========================================================================== 02 - BREAKDOWN 2047 Team ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2047 Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact) ========================================================================== seaQuest 2047 "Breakdown" Story by Rachel Brody & Lauri Beglin Script by Rachel Brody Publication Draft Saturday, August 31, 1996 *Revised Edition *Sunday July 20th, 1997 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". ========================= PART 0 - TEASER =============================== TEASER FADE IN TO BRIDGE The lights are dim. Everyone is tense--it's a battle situation. The entire senior staff, with the exceptions of Callan and Burke, are on the bridge and at their stations. PERCELL (off readouts) Captain, we've got something on the WSKRS. Captain Lucas Wolenczak looks at Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell--she has his _complete_ attention. WOLENCZAK What is it? PERCELL (off display, reading) The signature looks like a Seltar Class Attack Sub, Sir. WOLENCZAK Don't tell me: the kind the Carolinans are using, right? PERCELL (nodding) Yes, Sir. WOLENCZAK (turning to entire bridge) Sound General Quarters. All hands to battle stations. (beat) We may have a situation on our hands. HUNTER (raising an eyebrow) _May_ have a situation, Sir? In that case, isn't General Quarters a bit much? Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK Not at all. (beat) Percell, continue scanning for other vessels, and don't change from our course. They may not know we're onto them. (beat) Enemy status? PERCELL (nods) Advancing. WOLENCZAK (tight on face, quick cuts in this scene) Weapons? The camera cuts to a shot of Lieutenant J.G. Justin Riller as he checks his console. RILLER (nods) Tubes Alpha 1-10 and Bravo 1-10 are loaded and fully charged. WOLENCZAK (less tight) Good. (to Reede at helm) Start to turn us. Slowly. Let them think we're just coming around as part of our course. Make sure hull tolerance is at maximum. Ensign Tom Reede follows the order, grinning. The shot changes to one of Lieutenant Commander Jessie Matthews, looking troubled as she stares at two blips on her screen. MATTHEWS (looking up from station) Sir, I've got two more ships coming in from... (checks data) ...Three o'clock and ten o'clock. Cut to Percell's reaction shot--the WSKRS are missing something? PERCELL (a bit confused) But I don't have anything on my-- Cut to Matthews, shaking her head. MATTHEWS (cutting her off) I'm getting my data from the UEO Underwater Network feeds. (off her display of blips moving toward them) They're both the same as before, Sir. Wolenczak nods, thinking, then punches the intercom button. WOLENCZAK Bridge to Callan. A quiet beat. CALLAN (over com) Yes, Sir? WOLENCZAK I'm going to need a full engine burst. We're gonna scare the hell out of these guys. We'll launch, pull back and take them by surprise. HUNTER (nods, into his own com) All hands rig for engine burst. Firing will commence in two minutes. Wolenczak's attention remains on the com. WOLENCZAK (into com) Are you ready? CALLAN (over com) Aye, Sir. Wolenczak closes the com line. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews) Sever all connections with the network. We don't want to fry the UEO central net. Matthews nods and hits keys on her board. MATTHEWS Logging off, Sir. Wolenczak makes his final check. WOLENCZAK All hands, brace yourselves. We're making the engine burst in thirty seconds. TRUEMAN (through her line, relaying through com system) All hands, brace yourselves. WOLENCZAK Twenty seconds. Off reactions of crew members. WOLENCZAK Ten seconds. Off more reactions, then off Wolenczak as he gives the order. WOLENCZAK Now. Close up on Reede gunning the engine...The bridge cuts into darkness as the ship is jolted into high speed. WOLENCZAK (into com) Callan? What's going on down there? There is no response. MATTHEWS All systems are dead, Captain. We're sinking. There is a moment of silence. A disapproving expression crosses Wolenczak's face. WOLENCZAK (standing) End simulation. The lights come back up. Wolenczak looks at Matthews and Commander Jason Hunter. He's clearly not happy with the results of the situation. WOLENCZAK Hunter, Matthews, the wardroom. Lieutenant Riller, you have the con. Riller nods and moves to the command chair as Wolenczak, Matthews, and Hunter leave the bridge. CUT TO WARDROOM Matthews, Hunter, and Wolenczak enter. Hunter and Matthews are holding SEAPOCS. They pass them to Wolenczak as he shuts the hatch, and he looks them over. He looks up at Hunter, a tad confused. WOLENCZAK (to Hunter) What was wrong with Riller's performance? HUNTER His response time was down by one-point-three-six seconds. Wolenczak nods and looks over the rest of the notes. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews) And you think we could have improved the speed of the interface with the UEO Network? Matthews nods. Wolenczak sighs and passes them back the SEAPOCs. WOLENCZAK Okay. Tell Callan to get on it. HUNTER When should I schedule the next drill, Sir? WOLENCZAK Not for a few days...We're going to be docked in Annapolis while Hitchcock is sworn in. Why she'd choose the Academy, of all places... (beat, looks up, to Hunter) You're coming with me for that. Dress uniform. Hunter nods. Matthews looks relieved that she's not going. WOLENCZAK The crew gets leave on standard rotation, starting with beta shift... Matthews nods. WOLENCZAK Dismissed. They walk out. FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== ACT ONE FADE IN TO BAR Riller it sitting at a booth. Ensign Rebecca Trueman is at the bar, getting drinks. She seems to be in an argument with the bartender. She points to Riller. He waves. The bartender sighs and shakes his head. She pulls out an ID, and the bartender reluctantly passes her two beers. She pays and comes back to the booth, where she passes Riller one of the beers. TRUEMAN (almost to herself) God, I am _so sick_ of getting carded... Riller smiles as he takes a sip. RILLER Yeah, well, get used to it. `Cause they're not gonna stop until you look like you're about 30. She gives him a _look_. Her gaze wanders to a dark-haired young woman sitting at the bar, wearing a miniskirt and tank top, who's been watching them from the beginning of the scene. Her hair is down. TRUEMAN (off woman, takes a sip) I think she's got something for you... Riller looks toward the young woman and flashes her a smile. She smiles back, but makes no move to come over. RILLER (to himself) Great...I hate it when I've gotta do all the work... He looks at Trueman. RILLER It okay with you if I go? She shrugs. TRUEMAN (teasing) Well, I _had_ planned my entire leave around coming here and getting so drunk they wouldn't recognize us back at the ship, but I think I can pass this time. (beat) Somebody mentioned there were a couple of good tri-ds playing at the local theater...I'll go check out one of those. Riller nods and stands, taking his beer. RILLER Thanks. Trueman shrugs, no big deal. Riller walks to the bar. The camera follows. He sits down next to the young woman, Andrea Berger. She's drinking a martini. She pays him no attention. RILLER Martini, eh? Shaken, not stirred? You must be a spy. Berger looks up at him. RILLER Isn't that what all spies drink? BERGER (coolly) I wouldn't know. RILLER Not a Bond fan? (beat) I think the one they released last year was the best. (beat) How rude of me--I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Justin