FADE IN

A clear night. The courtyard outside the hospice. Haimon sits on a bench, looking up at the sky. He inhales deeply and slowly lets out his breath. Gabrielle comes out of the building, looking slightly tousled. She sees him and smiles sleepily.

GABRIELLE:
     I woke up and you were gone.

HAIMON:
     Sorry. I thought I'd take over the guard duty and it looked like you were asleep for the night.

Gabrielle takes a seat beside him, her shoulder brushing his.

GABRIELLE:
      I just needed a quick nap. (she pauses) How are you?

Haimon slips an arm around her shoulders.

HAIMON:
     Fine. Are you okay?

She leans against him.

GABRIELLE:
      Yeah.

They sit in comfortable silence a moment.

GABRIELLE:
     It seems like forever since we've had any time together. Just the two of us. Peace and quiet...

HAIMON (chuckles):
     Kind of ironic, isn't it? We'll most likely be going into battle tomorrow.

GABRIELLE (nods):
     The calm before the storm.

HAIMON (smiles at her):
     Right. (he looks back up at the sky) But still...it's a nice night. I've never seen so many stars.

GABRIELLE (looks up and smiles dreamily):
     This is just like the old days... Xena and I would sit out and look at the stars.

HAIMON (glances at her thoughtfully):
     Xena and you...

He fidgets a little. Gabrielle sighs and leans her head on his shoulder. He tightens his arm around her, staring ahead.

DISSOLVE TO

Morning. The courtyard. Gabrielle and Haimon are sitting on the bench, asleep. Some distance from them, Sabina is pacing around, her hand resting on the handle of her sword.

Pan up to a third-floor window. Siran sits in the window, looking out thoughtfully. The expression on her face is sad.

Sabina looks up and catches Siran's anguished stare. They look at each other for a moment; then Sabina's mouth hardens and she turns away.

The camera pans over to Xena, who is perched near the top of a tree a few feet away from the hospice building, looking out into the valley outside the town.

A long shot of the valley. Troops are visible in the distance, marching toward the town.

Pan back to Xena as she leans down from the tree.

XENA (shouts):
     They're coming!

Pan down to the courtyard. Sabina stands up very straight. Gabrielle and Haimon stir slowly, Gabrielle rubbing her eyes.

Xena slides down from the tree and turns to Gabrielle and Haimon.

XENA (to Haimon):
     Time to get those volunteers. (To Gabrielle) Gabrielle, I want you to stay here and--keep an eye on things.

GABRIELLE (frowns):
     Are you sure--?

XENA (nods, putting a hand on her shoulder):
     I'm sure. Who knows what trouble could break out when there's a battle nearby--people might panic. I'm not sure Siran will be able to keep things in order.

GABRIELLE (sighs):
     All right. (hugs Xena) Be careful.

XENA:
     You too.

Gabrielle goes over to Haimon and takes his hands. They stare at each other quietly for a moment.

GABRIELLE (in a near-whisper):
     See you soon.

CUT TO

A squad of Roman soldiers marching on foot.

CUT TO

Inside a trench. Haimon with some of the refugees from the hospice, mostly men but some women as well, are crouched in the ground, lying in wait.

Haimon lifts himself out a little, looking out, then bends down again.

HAIMON:
     Now!

The refugees start lighting incendiary devices.

CUT TO

The Romans advancing. A hail of incendiary devices flies out of the trench, hitting some of the soldiers in the front ranks. They back away, taken by surprise; some fall; the grass in front of them is set on fire, with thick smoke starting to rise. More incendiary devices fly at the soldiers.

ROMAN OFFICER:
     Shields!

The soldiers regroup and raise their shields, only to be bombarded with more fire from behind a hillock on their left. Some of them try to stamp out the fire.

OFFICER:
     Counterattack! Charge!

The Romans draw their swords and spears. Just then, the "whoosh!" of a chakram is heard.

The chakram hurtles toward the camera.

The camera pulls back to show the chakram slicing off the tops of several spears and swords while knocking others out of the soldiers' hands. The soldiers look around in shock.

Xena's ululating battle cry pierces the air. The soldiers turn their heads, startled. Medium close-up on Xena as she catches the chakram.

The camera pulls back to show Xena in the saddle. She comes galloping toward the Romans. Without slowing down, she dismounts in a leap, somersaulting in the air, and lands before them, her sword drawn, her expression a wild grin.

Another battle cry, reminiscent of Livia's, is heard from the opposite direction. The camera pans to show Sabina galloping toward the soldiers. Like Xena, Sabina dismounts in a leap, slamming her boots into the officer as she lands and knocking him down.

SABINA (with a cold smile):
     You should have stayed away from this town.

She is about to run him through but a soldier blocks the thrust of her sword and she begins to spar with him.

