[***]
SILAS: I'll take this opportunity
to pledge my loyalty to the State.
I stand before you,
humbled by the military traditions
of our great planet, Terra.
I dedicate this award to my men.
Two of whom gave their lives on Rexor IV.
I accept this in their honor.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
Congratulations, colonel. Thank you.
Vera. You must be proud.
I am, naturally.
Silas is all of the things we aspire to be,
a courageous and unwavering leader.
OLIN: You're quite right. But as they say,
behind every successful man is a great woman.
In this case, a formidable one.
Your quick thinking as the director of this mission
saved us many, many casualties.
If you ask me, this honor
belongs to both of you.
Thank you, general.
I always knew he was jealous.
So despicable.
He had to diminish me in front of everyone.
VERA: I seriously doubt he meant to diminish you.
Tonight of all nights.
When I receive the honor of a lifetime.
I thought he was being kind.
Kind?
Yes, Silas. To me.
Anyway, I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed.
Do your ears ring at night?
I'm sorry?
When you lie down to sleep,
do you see your comrades' lives
extinguished before your very eyes?
No, of course not. Of course not.
Did you go out looking for your last two soldiers
and half carry, half drag them back to the ship?
No, but that's hardly--
What? The point? I was going to say "fair."
Fair. Because to those families,
that is exactly the point.
Silas-- No, no.
Was that you who piloted the ship back to Terra? Hm?
Of course not. Of course not.
No, right?
Because I would have remembered you being there.
Wouldn't I?
[***]
[DOOR SHUTS]
[***]
[BEEPS]
[SOBS QUIETLY]
[HEAVY BREATHING]
[***]
VERA: You're up early.
[NOTIFICATION BEEPING]
[MACHINERY BEEPING, WHIRRING]
What is it?
General Olin's called an emergency meeting.
With our current atmospheric levels,
we have a little less than five months
of air reserves.
We need to return to Rexor IV.
We should be looking to tap the resources
of a planet without inhabitants.
The Rexorian people will naturally try and defend--
They're not people, Vera.
They're a vicious species.
They are protective of Hydran, Cool and uncompromising.
which indicates they're intelligent beings.
If we strip their planet, we doom them
to the same fate we're facing now.
Terra is dying.
We strike now while we still can.
This will plunge us into war. You of all people should--
I have already come to terms with that.
If my services should end on Rexor IV,
then I know I will have given everything to the State.
To Terra.
See you at the debrief.
[***]
[SIGHS]
[***]
OLIN: We just recovered this satellite transmission
of our last mission to Rexor IV.
[BEEPS]
We all know how it ends.
OLIN: May they rest in peace.
Based on this morning's report,
I'm moving up the timeline.
We need to get back to Rexor IV.
There's got to be a better way.
We should be negotiating.
Finding ways we can share the resources--
This is insanity.
Without Hydran, we can't decontaminate our air.
They have what we need.
We secure it now, before they can mobilize.
Agreed. Rexor IV is unstable,
but they have more Hydran
than the planets we've mined so far.
In an attempt to avoid detection,
I will authorize only the MUSK OV-209,
piloted by Colonel Herrick, on a covert mission.
You leave tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
[***]
Headed to the commissary?
I'd like to finish this report.
Grab my usual? Of course.
[BEEP]
I don't envy you
having dinner with your husband tonight.
Like it could get any worse.
He never misses an opportunity to undermine me.
I'm so sorry.
Yaro.
Thanks for having my back.
[***]
COMPUTERIZED VOICE: Going down.
Pod level 92.
[***]
SILAS: Next, deposit-- Silas?
--the manifest. Yes?
Can I come in?
I'm downloading.
Deposit the manifest.
Next.
[HUMMING, BEEPS]
[DOOR SLIDES OPEN]
[***]
[ELEVATOR CHIMES]
COMPUTERIZED VOICE: Going down.
Deploying breathing apparatus.
[ALARM BEEPING]
COMPUTERIZED VOICE: Maze level, ground floor.
[MUFFLED CHATTER]
[HEAVY BREATHING]
[***]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[MACHINERY POWERING DOWN]
You were out late.
The spacecraft is on standby.
