SCENE 5 - AIRSPACE ABOVE GENUS The toad fleet is approaching Genus. It's led by the mothership containing Toadborg, which is flanked by five double bubbles. The rest of the fleet follows closely behind, ready to lie in wait once they're just outside radar range. Inside the cockpit, Toadborg hovers over the control panel, prepared to activate Willy's device when necessary. A number of TOAD PILOTS are manning the controls. TOAD PILOT #1 Toadborg, we're almost in range of the mammals' radar. TOADBORG Then let us hope that the human did not fail us. Toadborg pushes the appropriate button on the control panel. A faint electrical hum can be heard for a moment, then passes. TOAD PILOT #1 We're in radar range, sir. No sign of mammals, or any other trouble. TOADBORG Then keep going. Toadborg's mothership continues on its course, surrounded by the five double bubbles. The rest of the toad forces stay behind, for now. After three minutes, the mothership meets with no opposition. It's closing in on Genus. TOADBORG (satisfied) Excellent. (over comm, to the five double bubbles) We'll be in range in five minutes. Ready weapons systems. (to himself) Prepare to fry, you filthy mammals. SCENE 6 - THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION Bucky and Jenny arrive on board The Righteous Indignation to find the rest of their crew already there, as Deadeye, Bruiser, and Blinky immediately responded to Jenny's summons. DEADEYE Hey, lass, what's the fuss? BUCKY Everyone to your stations! The toads are coming towards Genus, and we're going to welcome them. BLINKY This humble robot is confused. Will not advanced Genus defense system hinder any attempt at toad infiltration? BUCKY They've got something up their sleeve; otherwise, they wouldn't be coming for us. And Toadborg's with them. This is big. (in an angry tone) And I've still got to properly thank that pile of scrap metal for what he did to our engineer. (to Jenny) Did you alert Mimi and Dogstar? JENNY I didn't have time! I had to get our crew. I'll do that right now. Jenny activates her wrist-comm and prepares to send CAPTAIN MIMI LAFLEUR and COMMANDER SIRIUS DOGSTAR the message. Bucky leaps up to the cockpit and gets the ship ready to fly. JENNY (still trying to establish a connection) Bucky! Don't take off yet! Wait for the others! We can't fight the toads alone! Bucky! Jenny feels the ship take off. SCENE 7 - AIRSPACE ABOVE GENUS The toad fleet has just breached the Genus defense systems. Toadborg cackles with maniacal glee as his mothership approaches Genus. Suddenly, he spots The Righteous Indignation off in the distance, speeding towards the mothership. TOADBORG *What*!?! How did those miserable mammals know we were coming? We can't take Genus if they're aware ... (beat) No matter. Genus can wait. There will be more time later. (over comm) All double bubbles, fire on The Righteous Indignation. I don't want enough left of those mammals to feed a tadpole. The Righteous flies closer and closer to the mothership. JENNY Mimi and Dogstar will be here in a few minutes. What do you want us to do, Bucky? BUCKY Attack them, of course! JENNY It's a mothership! We can stop the double bubbles by ourselves, but a mothership ... (beat) It's getting stronger. I can feel it. It's on that mothership. Whatever it is, we have to divert it until the others arrive. (over comm) Deadeye, fire at that mothership. We can't destroy it, but we can keep it away from us and stall it. Bucky suddenly tenses up. BUCKY You were right. Toadborg's on there. I can feel it. This is his doing. Bucky stands up and turns toward the ladder leading down out of the cockpit. JENNY Wait! Bucky, stop this! Where are you going? BUCKY The Croaker. I'm taking him down myself. I'll get Willy back. JENNY You're going to face a toad mothership on the *Croaker*!? BUCKY Not much worse than just on our ship. You're the one that didn't call for backup in time. I'm just following your lead. JENNY *What*? Don't you dare blame this on ... no, Bucky, let Deadeye ... BUCKY You say there's something evil on the mothership? Then I'll board it and destroy it myself. Jenny reaches out and tries to grab Bucky, but she's not fast enough to stop him from darting away. The only thing in her reach is one of his ears, and she's rewarded for her swipe by a few strands of green fur in her hand. Bucky, not even noticing, darts down the ladder and boards the Toad Croaker. Bruiser sees him as he climbs down. BRUISER Hey, Cap'n, where ya ... BUCKY (ignoring Bruiser, to himself) I'm coming for you, Toadborg. The Toad Croaker launches. Back on the mothership, Toadborg has watched The Righteous Indignation dodge loads of toad fire. Only a few shots have registered, but the volley of fire has kept it so busy that it hasn't fired back. Toadborg grows anxious, certain that the mammal frigate will soon be demolished. Suddenly, he notices the Toad Croaker emerge, and he sees Bucky on it, riding toward him. TOADBORG Captain O'Hare himself. This is going to be even more fun than I anticipated. I'll worry about Genus later. But for now ... (over comm) All double bubbles. Give the captain your warmest welcome. The fire suddenly concentrates on Bucky, but his rage has actually managed to help him focus, and the small size of the Croaker is a help as well. He dodges all of their shots -- though not without difficulty -- and continues approaching the toad mothership. In his gunner's chamber, Deadeye grins. DEADEYE Well, Cap'n, thanks for giving ol' Deadeye a chance to get some shots off ... let's see if I can get some o' them slimeballs off yer back! Deadeye begins firing at the double bubbles and manages to destroy a few of them. However, he notices that the mothership has started to fire on him, too. DEADEYE Whatever yer doin', Cap'n, ye better do it fast ... and Mimi and Dogstar better speed up, too! In the toad mothership's cockpit, Toadborg is getting angry. Bucky is doing too well. The double bubbles are being taken out, giving Bucky more room to maneuver and the opportunity to do some shooting of his own. Toadborg knows the mothership can withstand the current opposition's firepower, but if the Righteous has alerted others, he doesn't know how good his position will be. TOADBORG (over comm, to the double bubbles waiting beyond the radar) Get over here, you fools! I need backup! Attack Bucky O'Hare at all costs! (his voice growing louder, and his fury rising, with each sentence) What is wrong with you? Why are you taking so long?! All I ask is for that little mammal to be destroyed ... for me to be rid of him forever! He's one measly target! It only takes one direct hit! So will one of you worthless wastes of warts please *destroy him*! With the last two words, Toadborg slams his fist down on the control panel in anger. A loud thud is heard. TOADBORG What was that? What in ... Toadborg leans over and looks at the floor beneath him. His hitting the control panel managed to dislodge Willy's device. He realizes that since it's no