Episode 31

                [The scene opens to an overlook of a forest valley.]

Young Tiedrich – You know … you really picked a nice location. Fresh air, green trees …. Where are we again?

Young Pavalo – Washington, and Jane picked it. We’re far away from any cameras or endless security briefings - tactical reports.

Young Tiedrich – For now. Let’s hope those Mantis negotiations don’t go south, or we could be really busy for the next couple of years.

                [The camera reveals Pavalo and Tiedrich dressed in tuxedos.]

Young Pavalo – Do you think it could end the war?

Young Tiedrich – Try not to worry about it. Today’s about you and Jane.

Young Pavalo – [Pavalo smiles] Thanks for coming, Peter.

Young Tiedrich – Thanks for having me. It’s nice to see a place that humanity hasn’t spoiled yet. Too bad we can’t stay forever.

Young Pavalo – Well, if you stayed forever you’d be crashing the honeymoon.

                [Pavalo and Tiedrich chuckle as a Zoltan approaches them.]

Zoltan Priest – Mr. Pavalo, Mr. Tiedrich. It’s time.

                [On the hillside is a simple wedding ceremony setup and a small crowd. Novak, Turzil, and Darwin Black are there as well. Tiedrich stands next to Pavalo where the best man might stand.]

Young Tiedrich – (whispering) You might’ve heard, but back at the academy, Darwin had a bit of a crush on Jane.

Young Pavalo – I’d heard, but I didn’t know either of them then.

Young Tiedrich – Well, I’m glad things turned out this way. I never liked that guy.

                [Tully appears, smiling, from behind a white tent in her wedding dress and approaches the aisle. Pavalo smiles back.]

Young Tiedrich – My god … she’s beautiful…. It’s a shame she has to die. (The last sentence here should be repeated to be added as an echo effect.)

                [The first signs that this is a nightmare appear. Pavalo is taken aback.]

Young Pavalo – W-what?

                [Suddenly everyone’s communicators start beeping. Tully looks worried and pulls out her communicator and reads out a message. A storm begins to fill the sky]

Young Tully – A large Mantis fleet was spotted moving through Neptune’s shadow, and Kyper Beacon Number 9 has been destroyed.

                [The winds intensify as the grounds darken.]

Young Tully – Generals, we have five minutes to get to orbit! Everyone else, take cover!

                [Tully and Pavalo lock eyes.]

Young Tully – (whispers) I’m sorry.

Young Tiedrich – Well, duty calls.

                [Tiedrich walks away.]

Young Pavalo – Wait! What did you mean by ‘she has to die?’ Peter? … Tiedrich!

                [A lighting flash changes the scene. Pavalo is still in his tuxedo, but standing in a hallway on a space station. Damage reports are being heard and Pavalo approaches a door. It opens to an urgent situation room. It’s somehow 26 years later in the present time.]