========================================================================== 01 - JUMPSTART 2047 Team ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2047 Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact) ========================================================================== seaQuest 2047 "Jumpstart" By Rachel Brody & Matt Schiller & Lauri Beglin Sunday, September 8th, 1996 Publication Draft *Sunday July 20th, 1997 *Revised Edition Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". ========================= PART 0 - TEASER =============================== TEASER FADE IN TO EXTERIOR _PEGASUS_--CGI The _Pegasus_, a UEO ship, is cutting through the water. Caption reads: "_UEO Pegasus_, United Earth/Oceans Organization". New Line: "South of Florida". New Line: "Date: September 12, 2047". WALERMAN (V.O.) Put it on the viewer, Mister Luker. CUT TO _PEGASUS_ BRIDGE Commander Lucas Wolenczak is standing next to Captain Walerman, who just gave the order. The camera begins with a close-up of Wolenczak's I.D. patch, then pans around the bridge of the _Pegasus_. It shows much bustling activity. Walerman is looking at Luker, a young man, who nods and looks down at his console. LUKER Aye, Sir. He presses several keys. After a moment, the UEO council room is displayed on the main screen. CUT TO UEO COUNCIL ROOM There is a media frenzy going on outside, but one wouldn't know that from looking at the room. There's just the one unmanned camera that shows our crew what they're seeing. Secretary General Jonathan Ford is identified as the camera comes up to the name plate at his place and then to his face. It pans around to the other dignitaries, from all over the globe. These are _the_ world leaders, including people from all countries but Macronesia. CUT TO _PEGASUS_ BRIDGE All is as before. Captain Walerman is gazing at the screen. WALERMAN (off screen) A world peace conference. (shaking his head) I would never have thought it possible. OFFICER ONE (turning with a smile) Well, Sir, it's a given that the secretary general can do _anything_. His tone makes it clear that it is generally felt that although he was reluctant to assume the position, Jonathan Ford had made one of the best secretary generals since Bill Noyce. McGath is not held in high favor, for his inability to command with efficiency during the War with the Macronesians. WALERMAN (nodding, smiles) You may just be right. Walerman is like everyone's favorite grandfather. Young officers are usually assigned here if they are unsure of themselves. Commander Wolenczak is here because the _Pegasus_ is one of the least likely to be called into combat. Walerman turns to the intercom. WALERMAN (over com) Attention all hands, this is Captain Walerman. The peace treaty will be signed in a few hours, so all non-essential personnel are excused from their duties. This isn't an order, but it'd be nice to get to a vidscreen and watch the fun. Give you something to tell your grandkids. (relaxed) Just have a good time. Bridge out. He closes the channel and looks at Wolenczak. WOLENCZAK (sighs, to himself) What a day. CUT TO OFFICE The office is dark. There is a woman (silhouette) sitting at the desk, talking on the vidlink. The person she's talking to is a man, and also shrouded in darkness. She speaks with a vague southern accent. WOMAN Is everything in place? MAN Yes. The woman nods. WOMAN This is the last chance we're going to have. MAN I've done everything in my power to insure we'll succeed. WOMAN I certainly hope so. CUT TO EXTERIOR UEO COUNCIL ROOM It is a corridor outside the council room. There are security guards in front of the door. There are literally dozens of reporters, along with their equipment people. REPORTER (into camera) ...Secretary General Jonathan Ford is often credited with single-handedly bringing the Macronesian Wars to an end. However, that is nowhere near as remarkable an achievement as what he is going to do today. In just a few seconds, we will be switching to a live feed from the UEO Council room to see the signing of the first world treaty in thirty years. This treaty will unite almost every country on the planet under the government of the UEO. Her cameraman shuts off the camera and nods to her. CAMERAMAN That's it, then. She nods. REPORTER Now, let's get the hell out of here. (beat) I don't feel like waiting in traffic, and the guys in tech can take care of what's going on in there. (beat) Come on. He nods. They begin walking away. CUT TO UEO COUNCIL ROOM Live feed camera's POV. All the dignitaries are talking. Ford stands. They fall silent. FORD (seriously) I've never been one for speeches, but I'd like to thank you all for agreeing to come here. In the six years since the wars ended, I think we've made a lot of progress. This treaty is just the first step in what I feel will be the dawn of a new era of mankind. (beat, grins) Now, I'd better sign it before the camera runs out of film. Light laughter goes up around the room. Ford reaches out and picks up his pen. CUT TO CORNER OF UEO COUNCIL ROOM No longer live feed camera's POV. In one corner of the room is a medium-sized potted plant. As the camera slowly comes in closer to the pot, a faint red light is noticable, going on and off, just beneath the soil in the bottom of the pot. CUT TO UEO BUILDING PARKING LOT The reporter and her cameraman are loading their equipment into their news van. REPORTER I swear, I'm going to put in for a transfer to the sports department. (beat) Nothing interesting ever happens in politics. CAMERAMAN Well, good luck. I hear they're already mobbed with requests for covering the Olympics next year. REPORTER Anything, to get away from these stuffy dignitaries. The cameraman finishes putting the camera away, and slams the trunk of the van. He and the reporter walk to the front of the vehicle, and each gets in. He's driving. CUT TO UEO COUNCIL ROOM Ford signs the treaty without flourish. He calmly sets the pen on the desk. CUT TO _PEGASUS_ BRIDGE Wolenczak and Walerman are watching what's going on, as is the rest of the bridge crew. They start clapping as Ford sets down the pen. Then, suddenly, there is a loud bang. The picture suddenly cuts out. WALERMAN (to communications officer) Get that picture back! The communications officer scrambles with her boards, then looks up and shakes her head helplessly. CUT TO UEO BUILDING PARKING LOT The reporter and the cameraman scramble out of the car to look at what remains of the building--a smoldering heap of burning rubble. They dash to the back of the car. REPORTER Get the damn camera out! CUT TO _PEGASUS_ BRIDGE Wolenczak is helping the communications officer, trying to get a feed. Suddenly, the screen comes back to life. The reporter is standing in front of the ruins of the building. Wolenczak's jaw drops. Everyone is horrified, barely hearing what she says. REPORTER This is Lila Bryant, with the World News Net. (beat) It appears that the Conference, along with everyone inside the building, has... (beat) Blown up. The camera pans around to see Wolenczak's expression as he drops the tool he was using and stares. He's barely hearing what she says. REPORTER (in background) Preliminary reports are still unavailable, as are casualty reports. The proper medical authorities have been notified, as have... She continues to speak. Wolenczak isn't hearing her. WOLENCZAK (barely whispering, horrified) Ford... FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== ACT ONE FADE IN TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Acting Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock is sitting at the desk. It's obvious that this office used to be Ford's, and Hitchcock hasn't had the time to clear his things out of it yet. Her intercom buzzes. She looks up. HITCHCOCK Yes? RECEPTIONIST (over com) Madame Secretary, Senator Ross is here to see you. Hitchcock rolls her eyes--not looking forward to this one. HITCHCOCK (almost reluctantly) Send her in. She turns off the intercom and looks back at her work. After a few moments, the door opens. Senator Eileen Ross, in her late 40s, enters. She's got almost platinum blonde hair and is moderately tall. She's almost too polite, but not overdoing it. She's carrying a briefcase. Hitchcock stands, and they shake hands across the desk. HITCHCOCK Senator, nice to see you again. She doesn't mean it, but it's hard to tell that immediately. ROSS (not meaning it) Likewise, Madame Secretary. Without further ado, she places the briefcase on Hitchcock's desk and opens it. ROSS I'm afraid it's my duty to inform you of this... She reaches into the briefcase and pulls out a computer disk. She hands it to Hitchcock. ROSS You can watch it if you want, but I can tell you now what's on it. Hitchcock nods expectantly. ROSS (continuing) As of this moment, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are leaving the UEO. Hitchcock is struck speechless. ROSS We refuse to be a part of a confederation that allows its members and leaders to be killed in a terrorist attack. (beat) We are severing all ties with the UEO. We're an independent country, as of today. Hitchcock is slowly regaining her power of speech. HITCHCOCK (in shock) You--You're _what_?!? ROSS We're seceding. (beat) You have forty-eight hours to vacate all outposts, colonies, and research centers within 200 miles of Carolinan shores, as well as inside our borders. (beat) If they are not cleared within that time, they will be destroyed. Without waiting for a response (which Hitchcock is too flabbergasted to give, anyway), Ross snaps the briefcase shut, picks it up, and leaves the room. CUT TO UEO TEMPORARY MISSION CONTROL ROOM There are banks of instruments on the walls, and many stations. Each station has one officer/noncom working at it. Lieutenant Tendrament, one of the officers working a station, is near the door. Hitchcock enters, looking harried. As she comes in, she is greeted by several people. The caption reads "UEO Temporary Mission Control: 1630 hours". HITCHCOCK (walking in) Report, Mister Tendrament. Tendrament shakes his head. TENDRAMENT (sighs) It's not good, Madame Secretary. The Carolinans have taken all of their ships. (beat) The UEO is at half power. This isn't what Hitchcock wanted to hear. She considers the situation for a moment, then looks back at Tendrament. HITCHCOCK What about _seaQuest_? Tendrament is surprised she's mentioned the name. TENDRAMENT (a bit incredulous) _seaQuest_? She's not even finished, let alone wet! And half of the command crew hasn't even been assigned. (beat, shakes head) _seaQuest_ is in no position to assist. Hitchcock knows _seaQuest_ is their only chance. HITCHCOCK (mildly exasperated) Lieutenant, the UEO has been developing the new _seaQuest_ for nearly two years. We've got the main construction done, right? Tendrament nods. HITCHCOCK (firmly) She's safe according to specifications, right? TENDRAMENT (awkwardly) Yes. But-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) Good. I'll have a command crew ready for her by tomorrow afternoon. Tell Hunter to be ready. _seaQuest_ is shipping out at 1800 hours tomorrow night. She leaves without giving Tendrament a chance to respond. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _seaQuest DSV 4600III_ is designed along the same lines as its predecessors, but is even more impressive, and slightly smaller. The caption reads: "_seaQuest 460OIII_ Berth". CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE This is the first time we see the new _seaQuest's_ bridge. Although the bridge is not currently laid out, the characters in this scene are talking to the main viewscreen, where Tendrament's face is displayed. Commander Jason Hunter, Lieutenant Commander Jessie Matthews, and Lieutenant Commander Gregory Callan are on duty. There are still exposed panels, darkened lights, etc., around the bridge. Tendrament is on-screen, relaying Hitchcock's orders. TENDRAMENT (finishing off) --1800 hours tomorrow. This shocks all three officers. HUNTER (incredulous) _What_?! The _seaQuest's_ not even wet! We don't have half the command crew! Callan hasn't tested the engines! Nobody can even _find_ the security officer! Tendrament doesn't care. TENDRAMENT (cutting him off) I don't need excuses, Commander Hunter. _seaQuest_ will be shipping out at 1800 hours tomorrow night. You're the senior officer on duty...you make sure it's ready. (beat) Your command crew will be arriving sometime tomorrow afternoon. (beat) UEO out. For a moment, all is silent as the three exchange glances. MATTHEWS (exasperated, angry) Dammit! Who the _hell_ does he think he is?! We've got crews working round the clock on this piece of junk, and we're not going to be ready for _at least_ another two months! Of the three, only Callan isn't furious at the news. A bit peeved, sure, but not furious. HUNTER (tightly) Commander, we don't have a choice. (beat) Tendrament's made that _very_ clear. (stepping into command mode) Okay then. Callan, I want full diagnostics on all ship's systems on my desk in an hour. (to bridge in general) People, the UEO has given us just over twenty-four hours to get this boat wet and ready for combat. I'll need your undivided attention, as we're going to be double-shifting for the next twenty-four hours. General groaning is heard from the whole bridge. MATTHEWS (loudly, cutting off groans) Vernon, Service, Quakenbush, and Sanchez, you'll assist Mister Callan. (to Callan) We're going to do a _very_ quick shakedown test on the main engines. (to crewmen) Report to main engineering. They go. HUNTER The rest of you should report to your respective sections and ask your department heads for assignments. We don't have a lot of time, so I'm counting on every one of you to do your best. (more reserved) I'm sorry for this. Shrugs and general "that's okays" go around the bridge. Officers and noncoms leave. HUNTER (looking around, quieter) Now, if we only had the rest of the command crew. CUT TO CEMETERY It is Ford's funeral, morning, the next day. Wolenczak is sitting in one of the front rows. Hitchcock is several rows away, guarded by "secret service people". Ford's coffin is being lowered into the ground. Everyone watches, tearfully. FADE TO EXTERIOR TEMPORARY UEO BUILDING A cab pulls up. Wolenczak gets out, paying the driver. He walks in the front door. CUT TO INTERIOR BUILDING Wolenczak walks up to the front desk. There is a young GELF woman sitting at the desk, filing her nails. She looks up as Wolenczak approaches, clearly not upset at the diversion. WOLENCZAK Commander Lucas Wolenczak, here to see the acting secretary general. She nods and waves toward a door. RECEPTIONIST Go ahead. Wolenczak looks at her for a moment, then goes. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock is standing by the window, looking down at the street. She has been redecorating the office, trying to get rid of the last remnants of Ford's presence. His death has hit her pretty hard. There is a knock at the door. She looks up. HITCHCOCK Come in. The door opens, and Wolenczak enters. He looks around for a long moment, and then at Hitchcock. She sits at the large oak desk. Wolenczak is still deeply affected by the funeral. His voice is neutral, and he's attempting not to show his emotions. WOLENCZAK I saw you at the funeral. (beat) It was... He trails off, and shrugs. WOLENCZAK Well, you know. The standard stuff anyone ever says when a friend dies. Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK The two of you kept in touch? Wolenczak walks to the window and looks out, distracted. Hitchcock nods in understanding. She activates a computer terminal and scrolls through the crew roster of the new _seaQuest 4600III_. After a moment, Wolenczak turns back to face her. She is concentrating intently on the screen. He is intrigued by this, and walks over. She swivels the screen so he can see it. HITCHCOCK (an observation) You know, I still have to fill in a few positions on the new _seaQuest_. (beat) She needs a captain. Wolenczak looks at her, a trace of incredulousness on his face. HITCHCOCK Something wrong? Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK No...Not at all. (beat) Who are you considering? Hitchcock turns off the screen. HITCHCOCK (avoiding the question) Jonathan was going to send the assignments out in a few days. (beat, smiles fondly) He never kept notes. Kept it all up here, he said. She taps her temple, then sighs in mild exasperation as she begins sifting through papers on her desk. HITCHCOCK (beat, remembering) Remember that time the duty roster got wiped from the computer core, and he was on leave? It took O'Neill forever to find him. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Mm-hm. Those were the days... There is silence for a few moments, interrupted only by the shuffling of Hitchcock's papers. Wolenczak clears his throat. Hitchcock looks up. WOLENCZAK (glancing at the door) Anyway, I was only stopping by...I'm, um... He's uneasy about something he has to tell her, that's for sure. HITCHCOCK (concerned) Something wrong? WOLENCZAK (too quickly) No. Hitchcock looks over some of her papers. She looks up. HITCHCOCK So, what are your plans? Wolenczak looks at her, a bit surprised. WOLENCZAK My...plans? HITCHCOCK (nods) Your tour aboard the _Pegasus_ is going to end in a few weeks. I hear Captain Bakwell offered you a position as XO on the _Cassiopeia_. Wolenczak looks out the window. WOLENCZAK (uncomfortably) I... (beat) ...I wasn't planning on accepting that. Hitchcock smiles. HITCHCOCK Good. Wolenczak is a bit surprised by her reaction. WOLENCZAK (confused) Good? She nods. HITCHCOCK I need you on-- WOLENCZAK (interrupting) No. You don't understand. (beat) I'm leaving the Navy. Hitchcock is shocked by this. HITCHCOCK You're--When did you decide this?!? Wolenczak looks out the window again, noticeably uncomfortable with what he's saying. WOLENCZAK It's been gnawing at the corner of my mind for a few months now. (beat) The recent...instabilities also had a lot to do with it. Hitchcock nods slowly, not quite agreeing. She rises and walks to a monitor mounted in the wall, halfway across the room. She flips it on. A picture of the new _seaQuest_ appears on it. HITCHCOCK (half to herself) Well...that's really a shame. She sighs and turns back to Wolenczak. HITCHCOCK Because in case you hadn't noticed, this isn't the best time for officers to decide they want out. (beat, off screen) That's the new _seaQuest_. (beat) I've got most of the crew assigned, with a few exceptions... (beat) One of those exceptions being her commanding officer. Wolenczak is too caught up in the ship design to realize where she's heading. He's examining every aspect of the design, on the screen, very closely. HITCHCOCK (continuing) Lucas, the world is going to be a dangerous place for the next few months. _seaQuest_ is going to do what Captain Bridger always wanted her to do--protect the world. We've already pushed up her completion. The crews are working double and triple shifts. (beat) But none of that's going to mean a thing if she doesn't have someone in the command chair when she leaves port. Despite himself, Wolenczak's interest has been piqued. WOLENCZAK Which is going to be...when? HITCHCOCK (flatly) 1800 hours. Wolenczak blanches. WOLENCZAK (incredulous) She's leaving in _six hours_?!? Hitchcock nods. WOLENCZAK (more so) And you don't even have a _captain_?!?! Hitchcock shakes her head. HITCHCOCK (hinting) I have a captain. He just doesn't know it yet. (beat) I've spoken with Captain Walerman, and he says the _Pegasus_ can manage without you for the end of the tour. Wolenczak is a bit overwhelmed as he realizes who she has in mind. WOLENCZAK (incredulous) _Me_?!? FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT TWO FADE IN TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE All is as before. Wolenczak is still shocked. Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK Lucas-- WOLENCZAK (continuing) No way. Absolutely not. He starts backing toward the door. WOLENCZAK (continuing, rushed) Well, Katie, it's been great talking with you, but I think I'm going to go now. I'm due back at the _Pegasus_-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) No, you're not. (beat, with the tone of an order) Lucas, I don't care what it takes to convince you, but the promotion's on your desk, and there's a cab waiting for you downstairs. I took the liberty of having your possessions transferred from the _Pegasus_. The cab will take you to your hotel. You can pick up your things there, and then you'll be taken directly to _seaQuest_'s berth. Wolenczak is a bit overwhelmed by everything that's happening--it's going so quickly. WOLENCZAK Promotion? Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK Captain. (beat) The youngest in the fleet, mind you. I had to do a lot of convincing to get it approved. (beat) He would have been proud of you. Wolenczak looks up, confused. WOLENCZAK Who? HITCHCOCK Captain Hudson. Wolenczak has an immediate and unfavorable reaction to the name. He shakes his head. WOLENCZAK What would he care? (beat, angrily) He never even bothered apologizing. HITCHCOCK Lucas, he tried. (beat) It's not his fault you ignored every message he ever sent. WOLENCZAK (stiffly) I didn't want to talk to him. (beat) I still don't. Hitchcock suddenly realizes that Wolenczak is missing a key piece of information. HITCHCOCK (gently) He died last year. Wolenczak looks up at her, not quite understanding her. WOLENCZAK (caught off-guard) He's--what? Hitchcock nods. Oddly enough, Wolenczak isn't that affected by the news. HITCHCOCK KIA. Wolenczak looks at her a bit oddly, then clears his throat to break the silence. WOLENCZAK (uncomfortably) Oh. (beat) No one told me. HITCHCOCK We tried. But every time someone brought him up, you shut them out. Ben and I talked about it the other day. He wanted to invite you down to the beach-house for your next leave. (beat) He said he misses you. (beat) So did Jonathan. Wolenczak has this look on his face: "What? Is talking about me the only thing you people do when you get together?" He shrugs it away. WOLENCZAK (roughly) Yeah. (beat) Well, Katie...I've really got to get going. (beat, shakes head) And I'm sorry, but I can't take the commission. HITCHCOCK (getting annoyed) I'm not asking you, Lucas. This is an order. WOLENCZAK (getting angry back) Then I'll just have to disobey it! HITCHCOCK (not thinking) And you're going to throw away everything he ever did for you?! She stops, realizing what she's just said. An "oops" expression crosses her face. Wolenczak looks at her, his anger replaced by a blank confusion. WOLENCZAK (confused) What? What _who_ did for me? Hitchcock moves back to her desk and begins shuffling papers, trying to look busy. HITCHCOCK Nothing. Never mind. Wolenczak walks toward her and puts his hand over hers. She looks up slowly. WOLENCZAK Tell me. Hitchcock _really_ regrets what she said, but isn't about to lie to get out of it. HITCHCOCK (ever-so-slightly annoyed) You think you got where you are on your own? (beat) Nobody's that good. (beat) He made us promise not to tell you--he had to do something to make it up to you, and you wouldn't talk to him... She trails off and sinks into her chair. Wolenczak is still confused, and a bit lost. WOLENCZAK (almost a whisper) How could he do that to me? (beat, upset and angry, louder) How could _you_ do this to me? (beat, blowing up) Katie, I trusted you guys! Hitchcock looks at him for a moment, not wanting to say anything else until he cools down. WOLENCZAK (coolly) He wanted me to forgive him? (beat) Fine. (beat, insincerely) He's forgiven. Posthumously. Hitchcock glares at Wolenczak for a moment, then shakes her head. HITCHCOCK The least you could do is mean it. WOLENCZAK (angrily) Well, I don't. You don't forgive the man who left you behind to get caught by the Macronesians. (beat) Do you know how close I came to being a POW?! (beat) I _saw_ what happened to those guys. In case you've forgotten, I _served_ with a woman who spent two years in their prisons. (beat, slightly calmer) And if they hadn't thought I was _dead_, they would have taken me, too. HITCHCOCK He thought you were dead. WOLENCZAK (coldly furious) No, he didn't. (beat) He _told_ me that he was leaving me because Piccolo had a better chance of getting out alive. (beat) Apparently not. They are silent for a few moments. WOLENCZAK (almost desperately) Katie, I told you why I wanted the _Pegasus_ assignment. (beat) I've lost just about everyone from those days. (beat) I don't want the ship as a reminder of them. Hitchcock looks at him, then finally shakes her head. HITCHCOCK (sincerely) I'm sorry. (beat) But you're the only person I feel secure giving her to. (beat) Give me a few months. I'll try to find someone to take her for you. Wolenczak starts looking for a way out. WOLENCZAK What about the first officer? (thinks) Hunter. (beat) Give her to him. Hitchcock shakes her head. HITCHCOCK I can't. Hunter's a fine officer, and a fantastic XO, but at this point in his career, his own ship would make him a liability. He's not ready for it. (beat) You are. Having had enough of the arguing, she picks up some orders and passes them to him. HITCHCOCK You're taking _seaQuest_ to the UEO/Carolinan border. WOLENCZAK (confused, interrupting) UEO/Carolinan border? HITCHCOCK I don't have time to explain, but the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia just broke off from the UEO. They're forming their own confederation, and they're demanding that we evacuate our outposts in their water. WOLENCZAK (still not up to speed) Their water? HITCHCOCK We're spread too thin to try and force them to stay. They get the same 200 miles out to sea as everyone else. (beat) _seaQuest_'s the only ship big enough to hold the people we have out there. I want you to work on the bigger outposts-- I'll have some of the smaller ships take care of our research facilities. (beat, sincerely) I'm sorry to have to leave you like this, Lucas, but I've got a million things to do before Ross starts talking to the media. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BERTH -- ABOVE WATER That afternoon. A cab pulls up. Wolenczak, in civvies, opens the rear door and steps out. He's wearing sunglasses, and has a dufflebag slung over one shoulder. He looks at the new _seaQuest_, which is half in the water. He takes the sunglasses off and stares, very impressed. He gives a low whistle as he folds the sunglasses, hanging them off his pocket next to a UEO security-clearance badge with his name and a photo on it. He starts toward the _seaQuest_. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ DOCKING BAY Wolenczak steps through the airlock, into the docking bay. Some of the lights don't have power, so the room is a bit dim. He surveys the room, then flags down a noncom. WOLENCZAK Which way to the bridge? When the noncom hesitates, Wolenczak indicates his badge. WOLENCZAK (mildly humored) Don't worry, I've got clearance. Relieved, the noncom gestures to a door on the far side of the room. Wolenczak nods and walks away. CUT TO BRIDGE Hunter is still trying to pull things together. Matthews is at one of the far stations. Music is blaring in the background as Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell works under the sensor console. She's singing along, loudly. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the best of voices. Hunter and Matthews look at her, neither wanting to be the first to say something. The song hits a high note, and Percell's voice cracks, almost painfully. Matthews winces. MATTHEWS (almost reluctantly) Percell. Percell doesn't hear her over the noise. Matthews looks at Hunter. HUNTER (shouting) Percell! There is a loud thump as Percell's head hits the bottom of her console. She recovers and looks up at them. PERCELL (rubbing her head) Commander? She's still speaking loudly over the noise. Hunter indicates that she should turn it off. She looks at the console, then at him, then comprehends, sort of. She lowers the volume. PERCELL Commander? HUNTER Keep it down, okay? Percell nods. MATTHEWS Or better yet, off. Percell opens her mouth to object, then finally shuts it, giving in. She turns off the music as Wolenczak walks onto the bridge, still in civvies, with the dufflebag, etc. He walks to Hunter. WOLENCZAK You the senior officer? HUNTER (nods) At the moment. WOLENCZAK (nodding) I'm the captain. Hunter takes this in, a little thrown off but trying not to show it. He and Wolenczak shake hands. HUNTER Well, Sir... (glances at Matthews) It's nice to finally have you aboard. Something about his behavior is off. Wolenczak sort of picks up on this. WOLENCZAK (weakly humorous) I'd assume you have cabin assignments around here, somewhere? Hunter nods. HUNTER (from memory) You're on deck four. WOLENCZAK (nodding) Great. I'm just going to drop this... (indicates dufflebag) ...Off, then as soon as I get my uniform on, I'll be back. Hunter nods. Wolenczak takes a last sweeping look around the bridge, then walks off. A moment later, the music starts blaring again. Hunter and Matthews glare at Percell, who gets defensive. PERCELL Oops. Matthews rolls her eyes. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO =========================== PART 3 ===================================== ACT THREE FADE IN TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS The hatch opens. Wolenczak enters and flips on a light. The room is in disarray, with exposed wires and opened panels. It's clear they weren't expecting him quite yet. He looks around, half-amused but quickly becoming less so. He drops the dufflebag on his bunk, and sits next to it. WOLENCZAK (looking around) What a _mess_. CUT TO CALLAN'S QUARTERS Callan is setting up his quarters. They're in a much better state than Wolenczak's, with a nice, homey, lived-in feeling to them. As he unpacks from a box on his bunk, he's also talking via vidlink to his wife, UEO scientist Kelly Callan, a GELF. Callan places a photo of the two of them on his bedstand. They're on a beach, playing in the surf. It was taken several years ago. He smiles and looks up at her. CALLAN How's that? She smiles approvingly. KELLY (warmly) Fine, Greg. (beat) I still don't see why you had to take this posting. Callan gives her a semi-reproachful look. One gets the feeling they've discussed this topic before. CALLAN Kelly, I told you. This is the biggest thing that's ever happened to me. I can't pass it up. KELLY (almost pouting) But you _promised_. Callan looks mildly guilty. CALLAN I know, hon. But I-- (beat, slowly realizing) You're _trying_ to make me feel guilty about this, aren't you! She gives him an innocent, "Who, me?" look. He isn't falling for it. He walks forward and stops in front of the monitor. CALLAN Hon, you _know_ how much I want to come home. But right now, the UEO needs me. KELLY (breaking in) _I_ need you! Callan gives her a "don't make this any harder" look. CALLAN (finishing, mildly exasperated) I already signed on. (beat) Kelly, it's a ten-month tour. I'll come home as soon as it's over. KELLY Promise? Callan looks back at the photo. CALLAN (roughly) Yeah, hon. I promise. (beat) Tell my mom I said hi, okay? Kelly nods. Both are getting teary. KELLY (seriously) You be careful out there on that boat. CALLAN (nods) Okay. (beat) And _you_ be careful on that research outpost. Senator Ross has been raising hell in the government lately, and I don't want you getting involved in anything that goes on down there. You hear anything, let me know. I'll get you transferred up to New England before you know anything's happened. KELLY (humored) You're being ridiculous. (beat) Besides, you couldn't influence the UEO science board if you tried. CALLAN (mock seriously) Well, let's just hope I don't have to find out how good my connections are. (beat, roughly) I gotta go. Kelly nods. Callan brings his fingers to his lips and kisses them, then touches them to the screen. CALLAN I love you. KELLY I love you, too. They disconnect the channel. Callan sinks onto his bed, staring at the picture. CUT TO MEDBAY As Wolenczak enters, he sees three of his crew members in a glass-enclosed room. There are several security officers standing by the doors. Wolenczak cradles an injured hand as he walks toward the door of the room. CUT TO ROOM Ensign Rebecca Trueman is sitting sideways on the bed as Doctor Meridith Burke works on her face--she's got a broken nose. Lieutenant J.G. Justin Riller is pacing, furious with her. TRUEMAN (defensively) Justin, the bastard had it coming. Do you-- Burke hits a tender spot. Trueman reacts by jerking away and glaring at her. TRUEMAN (cuts off, glares at Burke) Would you be _careful_ already?! Burke gives her a "look", then ignores her. Riller walks over to them and stands in front of Trueman, off to one side of Burke. RILLER (almost yelling, angrily) That isn't the point, Becca! The damn point is that CPO MacIssac is gonna spend the next week on life-support! Burke raises an eyebrow. BURKE Not quite that serious, Lieutenant. Riller shoots her a withering glare. RILLER (to Trueman, angrily) Look, Becca, I don't know exactly what the hell you thought you were doing, but-- TRUEMAN (dismissively) Oh, get off it. (grins, then winces) Whatsa matter? (beat) You fry more of your brain than you realize? Riller opens