The Production GuideScript To Screen: Breakaway
by Martin Willey
The Production Guide
In the earliest script, Zero G, the Moon leaves orbit when an alien force lowers the gravity (hence the episode title). In this version, Commander Steve Maddox is in charge of Moon City. The ending isn't that different, however. Maddox talks to the computer in his office (in later versions, this will done in front of all the staff). The computer concludes evacuating the base requires a "human decision". He then goes to the Control Centre to announce they will now commence their "battle for survival".
31
62 CONTD.
COMPUTER
Computation shows Moon's velocity
and trajectory with 'Zero G' condition
will result in complete breakaway
from Solar System.
THE COMMANDER IS TENSE. HIS NEXT QUESTION IS OF PARAMOUNT
IMPORTANCE.
MADDOX
Request flight plan for ten M.T.U.s
flying at 30 minute intervals from
Moon to Earth....lift off commencing
17.30 Earth time.
JUDGING BY THE AMOUNT OF FRANTIC COMPUTER ACTIVITY WE KNOW
THAT THIS IS THE MOST COMPLICATED QUESTION TO DATE.
COMPUTER
Unable to compute - no precedent of
similar conditions in memory bank.
Request further information.
MADDOX
No further information available.
COMPUTER
Unable to compute - requires human
decision.
MADDOX SHUTS DOWN THE COMPUTER....HE KNOWS THE DECISION IS
HIS AND HIS ALONE.
CUT TO:
63 INT. CONTROL CENTRE/MOON CITY 63
MADDOX WALKS INTO SHOT.
MADDOX (TO CONTROLLER)
Any contact with Earth?
CONTROLLER
We have a complete communications
breakdown, Commander.
MADDOX
How long?
CONTROLLER
Approximately 30 seconds, Sir.
CONTINUED:
63 CONTD
MADDOX WALKS UP TO THE OBSERVATION GANTRY AND JOINS DOCTOR
MILLER WHO IS GAZING THROUGH THE WINDOW.
MILLER
Have you reached a decision?
MADDOX
Yes.....
MILLER
Well?
MADDOX TURNS TOWARDS THE MOON HORIZON.
A GIANT HALO OF LIGHT IS FORMING. AS THE TWO MEN STARE
FASCINATED, THE EARTH RISES PROM MOON'S HORIZON. IN
A FEW MOMENTS CAN SEE THE EARTH IN ALL ITS STUNNING
BEAUTY.
MILLER
The Moon has turned its blind
side towards Earth.
MADDOX
For the first and last time....
Take a good look, Marc....we're
never going to see it again.
MADDOX WALKS AWAY FROM MILLER LEAVING HIM ALONE. MILLER
TURNS TOWARDS THE EARTH RECEDING IN THE SPACE SKY.
ANOTHER ANGLE
COMMANDER MADDOX WALKS TO CONSOLE - THE PERSONNEL FOCUS
THEIR ATTENTION ON HIM. THEY KNOW A DECISION HAS BEEN
REACHED
MADDOX (INTO INTERCOM)
Space City - this is your Commander
speaking.... you all know by now that
as a result of Alien action, the
Moon has been robbed of its gravity
and is leaving the Solar System.....
CAMERA STARTS TO TRACK ACROSS CONTROL CENTRE PASSING
CLOSE - ANXIOUS FACES.
MADDOX (VO)
....I have carefully considered the
possibility of attempting an
evacuation of Moon City and returning
you to Earth - not only would this
operation be hazardous in the extreme,
but it would appear that we would
have very little chance of success.
CONTINUED:
33
63 CONTD.
CAMERA CONTINUES TRACKING ACROSS CONTROL CENTRE.
MADDOX (VO) (CONTINUED)
There is, therefore, in my opinion -
only one course open to us - to remain
here in Moon City. Whatever our
personal feelings may be at this time,
we now commence a battle for Survival
- Survival in Deep Space......
CAMERA SETTLES ON A PANORAMIC WINDOW - THROUGH IT WE SEE
THE EARTH - NOW QUITE SMALL - RECEDING INTO THE DISTANCE
FADE OUT:
SPONSOR' S MESSAGE
END TITLES