longer drawing power from the mothership, Genus's defense system will reactivate in one minute, and the mothership is still in range. TOADBORG (whirling around and shouting at the nearest toad) You! Fix that! Now! The TOAD jumps, startled. TOAD I'll ... I'll try, sir. TOADBORG (in a tone mixing anger and worry) Do it, or you won't live to regret it! The toad scurries beneath the control panel and tries to reattach the device. After a few seconds of fumbling, he emerges. TOAD (nervously) I can't do it, sir. I don't understand that wiring at all. Furious, Toadborg smacks the toad, hurling him across the cockpit. TOADBORG (shouting to the pilots) Retreat! (over comm) All double bubbles, *crush Bucky O'Hare now*! On the Croaker, Bucky stops right beside the toad mothership, which has begun to turn around in order to retreat. It completes half of its of its turn, so Bucky and the Righteous now face its broad right side. BUCKY (over comm) Deadeye, concentrate your fire. See if you can knock a hole in the side of this thing for me, so I can get inside. DEADEYE (over comm) Gimme one sec, Cap'n ... After warding off the two remaining double bubbles with maser fire, Deadeye takes a few shots at the side of the mothership. He manages to punch a small hole in the hull big enough for the Toad Croaker to fit through. DEADEYE (over comm) There we go. Ha hah! Their shields used t' take more of a poundin' than that! This new maser canon seems better to me every time I use it! Too bad Willy ain't here t' see it in action ... BUCKY (to himself) OK, now all I have to do is get inside. I'll worry about taking Toadborg down when I get that far ... what? Out of the corner of his eye, Bucky sees twenty more double bubbles coming toward him. He has the time to rattle off a few expletives before they begin firing at him. Some of the toad pilots are smart enough to realize what Bucky intended to do, and they fire between him and the hole in the mothership, cutting him off. Some of the double bubbles focus on Bucky, while the rest go after the Righteous. By this time, the mothership has turned completely around, and Bucky faces its rear. BUCKY (to himself) Some battle plan. I can get out of their range by going around the mothership, back to the hole Deadeye made. Bucky flies around the mothership, toward the hole. As he nears it, he sees another ten double bubbles heading his way. BUCKY (frustrated) Not again. Spying a window of opportunity, Bucky overshoots the hole on purpose and cuts left, bringing himself directly in front of the mothership's cockpit. BUCKY No way they'll shoot at me now. The mothership's canons can't reach me when I'm this close either. If Dogstar and Mimi would get here, we'd be ... Bucky was wrong; the double bubbles are firing at him after all. He begins evasive maneuvers. Toadborg is also surprised that the double bubbles are firing at Bucky. Naturally, most of their shots are hitting the front of the mothership. TOADBORG (over comm) What are you *doing*?! You're firing on us! TOAD PILOT #2 (over comm) You said to attack Bucky O'Hare at all costs, sir! TOADBORG (over comm) I am not a cost, pilot! Cease fire! *Cease* ... The next toad double bubble shot directly hits the cockpit, knocking Toadborg and the other toads down. Some of the equipment inside the cockpit surges with electricity, shooting blue bolts about. Before Toadborg can move, he sees one of the bolts hit Willy's device on the floor. It begins to glow. TOADBORG That cannot be good. I must get rid of it before it explodes! TOAD PILOT #1 What makes you think it'll explode? TOADBORG (angrily) Everything explodes! Every time those filthy mammals ruin my plans, everything explodes! Toadborg picks up the device and looks around the cockpit for a way to dispose of it. Noticing through the window that Bucky is still right outside the cockpit, he musters all his strength and hurls the device through the window. The window shatters as the device flies through it, and Toadborg then presses a button to send a second plate of glass down to cover the hull breach before it gets too severe. Bucky is too busy evading the toad double bubbles' fire to notice the glowing device, which hits the Toad Croaker. When it does, a loud flash of energy is heard, and a hazy purple burst results, shooting outward in a star pattern. The burst also engulfs a double bubble that was about to ram Bucky. When it clears, Bucky and the spacecraft are nowhere to be seen. TOADBORG Enjoy hell, you filthy rodent. (pauses for a moment and realizes what he's done) I did it. Bucky O'Hare is dead. Victory ... victory! (raising his fists) *Victory*! *Vict* ... uh-oh. The toads' minute is up. Genus's defenses reactivate, showering the mothership and double bubbles with a hail of maser fire. The double bubbles are obliterated, and the mothership takes a pounding before finally getting out of range. Onboard the Righteous, Jenny sees the burst of energy that engulfs Bucky. JENNY (softly) No ... Before she can do anything, a voice comes over the comm-link. MIMI (over comm) Need a little help? Jenny hears the amount of maser fire outside the Righteous triple, signaling to her that The Indefatigable and The Screaming Mimi have finally arrived. After another minute of fighting, the remaining double bubbles are taken care of by the three frigates. DOGSTAR (over comm) Well, that was certainly invigorating, eh, old boy? JENNY (over comm) Thanks, Dogstar, but Bucky's ... not here right now. DOGSTAR (over comm) Not there? What happened? JENNY (over comm) The toads ... the toads got him. DOGSTAR (over comm) What? The toads got Bucky? They captured him? JENNY (over comm) No ... worse. SCENE 8 - COCKPIT, TOAD MOTHERSHIP The six motherships and the remaining double bubbles have returned from the mission. Toadborg stands in the cockpit of his mothership. As soon as it docks, KOMPLEX appears on a screen in the control panel. KOMPLEX (calmly, but obviously masking fury) Toadborg. You were supposed to conquer Genus. Instead, you lost thirty- five double bubbles and all but crippled a mothership. In addition to all that, the human screamed and fell unconscious fifteen minutes ago. I trust you have a satisfactory explanation -- one that will keep you from being melted down into a new pair of golf clubs for the Air Marshal. TOADBORG Bucky O'Hare is dead, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX (doubtful) Exactly how many times have you thought that rodent dead, Toadborg? And exactly how many times has he survived? TOADBORG (excitement in his voice) This time is different. I hurled the weapon at him myself. I saw it strike him. I saw the explosion, and I saw him vanish. There was nothing left of him. KOMPLEX Explosion? What weapon did you use? TOADBORG The human's device became ... dislodged during combat and was struck by electricity. This destabilized it. I hurled it through the window, and it struck O'Hare, vaporizing him. KOMPLEX So the device imbued with the human's energy was