Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 07:44:27 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams 00/?? X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm xxxx Okay, I've been writing this since the beginning of time, and I've finally decided to send it. I'm working on the sequel too, but just to clear out some clutter in my brain, I'll send this part now. (The sequel's almost done, that'll follow soon) I have a fairly long disclaimer and note list, so I'm posting is seperately. ****************************** NOTES AND DISCLAIMERS These characters are not mine. Practically all of them belong to Amblin Entertainment and Universal Inc. I am not writing this to make money, but if anyone would like to make a cash donation it would be appreciated. This is in script format, because that’s what I felt like writing it in. I make a lot of references to Kathy Wolenczak's fan-fics "Dirty Little Secret" and "Bloodlust". If you are not familiar with these stories, check ‘em out at her fan-fiction page. (Not quite sure of the address.) I also make a lot of references to the Universal Television show Quantum Leap. It's currently on the Sci. Fi. Channel at 6:00 pm, EST. But if you don't get the Sci. Fi. Channel, just tell me so I can explain it. Sniper view: means an overhead camera angle, positioned above the action, looking down. A BIG THANK YOU to Alexi, who gave me lots of good advice and helped me out when I needed it, which was pretty much all the time. All horribly vulgar obscenities (which there are a few) have been bleeped (*****) out to give this a rating of maybe PG-13 ½. Feedback is always welcome, and flames will be printed out and used to line my hamster cage. Thank you. *********************** Okay, that's my disclaimer. Diena **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 17:15:40 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams 01/?? X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm TEASER EXT. SEAQUEST – CGI DISSOLVE TO MESS HALL Lucas is sitting moodily by himself in a corner, poking at what serves as his lunch, without actually eating it. *You should eat at least a little,* Lucas tells himself. *You've lost ten pounds this week you can't afford to lose.* A few tables over, Ensign Andrews– Lucas' constant tormentor – and his friends are whispering and laughing among themselves, occasionally glancing over at Lucas. Finally, Andrews nods to his companions and saunters over to Lucas. ANDREWS (motioning to Lucas' tray) Better not eat too much, pretty boy. You might not be able to handle it. LUCAS Go to hell. ANDREWS Excuse me, kid? LUCAS (softly, and perfectly calm) I said f**k off, Andrews. Andrews' cohorts snicker, and Andrews bristles in anger. ANDREWS Oh. Did I hit a nerve? Is this a sensitive subject for you? (beat, mocking) I'm so sorry. I wouldn't want to make you relapse. Lucas stands, anger blazing in his blue eyes. This is something Andrews will never ever understand. And Lucas just wants to make sure Andrews knows it. Lucas walks around the table until he is face-to-face – or face-to-chest – Andrews is quite a bit taller. ANDREWS Oooo…. I'm shaking. The hacker's getting tough. What're you gonna do? Plant a virus in my computer? (getting Lucas seriously pissed and knowing it) Or maybe you'll suck my blood. I hear you're into that now. This comment makes Lucas lose it completely. He swings at Andrews and hits him in the shoulder. Andrews stares at Lucas in shock and amusement. Andrews pushes Lucas backwards, but Lucas quickly regains his balance. Andrews punches Lucas in the stomach, making him double over, gasping for air. Andrews laughs and turns to walk away when Lucas comes up behind him, and with a surge of adrenaline, turns him around and punches Andrews in the jaw, the bone cracking audibly. Howling in pain, Andrews slugs Lucas in the face, making blood flow from his nose and mouth. Lucas staggers backwards and Andrews takes this chance to shove Lucas to the floor as hard as possible. Lucas' wrist twists painfully under him as he falls. By this time, a small crowd has gathered around the two ensigns. They are cheering, and laughing, and shouting and generally making a lot of noise. Lucas is lying on the deck, not moving, not wanting to move. Andrews, holding his jaw, is walking over to Lucas and is getting ready to kick the young man, when Ford and Tony walk in. FORD (making sure he sounds like a commander and not a third-grade teacher) That's it! Break it up! Tony motions to two security officers to hold Andrews away from Lucas, while Tony kneels by his friend, helping him up. FORD What the hell is going on? (beat, wanting an answer) Lucas? Lucas shrugs, pulls away from Tony, and storms out of the room. CUT TO LUCAS' QUARTERS Lucas is lying on his bunk, staring into the aqua tunnels, not really seeing or thinking of anything except about how cruel people could be about things they don't understand. There is a soft knock on the door, and Tony walks in, carrying a box of tissues and a bag of ice. TONY (meekly) I thought you might need these. Tony hands Lucas the ice and the tissues. Lucas wipes his lower face with the tissues, just smearing the still-flowing blood even worse. He wraps his wrist in the ice and resumes staring into the aqua tunnels. TONY What happened? LUCAS (whiny) He started it. Tony gives Lucas a look. LUCAS Okay, maybe I helped. (beat, softly, with venom) But he had it coming. END TEASER MAIN TITLES COMMERICAL BREAK **************** Questions? Comments? Diena **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 18:54:09 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams Part 02/?? X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm ACT ONE FADE TO EXT. SEAQUEST – CGI/STOCK CUT TO LUCAS' QUARTERS Lucas is sitting on his bunk in the dark, leaning against the swim tubes. He is staring at the far wall of his room, sobbing harshly. The pain lately has been so great, it is almost unbearable. Lucas hides his feelings on the bridge and in the company of his friends, but here in his room his pain shows clearly. Lucas is terrified of what's happening, but he can't stop himself. CUT TO HALLWAY Tony Piccolo, Tim O'Neill, and Dagwood are standing outside Lucas' quarters. Lucas had said that he would be ready to meet them twenty minutes ago. Tony finally gets fed up and pounds on the door. TONY Lucas! Open the door! LUCAS (o.s.) It isn't locked. You could've just come in. Tony sighs in aggravation and turns the door knob. Tony pushes the door open slowly, not quite knowing quite to expect. Tony never knows what to expect with Lucas Wolenczak anymore. Not since he enlisted. Not since the drastic personality change. Not since the increased secretiveness, not since that fight with Ensign Andrews, not since Tony had noticed little nuances in Lucas' mannerisms that were so familiar… Tony had a feeling he knew exactly what was going on. But he was too scared to say anything. Tony walks into the room, surprised at how dimly-lit Lucas has been keeping it lately, stepping over a pile of laundry on the floor. Lucas is sitting on his bed, reading. He doesn't acknowledge Tony's presence in the room. TONY (nervous) Uh, so, Luke, you said you were comin'. (beat) On leave with us, I mean. ‘Cause Hudson said that you need time off anyway. Lucas puts his book down, as though suddenly remembering something. LUCAS Oh! I completely forgot! Tony feels a cold shiver run up his back as a thought tugs at the back of his mind. *No,* he tells himself. *Not Lucas. He's too smart for that.* His mind responds with a curt, *He was too smart for an eating disorder too, wasn't he?