his mouth to respond to this dig, but Burke breaks in. BURKE (annoyed) Both of you, stop it. (beat) I've got enough problems around here without the two of you going at each other. She looks at Trueman. BURKE And Ensign, you're lucky you weren't on duty when this altercation occurred. You could get in a lot of trouble for this. TRUEMAN (unconcerned) What about MacIssac? Striking a superior officer is a-- RILLER Not when the superior officer strikes first. Trueman glares at him as Burke puts her instrument away. BURKE Both of you, get-- Wolenczak steps in the hatch. WOLENCZAK Doctor Burke? Burke looks up. Wolenczak still is out of uniform, and she doesn't recognize him. BURKE (curtly) Sailor, I suggest you get yourself into uniform. Until then, get out. Wolenczak is mildly surprised at her reaction to his presence. WOLENCZAK Excuse me? RILLER (almost taunting Burke) Uh-oh, Doc...I think he's gonna make you pull rank. Wolenczak gets over his surprise, which is being replaced with mild amusement. He shakes his head. WOLENCZAK I don't think that's a problem, Mister... He trails off, expecting Riller to fill him in as to his name and rank, etc. Riller helps Trueman hop off the bed. RILLER (stiffly) Lieutenant J.G. Justin Riller, Chief of Security. (beat) And you are? WOLENCZAK (evenly) Captain Lucas Wolenczak. Riller, Trueman, and Burke are all struck speechless for a moment. WOLENCZAK Lieutenant, nice to meet you. (beat) Dismissed. Riller stares for a moment, then Trueman grabs him by the arm and drags him out. Burke turns to Wolenczak and offers a hand. He indicates his injured hand. WOLENCZAK Sorry. He offers her his injured hand. She takes it and places it on the bed. BURKE What happened? She goes to get out a piece of handheld medical equipment. Wolenczak watches her. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Trueman and Riller are walking down the passageway. Trueman is a bit awestruck from meeting Wolenczak. Riller, on the other hand, is just plain disgusted. TRUEMAN (half to herself) This is unbelievable. This is absolutely freaking unbelievable. I cannot believe-- RILLER (snapping) Shut up about it, okay? Trueman cuts off and looks at him. TRUEMAN (incredulous) Shut up?! Do you realize who that was?! Riller shoots a glance down the passageway, back toward MedBay. RILLER (mocking tone) Captain Lucas Wolenczak. (beat) Captain, my ass. Couldn't be a day over thirty-five. TRUEMAN (correcting, absentmindedly) Forty-five. He spent ten of them in stasis. It was amazing. He was...um... (thinks) ...The science officer, I think. (beat) Anyway, lay off him. He deserves the _seaQuest_. RILLER (challenging) How so? TRUEMAN (incredulous) Hello? He's been on every single one! RILLER (shrugs) Had strings pulled every step of the way. (beat, off her reaction of mild incredulousness) Aw, Becca, don't deny it. You've told me a million times. (beat, "repeating") He was sixteen years old, and his dad was one of the major contributors to the original _seaQuest_ project. Then he helped rebuild the boat after it blew up. Then Hudson gave him a commission as ensign. (dramatically) _And he didn't even have to go through the Academy_! He finishes with a dramatic flair, and shoots Trueman an amused glance. She is holding back a chuckle herself. TRUEMAN (stifling a chuckle) I do _not_ sound like that. RILLER (good-natured, but teasing) Yes, you do. TRUEMAN I do not! They arrive at MagLev and step on. CUT TO MAGLEV Riller sits. Trueman sits sideways on the seat, hugging her knees. For a moment or so there is silence, the mood of previous seconds quickly evaporating. RILLER (somewhat hesitantly) Becca... You broke the deal. She looks up at him sharply. TRUEMAN (objecting, seriously) I did not. (beat) I wasn't on duty. (beat) Barely in uniform. (beat, almost pleading) It wasn't my fault! RILLER (sarcastically) I'm sure MacIssac'd argue otherwise... His attempt to lighten the moment is vastly unappreciated. The MagLev stops. He shoots Trueman a last look, then steps off. The doors shut. Trueman looks at them for a moment, then her head sinks onto her knees. CUT TO BRIDGE Riller walks onto the bridge, to the weapons console. He's angry and upset about his "fight" with Trueman, and barely able to contain his anger. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE =========================== PART 4 ===================================== ACT FOUR FADE IN TO MEDBAY Wolenczak is leaning against the bed as Burke finishes up with his hand. He's telling her what happened. WOLENCZAK ...And I suppose I should have been looking out, but I hadn't realized there were still exposed edges on the interior of my com panel. Burke is using a laser tool to promote skin regeneration. BURKE You could have called Commander Callan. (beat) What good's a chief engineer if we don't use him? WOLENCZAK (shrugs) Maybe, but it was just a broken transmitter. (beat) Nothing I haven't fixed before. (beat, off hand) You're sure this isn't going to get infected? Burke nods and finishes with her laser tool, then releases Wolenczak's hand. He inspects it, satisfied, and a bit surprised. WOLENCZAK (half to himself) The miracles of modern medicine... Burke grins. Wolenczak smiles back. The moment lasts a bit too long and turns awkward. WOLENCZAK (uncomfortably) So... BURKE (equally uncomfortable) Well... Wolenczak looks at the hatch, remembering his encounter with Riller. WOLENCZAK (slightly worried) About Riller... Burke knows where he's going. BURKE (reassuring) The man's got a perpetual chip on his shoulder, and the thickest skin I've ever seen. Doesn't give a damn about anyone or anything, with the exception of Ensign Trueman. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK Trueman? BURKE (explaining) The brunette whose face I was repairing. She and CPO MacIssac had a...disagreement while they were off duty. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Are she and Riller...? His voice trails off, but his meaning is clear. Burke shakes her head. BURKE Not as far as I can tell. (beat) Then again, I've only known them since we met on the shuttlebus last night. WOLENCZAK (flatly) Oh. There is another silence. Wolenczak looks around the room, not quite sure of what to say next. BURKE I suppose you'd better go. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK I suppose so. He stands. WOLENCZAK Nice meeting you. BURKE (nods) Likewise. She turns back to her equipment, and Wolenczak leaves. CUT TO BRIDGE Hunter is in command. Ensign Tom Reede is at helm. Callan is at the engineering station. Trueman walks in from the rear of the bridge, to the communications console. She sits. Reede checks her out. REEDE (quietly) So...You're the communications officer? TRUEMAN (nods) Mm-hm. She doesn't take her eyes off her console. Reede is quiet for a moment. REEDE (almost to himself) I'm gonna like _this_ assignment. Trueman hears this and looks up sharply, glaring at him. REEDE (sincerely) Hey, sorry. No offense. I'm not used to working with beautiful women. Before Trueman responds, the camera pans away to the entrance at the rear of the bridge as Wolenczak walks in. WOLENCZAK (to Hunter) Did we leave berth yet? Hunter nods. HUNTER About ten minutes ago. (beat, almost patronizingly/resentfully) We're waiting for your orders, _Captain_. Wolenczak eyes him for a moment, unsure of what he's done to deserve the sudden edge of hostility in Hunter's voice. He finally decides it's not worth making a point of. WOLENCZAK (to Trueman) Call the senior staff to the wardroom. Trueman turns, a quizzical expression on her face. TRUEMAN Captain? WOLENCZAK Do it. He leaves. Reede, Trueman, Hunter, and Callan exchange glances, then all but Reede and Trueman leave. HUNTER (as he goes) Ensign Reede, you have the conn. TRUEMAN (through his line, into com) All senior officers, report to the wardroom. This is a direct order--report to the wardroom _now_. She shuts off the equipment and leaves. Her station is taken over by an extra, as is Reede's as he moves to the command chair. CUT TO RILLER'S QUARTERS The lights are dim. Riller shoves a small box into the back of a drawer then shoves the drawer shut before leaving. CUT TO WARDROOM There is a large table in the center of the room, with enough seats for everyone. Hunter, Callan, Trueman, and Percell enter. Wolenczak, Burke, and Matthews are already there. All sit. Wolenczak is at the head of the table. Hunter is next to him on one side, then Matthews, then Percell. On his other side is Burke, then Callan, then an empty seat, then Trueman. Trueman looks at the empty seat beside her--Riller's. WOLENCZAK Where's Riller? TRUEMAN I'm sure he'll be here in a-- She cuts off as Riller jogs in the hatch. He is slightly breathless, and sits next to her. WOLENCZAK (not really upset) Glad you could make it, Lieutenant. Riller doesn't take the comment in the humorous sense that it's meant. He has caught his breath. RILLER Sorry, Sir. Wolenczak looks around the room. WOLENCZAK I've been informed by Secretary General Hitchcock-- HUNTER (interrupting, arguing semantics) _Acting_ Secretary General Hitchcock. (beat, as an afterthought) Sir. Wolenczak takes a deep breath, as though mentally counting to ten. WOLENCZAK As I was saying, we've received orders to evacuate a large portion of the UEO installations within a 200-mile distance from the south-east coast of North America. (beat) Namely, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Callan looks up sharply, but doesn't say anything. CALLAN Sir-- MATTHEWS (interrupting) Is there a specific reason for this, Sir? WOLENCZAK In light of the recent terrorist attack on UEO and foreign powers, they've decided to leave and form their own confederation. (beat) We've got a bit under fourteen hours to evacuate as many of our people as we can. Hitchcock is also ordering some smaller vessels in to assist. (beat) I want to be able to rely on them _only_ as backup. Around the table, the staff nods. WOLENCZAK (to Burke) Doctor, if we don't get these people out in time, we'll need the medical department to be ready for heavy casualties. Burke nods. Wolenczak notices that Riller isn't paying a bit of attention to him, and looks a tad zoned out. WOLENCZAK Lieutenant Riller. Riller doesn't respond. WOLENCZAK (a bit louder) _Riller_! Riller looks up at him, jerked out of his thoughts. RILLER (composing himself) Sir? WOLENCZAK I want the weapon systems primed and ready. Understood? RILLER Sir, we're still having problems with the-- WOLENCZAK (slightly annoyed) Understood? RILLER Understood, Sir. Wolenczak looks around the table to the others. WOLENCZAK Good. I want this ship on yellow-alert status. (beat) Any questions? No one moves. WOLENCZAK Dismissed. Everyone stands to go, and begin filing out of the room. Callan hangs back. Wolenczak taps Riller on the arm. WOLENCZAK Lieutenant Riller, would you mind waiting a moment? (beat) We need to talk. Riller and Trueman exchange glances. Trueman mouths two words: "I'll wait." Riller nods. Trueman walks out. Callan leaves with the rest of the staff. The hatch shuts behind him. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR =========================== PART 5 ===================================== ACT FIVE FADE IN TO CORRIDOR Trueman and Callan are standing outside the door. They are eyeing each other uneasily. TRUEMAN (attempting nonchalance) So...What're you waiting for? CALLAN (distracted) Nothing you need to worry about. Trueman looks at him for a moment, looking at him in a new light, slightly offended. TRUEMAN Fine. Just asking. _Commander_. The door opens. Riller exits, looking a bit angry. He stalks down the corridor, and Trueman follows him. Callan enters the wardroom. CUT TO WARDROOM Wolenczak is prepared to leave. Callan walks up behind him. CALLAN (speaking up) Sir? Wolenczak turns and looks at him. WOLENCZAK Commander? CALLAN Captain, I need to-- (cuts self off) My wife is a senior scientist at the McKensi Institute. And they're not that far away from the North Carolina-- Wolenczak understands what he's trying to say. WOLENCZAK She'll be fine, Commander. (beat) The McKensi Institute is about 220 miles from their shore. (beat) She's a little close, but as long as Senator Ross' people keep their word, nothing should happen. Callan nods, unconvinced. WOLENCZAK Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go to the bridge. He leaves, and Callan stares after him for a moment. Finally, he half-collapses into one of the chairs, his head in his hands, shaking his head. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI Caption reads: "Twenty hours later". CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak is in the command chair. Trueman is at communications, Reede is at helm, Riller is at tactical, Percell is at sensors, and Matthews is coordinating everything regarding the new passengers. Trueman looks up from her station, listening to her headset and tuning the frequency. TRUEMAN (concerned) Captain... Wolenczak looks at her. WOLENCZAK Yes? TRUEMAN (as she works) I..._think_ I'm getting a distress signal from a Carolinan vessel... Heads snap up around the bridge. Wolenczak walks to her station. WOLENCZAK You _think_? TRUEMAN I'm not sure...Their signal's pretty weak, and-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off) Put it on. Trueman hits a few keys, and the screen comes to life. It's mostly static, with the barest outline of a figure. The sound is also garbled. PERSON (almost drowned out by static, panicked) This is... (static) Require imm...assis.... (static) Car... The signal fades and the screen is drowned out by static. Trueman begins hitting keys, trying to clear it up. WOLENCZAK Get that back! TRUEMAN I'm _trying_! She types furiously. TRUEMAN (getting frustrated) But I can't even pinpoint the source! The closest I can get is that it's about forty-five miles south-west of our present position. (beat) They're somewhere in Carolinan water... She shoves her headset off in frustration and whacks her console. TRUEMAN (angrily) _Damn_! She turns around and looks at Wolenczak. TRUEMAN (exasperated) I lost the signal. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews) How long do we have? MATTHEWS An hour and forty-five minutes. WOLENCZAK (to Trueman) Trueman, how long will it take? TRUEMAN I told you, I can't figure out-- WOLENCZAK _How long_? Trueman checks her boards. TRUEMAN As a rough estimate, Sir, I'd say... (shakes head) I don't know. Between thirty and sixty minutes to find them, provided they're within-- Wolenczak ignores her from "thirty" on. WOLENCZAK (to bridge) We're going in. (to Reede) Ensign Reede, set course. Full speed. Matthews leaves her station and moves to Wolenczak's side. MATTHEWS (quietly) Sir, with all due respect, this is insane. We don't have enough time to mount a rescue attempt. If we're in their water, and time runs out, they might interpret it as an act of war. Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK (quietly) We don't know if there are any other ships close enough to respond. MATTHEWS (quietly) Sir, _they're the enemy_! WOLENCZAK (quietly) They're human beings, Lieutenant Commander, and I'll thank you to remember that. MATTHEWS (subdued) Yes, Sir. She nods and goes back to her station. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _seaQuest_ approaches a damaged vessel. Caption reads: "Forty minutes later". CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak is still in command. All is as before. Callan is at the engineering station. WOLENCZAK (to Percell) Are sensors picking up any lifesigns? Percell checks her readouts and nods. PERCELL Scattered, but definitely there. (beat) Sensors are reading five people. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (to Trueman) Open a channel. Trueman does so. WOLENCZAK This is Captain Lucas Wolenczak of the UEO _seaQuest_ to the Carolinan vessel off our starboard bow. Are you in need of assistance? There is a moment of silence. Trueman looks up and shakes her head. TRUEMAN (almost hesitating) Their communications equipment might be out. Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK That's not a possibility I'm willing to consider. Rebroadcast the transmission on all available frequencies. Trueman nods and tries again. MATTHEWS (piping up) Captain, may I remind you we only have-- WOLENCZAK No, you may not. (beat) Well? Anything from the other ship yet? Trueman begins to shake her head, then a light goes off on her console. She looks up and nods. TRUEMAN (surprised in a positive way) I'm getting something! (beat) It's pretty weak... She tries to perfect the reception as Callan begins punching keys on his console. CALLAN If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say they blew out their engines trying to make it to the border. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (to himself) Then maybe they're on our side. (to Trueman) Tell them we'll dock in a few minutes. And Percell, watch sensors for approaching Carolinan vessels. Percell nods. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Wolenczak, Hunter, Trueman, and Riller enter. Riller's completely together now, unlike before. They walk to the airlock. Riller is being careful to keep his distance from both Hunter and Wolenczak. Wolenczak looks at the officer manning airlock control, and nods. The airlock begins to open. Riller draws his weapon. WOLENCZAK (warningly) Lieutenant... Riller ignores him, but the refrains from actually _aiming_ the weapon at the airlock. It opens, and Captain Sam Kinter emerges. He's in his mid-forties. Two of his officers, Taggert (female) and Bradshaw (male), walk out after him. None of them are wearing any sort of uniform. Instead, they're wearing loose-fitting jackets, shirts and jeans, etc. Kinter walks forward to Wolenczak, extending a hand. Wolenczak accepts it, and they shake. KINTER (smiling) Captain Wolenczak. Thank you for taking us aboard. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Glad we could be of service. (beat) Our scans said there were five people on your ship. Kinter nods. KINTER The rest of my crew is collecting a few pieces of data from our computers, and will be over in our evac shuttle in a few minutes. We require safe passage to our destination. Wolenczak and Hunter exchange glances. Wolenczak looks back at Kinter, and nods. WOLENCZAK If it's within a reasonable distance, of course. Kinter smiles and reaches into his jacket. KINTER (nods) Thank you again. Wolenczak returns the smile. WOLENCZAK This way, please. As he moves to turn, Kinter pulls a gun. He grabs Wolenczak by the arm and shoves the gun against his side. Taggert grabs Trueman. Bradshaw shoots at Hunter, stunning him. Hunter falls to the ground, unconscious. Riller shoots Bradshaw, who falls, stunned. Trueman shoves Taggert in the stomach as Wolenczak overpowers Kinter and takes his gun. WOLENCZAK (slightly winded, to Riller) Lieutenant, get your people up here. (beat) And call a medteam for the Commander. Riller nods and passes his gun to Trueman as he jogs to the control panel. Wolenczak and Trueman cover Kinter and Taggert, who is quickly recovering. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FIVE =========================== PART 6 ===================================== ACT SIX FADE IN TO WARDROOM Wolenczak, Matthews, and Burke are talking. BURKE The commander will be fine in an hour or so--it was just a stun. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Good. MATTHEWS But Sir, we've only got forty-five minutes to get out of Carolinan waters. There's a knock at the hatch. WOLENCZAK (with a glance at Matthews) Come in. The hatch opens. Riller escorts Kinter in. Kinter is in handcuffs Burke shoots a disgusted look at Kinter, then walks out. Riller has a gun on Kinter. He shoves him into the seat. Wolenczak and Matthews sit opposite Kinter. WOLENCZAK Well, Captain Kinter, would you like to give me an explanation as to why my first officer is currently in MedBay, and _your_ officers are sitting in the brig? Kinter regards him coolly. KINTER (shakes head nonchalantly) Not particularly, Wolenczak. Wolenczak stands and walks away slightly, nodding. He whirls back to the table and slams his hands on the table, furious. WOLENCZAK (attempting to restrain his rage) In case you couldn't tell, that was _not_ a request! What the hell were you people trying to do?! Kinter doesn't lose his composure, to Wolenczak's dismay. He shoots a glance toward Riller, then looks back at Wolenczak and shrugs. His manner is without pretense, and it's obvious that he doesn't much care about what happens to himself. KINTER (simply) Take over your ship. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK Excuse me? KINTER (slowly and deliberately) Take...over...your...ship. (beat, grins) Is that so hard to understand? (beat) Thanks to the UEO's overconfidence, President Ross and her council have been able to develop a stockpile of weaponry. And the _seaQuest_ would have made a lovely addition to the collection. (beat) We had hoped to take it by force, quickly and before the UEO had a chance to respond. (beat, shrugs) But it looks like that isn't going to happen. Wolenczak and Matthews stare at him for a moment. WOLENCZAK You realize I can bring you up on charges of-- KINTER (shaking his head) I don't think so. (beat) The Confederation and the UEO have no formal treaties, and any attempt by you to bring us to the UEO will be regarded as an act of-- WOLENCZAK (to Riller, interrupting) Get him out of my sight. Riller nods and jerks Kinter out of his seat. Kinter leaves without offering resistance. Wolenczak taps the intercom key. WOLENCZAK (into com) Bridge, patch me through to Secretary General Hitchcock. TRUEMAN (over com) Aye, Sir. (beat) This'll just take a few minutes... There is a moment of silence, then the UEO logo appears on the viewscreen. Hitchcock's picture follows it. She's exhausted, and doesn't appear to have slept in a while. HITCHCOCK Captain Wolenczak? WOLENCZAK We just encountered a Carolinan ship. The captain and his officers attempted to seize control of _seaQuest_. Nothing came of it, but now we've learned that the Carolinans have a stockpile of weaponry that the UEO didn't know about. Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK (concerned) Are you in UEO waters yet? Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK No, but our ETA at the border is currently... (checks) ...Twenty-three minutes. Hitchcock doesn't look very happy with the news. HITCHCOCK (shakes head) That isn't nearly soon enough. (beat) We're not going to tempt fate on this one. She leans forward and cuts the channel. Wolenczak stares at the screen for a moment, then shakes his head as he leans back. CUT TO BRIDGE A bit later. Hunter is in command. Trueman, Reede, Riller, and Percell are on duty, at their appropriate stations. Percell looks up from her station. PERCELL (urgently) Commander! I'm picking up a Carolinan ship on sensors, headed this way! Hunter's head snaps up, and the rest of the bridge jumps to order. TRUEMAN They're hailing us, Sir... (beat) Putting it on screen now. She forgot to wait for Hunter's order, and the fact that he's not happy about that is more than clear. The screen bursts to life, and the Carolinan captain appears on it. He doesn't wait for Hunter to assimilate his appearance to begin. CAPTAIN The UEO has been notified of the current situation. Release Captain Kinter and his crew, then leave our water. Hunter raises an eyebrow, as if thinking "The captain is certainly being blunt, isn't he?" HUNTER (almost patronizing) Well, Captain, I'm not in a position to obey that... ("searches" for a word) ...Order. His tone implies that the Carolinans can offer ultimatums from now till doomsday--he doesn't give two hoots. HUNTER If you'll wait a moment, I'll call Captain Wolenczak to the bridge. Without waiting, he hits a key on Trueman's console. The picture and sound immediately cut out. Hunter glares down at Trueman. HUNTER (tightly) Ensign, in the future, I'd appreciate it if you _wait for my order_ before activating the communications equipment. Trueman doesn't bat an eyelash. TRUEMAN Yes, Sir. HUNTER (grudgingly) Good. Call Wolenczak to the bridge. Eyebrows go up at his omission of the title, but no one makes a big deal out of it. TRUEMAN (without missing a beat, into headset) Captain to the bridge. Hunter nods. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The area is filled with undersea phenomena, such as black smokers, varied sea life (both plant and animal). _seaQuest_ comes over a ridge. CUT TO BRIDGE As Wolenczak enters. Hunter reports immediately, but there's a degree of "go-away-I-don't-want-you-here" in his voice. HUNTER Sir, we've been...asked...to leave. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow as he takes a seat. WOLENCZAK By who? We've still got... (checks watch) Ten minutes. Hunter shrugs. HUNTER They haven't identified themselves, but we're pretty sure it's the Carolinans. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (to Trueman) On screen. Trueman hits the appropriate keys. The captain appears on screen. Wolenczak starts before the captain has a chance to. WOLENCZAK I'm Captain Wolenczak. Did you have a-- CAPTAIN (cutting him off) You are illegally detaining the crew of the _CCS Eldorado_. Release them immediately, or-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off) Identify yourself. CAPTAIN This is the _CCS Sumpter_. (beat) Will you or will you not release the crew of the _Eldorado_? Wolenczak shakes his head and takes a deep breath. CUT TO ENGINEERING This is our first look at engineering. It's a comfortable size--not too big, not too small, with room for a staff of about twenty people, including Callan. Vernon, a young man, is working at one of the main stations. Suddenly, he looks up, surprised. VERNON (to Callan) Lieutenant Commander Callan! Callan looks up from across the room. CALLAN Yes? VERNON (getting antsy) Sir...Could you come take a look at this? Callan nods and jogs over. But before he gets to the console, the ship is rocked by fire. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _Sumpter_ has fired. _seaQuest_ is hit. CUT TO BRIDGE The red-alert lights are on. The vidcom link has been cut off, and our people are struggling to hold things together. WOLENCZAK What the hell was that?! Through the shouts, several voices can be heard, yelling. RILLER Hull breach on Deck 8! WOLENCZAK Sound general quarters! RILLER (through him) Evacuating the section...notifying damage control teams... PERCELL They've fired another spread! WOLENCZAK Brace for impact! Everyone grabs ahold of whatever piece of equipment they're closest to. The boat is hit again. A console blows up behind Wolenczak. WOLENCZAK (yelling) Tactical, arm all weapons! Return their fire! Riller hits several keys, but nothing happens. RILLER The weapons are out, Sir! All eyes turn to look at Riller. A stunned silence breaks over the bridge, interrupted only by the alarms going off in the background. WOLENCZAK Out? RILLER (hitting keys furiously) Everything! (beat) I can't even get a manual lock! (beat) They knew _exactly_ where they could hurt us! Wolenczak shakes his head and looks at Reede. WOLENCZAK Helm, get us the hell outta here, emergency speed! Reede nods and turns back to the boards, punching keys. CUT TO ENGINEERING Engineering is in chaos. Panels have exploded, gas is flooding the room, etc. CALLAN (into com) Engineering to the bridge--what just happened?! TRUEMAN (over com) We just suffered two direct hits. We're headed away at emergency speed, and Captain Wolenczak wants a full report ASAP. She disconnects the channel before Callan can reply. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_-CGI The boat is making rapid progress through the water. CUT TO ENGINEERING A short while later. Callan is poking around in one of the compartments behind a bulkhead. CALLAN (yelling) What the hell is this?! The camera tightens in on him as he pulls out a small device, about palm size. He stands and slaps the com that's affixed to the wall. CALLAN (into com) Callan to bridge, I've got something! CUT TO WARDROOM We start with a close-up of the device Callan found, sitting on the table. WOLENCZAK (O.S.) A transmitter? The shot slowly pulls back from the device as the scene continues. Crew members present are: Wolenczak, Hunter, Riller, and Callan. This isn't the kind of thing one wants to publicize. CALLAN (nodding at device) This one was affixed to the main computer for the guidance systems. (beat) I ran a sweep, and there were two others. One in the weapons system, and one in the engines. (beat, explaining) What that thing does is tune the entire _system_ in to a certain frequency. When they launched those torpedoes, they didn't even need to worry about aiming. WOLENCZAK (to himself, almost lost in thought) They tagged us... Callan looks up at him, slightly confused. CALLAN Not exactly, Sir, but that's a close enough analogy. (beat) The difference is that this, (indicates device) and the others, would have had to be planted by someone who's aboard the ship. Wolenczak's head jerks up--Callan's got his full attention now. WOLENCZAK What?! Callan nods. He doesn't look happy about what he's just said, but it isn't the kind of thing you can really "take back." Wolenczak looks about ready to blow up. WOLENCZAK You're telling me someone _aboard_ planted that thing?! Callan nods again. Hunter is keeping calm about this. HUNTER (irritatingly calm) Lieutenant Commander, how long would it have taken for someone to plant that? CALLAN (shakes head) A few minutes--as long as they could get within distance of the systems. RILLER Who had the opportunity to do that? HUNTER Everyone. Wolenczak looks at him, a bit surprised. WOLENCZAK Everyone? HUNTER (explaining) We were working double and triple shifts to get this ship ready to leave berth. Not only were people working outside their normal areas, but I don't even have a record of who was where when. CALLAN And most of the crew has enough knowledge of the ship to be able to pull off something like this. (beat, ticking them off on his fingers) My staff, the command crew, anyone from the security or sensors department, the medical staff, maybe. (beat) But again, that's just a guess. There's a moment of silence, and Wolenczak shakes his head, "giving in". WOLENCZAK (unenthusiastically) Lieutenant Riller, until we can glean some more information off this, step up security. Riller nods. WOLENCZAK But I don't want the crew to feel watched. (beat) Dismissed. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT SIX =========================== PART 7 ===================================== ACT SEVEN FADE IN TO MEDBAY The room is pretty calm. Burke has things under control. There are about half a dozen patients. Wolenczak enters and looks around. He spots Burke, treating an injured crew member, and walks over. WOLENCZAK Doctor? BURKE (without looking away from her patient) Captain? WOLENCZAK (looking around) How many casualties? Burke finishes with her patient and walks across the room, into her office. Wolenczak follows. CUT TO BURKE'S OFFICE As Burke and Wolenczak enter. BURKE Four broken arms, a sprained ankle. (beat, tightly) There were two crew members on Deck 8 who didn't make it out before the emergency bulkheads closed. There is a silence, and we realize she's furious that there were deaths. Wolenczak shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath, pained. Burke doesn't pay attention to his remorse, having better things to worry about. BURKE How much longer are we going to be in this death trap? Wolenczak looks at her for a moment, then shakes his head. WOLENCZAK We can't go. (beat) The engines are out. Commander Callan is trying to get us partial power. BURKE (barely sarcastic) I see. So we're sitting ducks. This is going to do wonders for morale. Wolenczak gives her a sharp look, assuming a "command attitude." WOLENCZAK (tersely) Doctor, I'll thank you to keep comments like that to yourself. We're doing our best up on the bridge, and I assume the same applies down here. BURKE (tightly) Believe me, _Sir_, it does. (beat) If you'll excuse me, I have to go clean up after your mess. She walks out. CUT TO _SUMPTER_ BRIDGE The sensor officer is working on his console. SENSOR OFFICER (off boards, to captain) I have a location, Captain. The captain looks up. CAPTAIN Where are they? The sensor officer's display moves onto the main screen. It is a display of Cape Hatteras, off the shore of North Carolina. A moderate distance off the cape is a large blip--_seaQuest_. The captain smiles. CAPTAIN Helm, adjust course. Maximum speed to Cape Hatteras. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Wolenczak is in command. The senior staff is on the bridge, with the exception of Burke, who's in MedBay. The atmosphere is somewhat strained, and it's easy to tell they've been waiting for more than a few minutes. Percell looks up. PERCELL Captain? Wolenczak turns and looks at her. WOLENCZAK Yes? PERCELL I'm reading a large ship headed toward us. (beat) WSKRS readings indicate the _Sumpter_ has us within sensor range. This is the news everyone was waiting for. WOLENCZAK (to Callan) Callan, how much longer until we get the engines on-line? CALLAN A few hours until the core reaches optimum power output levels. Until then, we'd risk burning out the engines. A light goes off on Trueman's board--a hail. She's about ready to put it on screen when she catches Hunter's eye. He shakes his head, and she realizes what she was about to do. She looks up at Wolenczak. TRUEMAN Captain, we're being hailed. WOLENCZAK The _Sumpter_? Trueman nods. Wolenczak stands. WOLENCZAK (almost reluctantly) Put it up. Trueman does so. The _Sumpter_'s captain appears on screen. CAPTAIN Why are you still in our water? Wolenczak's mind is racing. WOLENCZAK ("playing innocent") We've been trying to reach you for the past half hour. We still have the crew of the _Eldorado_ aboard. Eyebrows go up around the bridge. No one expected this, least of all the Carolinan captain. CAPTAIN Release them, then leave. Wolenczak's expression indicates he's thinking: "Gee, we're certainly being polite, now aren't we?" WOLENCZAK (coolly, bluffing) Thanks to your attack, our docking bay doors are malfunctioning. (beat) We'll have repairs completed within the hour. The Carolinan captain shakes his head. CAPTAIN That's not good enough. If you fail to release them within the next twenty minutes, we will be forced to... (grins malevolently) ...Assist you in opening them. (beat) You have twenty minutes. He cuts the channel. Wolenczak knows his bluff didn't fool the Carolinan captain. WOLENCZAK (tightly, not looking at Riller) Lieutenant, take a security detail and escort Captain Kinter and his crew to the docking bay. They're free to go. Riller nods and leaves the bridge. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The docking bay doors open, and the launch from the _Eldorado_ leaves. CUT TO BRIDGE All is as before. Riller has returned. PERCELL (reporting) Launch away. There is a moment silence--everyone is holding their breath, waiting to see what happens next. PERCELL (hesitantly) Uh...Sir, sensors indicate they're running... (beat) ...Targeting scans. Everyone reacts with shock, then looks at Wolenczak, who gives them a "why are you looking at me" glance, before realizing: he's the captain. WOLENCZAK Weapons status? RILLER They're still out. WOLENCZAK Engines? REEDE Barely functional. WOLENCZAK Hail them. Trueman does so. The Carolinan captain appears on-screen. CAPTAIN Thank you for our people. (beat) Now get out of our water. WOLENCZAK Our engines are inoperable. CAPTAIN Like your docking bay doors? Wolenczak's expression: "Oops." The captain realizes he has the upper hand. CAPTAIN You have ten minutes to get underway. He severs the connection. Wolenczak looks to Callan. WOLENCZAK Callan, I want engines, and I want weapons, and I want them now. CALLAN (getting frustrated) With all due respect, Captain, people in hell want ice water. (beat) It'll be a few minutes. Wolenczak realizes the entire bridge is still looking at him. WOLENCZAK Suggestions, anyone? TRUEMAN What if blew the ballasts? We could give ourselves a push. HUNTER (shooting it down) Push ourselves _up_? PERCELL Could we use the launches to tow the ship? MATTHEWS They don't have enough power. Reede, who has been staring at his console and hitting keys until now, looks up and clears his throat. REEDE (to Wolenczak) Sir, we're at 35 north, 75 west. Everyone stares--this matters...why? REEDE (explaining) Cape Hatteras. No change in blank expressions. REEDE (still explaining) The Gulf Stream. They get it. REEDE If we can maneuver the ship into the Gulf Stream, we ride the currents back to UEO water. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Do we have enough power? CALLAN I can give you five minutes at maximum speed, and a few more at half. (beat) And the ship'll take a beating. WOLENCZAK Get on it. CALLAN Sir, I think you should know, it'll take about ten minutes to prepare systems. We only have seven until they open fire. WOLENCZAK (slightly irritated) Well then, why don't you get started? FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT SEVEN =========================== PART 8 ===================================== ACT EIGHT FADE IN TO _SUMPTER_ BRIDGE A few minutes later. The tactical officer is fingering the "fire" button. The captain looks in his direction and shakes his head.The tactical officer looks upset. The captain checks his watch and looks at the communications officer. CAPTAIN Hail them. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE All is as before. Callan and Reede are working on the engines--Callan through the engineering console, Reede through the helm control as he pilots. Trueman looks at Wolenczak. TRUEMAN Captain, they're-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off) Put it up. She does. The Carolinan captain pops back onto screen. CAPTAIN Captain Wolenczak, you have seriously overstayed your welcome. WOLENCZAK We'll be on our way in a few minutes. CAPTAIN Allow us to give you a push. Reede goes back to his seat. Wolenczak looks at him, he nods, ever-so-slightly. WOLENCZAK (too politely) That won't be necessary. (beat) Mister Reede. REEDE (hitting keys, under his breath) I feel like I oughta be freaking out right about now... He punches a few keys. Everybody holds on tight. The lights go dim as the ship's power is put under tremendous strain. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _Sumpter_ makes no move as the _seaQuest_ is maneuvered slowly into the Gulf Stream. CUT TO _SUMPTER_ BRIDGE All is as before. The captain looks at the sensor officer. CAPTAIN What are they doing?! The sensor officer checks his boards. SENSOR OFFICER It looks like they're maneuvering into the Gulf Stream... (beat, "gets it") They're going to ride the currents back to UEO waters! The captain slams his open palm on the arm of his chair. CAPTAIN Damn! TACTICAL OFFICER Sir, they're going to escape! We have to fire! The captain shakes his head and sits back in his seat. CAPTAIN No. TACTICAL OFFICER (in shock and dismay) We're not going to attack?! CAPTAIN No need to provoke a war. (beat) Not today, at least. (beat, sarcastically) Besides, maybe we'll be lucky and they'll be torn apart by the currents. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE All is as before. Things are getting shaky as the ship moves into the Gulf Stream. The lights go dim, and Callan is working furiously to keep the engines on-line. CALLAN Sir, the engines can't take much more of this! REEDE (under his breath) If he says "beam me up, Scotty," I'm gonna hit him. Trueman shoots him a sideways glance as he tries to keep the ship on course. TRUEMAN (repeating) "Beam me up, Scotty"? REEDE (without taking his eyes off his console) Brother was a Trekkie, don't ask. I wouldn't inflict that hell on anyone. No one pays attention to their exchange. WOLENCZAK (to Callan) Are we going to get shaken to pieces or not? CALLAN I-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off) Because if not, I have more important things to worry about. Callan nods obediently and shuts up. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The ship is in the Gulf Stream, shaking. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE In Raleigh. As she watches the view on a split-screen with the Carolinan captain. She's sitting at her desk. ROSS (furious) You let them get away?! The captain nods uncomfortably. CAPTAIN You said not to provoke them without cause. Ross glares up at the screen. ROSS I didn't mean to let them _get away_! Do you realize that once they're back in the UEO, they will have slipped out of our grasp?! The captain doesn't want to continue the conversation--he looks scared. CAPTAIN (trying to avoid getting blamed) With all due respect, President, our operative is still aboard. And we recovered the crew of the _Eldorado_. (beat) And if you move quickly enough, you may be able to score a PR coup. Ross looks at him for a moment, silent. For the barest second, she smiles. Then the smile leaves, replaced by something akin to a scowl. ROSS (feigning anger) Don't let it happen again, Captain. She shuts off the channel and stands, then paces for a moment. She finally stops, hits a key on her intercom, and taps her fingers impatiently on the desktop as she waits for several seconds. RECEPTIONIST (after a moment, over com) Madame President? ROSS (an order) Get me a political reporter from the World News Net. Now. She takes her finger off the key. A slow, malevolent smile spreads across her face. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI Caption reads: "Thirty minutes later". The _seaQuest_ pulls out of the Gulf Stream. CUT TO BRIDGE The shaking slowly stops, and Callan manages to get a few lights back on at full power. Wolenczak leaves his seat and walks forward, and puts a hand on Reede's shoulder. WOLENCZAK Good work, Ensign. Reede grins--no big deal. REEDE Hell, Sir, it was nothing. Wolenczak takes his hand off Reede's shoulder, nods, and walks to the engineering station. WOLENCZAK (quietly, feigning seriousness) Commander Callan, now that we've extracted ourselves from imminent death, you may complain. (beat, lighter) How long in dry-dock? CALLAN (shakes his head) I can't tell you from here--a week, maximum. Enough to fix the hole in our hull, and get the weapons systems back on line. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (to bridge in general) In that case, I think I'm going to go and explain to the Secretary General... (pointed glance at Hunter, warning him not to correct) ...That we're home safe, and she can stop worrying. (beat) Commander Hunter, you have the conn. He walks off the bridge. CUT TO PRESS CONFERENCE Ross is standing at a podium, giving a speech. She's quite the actress. ROSS Today's confrontation will be, hopefully, the last. My confederation has no wish to antagonize the UEO; we hope their intentions are as pure. (beat) However, the presence of the _seaQuest_ in water clearly designated as ours is enough to make me doubt whether or not the UEO will honor its promise to allow us our autonomy. She finishes. A reporter (male) pushes his way to the front of the crowd. He does not speak with a southern accent. REPORTER #1 President Ross, there have been rumors that your confederation was connected to the bombing of UEO Headquarters several days ago. Is this true? Ross flashes a million-dollar smile. ROSS The bombing of UEO Headquarters was a tragedy, as well as the final factor in our decision to leave the UEO. The current reports being released state that the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, although the possibility of terrorism is being considered. (beat, lightly veiled anger) Any suspicion of the Confederation's participation in what occurred would be an accusation of sanctioning organized terrorism, and one that my confederation would be forced to respond to. REPORTER #2 (MALE) (with a thick southern accent) Is it true you're currently considering declaring war against the UEO for their incursion into Carolinan waters? Ross smiles and nods at the reporter--they know each other. She starts playing up the "southern-belle" angle. ROSS (sweetly) We're peace-loving people, and don't wish to fight a war over what has occurred. The word shouldn't even enter a