========================================================================== A NEW BREED Diana ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2032 Author's E-Mail: ========================================================================== AUTHOR'S NOTES: Note: You're getting the teaser again 'cause I posted the wrong one; there was a line left off the one I accidentally posted. :) ========================================================================== "A New Breed" by Diana ========================= PART 0 - TEASER =============================== TEASER Open to a small dark room. Lucas is unconscious and pinned to a table. He has various restraints strapping him down around his arms, legs, and torso. A medical IV is attached to his right arm. LUCAS (Groggy, he glances around the room) Where am I? (He tries to rise) Whaaat? His voice is raspy and clearly hasn't been used for several days. He looks down at his body, and notices the straps tying him down. He begins to struggle weakly. EVIL SCIENTIST (From the corner, he's sitting in a chair) I see you're awake. (He stands and walks over to Lucas's side) I've been waiting for you to come around. LUCAS (Confused, his voice still slightly raspy) Where am I? (He looks over the room again) What is this place? And, who are you? EVIL SCIENTIST You're a guest. A very special guest. LUCAS (Getting slightly annoyed) Guests usually aren't tied down. Why am I here? Untie me! EVIL SCIENTIST (Apologetically) I can't do that just yet. LUCAS (Voice is noticable stronger, and he's getting angry) Why not? EVIL SCIENTIST (Leans over to check some of the monitors) I'm still monitoring your progress, and you still need some practice. LUCAS (Strains against the bonds) Monitoring what? Practice for what? Just what are you talking about? EVIL SCIENTIST I developed a theory several years ago about the viability of the human species as a single sexed individual. What I found was that humans would benefit greatly if we could be either sex. Not both at the same time, but one at a time. (He gently brushes some of Lucas's hair out of his eyes) So, I made this virus. It had to be a virus you see, something that would invade the cells and rework your genetic code. Everything the cell found superfluous was ejected out, but the cells stayed intact..just different. LUCAS (Getting frantic) You're crazy! EVIL SCIENTIST Actually, I'm quite sane. (He checks the monitors again) You've been unconscious for about nine days; it was necessary once the changes began. The process would have been incredibly painful otherwise. (He pauses) You, Lucas, are the first of my new breed of human. END OF TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== PART ONE Open onto the seaQuest bridge. Captain Hudson, Commander Ford, Lt. Brody are standing together near the command station. The rest of the senior staff are at their stations sans Lucas. HUDSON (Glances over the staff and lets his gaze linger on Wolenczek's usual station) Still no sign? FORD and BRODY No, Sir. HUDSON (Grunts) We can't wait any longer. McGath's ordering us to leave, and I have to choice but to declare Wolenczak AWOL. I've stalled as much as I can. (He glances over the rest of the bridge) We've been refitted, everything's loaded, and the rest of the crew is due to report for duty in one hour. Make sure we're ready to leave once the last person is accounted for. Tony Piccolo rushes onto the bridge, and stops just in front of Captain Hudson, Ford, and Brody. PICCOLO (He forgets to salute, in his rush to speak) Sir, I think I have something... HUDSON What is it? PICCOLO It's this lady, Sir. She runs the cafe just inside the hotel where Lucas was checked into. She says she remembers a young man being carried out by paramedic. It woulda been the first day of shore leave, Sir. HUDSON (Angry, and showing it) And she's just now coming forward? What took her so long? That was twelve days ago. PICCOLO (Shuffles his feet slightly) I asked her that, and she said she'd just fired her manager and didn't have time to see any news. Once she rehired someone, she found the time to go over the older articles and saw a picture of Lucas. She's positive the person she saw being carried out was him, Sir. FORD We've checked all the hospitals. No one's been admitted who matches Lucas's description. PICCOLO Well, she gave me the name of the paramedic company, and they don't exist. I checked. HUDSON Interesting. (He thinks for a moment) Did you go over the list of guests for the hotel for anyone who might have an interest in Wolenczak? BRODY Yes, Sir. Nothing out of the ordinary. We even checked to see if anyone was linked to Deon or Macronesia. There was nothing. HUDSON Check them out again. (He turns to Piccolo) Go through Wolenczak's things. See if there's anything there we can go on. PICCOLO (shuffles his feet) Um... I already did. HUDSON/FORD/BRODY (Give Piccolo a strange look) FORD Piccolo... BRODY (Grins) You normally go through his things without asking? PICCOLO (Shrugs) He stashes candy; who'da thought? He's a beanpole. FORD (Exasperated) Piccolo... HUDSON (To everyone) Stow it. (To Piccolo) Was there anything there to go on? PICCOLO Nah. The only thing he's been into lately was the research on his father's geothermal project. He's been talking to a Dr. Page about it. The only other place to look is his computer, and I couldn't get into that at all. FORD Dr.Page? There was a Dr.Page listed on the hotel registry. HUDSON (Nods) Check it out. Report back everything. I mean everything. Take Henderson with you. Henderson leaves her post and joins their little group. All of them begin to exit the bridge. BRODY (To Piccolo) He hides candy in his computer? PICCOLO You never know. FORD (To Henderson) We need to go back to the hotel. I want to check something. Cut to Lucas, pinned to a chair. Scanners are attached to his body, and are in turn attached to monitors along the wall. The Doctor is sitting across the small table from Lucas. LUCAS No! EVIL SCIENTIST Lucas, it's too late to be shy about anything. I've induced the change several times while you were unconscious. Now, I want you to think about changing. You have to learn this, now concentrate. LUCAS (Clearly angry) No. I refuse. This is insane. EVIL SCIENTIST (Patiently, he moves to pick up a small remote control device on the table) Just concentrate. LUCAS I'm a guy! This is...(He starts to struggle against the bonds- a few of the bindings loosen slightly.) EVIL SCIENTIST (Presses some buttons on the remote then sits back to watch Lucas.) LUCAS (A strange expression crosses his face and he starts to panic at the very wierd feelings running through his body. Lucas's face begins to alter along with the rest of his body. The entire change from male to female takes about 10 seconds.) (Astonished and with a very feminine voice) My God!! (She looks down at herself and begins to strugle all over again) What did you do to me? EVIL SCIENTIST (He holds out a mirror for Lucas to see himself/herself. Lucas is horrified but unable to tear his eyes away from his new face) You'll notice I slightly altered some of your more distinct facial features. The small indent in your chin is no longer there, and your jawline and nose have been made a little more delicate. All in all, I feminized your features. Anyone who looks at you will simply see a beautiful young woman who bears a resemblance to your male self. (He puts the mirror down.) LUCAS (Panicked) Change me back! I don't want this. EVIL SCIENTIST Do it yourself. LUCAS NO! Permanently, the way I was before. A male, just a male. EVIL SCIENTIST I can't. I didn't make an anti-virus. (He holds up the remote and then places it delicately on the table) The remote is to help facilitate your alteration. You seem a little reticent and since the change will take some getting used to on your part, I felt a small external device would be called for in the initial stage. (He smiles at Lucas indulgently) After a while it won't even work. I designed it to have a biodegradable reciever in your system. It will work for another week or so, and then it'll break down within your body. After that no one but you can make you change unless you want to. (A beeper goes off in the Doctors pocket, and he stands up.) I have to leave for a few minutes. Go ahead and practice while I'm gone. You'll need it until the change becomes comfortable. (He leaves.) LUCAS (She desperately concentrates on changing back to a male Lucas, but when nothing happens she begins a panicked struggle against the bindings. One leg comes free first, then she loosens the bindings of one arm enough to pull her arm out. She scrapes her hand badly enough to leave some blood on the bindings and a few drops on the arm of the chair. Quickly releasing her other hand, she then begins to yank at the last leg binding. When it comes free, she lurches out of the chair, and grabs at the remote control as she runs by the small table going toward the door. Listening, she hears nothing and pulls it open slightly. The hallway is empty, and she leaves the room to walk quickly but quietly down the corridor. Close to the end she hears voices, and after hurredly glancing around the hall she ducks into a nearby room. The new room is large, filled with computers, and has a large slightly open window against the far wall. Lucas walks over to one of the computers and when she sees it's still logged on she practically sobs in relief. With shaking hands, she types in a few lines of simple programming commands and then clears the screen. Then she runs over to the window and climbs out. Just behind some bushes, she lands and then sneaks toward where she thinks the front of the building is. She stops abruptly when she sees two UEO