Breaking Ground (episode)


*The following article is written from an Out of Universe perspective.*

Breaking Ground was the sixth and final episode of Season 1 of The Elysium. It was written by Jane Espenson and Toni Graphia, directed by Anna Foerster and it featured Mina Anwar, Esai Morales, Suzanne Packer, Pallance Dladla and Sinead Keenan.

Synopsis

On the verge of war with the Rhaighrs, the Cizzaurans and worse of all, themselves, the Scallatti must step up and avert it at whatever cost. However, Richard finds out, a cancerous seed has been at the heart of Scallatti society for centuries.

Plot

Five Weeks Ago… Lea and Dien stand waiting outside Claude’s office in the Government Building eagerly. The door swings open and Claude invites them in. Lea tells him that they are here on a matter of the utmost importance. They sit down and explain to Claude that the Kheqren mines are now operational and they opened earlier that day… however, they’ve found a problem. Claude raises an eyebrow as Lea explains that although Kheqren is incredibly powerful, it dilutes very quickly. She says that they’ve discovered that they cannot transport the energy generated from the Kheqren for any prolonged distance. Claude hits the roof and blames the Cizzaurans for this. Lea tells him that the Cizzaurans live in small villages with extremely low-key mining pits, at the edge of them, and she says that it’s unlikely they even knew about this problem. Claude calms down telling them that they can use the power reserves for now, but that will run out very soon and unless they find a solution, the Scallatti are as doomed as they were when they landed on the planet. Lea nods telling them that she’s going to take residence in the Horretz village while she tries to crack this problem. Claude asks why she would do such a thing and not work in a lab, but Lea says that Kheqren is a part of this planet and a part of nature, they only way she can connect with it, in her mind, is to be in its natural home. Claude snorts with laughter and says that she better succeed. He then tells the two of them that this is top secret and not even the President is to know about it.

In the Horretz village, a squadron of Scallatti troops arrive. Meithekk welcomes them in telling them that it’s better late than never but Seganseh looks on with disappointment. Eddie notices Segnaseh’s frown and walks over to her. He tells her that he’s sorry for the way his people have handled everything, and that he’s sure those troops that have just arrived will do them good. Seganseh tells Eddie that she doesn’t want Scallatti troops in the village, not when they are about to mobilise for war. Eddie says that he thought it was just a rescue mission.

Elsewhere, a shuttle arrives outside the mines, much to Calem’s delight. As well as dozens more troops, Ajacos and Claude also step off it. Ajacos asks Calem what’s the situation and Calem tells him that they barricaded the entrance, there’s no way in. Claude says that Cizzaurans have mobilised, and they are heading to their current position, to retrieve the Lone Cizzauran. Ajacos chuckles to himself and says, “Well Claude, it seems we have a war to avert”.

Richard and Tena walk up the steps to the school building as they talk about the miner’s strike, based upon what they saw on the news. Richard mentions that Tena could’ve been in the mines if she hadn’t got a placement at the school, to which Tena simply nods. When they walk into the staff room, however, they find it completely empty, apart from Utnapishtim – standing there, right in the centre of the room, awaiting them.

In the mines, Julie and Roddy sit down with the Lone Cizzauran. The two of them discuss the situation and Roddy says that holding it hostage will force Ajacos’ hand and make him agree to their terms. Julie says that she hopes so because she doesn’t feel entirely comfortable with keeping it here and using it in this way. Roddy tells her that everything will be alright, as long as nothing unexpected happens. Julie snorts telling Roddy that he’s not just playing politics but he’s playing politics with an entirely different species that they’ve only known a few months. Roddy then stands up and says that it’s a good job he’s a politician then.

Ajacos speaks to Calem about the situation and he tells her that he’s really impressed by the job she’s been doing these last few months. A wide grin appears on Calem’s face, but he tells her not to get too cocky, or Syd will have her out on an ear. Calem asks where Syd is and Ajacos tells her that she’s currently ‘unavailable’. Calem nods straight away, catching onto Ajacos’ meaning instantly. Ajacos then grabs a megaphone and tells Calem that they better get to it then.

Inside the mines, Roddy and Julie hear the sound of Ajacos’ voice through the megaphone. He asks Roddy to meet with him for negotiation, in private, in the mess hall of the complex. Julie tells Roddy to go, as this is the chance he’s been waiting for. Roddy grins and says that it’s gonna be hell. Julie tells him not to let them down.