Pan to Xena sparring with another officer; for a moment he seems to get the better of her but then she spins around, kicks him in the wrist, making him drop his sword, and kicks up the sword, which flies up and then falls, embedding itself in the ground at Xena's side. Xena yanks the sword out of the ground and twirls the two swords simultaneously, forcing the officer to retreat. Three soldiers begin to spar with her but she manages to hold them at bay. When two soldiers try to run up behind her she spins around with a yell and kicks them down.

The camera pulls back to show Sabina fighting and holding her own against the Romans.

The fight is seen through some haze and clouds of smoke from the still-smoldering grass.

Just as the Roman soldiers are starting to regroup, a chorus of yells rises up behind them. The camera pulls around to show the refugees pouring out of the trenches, some armed with sticks or rocks, others with pitchforks and axes. Haimon runs ahead of them, his sword held at the ready.

HAIMON:
     Attack!

The armed refugees clash with the troops and the fight begins to rage. A quick montage of scenes:

* Xena, still wielding two swords, spars with several Romans

* Sabina knocks down a Roman with a spin-kick

* Haimon knocks a Roman's sword out of his hand, then brings him down with a punch

* A man, one of the refugees, uses a long stick as a staff to repel the Romans

* A female refugee uses a pitchfork to block a Roman's sword

* Xena wounds a Roman and he falls to the ground

* One of the male refugees falls down with a groan

As the battle momentarily disappears in a haze of smoke, the sound of a trumpet cuts into the pandemonium. The combatants pause momentarily and an eerie quiet falls over the field.

MALE VOICE (off-camera):
     Stop the fight!

The voice is strong and authoritative, and actually makes the combatants pause and turn. The camera pans toward a middle-aged man in rich armor, astride a dappled gray horse. It's Vespasian. There are more troops behind him. He looks over Xena, Sabina, Haimon and their makeshift army.

VESPASIAN:
     You don't look like the army of Civilis. Who are you?

XENA:
     I could ask you the same question.

SABINA:
     I've seen the face before--on Roman coins. (close-up on Sabina) Emperor Flavius Vespasian.

A murmur goes through the crowd of refugees, with muffled exclamations of, "The emperor!--It's the emperor!"

XENA (with a start):
     Vespasian?

VESPASIAN:
     That's right. Let me guess. (He looks from her to Sabina) Xena, Warrior Princess. Valeria Sabina.

Xena and Sabina nod in acknowledgment.

VESPASIAN:
     Why did you attack my advance troops?

HAIMON (his sword lowered):
     Civilis is headed this way. We thought--

XENA (interrupts):
     Look--we couldn't care less about your fight with Civilis. Our only interest is in protecting the Jeronim hospice. It's the only shelter left for a lot of people made homeless by this war.

VESPASIAN (thoughtfully):
     Is that so.

Close-up on Vespasian as he looks at Xena, Sabina and Haimon, obviously contemplating something; then pan over the faces of Xena (looking impassive), Sabina (calm but curious) and Haimon (anxious yet clearly fascinated).

CUT TO

The yard of the hospice. Vespasian emerges from the building, sipping wine from a goblet, one of his lieutenants at his side. Xena, Gabrielle, Sabina, Siran and Haimon follow. Some of the refugees milling about the courtyard look at him from a distance, clearly impressed.

VESPASIAN (to Siran):
     So--how long can you feed all these people with the supplies you have now?

SIRAN (with visible discomfort):
     About ten days, sir. We could try to stretch it out to two weeks...

VESPASIAN:
     And then?

SIRAN:
     I'm not sure, sir. We nearly had a riot before--

VESPASIAN (turns to his lieutenant):
     Decimus. Give her three wagons of food from our supplies.

SIRAN (gravely):
     God bless you, sir.

VESPASIAN (looks at her curiously):
     God? Are you one of the Elijans, then?

SIRAN (inclines her head):
     I follow the faith of Eli.

Vespasian ponders this for a moment.

DECIMUS (dubious):
     Does your order still stand, Emperor?

VESPASIAN:
     But of course. If the gods of Rome are offended by this young lady's beliefs, let them punish her as they please--in this world or the next. As long as she obeys our laws, I have no quarrel with her. The days of Nero and his cruelties have long passed.

Pan to Xena, Gabrielle and Haimon. Even Xena is grudgingly impressed; Gabrielle looks clearly moved, while Haimon looks at Vespasian with undisguised admiration.

VESPASIAN (continues, addressing Haimon):
     You can go with Decimus and give him a hand with the supplies.

HAIMON:
     Gladly, sir.

SIRAN:
     Thank you.

They start to walk off with Decimus.

XENA:
     We'll help too--come on, Gabrielle.

She makes to follow Decimus, Siran and Haimon.

VESPASIAN:
     Wait.