transports.) Cut to Front door of the extremely large house. Ford, Brody, Piccolo, and Henderson are all looking over the house, when the door opens. A tall dark haired man looks out at the crew members of the seaQuest and he smiles uncertainly. EVIL SCIENTIST May I help you? FORD Dr.Page? DR. PAGE Yes, I'm Dr.Page. FORD We're looking for a missing crewmate, and we believe you might be able to help us. DR. PAGE Of course, please come in. (He holds open the door and motions for them to enter) Just who are you looking for? FORD His name is Lucas Wolenczak. (The others follow him into the house, but he turns to Dr. Page) Do you know him? DR. PAGE Yes, although I've never met him. We cooresponded about his father's work, but that's as far our contact went. FORD You've never met him? DR. PAGE (Shakes his head) No, I haven't, but I'd like to. He struck me as very knowledgeable and imminently capable. PICCOLO (Looks over the room enthralled) What do you do here Doc? DR. PAGE My specialty is behavioural science, and genetic chemistry. I sometimes do consultations, but those are rare now. (He motions toward the two side hallways) This house used to be an old mental institution. I renovated it and made it into my home and office. It's empty now. My office staff is on vacation. FORD (Motions toward the house) Would you mind if we took a look around? DR. PAGE (Curious) Not sure what you're looking for, but sure. Feel free. I'll even give you a tour. (He points to the south hall) Those are my living quarters and main office. (He motions to the north hallway) That's where the computers, staff work rooms, and exam room are. (He heads on down the north hall) The only other room occupied right now has a female patient of mine. She was taken on as a special case. She's rather ill, right now. (He motions to the end of the hall) She's in the last room. If you'd like to see her, I can take you down there. FORD That won't be necess... PICCOLO We'd love to. (They all look at him strangely, and he just shrugs.) DR. PAGE Of course. Please, follow me. (He starts down the hall.) PICCOLO (Quietly, so the doctor can't hear him) Lucas is here. I know it. And this guy is lying. He knows what happened to Lucas. They all follow after the doctor, who is opening the hallways last door. He looks in and then curses. Turning abruptly, he runs past the others and goes into the room with the large computers. He calls up the security system and begins to scan the various rooms throughout the building. BRODY (He scans the rooms along with the doctor) Problem, Dr. Page? Both Henderson and Piccolo continued on into the small room, when the doctor passed them in a rush, and looked over the machinery. HENDERSON There's blood here. (She motions to the arm of the chair sitting across from the table.) PICCOLO Well, Lucas was here. That I know. HENDERSON (Pulls out a first aid bandage and a plastic baggie and quickly swabs up the blood which she in turn places in the baggie) Come on, let's catch up. PICCOLO You always carry baggies? HENDERSON (As they leave) And duct tape. Quickly they catch up to the others who are now in the computer room. Ford sees them and motions them to go out into the main entryway. When they're gone, Ford turns to Dr. Page. FORD We have to leave, Dr. Page. Thank you for the tour. DR. PAGE (He waves to them and begins to scan the grounds with his security cameras.) Ford and Brody leave the computer room, and catch up to the others in the main hallway. Ford motions for them to remain quiet, until they get into their cars. As they leave the house's grounds, Henderson begins to quietly fill Ford in on what she and Piccolo found. Ford immediately placed a call to Hudson on the car's vid-phone. FORD (Once Hudson's face appears on the screen) Sir, we've found something. I'm not sure what. We're headed back with some blood samples that may or may not be Lucas's. HUDSON Get back ASAP. We can have Dr. Perry do some tests on it immediately. END OF PART ONE Comments are always appreciated, but by no means obligatory. :) =========================== PART 2 ===================================== PART TWO Cut to exterior of the seaQuest in it's berth. Two transports pull up carrying Ford and Henderson in the first, and Brody and Piccolo in the second. They pile out and are about to board, when Ford sees something out of the corner of his eye. Turning to glance back at the car, he sees a young blonde woman hop out of the back of the first transport. FORD Hey! LUCAS (Looks over startled.) FORD (He begins to move over to the cars) Get away from there. LUCAS (Looks confused for a moment and then realizes Ford really doesn't know her, and she runs away.) FORD Stop! (He takes off after her...) (Yelling back to Henderson) Get the sample to Dr. Perry. Tell Captain Hudson that we're probably chasing the woman from Dr. Page's. The three men start to chase