sliders 3x09 - the prince of slides (1996!10!03)

8/20/2019 Sliders 3x09 - The Prince of Slides (1996!10!03)

1/49

EXEC. PRODUCER: David Peckinpah PROD. #K1808

EXEC. PRODUCER: Tracy Torme' Prod. Draft 10/3/96 (F.R.)

EXEC. PRODUCER: Alan Barnette

CO-EXEC. PRODUCER: Tony Blake

CO-EXEC. PRODUCER: Paul Jackson

PRODUCER: Mychelle DeschampsPRODUCER: Richard Compton

CONS. PRODUCER: Josef Anderson

"T H E O N C E A N D F U T U R E K I N G"

Written by

Eleah Horwitz

Directed by

Richard Compton

- NOTICE -

THIS MATERIAL IS THE PROPERTY OF UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS, INC. AND IS INTENDED

AND RESTRICTED SOLELY FOR STUDIO USE BY STUDIO PERSONNEL. DISTRIBUTION OR

DISCLOSURE OF THE MATERIAL TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS IS PROHIBITED. THE

SALE, COPYING OR REPRODUCTION OF THIS MATERIAL IN ANY FORM IS ALSO

PROHIBITED.


2/49

SLIDERS

"The Once and Future King"

TEASER

FADE IN

EXT. KING JEFFERSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DAY - ESTABLISHING1 1

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - DAY2 2

CLOSE ON AN AMERICAN FLAG

hanging over the admissions' desk. It's the standard starsand stripes, except there's an outline of a GOLD CROWNstitched across the stars. CAMERA FINDS WADE sitting in achair, writing in her diary. REMBRANDT'S behind her at a

VENDING MACHINE, eyeing the selections and the prices, hishand full of various coins.

REMBRANDTSix pence for a Snickers.

(checks the change in hishand)

Oh, great. Not one of these is apence, much less six.

Wade smiles sympathetically, scribbles in her diary.

WADE (V.O.)We have three days on this world.

I wish it was longer. America as a monarchy sounds so romantic it would be nice to have more time toexplore it...

REMBRANDT(pulling out anothercoin)

I kept a zinc dollar from that world where the geeks could enteryour dreams. I wonder if this machine would know the difference.

As he slips the coin into the machine...

WADE (V.O.)From what we've seen so far, this world is very clean, with lots ofparks and gardens. And the peopleare so polite...

Remmy pushes a selection button. Nothing. He sighs.

#K1808 - "The Once And Future King" Prod. Draft 10/3/96 1.

CONTINUED

Prepared by Earth Prime


3/49

REMBRANDTIt knows.

Quinn enters from a side corridor.

WADE

How's the Professor?

QUINNHe'll live. But he's still prettyupset about sliding into a beecolony.

WADEOr in his case, on a bee colony.

REMBRANDTOh, I wish we'd had a video camera.Holding his butt with both hands,running around in circles, chanting"ow, ow, ow, ow, ow..."

WADEThink this will get him the PurpleHeart?

QUINNIt'll get him a purple something.

Suddenly, the lobby doors fly open as the DUCHESS DANIELLE,obviously well along in a pregnancy, is rushed in on anambulance gurney. EMTs, Secret Service, and her personalaide, LADY MARY, follow.

ANOTHER ANGLE

As Rembrandt is nearly run over by the speeding gurney, helocks eyes with the suffering woman.

REMBRANDT(awestruck)

Danielle?!

Hearing his voice through the haze of her pain, she reachesout for him.

DANIELLE

Remmy?

Rembrandt lunges forward to take her hand. A GUARDautomatically restrains him, then on seeing his face...

GUARDMy apologies, Your Grace.


CONTINUED2 2

CONTINUED



4/49

Hearing the words "Your Grace," Lady Mary notices Rembrandtfor the first time.

LADY MARY(shocked; to Remmy)

How did you get...?...

(collecting herself, and with a slight curtsy)Thank God you're here, Your Grace.

Danielle's wheeled around a corner into a corridor. Anuncertain Remmy instinctively follows.

QUINN/WADEYout Grace?

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS3 3

A NURSE joins them as they rush alongside the gurney. Quinnand Wade hurry to catch up.

REMBRANDTWhat's wrong with her?

NURSEIt's the baby. She went intocrisis earlier than expected.

DANIELLESee, Lady Mary? I told you he'd behere for me...

Danielle gasps in pain. As they reach the opening O.R.doors, the guards and Lady Mary drop back and let surgicalpersonnel pull the gurney inside. The Nurse stopsRembrandt.

NURSEIf you'll follow me, Your Grace.You'll be prepped in the adjacentroom.

As the Nurse heads for a nearby door...

QUINNPrepped for what?

REMBRANDTBlood transfusion.

Rembrandt unbuttons his cuffs, starts to roll up his sleevesas he starts after the Nurse. Quinn steps in front ofRemmy, stopping him.


CONTINUED (2)2 2

CONTINUED



5/49

QUINNWait. How do you know you two areeven the same type?

REMBRANDTWe were on our world.

(and then)It's okay. Danielle and I havebeen through this before.

Rembrandt disappears into the adjacent room. As the Nursestarts to close the door after him, Wade steps up.

WADEExcuse me. How long do you thinkthe transfusion will take?

NURSEWhat transfusion? They'retransferring the baby into him.

As mind-boggling shock, confusion, and disbelief register onWade's and Quinn's faces, we...

FADE OUT

END OF TEASER


CONTINUED3 3



6/49

ACT ONE

FADE IN

INT. HOSPITAL LOBBY - A FEW MOMENTS LATER4 4

CLOSE ON A TV

where RNN (the Royal News Network) broadcasts an officialphoto of the Duchess Danielle and Duke Rembrandt (his hairis longer and he has a mustache, but it's clearlyRembrandt's double).

ANCHORWOMANThe Duchess of Hemmingshire, cousinof our late Queen Sally, hassuffered an early crisis. Herhusband, the Duke, arrived just intime to take on gestation andcomplete the pregnancy.

WIDEN TO INCLUDE ARTURO

standing nearby, watching the screen with interest.

ANCHORWOMANA few moments ago, Deputy Master ofthe Royal Household Georqe Stellosaddressed rumors concerning theDuke's recent disappearance fromthe public eye.

On the TV, GEORGE STELLOS (30, handsome, conservatively

dressed, unflusterable) speaks confidently to a cluster of microphones outside the hospital.

STELLOSRoyal Security knew where the Duke was at all times, but at hisrequest, we kept his whereaboutsprivate. There was never any doubthe would be available when thetransfer was necessary.

Quinn and Wade hurry up.

WADE

Professor, you're not going tobelieve...

ARTURO(re: TV)

I've already heard, Miss Welles.We are apparently "live and on thescene."


CONTINUED



7/49

QUINNWe've got to tell them they've gotthe wrong guy before it's too late.

ARTUROAre you mad? Announcing that an

impostor has penetrated this farinside the royal system wouldhardly get Mr. Brown or ourselvesout of trouble.