I'm leaving.
Already?
[MACHINERY POWERING UP] [BIRDS CHIRPING]
COMPUTERIZED VOICE: 11-A. Level 116.
[***]
COMPUTERIZED VOICE: Going up.
Message Silas.
Silas, it's me.
I'll be overseeing the launch.
Be careful out there.
[NOTIFICATION BEEPING]
Silas, it's me.
I'll be overseeing the launch.
[***]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[ALARM BEEPING]
[***]
[ALARM WAILING, SCREAMING]
How long has this been going on?
Twenty minutes, best we can tell.
SILAS: We're completely surrounded.
Restricted to defensive positioning only.
[VOICES DISTORTING]
Request permission--
Have you secured the Hydran?
Ship's at full capacity.
The warhead's in position.
Will the ship withstand the blast?
If we switch to autopilot,
and launch prior to detonation, the ship might make it.
And the crew?
We're running out of ti--!
We must get the Hydran out.
Activate the warhead.
Do it, now!
COMPUTERIZED VOICE: Detonation in 10 seconds.
Nine.
Eight.
Seven.
Six.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One.
Detonation. [EXPLOSION]
[STATIC BUZZES]
[HEAVY BREATHING]
[***]
MAN 1: Sign off Helix 5.
MAN 2: Helix 5. Shutting down.
YARO: We weren't expecting you.
I'm so used to my life revolving around his, I feel...
...untethered.
And guilty, honestly.
YARO: You were against the mission from the start.
You can't blame yourself.
I should have fought harder.
No, now's the time to fight. Terra needs you more than ever.
We need an aggressive plan of action--
I know.
Silas would've wanted me to get it together.
Right. Then do it for him.
[***]
[DOOR BEEPS]
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
[NOTIFICATION CHIMING]
Yes?
YORA: The MUSK OV-209 was detected
reentering our atmosphere on autopilot.
What?
How? I know.
We can hardly believe it.
Carrying reserves of Hydran.
Was it unmanned?
Sensors detect life on board.
Two lives, actually.
Silas is one of them,
but we don't know what condition he's in.
[***]
Can I just say, your husband is one remarkable man.
VERA: Where is he now?
He's in the hospital,
just completing a thorough exam.
Though I have to say, he's uninjured.
He even managed a few words.
What did he say?
He wants to come home.
[SILAS GRUNTING]
I'll call the doctor.
No. No, no.
Please. Please.
Please.
[GASPING]
Everything's going to be fine.
[***]
[PANTING]
His breathing's much easier
but he's still got heavy fevers.
[DOOR BEEPS]
General. Go gently.
He's been through one hell of an ordeal.
[DOOR CLOSES]
OLIN: Did the Rexorians attempt
to force their way on board?
Well, they--
They tried, but the ship was secure.
Anything else you recall?
Now, I-I do remember pulling one of my men
on board with me.
Matthews. You saved his life.
Do you remember the specifics of your journey home?
I don't-- I don't know. I-I must have...
...blacked out or....
That's enough for one day.
My husband needs his rest.
Silas, you're positive combat occurred
entirely outside the craft?
Yes. We kept them out.
Be well. Thank you.
[SIGHS]
[MOANS]
[***]
Hm.
I haven't seen you wear your hair down
like that in a long time.
It's really nice.
You're so beautiful.
[WAVES CRASHING]
[SEAGULLS SQUAWKING]
SILAS: It's no surprise
how bad the food is on Terra,
but imagine a dehydrated version of that.
Hey.
Looks like our patient's feeling better.
Let me look at you.
Mm.
[LAUGHS]
You know where to find me.
Thank you, doctor.
Have breakfast with me.
I'd love to, but we're reviewing
your ship's Titan Box footage today.
Oh, I-I thought it was destroyed.
Well, some of it was salvageable.
[***]
[INDISTINCT YELLING]
This is where Colonel Herrick finds himself in trouble.
He's dragging Matthews.
He's pursued to the open hatch.
He makes it inside...
...just before....
Colonel Herrick assured us
no part of battle occurred on board.
Yes, he did.
Silas was in shock.