destroyed. That would explain his condition. I fear we may not be able to attack Genus again for some time. TOADBORG With O'Hare dead, Genus is practically ours for the taking, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX Practically, but not assuredly. See to it that this mothership is repaired, and then begin another plan of attack. If that miserable worm is truly dead, then this is an opportunity we cannot pass up. TOADBORG Yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX disappears from the monitor. Toadborg exits the mothership, making a noise that could almost be described as a chuckle. SCENE 9 - GENUS AIRSPACE The air is calm -- there are no signs of battle, or of anything else that would disturb the quiet. Then, in a flash of purple, the Toad Croaker and the double bubble reappear. The two collide, smashing together. Bucky leaps from the mangled Toad Croaker and grabs onto the double bubble's right bubble. BUCKY (to himself) Frell! Well, maybe this can work to my advantage ... though I think Fritz is getting tired of replacing my equipment. Bucky yanks open the bubble and punches the toad inside it in the face, knocking him unconscious. Grabbing the toad and tossing him out into space, he jumps into the double bubble and mans the controls. BUCKY (over comm, to the toad in the left bubble) The toads'll pick up your friend. Now stay quiet and you just might live through this. (to himself) Now to use this sucker's firepower on the ... Bucky looks around. The toad mothership is gone. BUCKY ... mothership? Bucky looks all around him. Not only is the mothership missing, but he can't see The Righteous Indignation or the other double bubbles either. Furious, he uses the comm-link to contact the TOAD in the other bubble. BUCKY OK, wart-face, what's your game? TOAD I-I don't know! They were all here a second ago! BUCKY Don't play dumb! What does Toadborg have up his sleeve? TOAD (beginning to panic) Honest, this wasn't part of the plan! I have no idea what's going on, or where they are! Bucky doesn't believe the toad, but he has no choice at the moment. Shaking his head, he turns the double bubble around and sets a course to land on Genus. After the double bubble lands, Bucky hops out of the bubble. As the toad tries to get out as well, Bucky walks over and bops him on the head, knocking him out. BUCKY (to the toad) You're not going anywhere. Not until I get some answers. Bucky grabs the toad and then turns to face north, where he expects to see the capital of Genus. What he actually sees, however, is something rather different than he expected. BUCKY (surprised, with a hint of dread) What in the world? SCENE 10 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE CHAIRMAN FRITZ WARNER sits at his desk, doing paperwork, when Jenny bursts in. FRITZ Jenny? Can I help ... JENNY (gasping for air, as she obviously ran all the way to the office) Toads ... Bucky ... gone ... FRITZ (standing up) Whoa, calm down, Jenny. Take a breath and tell me what happened. Though still frantic, Jenny takes a deep breath and calms down. She then begins to tell Fritz what happened. During her explanation -- which is basically an emotional ramble -- Dogstar and Mimi enter the room and stand behind Jenny. FRITZ (after Jenny is finished) OK, so let me get this straight. (pauses and then speaks, a little vexed) You sensed that something was coming towards Genus, so you and Bucky rushed after it without alerting me, Mimi, or Dogstar. You took on a toad mothership and a horde of double bubbles entirely by yourself. Bucky actually manned the *Croaker* and headed towards the mothership. And then there was a flash of light, and you think Bucky's *where*? ... JENNY In an alternate dimension. DOGSTAR What, like Willy's dimension? JENNY No, an alternate dimension, not a parallel one. He's in a completely different aniverse, with its own space-time continuum. It could be exactly like ours, or it could have a completely different history. I have no way of knowing. FRITZ (rubbing his temples) Of all the ... I should've just kept him under house arrest. (beat) So what makes you so sure he's just in another dimension? Optimism? JENNY The energy signature was familiar. I could sense the threat in the first place because it was Aldebaran -- Willy obviously constructed it for the toads. It's probably what let them get past the radar and deactivate Genus's defenses. MIMI (holds out her paws in a "wait" gesture) Whoa, hold on. Willy knows magic? Since when? JENNY (irritated that she let the secret slip) Long story, not important right now. But I recognized the energy signature of the explosion that engulfed Bucky, and I think I know what happened. (beat) Willy melded Aldebaran magic with technology -- not the best idea, but he doesn't know enough about our magic to know better. It's been tried before, and it's inherently unstable. They don't agree with each other. (beat) I saw one of the toads accidentally hit the mothership with a blast. This probably infused the cockpit with extra energy, which must have hit whatever Willy built that contained his magic. The overload in electricity that the circuitry in the device experienced also carried over to the magical portion of the device. This overload of magical energy is what caused the explosion to send Bucky to another dimension, instead of kill him. DOGSTAR Oh, I see. So excess uncontrolled electricity results in explosions, but excess uncontrolled magic spreads across dimensions? JENNY In this case, yes, because it was unstable already. And fortunately, I think I know how to get Bucky back. FRITZ (sighing) I hope you're right. How long will this take? The last thing we need is for the toads to attack again when the Righteous is missing its engineer *and* its captain. JENNY Not long, but I have to take the Righteous and go to Aldebaran. Alone. FRITZ (a little impatient) Jenny, this is not the time for Aldebaran secrecy. It's not like we don't know most of your secrets by now anyway. JENNY (angrily) Do you want Bucky back or not? FRITZ (backing down) Fine, fine, sorry. I'm under just as much stress as you are. Jenny storms out of the room, leaving Dogstar, Mimi, and Fritz in silence. Dogstar shakes his head. SCENE 11 - GENUS Bucky is astonished to see the capital city of Genus before him. Expecting to recognize the buildings and skyline, he instead sees a city that is both familiar and alien to him. All the buildings and other aspects of the city remain in place, but metal is everywhere. Some of the buildings are completely metal, while others are partly so. There are also new edifices that he does not recognize. He recognizes the general way the metal was used to augment the buildings, however -- he's seen enough images of the Toad Homeworld to know their style of construction. BUCKY (softly) No. Dazed, Bucky drops the toad he was dragging behind him and heads into the city. Looking around him, he recognizes the roads and layout, but everything is either partly or completely