Lost in Space Page #8

Just then the ELEVATOR rises from the lower decks. On its circular

platform stands a DOCTOR in a lab coat. She walks to the General.

DOCTOR:

The cryosleep systems are running at

ninety five percent.

GENERAL:

Doctor Smith approved the specs-

DOCTOR:

Doctor Smith is base physician. I am

responsible once this ship is in

flight. These tubes have to keep the

crew in suspended animation for ten

years. They will be perfect or this

ship will not launch. Is that clear?

GENERAL:

Absolutely, Doctor.

JOHN:

Judy, I'd like you to meet Major

West. He's taking Mike's place.

DOCTOR:

He's heavier than Mike. We'll have to

re-calibrate.

WEST:

I'd be more than happy to discuss my

dimensions perhaps over dinner?

DOCTOR:

West - I've read about you. Something

of a war hero, aren't you?

WEST:

(preening )

Well, yes, actually.

DOCTOR:

Those who can't think, fight.

(a freezing smile)

Well, nice to have met you.

She heads toward the readouts. West turns to John.

WEST:

That's one cold fish I'd love to

thaw.

JUDY:

(turning)

I'm not going to make it home for

dinner, Dad.

West turns to John. Dad?

WEST:

It's going to be a long flight.

EXT.-ROBINSON HOME-NIGHT

Lights burn in the windows.

INT.-ROBINSON HOME-DINING ROOM-NIGHT

John ENTERS to find the remains of an elegant dinner on the table,

candles never lit, food never eaten.

John crosses to a small scale model sitting on the table. Around it

hangs another gold plated 1st prize star. He smiles.

MAUREEN (OVER)

He won first prize again. He

practically brought down his entire

school. But he won first prize.

Maureen descends the steps in a bathrobe. Joins John.

JOHN:

A non-working prototype for his time

machine. Sharp stuff for a midget.

Maureen is silent.

JOHN:

I'm sorry about dinner. I had to work

late. The new pilot-.

MAUREEN:

What you had to do was prioritize

your family over the mission

JOHN:

Maureen. This mission is about our

family. So we can stay together

MAUREEN:

The perfect nuclear family. The most

stable social unit, ideally suited

for the isolation of a long journey

into space. It's all just PR, John.

You're never home. Judy is

becoming a ghost just like you. Penny

can't see past her own navel and Will

has to black out-his school, just to

get his father's attention. The

perfect nuclear family in ruin.

John stares at his wife. Then he reaches forward, touches her hair.

JOHN:

I know, Maureen. I'm scared too.

A beat. Then she moves to him. And he holds her close.

INT.-ROBINSON HOME-WILL'S ROOM-NIGHT

John stands in the yellow wedge of hall light. He touches something

hanging around his own neck. A pair of metal dog tags.

WIDER:

Will lies in his bed, eyes closed. Asleep. A beat. John turns, heading

out into the hall.

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