Lea watches on as the Rhaighrs move to leave the village. Thrreodhrirr walks over to Lea and tells her that while they are gone she is going to be in the care of Lybhrrthyrr. She says that escape is impossible as Lybhrrthyrr is the best. Lea asks why she hasn’t just killed her, yet and she replies by saying that she could still be useful, upon return, however, if she tries anything Lybhrrthyrr has been instructed to kill her.

Ajacos sit alone in the mess hall, awaiting Roddy. He looks down at his watch before the door bursts open and Roddy sits down with him. Ajacos stares at him coldly, feeling betrayed. He starts by simply asking what exactly does he want and Roddy says that they want decent pay, satisfactory working conditions and the freedom to choose whether or not they want to work in the mines, in the first place. Ajacos sits still for a moment, considering what Roddy’s saying and then he asks again what exactly he wants. Roddy begins to repeat himself but Ajacos cuts him off and asks what he personally wants from this. Why is he doing this?

Utnapishtim tells Richard that he’s aware he’s seen something he shouldn’t have. Richard pleads ignorance and asks what he means but Utnapishtim just tells him that he knows about him seeing “Convalesce Gone”. Richard asks how he knows and Syd walks into the room telling him that his search history was full of that term and it was flagged up. Utnapishtim tells Richard that he instructed him not to inquire about the history of the fleet for his own good, but Richard argues saying that it shouldn’t be a secret. Utnapishtim turns to Tena and says that he needs to have a word with her, and he trusts that Syd will deal with Richard, for the time being.

Eddie speaks to Meithekk as they walk through the forest, with dozens of Cizzauran troops. He continues filming Meithekk and asks him his views on everything. Meithekk is honest with Eddie and tells him that he just wants to retrieve their person from the Scallatti, and he does not wish any further harm to come. He looks towards Seganseh at ahead of him and says that he’s worried that she’s looking for a fight and that isn’t the Cizzauran way.

Lea is sat in shackles in a hut. Next to her Lybhrrthyrr stands, lording over her. Lea asks if she can get some fresh air, but Lybhrrthyrr refuses. Lea nods and says that’s fair enough. She then looks down at the ground and notices something – a silver reflective property. She asks Lybhrrthyrr what it is, and he reluctantly tells her that it’s a Svattidensa. The world around Lea fades away into blackness as she enters her void. In front of her, just the Svattidensa. She speaks as she works out that it’s some sort of energy condenser which allows for the mass transfer of power. A smile lights up on Lea’s face as she enters into the real world and rips the shackles off herself. Lybhrrthyrr grabs his pike and aims it at Lea. Lea says that she’s happy to avoid violence, but she needs to be let go now. Lybhrrthyrr laughs and says that the Superior, the Almighty, Thrreodhrirr, has given him very specific instructions. Lea says that’s true, but she questions how much Lybhrrthyrr believes in those ways. Lybhrrthyrr says that Lea is talking nonsense, but he is especially uncomfortable as she continues speaking saying that she believes he thinks the warrior, war-like way of the Rhaighrs is wrong. He finally cracks, after Lea continues speaking to him and Lea just walks out, leaving him standing there. He turns around and asks what he should do now, and Lea tells him that he should fight, not with his fists or a pike but with words and change his culture for the better.

Julie sits with Jan, in the deepest part of the mines, along with the Lone Cizzauran and all the other miners. They can hear movement above and are frightened. Jan hugs Julie and asks if she’d sing him a lullaby and Julie does just that. However, the Lone Cizzauran joins in, singing the tune with Julie, which initially shocks her, but she continues singing. Soon enough, Jan is fast asleep, and Julie moves over to the Lone Cizzauran, curious.

Roddy tells Ajacos that he wants to stand up for doing what’s right, he believes above all else that these workers are being exploited. Ajacos stands up and begins pacing. He tells Roddy that his morals and ethics was why he took such a shine to him. Ajacos says that he was one of the brightest he’d seen and while he was naïve, he expected that he would grow up and learn the harsh realities of the Vice Presidency. Roddy says that’s a lie and there is no harsh reality of Vice Presidency, it’s the graveyard position in government. Roddy says that he only gets the dirty work to do and nothing else, even when his morals and ethics are most needed, Ajacos just ignores him. Ajacos argues back telling him that he gave him a chance, when no one else would: Vice President of the entire fleet at age 21. Ajacos tells him to be grateful that he even gave him that opportunity and he says that he now realises his mistake. Roddy tells Ajacos that he was a good man once, but the Presidency has reduced him to a weak, soulless man, not caring for each individual life. Roddy says that to him, all the deaths are just numbers. Ajacos gulps, realising that Roddy may be right.