Xena and Gabrielle stop and look at him expectantly. Haimon slows down as well and turns to listen to Vespasian.

VESPASIAN:
     I'm glad I got a chance to thank you personally for your help in the defense of the Moesia colony.

XENA (rather coldly):
     We were protecting innocent people from slaughter.

VESPASIAN:
     At the time, you refused my offer of honorary Roman citizenship. I understand how you feel, after your--unfortunate experiences with my predecessors. But I want you to know that my offer remains the same.

XENA:
     So does our answer.

Gabrielle nods in assent.

VESPASIAN:
     Pity. I didn't expect another answer, but--I thought I'd try. You see, once Civilis is defeated, I plan to make a lot of changes--not only for the people of Rome but for all the peoples of the Empire.

XENA (dryly):
     Good luck. Now, if you'll excuse us--we have some food to unload.

She and Gabrielle go off, leaving Vespasian and Sabina alone.

Vespasian sips some more wine, then gives Sabina a thoughtful look.

VESPASIAN:
     You're quite a fighter.

SABINA:
     I know.

Vespasian chuckles and starts walking toward his horse. Sabina remains standing where she is. He stops and turns to look at her.

VESPASIAN:
     You know, you put two of my officers out of commission today. I think you owe me.

SABINA (mockingly):
     Send me the bill.

VESPASIAN:
     I have a better idea. A warrior of your stature is wasted here. (Pan to Sabina, who listens to him attentively) Why don't you join me as one of my commanders? You'll report directly to me.

There is a momentary flash of joy in Sabina's face but she quickly composes herself and approaches Vespasian.

SABINA:
     I promised Siran I'd be here to protect her--and the hospice.

VESPASIAN:
     I'll dispatch some of my men. Trust me, your friend will be safe.

There is a long, tense silence. Finally Sabina nods.

SABINA:
     Then I accept.

VESPASIAN (businesslike):
     Good. Report to my command tent in an hour.

SABINA (salutes him, coldly and with a hint of mockery):
     My emperor.

VESPASIAN (salutes back):
     Officer. (He turns away and calls out to his attendant) Elpenor! My horse.

The attendant leads the horse up to Vespasian, who gets in the saddle and rides off without turning back. Sabina stares after him, lost in thought, then turns and walks inside the building.

DISSOLVE TO

An overhead shot of the field outside the town, with Vespasian's army camped out. Three horse-drawn wagons laden with sacks are moving toward the town.

CUT TO

A small room. Sabina is packing a bag. Siran comes in, looking happy and relieved.

SIRAN:
     There you are. We've got--

She stops in her tracks, realizing that Sabina is packing. They stare silently at each other.

SIRAN (clearly understanding):
     Oh...

CUT TO

The courtyard. Sabina stands by her saddled horse. Xena and Gabrielle are standing by.

SABINA:
     So, Xena. Next time we meet--what do you think it'll be? Allies or adversaries?

XENA (shrugs):
     That may be up to you.

GABRIELLE:
     You know what? I think that deep down, you now understand the difference between right and wrong. Siran is a good teacher.

SABINA (wryly, trying not to show emotion):
     Oh dear. I will so miss our sensitive chats.

She checks her horse's bridle and tugs at the straps to make sure the saddle is securely fastened, then lingers a moment.

SIRAN (off-camera):
     Sabina!

Pan to Siran, who is almost running toward Sabina. Xena and Gabrielle glance at each other.

XENA:
     Good-bye, Sabina. (a little awkwardly) Good luck.

GABRIELLE:
     Good-bye.

SABINA (tensely):
     Good-bye.

Xena and Gabrielle walk off. Sabina and Siran remain facing each other. Finally, Sabina speaks.

SABINA:
     Are you angry at me?

SIRAN (shakes her head):
     No, not angry...just sad. I'll miss you.

SABINA (with restrained emotion):
     I'll miss you too.

Siran comes closer and takes Sabina's hands.

SIRAN (tears in her eyes):
     I know this wasn't the right life for you. You may not believe it but you do have a good heart, Sabina. Don't ever close it to compassion. (She sighs) Thank you...for everything.

SABINA:
     Thank you, Siran. (pauses) Stay safe. I know your faith will keep you strong.

SIRAN:
     Faith means nothing without love.

They hug. Close-up on Sabina's face as she closes her eyes for a moment.

DISSOLVE TO

Sabina riding away, facing the camera.

An image of Siran standing and staring ahead is gradually superimposed on that of Sabina riding away; then,

DISSOLVE TO

A close-up of Gabrielle staring ahead.

The camera pulls back to show that Gabrielle is watching as Haimon drives a fence post into the ground with a heavy mallet. Breathing heavily, he steps back to inspect his work, pulling on the post to test how securely it is in the ground. Gabrielle approaches him apprehensively. Haimon finally turns around and notices her and Gabrielle stops short.