metal, save the ground and the trees. BUCKY They couldn't have gotten through us ... and if they did, they couldn't have taken over like this so quickly ... Bucky continues into the city. Finally, he sees a pair of figures walking toward him. Surprised, he makes out that one is a HARE and the other is a TOAD. He dashes towards them, pulling out his blaster. BUCKY (to the hare) Get down! (aiming his blaster at the toad) Get away from him! Now! TOAD (confused) Huh? What's ... Bucky fires a warning shot above the toad's head. TOAD (ducking) Hey! What are you doing?! BUCKY I said back away from ... HARE (surprised) Easy, friend! What's your problem? BUCKY (turning to face the hare) Huh? HARE Put down that gun! What in the world are you doing? BUCKY What? But ... the toad ... HARE He's my roommate! BUCKY (horrified) Your ... your *what*? TOAD (shaken) Yeah. We were just going out for some lunch. BUCKY (confused) What's going on here? How did ... (beat) This is a trick! This is all a toad trick! (aims his blaster at the toad) Tell me what's going on. Where am I? TOAD Um, would you please put that blaster down? What did I do? BUCKY (getting more and more angry) WHERE AM I? HARE You're on Genus. Where else would you be? BUCKY Genus, huh? Then take me to the chairman. HARE The chairman? What? (beat) Oh, you mean KOMPLEX. BUCKY No! Not KOMPLEX! (spins around and aims his blaster at the hare) I bet they brainwashed you too, huh? First Willy, now the hares! TOAD Willy? BUCKY Willy DuWitt, my engineer! I swear, by the Great Mother, whatever's going on ... TOAD (impressed but still fearful) You know Willy DuWitt? BUCKY Of course I ... (aims his blaster at the toad) Where is he? Take me to him! TOAD Um, he's not here right now, I don't think. HARE We can take you to KOMPLEX ... BUCKY (aiming his blaster at the hare) I DON'T WANT TO SEE ... (pauses, taking a deep breath) OK, fine, take me to KOMPLEX. Both of you, turn around and put your hands in the air, and take me to KOMPLEX. No tricks. The hare and the toad look at either other and shrug, then turn around and put their hands above their heads. They begin walking, and Bucky follows closely behind them, his blaster pointed at the toad's back. TOAD (to the hare) I've never seen something like this happen. I've never even heard of it happening. HARE Maybe he wants our money. I hear there used to be criminals who hung out in the streets and took people's money. (behind his back, to Bucky) Hey, are you a ... what's the word ... a mugger? Do you want our simoleans? We'll give them to you if you don't hurt us ... BUCKY (through clenched teeth) Keep your damn simoleans and take me to KOMPLEX. SCENE 12 - TOAD LOUNGE This is the same lounge where Willy and the Air Marshal were watching Toad TV earlier, but now, Willy is spread out on the recliner, with the Air Marshal watching over him. Toadborg enters the room. AIR MARSHAL Toadborg! Do you know what happened to Willy? TOADBORG His invention was ... destroyed during our attack on Genus. This must have caused an energy backlash that caused him to faint. AIR MARSHAL That's right, he was connected to it. (beat) I hope he's OK. I mean ... if he's not, then he can't build that accelerator for us. TOADBORG And we need it soon. The mammals are particularly vulnerable right now, since they'll be mourning O'Hare. AIR MARSHAL (surprised) What? You finally defeated O'Hare? TOADBORG I saw him die with my own optic sensors. AIR MARSHAL But he was mine! I wanted to kill him! I was ... (falsely earnest) I mean, that's great! Well done, Toadborg. Suddenly, Willy moans and begins to come to. Toadborg and the Air Marshal turn to face him. WILLY (rubbing his head) Ow, my head ... what happened? AIR MARSHAL (enthusiastically) Good, you're all right! TOADBORG (in a neutral tone) There was a slight ... complication with your device. WILLY (worried, still rubbing his head) What? Did it not work? TOADBORG It worked well enough. Bucky O'Hare is dead. WILLY Dead? (beat) That's good, right? TOADBORG That is excellent. WILLY (disappointed) But you were supposed to conquer Genus with it ... I'm sorry. TOADBORG (thinking) (to Willy) I will allow you to redeem yourself. Continue working on the accelerator immediately. AIR MARSHAL But he probably needs more rest! WILLY (shaken, but with resolve) No ... I need to keep working. TOADBORG Excellent. WILLY (a little uncertain) Would you like me to build another cloaking device? TOADBORG There is no need. You are a scientist, not a warrior; you skills are too ... irreplaceable to be risked out in the battlefield. Besides, we have waited for the accelerator long enough. See to it that you complete it as quickly as possible, or you will be punished. Toadborg exits the lounge the way he came in. The Air Marshal helps Willy out of the chair. AIR MARSHAL Come on, I'll get you back to the lab. You've got a lot of work to do. The two exit slowly. SCENE 13 - GENUS The toad and hare lead Bucky to what appears to be a heavily modified version of the UAC Headquarters building. Bucky is surprised to see that no one stands guard anywhere; the three are able to walk into the building without anyone even approaching them. They carry on a conversation as they continue into and through the building. BUCKY So KOMPLEX took over the UAC, huh? How snide of him. HARE What's the UAC? This is Command Central, always has been. BUCKY (annoyed) What are you talking about? HARE This is where KOMPLEX resides. From here, he oversees everything on Genus. BUCKY So the toads definitely took Genus. When did this happen? TOAD What do you mean, took? KOMPLEX has always controlled Genus. It's not a toad thing -- he resembles a toad because he was built by toads, but he doesn't favor us or anything. BUCKY What? What do you mean, he doesn't favor you? TOAD Why would he? That wouldn't be fair. All species are different but equal. BUCKY (warily) KOMPLEX, playing fair? (pauses for a second, then shakes his head) I don't think I could possibly be more confused right now. Now where is KOMPLEX? HARE Just down the hall. Will you let us go once we take you to him? BUCKY (with an edge to his voice) Sure thing. Me and KOMPLEX alone. Works for me. The three round a corner and enter into a large room. SCENE 14 - KOMPLEX MAIN ROOM Upon entering the room, Bucky looks around and takes a quick survey of his surroundings. There is nothing but machinery -- and a lot of it. In the center of the room, facing the three, is a large monitor. It crackles and comes to life, displaying the visage of KOMPLEX. Instead of the menacing face Bucky is familiar with, however, KOMPLEX appears pleasant and benign. KOMPLEX (in a calm, comforting tone) Hello. KOMPLEX takes a moment to look at the scene before him, then continues speaking calmly. KOMPLEX Please put the weapon down, good hare. There is no need for violence. Bucky, shocked by the difference in KOMPLEX's appearance, slowly complies, bringing his blaster to his side. KOMPLEX Now, how can I help you? Why have you come? HARE