* TONY (trying to act casual) Hey, no problem. It happens. (beat) Meet us at the launch in fifteen? Lucas nods, not meeting Tony's eyes. Tony forces a smile as he walks out of the room, dread filling his heart. DISSOLVE TO BOSTON SKYLINE "When Will We Fall Down?" is playing as background music. CUT TO CITY STREET The music continues playing as background music through the rest of the scene. Tony, Tim, Dagwood, and Lucas are walking to a restaurant that Tony says is very good – but none of them really trust Tony, who is in the middle of a ridiculously complex joke involving a nun, a prostitute, a closet, and a cow. Lucas is lagging behind the rest of the group, looking around, not so much tourist-like – he's been to this city more times than he can count – but as though he knows exactly what he is looking for. Soon, he finds it. Across the street from them now is a man, who Lucas seems to recognize and walk over to. None of his companions notice; they are too busy groaning over Tony's failed attempt at humor. MAN Hey, Wolenczak. Long time no see. Lucas rolls his eyes. LUCAS Hudson's been skimping on the shore leave lately. It's not my choice. (beat) Do you have it? MAN Hey! Don't get so impatient. (beat) Cash first. Lucas pulls a wad of UEO credits from the pocket of his UEO-issue windbreaker (logo on the back: Property of UEO) and hands it to the man. The man, in turn, gives Lucas a small metal box about the size of Lucas' hand. Lucas nods his thanks and walks back to his friends, putting the box in his pocket. CUT TO RESTARAUNT The group has gotten hold of a small round table in the corner of the dimly-lit bar and grill. LUCAS I'll be right back. Tony feels a pang of fear, but tries not to let it show as he waves Lucas away. CUT TO BATHROOM Lucas goes into the men's room and locks the door behind him. Out of his pocket, he takes the box. He opens the box, and we can see hundreds of small white pills. Lucas takes out three or four and swallows them dry. Lucas turns and catches sight of his reflection in the mirror above the sink. He stands and stares at himself – at his long, blond hair, bloodshot blue eyes, and pale, sick complexion. LUCAS (to his reflection, bitterly) I hate you. CUT TO TABLE Tony is trying to tell another joke – this one involving a Slinky -- but, blessedly, is interrupted by Lucas returning. TIM Lucas? You okay? Lucas snaps his head up. LUCAS (sharply) I'm _fine_. (beat) Let's eat. CUT TO SEAQUEST BRIDGE It has been two days since the crew returned from shore leave. Lucas is staring into space, doing nothing to hide the fact he is not doing his job. HUDSON (angrily) Ensign Wolenczak! Lucas snaps out of his reverie. LUCAS What? Hudson is slightly surprised by Lucas' blunt reply. HUDSON (trying to sound patient) What is our status? LUCAS (flippantly) Ask Piccolo. HUDSON (shocked) Excuse me? LUCAS I said, ask Piccolo. This next exchange is reminiscent of the infamous "sponge scene" in "The Regulator". HUDSON (barely controlling his anger) Ensign, I'd like to see you in my office. Now. Lucas stares at Hudson. LUCAS What? HUDSON Now, Mr. Wolenczak. Before I have you put in the brig. Lucas poutily gets up from his console and follows a very angry Hudson off the Bridge. He is instantly replaced by a nameless ensign (yes, they have them in _seaQuest_ too) who will disappear at the end of this fan-fic, never to be seen again. CUT TO HUDSON'S OFFICE Hudson is standing in front of Lucas, who has casually flopped into a chair. HUDSON You are this close to being court-martialed. Do you realize that? LUCAS Yes. HUDSON So why are you doing it? LUCAS I dunno. HUDSON Don't you care? LUCAS Care about what? That I'll be kicked off this f**king boat? So what? So I'll finally have a chance to live the way _I_ want to – not the way someone _else_ wants me to. HUDSON (warningly) Ensign Wolenczak, one more outburst like that… LUCAS And I'll be outta here. I know. (beat) Well, guess what? I don't care. You know why? (beat) ‘Cause I resign. HUDSON You can't just resign! LUCAS Well, I just did. Lucas storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him. END ACT ONE COMMERCIAL BREAK ******************* Diena **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 20:25:52 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams Part 03/?? X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm ACT TWO FADE TO SEAQUEST EXT. – CGI/STOCK CUT TO BRIDGE Alarms are going off all over the Bridge, alerting the crew that someone has stolen the _Stinger_. HUDSON (coming onto the Bridge) Get him back, Mr. O'Neill. TIM (into headset) _Stinger 1_, this is the _seaQuest_. Please respond. (beat, no reply) Lucas! Don't do this! LUCAS (over the speakers) I already have, Tim. A burst of static indicates that Lucas has terminated the transmission. HUDSON Piccolo! Ford! Meet me in the Ward Room. CUT TO WARD ROOM Hudson, Tony, and Ford are sitting around the table. Tony is nervously drumming his fingers on the table, until Hudson glares at him. FORD Sir? What do we do? About Lucas, I mean. HUDSON Wolenczak is a deserter. We do nothing. TONY But sir! HUDSON Are you questioning my judgment? TONY No, Sir. I just… Lucas is in big trouble, Sir. HUDSON Damn right he is. TONY No, I mean… Well… He's gotten himself into something really bad… Tim's voice comes over the speakers. TIM Captain and Commander to the Bridge. Hudson looks at Tony. HUDSON We'll finish this later. TONY Aye, sir. DISSOLVE TO BOSTON SKYLINE "Memory Remains" by Metallica plays in the background. CUT TO DOCKS NEAR THE HARBOR Lucas is walking up the pier towards the city itself. The wind blowing off the harbor is cold, and Lucas is only wearing his dark blue crew jumpsuit. He shivers uncontrollably as he walks towards the buildings. CUT TO CITY STREET Lucas has walked for a good part of the afternoon, and now the sun is setting. Lucas stops for a minute and looks around, finding that he is in the South Side. Suddenly, he realizes what he has done. He is alone. No shelter, very little money… and no D-90. The stuff that has been keeping him going for ages, and he has none of it. Lucas sighs tiredly and continues walking. After about another hour, Lucas sees a familiar face. Lucas walks over to the man who sold him the drugs. MAN Hey! When'd you get leave? LUCAS (ignoring the question) You got a place? MAN For the right bucks. Lucas hands the man a handful of cash – the last of his money. LUCAS Here. The man doesn't even count the money – he's been dealing with this kid long enough to trust him. MAN Come on. The man begins to walk away, and Lucas follows. CUT TO APARTMENT BUILDING – INT. The man leads Lucas up a flight of old, creaking wooden stairs. He opens the door of an apartment and walks in, Lucas following. MAN Here you go. Lucas looks around. It is a small apartment, with one bedroom, and living room, a kitchen/dining room, and a bathroom. Sprawled around the living room are two other people, scantily-clad, despite the cold weather. There is a seemingly hyperactive young woman of about Lucas' age, dancing to music from a large stereo system. MAN (motioning to the two on the couch and floor) Lucas, this is Erik Crandall and Ashley Graffe. (he motions to the girl dancing) And this is Jenna McGovern. (beat) Guys, this is Lucas Wolenczak. (beat) Make yourself at home, Lucas. I'll be back later. Lucas nods tightly, and the man leaves. Lucas realizes he is scared, having never been truly on his own before. Jenna smiles and dances her way over to him. JENNA Hey! Lucas, right? Lucas nods, and Jenna looks him up and down, taking in the dark blue UEO uniform. JENNA First order of business: new clothes. Lucas can't help smiling. CUT TO CREW MESS Tony, Ford, and Tim are sitting around a table, poking at "food" that looks almost, but not quite, entirely unlike spaghetti. All of them are upset, Tony most of all. After a few minutes of making sure his meal is dead, Tim sighs and puts his fork down with a loud "clang". TIM Okay. Why are we not talking? FORD Because there's nothing to talk about. TIM What about Lucas? FORD (avoiding Tim's eyes) Don't you think we've talked about him behind his back enough? TIM But what do you think happened? Why would Lucas just leave? There is silence for a long time. Finally, Tony speaks up, almost timidly. TONY I know why. Everyone looks at him. FORD Piccolo? TONY (taking a deep breath) Lucas… has a major problem. (beat) He's doin' drugs. (beat, rushed) I – I don't know what kind, but… FORD How do you know? TONY (defensively) Well, think about it, Commander. His behavior, his general appearance. (beat) You think I've never seen anything like that? FORD Have you told Hudson? TONY I tried. But he was called to the Bridge. (beat) Besides, it'd just get Lucas is worse trouble. TIM (angry in his soft-spoken way) So you're not going to tell Hudson that the reason Lucas resigned is because he's got problems that none of us can comprehend, and therefore eliminating any possibility that maybe we could help him? TONY Shut up, O'Neill. (beat) I know what I'm gonna do. (beat) I'm just gonna take some leave and find him. FORD You can't do that. TONY Why not? Ford can't think of a good reason. CUT TO APARTMENT Lucas is in the kitchen, making a sandwich from the limited food supplies. He is wearing jeans and a T-shirt borrowed from Erik. Despite the cold in the apartment, and lack of real food – Lucas pulls out a jar of year-old mayonnaise from the refrigerator and wrinkles his nose in disgust – he is happier than he has been in a long, long time. Suddenly, Ashley runs up behind him and grabs a lock of his shoulder-length blond hair. LUCAS (surprised) Ow! Don't do that, dammit! Ashley ignores Lucas' protest and forces him into a kneeling position. Out of her pocket, she pulls a small container of blue, creamy stuff, and smears some on a portion of Lucas' hair. LUCAS (horrified) What are you doing? Ashley grins. ASHLEY You've gotta wait twenty minutes for the dye to set. Then we'll rinse it out. LUCAS You _dyed_ my _hair_?! ASHLEY Chill out, it's not permanent. We just did Jenna's purple. Lucas moans in irritation. Ashley pushes by him, reaches into the refrigerator and grabs a glass jar of liquefied… something. ASHLEY (handing the jar to Lucas) Here. (she hands him a syringe) Try this. And with that, Jenna leaves the kitchen. Lucas sits on the floor for a long time, staring at the liquid and at the syringe. Despite his experimentation, he's never _injected_ anything before. After a long moment of thought, Lucas funnels some of the liquid into the syringe, and sticks the needle in his arm, wincing in pain as it punctures the skin. END ACT TWO COMMERCIAL BREAK **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 20:54:06 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams Part 04/?? X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm ACT THREE FADE IN TO BOSTON SKYLINE "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is playing in the background. CUT TO APARTMENT Lucas is curled up in a battered leather armchair, apparently asleep. There is a streak of electric blue in his hair. Jenna, with dark purple hair piled on the top of her head, tip-toes over and whispers in his ear. Jenna Lucas? Lucas doesn't move. Jenna Lucas! There is no response, which Jenna finds odd, considering she usually doesn't even have to get near Lucas for him to wake up. Jenna (getting nervous) Lucas? CUT TO HUDSON'S OFFICE Tony is just finishing asking for shore leave, and he is in the middle of a complex explanation. Tony And my grandmother's cousin's sister's niece is getting married and… Hudson (cutting Tony off) Bonus points for creativity, Mr. Piccolo. Now tell me the truth. Tony (nervous) Well, uh, Sir, I was – uh… Hudson Going to look for Ensign Wolenczak. Tony is about to answer when Tim's voice comes over the speakers. Tim Uh, Sir? Piccolo has an urgent vid-link transmission coming in. Shall I patch it through there? Hudson Go right ahead, Mr. O'Neill. (beat, to Tony) Would you like some privacy? Tony nods, numbly, knowing that the only person who could possibly be calling him is Lucas. And the only reason Lucas would call is if he were in trouble. Hudson leaves the room, and Tony sits down in front of Hudson's vid-link. In a moment, the image of a young scared-looking woman appears. Tony blinks in surprise. He had been expecting Lucas. Tony Who're you? Jenna You're Tony Piccolo? Tony Yeah. Who are you? Jenna I'm Jenna McGovern. Lucas told me to call you if anything happened… and… Tony What happened to Lucas? Jenna I don't know. He's really sick… he asked me to call you. Tony nods and stands. Tony I'll be there as soon as possible. Tony shuts off the vid-link and walks out of the room to track down Hudson. CUT TO APARTMENT Tony throws open the door of the apartment Jenna had told him about, and runs to Lucas, who is lying on the bed in the bedroom, shivering violently, sweating, his breathing low and shallow. Tony What happened? Ashley I don't know! Tony slaps Lucas in the face a couple times, trying to keep him awake. Tony (to Lucas) Come on, Luke. (to Erik) Phone? Erik hands Tony his cell-phone. Tony dials 911 and explains the situation as best he can. Tony (into the phone) Okay, um… slow breathing, cold to the touch, there may be drugs involved. (to Lucas) It'll be okay, Luke. (to Ashley) How long has he been like this? This slow breathing? Ashley I don't know… a while. Tony slaps Lucas again. Tony Lucas! Wake up! Lucas groans. Lucas (forced) Tony? Tony Yeah, I'm here kid. CUT TO HUDSON'S QUARTERS Hudson is reading Don Quixote, when his vid-link beeps. Hudson turns it on and the image of Tony appears. Hudson Mr. Piccolo? Tony Uh, Sir. I found Lucas, Sir. Hudson sighs in irritation. Hudson And? Tony And it's a very long story. (beat) Can you come here? To Boston? Hudson You want me to put my boat and career on hold for Wolenczak? Tony Please, Sir? Hudson thinks for a good long time. What would McGath say? Did Hudson even care what McGath said? On the one hand, Lucas Wolenczak is a deserter, he abandoned the seaQuest on a whim. On the other hand, Hudson feels responsible for the young man, almost like a father for a son. Not quite, but almost. Hudson Where are you? Tony Boston General Hospital. Hudson (mildly surprised) Why are you there? Tony That's part of the long story. Hudson Fine, I'll be there. Tony (very relieved) Thank you, Sir. Hudson ends the transmission, wondering why he is so easy on his crew. CUT TO HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM Jenna, Ashley, Erik, and Tony are sitting in the uncomfortable plastic chairs, waiting. Tony has long since given up trying to read a ten-year-old tabloid (headline article: "Map to Atlantis Found in Helmet.") ; too scared to concentrate. The last time he saw Lucas had been in the ER. The doctor said that Lucas would have to have his stomach pumped and his bloodstream flushed out to get the worst of the drugs out of his system. Tony wants to cry, but won't let himself. In some warped way, he feels responsible. Jenna (softly, to Tony) I'm sorry. Tony looks up, surprised. Tony Why? Jenna Lucas told me about you. He said you're his best friend. (beat) I'm sorry we almost caused you to lose him. Tony looks into Jenna's deep brown eyes. Tony It's not your fault. There is a long, awkward silence that is suddenly broken by Captain Hudson walking up to them. Hudson Mr. Piccolo? Tony stands and salutes, nervous about what Hudson's reaction about all this will be. Hudson What happened? Tony (sighing) Lucas…he's…well, he's been taking drugs. Like, lots of them. (rushed) And I don't know what and I don't know for how long, but I do know that that's the reason he left… (beat) And he almost OD'd last night. Hudson doesn't respond. After a few minutes, Dr. Jenkins, who admitted Lucas, comes into the waiting room and walks over to Tony. Dr. Jenkins You can see him now. Tony nods, stands, and