Richard asks Syd why she’s here dealing with him and not the huge crisis going on at the moment, where her duties would normally lie. Syd smiles and says that he’s going to die anyway so she might as well tell him. Richard abruptly stands up and asks why he’s going to die. Syd tells him that he knows too much and Utnapishtim ordered her to ‘deal with him’. Richard gulps and asks if there’s any way he can change her mind, to which Syd doesn’t respond.

The Cizzaurans grind to a halt, on their journey. Eddie asks Meithekk what’s happening (for the documentary) and he explains that they are regrouping with the Cizzauran Battle force in preparation for what may come. Eddie asks if it’s really necessary and Meithekk says that everyone seems to think so, before lowering his head in, almost, shame.

In the mines, everyone is gathered around singing loudly some sort of shanty, as the Lone Cizzauran leads then. Julie laughs, for the first time in a long time, as everyone claps along and has a moment of joy, for one. Jan moans as he wakes up, amongst the noise and Julie chuckles to herself.

Calem and Claude raise an eyebrow on the surface as they hear parts of this faintly, below. Calem tells Claude that they appear to be singing, to which Claude tells her that they mustn’t be having that rough of a time, then. Calem tuts as walks away from Claude.

Syd explains that she was recruited by The Three when she was a little girl and put into her government position along with Ajacos. Richard asks who The Three are, but Syd remains quiet, just saying that Utnapishtim is their leader and he was trying to recruit him. Richard is shocked to find this out but realises in his head that it all makes sense. Richard still says he doesn’t understand why he has to die, but Syd says that was Utnapishtim’s orders and she cannot argue. Richard sits down next to her and asks if she, herself, actually wants to and feels comfortable murdering him. Syd just says that if she doesn’t, she’ll be in the same position he is currently right now, but Richard just says it’s a big planet, he, her and Tena could all run away and Utnapishtim would never find them. Syd gulps and says that’s a bad idea for a number of reasons.

Ajacos speaks to Calem over comm-link whereby she tells him that they’ve spotted the Cizzauran battle force in the distance, and they’re likely only 45 minutes away, at most. Ajacos then tells Roddy the news and says that he’s risking all of the miners being killed by the Cizzaurans in their pursuit of their own. Roddy says that if Ajacos is going to talk about them, call them what they are – slaves. Ajacos pulls a seat and tells Roddy that he’s willing to let them have some of their demands: he can give them decent pay and he can give them decent working conditions… but at this time he can’t allow them to all leave, because if they have a choice in the matter, they will and he can’t risk that. Roddy sulks as he understands exactly why Ajacos has said that, but he doesn’t agree with it. Roddy thinks for a moment and then says that he wants three months off for every miner, at some point in the year, that they can spend however they like. Ajacos considers it for a moment and then reaches his hand out and shakes Roddy’s.

Calem is interviewed on the news about the situation. She tells everyone that it is under control and they don’t expect any bloodshed. She explains that the President has just agreed a deal with the Vice President and the miner’s strike should be coming to a swift end. The Cizzauran battle force enters the clearing, where the mining operation is, and the Scallatti mercenaries take arms. Eddie is at the back still filming, and Meithekk tells him that he better go. Eddie says thank you for everything and he walks off around to the Callista Daily crew at the other side of the clearing. He sees Dani who gives him a foul look.

Meithekk and Seganseh approach President Ajacos and Roddy, who have just stepped outside. Meithekk asks if they can hand over the Cizzauran. Ajacos tells him that it will be their pleasure and they too do not want any unnecessary bloodshed. Roddy leads Meithekk down into the mines, while Seganseh stays on the surface with Ajacos.