conversation. (beat, with an edge) However, let me say this. If pushed, we will push back. CUT TO WARDROOM We see that Wolenczak, Hunter, Matthews, Callan, Trueman, and Reede are watching a broadcast: Ross' press conference. The screen goes off. WOLENCZAK (almost to himself) So even though we left, she's going to exploit it. There's a silent moment. No one wants to say anything. Wolenczak is thinking. After a few moments, he stands. WOLENCZAK Well... (beat) I'm sure Hitchcock knows... (beat) I'll mention it to her... (beat, waves them off) Dismissed. He's troubled by what he's just seen. The crew exchanges semi-confused glances, then get up and files out. Once the door is shut and he's alone, Wolenczak slams his palm down on the table, furious. WOLENCZAK Damn! CUT TO CREW'S MESS Trueman walks into the crew's mess hall. Riller flags her down, giving her a "c'mere" nod of the head. She smiles at him, teasing him, and ignores him for a few moments while she gets something to eat. Then she walks to the table where he's sitting. RILLER Well? What was the briefing about? She takes a bite of her sandwich and a sip of water before she answers. Riller looks about ready to pop. TRUEMAN Ross. She gave a press conference. She takes another bite of her sandwich, chewing it slowly, enjoying every second of Riller's info-deprivation. RILLER (insistently) And? Trueman holds up a finger and leisurely finishes chewing. She swallows. RILLER Becca! Trueman takes a sip of water. Sick of waiting, Riller grabs her tray and slides it out of her reach. She makes a grab for it, but misses. RILLER C'mon! I was on the bridge! I couldn't be there! TRUEMAN mysteriously) And...She talked about the bombing. RILLER _And_? TRUEMAN (shrugs nonchalantly) That's all. Nothing big. Your run-of-the-mill political speech. (beat) Can I please have my lunch back? Riller stares at her for a moment. She reaches for her tray, gets it, and pulls it back. He makes no move to stop her. RILLER You're unbelievable. TRUEMAN (smiles) Yes, I am. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT EIGHT =========================== PART 9 ===================================== ACT NINE FADE IN TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI _seaQuest_ is cruising through the water at a leisurely pace, on its way to dry-dock for repairs. CUT TO SEA DECK The sea deck is a large, spacious room. Wolenczak is looking around. He turns to go. As he leaves, he bumps into Burke. WOLENCZAK Oh--excuse me. Burke shakes her head. Her manner is somewhat cold, but not overly so. BURKE I should have been watching where I was going. There is a moment of silence. WOLENCZAK So...How's the science department faring? He's really trying here. Burke looks at him quizzically. BURKE (a bit put off) Science department? There's a silent beat. Wolenczak nods. Burke acts like he's touched a nerve. BURKE (more so) Is there a reason you're asking me this? Wolenczak realizes he made a mistake. WOLENCZAK (apologetically) I'd assumed you were also the-- BURKE (cutting him off) I'm the CMO, Captain. Maybe you should familiarize yourself with the ship's crew--there is no science department. Wolenczak balks. WOLENCZAK (shocked) What?! BURKE (mimicking a higher-up) "After all, this is a _military_ ship." (beat, scathingly) We're here to fight. Not to do _research_. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK That's a problem we'll have to take care of. Burke watches, not quite sure of what he means, as he walks out of the room. CUT TO CALLAN'S QUARTERS He's putting the room back in order--his things were shaken up pretty badly during the Gulf Stream trip. He bends to pick up a photo off the floor--the one of himself and Kelly that was seen earlier. The glass has broken. He shakes his head sadly and lays it on the bed. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Hunter is walking. He passes Matthews, who flags him down. MATTHEWS Commander! He stops and turns. HUNTER Matthews? She stands at near-attention, report-style. MATTHEWS The people from the outposts we evacuated have been quartered on Deck 7. Hunter nods and moves to walk away. Matthews clears her throat gently. He turns back to her. HUNTER Something else? MATTHEWS (hushed) I need to ask you a question. Hunter nods. HUNTER Go ahead. Matthews looks around to make sure they're not being watched, obviously uneasy with what she's about to say. MATTHEWS Sir, was it just me, or did Captain Wolenczak seem... (searches for a phrase/word) ...A little out-of-touch. In the wardroom. HUNTER Out-of-touch? Matthews nods, gaining confidence. MATTHEWS Yes, Sir. (beat) I know this is his first command, and I don't want to say I don't think he's doing a good job in difficult circumstances, but-- Hunter stiffens. HUNTER Are you questioning what he did? Matthews nods uneasily. Hunter doesn't react well to this. HUNTER Lieutenant Commander, you know as well as I do that the captain was put under a hell of a lot of stress on this mission. (beat) As the second officer aboard, you shouldn't be questioning that. (beat, somewhat hesitantly but pushing through) As the XO, it's my responsibility to ask you this: are you going to have a problem serving under Captain Wolenczak? Matthews shakes her head, stunned that he'd think she meant that. MATTHEWS No, Sir. Absolutely not. Hunter's expression softens a tad. HUNTER Good. (beat) Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make a call. (beat, explaining, somewhat confidentially) My brother was living in Durham, and I want to make sure he's okay. Matthews nods, concern showing through in her expression. MATTHEWS They're not restricting communications? HUNTER (shakes head) I don't know. (beat) I want to get a call in before it happens. (correcting) _In case_ it happens. Matthews nods. MATTHEWS Of course. Hunter walks away. Matthews watches him for a moment, then walks away in the opposite direction. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE He's standing in front of the vidlink. On screen is Hitchcock. HITCHCOCK Glad to see you made it back. WOLENCZAK (grins) Well...What can I say? This ship has a way of surviving. (beat) I need a favor. HITCHCOCK (teasing) A favor? You're actually asking little old me for a favor? (beat) That's not the Lucas Wolenczak I remember. (beat) Didn't even ask Captain Bridger for help with the oil-injection valve placement. WOLENCZAK You could've asked him! HITCHCOCK Well, you were the pilot. You _should've_. WOLENCZAK Hey, look. It's not my fault the Stinger-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) The _Gazelle_. You said I could call it a Gazelle, and it's a Gazelle. WOLENCZAK Bridger said it was a Stinger. It's a Stinger. He realizes how ridiculous this entire conversation is. WOLENCZAK But back to the point, I need a favor. Did you know there's no science staff aboard? Hitchcock gets a "oh great, I knew this was coming" expression on her face. HITCHCOCK Yes. (beat, indulgently, as though she's doing him a favor) Do you want a science staff? WOLENCZAK (nods) Yes. Yes I do. Hitchcock rolls her eyes, but is still teasing. HITCHCOCK Fine. You can have a science staff-- WOLENCZAK (interrupting, smugly) Thank you. HITCHCOCK (finishing) --_If_ you stay aboard and I don't have to spend time finding a new captain. Wolenczak stops his mental victory celebration. WOLENCZAK Excuse me? HITCHCOCK Don't play dumb with me, kid. That's the condition. Wolenczak "thinks it over," but they both know what his answer will be. Finally, he nods, "giving in." HITCHCOCK Good. (beat) I'll assign you a couple of officers as soon as I can. (beat) Good luck, Captain. WOLENCZAK (somewhat sheepishly) Thanks. _seaQuest_ out. Hitchcock nods, and both cut their respective channels. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross is sitting at her desk. She's talking on the phone. The voice of the person on the other end is disguised. ROSS Wolenczak is going to remain in command? VOICE (over phone) Yes. We're going to be in the mid-Atlantic for the next few weeks. ROSS (smiles malevolently) Good... (beat) I'll let you know when to make your move. (beat) It's been nice talking. VOICE (over phone) Likewise, Madame President. (beat) My duty shift begins in a few minutes. I've got to go. ROSS (nods) Very well. (beat) Keep me informed. The voice hangs up. She holds the phone for a moment, then she also hangs up. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS Wolenczak is unpacking in his quarters when a knock sounds on the hatch. WOLENCZAK (looking up) Come. An enlisted crewman steps in, holding a box. CREWMAN Sir, this just came for you. Wolenczak looks at the box. WOLENCZAK Very well. Put it on my desk. The crewman puts the box on the desk and looks uncomfortable. Wolenczak looks up. WOLENCZAK Is there something else? CREWMAN No, Sir. WOLENCZAK (quiet for a moment) Ah yes. Dismissed. Crewman exits, closing the door. After a moment Wolenczak walks over to the box. He picks it up and examines the address: CAPTAIN LUCAS WOLENCZAK, SEAQUEST DSV 4600. Slowly, he rips off the brown paper, revealing a medium-sized blue box. He takes off the lid and a letter, on top of tissue paper, is sitting there. Wolenczak picks up the letter and begins reading. WOLENCZAK (reading) Lucas. I'm sure you're wondering who this package is from, and let me say it's not from me, but rather Captain Oliver Hudson. At reading Hudson's name, Wolenczak stops for a moment and considers putting the letter down. However, he continues reading it. WOLENCZAK (reading) It's been years since I saw you last-- but I've followed your career. You've been very successful. Yes, Oliver did help, but understand you did it on your own. The only thing Oliver ever did was convince the people making the decisions you were ready for a promotion or certain commission. (beat) Oliver was never quite the same after losing two officers-- first Tony, then you. Tony's death hit him hard, and then you turned away, which made it that much harder. He was angry at first, but eventually he saw why you were angry. He was sorry, Lucas. His one wish was that somehow you would manage to forgive him. You were one of his favorite officers--he saw your career ahead of you. (beat) Oliver's been dead for over a year now, but he would be happy knowing you have succeeded him as captain of the _seaQuest_. Enclosed is a book he treasured, which seems only fair to pass onto you. Good luck, Captain Wolenczak. Sincerely, Elaine Morse Hudson, Secretary, UEO Security. Wolenczak looks at the letter for a moment, before putting it on the desk. Reaching into the box, he pulls out a book. The camera zooms in on the title--_The Red Badge of Courage_. He is choked up. WOLENCZAK Tony's favorite book... After a moment, Wolenczak opens the cover and looks at the signature at the upper left hand corner--Oliver Hudson. He stares at it for a long while. WOLENCZAK (quietly, with regret) I'm sorry, Captain. And I forgive you. A single tear runs down his cheek as we... FADE TO BLACK THE END ========================================================================== Copyright 1996, 1997 seaQuest 2047 staff