We have no idea who he is, but he said he knew Willy, so we thought he should see you. We offered to take him here, and then he forced us here at gunpoint. TOAD Yeah. He seems kind of confused, like he has no concept of our society. KOMPLEX Well, then he and I shall discuss these matters, and hopefully any problems can be resolved. HARE We don't really have any other business here ... KOMPLEX Then you may go. Thank you for bringing this rogue here. The hare and the toad casually walk out of the room, leaving a stunned Bucky and a calm KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX What troubles you, good hare? Certainly, there was no need to threaten those two. I'm surprised you were even able to find a handheld blaster ... Suddenly, KOMPLEX's eyes widen. KOMPLEX No, no, that cannot be right. BUCKY (snapping out of it a little) Right? ... None of this is right. KOMPLEX It can't be you ... but the face, the uniform ... (beat) Bucky O'Hare? BUCKY (the edge returning to his voice) So glad you remember me. (raises his blaster and points it at the monitor) I have no idea what the frell is going on here, but I want answers, and I want them now! KOMPLEX (a little less calm, but no less refined) Please, put that down. I would like some answers as well. BUCKY What? What do *you* want answered? KOMPLEX For starters, I would like to know how you're standing here in front of me. BUCKY What, your plan to take over Genus involved getting rid of me, and that part failed? KOMPLEX You are close, but the plan did not fail, hence my confusion. You're dead, Captain O'Hare. You died years ago. SCENE 15 - QUEEN'S THRONE ROOM, ALDEBARAN The QUEEN sits on her throne, awaiting Jenny's arrival. Judging by the tone of the message Jenny sent her, she realizes the situation must be grim. Jenny finally arrives, entering through the room's doors. The Queen stands up. QUEEN (to her guards) Sisters, leave us. The two guard Sisters nod and exit, and the Queen walks up to Jenny. QUEEN Your message was so urgent. What happened, Jenny? JENNY Do you know about Willy? QUEEN What do you mean? Of course I know Willy. JENNY No, I mean ... the toads captured and brainwashed him a few weeks ago. QUEEN What? (beat) Oh, dear. JENNY It gets worse. He built them some sort of technological cloaking device for the toads so they could attack Genus, and he infused it with his magic. The Queen realizes the implications, and a wave of dread washes over her face. QUEEN I'm afraid to ask what happened next. JENNY The device became overloaded with energy during a battle, and it was hurled at Bucky. It hit him, and he was engulfed in a purple star. QUEEN (softly) Oh. (almost in relief) I was afraid that something even worse had happened. But still, this is horrible news. JENNY Yes, it is, but I have a plan for getting him back from wherever he ended up. I think I know exactly what happened to the device, and I have an anchor for bringing Bucky back to our aniverse. Jenny stretches out her arm and opens her hand. In her palm are the strands of fur she grabbed off of Bucky when he darted out of the cockpit earlier. JENNY All I need now is a little magical help. QUEEN (nods) Of course, you have all my support. JENNY All I need you to do is summon Felicia. QUEEN (surprised) What? You need Felicia? JENNY She's the only one that can get Bucky back. QUEEN (obviously a little confused) But she barely knows how to use her magic at all. JENNY Exactly. SCENE 16 - KOMPLEX MAIN ROOM Bucky is still standing in front of KOMPLEX, but his mouth hangs slightly open. His blaster lies next to him on the floor, where he dropped it almost involuntarily. BUCKY Dead? I'm not dead, I'm ... (beat) I am dead, aren't I? I must be ... it's the only thing that makes sense. KOMPLEX I assure you, this is a material plane, not an ethereal one. Still, I have no way to explain your presence, as I saw you die myself. BUCKY (looking up at KOMPLEX, slightly angry) You *saw* me die? What happened? KOMPLEX It happened during the second phase of my existence ... BUCKY What? What do you mean, second phase? KOMPLEX Patience, please. I will answer both of your questions in one reply. (beat) As originally programmed, I possessed two phases, each with distinct goals: first, the unification of the Toad Homeworld, and second, the establishment of a utopia for the toads to live in. However, during my first phase, my programming was heavily altered, causing my new goals to include the domination of all life in the aniverse, including mammals. BUCKY (to himself) The insane toad on the Rigel II moon base ... KOMPLEX This new programming changed my mission, and therefore I had to adapt my original goals. My first phase ended once I had succeeded in industrializing and regimenting the Toad Homeworld in preparation for carrying out my new second phase, which began when I declared war on all mammals. You and the UAC stood in my way, but one day, you fell into our hands. You disguised yourself as an old hermit hare and attempted to infiltrate our base. However, one of my toad guards recognized you and had you imprisoned immediately. BUCKY Hah. I remember that ... I was Angus McJump. But I was never captured ... wait. I met Mimi then. What happened to her? KOMPLEX I recall no Mimi. I did not keep track of the names of the other workers. (beat) To continue, you were held captive, and the UAC was alerted. Your crew attempted to rescue you, but they failed, and you were killed during their attempt. During the raid, we succeeded in capturing one of your crewmembers -- the esteemed human, Willy DuWitt. BUCKY What? (suddenly, angrily) So, even when things happened that didn't happen, you still brainwashed Willy! KOMPLEX Brainwashed? By no means. In fact, I realized how intelligent Willy was and how valuable an ally he would be, so I allowed him to view my source code. Once he understood my primary functions and my ultimate goal, he willingly joined my side and assisted the toads in conquering the aniverse. BUCKY (shocked) Wait a minute ... he joined you *willingly*? KOMPLEX Yes. As I said, I was in the second phase of my existence. Through analyzing my source code, Willy came to understand the goal of my new third phase, which had been my second phase before the reprogramming. With his help, I was able to conquer as much of the aniverse as possible. Then, my final phase still kicked in, and I adapted it to my new accomplishments. Instead of making the Toad Homeworld a utopia, I strove to make what I had conquered of the aniverse a utopia instead. I have achieved that ultimate goal, and I have no further phases. The aniverse is as close to a utopia as possible. Bucky is stunned. He pauses for a minute and then stutters, but he finally manages to say something. BUCKY Slow down. Slow down, slow down. I thought the reprogramming commanded you to *destroy* all mammal life ... KOMPLEX (surprised) You know of my reprogramming? (beat) Regardless, your statement is incorrect. I was programmed to dominate, not