Meithekk and Roddy journey down the mines. Meithekk notes that this whole thing is not what he had in mind when he gave the Scallatti permission to use Kheqren. He says that with operations like this, they will, in a few hundred years, have completely stripped Kanonhsa of its resources. Roddy tells Meithekk that he’s against it too and that’s why half of this mess started in the first place. Before long, the two of them find the rest of the miners and Meithekk is startled to see them all singing with the Cizzauran. They soon quiet down but the Lone Cizzauran continues singing. Meithekk tries to speak to it but it doesn’t respond, it doesn’t understand the language. Meithekk then sings the same melody as the Lone Cizzauran and it responds, not in any sort of language, but in music. Meithekk tells Roddy that this certainly is very interesting. Roddy then tells all the miners that he’s negotiated a deal with the President, and they should all come to the surface immediately.

Richard and Syd flee the school building, darting through the woods. Richard asks why they couldn’t bring Tena with them and Syd solemnly says that she’s in on it. Richard stops still for a moment, in shock. He asks if she was ‘grooming him’ and Syd says that in a way, but it was on Utnapishtim’s orders and in a way he groomed everyone involved in The Three. Syd tells him that they need to get moving again, otherwise Utnapishtim will find them, and they continue running.

Thrreodhrirr arrives at the mining site. A cold wind rushes past, as the Cizzauran site hundreds of Rhaighrs opposite them. Thrreodhrirr calls loudly, bellowing into the air, ready to fight. The Cizzaurans do something similar, led by Seganseh, but without thinking, Ajacos runs into the middle of them and screams that there will not be a battle there today. Thrreodhrirr asks if he challenges her, personally. Ajacos says that he’d rather not, but Thrreodhrirr says then they shall fight, however, if she can Ajacos have a duel, then the winner of that will determine what happens. Ajacos reluctantly agrees.

Utnapishtim stands on top of the School Building with Tena watching over as he tries to catch sight of Richard and Syd. He asks Tena if she expected him to run and she says that she didn’t think it likely that Richard would do such a thing. He mutters to himself and says that The Three’s number one priority must be finding those two, as they know far too much.

Ajacos draws a sword and Thrreodhrirr does the same. She remarks that she’s never used such a ‘primitive’ weapon before, but she can fight with anything. Eddie continues filming and Dani tells him to stop now, it’s inappropriate. Eddie stands up to Dani and says that this is important news, and they have a duty to tell it to the Scallatti people. Dani shakes her head and moves away from Eddie, back into the Callista Daily shuttle. Meanwhile, Ajacos and Thrreodhrirr begin. Calem and Claude watch on with angst as the two fight. Claude remarks that it’s extraordinary how well the President is holding up, considering he’s a politician and not in any way a solider, to which Calem raises an eyebrow acknowledging the same thing. Then, something strange happens, Ajacos lays down his sword and grabs onto Thrreodhrirr’ s arm, trying out some strange wrestling move. While it takes Thrreodhrirr off-guard, she soon pushes him back and chucks him across the clearing. Thrreodhrirr stands proud and proclaims there’s only one thing left to do, pointing her sword at Ajacos. But, Calem, in a mad impulse, runs into the centre, between Ajacos and her and shouts that killing she will not kill Ajacos if she’s got anything to do with it. Calem picks up the sword and points it out Thrreodhrirr, who is ready to begin fighting Calem too, however, Calem tells her to wait, she’d like to say a few words. Calem says that it’s pointless the Rhaighrs attacking them, as their technology level is far superior and if they fell into a war, the Scallatti Army, led by Claude (who smiles at this mention) would more than certainly wipe them all out in a matter of weeks. She says that they have no interest in attacking them or invading them, they just want to live on this planet in peace. Calem bellows that while they may very well win this battle, every mother, father, brother, sister, son and daughter will defend their home as the Scallatti has worked far too hard to live here, on Taoter III. She then pauses and says that this planet isn’t just the third planet in the Taoter system, it’s their Destination, their Elysium – it’s the Elysium. Thrreodhrirr laughs to herself and asks if Calem expects her to be scared by that and she responds by saying that she doesn’t, but she expects her to think logically about it, very long and very hard.

Berzhrr walks up to Thrreodhrirr and tells her that Calem is right, if they want the Rhaighr race to survive, it would be tactically idiotic to engage the Scallatti. Thrreodhrirr grabs Berzhrr by the neck and tells him that how dare he dishonour her in such away. Berzhrr claims that he is honouring the Rhaighr people and trying to preserve as many lives as possible. Thrreodhrirr asks whether the Rhaighrs want to fight and they all shout ‘yes’ loudly and clearly, but Berzhrr just says that they are scared of her. Calem tells them that they are happy to divide up the planet equally, if that’s what their after (to which Claude raises an eyebrow), and they are happy to negotiate any sort of deal.

