When actors become heroes, anything can happen.
Watch the original version of Galaxy Quest
Prologue:
For four years, the crew of the NSEA Protector had been on a thrilling and often dangerous mission in space. Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, Lieutenant Tawny Madison, and Dr. Lazarus had traveled the galaxy, encountering strange new worlds and battling dangerous alien races. They were the heroes of the smash-hit TV series Galaxy Quest, loved by fans across the globe.
But then, their show was canceled, and the stars of Galaxy Quest were left to live out the rest of their lives as has-beens, chasing after the last remnants of their former glory.
Twenty years later, they were all gathered at a fan convention, signing autographs and reminiscing about the good old days. That’s when they received the news that would change their lives forever.
Chapter 1: “The Big Announcement”
Jason Nesmith, who played Commander Taggart on Galaxy Quest, was on stage at the fan convention. He was in the middle of answering a fan’s question when a commotion at the back of the room drew his attention.
He turned to see a group of people in Thermian costumes making their way through the crowd. Thermians were a peace-loving alien race that the crew had encountered on the show. They were known for their distinctive appearance, with blue skin and tentacle-like appendages.
Jason watched as the group approached the stage. He recognized them from the show immediately. They were the Thermians who had helped the crew in one of the most memorable episodes of Galaxy Quest.
The lead Thermian, Laliari, stepped forward and addressed Jason.
“Commander Taggart, we need your help,” she said in a voice that was almost too perfect to be real.
Jason was momentarily taken aback. He had heard of fans taking cosplay to the extreme, but this was something else entirely. These people were really dedicated to their roles.
“You guys are really good,” he said with a chuckle. “But I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking.”
Laliari took a step closer. “We need your help to defeat our enemy,” she said. “General Sarris is destroying our planet, and we don’t have the means to stop him.”
Jason frowned. “I’m sorry, but I think you have the wrong idea. We’re just actors. We don’t have any real weapons or training.”
Laliari nodded. “We understand that you are not the real Commander Taggart, but we believe that you can help us. You see, our people have modeled our society after your television program. We believe that you and your crew have the skills and knowledge to defeat General Sarris and save our people.”
The room was silent as the gravity of Laliari’s words sunk in. It was clear that she was deadly serious.
Suddenly, a bright light enveloped the stage, and Jason felt himself being lifted off his feet. He panicked for a moment, thinking that this was some kind of elaborate practical joke. But then he saw the panic and confusion on the faces of his co-stars around him, and he knew that this was real.
When the light dissipated, Jason found himself on board what looked like a real spaceship. The paneling was sleek and shiny, the lighting was low and atmospheric, and there were strange-looking controls all around.
But what really caught Jason’s eye was the group of aliens who were staring at him intently. They had the same blue skin and tentacle-like appendages as the Thermians, but they were much taller and more imposing.
The aliens advanced toward the crew, and Jason realized that they were in trouble. They had no weapons, no plan, and no idea where they were.
“What the hell is going on?” he muttered to himself.
Suddenly, a voice boomed over the ship’s intercom.
“Attention, crew of the NSEA Protector,” the voice said. “This is General Sarris of the Klaatu Nebula. You have been foolish enough to come to our territory. Prepare to be destroyed.”
Jason looked around at his co-stars. They all looked as confused and scared as he felt.
“What are we going to do?” he asked.
It was clear that they were in way over their heads. They were actors, not space adventurers. They had no idea how to save a planet, let alone fight a battle in space.
But they had no choice. They were on an alien ship, facing an alien threat. They had to do something, or they were all going to die.
Chapter 2: “We Need Your Help”
The crew of Galaxy Quest stood in a state of shock as they gazed out at the seemingly impossible sight before them. They had been transported from their fan convention into a real spaceship. They were no longer pretending to be heroes in a fictional universe; they were now faced with the reality of being in a strange and dangerous world.
Alien Commander Mathazar, a timid and sensitive creature with a shrill, nervous voice, began to explain the dire situation that the Thermians faced. He spoke in a language that was a bizarre mixture of sounds that were strange, yet vaguely familiar to the crew. Fortunately, there was a universal translator that enabled them to understand the aliens.
“What’s going on?” Jason Nesmith, the actor who played the suave and confident Commander Peter Quincy Taggart on the show, demanded. He was struggling to make sense of the situation and figure out what they were supposed to do.
“Our people are under attack,” Mathazar explained in his odd language. “We have modeled our entire society after your show. We believed it to be historical documentations. You are the only ones who can help save our planet.”
The crew of Galaxy Quest looked at each other in disbelief. They had never imagined that their roles on a cult science fiction show would lead to a real-life adventure in space. However, they had little choice but to go along with it. They were the only hope the Thermians had, and they couldn’t let them down.
“We’re not actors anymore,” Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver) said, her voice trembling. “This is all real.”
Mathazar looked at her curiously. “Real?” he repeated.
“It means it’s not a play,” Gwen explained, trying to make the concept of reality clear to him.
“We need to know what we’re up against,” Tim Allen’s character, Commander Taggart, said, taking charge of the situation. “What kind of weapons do we have?”
Mathazar hesitated for a moment before producing an array of futuristic-looking weapons. The crew examined them with awe and confusion.
“They’re real,” Taggart said, looking at Mathazar. “They could kill someone.”
“We’ve never actually used them before,” Mathazar said, his voice quivering. “We just thought they looked impressive.”
This revelation didn’t instill much confidence in the crew, but they had no choice but to take the weapons and go along with the mission.
“We can’t do this without a plan,” Fred Kwan (Tony Shalhoub) said, trying to organize the group. “What’s the enemy’s weakness?”
Mathazar looked at them nervously. “General Sarris,” he said. “He has an army of soldiers and ships. He’s ruthless, cunning, and wants nothing more than to see our race destroyed.”
The crew looked at each other, realizing the gravity of the situation. They had no idea what they were up against, and the thought of facing an army of soldiers terrified them.
“What’s our objective?” Nesmith asked.