after Lucas, who is weaving in and out of sparse traffic at the dock. When she enters the main drive to UEO headquarters, they see her head toward the main building. A few seconds later she was through the main doors and taking a set of side stairs three steps at a time. Ford, Brody, and Piccolo all reach the top in time to see her running for the elevator at the end of the hall. LUCAS (Without paying attention to who's on it, she yells) Hold the elevator! (She dives into the elevator, and turns to stare at Ford, Brody, and Piccolo all barely miss getting at the closing doors.) PICCOLO (Breathing heavily) Ya know, that was a standard issue UEO tank top she was wearing. BRODY (Nods) I noticed; She filled it out rather well too, didn't she? FORD (Frowns at Brody) Can't you ever think about something else? (He watches to see where the lift is going.) PICCOLO (Grins) Well, I wouldn't throw her outta bed. FORD (Motions for them to follow him to the ground floor, and they take off running) Cut to the elevator. Lucas hasn't turned around yet, but Captain Nathan Bridger is looking at her rather oddly. He has clearly seen the sQ senior officers chasing her and wants to know why. LUCAS (Glances back, and then gasps) Captain Bridger!? (Turning to face him, she looks like she's going to reach forward, but then steps back into the door unsure.) BRIDGER Do I know you? LUCAS Ah...no. BRIDGER Then could you explain why those UEO officers were chasing you, and how do you know my name? LUCAS I need to talk to you. BRIDGER And you are? LUCAS (Falls back against the door, dejected) You wouldn't believe me. (She suddenly looks ready to cry) I've tried! Really, I have. It just won't work. BRIDGER (At a loss too explain what was going on) I'm sorry, but you're not making any sense. Who are you? The elevator stops on the ground floor, and Lucas bursts into tears and collapses onto Bridger, who instinctively places his arms on her shoulders. He's shocked but tries to comfort her as he leads her off the elevator. Just in front of them Ford, Brody, and Piccolo run up to them and stop unsure what to do. FORD Sir, we need to talk to her. She might be able to help us find Lucas LUCAS (Cries are growing softer, and she sniffles slightly. She is obviously exhausted) I can't; it's not working. BRIDGER Now, now. Nothing's that bad. (To Ford) Is there someplace private we can go? FORD (Nods, and leads the way to a small meeting room. Behind him Bridger leads Lucas, who's seems to be rather despondent and depressed, but is no longer crying. Behind them Piccolo and Brody maintain a discreet distance.) (Ford calls Hudson from his PAL once they enter the room) Sir, we've located the woman. We're in meetingroom A in the West wing. BRIDGER (Sets Lucas in a chair, and turns to Ford) Tell him to bring Dr. Perry along. FORD (Just about to relay Bridger's request) Sir... HUDSON (Over the PAL) I heard, I'll bring her. All the men immediately begin to study the woman in front of them. Ford, appreciative, but far more interested in what she knows, Brody clearly is oggling her physical form, and Piccolo alternates between a slight leer and then successive guilt about feeling any appretiation. Bridger is clearly concerned for her, but want's to get information from her. BRIDGER (Softly) Just what is your name? LUCAS (Laughs, but just slightly off key. Not quit hysterical) You wouldn't believe me. (She looks over at the others, and practically snarls at Brody) Stop staring at me! (When she turns to look at Piccolo, she slams her hand on the table and shoots to her feet) Not you too?! (She collapses in the chair, lets her head fall to the table and moans softly) PICCOLO (Innocently) Me too, what?? BRIDGER Guys...cool it. (To her) We need some help. We have a missing crewmember and a friend. They (he motions to Ford and the others) think you can help. LUCAS (Lifts her head, grimacing) Trust me; I know exactly where he is. Everyone starts talking at once, and Bridger motions for them to be quiet. BRIDGER Where is he? LUCAS (Tears are running slowly down her cheeks now) You wouldn't believe me. (She wipes them away and smiles ruefully) I used to think it was okay for a guy to cry...but this is ridiculous. Hudson walks in with Dr. Perry. They stop when they see her. HUDSON (To Bridger) She say anything? BRIDGER (He shakes his head) (To Lucas) What's your name? LUCAS (Leans forward and whispers into Bridger's ear) BRIDGER (He rears back, startled) That's impossible. LUCAS (Just nods, feeling ill) BRIDGER (Exasperated) We don't have time for fun and games here, young lady! Where's Lucas? LUCAS (Beginning to get angry) I'm not kidding. BRIDGER (He gets up and paces the room, before turning back to her) It's physically impossible. You can't be Lucas; We all know him, and you don't look anything like him. Trust me! LUCAS (Jumps up) Tell me about it! Think I'm