(and then)This calls for subtlety.

CUT TO

INT. PRE-OP - MOMENTS LATER5 5

As gowned medical personnel bustle around preparing forsurgery, Quinn, dressed in scrubs, enters. He carries astack of linen and keeps his head down as he approaches...

REMBRANDT

... wearing a hospital gown, lying on a gurney with an IVattached. The Nurse standing over him injects somethinginto his IV line.

REMBRANDTSeems like an awful lot of fuss fora little transfuse... transfoozh...

Rembrandt touches his lips, trying to figure out why his

mouth isn't working right.

NURSETransfer, Your Grace. That's justthe sedative doing its job. We'llbe starting in a moment.

She steps away, giving Quinn a chance to move in closer.

REMBRANDT(stoned)

Q-Ball! How you doin'?

QUINN

Ssh!

He hurriedly fluffs Rembrandt's pillow, his eyes dartingaround the room.


CONTINUED4 4

CONTINUED



8/49

REMBRANDTI'm so glad I met you. This is thebest slide ever.

QUINNWe've got to get you out of here.

They've got you mixed up with yourdouble.

REMBRANDT(drowsy)

No. Really? You sure?

QUINNDidn't you think something was up when they started calling you "YourGrace"?

REMBRANDTYour Grace... Cryin' Man... Who

cares what my fans call me on this world? As long as I've got myDanielle back again...

Rembrandt passes out.

QUINNOh, no. Stay with me, man.

(shaking his shoulder, whispering frantically)

Remmy. Rembrandt! Your Grace?!

NURSE

(approaching)Thank you, Orderly, but I'll see tothe Duke myself.

As she steps in toward Rembrandt's gurney, she's struck bysomething about Quinn.

NURSEWhere's your badge?

SMASH CUT TO

INT. CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER6 6

CLOSE ON QUINN'S FACE, pressed up against a wall.

QUINNYou don't understand...

ANOTHER ANGLE REVEALS


CONTINUED5 5

CONTINUED



9/49

Stellos and his guards surrounding Quinn. Arturo and Waderush up, but Lady Mary gets there first.

LADY MARYLet him go, George.

STELLOSPlease, Aunt Mary. Stay out ofthis.

LADY MARYHe's a friend of the Duke's. I sawthem speaking.

ARTURO(floating this)

If I may explain, I am ProfessorMaximillian Arturo, personalassistant to the Duke. This is his...nutritionist and... flattened

like a pancake on the wall... your men have his... fitness instructor.

STELLOSSince when? The Duke barelytolerates the mandatory attendants.

WADEWell, parenthood changes people.

Arturo shoots a look at Wade. Boy, that was lame.

STELLOS

If he's the Duke's fitnessinstructor, what was he doing inPre-Op in scrubs?

ARTUROUh... well... the procedure theDuke's undergoing requires a lot ofstamina. As his fitnessinstructor, Mr. Mallory was just making sure the Duke was... fit.

Now it's Wade's turn to shoot a look at Arturo. Oh yeah,yours was much better. But both apparently worked. AtStellos' signal, the guards release Quinn.

QUINN(rubbing his face,irritated)

So are we clear now?


CONTINUED6 6

CONTINUED



10/49

STELLOSFor the time being.

Still not fully convinced, Stellos starts to move off whenthe Nurse bursts through the operating doors, removing her mask, pleased as punch.

NURSEIt's a boy!

CUT TO

EXT. ROYAL MANSION - DAY - ESTABLISHING7 7

Palatial, lush, old Pasadena. Over this...

WADE (V.O.)When they moved Remmy back to theRoyal Mansion, there was a telegram waiting for him from King Thomasthe sixth, wishing Rembrandt well with his pregnancy.

(and then)Wow. I can't believe I just wrotethose words.

INT. ROYAL MANSION - MASTER BEDROOM - DAY8 8

Wade writes in her diary as Arturo paces behind her amid theluscious decor.

WADE (V.O.)Even though Remmy's double couldnever be King because he's acommoner... it turns out his babyis fourth in line for the throne.

ANOTHER ANGLE REVEALS

Rembrandt, wearing an old fashioned nightshirt, asleep in anornate bed under yards of silk and satin that still don'tcamouflage the swelling in his abdomen. Quinn studies himfrom a chair near the edge of the bed.

QUINNThis is just too extreme.

WADEI think it's great! It's abouttime men shared the burden ofchildbearing.


CONTINUED (2)6 6

CONTINUED



11/49

Rembrandt stirs.

QUINNHe's coming out of it.

REMBRANDT'S POV

foggy, as he scans the smiling faces surrounding his bed,starting with Quinn to his left.

QUINNWelcome back, man. A lot's gone onsince you faded out on me at thehospital.

REMBRANDT'S POV

continues across the hill scape of expensive linens to thefoot of the bed where Arturo is seen only from mid-chestup (Rembrandt's tummy fills the frame to there).

ARTUROThis world is remarkable,Mr. Brown. Two decades ago a viralepidemic destroyed the femalepopulation's ability to gestatebeyond the second trimester. Butphysicians brilliantly devised a way to save mankind with a conceptcalled "shared pregnancy.

QUINNThey've actually created an

artificial womb so that the husbandcould complete the pregnancy.

The Sliders begin to disappear behind Rembrandt's closingeyelids. Wade takes Remmy's hand and he turns to her at hisright.

WADEThe thing is, they mistook you foryour double, and before we couldstop them...

REMBRANDT'S POV

suddenly shifts back and down to the hill that is histummy (which reads about 7 months).

REMBRANDTWhat the...?!

ANOTHER ANGLE

Rembrandt tries to sit up, but he can't bend in the middle.Quinn and Wade help him and put a pillow behind his back.


CONTINUED8 8

CONTINUED



12/49

QUINNEasy, guy. You've just had majorsurgery.

ARTUROFortunately, with their advanced

medical technology, you'll be upand around in no time.

REMBRANDTTell me that's not what I think itis.

ARTUROOh but it is, Mr. Brown. In fact,you bear royalty. The DuchessDanielle is a direct descendent ofThomas Jefferson, first King ofAmerica, and his second wife,former slave, Sally Hemmings.

REMBRANDTI'm pregnant?! I'm not even married!

WADEThe father is your missing double.If you hadn't shown up when youdid, the little guy would've died.

As this sinks in, Rembrandt looks at and feels his tummy.

QUINN

At the hospital, you said somethingabout you and Danielle having beenthrough something like this on our world.

REMBRANDT(avoiding their eyes)

Let's just say we were close... Idon't want to talk about it.

The others react -- that's not like Remmy. But it's clearthat the subject is closed.


CONTINUED (2)8 8

CONTINUED



13/49

ARTUROFair enough. But what we do needto talk about is time. Apparentlyonce the male takes over, gestationaccelerates rapidly. You should beready to deliver in about a week --

QUINNProblem is, we slide before that.

WADESo somehow we have to find yourdouble and get the baby into him.