“To defeat Sarris,” Mathazar replied. “We need to destroy his weapons and his ships.”
“How are we supposed to do that?” DeMarco asked, her voice filled with doubt.
“We have faith in you,” Mathazar said. “Your show was our guide. We believe you are the ones who can save us.”
This was a lot of pressure to put on a group of actors who had pretended to be heroes on a television show. They had no training, no experience fighting wars, and no idea what they were doing. But they had heart, and they had each other.
“We’ll do it,” Nesmith said, his voice filled with confidence.
The crew of Galaxy Quest set off on their perilous journey, not knowing what lay ahead for them. They had no script, no director, and no idea how they were going to save an entire race of aliens from destruction. All they had was their wits, their courage, and their determination to succeed.
Chapter 3: “We’re Not Actors Anymore”
The crew of the NSEA Protector, who for years played the parts of spacefaring heroes, found themselves suddenly transported onto a very real spaceship. The actors, who until recently thought their careers would be defined by their roles on “Galaxy Quest,” were now thrust into a real-life adventure that defied all their expectations.
They were confused, panicking, and desperate to return home. But then they met the Thermians, an alien race who had patterned their entire society after the TV series “Galaxy Quest.” They mistakenly believed that the show’s transmissions were real historical documents, and now they were in dire need of the crew’s help.
The cast members, still in a state of disbelief, listened intently as the Thermians explained their situation. Their planet was under attack by the nefarious General Sarris, who had destroyed much of their civilization and threatened their very existence. The Thermians believed that the crew of the NSEA Protector was the galaxy’s foremost team of space adventurers, and only they could save their planet.
But the crew was lost without their script. They had always relied on the creative minds of the show’s writers to guide them through their adventures. Now, they faced a life-or-death situation with no plan, no script, and no director. They were terrified.
Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, played by Tim Allen, was the first to speak up. “Wait a minute,” he said, trying to calm his shaken crewmates. “We’re actors. We’re not really trained for this kind of thing.”
The Thermians, though, were insistent. They believed that the crew was their only hope. “You are the only ones who can help us,” said Mathazar, the Thermian commander. “Our fate rests in your hands.”
With the weight of the Thermians’ survival on their shoulders, the crew reluctantly agreed to help. They were given authentic-looking weapons to fight off Sarris and his army, but they had no idea how to use them. They also had no idea how to navigate the ship or operate the controls. Everything was completely foreign to them.
The crew, with their weapons in hand, stumbled through the corridors of the Thermian ship as they searched for Sarris. The ship was massive, and they had no idea where to go or what to do.
As they made their way through the ship, they encountered strange and dangerous creatures they had only ever seen on the show. Alan Rickman’s character, Dr. Lazarus, was particularly shaken by the experience. He had always played the role of the stoic, unflappable science officer. But now he found himself facing down a real-life monster, and he was terrified.
Tawny Madison, played by Sigourney Weaver, was also struggling. As the ship’s chief communications officer, she had always relied on her wit and charm to get herself out of sticky situations. But now, with only her weapons and an unfamiliar ship to rely on, she felt lost and alone.
The cast members were completely out of their element. They stumbled through the ship, tripping over cables and knocking into walls as they searched for Sarris. They had no idea where they were going or what they were doing, but they knew they had to keep moving. The fate of an entire planet was resting on their shoulders.
Finally, after hours of searching, they cornered Sarris and his army in a massive chamber. The aliens were heavily armed and outnumbered the crew, who were untrained and barely holding it together. They had no idea how they were going to get out of this alive.
As they prepared to fight, suddenly the Thermians appeared. They revealed that they had the ability to project scenes from the show onto a screen in the room, and they began projecting a scene in which the crew had outsmarted a group of villainous aliens in a similar situation.
The crew watched the footage in disbelief. It was like watching themselves in action, but they had no memory of shooting the scene. But they realized that they had the advantage of knowing Sarris’ moves before he even made them.
The cast members began to improvise, using lines and tactics from the show to outwit Sarris and his army. It was a chaotic, frenzied battle, with the crew fighting for their lives. But in the end, they emerged victorious. They had saved the planet.
The crew collapsed in exhaustion, still reeling from the experience. They realized that they had no idea what they were capable of until they were pushed to their limits. They had never felt more alive.
As they prepared to leave the Thermian ship and return to Earth, they knew that their lives would never be the same. They had been given a second chance to live out their wildest adventures, and they were grateful for it. They may have been actors, but they had just become heroes.
Chapter 4: “The Trials Begin”
As soon as the crew stepped out of the ship onto the desolate planet, they knew they were in trouble. The sky was a dark, foreboding red, and the air was thick with a noxious gas that stung their nostrils and eyes. Commander Taggart had barely taken a step when he was set upon by a swarm of vicious insectoid creatures. Tawny and Dr. Lazarus leapt to his defense, their weapons firing wildly as they tried to beat back the swarm.
The planet seemed to be alive with danger at every turn. Strange, snarling beasts lurked in the shadows, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Huge, writhing vines wound their way through the rocky terrain, threatening to ensnare anyone who got too close. And then there were the sandstorms – great, howling maelstroms of sand and grit that could tear flesh from bone in seconds.
The crew was struggling to survive with no script or director to guide them. Jason Nesmith, who played the hero on the show, was feeling particularly lost. He had always relied on the script and the director to tell him what to do, and now he was completely on his own. Every step he took, every move he made, was improvised, and he was starting to feel like he was in over his head.
They were supposed to be saving an alien race, but here they were, fighting for their own survival. Dr. Lazarus had taken a nasty blow to the head during an encounter with a particularly vicious creature, and Tawny was nursing a deep scratch on her arm. Commander Taggart was trudging along, a look of grim determination on his face, but even he was starting to look a little ragged around the edges.
They stumbled upon a cave system that looked like it might provide some cover from the relentless dangers outside, and they decided to take a breather. The Thermians had given them some rations, and they huddled around a small fire, trying to figure out their next move.
“We can’t keep going like this,” Tawny said, rubbing her injured arm. “We need a plan.”