happy with the way I look? HUDSON (Steps in, because by this time everyone is shocked) Excuse me, but is she saying what I think she's saying? BRIDGER (Nods curtly) You talk to her. LUCAS (Plops down into the chair again) Have Dr. Perry scan my fingerprints, or my retina. That'll prove I'm Lucas. HUDSON This is assinine. (To Lucas) Where is Ensign Wolenczak? BRODY (Snidely) Trust ME, you don't look anything like Lucas. LUCAS (Angrily, to Brody) Kinda oxymoronic, huh? Or just moronic? Or how about the first time I had to go through staff evaluations with Dr. Smith. Just because she had to be different and start at the end of the alphabet rather than the first? (To Piccolo) Oh, and Tony...guess what? I don't have to put a pillow over my lap to muffle the voices. HUDSON (Very angry) Be quiet! (He's oblivious to the horrified expression of Piccolo's face, but Bridger and Ford are not.) BRODY (Confused) Are you call me a moron? FORD Tony? You okay? PICCOLO (His voice is a cross between a croak and a whisper) Luke? LUCAS (His anger beginning to be overcome by hurt) Guess we're even for me checking out your mom. PICCOLO Oh, man. My God...(he's speechless with horror) BRIDGER (Looks at Lucas closely) Lucas gave me a present the end of our first tour. What was it? HUDSON You can't be serious, Nathan. What she's saying is impossible. BRIDGER (Motions for Hudson to be quiet, and the looks over at Lucas expectantly.) LUCAS I programmed the hologram with your wife's voice and face. It was supposed to be a pleasant surprise, but you and Dr. Westphalen were...busy, so it didn't quite work out like I planned. BRIDGER (Sits back in his chair and stares at Lucas, then abruptly turns to Hudson) I think we need to take her back to the seaQuest and do a few tests. (Pause, and turns to Lucas) I don't see how you can be Lucas, but you've made me curious. So how about we go see and then we'll take it from there? They all agree, and leave the meeting room. Brody, clearly still angry at being called a moron and refuses to believe that Lucas is Lucas. Piccolo can hardly stand himself, he keeps getting the shivers out of pure horror. Ford is quiet, but properly solicitous of Lucas. Hudson is clearly angry and skeptical, while Bridger is thoughtful. Once again, comments are appreciated but not obligatory. :) =========================== PART 3 ===================================== PART THREE Cut to the seaQuest ready room. The entire senior crew is present, along with Lucas and Captain Bridger. Everyone has been appraised of the situation, and most everyone is alternately staring at and ignoring Lucas. Lucas is sitting next to Captain Bridger trying to be calm, but is clearly reaching her breaking point. When Dr. Perry comes into the room everyone turns to her as she stops just behind Lucas's chair. HUDSON Well? What did you find? DR. PERRY (Pulls out a hypo-spray quietly, and injects it into Lucas's neck. Lucas falls unconscious.) HUDSON (Stands up and takes a few step around the table) What the.. DR. PERRY (She holds up her hand for Captain Hudson to stop and then calls for two orderlies who were waiting in the hall. When they come in she motions to Lucas) Take her to med-bay; Keep an eye on her at all times. Be careful, she's been under a tremendous amount of strain. BRODY See, I told you that wasn't Lucas. HUDSON Can it, Lt. Brody. (To Dr, Perry) What was that all about? And what did you find? DR. PERRY I did a retinal scan and fingerprints. Both came back positive on a match with Wolenczak's. (She ignores exclaimations of shock) I even checked to see if she's been altered in anyway, as in skin grafts or surgery. There are no signs of that anywhere. Wolenczak had some distinctive moles and a birthmark, which this young woman also has. After the findings on the preliminary DNA test I'd have said she was a relative of Lucas's. Unfortunately, he doesn't have any relatives so I did a few other tests. Now, mind you, I'm not an expert, but I have to tell you I have never seen anything like it. Her genes contain two complete sets of DNA with some of the superfluous things thrown out. Both of these sets are close to being identical, with a few small alterations. One of those changes is the gender. (She looks over the stunned faces) All things considered, My profession opinion is that she is Lucas. BRODY (Starting to get physically ill) That's.....disgusting. HUDSON (Nods, slightly absently) I think, Commander Ford, you and Lt. Brody need to bring the good Dr. Page here so we can have a talk. (To Dr. Perry) I'm assuming he...rather, she won't be ready for active duty for awile? DR. PERRY No. She's in no condition. Her blood pressure is in the danger zone; she's having difficulty handling the change, and I don't want to take the chance on her having any accidents. BRIDGER Accidents? DR. PERRY Sometimes, people who cannot handle their