destroy, mammals. My reprogrammer hoped to use me as a means of achieving absolute power, and he wished to see mammals forced to obey his every whim. However, he assumed my new second phase would overwrite my existing second phase. Instead, it simply delayed it. (beat) I honestly and painfully regret all casualties caused by my second phase, but they now rest in peace. The aniverse is now a utopia, meaning that their lives were not lost in vain. (beat) I am honestly overjoyed to see you here, Captain O'Hare. Now, I can offer you the apology that my second phase never could. I am willing -- in fact, I desire -- to offer you the best life possible here on Genus, or on Warren, if you prefer. I can see to it that you live the rest of your life in peace and happiness. BUCKY (suddenly growing cold, not wanting a handout from KOMPLEX) I'll pass, thanks. So if you conquered the mammals through violence and cruelty, then how come everybody's so buddy-buddy now? I seriously doubt everyone was immediately eager to forgive you. KOMPLEX Another regrettable but unavoidable incidence. I saw to it that the memories of all sentient creatures under my guidance were altered so that no recollection of the pain and horror of previous years remained. I did not want them to live with memories of sorrow and suffering. BUCKY (furious) So you brainwashed *all* the mammals into thinking you were great! KOMPLEX No. I only removed their painful memories, allowing them to live in happiness. I did this for everyone, not just for mammals; the toads received the same treatment. BUCKY (not expecting that) Really? (pauses, thinking) But still, you've basically placated them into submission. KOMPLEX If you must put it so harshly, Captain, yes, I did. But I do not rule them; I simply keep society together. I am an ultimate authority, but I use it only to resolve potential disputes. The aniversians are self- governing; more importantly, they are happy. Under the society I constructed, there is as little pain as possible, as little suffering as possible. All prosper, and all find joy in life. BUCKY (to himself) So I did die. And I ended up in heaven and hell at the same time. (to KOMPLEX) So what happened to Willy? Did you brainwash him, too? KOMPLEX No, he requested that he remember, just in case some unfortunate, unseen calamity were to occur. I fear you may qualify; however, I do hope you understand that violence no longer solves anything here. BUCKY I want to see Willy. I want to see him now. KOMPLEX He is currently at home, in the universe. He comes and goes as he pleases. I have no control over him, and I have no way of calling him. He usually makes a daily visit, but that was two hours ago. BUCKY (growing impatient) Jenny, then. What happened to Jenny? KOMPLEX I am afraid I cannot answer that. BUCKY (thinking he's found something to capitalize on) A-ha! And why not? KOMPLEX After you were captured, she remained with the UAC for only a brief time, and she then returned to Aldebaran once civil war broke out. Aldebaran is one of the few planets that I have been unable to bring to peace, and thus I have no information on its current status. BUCKY Wait, civil war? What happened? KOMPLEX I believe there was a male resistance of some sort that instigated the whole matter. BUCKY Yeah, that makes sense ... but what side did Jenny go to fight for? KOMPLEX I do not know. (beat) This was years ago; no Aldebaran has made contact with the outside world since. BUCKY (sighing) This is ... this makes no sense, and yet it makes perfect sense ... Deadeye? KOMPLEX He returned to the Corsair Canards, another of the few groups that simply could not be brought into this utopia. You had quite the ragtag crew, Captain; nearly every lawless or radical group in the aniverse was represented in it. I do not know what Deadeye's current status is. BUCKY Guess I shouldn't be surprised. Bruiser? KOMPLEX He returned home to Betelgeusia to be with his family. Last year, he, Willy, and Betelgeusia's top scientists succeeded in creating on a device to rescue his brother, Bruce, from the dimension in which he was trapped. BUCKY (happily surprised) Bruce? Bruce is back!? (beat) I don't ... I don't know what to think of this. KOMPLEX Additionally, your android first class, Blinky, has become one of the most sought-after droids in the scientific community. He has aided countless scientists in making new and useful discoveries. Bucky stands silent and still for a few minutes. BUCKY (to himself) So ... wherever I am ... it worked out for some of us, huh? For Blinky ... for Bruce. But not for Jenny ... and not for me. (beat) Or did it? I'm here. I don't know how I'm here, but I'm here ... (pauses, then speaks with new resolve) No. No matter what, this is not right. (to KOMPLEX) You killed so many people, KOMPLEX. You killed my family, you killed my friends ... and now you've killed freedom. KOMPLEX Please do not think negatively, Captain O'Hare. I regret all my former actions, and I have made reparations as best I could. I repeat: The aniversians have free will. I have simply created a society in which no citizen needs harm another in order to benefit. Occasionally, some do rebel -- in fact, the rebels are usually toads who think they should be better off because I was created by toads. When they resort to violence, I have no choice but to confine them for a brief period of time and monitor them for a week after their release. That is the harshest I have had to act in three years. BUCKY (unsure) I don't ... I can't ... I don't believe you. KOMPLEX How did the toad and the hare that brought you here act? I assume they didn't even know how to respond when you attacked them; such incidents no longer occur. How well-guarded was this building? I would certainly have guards if any threats existed. Did you see any patrols as you entered the city? I would assuredly need patrols if I chose to rule harshly -- indeed, if I even actually ruled. (beat) I understand why this is so difficult for you, as you dedicated your life to stopping my previous phase, but we have achieved paradise, and I gladly offer you a place in it -- any place that you would like. BUCKY (to himself) This isn't a trick. If it were a trick, I'd be dead by now. It's not a trick, so I have to be dead already. (to KOMPLEX, with uncertainty still in his voice) I ... I accept your offer, whatever good it'll do me. I accept. For now. KOMPLEX (smiling) I am glad. I realize this is a small consolation for what was done to you years ago, but I am glad I can offer reparations, no matter how insufficient. One of the machines to Bucky's left begins to make a whirring noise. A strip of paper with writing on it quickly pops out. KOMPLEX These are the directions to a vacant apartment, where you can stay for the time being. Please return when you have decided on more specific surroundings, and I shall accommodate you. BUCKY (still a little wary, but largely resigned) Thanks. Bucky stares at KOMPLEX for a moment more, then