QUINNOtherwise you're stuck here so youcan give birth.

REMBRANDT(beat, then)

Are visiting hours over yet? Youpeople are depressing me.

There's a knock at the door as it already opens. Danielle,in a royal robe, pokes her head in.

DANIELLEMay I come in?

She doesn't have to ask. Arturo bows, Quinn and Wade followsuit. Rembrandt's face relaxes and brightens at the sightof her. He's momentarily forgotten the larger problem.

REMBRANDTI can't believe it's really you.Do you feel okay?

As she sits on the edge of the bed...

DANIELLEI do now that we're together.

If Rembrandt weren't already in bed, his knees would buckleunder him.

DANIELLE(to the other Sliders)

May we have privacy?

The Sliders exchange looks, but what can they do? Theyreluctantly exit as Danielle and Rembrandt hold hands.

CUT TO


CONTINUED (3)8 8



14/49

INT. ROYAL LIBRARY - DAY9 9

A pock-faced ASSASSIN sits sullenly in a chair, the burlyCAPTAIN of the Guards leaning against a desk opposite him.They both look to the door as it opens and Lady Mary slipsin.

She checks the hallway before closing the door and lockingit. She gestures the Captain to move aside. He circlesbehind the Assassin's chair as Lady Mary replaces him at thedesk.

LADY MARY(a hiss)

How is it the Duke lives?

ASSASSINI don't know. I saw him disappearinto the ocean. He never surfaced.

LADY MARY

Obviously, he did.

CAPTAINI believe the colloquial term forit is "playing possum, m'lady.

LADY MARY(to Assassin)

I trusted you. And you failed me.My nephew and I have too muchinvested in this to allow thesekinds of mistakes.

ASSASSINIt won't happen again.

As the Captain situates himself directly behind the man'schair...

LADY MARYThat's right. It won't.

She nods to the Captain. He suddenly pulls his sword andsavagely jams it into the back of the chair, slicing throughthe leather and impaling the Assassin. As the man gasps,takes his last breath...

CUT TO

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY10 10

Danielle's still perched on the bed next to Remmy, holding abox of soda crackers. Remmy's eyes are closed; he doesn'tlook good.


CONTINUED



15/49

DANIELLEMorning sickness is normal in thefirst few hours after transfer.You're lucky -- mine lasted two months!

REMBRANDT(mouth full of crackers)I fink iff paffing.

DANIELLE(gently)

I told you it would.

Rembrandt opens his eyes, locks onto her.

REMBRANDTYou're so beautiful.

DANIELLE(touching his face)

When Lady Mary told me you'd left,I wanted to die. And then thecrisis came early...

(and then)Rem, I know we've had our problems,but please, let's try again. Ilove you.

Before Rembrandt can get a word in, Danielle embraces him andthey dissolve into a kiss.

CUT TO

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE MASTER BEDROOM - DAY11 11

Arturo's leaning against the heavy oak doors leading to the master bedroom, eavesdropping. Quinn and Wade, appearing atthe top of the stairs behind him, approach.

QUINNWhat's going on in there?

As Arturo steps away from the doors, leads them a few feetaway so as not to be heard...

ARTUROIt's hard to tell. I heard a few muffled words and what soundedlike... munching.

The Sliders exchange a look.


CONTINUED10 10

CONTINUED



16/49

WADEI don't even want to know.

ARTUROWhat did you find out on the Duke's whereabouts?

QUINNNothing. All I heard is the guyhad a problem with living in theroyal spotlight. I guess he andthe Duchess had some big fightsabout it.

WADEWell, I found a maid who said LadyMary started a rumor that the Duke was cheating on his wife.

ARTURO

How do we know it was a rumor?

WADEWe don't, except the maid said itjust couldn't be true. Accordingto her, Remmy's double is crazyabout Danielle.

QUINNSome things are constant on every world.

WADE

The maid said she heard the royalsarguing over the rumor, then theDuke disappeared.

ARTURO(considering)

So he might be staying away out ofspite.

WADEEven after his wife went intocrisis? That's pretty low.

A CACOPHONY of CHURCH BELLS start up in the distance. As the

Sliders react, a grim faced Stellos rushes into the hallwayfrom the stairs.

QUINNWhat's going on?

He ignores the question, pushers past Quinn as Lady Mary andsome guards enter the hallway from the stairs. Stellos opensthe bedroom door without knocking.


CONTINUED11 11



17/49

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS12 12

Remmy and Danielle are kissing passionately when Stellosenters and startles them.

REMBRANDT(annoyed)

Hello? Anyone remember knock-knock?

STELLOSForgive me, Your Grace, but thereis grave news.

As the Sliders and Lady Mary enter, Stellos moves to a largeTV in the corner and flips it on.

CLOSE ON TV SCREEN

Chyron indicates this is a live, emergency broadcast,already in progress.

ANCHORWOMANWhat we know so far is this: a firehas destroyed the Royal retreat atMonticello, killing King Thomas andhis two sons, Princes Benjamin andTyler.

The room reacts with horror... except Lady Mary, who remainscalm.

ANCHORWOMANTerrorism is suspected, asauthorities report that they

received a phone call from theAmerican Revolutionary Partyclaiming responsibility for settingthe fire.

(removing her glasses)So, at one-ten p.m. todayMonticello time, Kinq Thomas waspronounced dead. Which means thenext in line for the throne is theunborn male of Rembrandt Brown,Duke of Hemmingshire.

The room turns to Remmy, who locks eyes with the Sliders, andpoints to his big tummy.

REMBRANDT(hoarse)

The King!

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE




18/49

ACT TWO

FADE IN

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING13 13

CLOSE ON A MAGAZINE COVER OF PATERNITY TODAY

showing a photo of a nude male subtly covering himself (a laDemi Moore).

PULL BACK TO REVEAL

Wade sitting on the bed reading the magazine. Nearby, Quinnpulls a short sword from a scabbard that's attached to thebed frame near the headboard.

QUINNCheck this out.

WADEI guess they keep it nearby in caseof a palace coup.

Quinn assumes a dueling pose and waves the sword at Wade.

QUINNDon't toy with me you saucy wench,lest I slice the bodice right offyou with my trusty blade.

WADE(deadpan)

You do and I'll have my guards turnyou into a eunuch.

QUINNAh, a feisty one. Perhaps sheneeds to be taught a lesson.

Rembrandt comes out of the bathroom within the bedroom wearing a silk robe over his nightshirt. He walks toes-out,one hand on his lower back for support. As he starts toclose the bathroom door, they all react as they hear adelayed TOILET FLUSH. As Remmy finishes closing the door...

REMBRANDT(over his shoulder)

Thank you.(to Quinn and Wade)

You know I think they carry thisservant thing a little too far. (MORE)


CONTINUED



19/49

REMBRANDT (CONT'D)Y'know I've had some amazingexperiences since I've beensliding, but not one compares tothe feeling of realizing you'recarrying life inside you.

WADECan I feel?