problems resort to `accident's' to solve them, and right now Lucas has one hell of a problem. On top of that, he has a self-destructive streak a mile wide. So, I've taken the precaution of having her under twenty four hour guard in med-bay. HUDSON (Quietly) Good, do what you can. Hopefully, when we get Dr. Page here we can fix what he's broken. Cut to seaQuest bridge a few hours later. Hudson and Bridger are standing next to each other when Ford and Brody enter without Dr. Page. HUDSON Well? FORD Dr. Page wasn't there and he left in a hurry; all the medical equipment was still around along with various articles of clothing and other personal items. (Pause, with a big sigh) What's more, it appears Dr. Page was only renting the place. When we contacted the owner, he said he'd rented it out to a university professor who was working on a project and only needed it for a month. (Pause) We checked out all the information the property owner had, attempted to follow up on it, but it was all fabricated. None of the addresses were valid, the phone numbers were disconnected or just given out as new numbers, and no one at the university listed on the documents has ever heard of a Dr. Page. BRIDGER Great. Now what do we do? HUDSON I'll have Dr. Perry contact some people in the genetic research field. Maybe they can give us a clue as to who this doctor is, and if that won't work they might be able to find someone who can correct the problem. BRIDGER I'm going to med-bay. Lucas isn't going to handle this very well. HUDSON Would you? BRIDGER (Shakes his head and exit's the bridge) Cut to med-bay. The female Lucas is sitting at one of the computer terminals, studying Dr. Perry's latest test results. LUCAS So, you're saying that this little chip in my head isn't disolving yet? DR. PERRY No. It seems that due to stress you brain is producing extra chemicals which might be retarding the chips programmed destruction rate. It's possible that the chip is interfering with your ability to change back. I'm still not sure how, and until we manage to make sense of the files you downloaded from Dr, Page's computers everything is just guesswork. LUCAS (Slightly hopeful) So, when it's gone I can go back to being a guy? DR. PERRY (She hold up her hands, in surrender) I'm guessing ; educated, but still it's just a guess. (Pause) Lucas, how often do you try and change back? LUCAS All the time! I tried a few minutes ago, when you went to get these results. DR. PERRY Do you feel anything at all when you try? (She pauses) I mean, what do you feel? LUCAS (He frowns) Nothing. Well, not really nothing. It's more a lassitude. It's just like the feeling you get when you make your eyes unfocused for a second and then bring them back into focus suddenly. DR. PERRY Was that what it was like the first time? LUCAS (Sighs) Yeah, it happened so fast. So, I'm not really sure if what I remember is real or just my imagination. Bridger enters the med-bay BRIDGER (Sits down next to Lucas) Dr. Perry, do you mind if I talk to Lucas for a moment? DR. PERRY (Stands up) Of course not. I'll be over there. (She motions toward one of the large medical tables on the far side of the room where one of her nurses is checking supplies.) (To the nurse) Chris, I need you to have another brain scan run on Ensign Wolenczak. I think we should run one every few hours to check the status of this scanner. (She points to a small blot in Lucas's head x-ray.) It's supposed to be dissolving a lot faster than it is. When the nurse nods, Dr. Perry turns to set the x-ray down and sees Captain Bridger gently holding an obviously distraught Lucas. She leaves the med-bay. Cut to Lucas's quarters almost a week later. Piccolo is getting a few of his things out of his locker for in the morning. Lucas is sitting quietly staring at the water in the aqua tube. Darwin swims by casually. PICCOLO I guess that's everything I'll need for tomorrow. (He turns to Lucas) You gonna be okay? LUCAS (He nods) All things considered. PICCOLO Hey, Dr. Perry said that new doc they brought in should be able to help. He's already managed to firgure out some of Dr. Page's notes. (He grins, trying to be cheerful) Besides, it can't be all bad. LUCAS (Turns to stare at Piccolo) I'm a girl, Tony. (Pause) Besides, what good is the information without the man to explain half of it. PICCOLO Lcuas, your're alive, and the docs are doing their best to fix the...gender thing. LUCAS You can't tell me that this doesn't rate on your nightmare of nightmare senarios. (He shakes his head dejectedly) The worst thing is that this feels physically normal. I mean, intellectually I know I was born male, but right now...this feels right. I hate it; I hate the fact that someone could do this to me. (He pauses) Last night I woke up and needed to talk, and you weren't there. I know proceedure states men and women can't bunk together, but