walks down the hall to the room Jenkins pointed to, leaving Hudson and the rest of the group alone in the waiting room. CUT TO LUCAS' HOSPITAL ROOM Tony slowly walks into the room, afraid of what he's going to see. Lucas is lying in bed, still unconscious, tubes in his nose, mouth, and arms. An EKG beeps in steady rhythm. Tony (softly) Luke? Lucas, of course, doesn't reply. Hudson walks into the room and stands behind Tony. Hudson Will you be okay? Tony (not turning around, softly) Yeah. Jenkins walks in, quietly. Jenkins Captain Hudson? Could I speak to you for a minute? Hudson Of course, Doctor. (to Tony) Take it easy. CUT TO JENKIN'S OFFICE Jenkins is sitting behind his desk, tapping a pencil on the green felt desk pad. Hudson is sitting in a chair in front of the desk. Jenkins We had to intubate him because his vocal cords are swollen and his airways are in jeopardy of obstructing. Hudson nods, numbly. He hadn't thought he'd be so upset over this. Part of him wants to be angry, but another part of him wants to help Lucas. Hudson But he'll be okay. Jenkins As far as I can tell. (beat) It appears that he has been using drugs for a very long time, so withdrawal will be abrupt and painful for him. Hudson What do I do? Jenkins I suggest you put him in detox, and then in a rehab program. You take him there, you leave him there, and you do all you can to find out why he uses and try to change that, and that can be a long and painful process. But mostly… mostly you pray. CUT TO LUCAS' HOSPITAL ROOM Tony is sitting in the chair next to Lucas' bed, tears in his eyes. A nurse had come in and taken the tube out of Lucas' throat, provoking a gag reflex from the young man that had painfully reminded Tony of when he once watched Lucas deftly stick his fingers down his own throat. Back when Lucas had barely tipped the scales at ninety pounds. Back when Tony had thought the worst drugs Lucas had been taking were all the laxatives. After a few minutes, Lucas moans softly and opens his eyes. For a long time, he is disoriented, unsure of where he is, but then he sees Tony. All of Lucas' words are in a harsh whisper. Lucas Tony… Tony Hey, Luke. Lucas What happened? Tony You almost overdosed. (beat) What were you taking? Lucas doesn't reply. Tony Lucas? Lucas D-90. And heroin, and Ecstasy. (beat) If it's anything to you. Tony (ignoring Lucas' attitude) No wonder you OD'd. (beat) Why? Lucas You wouldn't understand. Tony Like hell I wouldn't. Lucas I just… I… I wanted to be happy, you know? Tony You don't need drugs to be happy! Lucas (sharply) Maybe you don't but… Tony, you know how hard it is for me. Tony If you keep doing this, it's going to be a lot harder. Lucas Tony… I want… I need help. (beat) Help me, Tony. Tony I'll try Lucas. END ACT THREE COMMERCIAL BREAK ******************* What does everyone think so far? Diena **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 21:11:53 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams Part 05/?? X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm ACT FOUR FADE IN TO DETOX CENTER Hudson and Lucas are standing in the lobby-type area of the center. Lucas is pale and red-eyed, still recovering from his recent ordeal. Hudson looks very stressed-out, and for good reason. Most of his time has been spent shuttling back and forth from the seaQuest to the hospital Lucas has spent the past three weeks in; arranging therapy sessions; filing extensive reports and paperwork; dealing with McGath; consulting doctors, therapists, counselors, and even Piccolo, trying to find out what would possess Lucas to use. And pretty much everyone told him the same thing: to escape from reality. Just to have something that would take away the pain of living. So now they are standing in the lobby-area of the detox center, waiting for the doctor _here_ to explain the situation until their ears bleed – even though both Hudson and Lucas know the situation better than any doctor. Lucas, however, is less than eager to share his innermost feelings about drug abuse with Hudson. Not that Hudson can blame him; after all, when Hudson was growing up, he didn't always want to share his innermost feelings with the authority figures in _his_ life. Besides, Hudson can't give Lucas the care and understanding the boy needs, and Lucas knows it. LUCAS (softly) So, Captain… Has my dad called back yet? Two days after Lucas' brush with death, Hudson had left an urgent message on Dr. Lawrence Wolenczak's answering machine. Now, nearly a month later, still no word from Darling Daddy. HUDSON Not yet. (trying to sound hopeful) Maybe he's on vacation or something. LUCAS (muttering) Not bloody likely. Hudson senses Lucas' free-floating hostility – the boy has been like that ever since he woke up and realized that his secret was out, and rushes to change the subject. Preferably to a subject Lucas might be interested in. In other words, not classical anything. Perhaps something more modern, something that would be of interest to a hurting young scientist. HUDSON Have you ever seen "Quantum Leap"? LUCAS (curious) "Quantum Leap"? HUDSON It's a TV show that used to be on in the 1980's and 90's. LUCAS (incredulous) _You_ watched TV? HUDSON It's very uplifting. It's about a man who travels in time to change people's lives for the better. LUCAS _You_ watched _TV_? HUDSON (smiling) I packed my collection of the videos and books in with your things. (beat) It was either that or "The Red Badge of Courage" again. I only have so many copies of that book. Lucas smiles, appreciating Hudson's attempts to cheer him up. HUDSON It's really a great show. Very spiritual. I think you'll like the basic premise anyway. Lucas is deeply touched by Hudson's thoughtfulness. In this moment, a silent understanding between ensign and captain is reached and Lucas almost feels as close to Hudson as he once was to Bridger. Not that close yet, but the potential suddenly showed itself. LUCAS Thank you, Sir. A large nurse comes out of one of the doorways. Right in the lobby-area-place, she frisks Lucas. Hudson is having a hard time hiding his shock. Reality, it seems, has just hit home. Lucas is actually being frisked for drugs. Hudson notices how Lucas stands, hanging his head in a way that makes him look so tough. Hudson figures he must have seen it on a vid or something. Hudson thinks that Lucas likes the image of the beaten-down bad kid, because it is so unlike the perfect young man he has been, or pretended to be, up until now. The nurse hands Lucas a cup and ushers him to the bathroom. The nurse turns and gives Hudson a look that says, "Go away. I'm running the show here." NURSE You can leave now. (beat) He's starting detox after his shower. After that you can't contact him for three weeks. Hudson is visibly startled. HUDSON You mean I can't see him? I can call him, right? Hudson is surprised by his concern for Lucas. In some odd way, the young man feels like family. *He has that affect on a lot of people*. NURSE Why don't you stop by Dr. Torrance's office. He's got a packet he gives all the parents. Hudson is about to tell the nurse that he isn't Lucas' father, but then thinks better of it. NURSE The rules are pretty clear. Lucas' hand reaches out of the bathroom and gives the nurse the urine sample. The nurse takes a minute to scribble "WOLENCZAK" with a grease pencil on the side. NURSE (insisting) You can leave now. Lucas emerges from the bathroom. He looks so helpless and upset that Hudson wants to forget everything that's happened, take Lucas back to the seaQuest and give him that Science Team he's been bitching about. But Hudson does none of this. Instead, he pats Lucas on the back. HUDSON I'm going now. Lucas doesn't look directly at Hudson. LUCAS Bye. The nurse takes Lucas roughly by the arm, and leads him away, down the long sterile hall. CUT TO DR. TORRANCE'S OFFICE