through.
INT. SCOUTSHIP - NIGHT
The outer door suddenly closes behind Alec.
An interior door whisks open.
Piren is sitting behind a small table. He waves Alec in.
Alec enters bravely.
A virtual screen hovers behind Piren. An image of Alec's book is displayed on it.
ALEC
Hello.
Piren forces a smile.
He directs his eyes toward Alec's end of the table.
Alec looks down.
A Neutrino Drive engine is sitting there. A small data crystal accompanies it.
ALEC (CONT’D)
What is it?
Piren points to the screen behind him. He struggles to speak.
PIREN
Is that you?
ALEC
Yes.
PIREN
I am Piren. That is a gift for your
future.
ALEC
I don't understand.
PIREN
I will show you.
The screen fades to darkness.
The inner door closes behind Alec.
The ship lurches.
Alec crouches to maintain his balance.
The screen now displays a receding Earth.
The Earth disappears into a sea of stars.
The sun moves blazingly into view, then recedes.
It quickly takes its place as a dim background star.
Familiar constellations creep inward.
Orion contorts itself in a slight, awkward rotation.
All at once, the stars grind to a halt.
The stars then begin a reverse migration.
Orion slips back into precise definition.
The distant sun grows brighter, then moves off to the side.
Earth approaches until it fills the screen.
Alec tightens. Holds his breath.
Another lurch. The air comes bellowing out of his lungs.
Both the inner and outer doors open.
Piren points to the Neutrino Drive.
He motions for Alec to leave the ship.
Alec picks up the drive, pockets the crystal, and then steps from the ship.
EXT. CORNFIELD - NIGHT
The corn is fully matured.
A blast of air hits Alec from above.
He looks up just in time to see the scoutship disappear into the sky.
He begins jogging toward the house.
EXT. BACKYARD - ALEC'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Alec enters the yard.
He looks around suspiciously, and then steps carefully onto the back porch.
He spots Kristin through a window. She is peeking through the curtains at him. She looks older, sadder.
She slowly opens the back door.
KRISTIN
Alec?
ALEC
I thought you were in bed?
She looks carefully at his face, his bathrobe.
KRISTIN
You're alive.
ALEC