right then I needed to talk to someone. (Laughs softly) Aside from Bridger and Henderson, you're the only one who still talks to me like I'm me. Brody won't even stay in the same room with me. PICCOLO Well, ya gotta admit your packaging is different. (He moves to sit next to Lucas) Come on; have a little faith. You got an entire army of doctors working on the problem. LUCAS (Nods) I'm trying, it's hard though. (Thinks for a moment) And it's two, Tony. Two doctor's do not make an army. PICCOLO Yeah, well...who's counting? A knock on the open door makes both Lucas and Piccolo turn to see the newcomer. O'Neill is standing there, looking uncomfortable. TIM Lucas, Dr. Perry wants you in the med-bay. She said it was important. LUCAS Yeah, thanks. (She jumps down off the bed and turns to Tony) Thank you. PICCOLO (Shrugs) It's nuthin. (Pause) I hope it's good news. LUCAS (Grins with a small spark of his usual impishness) I'd hug you, but I don't think I trust you. PICCOLO Cute, Wolenczak. Real cute. Lucas smiles and starts up the steps. O'Neill moves from the doorway and falls into step beside Lucas as they walk to the med- bay. LUCAS (Curious, glances sideways at O'Neill) O'NEILL (Clearly uncomfortable) Lucas? LUCAS Hmmm? O'NEILL I'm really sorry this happened, and I'm even more sorry I've not been supportive. LUCAS I know. I'm sure it's weird for everyone else too. O'NEILL You could say that. Yesterday, one of the regular seamen made a comment about your...well, certain body parts, and Brody flipped. I mean, the guy has never met you and has no idea what's going on. The comment wasn't even rude. All he said was he'd seen a real beautiful woman, and Brody just about tore the man's face off. (Pause) Ford had to order him off the bridge. LUCAS When was this? PICCOLO About two days ago. LUCAS No one told me. (Pause) What else is there that you guys aren't telling me? O'NEILL Nothing. They stop outside the medbay, and Lucas turns to O'Neill. LUCAS Thanks, Tim. (Smiles) Seems I'm forever saying thank you to people. O'NEILL (Nods, turns away slightly, but then faces Lucas again.) LUCAS (Looks at Tim expectantly) What? O'NEILL (Steps forward and hugs Lucas for a few seconds. Then he releases Lucas) I hope it's good news too. Lucas's eyes are suspiciously bright when Tim turns away and walks down the corridor. Lucas watches Tim for a few seconds, rubs her eyes and then walks into med-bay. Dr Perry is sitting down, talking to Dr. Napier, the other doctor brought onto the case. When she sees Lucas, she smiles and waves her over. The new doctor lays the test results on the table and leaves. LUCAS (Glances around the deserted med-bay) Where is everyone? DR. PERRY I wanted to have a private word with you. (She pats some x-rays lying on the table) I just got the results from your last x-ray. The scanner should be gone almost completely now. (Pause) Have a seat, and concentrate. I want you to try and change back. LUCAS (Sits down on a chair next to Dr. Perry) Okay. (She closes her eyes and concentrates on changing) At first nothing seems to happen, then subtly her features change slightly. For a few seconds she looks more like the old Lucas, but then everything settles back into place again. DR. PERRY What happened? LUCAS (Her voice slightly excited) I felt that. It was that sliding feeling again, but then it just stopped. DR. PERRY Maybe it's just a matter of practice now. Try it again. Lucas concentrates again, and the same blurring of her features happens only to fall back into place. LUCAS (Falls back in the chair dejected) DR. PERRY That looked closer. LUCAS (Nods) It felt stronger. DR. PERRY (Pat's Lucas's arm) Don't worry. You couldn't do that much a few days ago. LUCAS Let me try again. (Closes his eyes to concentrate. Then, suddenly as her features begin to alter she changes into the male Lucas. The episode takes about 10 seconds.) (Glances down at himself) I'm back? DR. PERRY Looks like it. LUCAS (Jumps up out of the chair) YES!! (Then realizes that while he is finally back to being a male, he still has the the ability to change into a female.) (He runs to one of the tables and picks up a medical tray. Holding it up, Lucas stares at his reflection) Thank God. (He uses one hand to gently touch his features, and turns his face from side to side all the while studying himself DR. PERRY (She pulls out a hypo-spray) Lucas, I came up with something that might help. LUCAS (Puts the tray down and turns to looks at Dr. Perry) About what? DR. PERRY (Motions to the hypo-spray) Inside here is a sugar water mixture that I've listed in my logs as a possible cure for the virus Dr. Page gave you. It isn't, but that's not the point. (Lucas tries to interrupt at this, and she motions him to be quiet) The other doctor and I tried everything we could to correct what was done to you, and we couldn't come up with anything. LUCAS