Hudson is sitting in a chair in front of Torrance's desk, rather upset. He doesn't understand everything that's going on, and it scares him. It scares him that Lucas nearly died, it scares him that he didn't catch on to Lucas' behavior earlier, and it scares him to think about what Bridger will say when he finds out, which he undoubtedly will. Hudson hates not knowing everything that is going on with his crew, and it is now that he realizes that he doesn't know everything about them. Hudson is only being stubborn about not being able to see Lucas because he doesn't want Lucas to feel abandoned… again. HUDSON Why can't I see him? TORRANCE (patiently) You might be a reminder of why he's using. Hudson has never really thought that he might be a cause of Lucas' suffering. Hudson knows that he is tough – tougher than Bridger, for sure, but he never thought he'd actually push his crewmembers over the edge. Of course, Hudson reflects, Lucas had a difficult time adjusting to life as an officer, which may or may not have something to do with it. HUDSON (softly) Oh. TORRANCE (as though a prepared speech) There are so many complex reasons for teen-age addictions. There are probably reasons Lucas isn't even aware of. That's why he needs to be in an objective environment with little or no contact with those who may remind him of the source of his pain. Hudson thinks that Dr. Torrance has done no research whatsoever on Lucas' situation and case history, but says nothing. Hudson thinks that the thing Lucas needs is contact with familiar people. *But,* he tells himself cynically, *Dr. Torrance is the expert, and I'm just someone who has spent the past year and a half in close contact with Lucas.* TORRANCE (continuing) I want to send Lucas to a rehab facility not far from here – Cape Cod, actually – which I facilitate. (beat) What I think you should do… Hudson inwardly groans. TORRANCE … is go back to the seaQuest, go about your business as usual, and when I think Lucas is ready, you – or someone close to Lucas – can come to the family meetings. Hudson nods, and stands, not really wanting to spend any more time in the same room with this man than absolutely necessary. HUDSON Thank you. Hudson leaves. CUT TO LUCAS' DETOX CENTER ROOM Lucas is lying in his bed, looking like he's asleep. The camera is only focused on his face and upper chest at this point, however. Truth is, he's heavily sedated and unconscious. After only one day of the treatment, Lucas had decided that he did not want to be there at all. He became very violent towards the others in the center, and towards himself. They hadn't wanted to sedate the boy, but he left them no choice. Dr. Torrance walks into the room, takes a look at the sleeping boy, and sits in a chair next to the bed. TORRANCE Lucas? Lucas doesn't reply. Torrance takes an envelope from the pocket of his white lab coat, and take out the letter it contains. TORRANCE This is from your friend Tony. I'm going to read it to you now, and then I'll leave it on your desk so you can read it later. (beat, reading) Lucas… CUT TO TONY'S QUARTERS Tony is sitting at his desk, writing. TONY (v.o., overlapping Torrance's voice for a minute) Well, it's as boring as hell here without you. And I can't help laughing whenever somebody has a computer problem that they _know_ they should know how to deal with, but they can't because you've been fixing things like that for so long. I just find that amusing, and if you were here you would too. Of course, if you were here, there wouldn't be a problem, would there? Aw, dammit. That came out wrong, didn't it. I don't mean to sound like I'm accusing you or anything. I know you're probably reading this and thinking *That prick Tony has no idea what pain I'm going through.* And you'd be right. I don't know from personal experience, but I've had friends who have been addicts. Hell, look at my mom! Actually, better yet _don't_ look at my mom. You know what happened the last time you did that. Seriously, though, if you spend as much time as I have on the streets, you see a lot. And I know you're a stuck-up rich kid who grew up in Buffalo with parents who don't give a rat's ass for you, and you never talked about stuff like drugs or eating disorders or anything like that, so you didn't know from experience when you started those things. But you did a good job with them, for someone who thought anorexia was a woman's disease. Hell, you did _great_ with the anorexia/bulimia thing. Weighed eighty-some-odd pounds, got hospitalized, like, seven times, passed out on the bridge once or twice. Is that what you wanted? ‘Cause if it was, you did a good job with it. And your drug addiction – what was your goal with that? Did you want to get so high that when Hudson yelled at you – or anyone else – you wouldn't hear it? Did you want to OD, and almost die? Did you want to spend a year in rehab? No, wait, I know. You wanted to scare me to death, that's it, isn't it? Jesus, I'm sorry Luke. I'm just kind of mad you feel you have to screw up your life like this. But we're all supporting you here, and Hudson is actually kind of _nice_ to us now. I think he thinks it's his fault. I don't know. But I want you to know that everything I just said – I meant it, but not in a mean way. ‘Cause I learned my lesson about that. Oh yeah, here's some gossip I thought you should know about. Kimura and Tim are getting warmer towards each other, and I can sense a relationship in the near future. Ford is getting over Lonnie more and more every day, and I've seen him looking at that new medical officer that you wouldn't know about because you've been gone. Anyway, Dagwood has been really cleaning this place. I mean, I can see my reflection in the urinals, which is pretty freaky. He's also learning how to write – Tim's teaching him and sometimes I hang out to help. And you know what Dag keeps saying? He says "I wish Lucas was here. Lucas knows how to write and Lucas can teach Dagwood to write like Lucas does." I'm not quite sure he realizes why you're not here, or whatever. I think he thinks you're on the boat, you're just busy or something. He really idolizes you, Luke. I just hope he doesn't follow in your footsteps, if you know what I mean. Me and Darwin have been hanging out more, he hasn't been talking as much now that Hudson's here. Have you noticed that? Darwin misses you very very much. We all do. And we all hope you get better really soon so we can pick on you some more. (Kidding!) CUT TO LUCAS' DETOX CENTER ROOM All is as before. TORRANCE (overlapping Tony's voice) Your friend, Tony. (beat, not reading) I'll just leave this here, so you can read it yourself later. Torrance gets up and puts the letter on Lucas' desk. Torrance takes one last look at Lucas before leaving the room. Camera pans out to show Lucas' whole body on the bed. He is strapped to the small metal cot with thick leather restraints around his wrists and ankles. CUT TO LUCAS' ROOM – LATER Lucas is sitting in a chair, reading one of Hudson's books – "Angels Unaware". He is thankful that the doctors are not sedating him, or strapping him down anymore. He hates being confined like this, and his headaches don't much help his disposition any. Lucas reads for a little while longer, occasionally closing his eyes in pain. Despite his three weeks in the hospital, his withdrawal symptoms are still very strong – especially with the detoxification treatments designed to flush all residue of the drugs out of his system. When once he spent his days in a sedative-induced sleep, he now spends them with blinding headaches, shaking hands, nausea that is sometimes overpowering, and a constant deep depression that often leads to crying jags that can last several hours. Despite his pain, Lucas has found refuge in writing short stories and poetry, along with Hudson's videos and books. Lucas