Most of his men died,
perhaps he doesn't accurately recall
this part of the battle.
Perhaps.
We know two Rexorians made it onboard that ship.
What happened next...
is what we need to find out.
[***]
[DOOR BEEPS]
[GASPING]
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I--
I didn't hear you come in.
Yeah, I-I heard a noise and then I...
saw you like that, and it scared me.
Are you sure you're okay?
[SIGHS]
I'm sorry.
Silas.
[***]
What happened out there?
I saw the footage.
It was terrifying.
You must have feared the worst.
And I was one of the lucky ones.
What's all this?
You made breakfast?
I did indeed.
I don't remember the last time--
Where did you find them?
Mm. A nondescript place in the Maze.
Go ahead.
[LAUGHS]
I know.
It's incredible, huh?
Oh, your tea's ready.
SILAS: I hope you like it.
I know you don't want to talk about it, but...
You are entitled to a level one psychologist.
It can't hurt.
Yeah. No, I...
I think you're right.
Okay.
Homemade jam.
You know, I just realized I have an early debrief,
so I should head in.
Wait, wait, wait.
Humor me. Just try one bite.
[***]
That's really good.
Out of curiosity,
has Silas been talking about coming back to work?
Yes. Just this morning.
Good.
That'll be a relief, right?
[LAUGHS]
You haven't noticed anything unusual
since his return?
Nothing I'd complain about.
What does that mean?
He's just different.
Different how?
I don't know, it's...
hard to explain, really.
It scares me a little.
You think the Rexorians got to him?
Of course not.
Vera, listen to me.
These Rexorians are extremely dangerous.
You need to keep your guard up.
Be vigilant.
[SIGHS]
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
[***]
Hi.
Your dinner's cold.
I thought you would
let me know if you were gonna be late.
I got held up at the office. You had to assume--
No, it's-- It's not important.
You must be starving.
I'll warm up your plate.
Thank you.
I'm going to change out of these clothes.
[***]
What's that look?
I can't remember you ever touching me like that.
[DOOR SLAMS OPEN]
[***]
[SILAS GRUNTING]
Stop!
[SCREAMS]
AGENT: Stop! I'll shoot!
Don't!
Leave my wife--! AGENT: Don't move!
My husband's a level one colonel!
AGENT: Colonel Herrick, you're under arrest.
All powers granted by the State are suspended
until further notice.
What the hell is going on?
Bursting into my home like that.
General Olin's orders.
Where is he?
In the conference room.
Prepare yourself.
There's been a development.
INTERROGATOR: Private Matthews
you've been talking in your sleep.
Your partner caught some of it the other night.
[SCREECHING, CROAKING]
MATTHEWS: I mean, how bizarre.
INTERROGATOR: Not really.
It's a plea to bring your comrades
back from the dead.
In Rexorian.
MATTHEWS: You're lying!
[GROWLING, ROARING]
He's a Metamorph.
Inhabiting one of our men.
We've never seen a Metamorph from Rexor.
We very clearly saw two Rexorians infiltrate the Musk.
It explains how they survived the blast.
[***]
This being is not your husband.
I'm gonna ask you one more time,
what is your name and rank?
[TASER BUZZES] [SILAS GRUNTS]
Silas Herrick.
Level one Army Colonel.
No, your Rexorian name and rank.
SILAS: You're fishing.
Trying to induce a confession.
It's ridiculous.
INTERROGATOR: You must be tired.
Tell me the truth,
and I will let you rest comfortably.
What's your name?
Silas Herrick.
INTERROGATOR: How did you meet your wife?
SILAS: We were paired by the State
after the Procreation Mandate went into effect.
She walked into our
arranged meeting room with such confidence.
But there was such...
tenderness behind her eyes.
Huh. That's what I remember, the tenderness.
INTERROGATOR: Impressive recall,
but it won't save you,
because your fellow soldier gave you up.
[***]
What?
Because he's a level one,
we can't terminate without a trial.
We will be counting
on your testimony.
Of course.
My loyalty is to the State.
[TASER BUZZES] [SILAS GROANS]
[***]
JUDGE: Won't you begin, counsel?
STATE'S ADVOCATE: Certainly.