Dr. Napier? DR. PERRY (She smiles grimly) Over the last few days I lead him to believe I found a `cure' then I had him sent back to his UEO funded research project. (She sighs) Appearance is everything; if everyone thinks your're cured, then you are. You just have to be careful not to change ever again. Forget you can even do it. LUCAS There's nothing you can do...at all? DR. PERRY No. We went over everything you got from Dr. Page's computers and near as I can tell he only put in the first half of his research. We'd need all of it to be able to do anything for you. Sometime in the future, we may be able to do something. (Lift's the hypo-spray) Right now, this is the only way. LUCAS (Walks over to Dr. Perry's side and sits down) What about Captain Hudson? The UEO brass? DR. PERRY You're my patient, and while lying to my Captain is a court- marshalling offense, I'm still a doctor. My professional opinion is that this is the only way for you to lead a happy and healthy life. (She leans forward) You and I are the only two who will know the truth. LUCAS (He leans back in the chair, and shakes his head) I don't have a choice. DR. PERRY (She stands up and injects the mixture into Lucas's neck) I'll go notate an injection was given in your files. I suggest you come back in about a week. Your new ability would have disappeared around then if the `cure' was real, and I'll need to do some follow up proceedures on you. (Placing a hand on his shoulder and squeezing lightly) As far as anyone else is concerned you'll be cured by then. LUCAS (Nods, and stands up) I'm going to go back to my quarters to check on a few things; you know, make sure everything's back to normal. DR. PERRY I understand. LUCAS (Grins slightly) I also wanna have the place to myself before Tony finds out I'm a guy and moves back in. He has interesting interior decorating ideas. DR. PERRY (She smiles) I heard. Gossip is a wonderful thing. (Pause, then seriously) just, be careful...okay? LUCAS (He nods and leaves the med-bay) Cut to interior hall of seaQuest, heading to his and Lucas's quarters. Exactly one week after Lucas's `cure'. Tony is running down the hall chanting to himself and partially ducks into his and Lucas's quarters. PICCOLO Oh yes oh yes oh yes oh yes.... (He sit's down on the small set of stairs going down into their quarters) Wolenczek! LUCAS (Turns from typing on his computer, mildly irritated) What? PICCOLO You will never believe this....a new crewmember just hit on me. LUCAS I thought you weren't in the market anymore. PICCOLO Well, I'm not exactly. But, you can never count your chicks before they're hatched. LUCAS Chicks? That's a sexist outdated term even for you. PICCOLO (Amused) HEY! You're just testy because you used to be one. LUCAS (Irate) HEY!! PICCOLO It doesn't matter...she's stacked and I have a date with her later this evening. (He glances down the hall) When she asked me out she was headed this way. I ran to get here just so I could point her out to you; you gotta see her. LUCAS (Rolls his eyes) Tony... PICCOLO Come on. You gotta see her. (He steps into their room and practically hauls Lucas into the hall. Tony then points down the way her came) You're a guy again you'll appreciate this. (As an afterthought) By the way, I'm really glad you're back. I mean, the way you should be. LUCAS (Stares at Tony) You said that earlier. PICCOLO So? I'm just glad you're cured. (Oblivious to Lucas's annoyance, he grins and points down the corridor) She'll be coming down... LUCAS (unable to resist and in a singsongy voice)...the mountain when she comes. PICCOLO Lucas, get serious. LUCAS (Glances at Tony. He's incredibly annoyed and amused at the whole episode.) PICCOLO (Keeps his eyes glued down the hall, and not once does he looks at Lucas as he waits for the woman to appear) LUCAS (Suddenly, he grins, and changes.) He's obviously been practicing since the change only takes a few seconds and it's just in time to see a small dark haired woman turn the corner. The new woman sees Tony and smiles, but the closer she comes the more her smile disappears since Lucas has stepped a little closer to Tony and has plastered a proprietorial look on her face. The woman gives the female Lucas a funny glance and then studies Piccolo as if her were an insect for a moments before quietly going on.) PICCOLO (Eyes have been following the woman as she walked down the hall; grinning at first, quickly changing to confused, and finally to outraged) Did you see that? (Still staring after the woman.) LUCAS (Changes back to the male Lucas quickly, just slightly before Tony whips his head around to stare at him) Yeah, she really likes you...a lot. PICCOLO (Totally disgusted) Women! (He stomps off) LUCAS (Laughs softly to himmself, and ducks back into his quarters.) THE END ========================================================================== :)