finds that these things keep him out of trouble, more or less. Lucas silently reminds himself to thank Hudson that next time they see each other. After a few more minutes of reading, Dr. Torrance knocks on the door. LUCAS (not looking up from his reading) It's open. Dr. Torrance walks into the room, carrying a stack of papers that are Lucas' latest bit of writing – a history, however warped, of his time on the _seaQuest_. TORRANCE I read it. Lucas puts his book down and looks up at Torrance. TORRANCE Do you want to talk about it? Lucas still doesn't feel very comfortable talking about his feelings, but he knows he has to get used to it. LUCAS You mean right now, don't you? (beat, sweetly) I like flowers. Torrance shakes his head; he knows all of Lucas' little tricks, usually used to get out of talking about the serious stuff. But Torrance can't help being amused by the boy's deadpan sense of humor. Ever since Lucas had calmed down and gotten used to the idea of the detox and rehab programs, Torrance had gotten to know him well, and now Lucas is one of his favorite patients. Mostly due to his dry humor and cynical view of the world. Torrance is finding that Lucas likes to scare people like that. In fact, Torrance, lately, has been sending all of his new interns to Lucas, just to see how they react. Most of them quit. Lucas, of course, finds this all incredibly amusing. TORRANCE You already used that one, Lucas. LUCAS Damn. TORRANCE C'mon. It can be in place of your session this afternoon, if you want. Lucas shrugs. LUCAS Okay. Torrance sits in a chair facing Lucas. LUCAS (completely deadpan) A man on a flaming pie told me I should form a rock band. Torrance laughs heartily. Lucas just stares at him. TORRANCE You know who already used that one? Lucas shakes his head. TORRANCE John Lennon. LUCAS Oh. TORRANCE (indicating the papers) I really like it. (beat) What made you write it? LUCAS No reason really. I just wanted something to do. I finished "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Nothingness," and I got bored. TORRANCE You have a very unique view of your surroundings. And the title: "Sudden Ensign Death Syndrome." That's… interesting. Lucas shrugs, but we can tell he is secretly pleased. Torrance flips through the sheaf of papers and reads a passage. TORRANCE (reading) "I'd figured out, through extensive research in the form of asking Katie, Ben, Tim, and Miguel, that the majority of the crew likes the idea of having the UEO motto changed to ‘We'll sit around, drink coffee, and fill out tons of paperwork for no apparent reason, although we're saying it's for the good of all mankind or something.'" Lucas laughs, remembering that little poll he took several years ago on the first tour, something that didn't exactly make him "Most Popular" overnight. TORRANCE Lucas. (beat) You went into great detail about your surroundings and the people around you, ever since you first went aboard until after you enlisted. But not once did you mention your drug problems or your eating disorders. Lucas shrugs; it wasn't foremost on his mind when he wrote the thing, and it wasn't what the focus of the piece was about. That was what his warped poetry was for. LUCAS So? TORRANCE When you wrote this, did you not mention those things because you didn't want me to read about them, or because you didn't want to write about them? Lucas shrugs again. The answer is because he didn't want to write about them, but not because he is ashamed or upset about his problems. It was the simple reason of not wanting to take away from the rest of the story. LUCAS I didn't write about them because I didn't think they added or took away from the story. TORRANCE But they do, Lucas. (beat) If you go back and re-write this, putting in all the details of your drug abuse and eating disorders, you'll find that reality is a lot different than what you wrote here. LUCAS I don't care. I like it the way it is. TORRANCE Lucas, I'm finding I'm having a very hard time getting through to you. (beat) You are creating a world for yourself that doesn't exist. You can pretend that things are great and happy all you want, but in the end, it's not the truth and you know it. (beat) Why do you pretend that everything's okay when you – and everyone around you knows – that you're dying inside? Lucas thinks for a very long time. What Torrance is saying is true. Ever since he was little, he hid his try feelings deep down so nothing, with the possible exception of Sodium Penethol, could bring them to the surface. Lucas had learned early on that if he showed any kind of negative emotion, he would be punished. He always had to be the perfect genius son of Dr. and Mrs. Wolenczak. His parents always took pride in having a good-looking, brilliant child, and they always made a point of showing him off to their friends. So Lucas always had to seem happy that he was a caged bird, unless he wanted a beating when they got home. After going on the seaQuest, and after getting used to Captain Bridger, he felt a little more free to show his emotions, but it was still hard. His deeper feelings were always hidden; even from Bridger. Especially after enlisting, he tried to keep everything bottled up, but it was a losing battle. LUCAS (strained) I don't know. TORRANCE Does pretending help you feel better? LUCAS (softly) No. TORRANCE So why do you do it? LUCAS ‘Cause no one wants to hear about my true feelings. (beat) People hate being depressed, and if I started sharing my feelings, the _seaQuest_ would be the most depressing place on Earth. TORRANCE Why is that? LUCAS I dunno. It's just that whenever someone's in a bad mood, it seems to rub off on the rest of the crew. Emotions are contagious. If you've read that story, you'd've found that I've made that observation many times. TORRANCE Yes, I do seem to recall your words on the subject. (beat) Lucas, you need to accept the truth. You can't pretend anymore. LUCAS (softly) I know. TORRANCE Good. You've just broken through the first barrier. END ACT FOUR COMMERCIAL BREAK *************** Diena **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 21:19:32 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams Part 06/?? X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm ACT FIVE FADE IN TO WARD ROOM Tony, Ford, Hudson, and Tim are sitting around the table, waiting for the vid call from Lucas. It has been three weeks since Lucas entered detox, and he'll be leaving for the rehab center in two days. The officers are trying to make conversation, but there are a lot of awkward pauses and nervous looks. Finally, the vid-link beeps and the image of Lucas appears, looking healthier than we've seen him in a long time. LUCAS (brightly, but with almost artificial cheeriness) Captain! HUDSON (making it a point to use Lucas' first name) How are you doing, Lucas? Lucas shrugs. LUCAS Better. (beat) I'm going to Brentwood in a couple days. Ford, Tony, and Tim look at each other. None of them are really sure of all the details – only that the UEO is paying for the treatment. Mostly because they don't want to be sued, or have the avoidable death of a very good officer on their hands. FORD Brentwood? LUCAS The rehab center. It's on Cape Cod, about twenty miles from here – it's near Wood's Hole. You know, with the oceanographic institute? Ford and Tim know; they went there several times with Captain Bridger and Dr. Westphalen on the first tour. TONY And how long will you be staying _there_? Lucas shrugs again. LUCAS I dunno. All depends on "how willing I am to face my problems and make amends" or whatever the hell they're gonna make me do there. Hudson and the others can tell Lucas' relaxed, informal attitude is forced, but they say nothing. LUCAS (softly) I hope it's not too long, though. I miss you guys. TIM We miss you too. HUDSON Do you need anything before you go? LUCAS