reaches over and grabs the paper. He turns and exits. KOMPLEX So curious ... I have absolutely no way to explain this anomaly. But perhaps an explanation is not what should be wished for. Instead, I wish that he finds peace here. SCENE 17 - THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION Jenny, FELICIA, and the Queen all stand inside the main body of The Righteous Indignation. Felicia looks around, still a little confused. QUEEN Why must we conduct the spell in here? It's not especially conducive to magic. JENNY Doing this is going to severely drain me, so I'll be unable to do much. I've got the autopilot set to take the ship back to Genus, just in case. Besides, this way, no Sister will see Bucky if we get him back. I'm really not in the mood to explain anything right now, especially regarding outside manipulation of our magic. FELICIA Master Jenny, I'm still not sure I understand what I need to do. JENNY That's OK, Felicia. I'll explain again; we can't afford to mess this up. (beat) Bucky is trapped in another dimension. He was sent there by an overload of magical energy that jumped across dimensions. So, we need a similar overload of energy to get him back, which is where you come in. FELICIA (agitated, with a flick of her tail) But I don't have that much magic, Master Jenny. We all know that by now. JENNY That's actually why I need you. What I'm going to do is channel all my magical energy into you. Since you're not yet skilled enough to manage all that energy, the rest will act as an overload, and with the proper spell, it will behave in the same way that the magic that transported Bucky did. FELICIA I guess that makes sense ... but how do we find Bucky? How do we make sure to get him back? JENNY You'll need to keep Bucky in your mind's eye the entire time. Remember what he looks like, and focus on it. That's the mental anchor; you'll also need a physical one. Here. Jenny opens her paw to reveal the strands of Bucky's fur. Felicia hesitates for a moment and then takes them. JENNY Hold on to these the entire time. FELICIA OK. I guess I'm ready to do this ... will it hurt? JENNY I ... don't know. If it does, I'm sorry, but we have to get Bucky back. Is that OK? FELICIA Well ... yeah, I understand. I'm glad I'm finally able to help out with something related to magic. JENNY (smiling) Good. Thank you so much, Felicia. Now close your eyes and concentrate on Bucky. Felicia does so. Jenny takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, then begins to focus her magic energies. Her spell gems light up as she mutters something under her breath. Her gems grow brighter and brighter until they're practically blinding. JENNY (while concentrating on her magic) OK ... I've cast the proper spell ... Felicia ... now just ... think about Bucky ... and brace yourself ... In a quick motion, Jenny stretches both her arms out in Felicia's direction, and a bright burst of magical energy travels from them, striking Felicia. Felicia steps back shakily but does not fall over. FELICIA (closing her eyes tightly) I've never felt such ... aaaah ... it doesn't ... (beat) Bucky! I see Bucky! JENNY (extremely winded) Cast a capture spell! It's one of the first ones you learned! FELICIA (beginning to glow) I'm trying ... but the energy ... I ... JENNY (shouting with the last ounces of her strength) Felicia! Jenny collapses from her effort. The energy built up in Felicia's body suddenly releases, exploding in a flash of purple. SCENE 18 - ENTRANCE, APARTMENT BUILDING, GENUS Bucky, still more or less in a daze, has managed to follow the walking directions printed on the paper KOMPLEX gave him. They took him to a large brick building with ornamental steel crafted around the façade. He stands before the building's entrance. BUCKY Let's ... let's check this out, I guess. Bucky opens the door in front of him and steps through. The entrance room is small but nicely decorated, containing a mahogany desk attended by a well-dressed pig CLERK. Bucky also sees a sign that reads "Recreation Area" and points down a hallway, as well as a stairway and an elevator. He shakes his head a little and approaches the desk. BUCKY (reading off the paper) Room, ah ... seventeen, please. CLERK (reaching for a few papers and typing into his computer) Ah, yes, we just got a message about that. The clerk reaches into a drawer and produces a key, which he hands to Bucky. CLERK Here you go. The rent is paid for six months. It's just up the stairs and to the left. I do hope you like it; it's one of our finest rooms. BUCKY (accepting the key) Ah, thanks. Bucky steps away from the desk and proceeds to walk up the stairs. BUCKY (thinking) (beat) Bucky reaches the top of the stairway and turns left, immediately finding the door to room seventeen. He reaches down and grasps the door handle. VOICE (loud but muffled, from inside the room) Felicia! BUCKY Huh? What was ... that sounded like ... Bucky swings open the door just in time to see a flash of purple. SCENE 19 - THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION The flash of purple subsides, and Bucky stands beside Felicia. BUCKY ... Jenny? Bucky does a double take as he realizes that he's no longer in the apartment building, but instead is back in his ship. BUCKY (completely astonished) Whoa! What in?! Where ... what just ... Bucky then notices Jenny at his feet. He immediately drops to his knees, beside her. BUCKY (putting a paw on her shoulder) Jenny? Is it really you? But he said you were ... QUEEN (in a warm voice) It is good to see you, Captain O'Hare. You are probably very confused right now. You were transported into another dimension. I cannot imagine what you saw there, but rest assured, you are home. BUCKY (confused) Alternate dimension? What? (pauses and thinks) So *that's* what ... that's ... so it was all real ... it actually happened. (beat) But I ... (looks back down at Jenny) What happened to Jenny? FELICIA (gasping for breath) She ... used her magic to get you back ... I'm kinda tired right now, too ... QUEEN Felicia, I will help you return to your quarters. Can I do anything else for you, Captain? BUCKY I ... (pauses, then puts his right paw on the side of his head) I just need to sit down and think. I'm so confused right now. QUEEN Understandable. Jenny said that your ship's autopilot is set to Genus. BUCKY That's great. Thanks for everything. (turns to Felicia) Thank you, Felicia. FELICIA (still gasping) No ... problem ... The Queen takes Felicia by the arm and helps her out of the Righteous. Bucky stays kneeling by Jenny for a minute and then climbs up the ladder to activate the autopilot. SCENE 20 - COCKPIT, THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION The Righteous Indignation is speeding through deep space toward Genus. Bucky is sitting in his chair, deep in thought. Jenny is positioned carefully in her chair, still unconscious but breathing regularly. BUCKY (thinking) (beat) (beat) (beat) Bucky's train of thought is interrupted by the sound