“We need to find a way off this planet,” Commander Taggart said. “We can’t fight our way through every danger that comes our way.”
Dr. Lazarus was leaning against the wall of the cave, his eyes closed. “I sense a presence,” he said softly. “Something…familiar.”
The rest of the crew exchanged glances. Dr. Lazarus had always been a little…off, but they respected his abilities and knew better than to dismiss his insights.
“What kind of presence?” Jason asked.
“A sentient presence,” Dr. Lazarus said. “One that is…friendly.”
The crew looked at each other, hope flickering in their eyes. Maybe they weren’t completely alone on this planet after all.
They ventured deeper into the cave system, their weapons at the ready. The air grew cooler and fresher, and they could hear the sound of rushing water in the distance. As they rounded a bend in the tunnel, they saw a strange sight – a shimmering portal, glowing with an otherworldly light.
Without hesitation, they stepped through the portal, unsure of what to expect on the other side.
As they emerged from the portal, they found themselves in a lush, green forest, dappled with sunlight. The air was thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birdsong filled their ears. They looked around in amazement, feeling like they had just stumbled into a fairy tale.
“This is incredible,” Tawny breathed, reaching out to touch a flower that looked like it was made of velvet.
“We can’t stay here,” Commander Taggart said firmly. “We have a mission to complete.”
Dr. Lazarus was scanning the area, his expression one of intense concentration. “I sense a disturbance,” he said. “Something…unnatural.”
They followed him deeper into the forest, their weapons at the ready. They came upon a clearing, and saw the source of the disturbance – a group of aliens, unlike any they had ever seen before.
These aliens were tall and slender, with skin that shone like precious metals. They had sharp, angular features, and their eyes glowed with an eerie light. They were surrounding a small group of Thermians, who were cowering in fear.
Without hesitation, the crew sprang into action, their weapons blazing. The aliens were surprisingly fierce fighters, and they seemed to be powered by some kind of energy that made them almost invincible.
The battle raged on for what felt like hours. The crew was battered and bruised, but they refused to give up. Slowly but surely, they began to gain the upper hand. Dr. Lazarus was using his extensive knowledge of alien anatomy to target their weaknesses, while Tawny was flipping and dodging like a true action hero.
Jason was taking a beating, but he refused to give up. He looked around at his crewmates, who had become more than just colleagues to him over the years. They were his family, and he would do anything to protect them.
With one final, desperate surge of energy, the crew managed to defeat the alien attackers. They collapsed onto the ground, panting and exhausted, but victorious.
As they caught their breath, they looked around at the Thermians, who were regarding them with a look of awe.
“You…you are everything we hoped you would be,” the Thermian leader said, bowing deeply. “You have saved us.”
The crew looked at each other, feeling a sense of pride and relief wash over them. They had been through a harrowing experience, but they had come through it stronger than ever.
Commander Taggart clapped a hand on Jason’s shoulder. “Looks like you’re not just a fake hero anymore,” he said, grinning.
Jason couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was truly living an adventure. And he knew that, no matter what lay ahead, he had a crew of true friends by his side.
Chapter 5: “Dr. Lazarus Shines”
The crew of Galaxy Quest had been thrust into a real-life battle for the fate of an alien race. As the actors tried to navigate their way through the dangerous mission, they found themselves struggling to differentiate between acting and reality.
Dr. Lazarus, played by the late Alan Rickman, was normally the most reserved member of the crew. But as the danger escalated, he felt himself slipping back into the mindset of his character.
As they prepared to face off against the alien creatures, Mathazar, the Thermian commander, pulled Dr. Lazarus aside.
“Doctor,” he said tentatively, “I understand that you’re an actor, but I don’t think you understand the gravity of this situation. We need you to really be the hero your character portrays.”
Dr. Lazarus was taken aback. Did Mathazar not understand that he was a classically trained actor, not some sort of space warrior?
But as he looked around at the desperate situation they were in, he realized that his acting skills might be the only thing that could save them.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, channeling his character’s bravery and determination. When he opened them again, he was no longer Alan Rickman, but Dr. Lazarus.
“Lead the way, Mathazar,” he said, nodding confidently.
As they battled their way through the alien landscape, Dr. Lazarus found himself tapping into emotions he hadn’t felt in years. The fear, the adrenaline, the pure joy of being alive and fighting for something–it was all there.
He threw himself into the fight with a ferocity that surprised even himself. The rest of the crew watched in awe as he took down alien after alien, his movements graceful and deadly.
When the battle was over and they were safely back on the ship, Mathazar pulled Dr. Lazarus aside again.
“I never doubted you for a second, Doctor,” he said, clasping his arm. “You truly are the hero you play on TV.”
Dr. Lazarus felt a warm glow in his chest. For the first time in a long time, he felt truly alive.
But as they continued on their mission, Dr. Lazarus realized that his newfound confidence wasn’t just a result of his acting skills. He felt a real connection with the Thermians, and he saw how much they needed him.
He started to feel a sense of duty towards them, a responsibility to use his abilities to help them in any way he could.
And as they faced even more dangerous challenges, Dr. Lazarus knew that he would do whatever it took to protect his new friends and save the universe.
The crew of Galaxy Quest might have been out of their depth in space, but with Dr. Lazarus leading the charge, they had a fighting chance.
Chapter 6: “Tawny’s Moment”
Lt. Tawny Madison was never the one in the spotlight on the Galaxy Quest show. She was the tough, capable woman who always had the hero’s back. But in the heat of battle on the Thermian ship, she found herself in the center of attention. And she didn’t know if she was ready for it.
It started when the ship’s pilot, Laredo, was incapacitated by a blast from Sarris’ ship. The crew was hurtling towards a planet on a collision course, and Tawny knew she had to take control. She’d always been a quick learner, and she’d made a point to learn everything she could about the ship’s systems. But this was different. This was real.
“Tawny, do something!” yelled Jason Nesmith, who played the heroic Captain Taggart on the show. He was frantically trying to revive Laredo while Tawny took the pilot’s seat.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” Tawny said, her voice shaking. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She’d never been more scared in her life.