He nods. Wade puts her hand on his stomach.

WADEI think I just felt it kick.

REMBRANDTUh, I think that was just gas.

(and then)Any word on my double?

WADEHe's probably hiding out somewheresweating bullets. Royalty's a lotto take, especially if you weren'tborn to it. Remember how it was with Princess Di and Prince Charleson our world?

QUINNNot really. I think that's a girlthing. You know, obsessing aboutpeople you've never even met, justbecause they have titles and wearcrowns.

WADEWho's obsessing? That's a reallysexist thing to say.

(beat, concerned)Anyway -- that was two years ago.I'm sure they've patched things upby now.

Arturo enters carrying a gold ring.

ARTUROWell, I just had a conversation

with the coachman. He asked me togive you this. It seems youdropped it on your clandestine tripto a place called Camp Muir.

He hands it to Remmy. As Remmy slips it on...


CONTINUED13 13

CONTINUED



20/49

REMBRANDTYou know, I've been thinking.Maybe we shouldn't rush out and getthis guy.

(beat)Maybe I should just tell Danielle

the truth.

WADEExcuse me. Does the word"beheading" mean anything to you?

QUINNAnd if we don't find the Duke,you'll miss the slide.

REMBRANDTI know.

(beat, then)But if my double isn't into

handling responsibility, what kindof father will he make? I mean,this little guy's gonna be the nextking. The kind of father he hascould effect the kind of king he makes. Maybe there's some way wecan swing it so folks think mydouble is the impostor.

Off the Sliders' concern...

REMBRANDTI don't believe this. I gotta goagain.

He exits to the bathroom, then...

ARTUROIt's quite clear Mr. Brown's notthinking clearly.

WADEI guess pregnancy does that to a man.

QUINNProfessor, why don't we see if we

can locate the Duke? You stay hereand make sure Remmy doesn't... losehis head.

CUT TO


CONTINUED (2)13 13



21/49

EXT. PRIVATE GARDEN - MORNING14 14

Danielle sits on a beautiful, cushioned love seat/swingsuspended from a huge, flowering tree, looking out over theluscious royal gardens which stretch out for acres (CGI),including a maze of tall hedges. Stellos stands next toher.

STELLOSAs it now stands, I am to rule asRegent. But once the child isborn, I will step aside and yourhusband will replace me. It willbe his responsibility to rule asRegent until your son is deemed oldenough.

DANIELLEGeorge, I'm concerned that if wetell my husband of this newresponsibility it will only make

him flee again.

Rembrandt and Arturo enter, bringing their conversation to ahalt.

REMBRANDT(teasing)

Hey, Stellos. Trying to make time with a pregnant man's wife?

DANIELLERembrandt. How's our little king?

REMBRANDTLittle king. I like that. He'sdoin' great. I've been thinkingabout writing a song for him. Ifigure I could sing it to him whilehe's still inside here.

Danielle and Stellos eye him curiously.

DANIELLEA song? I'm not sure that's such agood idea.

REMBRANDT

Why not?

STELLOSBecause you're tone deaf, YourGrace.

Rembrandt and Arturo react -- oops.


CONTINUED



22/49

ARTURO(then quickly covering)

The Duke knows that. But... thebaby doesn't.

He smiles as if making a joke. Rembrandt laughs, maybe a

little too hard. Danielle and Stellos exchange a dubiouslook.

CUT TO

EXT. CAMP MUIR - DAY15 15

Quinn and Wade make their way out of the woods and up a pathto a cabin. Quinn carries a tree branch he uses as a walkingstick.

WADEThis has to be Camp Muir. The whole area's marked "Privateproperty of the Crown."

QUINNOn our world it would have beenloaded with tourists.

Wade climbs the porch steps and knocks on the door. Noresponse, but the unlocked door swings slightly open. Wadedisappears inside.

WADE (0.S)(calling)

Your Grace? Anybody home?

Quinn looks at the woods that stretch behind the cabin.

QUINN(calling to Wade)

Maybe he went for a walk in the woo --

Quinn turns back to find a SWORD BLADE COMING DOWN AT HISHEAD. At the other end is REMBRANDT 2. On instinct, Quinnthrows up the tree branch and deflects the blow.

The Duke is fast with the blade, but Quinn is equal to the

task. As he uses the tree branch to deflect several moreswipes...

QUINNYour Grace... we're friends... ofDanielle's...


CONTINUED14 14

CONTINUED



23/49

REMBRANDT 2How come... I've never... seen youbefore?

QUINNWell, it's kind... of a long

story...

He finally knocks the sword from the Duke's hands. The Dukelunges for the dropped sword, but Quinn jumps on him, pinninghim as

WADE

appears in the doorway, takes in the scene.

WADEHey !

Quinn grabs the sword, flings it away.

QUINNNow do you believe me?

As they slowly rise...

REMBRANDT 2Sorry, I thought you were anotherassassin.

WADEWhat do you mean another?

REMBRANDT 2Two days ago someone pushed me offthe cliffs into the ocean. But I was able to stay under long enoughto let them think I'd drowned.

WADEWho'd want to kill you?

QUINN(to the Duke)

Look, we can discuss it on the wayback. Right now your wife needsyou.

CUT TO


CONTINUED15 15



24/49

INT. ROYAL LIBRARY - AFTERNOON16 16

Arturo sits in a high-backed, leather wing chair with hisfeet up on the matching ottoman and puffs on a cigar. Auniformed maid pours cream into his Limoge cup from a silvercreamer. A nearby tray is loaded with dome-covered dishes.

ARTUROIf you'd be so kind, would youreplace the pillows on my bed? Iam sensitive to goose feathers and would prefer eiderdown.

The maid curtsies and exits. REVEAL REMBRANDT on the sofa,eating ice cream and pretzels from a huge bowl which rests onhis ever growing tummy.

REMBRANDTYou realize you didn't even saythank you?

(becoming emotional)

Poor girl's busting her butt andyou can't even tell her how muchyou appreciate it.

(abruptly harsh)And put out that smoke stack around my baby!

Arturo hides his amusement as he stubs out his cigar.Arturo begins lifting domes on the serving tray, checking outthe various delicacies.

ARTUROLet me give you some advice aboutroyal help. Most have been bornand raised in service. They loveto serve, indeed they live to serveand would be confused and hurt iftheir superiors did not behave in asuperior fashion.

REMBRANDTYou know, you're so full of...

Danielle enters purposefully.

DANIELLEI heard the goodies were in here.

Danielle sits beside Rembrandt and helps herself to astrawberry. Rembrandt can't take his eyes off her. Heholds his ice cream and pretzel concoction out to Arturo.


CONTINUED



25/49

REMBRANDTProfessor, would you take this tothe kitchen, please. And have themsave it in the freezer, I may wantto finish it later.

ARTUROBut we have servants to...

Danielle looks up, surprised to hear anyone talking back toher husband. Rembrandt shoots Arturo a look.

ARTUROYes, Your Grace.