Lea walks into the clearing, dramatically, shouting at the top of her voice for the Rhaighrs to stop. Thrreodhrirr stops dead, saying that Lea shouldn’t be here, and asking how she escaped. Lea smiles and says that maybe the Scallatti are just ‘The Equal’ as escaping wasn’t hard. Thrreodhrirr proclaims that she could have never taken on Lybhrrthyrr and Lea chuckles to herself saying ‘doesn’t that scare you?’, as she joins Calem. The two of them ask Thrreodhrirr and the Rhaighrs once more to leave and Thrreodhrirr reluctantly puts Berzhrr down and then orders her army to retreat. She leaves the Scallatti with a warning telling them that one day they will be wiped out from the surface of this planet, and with any luck, that day will be soon.

Julie hugs Roddy, telling him that he did a great job negotiating with Ajacos, and while they didn’t get everything that they wanted, they got a lot more than they thought they’d get. A tear blesses her eye, as she says that she hoped her daughter would’ve turned out to have the same courage and tenacity as him. Calem walks over to the Scallatti army, led by Jeriah, and they burst into applause. She smiles with a huge grin as she is paraded around by some of the troops. Lea finds her way to Claude and tells her that the Rhaighrs have a device called a Svattidensa, which could very well handle their power issues. Claude says that they must take it from them, in that case, and fight after all, but Lea says that he is too trigger happy and she simply just memorised its properties, and she’ll be able to mass-produce them before long. Ajacos walks over to Roddy, to which Roddy says that he’s sorry but Ajacos tells him he doesn’t want to hear it and that he wants his letter of resignation on his desk. Roddy asks why and Ajacos tells him that he still betrayed him. Eddie reports for the news about what’s just taken place claiming Calem Ell Arcon as the hero of the hour. Meithekk walks over to him and tells Eddie, live on air, that it was a pleasure spending all of this time with him over the past few days and he hopes the documentary will turn out well. Meithekk tells the Scallatti people, directly, that the Cizzaurans found Calem’s actions very noble and they are proud to be their allies.

Richard and Syd run through the forest and find themselves in a Rhaighr settlement. They are surrounded by Rhaighrs who are very pleased to see them. Richard asks if maybe it was better to take their chances with Utnapishtim.

One Month Later… It’s sunset and hundreds of shuttles are gathered around the Government Building. Ajacos is stood upon a podium and speaks to the crowds of thousands of Scallatti from across the planet. He tells them that he shan’t speak and instead invites Julie Yannis Karter, Lea Davksa Gea-Navyyl and Calem Ell Arcon to speak. They walk onto the podium, Julie, clean and wearing new clothes, for the first time in her life. They begin to speak, saying that since they arrived on Taoter III, four months ago, life has been hard and difficult and the three of them has each done something to try and improve it for every single person. Calem then steps forward and says that it’s with a great honour that they officially rename Taoter III: The Elysium. The crowd applauds loudly as the Scallatti Anthem plays.

Cast

Starring

Co-Starring

Dien - David Bamber
Janos Aladar Claude - John Hannah
Meithekk - Michael Smiley
Seganseh - Jessica Raine
Frayons Prix Ajacos - David Morrissey
Janos Aladar Claude - John Hannah
Utnapishtim - Francis Magee
Tena Willem Poul - Emily Wickersham
Jelena Galante Roddy - Laurie Davidson
The Lone Cizzauran - Jamie McShane
Thrreodhrirr - Tia Carrere
Lybhrrthyrr - Sam Strike
Sydecyah Skendelle Codail - Priyanga Burford
Dani Dionis Kiriakidis - Linda Henry
Berzhrr - Kristian Kiehling
Jeriah - Brian Pettier

Crew

Based upon "Doctor Who" Created by Sydney Newman, Donald Wilson and C.E. Webber
Created by Ronald D. Moore and Jane Espenson

Executive Producers - Jane Espenson, Ronald D. Moore and Toni Graphia
Co-Executive Producers - Matthew B. Roberts, Andy Harries, Jim Kohlberg and Anne Kenney

Memorable Quotes

To be added.

Background Information

Production History

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Development

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Production

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Post-Production

To be added

Reaction

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Story Notes

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Continuity

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Home Video Releases

To be added.