“You can do it,” Jason said, locking eyes with her. “You’re Tawny Madison, the bravest woman in the galaxy.”
Tawny took a deep breath and tried to steady her hands. She looked at the controls in front of her, trying to make sense of them. Everything was happening so fast.
She heard a voice in her ear. “Lieutenant, I’m here to assist you.” It was one of the Thermians, who had taken on the guise of the ship’s computer. Tawny was grateful for the help.
With the Thermian’s guidance, Tawny managed to stabilize the ship’s course. They were still heading towards the planet, but they had enough time to attempt a landing. It was going to be rough, but it was their only chance.
Tawny gritted her teeth and prepared for impact. The ship hit the ground hard, bouncing and skidding across the terrain. Tawny held on for dear life, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the controls.
When they finally came to a stop, Tawny let out a shaky breath. She looked over at Jason, who was staring at her in amazement.
“You did it,” he said, his voice filled with admiration.
Tawny felt a rush of pride. She’d never felt like she belonged on the ship before, but now she knew she could hold her own. She was part of the team.
But the celebration was short-lived. They quickly realized that Sarris’ ship was closing in on their position. They had to come up with a plan, and fast.
Everyone was shouting ideas at once, but Tawny couldn’t focus. She felt overwhelmed and out of her depth. She just wanted to go home.
Then something clicked. She remembered a scene from one of the Galaxy Quest episodes where the crew had used a similar ship to theirs to escape a jam. It was a risky move, but it might just work.
“I have an idea,” Tawny said, her voice steady. She explained her plan, which involved using the ship’s controls to create a false reading on Sarris’ scanners. It was a long shot, but it was their only chance.
The crew looked at her in shock. They’d never heard Tawny speak up like this before.
Jason clapped her on the back. “That’s brilliant, Tawny,” he said. “Let’s do it.”
They sprang into action, with Tawny at the controls. She worked quickly, her fingers flying over the buttons. She was in the zone, completely focused.
The plan was working. Sarris was falling for their trick. But then, at the last second, something went wrong. Tawny felt a jolt and heard a loud explosion. She looked up to see Sarris’ ship looming over them, weapons at the ready.
They were out of options. They had to fight.
Tawny took a deep breath and prepared for battle. She’d never been one for violence, but she was ready to do whatever it took to protect her friends.
The fighting was intense. Tawny was using all the moves she’d learned on the show, ducking and weaving as blaster fire rained down on them. She felt a jolt of pain as a bolt grazed her arm, but she didn’t let it slow her down.
Then, when it seemed like all was lost, they heard a sound they’d never expected to hear. It was the sound of a Thermian ship, coming to their rescue.
Sarris was caught off guard, and the crew was able to take advantage of his moment of confusion. They fired a barrage of shots, and Sarris’ ship exploded in a brilliant burst of light.
The crew cheered, hugging each other in relief. They’d done it. They’d saved the day.
And Tawny knew something had changed in her. She felt empowered, like she could take on anything the universe threw at her. She was ready for whatever came next.
As they made their way back to the Thermian ship, Tawny caught Jason’s eye. He grinned at her, and she smiled back. They both knew that they’d shared a moment, something that went beyond the confines of their roles on the show.
Tawny knew that they’d all been through something incredible together. Something that they’d never forget. And she knew that she’d come out of it a different person. A better person.
The journey wasn’t over yet, but Tawny knew that she was ready for whatever came next.
Chapter 7: “A New Plan”
The crew of the NSEA Protector huddled together, their heads spinning. How could they possibly defeat General Sarris, the ruthless leader of the enemy race that was destroying the Thermians’ home planet?
“We need some kind of plan,” Tawny muttered, her eyes darting back and forth between her teammates.
“Yeah, but what?” Gwen chimed in. “We don’t have a script. We don’t even know what we’re supposed to do.”
Jason frowned, racking his brain. “What do we know about Sarris? What are his weaknesses?”
Lazarus huffed, looking down his nose at Jason. “Our knowledge of his race’s physiology is limited, as is our time to devise a strategy. We must act quickly if we are to have any chance at success.”
“Thanks for that, Doc.” Jason rolled his eyes. “But seriously, we have to think of something.”
Fred, the ship’s technician, pushed up his glasses. “What if we used the Omega 13?”
The Omega 13. The mysterious device that had only been mentioned once in an early episode of Galaxy Quest, and then never again. Even the crew wasn’t sure what it did.
“Are you insane?” Gwen exclaimed. “We don’t even know what that thing does!”
“Exactly,” Fred said, excitement creeping into his voice. “It’s the perfect wildcard. If we can get it to work, it could give us the edge we need.”
Jason shrugged. It was worth a shot. “Okay, let’s say we use the Omega 13. How do we even activate it?”
The team brainstormed, throwing out ideas. But nothing seemed to stick.
Until a voice boomed over the intercom.
“Attention, NSEA Protector. This is General Sarris. Surrender now, and I promise a quick and painless death.”
The crew exchanged a look. It was go-time.
“Okay, guys,” Jason said, taking charge. “Here’s what we’re going to do.”
—
The plan was risky, to say the least.
Gwen, Fred, and Tommy, the ship’s pilot, would stay on board and keep Sarris occupied while the rest of the crew beamed down to the planet. They would use the Omega 13 to turn back time by 13 seconds, giving them a tiny window of opportunity to counter Sarris’s attack.
Meanwhile, Jason, Tawny, and Lazarus would infiltrate Sarris’s ship and take out his troops from the inside. It was a long shot, but it was the best they had.
As the team split up, Jason offered a final word of encouragement.
“Remember, the fate of an entire race rests on our shoulders. We have to do this.”
—
The beaming process was disorienting, but the crew of the NSEA Protector was used to it by now. They materialized on the planet’s surface and immediately took cover behind a nearby boulder.
From there, they could see Sarris’s ship hovering in the sky, firing indiscriminately at anything that moved.