Riller. (beat) From _seaQuest_. She gestures back to where Trueman is now vacating the booth they'd been sitting in. BERGER Ditching your girlfriend? RILLER (shakes head) Becca's just a friend. Berger nods and takes a sip of her drink. RILLER So, are you at least going to tell me your name? Berger looks at him, as though sizing him up and deciding. BERGER Well, why not. You look pretty harmless. (beat) Grace Lowry. Riller nods, and the ice begins to break. CUT TO BERGER'S APARTMENT The apartment is dark. Muffled voices can be heard through the door as the knob begins to rattle--Riller's and Berger's. The door opens. Berger hits a light switch. The lights go on. The apartment is clean, not too cluttered, with very little in the way of personal effects. Berger shuts the door. BERGER (as they enter) I just want you to know, I don't usually do this. Bring home guys I meet in bars. (beat, presses close to him) You, however, are very, _very_ special to me. Riller grins. RILLER That's good to know... She gestures to the couch. BERGER Would you like to sit down? (beat) I'm going to get some coffee. Riller raises an eyebrow. RILLER Let me help you. BERGER No, that's okay. CUT TO KITCHEN As Berger enters. Riller follows, stopping in the door. Riller looks at her for a moment, then walks over behind her and stands. RILLER Are you sure you don't want some help? His question catches her "off guard", and she "accidentally" knocks a small container onto the floor, out of the cupboard she has open at the moment. Twenty-plus pills fall out of it and onto the floor. Riller stares at them, transfixed. Berger watches him closely, especially his reaction as he looks up at her. RILLER (in a state of near-shock) You... Once she sees how he'll react, she bends and picks up one of the pills. She holds it out, takes his hand, and presses it into his palm. She curls his fingers over it. BERGER (softly) Here. He looks from her to his hand and back again. BERGER (a near whisper) That's just the tip of the iceberg, Justin... RILLER (trying to get over it) You're..._giving_ it to me? Berger smiles and shakes her head. BERGER (warmly) If you can help me, there's more where these came from... RILLER What do you want me to do? Berger's smile gets a little wider--he's hooked and she knows it. BERGER (mysteriously) Just...answer a few questions... Riller nods as we... CUT TO UEO CENTER--FRONT HALL Wolenczak and Hunter enter, in dress whites. There are wall-to-wall people, and many security personnel. The security people are trying to keep a low profile. It's also a media frenzy. A reporter grabs Wolenczak by the arm, and he finds himself standing in front of a TV camera with a microphone shoved in his face. The camera starts rolling. The reporter also has a firm grip on his wrist, so he can't "get away." REPORTER (into camera) I'm here with Captain Lucas Wolenczak, the commanding officer of the _seaQuest_. (to Wolenczak) So, Captain, as someone who served with Acting Secretary General Hitchcock early in her career, can you offer any insight as to how she'll perform once inaugurated? Hunter is watching, almost amused, from off to one side of the cameraman. Wolenczak is caught off-guard by the reporter's question. WOLENCZAK (thinking on his feet) She was one of the finest officers I ever served with. I'm sure she'll do a superb job as secretary general. (beat, spies someone across the room) Now, if you'll excuse me... Deftly, he manages to pull his hand away without being too obvious about it. The reporter leaves him alone, continuing to talk to his camera instead. Wolenczak and Hunter continue across the room to where Acting Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock has entered. Her guards are also trying to keep a low profile. Hitchcock and Wolenczak shake hands warmly, then Hunter and Hitchcock do the same without the "warmness." Hitchcock looks Wolenczak over. HITCHCOCK (smiling) Well, Captain, those stripes certainly suit you. Wolenczak blushes, ever-so-slightly, at the praise. WOLENCZAK Thank you, Madame Secretary. HITCHCOCK (kidding, sort of) Ugh...Not yet, please. (beat) I'll get enough of that once the ceremony is over--by the way, there's going to be a reception afterwards. Wolenczak knows where this is headed. WOLENCZAK Actually, Katie, I-- HITCHCOCK (firmly) I'd love to have you there. An aide walks up. AIDE Madame Secretary, there are a few people who'd like to talk to you. Hitchcock rolls her eyes. HITCHCOCK In a minute. (beat) Lucas, you had _better_ be there. She walks away. Wolenczak turns to Hunter, who is slightly amused. HUNTER I think it was an order, Sir. CUT TO BEDROOM IN BERGER'S APARTMENT Berger is wrapping up her little info-prying session. She and Riller are sitting on the bed. BERGER (confirming) The inauguration will take place at 1800 hours, and she'll have only a token guard? Riller nods. Berger smiles and moves closer to him. BERGER Good... She moves as though to kiss him. Just as their lips are about to touch, there is a sharp hiss, and Riller goes limp. She pushes him back onto the bed, unconscious, and regards the mini-hypo she used on him with an almost tender expression. BERGER (to herself, satisfied) Gets `em every time. She stands and leaves the bedroom. Riller remains motionless on the bed as she pulls the door shut. CUT TO EXTERIOR APARTMENT BUILDING Berger leaves, but she's now wearing a tailored suit, and sunglasses. Her hair is up. She's carrying a briefcase as well. CUT TO EXTERIOR UEO CENTER--ENTRANCE Berger walks up to the front entrance. She is stopped by a security guard. GUARD Excuse me, miss, but do you have the-- Berger reaches into a pocket and cuts him off as she pulls out a pocket computer. BERGER (introducing herself) Genevieve Martin, representing EWS Global. The guard takes a moment to look over her papers. She taps her foot impatiently. BERGER If I miss this, my boss is gonna skin me alive. The guard doesn't look too convinced. GUARD Well, Miss Martin-- BERGER (correcting) _Ms._, if you don't mind. GUARD Ms. Martin, I'm afraid I can't let you in without security clearance. BERGER (effortlessly) Nine-oh-six-dash-five-eleven-eight. (beat) I'm cleared. Now, could I _please_ get in there? Or maybe _you'd_ like to explain to Mister Walker why he and his partners are going to miss out on this important business development. The guard looks at the other guard, who nods. GUARD #2 Let her in. What's a little thing like that gonna do in there? Berger smiles sincerely. BERGER (innocently) Really, he's right. I'm just covering this for the company newsletter. GUARD EWS _has_ a company newsletter? GUARD #2 (humorously) EWS has _everything_, Burt. (beat) Let her go in. The guard nods and presses a key. GUARD Okay, go ahead. But don't do anything that's gonna make me regret letting you in there. Berger smiles. BERGER Little ol' me? (beat) Thanks. She walks past them. CUT TO ENTRANCE HALL Berger walks in the door and rolls her eyes once the door closes behind her. BERGER (to herself) What an idiot... She walks down the corridor. CUT TO SMALL ROOM Berger enters and shuts the door behind her, then turns the lock. She lays the briefcase on the floor and opens it. Under a few papers is a small gun with a laser scope. She takes it out and closes the briefcase, then puts the gun in her purse. CUT TO MAIN HALL Everyone is assembling for the inauguration. Wolenczak and Hunter are sitting near the front of the room. CUT TO MAIN HALL--"BACKSTAGE" Hitchcock is in the doorway, just outside the room. CUT TO CORRIDOR