Arturo exits, hoist on his own superior petard.

DANIELLE(re: Arturo)

I hear that the cook spits in hisfood.

REMBRANDT(laughing)

No!

DANIELLE(laughing)

Yes.

REMBRANDT(re: food tray)

Good thing I ordered this little

snack.He grabs a handful of peanuts and is about to down them when...

DANIELLE(grabbing his hand)

Rembrandt, no!

They stare at each other a beat, then...

DANIELLEMy husband has a deadly allergy topeanuts.

(a beat)Apparently you, whoever you are, donot.

Off Rembrandt's reaction...

DISSOLVE TO


CONTINUED16 16



26/49

INT. BENTLEY - EVENING - MOVING17 17

Quinn speeds down an empty country road. The Duke ridesshotgun. Wade leans forward from the back.

REMBRANDT 2I can't believe it. My son is the

King?(and then)Do they know who's behind theassassinations?

QUINNThe Rebels are taking credit.

WADEI got a question for you. Whatkind of guy leaves his wife whileshe's pregnant?

REMBRANDT 2

I didn't leave her. We got into afight, and I needed time to cooloff, okay? What's the matter, younever fought with anybody you werein love with?

WADESure, but I stayed around and worked it out.

REMBRANDT 2Oh yeah, so where's your weddingring?

(and then)Hey, wait a minute. If they had totake the baby from Danielle early, who did they transfer him to?

As Quinn and Wade exchange a look...

CUT TO

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - EVENING18 18

Remmy's on a love seat. Danielle sits next to him.

REMBRANDTOn my world, you and I were livingtogether. We'd had a big fight.You took the car and -- you weregonna show me hew it felt when I walked out on you. I should neverhave let you go. You couldn't evensee through your tears.


CONTINUED



27/49

Danielle is engrossed. The story is an emotional one forRembrandt to relive.

REMBRANDTAfter the accident, I still had theboneheaded idea that we could make

it right. But after you got well,you wouldn't look at me. I startedcrying and couldn't stop. It's howI got the nickname The Cryin' Man.

Rembrandt laughs bitterly. Danielle strokes his face,touched by Remmy's pain.

DANIELLEThis story never happened to me,yet I feel as if it had.

REMBRANDT(quoting)

As one beneath the starry sky,you've said and I agree, my sweet, without you near me I will diea hundred deaths in each heartbeat.

DANIELLE(unnerved)

How do you know that poem? I wroteit the first time you walked out on me, but I changed my mind andripped it up.

REMBRANDT(driving it home)

On my world, you mailed it.

DANIELLEHow could some things be the sameand others so different?

REMBRANDTI don't know. Look, Danielle. I want you to know... if your husbanddoesn't come back... you got me.If you want me.

It's a lot for Danielle to take in. A beat, then...

DANIELLEThis has been quite a day for me.

(rises)Why don't we get some rest? We cantalk more about it in the morning.


CONTINUED18 18

CONTINUED



28/49

She moves to the door, turns back to him.

DANIELLEGood night... Mr. Brown.

As she exits ...

CUT TO

EXT. ROYAL GROUNDS - NIGHT19 19

Quinn and Wade follow the Duke as they come through ahedgerow.

WADEWhat are we doing here?

REMBRANDT 2

We can't just walk in the frontdoor. Unless you want your friendbeheaded. There's a secretpassageway I used to use when I wascourting Danielle.

QUINNSecret passageway? Cool.

WADEStill think royalty's a girl thing?

CUT TO

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT20 20

The room is dark. Remmy's asleep, breathing heavily in bed when a SECRET PANEL in a wall slides open. The silhouetteof a cloaked and HOODED FIGURE enters and crosses to thebed. It quickly clamps a pillow down tight over Rembrandt'sface. A beat, then Remmy wakes... STARTS STRUGGLING withhis unseen assassin, arms flailing, but to no avail as we...

FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO


CONTINUED (2)18 18



29/49

ACT THREE

FADE IN

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT21 21

As Arturo approaches carrying a tray of food, he is stoppedby the SOUND of CHOKING inside.

ARTUROMr. Brown?!

The MUFFLED SOUNDS of a struggle continue. Arturo drops thetray, tries the door. Locked. He raises his leg, KICKS THEDOOR. As it splinters ...

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS22 22

The cloaked figure sees Arturo, makes a dash for the secretpanel. Arturo-follows but the attacker disappears, thepanel closing behind him. Arturo tries the panel... locked.

ANOTHER ANGLE

Arturo rushes for the bed where a shaken Remmy struggles toget up on his elbows.

ARTUROMr. Brown! Did you see who it was?

REMBRANDT(duh)

No! I had a pillow over my face!

CUT TO

EXT. WALL - NIGHT - SAME TIME23 23

Rembrandt 2 feels around for the secret trigger spot on theivy covered wall.

REMBRANDT 2I know it's around here someplace.

Suddenly, a SLAB OF STONE FLIES OPEN, hitting Rembrandt 2, who falls. The dark figure races out, knocking Wade aside.Quinn throws a tackle.

Clearly outsizing the figure, it looks like Quinn has him,until the assassin delivers the heel of his boot, full forceinto Quinn's stomach, and runs, disappearing into the mazeof hedges, leaving Quinn curled up in pain. Wade rushes toQuinn, who gasps as he recovers.


CONTINUED



30/49

REMBRANDT 2What the hell's going on?!

QUINNI just got kicked in the stomach.

WADEYou all right?

QUINNYeah... I'm just glad I'm not sixinches taller.

As she helps Quinn to his feet...

CUT TO

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT - SAME TIME24 24

Rembrandt is sitting up in bed, breathing hard but okay.Danielle rushes in. In a flash, she's looking into Remmy'sface, feeling his tummy, checking for damage.

DANIELLEWhat happened?!

ARTUROSomeone tried to kill the Duke.And by extension, the new King.

REMBRANDTI'm all right, baby. I'm okay.

ARTUROI heard a struggle, realizedMister... uh, the Duke was indanger, and broke down the door.

REMBRANDT 2 (O.S.)I am the Duke.

They turn to see

REMBRANDT 2

standing in front of the now open secret panel. Danielleturns from the bed, her eyes on Remmy 2.

DANIELLERembrandt? Is it really you?


CONTINUED23 23

CONTINUED



31/49

REMBRANDT 2(approaching)

It s me, honey.

As she rises and they embrace, we see Remmy's reaction.He's clearly disappointed that his double's back. As

Danielle and her husband break their embrace, the Duke looksto Remmy.

REMBRANDT 2I believe I owe you a huge debt ofgratitude.

REMBRANDT(coolly)

Yeah.

LADY MARY (O.S.)Oh my God...

The Sliders turn to see Lady Mary standing in the doorway, wrapped in her night robe. Her eyes go back and forthbetween the two Remmys. Danielle crosses to her thru...

DANIELLEIt's a lot to comprehend, butyou've got to help us.

(gesturing to the twoRemmys)

We must find a way to transfer thebaby from this Rembrandt to theDuke. Without your nephew findingout.