“Okay, we have to move fast,” Tawny said, checking her weapon. “Anybody have a better plan than ‘wing it’?”
Lazarus scoffed. “We are actors, Miss Madison. We do not improvise. But if we must, I suggest we take a stealth approach. Avoid detection as long as possible.”
Jason nodded. “Agreed. Let’s move out.”
The trio crept through the rocky terrain, keeping low and staying out of sight.
Suddenly, the ground shook beneath them. Jason stumbled, almost losing his balance.
“They’re bombing the planet!” he shouted over the din.
Tawny’s eyes widened. “We have to do something!”
Lazarus raised an eyebrow. “What, exactly? Our mission was to eliminate Sarris. We cannot possibly save an entire population.”
Tawny glared. “Sorry, Doc, but I didn’t sign up for murder-suicide. We have to stop him. End of story.”
Jason nodded in agreement. “She’s right. We can’t just sit here and watch this happen. We have to find a way to turn that ship around.”
Lazarus sighed, but he knew they were right. “Very well. We must think strategically.”
They hurried on, trying to come up with a new plan on the fly.
As they approached Sarris’s ship, they saw that it was moderately guarded. Not impossible, but certainly not a cakewalk.
“We have to take out those guards quietly,” Jason whispered. “Can you handle that, Doc?”
Lazarus scoffed again. “Of course. But what then?”
“We take their uniforms,” Tawny said, her eyes glinting with mischief. “And we improvise.”
—
The infiltration was surprisingly easy. They took out the guards with ease and slipped into their costumes without a hitch. They even managed to snag a few blasters along the way.
“This feels too easy,” Jason muttered as they made their way down the hallways.
Lazarus nodded. “Indeed. I fear we may be walking into a trap.”
Tawny rolled her eyes. “Always with the negative vibes, Doc. Let’s just stay focused.”
They rounded a corner and were confronted with a squad of Sarris’s troops.
“Freeze!” one of them shouted, raising their weapon.
Jason raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. We’re surrendering. Just don’t shoot.”
But Tawny had a different idea. She lashed out with her feet, sending the guards flying in all directions.
“Nice moves!” Jason exclaimed, impressed.
Tawny grinned. “Thanks. I’ve been wanting to try that in real life for years.”
They hurried on, realizing that they were getting closer to their goal.
But then they heard a shout from behind them.
“Hey, wait a minute! Those aren’t our guys!”
They turned to see a horde of Sarris’s troops bearing down on them.
Lazarus held up his weapon. “We must fight.”
Jason nodded grimly. “Let’s do this.”
—
The battle was intense. Sarris’s troops seemed to be everywhere, and the crew was quickly running out of ammunition.
“We have to fall back!” Jason shouted, pulling Tawny in the direction they’d come. “We can’t take them all on!”
Lazarus covered their retreat, firing off rounds as fast as he could.
But they were quickly surrounded, with no escape in sight.
Suddenly, Jason had an idea. It was risky, but it just might work.
“Everybody, aim your weapons at the ceiling.”
They did as they were told, exchanging a confused look.
“Trust me on this,” Jason said. “On three. One…two…three!”
They fired their blasters, and the ceiling above them began to crack.
“Everybody, out!” Jason yelled, pushing Tawny in the direction of the nearest exit. “Go, go, go!”
They burst through the exit just as the ceiling above them caved in, dropping a ton of rubble on top of their attackers.
Jason grinned, panting with adrenaline. “Nice work, team. That was one for the books.”
—
Up on the ship, the battle was still raging on. Sarris was tearing the NSEA Protector apart with his weapons, trying to take out the crew once and for all.
But Fred had managed to activate the Omega 13. The crew was back in time by 13 seconds, and they were ready.
They executed their plan flawlessly, using the element of surprise to their advantage. Sarris was taken out, and the Thermians’ planet was saved.
As the crew stood in the wreckage of their ship, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. They had done it. Against all odds, they had saved the day.
And who knew? Maybe there were still a few adventures left in them yet.
Chapter 8: “The Final Battle”
Sarris boards the ship, his towering presence making the crew feel small and helpless. The Thrermians try to fend him off, but he’s too strong for them. He begins systematically tearing the ship apart, his laser blasts causing explosions and fires that threaten to destroy everything.
Jason looks around at the destruction, feeling helpless. “We’re out of options,” he says. “We have to use the Omega 13.”
“The Omega 13?” Tawny asks, confused.
“It’s a device on the control panel that rewinds time by 13 seconds,” Jason explains. “But we only have one shot at it, and we don’t know what will happen.”
The crew nods their agreement, realizing that they have no other choice. They make their way to the control room, Dr. Lazarus leading the way with his newfound sense of purpose.
As they reach the control panel, Sarris blasts his way through the door. “You pathetic creatures,” he sneers. “Did you honestly think you could defeat me?”
Jason steps forward, trying to buy them time. “Listen, Sarris,” he says. “There’s a way we can end this peacefully. You don’t have to destroy the Thermians.”
Sarris laughs, his eyes cold and calculating. “And why would I do that?”
“Because,” Jason says, taking a deep breath. “Because there’s something you want more than anything else in the universe.”
Sarris narrows his eyes, intrigued. “And what’s that?”
“Revenge,” Jason says. “Against your own people. The ones who left you behind.”
Sarris’s expression hardens, and he raises his weapon. “You dare to speak of them?”
Jason nods, not flinching. “They abandoned you, Sarris. And now you want to prove to them that you’re stronger. That you’re better.”
Sarris lowers his weapon, his eyes burning with anger. “What do you propose?”
“Let us go back in time 13 seconds,” Jason says. “And we’ll give you a chance to prove yourself against us. A fair fight, one on one. If you win, we’ll surrender. If we win…you let the Thermians go.”
Sarris considers this, his eyes flicking back and forth between the crew and the Thermians. Finally, he nods. “Agreed.”
Jason hits the Omega 13, and time rewinds. The crew braces themselves as Sarris appears before them, his weapon raised.
“Let’s do this,” Jason says, his heart pounding in his chest.