This is not Colonel Silas Herrick,
but in fact a Metamorph from the planet Rexor IV.
The State calls General Olin.
What do you know about Metamorphs?
They're ruthless,
conniving beings with no empathy or moral code.
As we have witnessed with the infecting
of Private Matthews, they have no remorse
for the lives they've taken.
We can only imagine
what they intend here on Terra.
A Metamorph inhabits a human being completely,
melding with their DNA.
They acquire their host's mind and memories.
In your esteemed professional opinion,
does Silas Herrick
sit before us?
No.
[CROWD WHISPERING]
STATE'S ADVOCATE: Director Herrick, please take the stand.
[***]
According to a colleague,
you had doubts about your husband's behavior
after his return from Rexor.
Why is that?
He was...
tense before he left.
Disconnected.
His demeanor changed when he came back.
Did it ever occur to you he could be a Rexorian?
No.
Were you then shocked when he was arrested?
Very.
But...
in retrospect,
I can understand it.
Terra is in a state of emergency.
And many of us have difficulties
keeping our fears in check.
Do you now believe that the man
sitting right over there is your husband?
Yes, I do.
[CROWD MURMURING]
[GAVEL TAPS]
Any further questions, counsel?
Ah, no.
JUDGE: You may step down.
Your Honor, I'd like a moment to confer with a State official.
The State calls Yaro Peterson.
How long have you known Director Vera Herrick?
We've worked together for over a decade.
I consider her a friend.
How did she seem after the colonel's return from Rexor IV?
Distracted.
Troubled, I'd say.
During this period of time,
did Vera tell you she had suspicions?
Yes.
She confided he was a different man.
Different, how?
She was evasive.
It seemed she was protecting him.
STATE'S ADVOCATE: You're suggesting
that Vera Herrick knew all along
that the defendant is a Metamorph?
Yes.
I believe she has knowingly and willingly been
harboring a Metamorph from Rexor since the day he returned.
[CROWD MURMURING]
STATE'S ADVOCATE: Ms. Peterson, what you're saying
is tantamount to treason.
[GAVEL TAPS]
Your Honor.
I would like to testify.
These are...
challenging times.
But I am not your enemy.
I am Colonel Silas Herrick.
And yes, perhaps I am different now.
Clearly, the State has something else in mind.
You have formed your own conclusions,
and in your rush to judgment
you're willing to ensnare and endanger
the lives of innocent people, mine...
And my wife.
If it's a confession that you need, you'll have it.
But on one condition.
Vera Herrick is exonerated from any and all wrong-doing.
If you agree to those conditions then...
then I am a Rexorian.
[CROWD MURMURING]
I have nothing further to say.
Silas Herrick is not human.
We urge the State
to accept the defendant's terms.
JUDGE: We do.
[GAVEL BANGS]
Take him away.
Your honor. Permission to address the court.
Permission granted.
General Olin clearly stated
Rexorians lack a moral code.
They show no empathy.
Does the court agree that both these statements
made under oath are true?
JUDGE: Yes.
Then, Your Honor, the defendant cannot be a Rexorian.
A Metamorph would never choose his own demise over another's.
And yet...
you have all just witnessed him
forfeit his life for mine.
He has willingly given up his hard won legacy,
allowing all of you to think the worst of him,
even sentence him to death,
rather than see harm come to me.
Is he human?
If sacrifice,
kindness,
and love
is not the ultimate test of what makes someone human...
then what is?
[***]
Vera?
Are you all right?
Don't you think it's time you told me your real name?
I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to pronounce it.
The sounds can't be formed.
In that case...
I'd still like to call you Silas,
if you don't mind.
[BOTH EXHALE]
["WONDERWALL" COVER BY CAT POWER PLAYING]
* Today is gonna be the day *
* That they're gonna throw It back to you *
* Right now, you should have Somehow realized *
* What you gotta do *
* And I don't believe That anybody *
* Feels the way I do *
* About you now *
* Backbeat, the word Is on the street *
* That the fire in Your heart is out *
* I'm sure you've heard It all before *
* But you never Really had a doubt *
* I don't believe That anybody *
* Feels the way I do *
* About you now *