GABRIELLE:
     Hi!

HAIMON:
     Hi. (he gestures to the fence) Almost done here. (looks around) The place is really starting to look up.

GABRIELLE:
     I guess we got a happy ending after all.

HAIMON (chuckles):
     If you can call Sabina at the head of another army a happy ending. But still, I trust Vespasian. He would never allow Sabina to do anything he didn't think was right.

GABRIELLE:
     Unfortunately, Roman Emperors tend to have a broad definition of right and wrong. But...I don't really want to talk about Vespasian. Haimon...I think we should talk about us...

HAIMON (frowns and nods):
     Right. Us.

Haimon drops the mallet to the ground and he and Gabrielle are both silent, not looking at one another. Finally they both speak at the same moment.

GABRIELLE:
     Haimon, I'm--

HAIMON:
     Gabrielle, I'm going to join Vespasian.

Gabrielle shakes her head, as if not understanding.

GABRIELLE (numbly):
     You're going to--

HAIMON:
     I know how you and Xena feel about him but I think you're wrong. Vespasian is going to do great things. And that's something I want--to have a chance to be part of something...great.

Gabrielle glances around her, as if searching for the right thing to say. Haimon rushes on.

HAIMON:
     You've got Xena and Darion. You're the Battling Bard of Poteidaia. And I'm proud of that--proud of you! Now I need something too.

GABRIELLE::
     Haimon, you know how I feel about you...

Haimon smile and touches her cheek.

HAIMON:
     I used to think that one day you'd be ready to settle down and leave the road. I mean, I knew there would always be Xena and helping people. But I thought... (he shrugs) You, me, Darion and maybe... (he laughs dryly) I sound like some sappy schoolboy, don't I?

GABRIELLE:
     No, I think it sounds very sweet.

Haimon looks meaningfully at Gabrielle.

HAIMON:
     But it could never happen, could it?

Gabrielle says nothing. He takes a step forward and kisses her on top of her head.

GABRIELLE:
     When are you going?

HAIMON:
     I need to talk to Darion and then I'm riding out with Vespasian. He's on his way to Rome, so you--

GABRIELLE (nods):
     I'll know where to find you if I need you. (pauses) Darion is in the kitchen.

Haimon nods and turns to go find Darion. He stops and turns back.

HAIMON:
     You wanted to talk to me about something.

GABRIELLE:
     What?

HAIMON:
     The other day you said you wanted to talk to me about something.

GABRIELLE:
     Oh... (she thinks a moment then shrugs) I can't remember. I guess it wasn't very important.

HAIMON:
     I guess not.

Haimon smiles and reaches out to pet her hair affectionately then turns and heads off towards the kitchens. Gabrielle watches him a moment, a wistful expression on her face. She sniffs and looks away, realizing that Xena has stepped up beside her.

XENA:
     Well?

GABREILLE:
     He's joining Vespasian.

Xena lays a hand on her shoulder. The two women stand in companionable silence a moment. Gabrielle crosses her arms across her chest and looks down at her feet.

GABRIELLE (continues):
     I didn't tell him.

XENA:
     Why not?

GABRIELLE:
     Xena, Haimon wants to do this. If he knew he would stay even though his heart would be somewhere else. I can't use a baby to force him to stay when he doesn't want to.

Xena says nothing. Gabrielle is silent a moment then finally looks up, with a forced smile.

GABRIELLE:
     Besides, we don't need anyone else. You and I can raise this baby together, right?

Xena draws her arm around Gabrielle.

XENA (nods and smiles):
     You and me.

Xena draws Gabrielle's head down onto her shoulder, kissing her on top of the head. Gabrielle puts her arms around Xena and they embrace as we:

FADE OUT

THE END

[Some relationships were damaged during the production of this motion picture.]

Xena: Warrior Princess Shipper Seasons Season 9 Episode 13 Ends and Means Story By: LadyKate and Sais 2 Cool Written By: LadyKate and Sais 2 Cool Collage By: Aurora Images Gathered By: Aurora Cast Xena Lucy Lawless Gabrielle Renee O'Connor Darion Alexander Gandar Haimon Michael Vartan Sabina Jennifer Garner Siran Ebonie Smith Alban Jeremy Miller Vespasian Derek Jacobi Civilis Roger London Quintinus Zach Fuller Original Airdate October 2, 2006 Some relationships were damaged during the production of this motion picture. DEDICATED TO KEVIN SMITH All characters and storylines that have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess are a copyright and trademark of Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement was intended during the writing of this script. All original characters and storylines are a copyright of the respective authors and of the Shipper Seasons. No script may be reproduced on a website elsewhere without the author's consent. © Shipper Seasons www.shipperseasons.com

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