The two of them charge at each other, their weapons clashing with a deafening roar. The crew watches, transfixed, as the fight unfolds before them.
It’s intense, both of them giving it their all. Sarris seems to have the upper hand at first, his strength and size giving him an advantage. But Jason is quick and agile, dodging and weaving around him with ease.
Finally, with a mighty thrust, Jason lands the decisive blow. Sarris falls to the ground, his weapon clattering out of his hands.
The crew cheers, but their joy is short-lived. As Sarris rises to his feet, they realize he’s not defeated yet. He’s picked up a different weapon, one even more powerful than the last.
“We have to do something,” Tawny says, looking around frantically.
“I have an idea,” Dr. Lazarus says, stepping forward. He begins to speak in the Thermian language, his words echoing through the ship.
Suddenly, a strange, glowing energy fills the room. Sarris looks around, confused, as the energy envelops him.
“What’s happening?” he cries out.
“You’re being…calmed,” Dr. Lazarus says, struggling to find the right words. “You’re…finding peace.”
The energy dissipates, and Sarris falls to the ground, his eyes closed. The crew approaches him cautiously, unsure of what’s happening.
“He’s…asleep,” Dr. Lazarus says, stunned. “I…I think he’s…at peace.”
The crew looks at each other, realizing that they’ve just saved the day. They’ve defeated the villain and saved the Thermians.
As they make their way back to Earth, Dr. Lazarus can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. For once, he’s truly lived up to his role as a hero. And for the rest of the crew, they know that they’ll always be remembered as the ones who saved the universe.
Chapter 9: “The End of the Adventure”
The crew of the NSEA Protector stood on the stage of a massive auditorium, basking in the adulation of their fans. The audience cheered and clapped relentlessly, their excitement palpable. For the first time in years, the crew felt like they had accomplished something genuinely heroic. Jason Nesmith, Tawny Madison, Gwen DeMarco, Tommy Webber, Fred Kwan, and Alexander Dane had managed to save an entire alien race from certain doom, becoming the champions of a galaxy far, far away.
It was surreal to think that this all started at a fan convention. A chance encounter with the Thermians, a species of aliens who had modeled themselves after the crew’s exploits on Galaxy Quest, had led to this moment. The team’s experience was one they would never forget – they had been abducted by a real alien spaceship, survived dangerous trials on strange planets, rescued the Thermians, and defeated the notorious General Sarris.
The crew knew that it was time to say goodbye to their newfound friends. Commander Peter Quincy Taggart (Nesmith’s character on the show) had decided to stay behind and explore the galaxy aboard the NSEA Protector. It was a decision that brought tears to the eyes of his fellow actors. Nesmith had become so enamored with the joys of space travel that he couldn’t bear to part with the ship.
As the other cast members hugged Jason goodbye, they knew that their journey was over. They had to say goodbye to each other and return to their normal lives. For a moment, it was like they were back in the early days of the show, feeling like they had just filmed their final episode. But this time, it was different – they were changed by their experiences in space.
Gwen DeMarco spoke up, “You know what, guys? We weren’t just pretending to be heroes this time. We actually became heroes. We did what we thought was impossible and beat impossible odds. Nothing can be more rewarding than this experience.”
Tommy Webber chimed in, “And we don’t have to go back to pretending. We can make a difference in the real world.”
Alexander Dane added, “We helped a civilization and saved their planet. That’s something that gives us a sense of satisfaction that we couldn’t have ever imagined.”
Tawny Madison smiled and said, “We thought our journey was over when the show was canceled, but this is our true redemption.”
Fred Kwan said, “I always thought of myself as just a technician, a behind-the-scenes guy. But this experience changed all that. We are not just actors anymore.”
The group shared a moment of camaraderie, realizing that they were so much more than just actors playing roles. They had become a team, a family, and had saved an entire planet in the process. As they began to part ways, they knew that they would never forget the journey they had been on. They had come full circle, from the end of their TV show, to the beginning of a new adventure.
And so, with the crew’s triumphant return to Earth, a new era began. The actors had rediscovered their sense of purpose and adventure. They were no longer just has-been actors from a cancelled TV show. They were the heroes of the galaxy. The adventure may have ended, but the story of the Galaxy Quest crew was far from over. For them, the journey had just begun.
Some scenes from the movie Galaxy Quest written by A.I.
Scene 2
Characters:
– Jason Nesmith/Commander Peter Quincy Taggart: the former star of the Galaxy Quest show, now thrust into a real-life space adventure
– Gwen DeMarco/Lt. Tawny Madison: the former co-star of the show, embraces the adventure but also doubts they can save the Thermians
– Alexander Dane/Dr. Lazarus: the former classically-trained actor, initially disbelieving of the aliens but comes to see their plight
– Mathesar: the leader of the Thermians, who have modeled their entire society after the Galaxy Quest show
Setting: A spaceship
Dialogue:
INT. SPACESHIP – DAY
Jason, Gwen, and Alexander follow Mathesar down the hallway of the Thermian spaceship. The crew is in disbelief at what they’re seeing.
JASON: “So, you’re telling us that you built an entire society based on our show?”
MATHESAR: “Yes, Commander. Your strategic decisions and quick thinking in battle have inspired us for years.”
ALEXANDER: “This is absurd. We’re actors. We don’t know anything about real space travel.”
GWEN: “But we’re here now. And if we can help, we should.”
Mathesar leads them into the ship’s control room. The crew is in awe at the complex controls and technology.
MATHESAR: “We have been monitoring General Sarris’ attacks on our planet for months. We are not equipped to fight back. But with your help, we may finally have a chance.”
JASON: “What do you need us to do?”
MATHESAR: “Fight back. Help us defend our home.”
ALEXANDER: “And how are we supposed to do that?”
MATHESAR: “We have replicated your vessel, the NSEA Protector. It is waiting for you in the docking bay.”
Gwen, Jason and Alexander exchange looks, before Jason steps forward.
JASON: “Let’s do this.”
Mathesar leads them out of the room, and as they walk down the hallway, Alexander can’t help but deliver a deadpan comment.