Berger leaves the small room. Her sunglasses have been discarded, her hair is blonde and twisted up in a bun, and she's wearing a light green sundress. She's got on `60s-style horn-rimmed glasses, and high-heels. Her hand is unobtrusively perched on her purse, which is open--the gun is inside. CUT TO MAIN HALL An official walks to the podium. He taps the microphone, and gets a bit of feedback. OFFICIAL Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. CUT TO MAIN HALL--"BACKSTAGE" Hitchcock listens to the official. OFFICIAL (O.S.) We're here tonight to swear in Katherine Hitchcock as the fifth secretary general of United Earth/Oceans Organization... Hitchcock takes a deep breath--getting nervous... CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MAIN HALL Berger enters through the rear door. She smiles at the guard, who nods slightly as she passes him. She loses herself in the crowd. CUT TO MAIN HALL--PODIUM The official finishes his speech. OFFICIAL And now, may I present Katherine Hitchcock, the new secretary general of the UEO. Applause begins. CUT TO MAIN HALL--"BACKSTAGE" Hitchcock leaves the doorway. CUT TO MAIN HALL--OFF WOLENCZAK He's grinning like crazy, clapping along with the rest of the people there, barely able to restrain himself. CUT TO MAIN HALL--BERGER'S POV She watches Hitchcock walk up to the podium from the wings. She reaches into her purse and, with a few quick glances around, pulls out her gun. She backs against the wall, raising the gun to aim it. CUT TO PODIUM Hitchcock shakes hands with the official. Just as he opens his mouth, there is an explosion behind her--a gunshot. Someone screams. OFF WOLENCZAK His horror as he watches... OFF BERGER As she tucks the gun back in her purse and makes her way through the crowd that's already surging toward the door. Guards are trying not to let people out, but it's impossible--there are too many of them. CUT TO PODIUM Wolenczak and Hunter fight their way to the podium, against the crowd. They are stopped by an armed guard. GUARD What are you-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off, rushed) I'm Captain Wolenczak from _seaQuest_--is she all right? The guard looks at him for a moment, debating whether or not to turn him away, then relents. GUARD Go ahead. He steps aside. Wolenczak pushes through the circle of people, stopping as he sees Hitchcock. She and a doctor are leaning over the official, who is bleeding severely-- Hitchcock is unharmed. Wolenczak breaths a sigh of relief as he drops to a crouch at her side. WOLENCZAK Katie? She looks up at him. HITCHCOCK He's dead. CUT TO EXTERIOR UEO CENTER As Berger leaves. Her hair is still blonde, but down. She walks down the street. No one stops her. After about half a block, she reaches up and takes off the wig she was wearing. Underneath it, her hair is still dark, like when we first saw her. She discards the wig in a trash can as she walks past it. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT TWO CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock and Wolenczak are present. There is a guard at the door. They're arguing with someone over the vidlink. HITCHCOCK Ben, everything is _fine_. The camera swings around to get a view of the person on the screen: Benjamin Krieg. He's concerned and upset. KRIEG (getting worked up) Fine?! Katie, somebody takes a shot at you, kills somebody standing not two feet away, and you say it's _fine_?! (to Wolenczak) Lucas, talk some sense into her, would you? Wolenczak and Hitchcock exchange glances. KRIEG Look, I called as soon as I heard. (checks papers) I can be there in about a day-- HITCHCOCK I don't need you up here, Ben. Krieg cuts himself off and looks at Wolenczak, who nods. KRIEG (not a question) Why don't I believe either of you. Wolenczak looks from one to the other of them and steps in. WOLENCZAK Look, Ben, if it'll make you feel better, I'll bring her aboard _seaQuest_ for a few days. KRIEG (rolls his eyes) Oh, yeah, _that_ makes me feel better. Put her on the sub that has an adventure a week. (beat) I'm not stupid, Wolenczak, and-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) Ben, you don't have to come up here. Okay? (beat) I'm really okay. (teasing) Lucas will look after me. Krieg takes a deep breath and shakes his head. KRIEG (reluctantly, knowing he's outnumbered) Fine. (beat, to Wolenczak) But you keep her under lock and key, you understand? Wolenczak is humored by Krieg's concern. WOLENCZAK (feigning seriousness) Absolutely, Ben. Talk to you later. He reaches out and clicks off the channel. Hitchcock turns to Wolenczak. HITCHCOCK (thankfully) Thank you, Lucas. (beat, almost to herself) He's becoming such a worrier... WOLENCZAK (humored) Ben Krieg? A worrier? Hitchcock looks up at him. HITCHCOCK At any rate, you should be getting back to _seaQuest_, and-- WOLENCZAK _I_ should be getting back? (beat) What about you? Hitchcock smiles. HITCHCOCK Good one. (beat) What he doesn't know won't hurt him. WOLENCZAK Maybe not, but a promise is a promise--and you made Ben a promise. Hitchcock's jaw drops. HITCHCOCK You're kidding. Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK No, I'm not. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BERTH--ABOVE WATER A cab pulls up. Riller gets out. He's carrying a small white box. Trueman is walking from the other direction. She waves at him. Caption reads: "0145 hours". TRUEMAN Justin! Wait up! He pays the cab driver and waits. She jogs up to him and looks him over. They start walking to the entrance that leads to _seaQuest_'s docking port. TRUEMAN So...How did it go? Riller looks over at her and shrugs. RILLER Actually, it was...weird. (beat) I dunno...I'd rather not talk about it. Trueman raises an eyebrow. TRUEMAN (skeptically) You? Not talk about it? (beat) Justin "kiss-and-tell" Riller doesn't want to talk about it? RILLER Nah...Nothing important happened. Honestly, I think I drank a little too much. My head's kinda messed up. TRUEMAN (wryly) Shot you down, didn't she... CUT TO INTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ DOCKING BAY Riller and Trueman step throught the airlock and into the room. Hunter is standing, waiting, with a very_ disapproving look on his face. HUNTER (reining in anger) You two are nearly two hours late. (beat) If this happens again, both of you are confined to the ship and you'll _miss_ the next shore leave. Trueman makes no move to respond. Riller shrugs. RILLER Loosen up. We're not shipping out for another-- HUNTER (cuts him off) _Lieutenant_ Riller, I don't appreciate your tone. RILLER (doesn't care) So? Hunter is caught off-guard by his response. Riller ignores the expression on his face and continues walking, with Trueman. CUT TO CORRIDOR Trueman is getting a kick out of Riller's behavior as they walk down the corridor. TRUEMAN He's gonna kill you. Riller shrugs. RILLER (scoffs) Sooner or later, he's gonna kill everyone. (beat) I might as well give him a reason. Trueman nods. TRUEMAN I guess that makes sense...sort of. (beat) What's in the box? She indicates the white box he's been carrying. He looks down at it. RILLER (stiffly) A souvenir. He's lying. Trueman can tell something's off, but not what. She looks at him warily. They walk up to the hatch to her quarters. TRUEMAN My stop. (beat) See you tomorrow. He nods, preoccupied. She goes into her quarters and shuts the hatch. Riller keeps walking. CUT TO WARDROOM Wolenczak and Hunter are talking. Wolenczak is still disturbed by what happened earlier. HUNTER I still don't see how it could have happened. (beat) I thought they got extra security personnel! WOLENCZAK (dryly) They got rent-a-guards from EWS Global. (beat) Aside from Phillip Saquido, I don't trust that company farther than I can throw _seaQuest_. (beat) But even so, no one should've gotten in there. I can't think of anyone outside the Navy who'd have the clearance. Hunter opens his mouth. WOLENCZAK (cutting him off before he can start) Don't even say it, Hunter. HUNTER (going ahead anyway) I was just going to point out that a good portion of the crew was on leave during the...incident. (beat) I'd like your permission to begin asking them where they were at the time of the incident. Starting with Lieutenant Riller. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK Why the lieutenant? HUNTER He and Ensign Trueman were almost two hours late reporting back. That's what I'd call suspicious behavior. (beat) I talked to Commander Matthews, and apparently she saw the ensign in a tri-d theater during the ceremony. (beat) But no one seems to know where the lieutenant was. WOLENCZAK It sounds like you've been making investigations into this without waiting for my approval. HUNTER Desperate times, Captain. (beat) And with the secretary general aboard, do you really want to take the chance? (beat) I'd suggest confining Riller to quarters for the time being, on the grounds that he was late reporting back to duty and insubordinate upon his return to the ship. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK Insubordinate? HUNTER (quoting) "Loosen up, we're not shipping out for another..." I cut him off there, Sir. Wolenczak doesn't look too pleased by this news. WOLENCZAK Fine. (beat, reluctantly) But Hunter, try not to point fingers yet. Not without proof. Hunter nods and smiles innocently. HUNTER Who's pointing fingers? He leaves. CUT TO RILLER'S QUARTERS The hatch opens, and Riller is politely "escorted" into the room by a couple of security personnel. Hunter is with them. HUNTER It's just for the next few days. (attempting humor) Maybe some time off for good behavior. Riller glares at the hatch as it closes and locks. RILLER (under his breath) Effing sonofabitch... He turns to the rest of the room, takes a deep breath, and walks to the bureau. He opens the top drawer with a bang, and reaches into the far back. After a moment of searching, he finds the white box he had earlier. He pulls it out and puts it on the table. The camera closes in on his shaking hands as he opens it. The box is full of the two-colored tablets that spilled out of Berger's cupboard earlier. He looks at them for a moment, as though he can't believe they're there. Then, ever so carefully, he takes one out. He places it on the desk, and puts the box back in the drawer. He swallows the tablet. Just as he gets it down, his PAL chirps. He jumps slightly, then realizes what it was. He picks it up. RILLER (recovering) Yes? TRUEMAN (over PAL) `S me. You've got a call on a civilian line. (beat, humorously) Think your brother needs help with his bar tab again? The drug is beginning to take effect--Riller's a bit zoned out. RILLER (jerked out of his thoughts) What? TRUEMAN (over PAL) Forget it. (beat) You've got a call. Riller nods. RILLER Uh...yeah. (beat) Put it through. There's a moment of silence as the channel is fed through to Riller's com system. His vidlink activates. There's a "nynex"-type logo on the screen, indicating that the call is being made from a pay phone. The black screen and logo cut to a shot of the caller: Berger. She smiles. Riller looks at her for a moment, trying to place her face. Due to the drugs, he doesn't immediately recognize her. RILLER Hello? Berger smiles. BERGER I had a lovely time last night, Justin. (beat) Sorry I had to dash out like that. I had...business. (beat) I couldn't have done it without you, though, and I wanted you to know that I really appreciate what you did. Riller doesn't know what she's talking about. RILLER I...Do I know you? Berger's smile turns somewhat malevolent. BERGER (condescending) Aw...What's the matter, honey? Your brain short-circuiting from that sedative? (beat) That's the beauty of drugs, you know. They don't always leave you in full possession of your faculties. A silent beat, then she disconnects. Sudden comprehension dawns on Riller's face. RILLER (to himself) Damn damn damn damn damn.... He moves to the com unit and activates it. RILLER Riller to the captain. (beat) We need to talk. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO =========================== PART 3 ===================================== ACT THREE FADE IN TO RILLER'S QUARTERS--A BIT LATER Riller is pacing. There's a sound at the hatch, and it opens. Riller stands at attention as Wolenczak comes in, knowing he's in it _deep_. WOLENCZAK At ease. Riller obeys the command and begins talking before Wolenczak has the chance to ask a question--he's pretty nervous about this. RILLER (getting it all out quick) Sir, I know you think I had something to do with the attempt on Secretary General Hitchcock's life-- WOLENCZAK (over him) No one said that, Lieutenant. RILLER (through him) --And I think you might be right. Wolenczak is shocked silent. WOLENCZAK (incredulous) What? Everything begins coming out in a rush, as though Riller is afraid he won't be able to say what needs to be said. RILLER There was this young woman--she said her name was Grace. I met her at the bar Becca and I went to, and Becca said I wound up going back to her apartment. After that, all I remember is waking up and having them. (beat) The pills, I mean. He gestures to the box sitting on the desk. Wolenczak regards them. WOLENCZAK Didn't you wonder why you had a box of pills? Riller takes a deep breath and shakes his head. RILLER (reluctantly) No, Sir. (beat) I didn't. Wolenczak is confused by this. WOLENCZAK Why on earth not? Riller shakes his head and passes the box to Wolenczak, who opens it and regards the pills for a moment. Finally, he looks up uncomfortably. WOLENCZAK Lieutenant... I'm going to have to ask you to remain in your quarters while I have Doctor Burke go over these. Riller nods. Unsure of what to do, Wolenczak stands for a moment, then turns and goes. Riller closes the hatch after him. He notices that something doesn't feel quite right, and looks down at his hand--it's shaking visibly. He tears his eyes off it and sinks to the floor, disgusted with himself. CUT TO MEDBAY Doctor Meridith Burke is working. Wolenczak enters, holding the box Riller gave him. She ignores Wolenczak for a few moments, continuing her work. Wolenczak walks up next to her and opens the box. The moment she sees the pills, she takes the box and looks up at him. BURKE (shocked) Where the _hell_ did you get-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off) That isn't important right now, Doctor. (beat) I want a complete medical workup on these--every effect, every-- BURKE (simply, interrupting) Kytes. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK Excuse me? BURKE (quoting) "They'll take you higher than the clouds." (beat, disgusted) And when the effect is over with, you crash and burn. Unless you have another one. (beat) It's also known as Kytine. Wolenczak is on the verge of knowing what she's talking about. BURKE (elaborating) Deon International came up with it in 2034. (beat) Developed by a research team hired by then-CEO Theodore Walker, who later brought it to EWS, where it swept the black market. (beat) What the hell are those doing aboard this ship? There is an uncomfortable moment as Wolenczak debates telling her. Finally, he shakes his head. WOLENCZAK I just need the workup, Doctor. Without waiting for her to pump him further, he leaves. She stares at the pills for a few seconds before removing one and walking to a microscope. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI As the ship cuts through the water at a leisurely pace. CUT TO MEDBAY--A SHORT TIME LATER Burke is still working, analyzing the kytes. Trueman enters, holding her arm--it's not in pain, but more a strained muscle type of situation. TRUEMAN Doctor? Burke looks up from her microscope. BURKE Ensign? (notes the arm) Is something wrong? She approaches Trueman, and guides her to a bed, which Trueman hops up on, being careful to avoid hitting her arm. Trueman doesn't notice the microscope or the pills. TRUEMAN You could say that. (beat) I was working out in the gym. I forgot about the fact that I haven't lifted weights in a while. (beat, explaining) We didn't have room for a gym on the _Excalibur_--I had to give up the workouts after I finished the Academy. Not that I haven't been keeping in shape-- BURKE I understand. You lifted something a little too heavy? Trueman nods, somewhat embarrassed. TRUEMAN It's a little sore. I wondered if you had anything I could take for it. Burke nods and turns, walking to a cabinet of medication. She opens it. BURKE (while she looks) I'll just give you an analgesic--there's not much I can do for you until... Trueman doesn't pay attention to her--she's seen the drugs. She gets off the bed and walks over to the microscope and box. She takes one in her thumb and forefinger, and scrutinizes it. Camera OFF HER EXPRESSION as it changes slowly from shock to anger. She shuts her eyes and shakes her head, trying to get over her fury. OFF BURKE backing away from the cabinet, a hypo in hand. She sees Trueman looking at the pill. BURKE Ensign? Trueman looks up, the spell broken. TRUEMAN (reining in anger) Yes, Doctor? BURKE Here. Burke moves to give her an injection with the hypo, but Trueman is already stalking out. BURKE Trueman, where are you going?! Trueman ignores her, already out of the room. CUT TO RILLER'S QUARTERS Riller is still sitting on the floor where last we saw him, leaning against the bulkhead. His eyes are shut. There's an angry knock at the hatch. He opens one eye and looks at the hatch. The knob rattles a few times. He shuts his eye. RILLER (to himself) Maybe they'll just go away... No such luck--the knock repeats itself, only harder and more forceful. TRUEMAN (through hatch, O.S., yelling) I _know_ you're in there, you goddamned idiot! Open the damned hatch, or I'm gonna kick it in myself! Riller takes a deep breath. RILLER (to himself) Deep breaths...Deep, serene, calming thoughts...She'll go away... It doesn't happen. Riller realizes it's not going to. He opens his eyes and glares at the hatch. RILLER (yelling) Becca, I'm confined to quarters and I'm not supposed to be talking to anyone! TRUEMAN (through hatch, O.S., furious) Like hell you're not! (beat) If you don't get yourself over here and open this damned hatch, I'm gonna get Percell to short the damn thing out! Riller covers his ears with his hands. RILLER (yelling back) She's not that good! TRUEMAN (continuing) And if I hafta do that, I'm gonna be in a _very_ bad mood! Riller sighs heavily, stands, and walks to the hatch. He reaches out for the knob as Trueman continues. TRUEMAN (continuing) And Justin, in case you've forgotten-- She cuts off as Riller opens the hatch. She shoves past him, nearly upsetting his balance, and walks to the center of the room. She stands for a moment, taking in the surroundings, then makes a beeline for the dresser. She is _really_ mad. Beyond mad. She pulls out the top drawer and dumps its contents on the floor, then starts rifling through it. She does the same to the rest of the drawers as the conversation progresses. RILLER (sighs, exasperated) Becca, I gave them to Wolenczak. (beat) All of them. She doesn't believe him. TRUEMAN (angrily) Sure you did. (beat, bitterly) Just like you promised me you'd never touch that crap again. (beat) And I believed you. She starts on the next drawer, slamming the first shut. Riller walks over to her, standing within arms' length and slightly off to her left. RILLER (getting ticked) Don't act so holier-than-thou. It's not like you kept _your_ part of the deal. (mimicking) "Justin, I swear, I'll never lay a hand on anyone again." (beat) Mm-hm. MacIssac still hasn't recovered-- Without warning, Trueman whirls and slugs him. He falls to the deck, slightly stunned, a trickle of blood beginning to come out of his nose. TRUEMAN (yelling) _Don't give me that bullshit!_ Both of us know I at least _tried_ not to let my temper outta control! _You_ on the other hand... (beat, coldly, disgusted) ...You just kept on taking it. You didn't tell me, and you put the secretary general of the UEO in danger because you needed a damn _fix_. Riller watches her for a moment, then stands, wiping the blood away from his nose. RILLER I could bring you up on charges for that, you know. Trueman glares at him. He adopts a different tactic. RILLER (apologetically) Becca, you know how addictive Kytine is. Ted Walker made it worse. TRUEMAN (coldly) But you didn't even try. I offered to help you get into a rehab clinic, and-- RILLER (cutting her off) I do _not_ need to go to a clinic. (beat) I turned it in to Wolenczak. All of it. (beat, before she can protest) And I promise I won't touch it again. Trueman doesn't believe him, that much is obvious. TRUEMAN (coldly) Sure. Just like you threw it all down the trash chute on the _Excalibur_. (beat) You fooled Captain Avery, and you got yourself out of a court-martial. You may be able to fool Wolenczak and Burke into thinking you're clean. But I _know_ you. (beat, shakes head, disgusted) And I know you're nothing but a liar. Before Riller can protest, Trueman turns and stalks out, slamming the hatch behind herself. CUT TO ENGINEERING Percell is working under one of the consoles. Hunter enters and looks around, then walks toward her. HUNTER Percell. Have you seen Callan? (beat, a bit confused) And what are you doing? PERCELL (from under the console) Hm? (beat) I'm just doing some work on the WSKRS linkups. (beat) The commander said something about a call from his wife. Hunter nods. HUNTER (meaning the WSKRS) Is something wrong with them? Percell pushes herself out from underneath the console and stands up, wiping her hands on her pants. PERCELL They shouldn't have missed what the UEO Underwater Network picked up. They're supposed to be thirty-four percent more accurate than the Network at top efficiency! Hunter is a bit confused by her obsessive behavior. HUNTER Percell, it was only a drill, and your performance was fine. (beat) And... He leans forward. HUNTER (confidentially) The simulation was programmed to make it harder for the crew. (beat) It was a no-win scenario. Percell stares for a moment. HUNTER Captain Wolenczak wanted to see if the crew could handle losing. (beat, confidentially) But don't let anyone know you know that, okay? I could get my ass fried for telling you. Percell nods. Hunter turns to go. PERCELL (calling) Commander? Hunter turns. PERCELL I heard about your brother. (beat) Is he okay? Hunter is thrown a little off guard by this. After a moment, he nods. HUNTER Yeah. Mike's fine. Percell nods. PERCELL I just wanted to know. (beat) My mom and one of my little brothers were in Pearl during the war, when the Macronesians took it. So I