(to our Remmy)George likes to behead first andask questions later.

Suddenly, we hear the SOUND OF PEOPLE heading up the stairs.

DANIELLE(knowing)

Guards...

QUINNWe'll stall them.

As he and Wade cross and hurry out...

DANIELLE(to Lady Mary)

Will you help us?


CONTINUED24 24

CONTINUED



32/49

LADY MARY(trying to recover)

You know I'd do anything for you, my dear.

CUT TO

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS25 25

Quinn and Wade hurry to head off three guards as they reachthe top of the stairs.

GUARDWe heard noises. What's going on?

QUINNNothing. Just a little... nothing.

The Guard eyes him suspiciously, then pushes past himtowards the royal bedroom. Wade blocks his way.

WADEI wouldn't do that if I were you.The Duke and Duchess are having adomestic dispute.

(confidentially)It's about his infidelity. I'msure you've heard the rumor.

GUARDOh. She's throwing things again?

QUINNYeah. Big things.

The Guard nods, gestures for his men to go back.

GUARDIf anyone needs us, we'll be at thebase of the stairs.

The guards turn and leave. Wade and Quinn heave a sigh ofrelief, then head back for the bedroom.

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS26 26

They re-enter, only to find the room is completely empty.Quinn hurries to the secret panel, but it's closed and hecan't open it.


CONTINUED (2)24 24

CONTINUED



33/49

QUINNDamn. Be nice if they left a noteor something.

Wade's eyes fall upon something lying in the folds of thebed sheet lying on the floor.

WADEQuinn...

She crosses to the bed sheet and kneels, Quinn following.Wade reaches down and picks up a SMALL JEWELED PIN.

QUINNWhat is it?

WADEA pin. Must've fallen off theassassin.

(studying pin)I've seen this before. When I wastalking to the maid.

(looks to Quinn)She was cleaning Lady Mary's room.This was on the dresser.

Off Quinn's reaction...

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. CAMP MUIR SHORE - DAWN27 27

A small boat rests just out of the surf. Danielle, Remmy 2and Lady Mary stand on the shore as the Captain of theGuards and one of his men help Remmy out of the boat. Ifpossible, it looks like he's bigger than we remember fromyesterday.

REMBRANDTI still don't know about this,Professor...

ARTUROObviously, security at the mansion's been breached. If thislocation is as isolated as Lady

Mary claims, then you should besafe here until we can arrange thetransfer to your double.

Remmy gets his footing on the sand.


CONTINUED26 26

CONTINUED



34/49

REMBRANDTI gotta go again. Bad.

DANIELLEThe cottage isn't far. Come on.

As she leads the entourage away from the boat, the Captainand Lady Mary linger behind.

CAPTAINDon't worry, m'lady. What needs tobe done will be.

She walks after the others, leaving the Captain behind. Assoon as they're out of frame, the Captain reaches back intothe boat and pulls out a gasoline can. Off this --

CUT TO

INT. LADY MARY'S BEDROOM - MORNING28 28

ANGLE ON A PAINTING OF KING THOMAS

hanging on the wall. Quinn's HAND reaches into frame andeases it aside. There's nothing underneath but the wall.

WADE (0.S.)Hoping for a safe?

ANOTHER ANGLE REVEALS OUR HEROES

in Lady Mary's room. They've been searching for a while;

drawers are pulled out and overturned, etc. Wade's goingthrough her closet.

QUINNHoping for something. We've justabout run out of places where youcan hide something.

WADESince I'm still not sure what we'relooking for, that doesn't soundlike much of a roadblock.

QUINNLook, the pin isn't enough proofLady Man's trying to kill theDuke. She'll just say it fell off,or was stolen, or something.

He crosses to a flower pot.


CONTINUED27 27

CONTINUED



35/49

QUINNIf she is tied up with the rebels,there must be something else hereto prove it.

He turns the flower pot upside down. The potted plant falls

out and crumbles, but there's nothing hidden there.

WADEI hope so. Otherwise we've createda lot of work for the maid fornothing.

Quinn stares up at the King's portrait in frustration.

QUINNCome on, your Majesty. Give us aclue. You've seen everything thatgoes on in this room.

WADEHopefully not. If he's any kind ofgentleman, he turned his back oncein a while.

QUINN(a realization)

Wait a minute...

He returns to the painting, lifts it from its perch andturns it over. He grabs a letter opener off the desk andtears into the frame's backing.

WADEWhat are you doing?

QUINNVandalism if I'm wrong.

He reaches into the slit he's made and feels around. Asmile crosses his lips as he withdraws a small bundle ofletters bound together by string. As he unties thestring...

QUINNThese letters have the royal sealon them.

Wade unfolds one, reads aloud.


CONTINUED28 28

CONTINUED



36/49

WADE"My dearest Mary. This will be mylast letter, as the Queen isgrowing suspicious. I understandthe reasons behind your request,but cannot agree to recognize our

son George as legitimate..."

QUINNGeorge? Wait... "Aunt Mary" isactually George Stellos' mother?

WADEAnd the King his father.

QUINNThat means he's royalty ...

(realizing)And next in line for the throne ifthere are no other male heirs.

(and then)Let's get these letters to thepress.

They head for the door. But just as they reach it, the DOORFLIES OPEN and Stellos appears, flanked by armed guards.

STELLOSI should've known you were rebels.

He gestures for the guards to take them into custody. Asthey grab Wade and Quinn...

STELLOSWhat have you done to the Duke andDuchess? And my aunt?

QUINNIs that how you're going to coverthis up? You gonna frame us fortheir disappearance? Blameeverything on the AmericanRevolutionists?

STELLOSWhat frame? What are you talkingabout?

WADEYou can drop the act. We knowyou're the King's son.


CONTINUED (2)28 28

CONTINUED



37/49

STELLOSWhat? That's preposterous!

(to guards)Take them away.

As the guards move toward them.

WADEI don't think he knows.

STELLOSKnows what?

Wade extends the letter she was reading to Stellos.

QUINNBefore you grease up theguillotine, you might want to readthat.

CUT TO

INT. CABIN MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING29 29

Remmy's propped up in bed. He's fitful, uncomfortable. Thedoor opens and Rembrandt 2 enters.

REMBRANDTWhat are you doin' in here?

REMBRANDT 2(flops in a chair)

Danielle and I had an argument. Ihad to get out of there.

REMBRANDTYou could do that permanently andit wouldn't hurt my feelings.

REMBRANDT 2Hey, what's with the attitude? Whathave I ever done to you?

REMBRANDTYou hurt Danielle. And I adviseyou to cut it out. If you can'ttreat her with the love and respectshe deserves, you can disappear andleave the job to me.


CONTINUED (3)28 28

CONTINUED



38/49

REMBRANDT 2Hey, you may have temporary custodyof my baby, but don't forget,Danielle is my wife!