ALEXANDER: “Well, I guess it’s time to find out if there really are aliens out there.”
Scene 3
Setting: The interior of the Thermian spaceship
Characters: Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, Lt. Tawny Madison, Dr. Lazarus, Alien Commander Mathazar, and Thermian crew members
Scene 3: “We’re Not Actors Anymore”
INT. THERMIAN SPACESHIP – DAY
The Galaxy Quest crew is standing in awe as they view the strange, alien technology all around them. Alien Commander Mathazar approaches them with a serious expression.
ALIEN COMMANDER MATHAZAR
I know this is a lot to take in, but we need your help.
LT. TAWNY MADISON
What kind of help?
ALIEN COMMANDER MATHAZAR
Our people are under attack from General Sarris, and we have no one to turn to. As you know, our society is based on your show, and we believe you can help us.
DR. LAZARUS
But we’re not actors anymore. We’re just washed-up has-beens.
COMMANDER PETER QUINCY TAGGART
Easy there, Doc. We’re in this together.
ALIEN COMMANDER MATHAZAR
Please, we have no one else to turn to. Our people are dying.
The crew looks at each other, knowing they must make a decision.
COMMANDER PETER QUINCY TAGGART
We’re in.
ALIEN COMMANDER MATHAZAR
Thank you. We’ll do our best to help you prepare.
The Thermian crew members start giving them authentic-looking weapons and gear.
LT. TAWNY MADISON
(to herself)
This is crazy. We’re really doing this.
DR. LAZARUS
(to himself)
I hope my training pays off.
COMMANDER PETER QUINCY TAGGART
(to the crew)
Let’s give these aliens the performance of a lifetime.
The crew nods in agreement, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
INT. ALIEN PLANET – DAY
The Galaxy Quest crew is in the thick of the trials. They’re fighting off giant insect-like creatures with their authentic-looking weapons.
LT. TAWNY MADISON
(panicking)
Where the hell is the director? Why hasn’t he yelled cut yet?
DR. LAZARUS
(focused)
We’re not on a set, Tawny. This is real.
JASON NESMITH
(struggling to keep up)
Real is not what I signed up for.
Suddenly, a swarm of creatures descends upon them and they’re forced to retreat.
COMMANDER TAGGART
(yelling)
Fall back! Get to the ship!
They run towards the ship, dodging the creatures. But one of the crew members gets separated from the group.
GWEN DE MARCO
(screaming)
Help! Somebody help me!
Jason goes back to save her, but they’re surrounded by the creatures.
JASON NESMITH
(to Gwen)
There’s no way out. We’re gonna die.
DR. LAZARUS
(calmly)
No, we’re not. Look into my eyes and focus.
Dr. Lazarus pulls out his weapon and starts attacking with precision and skill. The others follow his lead.
They triumphantly make their way back to the ship.
INT. NSEA PROTECTOR – LATER
The crew is exhausted and shaken from the trials.
COMMANDER TAGGART
(to Dr. Lazarus)
How did you do that?
DR. LAZARUS
(smiling)
I was trained in the art of battle. It seems the Thermians were wise to download that knowledge into me.
LT. TAWNY MADISON
(sarcastic)
Well, good for you. I was trained in the art of delivering cheesy one-liners.
They all share a laugh. It feels good to bond over their shared experiences.
Suddenly, the ship jolts as it’s hit by something.
COMMANDER TAGGART
(grimly)
Looks like we’re not out of the woods yet.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
INT. THERMIAN SHIP- DR. LAZARUS’ ROOM
Dr. Lazarus, still in disbelief that the Galaxy Quest series he acted in has now turned into a real-life adventure, paces around his room, trying to make sense of everything. Suddenly, the door slides open, and a group of Thermians enters, ushering him to follow them.
CUT TO:
INT. THERMIAN SHIP- CORRIDOR
The Thermians lead Dr. Lazarus down a long, dimly lit corridor until they reach an open room. Inside, Dr. Lazarus sees a group of Thermians huddled around a large sphere.
DR. LAZARUS:
“What is this place? Why have you brought me here?”
THERMIAN 1:
“We’ve brought you here to help us. This sphere is an amplifier that is linked to your emotions.”
DR. LAZARUS:
“My emotions?”
THERMIAN 2:
“Yes, you see, we have studied your character, Dr. Lazarus, and have found that when you are in a state of emotional turmoil, you are at your most powerful.”
Dr. Lazarus looks at them skeptically.
DR. LAZARUS:
“And what makes you think that I’m in a state of emotional turmoil?”
THERMIAN 1:
“Your performance earlier. We sensed that you were struggling with your emotions, and that’s when we knew we had to bring you here.”
Dr. Lazarus pauses and then nods slowly.
DR. LAZARUS:
“Alright, I’ll do it. What do I need to do?”
CUT TO:
INT. THERMIAN SHIP- EMOTION AMPLIFICATION ROOM
Dr. Lazarus stands in the middle of the room, surrounded by the Thermians. They activate the sphere, and it begins to glow. Dr. Lazarus closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Suddenly, memories of his past flood his mind- his childhood, his family, and the death of his wife.
DR. LAZARUS (voice trembling):
“I remember her. I remember what it felt like to love someone so much and lose them. I remember the pain and the anger. All of it.”
The Thermians nod, and the sphere glows brighter. Dr. Lazarus opens his eyes, and he feels a surge of energy coursing through his body.
THERMIAN 2:
“You’re doing it, Dr. Lazarus! You’re tapping into your emotions!”
Dr. Lazarus raises his arms, and a bright, red beam of energy shoots out of his hands. The Thermians cheer as the beam hits a nearby wall, leaving a gaping hole.
DR. LAZARUS:
“I can feel it. I’m powerful!”
THERMIAN 1:
“You are, Dr. Lazarus. And with your help, we can save our people.”
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
Logline: Two decades after their TV show ended, the Galaxy Quest crew is forced to face their greatest challenge yet when they’re beamed aboard a spaceship by real aliens who need their help in saving the universe.