guess I know how you feel. Hunter nods. HUNTER (stiffly) Thanks. He turns and walks out. Percell takes a deep breath and looks at the console she'd been working on. PERCELL (to console) And as for _you_... She sighs as she crawls back underneath it. CUT TO RILLER'S QUARTERS Riller is sitting on his bunk. His PAL chirps. He picks it up. RILLER Riller here. HUNTER (over PAL) Lieutenant, the captain says you can come out now. No leaving the boat. Riller nods. RILLER Great. He cuts the channel and stands. CUT TO CREW'S MESS Riller is sitting, eating a bowl of soup. His hands are shaking ever-so-slightly as he brings the spoon to his lips. He doesn't notice the person who walks up and sits down beside him. Burke. She has her meal on her tray. Riller pays her no attention for a few seconds. BURKE (after a moment) Lieutenant, I just wanted to tell you I know how difficult the past day or so has been for you. Kytine is one of the hardest habits to break. RILLER (disgusted, brushing her off) Oh, is it. (beat) And how would the oh-so-squeaky-clean doctor know this? Burke ignores his sarcasm and the remark. BURKE I worked in a rehab center in D.C. for my internship. Some of those people had been using Kytine since Deon developed it. (beat) How long have you been addicted? Riller looks up at her. RILLER (trying to laugh it off) Addicted? (beat) In case you haven't noticed, _Doctor_, I don't have a problem. I turned them over to Wolenczak. Do you think an addict would do that? BURKE If he had another stash somewhere. RILLER (angrily) What, have you been talking to Trueman?! (beat, tersely) Whatever the hell it is you want to say, say it and leave me alone. Burke raises an eyebrow at his hostility, but pushes on. BURKE I wanted to tell you I've been researching some treatment options, and-- RILLER (cutting her off, sarcastic) Oh, _really_. _Treatment_ options, you say? (beat, without thinking about what he's saying) You might think you know what my life is like, Burke, but you don't. I wake up every morning wanting it, and I have one every night before I go to sleep. I've spent about half of my total salary on that crap, and I know damn well what it does to me. So don't come and wave your "credentials" and your "treatment options" in my face. Because frankly, I don't give a damn, and you can shove your treatment options-- BURKE (cutting him off) I see. (beat) It was only a suggestion. She stands and walks out before he can respond. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE =========================== PART 4 ===================================== ACT FOUR FADE IN TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLE--CGI A UEO standard shuttle is cutting through the water. Caption reads: "UEO Launch". New line: "Location, classified". New line: "Destination: _seaQuest 4600III_". CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE There are about ten UEO officers aboard. A security team, led by a young woman with blonde hair, who is sitting in the copilot's seat. Her face is not visible. In the rear of the shuttle is a young woman, about thirty years old. Ensign Anne Morgan. She's quite small, and has auburn hair that's twisted up in a functional bun. She's wearing a light green lab coat, and holding a dufflebag in her lap. She's also trying to keep her balance as she's jostled by some of the members of the security team. One of the other team members, an ensign, looks over at her. ENSIGN So, you're a scientist? His tone is almost one of disdain. Morgan looks at him, not quite sure of whether or not to acknowledge the "dig" or not. MORGAN Yes. She looks back at the dufflebag in her lap. The ensign tries to decide if he should say anything else or not, finally deciding against it. The team leader looks back at the rest of them. TEAM LEADER Okay, people. We'll be docking with the _seaQuest_ in five minutes, seventeen seconds. Everyone get ready to go. There's something vaguely familiar about her voice. The viewer isn't given time to dwell on it, however, because we... CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak, Trueman, Matthews, Reede, and Percell are on duty and at their appropriate stations. Trueman is in a _very_ bad mood, still. Reede notices and clears his throat gently. She looks up at him. TRUEMAN (roughly) Yeah? What do _you_ want? Reede looks at her for a moment, not having expected that kind of reaction. He glances back to Wolenczak, who is occupied, talking to Percell at her station. Then he looks back at Trueman. REEDE I just wondered...do you want to get together after this shift ends? Trueman raises an eyebrow, disgusted. TRUEMAN Please, tell me you're not serious. (beat) Look, Reede, I don't know what it is I did that gave you the wrong idea, but I'd really prefer that you stay the hell away from-- REEDE (quietly, interrupting) Look. (beat) Becca... She's surprised at his use of her first name--not something she'd expected. REEDE (continuing, sincerely) I know this is a tough time for you. (beat) I want you to know you can talk to me. If you need to talk about anything. (beat) If anything's bothering you. His gaze goes back to his console, as if he hadn't said a word. Trueman's gaze lingers on him for a moment, unsure of what to make of his words. After a moment, she shakes it off and looks back to her console. The camera pans over to Wolenczak, at Percell's station. WOLENCZAK (hushed, concerned) Are you _sure_ they didn't file a report that said they were coming? Percell shakes her head uneasily. PERCELL I don't think so, Sir. You'd have to check with Trueman-- she's the one who would have seen the communications logs. (beat) All I know is there's a shuttle out there that hasn't identified itself. (beat) What with the attempt on the secretary general's life, and her being aboard, I thought you would want to know. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Thanks for keeping that quiet, Chief. Lost in thought, he walks away. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S QUARTERS Hitchcock is working at her computer terminal. There's a knock at the hatch. Without waiting for her response, it opens. It's Wolenczak. Hitchcock looks up from her work, unamused. HITCHCOCK (slightly annoyed) Lucas, didn't anyone ever teach you to wait until you're granted permission before you walk into their room unannounced? Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK No, they didn't. (beat) I need to ask you a question. She nods, giving him the go-ahead. WOLENCZAK Why is there an unidentified UEO shuttle headed for us? Why wasn't I informed? HITCHCOCK What makes you think I know anything about it? She's circumventing him, but not in such a way that it seems at all malevolent--more like she's teasing him. He isn't amused. WOLENCZAK (frustrated) Katie, this isn't funny, and it's not cute. Don't you get it?! Someone tried to _kill_you two days ago! Why can't you understand that Ben and I are concerned about you! (beat, _very_ reluctantly) If you know who that is, tell me. Or else I'm going to have to fire on them. Hitchcock stares at him, unable to believe she's hearing what he's saying. WOLENCZAK (reluctantly) I can't risk your safety. (beat) Not when you're the only chance the UEO's got. (beat) Who are they? Hitchcock observes him for a moment, unsure of whether or not he's serious. She realizes he is. HITCHCOCK It's a classified shuttle from Annapolis. They're delivering a surprise for you, and then they're taking me home. Wolenczak opens his mouth to object. HITCHCOCK (before he can speak) Lucas, I don't want an argument. Understood? While I loved being out here on _seaQuest_ twenty-five years ago, I am _not_ a naval officer anymore! (beat) And I've been out here under your watchful eye just long enough to know that Ben is an overprotective, obnoxious, arrogant, nosy-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off) --Insufferably wonderful person you know you couldn't live without. (beat) You're not leaving until _I_ say you're leaving. If you think Ben is bad, wait until you see _me_ in action. Hitchcock shakes her head. HITCHCOCK You have to let them dock. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK I will. (beat) But you're not leaving until I'm satisfied their security is enough to keep you safe. Reluctantly, Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK (attempting humor) Fine. You can go over the shuttle. CUT TO DOCKING BAY The _seaQuest_ has docked with the shuttle that will take Hitchcock back to Annapolis. The leader of the security team and a _seaQuest_ crew member are talking. TEAM LEADER We can't wait long. (beat) Secretary General Hitchcock is needed back at headquarters as soon as possible. The crew member shrugs. CREW MEMBER Look, Lieutenant, those are the orders. (beat) Nobody gets near her unless we can confirm their clearance. (beat) It ain't my idea of a fun time, I'm tellin' you. The team leader sighs impatiently. TEAM LEADER (aggravated) Well hurry up! How long could it possibly take to run my team's authorization through the computers?! The crew member shakes his head. CREW MEMBER It takes a few minutes. You'll just hafta wait. He walks away, toward the camera, then off screen. The team leader whirls to watch him go, a frustrated expression on her face, and we see who she is. Berger. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OFF BRIDGE The MagLev doors open. Riller walks out and onto the bridge. CUT TO BRIDGE Riller walks in. Matthews, Reede, Trueman, and Percell are on duty. Matthews is in command. All are at their appropriate stations. Riller relieves the noncom at his station. OFF TRUEMAN, who is fixated on Riller's presence. She looks over her shoulder and glares in his direction, stopping when she sees that he isn't watching her. We SEE PAST HER to Reede, who is watching her carefully. A light on her console goes off, on a personal line. She looks up at Matthews, then pulls on her headset and taps a key. TRUEMAN (confused) Yes? There is a moment's silence. A voice on the other end of the line speaks. MAN'S VOICE (quietly, over com) Ensign, perhaps you should go talk to your captain. TRUEMAN (confused, into com) I'm sorry. Who is this? MAN'S VOICE A friend. (beat) Hitchcock is in danger. The channel is severed. Trueman stares at her console for the barest of seconds. She pushes the headset off and begins typing furiously, trying to get the channel back. Reede looks over at her. REEDE (confused) Trueman? She ignores him and stands. TRUEMAN Commander Matthews? Matthews looks up. MATTHEWS Yes? TRUEMAN Request permission to report to Captain Wolenczak, Sir. Matthews raises an eyebrow. MATTHEWS Why? TRUEMAN Sir, I can't--There was someone on the com--I--I can't explain it, Sir. I just need to-- Matthews nods, unsure of exactly what's going on. MATTHEWS (deciding she'd rather have Trueman off the bridge) Go ahead. Trueman stands and leaves. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S QUARTERS Hitchcock is packing. She finishes, closes her suitcase, and walks to the hatch, which she opens. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY As the hatch opens. Wolenczak is standing there. HITCHCOCK (mildly exasperated) Hi. (beat) What are you doing here? WOLENCZAK (playing innocent) I'm going to escort you to the docking bay. HITCHCOCK I see. (beat) Why? WOLENCZAK (strained) Because I don't see nearly enough of you any more, and I thought we could talk along the way. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Morgan is off-loading her science equipment. None of the security officers are offering their assistance. Berger is still waiting, impatiently. Wolenczak and Hitchcock enter from the other side of the bay. Berger looks about to start toward them, but restrains herself. OFF WOLENCZAK AND HITCHCOCK as Wolenczak sees Morgan. Her lab coat puts her at a sharp contrast to the rest of the crew, and he notices it immediately. He turns to Hitchcock, who is immensely satisfied with his reaction. WOLENCZAK (off Morgan) Who the hell is that? HITCHCOCK (smiling) Your new science officer. OFF WOLENCZAK'S EXPRESSION, we... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR =========================== PART 5 ===================================== ACT FIVE FADE IN TO DOCKING BAY Hitchcock waves Morgan over. Morgan puts down the equipment she was holding, and approaches. She stands at near-attention. MORGAN Yes? Hitchcock gestures to Wolenczak, who is still in a minor state of shock. HITCHCOCK Ensign Morgan, this is Captain Wolenczak. (to Wolenczak) Captain, Ensign Morgan is the science staff I promised you. (beat) Now, I'm sure the two of you need to talk. So I'll just be going now. She takes a step toward the shuttle airlock, ready to use Morgan's arrival as a distraction to get herself off the ship. Berger approaches from the other side of the room. BERGER (to Hitchcock) Madame Secretary, could we get going? Hitchcock nods, glancing back at Wolenczak. He shakes his head. HITCHCOCK Of course, Lieutenant. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. As Berger turns to go, Trueman enters the room. She's been running, and is slightly winded. TRUEMAN Captain, I just got a hail from someone who said the secretary general is in danger and-- Wolenczak whirls back to Hitchcock. She rolls her eyes. HITCHCOCK (under her breath) Great. Just great. WOLENCZAK Just hold on. (beat, to Trueman) Who was it? TRUEMAN (frustrated) I have no idea. There was a touch of an accent--I don't know what kind, though. I couldn't place it. (beat) He just said... (thinks, quoting) ..."Ensign, perhaps you should go talk to your captain." I asked him who it was, and he said a friend, and the secretary general was in danger. Berger's eyes widen, near-panicking. BERGER (whispers to herself) Damn Saquido... No one notices this. Wolenczak turns to Hitchcock. WOLENCZAK (quietly) Katie, you're staying. Berger overhears this. BERGER (to Hitchcock, ignoring Wolenczak) Madame Secretary, we're supposed to have you back at Annapolis in two hours. We _really_ don't have time for-- Wolenczak finally "notices" Berger. WOLENCZAK (interrupting) Who are you? Berger has regained her composure. BERGER (coolly) I'm the CO of the security team assigned to bring-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off, sharply) I know that. I'd like a name, _Lieutenant_. BERGER (without missing a beat) Lieutenant Erica DeSmitt, Sir. (beat) I assure you the secretary general is in good hands, Captain. Hitchcock's expression reads: "Gee, don't I feel lovely, having all these people standing around talking about me like I'm not even here..." Trueman is watching Berger intently, as though she recognizes her from somewhere but can't exactly place where. HITCHCOCK (breaking in, to Wolenczak) There. I'm leaving. It's been a lovely couple of days, and it was nice seeing you again. (with finality) Now, goodbye. She turns to Berger. HITCHCOCK Let's go. Berger nods and they turn, walking toward the shuttle--the rest of the security team has already gone back in. Morgan is going through a few of her