REMBRANDT

Then treat her that way. There'salways going to be problems, that'slife. But you gotta face them likea man. Not just walk away. That's what got us into this mess in thefirst place.

Remmy struggles to sit up best he can.

REMBRANDT(and then)

Listen. Don't blow it with her.Because if you do, you'll regret itevery day of your life. I do.

As Rembrandt 2 takes this in, Lady Mary pushes open thedoor, enters with a tray of tea.

REMBRANDT 2Not now, Lady Mary.

LADY MARYThat's the beauty of tea. When youdon't want it is exactly when youneed it.

She holds out a cup to Remmy 2.

LADY MARYIt's chamomile. Very soothing. Ithelped calm Danielle and theProfessor.

Remmy 2 takes it, sips. To the watchful eye, Lady Maryseems a little too pleased.

REMBRANDT 2It's nice. Thanks.

As she extends a cup to our Rembrandt...

LADY MARYAnd for the little father...

As Remmy takes the cup, we...

CUT TO


CONTINUED29 29



39/49

INT. MANSION HALLWAY - DAY30 30

A grim Stellos, letters in hand, strides through thehallway, flanked by a concerned Quinn and Wade.

QUINNHow are you holding up?

STELLOSFor someone who just found out hisaunt is his mother and she's a murderer... fine.

WADEAny idea where she took them?

STELLOSNo. But I know someone who might.

CUT TO

EXT. CAMP MUIR CABIN - DAY31 31

Lady Mary exits and approaches the Captain of the Guards, who waits for her, carrying the gas can.

LADY MARYEveryone's asleep.

(icily)Use all of it. I don't want toleave anything for the coroner to

examine.

As the Captain walks up the stairs and disappears into thecabin...

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE




40/49

ACT FOUR

FADE IN

INT. CABIN MASTER BEDROOM - DAY32 32

Remmy tosses and turns in the bed while Remmy 2 sleepssoundly, though cramped in an overstuffed chaise lounge.

REMBRANDT(half asleep)

Just a sip of tea and I still haveto go every five minutes...

(eyes closed, sniffing)Hey Duke, you smokin'?

Opening his eyes, Remmy sees SMOKE seeping under the closedbedroom door and hears the CRACKLE of the fire outside it.

REMBRANDTFire!

Remmy 2 begins to stir.

REMBRANDT 2What? Fire? Where?

Remmy 2 sits up, grabbing his head as a wave of pain hits.

REMBRANDT 2(seeing the smoke)

Oh, damn.

Remmy 2 leaps up and opens the door. FLAMES ROAR and pushhim back inside. He slams the door, grabs a blanket, and wedges it in the space between the door and the floor.

REMBRANDTThe window!

Rembrandt 2 wrestles with the lock on the French doors thatlead to the terrace, then kicks through the jammed doorhandles. The doors fly open.

EXT. SECOND STORY TERRACE - DAY33 33

Remmy and the Duke run to the next set of doors. The Dukepicks up a wrought iron chair and uses it to smash the doorsopen.




41/49

INT. CABIN - GUEST BEDROOM - DAY34 34

This room is already full of smoke. Remmy 2 rushes in tofind Danielle and Arturo slumped in chairs asleep.

REMBRANDT 2Wake up! Fire!

Arturo stirs as Rembrandt 2 pulls Danielle out of the chairand carries her out.

EXT. SECOND STORY TERRACE - DAY35 35

Remmy 2 lays Danielle down as Arturo stumbles out coughing.Rembrandt kneels over the unconscious Danielle. He shakesher and gently slaps her cheeks.

REMBRANDTWake up, baby. Don't you leave menow!

As SMOKE pours out of the bedroom and engulfs the terrace,Arturo searches for an escape.

ARTURO(instructing Rembrandt 2)

The trellis. You go first with theDuchess, then together we'll getRembrandt down.

REMBRANDTAaaagggghhhh!

Arturo and Rembrandt 2 turn to Remmy, doubled over,clutching his stomach.

CUT TO

EXT. ROYAL MANSION GATES - DAY36 36

Stellos, carrying a sword, Quinn and Wade rush to the guardbooth just as the DRIVER gets out of the Royal Car (Limo).The Driver sees Stellos and freezes, obviously guilty aboutsomething.

STELLOSWhere did you take them?!

DRIVERThe Duke swore me to secrecy, sir.

CLOSE ON QUINN


CONTINUED



42/49

Running one finger down the side of the car, then licking thefinger.

QUINNThis thing‘s covered in salt. He must’ve been to the docks.

(realizing)They’re at Camp Muir.

Stellos grabs the Driver‘s sword and tosses it to Quinn.

STELLOSLet’s go.

(to Driver)Get the paramedics to Camp Muir.

CUT TO

EXT. CAMP MUIR CABIN - DAY37 37

Arturo and Rembrandt 2 emerge from the cabin, coughing,sooty. The smoke still coming from the cabin is thinner andlighter in color -- the fire is out.

REMBRANDT 2Why are we so groggy?

ARTUROFrom the pounding in our heads, Isuspect drugged tea.

REMBRANDT 2

But Lady Mary made...

ARTUROPrecisely, Your Grace. And LadyMary is no where to be found.

As they approach Danielle, who cradles Rembrandt’s head, a wave of agony hits Rembrandt.

REMBRANDTOooohhhhhh!

DANIELLEHe swallowed a lot of smoke.

REMBRANDTWhat‘s... happening... Professor?


CONTINUED36 36

CONTINUED



43/49

ARTURO(gravely)

From the amount of smoke you'veinhaled, I fear the child is ingrave danger.

Remmy grabs Arturo's wrist. His following lines are throughgritted teeth, defying his excruciating pain.

REMBRANDTThen take the baby... out. Now!

ARTUROMr. Brown. Even if the fetus isviable, there is no way to deliverit here on this island.

Remmy pulls a Swiss army knife from his pocket. He pressesit into Arturo's hand.

ARTURO(thrown)

I am not a medical doctor. Underthe best of circumstances thechances of your survival...

REMBRANDTDon't argue. I have felt this baby move inside me... I've felt itsheart beat. I want you to...

A new level of pain cuts Remmy off in mid-word. Arturo putsa hand on his shoulder, moved by Remmy's bravery, but

stymied as to what t o do next.CUT TO

EXT. CAMP MUIR WOODS - DAY38 38

Lady Mary, the Captain and another guard gather in the woodsand peer through the trees.

LADY MARY(livid, determined)

I t should be an inferno by now.What's wrong?

CAPTAINEven if they escaped the fire, theycouldn't have left the island.


CONTINUED37 37

CONTINUED



44/49

LADY MARYI don't care anymore if it lookslike an accident. Just find themand kill them.

Suddenly, the SOUND OF A HELICOPTER draws their attention.

EXT. CAMP MUIR CLEARING - DAY39 39

Quinn, Wade and Stellos step out of a helicopter, its rotorstill spinning, having just landed. Stellos and Quinn now wear swords at their waists.

STELLOSThe cabin's just beyond thosetrees.

