One Unscheduled Flight

Episode summary

A station mechanic repairs a small messenger bird whose unplanned route reveals a forgotten promise.

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Transcript

Page 1
1. Wide view: a quiet orbital station repair bench facing a window of stars. Tao sorts screws. Caption: "REPAIR BAY 6."
2. A dented mechanical swallow skids onto the bench, one wing drooping. Sound effect: "clink"
3. Tao examines a small folded paper held in its beak. Paper exterior reads "LIO". Tao: "Old-fashioned cargo."
4. Close view: a broken pin lies beside the open wing joint. Tao: "One pin. Easy."
5. Tao fits the pin; the repaired bird immediately hops towards the door. Tao: "Wait. The flight test!"

Page 2
1. The swallow flies low down a corridor, Tao jogging after it. Tao: "That is not the test route."
2. The swallow pauses before a closed observation room. Tao notices dust on the handle. No dialogue.
3. Inside, Lio sits beside a large dark window with an empty chair beside her. The swallow lands gently on the empty chair.
4. Lio accepts the folded paper from its beak. Lio: "You came back."
5. Close view of unfolded note in her hands, neat large text: "WHEN THE COMET RETURNS, LOOK UP."

Page 3
1. Lio looks at a tiny old photograph of two adults beside the same mechanical bird. Lio: "He built it before our first voyage."
2. Tao glances at the stars, then gently turns on a simple window shade control. Tao: "Then we should see it properly."
3. Large wide panel: the shade withdraws to reveal a brilliant comet arcing across black space. Lio and Tao are small silhouettes. No dialogue.
4. The swallow settles on Lio's shoulder, both wings neatly folded. Lio: "Right on time."
5. Tao and Lio sit together and smile quietly at the comet. No dialogue. Footer: "END OF CHAPTER 1".