Characters:
– Jason Nesmith, aka Commander Peter Quincy Taggart (Tim Allen)
– Lt. Tawny Madison (Sigourney Weaver)
– Dr. Lazarus (Alan Rickman)
– Guy Fleegman (Sam Rockwell)
– Mathesar, Leader of the Thermians (Enrico Colantoni)
Setting: The bridge of the alien spaceship
Scene 6: “Tawny’s Moment”
INT. ALIEN SPACESHIP – DAY
The crew is gathered on the bridge, looking at the viewscreen displaying an approaching enemy fleet.
MATHESAR:
The enemy ships are closing in. We must prepare for battle.
JASON:
Okay, okay. Let’s all just calm down for a second and figure out our plan.
TAWNY:
(stepping forward)
I think I have an idea.
EVERYONE looks at her, surprised. Tawny isn’t known for her intelligence or strategic thinking.
TAWNY:
(clears throat)
In episode 34, “The Phantom Menace,” Commander Taggart saved the day by using a gravity well to suck the enemy ships into a black hole. What if we try that?
JASON:
(nodding)
Yeah, yeah, that could work.
DR. LAZARUS:
But where will we find a black hole?
GUY:
(looking around)
Wait a minute, where’s Fred?
The group realizes that Fred Kwan, who played the ship’s chief engineer on the show, is missing.
TAWNY:
I think I saw him earlier in the engine room.
JASON:
Okay, let’s go get him and see if he can create a gravity well.
They all rush out of the bridge, except for Guy, who lingers behind.
GUY:
(to himself)
I can’t believe this is happening. I’m actually on a spaceship, fighting real aliens. This is insane.
Suddenly, an alien appears out of nowhere and attacks Guy. He fights back, but it’s no use. Just as the alien is about to strike the final blow, Tawny enters and takes out the alien with a flying kick.
TAWNY:
Are you okay?
GUY:
(stunned)
Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.
TAWNY:
(smiling)
You know, you really stepped up back there. You’re not just a glorified extra anymore.
GUY:
(grinning)
Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.
They share a moment before rushing off to join the others.
The scene ends with the crew working together to create a makeshift gravity well and implementing Tawny’s plan to suck the enemy ships into it, ultimately saving the day.
Scene 7
INT. NSEA PROTECTOR – CONTROL ROOM
The crew frantically types on their keyboards, trying to come up with a plan to defeat General Sarris.
JASON
We need a plan and we need it fast. Any ideas?
GWEN
What if we use the Omega 13?
ALEXANDER
What’s the Omega 13?
GWEN
It’s a device that can turn back time by thirteen seconds. But it’s risky, we have no idea what will happen.
LALO
We don’t have any other options. It’s worth a try.
Jason nods and turns to the controls.
JASON
Hold on tight, everyone.
He presses a button and the ship shakes violently.
INT. NSEA PROTECTOR – ENGINE ROOM
Sarris and his soldiers pound on the door trying to break through.
SARRIS
Open the door, or I’ll blast my way in.
Suddenly, the ship shakes, and they all stumble.
SARRIS
What’s happening?
INT. NSEA PROTECTOR – CONTROL ROOM
The crew looks at each other, not sure if their plan worked.
JASON
Did it work?
Suddenly, Sarris and his soldiers teleport into the control room.
SARRIS
You think you can defeat me with a cheap trick like that?
Jason looks at the controls and realizes they’ve been transported to a nearby planet.
JASON
That’s not what we were trying to do!
The crew quickly grabs their weapons and engages in a fierce battle with Sarris and his soldiers. They’re outnumbered and outgunned, but they fight with everything they have.
Suddenly, a bright light engulfs the room, and the crew finds themselves back on the NSEA Protector.
JASON
What just happened?
GWEN
I don’t know, but we’re back on the ship.
The crew looks around, confused but relieved.
JASON
Did anyone notice anything strange?
ALEXANDER
I feel like we did something important, but I can’t remember what.
LALO
It’s like we were given a second chance.
The crew looks at each other, not sure what just happened but filled with a newfound determination.
JASON
Let’s finish this and save the Thermians once and for all!
Scene 8
FADE IN:
INT. NSEA PROTECTOR – BRIDGE
The ship shakes violently as Sarris fires his weapon. The crew is in a state of panic.
JASON
We need a plan, now!
TECHNICIAN
Sir, the Omega 13 is still operational.
Gwen looks at Jason with a glimmer of hope.
GWEN
The Omega 13. That’s it. Jason, you have to go
JASON
What? No, I can’t-
GWEN
Yes, you can. Don’t you see? This is why we’re here. The Thermians, they brought us here for a reason.
Jason looks around at the crew. They’re all battered and bruised, but determined.
JASON
Alright. Let’s do it.
INT. ENGINE ROOM
Jason storms into the engine room, followed by Gwen and Guy.
JASON
Alright, what do I do?
TECHNICIAN
(sarcastic)
Oh, it’s simple really. Just hit the red button.
Jason looks at him, unamused.
TECHNICIAN (CONT’D)
Sorry. You just grip the handles on either side and rotate your body 360 degrees. It’ll activate the Omega 13.
Jason takes a deep breath and does as he’s told. The room shakes as the Omega 13 is activated.
INT. NSEA PROTECTOR – BRIDGE
Sarris watches in disbelief as the NSEA Protector disappears before his eyes.
INT. NSEA PROTECTOR – ENGINE ROOM
The crew looks around, disorientated. They’re back where they started. The Thermians are waiting for them.
MATHAZAR
(overjoyed)
It worked! You were successful!
Jason looks around at the crew.
JASON
What happened? What did we do?
MATHAZAR
The Omega 13 is a time device. It goes back in time 13 seconds. It has never been tested before.
GUY
Wait a minute. You’re telling us we went back in time? To 13 seconds ago?
MATHAZAR
That’s correct. And now, you have a second chance to take out Sarris.
The crew looks at each other, determined.
JASON
Alright. Let’s do it.
FADE OUT.