As they make their way toward a tree line, the Captain andhis guard appear from the trees, swords drawn.

CAPTAINGet back on the helicopter.

STELLOSSince when do you give me orders?

(draws his sword)Step aside, Lance.

The guards advance. Quinn quickly draws his sword. Quinntakes on the Captain. As Stellos battles the guard, Quinn makes a few thrusts and parries and quickly has theadvantage. He forces the Captain back -- over a tree

stump. The Captain falls, the wind knocked out of him, hissword out of reach. Quinn presses his sword to theCaptain's chest.

CAPTAINDo it! If Mary's bastard isn'tcrowned, my life is over anyway.

QUINNToo easy. You deserve a muchslower reward for your efforts.

Quinn signals Wade. She rushes in and cuffs the Captain. AsStellos dispatches the other guard, Lady Mary rushes from the

trees.

LADY MARYGeorge! What are you doing?!

Stellos pulls the letter that Wade found from his jacket andholds it out in front of Lady Mary.


CONTINUED38 38

CONTINUED



45/49

STELLOSStopping the bloodshed.

LADY MARY(unruffled)

So. Now you know. Then don't be a

fool. Once the child is out of the way, we can rule with you asKing -- as you were always meant tobe.

Stellos just stares at her, astonished.

STELLOSYou can't be serious.

LADY MARYListen to me. I didn't destroy theentire royal family so you couldfoul things up here.

STELLOS(a beat, then)

You're a monster.

Stellos spins her around and cuffs her hands behind herback. She's stunned a beat, shocked that he'd turn on her.Then...

LADY MARY(bitter)

This kingdom is mine. Your fatherowes it to me. He made promises...

Stellos is disgusted. He looks to Quinn.

STELLOSYou'd better get to the cabin.

CUT TO

INT. CABIN MASTER BEDROOM - DAY - MOMENTS LATER40 40

Rembrandt lies on a table, draped in sheets, as prepared forsurgery as possible in these circumstances. Danielle andRembrandt 2 stand by to assist, holding towels and Remmy's

hands as much to restrain him as to comfort him.

ARTUROMr. Brown, you realize the risk we're taking?


CONTINUED39 39

CONTINUED



46/49

REMBRANDT(looking him in the eye)

Save... my son.

CLOSE ON THE KNIFE

poised over Rembrandt's belly iaS Arturo prepares to make theincision. As he presses it against Rembrandt's stomach,

THE DOOR

bursts open and Quinn and Wade rush in.

QUINNProfessor, what are you doing?!

ARTUROThe infant is in distress.

WADEThe paramedics should be here...

The SOUND of a helicopter drawls their attention.

WADE(smiling)

...any second.

DANIELLE(heavenward)

Yes!

REMBRANDT

It's about time something wentright.

As Danielle and Rembrandt 2 start to bundle Remmy up for the move.

ARTUROYou cut it awfully close, Mr.Mallory.

QUINN(re: knife in Arturo'shand)

Look who's talking.

INT. HOSPITAL - PRIVATE ROOM - THE NEXT DAY41 41

CLOSE ON BABY, adorable, yawning if possible.


CONTINUED40 40

CONTINUED



47/49

WADE (V.O.)Well, Remmy survived and the nation welcomed their new King, Rembrandtthe First.

PULL BACK to reveal Rembrandt, dressed, holding the baby and

looking into his little face with unspeakable joy.

WADE (V.O.)Stellos decided to keep quiet about who his father was, and accepted anappointment by the Duke as LordHigh Protector until the King is ofage.

PULL BACK FURTHER to reveal Danielle, Rembrandt 2, Quinn,Wade and Arturo surrounding Remmy and admiring the baby.

WADE (V.O.)(beat)

It's been an emotional rollercoaster ride for Remmy, but heseems to have come to a place ofacceptance.

(with relief)I sure am glad he's coming with us.

REMBRANDT 2(to Remmy)

You saved my marriage and the lifeof my child. How, on this or anyother world, could I thank you?

REMBRANDTJust protect them and love themenough for you and me put together.

The Duke nods as church bells RING in the distance.Bittersweet, Remmy passes the baby over with a good-bye kisson the forehead. He turns to Danielle.

REMBRANDTI guess we're just not meant to beon this world either.

(beat)But I will always love you

DANIELLEI'll never forget you.

Danielle presses something wrapped in a handkerchief intoRembrandt's hand and kisses him on the cheek.


CONTINUED41 41

CONTINUED



48/49

Remmy closes his eyes -- and then she moves away and he isalone.

Arturo opens the doors to the balcony off the hospital room.Danielle and Rembrandt 2 step out to show the new King to thecheering crowd.

THE CROWD (O.S.)Long live the King!

BACK ON OUR PEOPLE

QUINNTake one last look, guys.

Quinn aims the timer at the TV showing the new family wavingat the crowd.

REMBRANDT(dying inside)

Lord, how I hate good-byes.

THE VORTEX OPENS. Rembrandt and Wade jump together into thevortex. Then Quinn. Arturo takes a last look around. It was nice while it lasted. He jumps.

CUT TO

INT. WORMHOLE TUNNEL (STOCK)42 42

EXT. STREET - DAY43 43

Normal, except no cars, or any other mechanicaltransportation in sight.

The VORTEX OPENS and the Sliders emerge. Rembrandt holdsthe handkerchief-wrapped gift from Danielle. As he unwrapsit...

INSERT

a locket with the baby's picture.

BACK TO SCENE

ARTUROWell, Mr. Brown, you gave life to ason and a King. Quite anaccomplishment on any world.


CONTINUED (2)41 41

CONTINUED



49/49

QUINN(re: locket picture)

Hey, he's crying... Crying Man!

REMBRANDT(bittersweet)

I guess some of me rubbed off onthe little guy after all.

There's an awkward moment. Quinn pats Rembrandt on theback. Then their attention is drawn upwards by the SOUND ofa little girl crying. They look up.

THEIR POV

In a third floor window a MOTHER appears to be pushing herLITTLE GIRL out the window.

ON SLIDERS

ARTUROOh, no!

QUINNStop!

REMBRANDTAre you crazy?!

WADEI'll call 9-1-1.

Wade runs out of frame, but the screaming little girl startsto fall. Rembrandt runs forward, putting himself directlyunder the falling girl to try and catch her.

QUINNNo, Remmy! She'stoo high!

ARTUROYou'll becrushed!

Rembrandt doesn't budge. But suddenly, about a yard aboveRemmy's outstretched arms, the little girl SPREADS HER WINGS(CGI) and flies upward -- with great effort at first, then more easily.

LITTLE WINGED GIRLLook Mommy! No feet!

As she flies past the mother's window and up into the sky,the Sliders watch, paralyzed with awe. The mother wipes herbrow and smiles down at them.

MOTHER

(calling down, shrugging)It's the only way they learn.

And on the Sliders' astonished faces, we...

FADE OUT


CONTINUED43 43

sliders 3x09 - the prince of slides (1996!10!03)

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