of maser fire and the ship's gentle shaking. BUCKY Huh? Bucky gets up and looks out the window to see a lone double bubble shooting at the Righteous. BUCKY (sounding slightly defeated) Maybe I should let him take us down. Maybe KOMPLEX would take over then, and maybe everyone else would be happy. Bucky pauses, then looks over at Jenny and speaks with renewed Determination. BUCKY What am I saying? I can't do that ... especially not if it brought harm to Jenny. Bucky bounds down the ladder and enters the gunner's chamber. He jumps in Deadeye's chair and aims the maser cannon. BUCKY I may not be as good at this as Deadeye is, but I can still take down one double bubble. Bucky aims and fires a few shots, but they all miss. The double bubble keeps shooting back. BUCKY (to himself) Wow, it's been a while since I fired one of these things. But I should still be able to take out one double bubble if I wanted to ... Bucky pauses for a second, then grits his teeth and continues firing. A few moments later, he scores a direct hit on the double bubble. It explodes, hurling the two intact bubbles into space. Bucky slowly gets up from the chair and returns to the cockpit. BUCKY (to himself) I shouldn't think about what *might* happen ... only what *has* happened. I know the carnage KOMPLEX has caused. I've seen him destroy too much. No end can justify his means. (beat) I hope. SCENE 21 - COCKPIT, TOAD MOTHERSHIP Toadborg is overseeing repairs to the mothership that was damaged in the attack on Genus. He's ordering various toads about and carrying around a few especially heavy pieces of equipment, but only because none of the other toads are able to lift them. While they're working, the familiar evil visage of KOMPLEX appears on a monitor in the control panel. KOMPLEX Toadborg, I would have a word with you. TOADBORG As you command, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX I thought you'd like to hear a transmission I just received from one of our scouts. The image of KOMPLEX fades to static, and audio begins to play from the panel. PANEL ~ skirk ~ pop ~ have been shot down ~ pop ~ repeat, have been shot down, drifting in space ~ scree ~ attacked Righteous Indignation ~ skirk ~ confirmed visual of Bucky O'Hare ~ squark ~ repeat, confirmed visual of Bucky O'Hare ~ skirk ~ scree ~ Toadborg stands silently for a moment, then erupts into fury. TOADBORG No ... no! *No*! I saw that blasted mammal die! I hurled the weapon at him myself! The static fades away, and the image of KOMPLEX returns. KOMPLEX I was meaning to ask you about that, Toadborg. How exactly was the human's device separated from the control panel? TOADBORG It ... it fell off after we were hit by a maser blast. KOMPLEX (eyes narrowing) Of all my subjects, Toadborg, I thought you would never be foolish enough to lie to me. TOADBORG I apologize, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. (beat) It fell off after I struck the control panel. KOMPLEX Was there a particularly good reason for you to strike the control panel, Toadborg? TOADBORG No, Mighty KOMPLEX. It was done in anger. KOMPLEX Well then. I suppose it's helpful to know that the Air Marshal isn't the only utter fool under my command. (beat) Continue work on the mothership. TOADBORG (a little surprised that KOMPLEX hasn't punished him) Yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX Don't think I'm letting you off the hook, Toadborg. You will receive punishment later, whenever and however I choose. Do not forget, for you have failed me. (beat) Now get this ship functional! KOMPLEX disappears from the monitor. Toadborg stands, seething with anger. TOADBORG When I get my hands on that mammal, I'll ... I'll ... Toadborg grumbles and picks up a large piece of equipment to be installed. SCENE 22 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE Chairman Warner paces about his office in much the same way that Bucky paced around his apartment earlier. Fritz, too, speaks to himself in a half-ramble. FRITZ Where is she? She should be back by now ... stupid Aldebaran secrecy. I need to know if Bucky's OK ... if we've really lost him, then I don't know what we're going to do. I don't know what *I'm* going to do ... Fritz then hears a knock on his door. He ceases pacing and slowly walks toward the door. FRITZ (masking his worry) Come in. The door swings open, and Bucky steps through. FRITZ (elated) Bucky! BUCKY Surprised to see me, Fritz? FRITZ (smiling) Just ... just glad that someone finally chose to knock on my door instead of just barging through. (beat) So Jenny got you back? BUCKY Yeah. She's still out, though. I guess it took a lot out of her. I'm still not exactly sure what she did, but it worked. FRITZ Believe me, I'm grateful for that. So what exactly happened to you? BUCKY Well ... I didn't really know what was going on at the time, but the Queen told me that I had been zapped into an alternate dimension. I don't remember exactly what happened. I was dodging double bubbles one minute and practically alone the next. FRITZ What happened while you were in the other dimension? Bucky hesitates, but only for a moment. BUCKY (averting his gaze slightly) Nothing. Nothing happened. I landed on Genus, and there was nothing there. I guess ... I guess civilization never took hold there. FRITZ (eyeing Bucky warily) Is that what's going on the official report? BUCKY (unwavering) Yes. FRITZ And unofficially? BUCKY The same. Nothing happened, Fritz. (beat) Well, except that the Croaker got smashed. FRITZ (rolls his eyes) This time, the bill's coming out of your paycheck, Bucky. BUCKY Doesn't matter. Any luck with Willy? FRITZ The last report I got indicated that the scientists were making some breakthroughs, but it's still going to be a while. Once we determine how to cure him, I'll contact you, and we can formulate a rescue plan. Until then, go get some rest. You need it. BUCKY Fine. But let me know, OK? FRITZ Of course, Bucky. I want him back just as badly as you do. Bucky turns and exits. Fritz sighs and turns around, going back to his desk. FRITZ At least everything turned out alright. Everything usually does ... except with Willy. Outside, Bucky continues walking away from the office. BUCKY (to himself) No matter what KOMPLEX might be able to accomplish, we can do it too. And we can do it without violating anyone's mind. As Bucky continues walking, he slowly clenches his fists. BUCKY I'll stop you, KOMPLEX. For Willy's sake. SCENE 23 - KOMPLEX MAIN ROOM In the alternate dimension from which Bucky escaped, the toad that was transported there with him stands in front of the benevolent KOMPLEX, ranting and raving. TOAD (waving his hands in the air) What do you *mean*, it wouldn't be fair?! We're the ones that took over! Those mammals should be our slaves! There's no reason I should have to work when those filthy mammals could do it for me! I didn't pilot that double bubble for years just to get a desk job! I demand wealth! Wealth and mammal slaves! KOMPLEX sighs. THE END