No, thanks. (beat, as though listening to something on his end of the line) I gotta go. I think Dr. Torrance'll be calling soon to clear up all the little details. HUDSON Okay, Lucas. Goodbye. TONY Miss ya. LUCAS Bye guys. Lucas ends the transmission and the vid-link goes blank. CUT TO BRENTWOOD REHABILITATION FACILITY The Brentwood Rehabilitation Facility is in the form of what looks like a resort-hotel. Small, cape-style cottages serve as dorm rooms, and a larger building serves as a reception and recreation center, complete with pool tables, a gym, fitness room, cafeteria, and administrative, medical, and psychiatric offices, along with some counseling rooms. Most of the sessions, however, are either held in one of the larger rooms, outside – when the weather permits, or in the offices. Behind the larger building are tennis courts and a swimming pool. In the not-so-far-off distance, the facility's private beach can be seen. SNIPER VIEW: A car drives up the street and parks in front of the large building. The driver's side door opens, and Dr. Torrance gets out. After a moment, the passenger's door opens and Lucas emerges. Torrance opens the trunk of the car, takes out Lucas' duffel bag, and hands it to Lucas, who puts it over his shoulder. Together, they walk up the stairs into the building. CUT TO SEAQUEST EXT. – CGI/STOCK CUT TO TONY'S QUARTERS "No Surprises" by Radiohead is playing in the background. Tony is sitting at his desk, struggling through Frank Kafka's "Metamorphosis" that Hudson has given him to read. He isn't really focusing his full attention on the piece, however, he is thinking about Lucas. About what he's doing. About whether or not he's getting the care he needs. *Of course he's getting the care he needs,* Tony tells himself. *Why else would the UEO foot the bill?* Tony quickly disregards _that_ theory, however, deciding that the UEO is footing the bill solely because they don't want a heavy-duty lawsuit on their hands during wartime. Tony tries to get through the poem again, but he is interrupted by a knock at his door. TONY (irritated) What? Dagwood opens the door and comes in. TONY Whadda ya want? DAGWOOD Mmm… where is Lucas? Tony shakes his head in shock. Dagwood was never one to pick up on things quickly, but lucas has been gone for a little over two months. TONY You just noticed he was gone? DAGWOOD (almost defensively) No. Dagwood has asked, but no one is telling Dagwood. Will you tell Dagwood where Lucas is? Tony sputters for a moment, not quite knowing how to explain the situation to Dagwood. TONY Well, uh, Lucas… Um, Lucas went away. For a while. DAGWOOD Why? TONY He's sick. Tony silently scolds himself for telling Dagwood so bluntly. The GELF gets so involved with Lucas' life that any little thing could upset him. Dagwood, however, stays calm. DAGWOOD Again? TONY (confirming) Again. Dagwood nods, trying to process this. Tony decides that, since the rest of the crew knows, Dagwood ought to know too. TONY Do you know why Lucas is sick? DAGWOOD Mmm… Dagwood knows that Lucas took a lot of pills. Tony mentally recoils. Dagwood has known this whole time and never told anyone? TONY (shocked) You _knew_? DAGWOOD Uh huh. Lucas told Dagwood not to tell anyone. *That explains it.* If Lucas told Dagwood the earth was banana-shaped, Dagwood would probably believe him. Dagwood wants so much to be friends with Lucas, that he would do whatever Lucas tells him to. And sometimes, Lucas uses this to his advantage. DAGWOOD (remembering Lucas' exact words) "Not even Bridger, not even Tony, and especially not Wendy." Tony takes a minute to get his bearings. Dr. Wendy Smith had resigned from her position on the seaQuest shortly after returning from Hyperion. And Bridger had gone back to his island. TONY When'd he tell you? DAGWOOD Mmm… before Clay Marshall came. TONY (pushing) How much before? DAGWOOD Dagwood is not sure. A little while before. Tony can't believe what he is hearing. Well, in reality, he can. A little. Maybe. But he was just recently noticing the signs. And wouldn't the drugs show up on all the blood tests Lucas had to have for various reasons? Maybe Lucas was upping his dosage? Tony can't really think of a rational explanation, so he chooses not to dwell on it for the moment. TONY Thanks, Dag. (beat) Could you… go now? Dagwood nods vigorously. DAGWOOD Uh huh. ‘Bye Tony. Thank you. The minute Dagwood closes the door, Tony is on the vid-link, trying to put a call through to the one person who might know a little about the root of Lucas' problem, and who was the one person Lucas needs support from right now. Tony scrolls through his list of phone numbers, and after a moment, he finds the one he's looking for. The camera angle changes so that we a reading the list over Tony's shoulder. We see that his finger has stopped at N. BRIDGER 721-0214. CUT TO SEAQUEST EXT. – CGI/STOCK DISSOLVE TO TONY'S QUARTERS Tony is sitting in front of the vid-link, impatiently drumming his fingers on the table. Finally, the image of Nathan Hale Bridger appears. BRIDGER (pleasantly surprised) Piccolo! TONY Hi, Sir. Now that Tony is actually talking to Bridger, he has no idea what he's going to say or how to say it. BRIDGER How is everything? TONY (obviously lying) Uh, great, Sir. (beat) But there's been a… situation… BRIDGER (concerned) What kind of situation? TONY Well… it's about Lucas, Sir. BRIDGER (very concerned) What's wrong with Lucas? For a moment, Tony has no idea why he is so scared to tell Bridger about Lucas' drug problem. BRIDGER What's going on, Piccolo? TONY Uh, well, Sir, it's a really complicated story… BRIDGER (warningly) Piccolo… Tony sighs, knowing that he said this much, he may as well tell Bridger the rest. TONY Lucas almost overdosed on D-90 and a buncha other stuff a coupla months ago. Bridger's shock is clearly registered on his face. It is evident that this wasn't the explanation he was expecting. BRIDGER He _what_?! TONY Lucas has been takin' drugs for a really long time, Sir. At least since before that Clay Marshall incident. (beat, unconsciously accusing) Do you know anything about that, Sir? BRIDGER (angry, almost outraged at Tony's words) You're lying! TONY (forgetting all about respect) I was _there_ when Lucas almost OD'd. I saw him _dying_. It's not something I'd lie about. (beat, calmer) Sir, did you know that Lucas was takin' drugs? BRIDGER (softer, in disbelief) No. (almost scared-sounding) Is he okay? Tony nods and Bridger sighs in relief. TONY He was in the hospital for a while and now he's at a rehab center in Wood's Hole. (beat) And me an' Tim an' Ford… we all sorta talked it over and we think it'd be nice if maybe you could come to the _seaQuest_ for a while… ‘Cause the family meetings start soon, and… well, we think you're the closest to family he's ever had. (beat) Please, Sir? Bridger thinks for a good long time. He is scared and angry and relieved all at the same time. He knows that he has no choice but to accept Tony's proposal, lest he alienate Lucas even more. BRIDGER Fine, I'll be there. TONY Thank you Sir. Bridger nods thoughtfully, and signs off. Tony collapses back in his chair and sighs in relief. That wasn't so bad, was it? END ACT FIVE COMMERCIAL BREAK **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 08:00:45 -0500 From: Diena Taylor Subject: [seaQuest-ff] Silent Screams Part 07/07 X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Reply-to: seaquest-ff@stgenesis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Delivered-to: mailing list seaQuest-ff@stgenesis.org Mailing-List: contact seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org; run by ezmlm I'm really sorry, but I just realized that I completely forgot about Lonnie. So, just to put a bit of explanation in, she just broke up with Commander Ford (hence that line in Tony's letter eariler on) and she took some leave to visit her family. Sorry everyone. ********************* ACT SIX FADE IN TO SEAQUEST EXT. – CGI/STOCK A small personal shuttle can be seen going up to dock with the _seaQuest_. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Tony, Tim, Ford, Dagwood, and Hudson are waiting for the shuttle to dock. Hudson is slightly angry that Tony called Bridger without prior consent, but is also thankful that maybe with Bridger here, he won't have to deal with this whole thing by himself. After a few minutes, the hatch opens and Bridger climbs up the ladder into the docking bay. There is a long moment of awkward silence – no one is quite sure what to say, and no one wants to speak first. Finally, Tony breaks the silence. TONY Thanks for coming, Sir. Bridger simply nods and turns to Hudson. BRIDGER (only half-jokingly) You can't keep Lucas out of trouble, can you? Hudson scowls at Bridger, knowing it would be one of those visits. CUT TO HUDSON'S OFFICE Hudson and Bridger are sitting across from each other at a table. Hudson us just finishing explaining what is going on, and Bridger is listening with an angry look on his face. BRIDGER I can't believe this. (beat) Lucas is too smart to do something like this. HUDSON (more to himself than to Bridger) That seems to be the excuse in a lot of cases. (to Bridger) Whether you believe it or not is your choice. BRIDGER Why would he use drugs? HUDSON I'm not a child psychologist, Nathan. BRIDGER (acidly) And Lucas is not a child, _Captain_. Hudson doesn't wish to pursue the conversation any further, because he knows where it's going to lead. HUDSON The family meetings start Wednesday. I talked to McGath and got him to pull some strings so Piccolo can accompany you. BRIDGER Fine. Bridger is still angry as he gets up and walks out of the room. CUT TO BRENTWOOD EXT. SNIPER VIEW: Tony and Bridger drive up to the main building in a HumV with the UEO emblem on the doors. CUT TO RECEPTION AREA Bridger and Tony walk up to the desk, where a young receptionist is reading a book. BRIDGER Excuse me. The receptionist looks up, seemingly annoyed at being interrupted. RECEPTIONIST (bored) Can I help you? BRIDGER Uh, yes. We're here to see Lucas Wolenczak. RECEPTIONIST For the family meeting? (beat, suspiciously) You're family? TONY As close as you can get. RECEPTIONIST (shaking her head, checking her computer) Well, uh... You're right on time. Go straight down the hall, take a left, and it's the third door on your right. TONY Thanks. Tony and Bridger walk down the indicated hallway. CUT TO THERAPY ROOM This room is suited especially for this kind of meeting. It has soundproof walls, and four chairs set up around the room, all facing the center. Lucas and Dr. Torrance are already seated when Bridger knocks on the door. TORRANCE Come in. Bridger and Tony walk in the room, looking nervous. Lucas is shocked to see Bridger, but he doesn't get out of his chair. LUCAS Captain Bridger! What are you doing here? BRIDGER (looking at Tony) Something told me I had to be here. TORRANCE Lucas? LUCAS Oh. Um, Dr. Torrance… this is Captain Nathan Bridger, and Tony Piccolo. TORRANCE Would you like to sit down? Bridger and Tony sit, with Bridger facing Lucas and Tony beside him. TORRANCE Now, to start off, I want you both to know that we've been making a lot of progress. We had some problems in the beginning, but Lucas has been opening up and is now more willing to share his feelings than when we first started treatment. LUCAS (cutting Torrance off) Um, Doctor? Could I say something? TORRANCE Sure. Lucas nods and takes a deep breath. LUCAS First off, I'm really sorry about all the trouble I've caused. (beat) And I know neither one of you know how all this started. TONY (under his breath) Damn right. LUCAS So I think you'd better know. (beat, taking another deep breath – this is hard for him) Captain, remember how the first _seaQuest_ was destroyed? Remember how we abandoned her to save my dad? Well, after he left, I realized that maybe… just maybe… it was partially my fault. Bridger opens his mouth to respond, but Lucas stops him. LUCAS Lemmie finish. (beat) And it hurt so badly… I mean, seaQuest was your dream… and she was destroyed ‘causa me. Remember that summer? When we were rebuilding her? Bridger nods numbly. LUCAS That's when I started taking D-90. It helped stop the pain. For a while, at least. (beat) Remember that girl I was riding the jet ski with? Well, she was actually a dealer – but it is true that I only knew her for twenty minutes. I eventually found a dealer in Boston who gave me a good price. You know how I managed to sneak off every shore leave? That's where I went. BRIDGER Lucas… why didn't you tell anyone? LUCAS Yeah, right. And give up the one thing I thought was my own? TONY Why didn't the drugs show up on your blood tests? LUCAS (smiling bitterly) One of the reasons I chose D-90 is because it's specially engineered. Technology on designer drugs is pretty state-of-the-art. (beat) I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt anybody. I just wanted to be happy. On Bridger's reaction: FADE OUT FADE IN TO BEACH Lucas and Bridger are walking down the beach later that evening. At the meeting, Lucas had told Tony and Bridger everything about his drug abuse, but little else. After dinner, Lucas and Bridger decided to go for a walk. Tony had to call the seaQuest and work out more of the paperwork issues with Hudson. Lucas is staring out at the ocean, and Bridger is watching Lucas. Bridger knows that there is more to say, but he doesn't know how to say it. A gentle breeze ruffles Lucas' long hair, and Lucas sits down in the sand. After a long moment, Bridger sits beside him. BRIDGER How're you doing? Bridger inwardly winces at the stupidity of the question. Lucas shrugs, but doesn't answer, just stares out at the ocean. Bridger doesn't know what to say. He wants to tell Lucas he knows what he's going through, but he can't. How could Bridger possibly know what it is like to be a lonely teen-age genius thrust into a world of adults where all that seems real is his addiction? No, Bridger couldn't tell Lucas that he knows what he feels. After a long silence, Lucas speaks. LUCAS (softly) I messed up so bad. BRIDGER You didn't mess up! LUCAS Sometimes… late at night… I wish I'd never been born. Because then nobody would have to go through the pain I caused. BRIDGER (shocked and a little angry) Lucas! You did not cause anybody pain but yourself! If it wasn't for you, I probably never would've commanded the seaQuest. (beat) You've done a lot of things, Lucas. And most of them good. LUCAS Yeah, right. BRIDGER No, really. Why do you think McGath is paying for all this himself? Why do you think Tony care enough to come here tonight. Why do you think I cared? (beat) You've touched a lot of lives. Think about it. The lives you've touched, have touched other lives. And those lives, have touched even more lives. (beat) Chain reaction. You've done a lot of good, kiddo. And no matter what happens, no matter what you do, in some small way, you're a hero. And isn't that what you wanted? LUCAS Yeah… But if there's one thing I've learned from this whole thing, it's that even heroes are human. FADE TO BLACK THE END Copyright 1998, by D. Taylor ********************** And to all those who are shocked and apalled that I'm ending it there, don't worry. A sequel is on the way... almost done with it. Diena **************** "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." --John Lennon "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were -- I have not seen/As others saw/I could not bring my passions/From a common spring/" --Edgar Allan Poe ("Alone") "Abort? Retry? Fail?" --My Computer --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-unsubscribe@stgenesis.org For additional commands, e-mail: seaQuest-ff-help@stgenesis.org