boxes. Sudden comprehension passes over Trueman's face. TRUEMAN (whispering, horrified) My God... (beat, to Wolenczak) She's the girl from the bar! Wolenczak's gaze jerks up to Trueman. WOLENCZAK (yelling) Katie, come here a minute! Hitchcock turns back to him. Attempting nonchalance, Wolenczak walks toward her. He takes her by the arm and pulls her several paces away. HITCHCOCK (getting _very_ annoyed, whispering) Lucas, this is getting ridiculous. I am leaving, and that's all there is-- WOLENCZAK Katie, please, just trust me on this. Berger is watching them intently, and realizes her cover has been blown. Her paranoia overcomes her. She makes a grab for the nearest person--Morgan. She pulls a plasma pistol out of her uniform jacket, and grabs Morgan by the arm, twisting it around behind her. Morgan's hair falls partially out of her bun. Wolenczak immediately puts himself between Berger and Hitchcock. Trueman pulls out her PAL. TRUEMAN (into PAL) Security team to the docking bay! BERGER (to Trueman) Put it-- She is cut off as Morgan twists her arm around, and yanks the gun away from her, finishing off with a kick to Berger's gut. Berger doubles over. A security team comes in, weapons drawn. They arrest Berger, and take her weapon from Morgan. Wolenczak leaves Hitchcock in the care of one of the security guards and walks over to Morgan, who is putting her hair back up. WOLENCZAK Are you all right? Morgan nods, finishing. MORGAN I'm fine, Sir. WOLENCZAK (nods) Good. Nice work. (beat) Take a few hours to get settled in, and I'll see you in my office at 1730. He walks away, back to Hitchcock. The camera follows him. WOLENCZAK (to Hitchcock) Still think I was worrying for no good reason? Hitchcock watches as Berger is taken out. HITCHCOCK Maybe not... (beat) I assume I can go now? Wolenczak looks at her, a bit surprised. WOLENCZAK But, I-- HITCHCOCK The threat has been removed. If you'd rather, you can put your own people on that shuttle with me. (beat) But this is the job, and I've got to get back to Annapolis so I can do it. Wolenczak sighs, finally giving in. WOLENCZAK Yeah. You can go. He and Hitchcock shake hands. HITCHCOCK Nice seeing the boat again. She turns and walks into the shuttle. Wolenczak watches her go. CUT TO MAGLEV Riller is sitting in the MagLev. It stops, and the doors open. Matthews enters. She ignores him, but in such a way that it isn't immediately discernable. The doors close. Matthews punches in a destination on the keypad by the door. RILLER (a greeting) Hey, Commander. She looks at him. MATTHEWS (icily) Lieutenant. She looks away, tapping her foot on the floor as she waits. The MagLev begins moving. There are several moments of silence. RILLER So...Any news about what happened to the secretary general? Matthews looks toward him. MATTHEWS No. (beat) None that you'd be privy to. Her tone is glacial, and it's damned clear that she doesn't want a _thing_ to do with him. But Riller doesn't quite get that. RILLER (a bit confused) Commander, did I do something wrong? Matthews scoffs. MATTHEWS You could say that. The MagLev stops. Matthews steps off, leaving Riller alone. He watches her go, a bit confused. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI Caption reads: "Four hours later". CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is standing, talking with Hitchcock, over vidlink. HITCHCOCK A judge set her bail at four million dollars. WOLENCZAK (incredulous) And she paid it?! Hitchcock shakes her head. HITCHCOCK No. _Theodore Walker_ paid it. (beat) According to security, she was flown out of the country on an EWS private jet two hours later. (beat) They couldn't get a confirmed identity on her, either. There are several silent beats. Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK What kind of _idiot_ would give her the chance to get out like that? Hitchcock shakes her head. HITCHCOCK Judge Sam Fuller. (beat) He's...an interesting person. (beat) And he's retiring next month. Wolenczak stares at the desk for a few minutes. WOLENCZAK (looking up) Well, I suppose I should be glad Ensign Trueman received that call. HITCHCOCK Have you been able to figure out who placed it? WOLENCZAK Nothing. (beat) The signal was rerouted through over fifty channels and nodes. (beat) I've only seen a few people capable of doing something like that so _I_ couldn't even trace it. There is a knock at the hatch. Wolenczak looks toward it, and checks his watch. He looks back to Hitchcock. WOLENCZAK I have to go. Ensign Morgan just arrived, and I want to talk to her for a few minutes. Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK Well, I can tell you right now that she's not an easy person to get to know, but if you give her a chance, she'll be fine. (beat, smiles) Bye. Wolenczak grins as he turns off the channel. The vidlink screen goes blank. He turns to the hatch. WOLENCZAK Come in. The door opens. Morgan enters. She salutes. Wolenczak returns the salute. WOLENCZAK Anything I should know about you before you go on-duty? MORGAN No, Sir. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK Nothing? You have no idea why you're here? Nothing about a black smoker you'd like to investigate? No pods of roving dolphins? (beat, humorously) Not even a favorite color? Morgan shakes her head. Wolenczak realizes that she's not being standoffish--she's nervous. WOLENCZAK Ensign, take a deep breath and relax. (beat) I'm glad you're here. Especially after that situation in the docking bay. (beat) Congratulations--you saved the secretary general's life. MORGAN Thank you. Wolenczak looks at her for a moment, trying to think of something more to say. Finally, he sighs. WOLENCZAK Welcome aboard. Dismissed. Morgan nods and walks out, closing the hatch softly behind her. Wolenczak watches her go, a tad confused about her behavior. CUT TO MEDBAY The lights are dim--night watch has begun. Burke is filling emergency medkits. Someone clears his throat from the hatchway. She turns, and sees Riller, standing. BURKE Lieutenant? Is there something you needed? Riller walks into the room, over to where she's standing. RILLER (quietly, hesitantly) Doctor, I...I didn't think you'd still be on duty, but I didn't know where you'd be... (beat) I wanted apologize for what I said earlier. (beat) You were just trying to help. BURKE (nods) Apology accepted. She moves to go back to her work. Riller puts a hand over hers, stopping her from turning away. RILLER (difficultly) And...I just wanted to say that, well, if you still have something about that treatment...thing... (beat) ...I'll listen now. Burke looks at him, realizing how difficult it is for him to admit that he has a problem, and slightly surprised that he did. She nods. BURKE (moderately stunned) Oh. Of course. I-- If you could just wait a minute or two, I think I have the information in my office. I saved it in case you changed your mind. Riller nods. CUT TO ADJOINING SCIENCE LAB Trueman is putting some of Morgan's equipment away. She overhears Burke and Riller's conversation, and walks to the door, unsure of what's going on. She sees them talking. BURKE (in MedBay) If you want to wait in my office, feel free. Riller nods, getting more uncomfortable by the second. He walks out of Trueman's line of view. She shuts her eyes, leaning against the wall, and slowly slides down the wall to the floor. TRUEMAN (whispering) God, just please let it work this time... FADE TO BLACK THE END ========================================================================== Copyright 1996, 1997 seaQuest 2047 Staff