========================================================================== 05 - HOMECOMING II. 2047 Team ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2047 Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact) ========================================================================== seaQuest 2047 "Homecoming II" Story by Rachel Brody & Victoria Morgan Hyde Script by Rachel Brody Tuesday, October 22, 1996 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032" ========================= PART 0 - TEASER =============================== TEASER OPEN ON WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS Wolenczak is sitting in his quarters, at his computer terminal. He picks up the com disk that's lying next to the terminal, and puts it into the drive. He hits a few keys, and the com log appears on the screen, in text/programming form. We see a montage of shots: Wolenczak typing. Windows are appearing on the screen, images overlapping each other. Com traces (a la the World Bank from "Photon Bullet") appear. After several shots of this, he sits back in his chair, shaking his head. He stands and paces, finally stopping. He sighs. Then he looks around the room. His eyes land on his photographs-- he and Bridger, etc, from "Family Ties". They finally reach a picture of himself and Julianna. His eyes widen as he gets an idea. He rushes to sit back at his computer, activating the wall-mounted vidlink as he does so. WOLENCZAK (to himself) Come on, come on... After several moments, the screen comes to life. Julianna appears on screen. She's about twenty-five years older than in the picture, but still quite attractive. Her hair is down, and she's wearing casual clothes. She reacts to Wolenczak's appearance with a small degree of shock. He regards her fondly. JULIANNA (nearly breathless with surprise) ...Lucas?! (beat, quickly, glad to see him) My God, it's-- it's been ages! There is a quiet moment. As Wolenczak looks at her, it becomes evident that he's still quite attracted to her, but trying to hide it. He nods. WOLENCZAK Not since before the wedding, at least. I'm sorry I couldn't make it. Julianna looks slightly uncomfortable. JULIANNA That's okay. WOLENCZAK So...how's Nick? She shakes her head. JULIANNA Things didn't work out. We separated a few years ago. Ouch. Wolenczak winces. Julianna shakes her head quickly. JULIANNA (reassuringly) No! It's okay, really! (beat) We still talk every once in a while, but we just realized we weren't really good for each other. He had his career at Genutech, and I had Node Three. Things just...fell apart after a while. (beat, changing the topic) So...I'm sure you aren't calling just to catch up. Wolenczak grins. WOLENCZAK Well...no. (beat) I need some help. Julianna nods, waiting. WOLENCZAK With a com trace. It's several months old. She nods again. JULIANNA (smiles) Send it over-- I'll log on. Hold on a sec. She leaves the screen, hits a few keys on a computer keyboard that's out of sight, then angles her vidlink so Wolenczak can see her sliding into her seat. He hits a few keys. WOLENCZAK Here you go. JULIANNA (after a moment) Got it. She looks over the screen, her brow creasing in confusion/concentration. JULIANNA (slowly) This is... Talk about difficult... Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK I've been trying to figure out where it's from-- but it's so heavily encrypted, and bounced across about thirty different nodes... I thought you might know something... He trails off, his tone asking the question: will she be able to help? She takes a deep breath. JULIANNA I can try. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK We can work parallel to each other. Julianna nods. They begin. CUT TO CORRIDOR Reede is walking down the corridor, just outside engineering. As he walks by, Trueman walks out the door. He stops her. REEDE Becca? She stops, not having realized he was there. She's not overly ecstatic to see him, but not nasty, either. At first. TRUEMAN (sarcastically) Wow, look who it is. The bloodhound himself. (beat) Reede, you realize you've been following me _everywhere_ the past few hours? Reede raises an eyebrow. She walks off. He jogs up to her. She's not paying much attention to him, obviously upset about something. REEDE Hey, hey, whoa. Slow down a minute. He reaches out for her shoulder and takes it, pulling her to a stop. She whirls on him. TRUEMAN (restraining herself) Let go. Reede lets go, not having realized that she was in such a bad mood. REEDE Something the matter? TRUEMAN (not thinking before she answers, muttering) Damn lieutenants, you can't trust a word outta their mouths. Reede raises an eyebrow. REEDE (baiting her) What about Riller? She gives him a "duh, of course not, you stooge" look. TRUEMAN He's J.G. Doesn't count. REEDE Okay... So what happened? TRUEMAN Clarke just reamed me out for not (mimicking) "Following procedure." (under her breath) SOB doesn't know what he's talking about. Reede nods. REEDE They never do. Be glad all _you_ hafta worry about is a regulation-quoting engineer. TRUEMAN (rolls her eyes, sarcastically) And I suppose you'd know all about regulation quoting officers? REEDE Yeah, you could say that. He turns and walks away, in the opposite direction. Trueman watches him go, not quite sure of what she said to make him upset. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS Wolenczak and Julianna are still working. They've overcome the initial problems, but are still having trouble. WOLENCZAK (as he types) Okay...okay...I think...here we go...damn! He stands and pushes himself up from the terminal. Julianna shakes her head, chuckling. WOLENCZAK What? JULIANNA (shakes her head) Nothing. Too bad I'm not over there, or we could discuss this over the dinner table. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Yeah. He sighs and sits down again, rubbing the base of his neck with his right hand as he types with his left. WOLENCZAK You could always stick some of the kids on this. Julianna shakes her head. JULIANNA The kids here have enough to worry about without your international espionage. Wolenczak looks up, a little surprised. WOLENCZAK (troubled) Espionage? Julianna nods, not realizing what she's saying. JULIANNA (as she types) Mm-hm. (beat) You know, it's none of my business, but I do think the UEO is being a little hard on the Carolinans. (beat) They're just people trying to exist, after all. Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK (smiles uncomfortably in disbelief) Julianna... Don't tell me you're believing Ross' PR. She looks up, realizing that maybe she shouldn't have said anything. JULIANNA No, not at all. She isn't completely convincing. WOLENCZAK (not completely convinced) No...I guess not. There's a silence broken only by the clacking of keys. Finally, Julianna's expression breaks into a grin. JULIANNA Got it! Wolenczak looks up at her; all is forgiven. WOLENCZAK Great! JULIANNA Transmitting now. She hits a key, and the message pops up on Wolenczak's screen. As he looks it over, his expression falls. WOLENCZAK Julianna... She looks at him. JULIANNA Yes? WOLENCZAK Delete your copy of this. Now. She raises an eyebrow, confused. She begins to examine her computer screen. JULIANNA Delete it? Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (forcefully) Now! Startled, she hits a key. JULIANNA It's gone. Why? Wolenczak can barely hear her, he's mesmerized by the screen. WOLENCZAK Because...this... (beat) This is impossible.... (beat) I'll get back to you, okay? Julianna can see he's not trying to brush her off or be rude. He's concerned about what's on the screen. JULIANNA (nods) Of course. Talk to you later. She severs the channel. Wolenczak is still staring at the computer screen. He shakes his head. WOLENCZAK No...this is...how the hell did she get ahold of these? On his expression of complete and utter disbelief, we... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== ACT ONE OPEN ON WARDROOM Wolenczak is pacing, Matthews is watching. The records that Julianna assisted Wolenczak with are playing over the computer screen. WOLENCZAK That's it. (beat) The information on those vids all pertain to Carolinan attacks on UEO outposts-- they were keeping her informed of-- MATTHEWS (quietly, interrupting) It wasn't Percell, sir. Wolenczak stops. WOLENCZAK Excuse me? Matthews nods. MATTHEWS The World News Net broadcasted a...press conference...a few hours ago. While you were digging. (beat) I didn't want to interrupt you. (beat) It was... She shakes her head. MATTHEWS Here, just watch. She hits a few keys on the vidlink controls, and the press conference pops up. It's a recording. Hunter is standing at the podium, speaking. Flashes go off every few moments, etc. General media hoopla. Wolenczak is transfixed. HUNTER (on screen) Due to the completely irrational behavior of the United Earth/Oceans Organization, my return to my...homeland...can only be expected. (beat) I've always been patriotic. Only recently did I learn that can be a weakness, if one's patriotism is to the wrong people. (beat) I was born in North Carolina, and am looking forward to returning to my life there. (beat) I can only hope that the UEO doesn't overreact to this, as it has to so many things. A close up of his face from the news camera. He looks pretty sincere. HUNTER (playing it up) The world has seen so much pain and war in the past few decades. The war with Macronesia only ended a few years ago. The people of Earth don't need more international squabbles decreasing their quality of-- He freezes as Matthews presses the "pause" button. She shakes her head. MATTHEWS The rest is just more of the same. Wolenczak stands and nods. WOLENCZAK So there was a defector aboard my ship... He shakes his head and stands. WOLENCZAK I assume the secretary general already knows? Matthews nods. WOLENCZAK In that case, dismissed. She nods and goes. Wolenczak sinks back into his chair, thinking. FADE TO CAPE NEWBERN Caption reads: "Two weeks later" ROSS (V.O., angrily) The Vortex is _what_?! CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross is sitting at her desk, talking on the vidlink. On the screen is Theodore Walker, one of the owners of EWS Global. He's not in the best of moods-- a touch exasperated. WALKER Only six months to go. Ross glares at him. ROSS (mimicking, annoyed) "Only six months to go." (angrily) That's how long you told me the _original project_ would take! Walker flinches inwardly. Ross would enjoy his discomfort, if it wasn't for the fact that she's too out of sorts to do so. She leaves her desk, and spins her vidlink to face the room, beginning to pace. ROSS Mr. Walker, I want it done in-- WALKER Madame President, it will be done _when we finish it_. And you'll be informed as soon as possible. (beat) I understand your frustration, but this is _very_ delicate work. If Saquido found out that James and I had agreed to develop this...item...for you... Well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty for anyone involved. Including yourself. Ross scoffs. ROSS (taunting) So, maybe you should remind me again... Who's in charge of that company of yours? WALKER I have EWS in control, Madame President-- He stops abruptly as though in the middle of a sentence, glancing at his computer screen. He shakes his head. WALKER I'm going to have to stick a "To Be Continued" sign in the middle of this conversation; I have a schedule to keep. Ross opens her mouth to object. WALKER (quickly) It was nice talking. Bye. He cuts the channel before she says anything. She shoots the monitor a dirty look. ROSS (exasperated) Damn businessman... CUT TO WALKER'S OFFICE We pan around the office walls. They are hung with diplomas, articles, etc. On in particular stands out: "CEO At Deon International Produces New Wonder Drug"-- and a quote from Walker--"We're certain that in the next ten years, Kytine will become as familiar a household name as aspirin." The camera pauses long enough so that the quote can be read before passing on to Ted Walker himself. He's putting away several file folders, labeled "Vortex Report." His intercom beeps. SECRETARY (edgily) Mr. Walker, your...associate...is here. Walker sighs, somewhat exasperated. WALKER Send her in. SECRETARY But-- WALKER (cutting her off) _Now_! A moment's pause. SECRETARY She's on her way. The secretary shuts off her end of the com line. Walker does an "It's so hard to find good help these days" sigh. Then the door is flung open. A _very_ furious Andrea Berger storms in. She's her normal appearance-- dark hair, a white blouse, knee length blue skirt, and matching blazer. Walker sighs. WALKER Andrea....come in. She does so. Walker goes over to her and offers his hand. She regards it with some degree of disgust, but nonetheless takes it. Before he knows what's happened, she twists his arm around behind him, and pulls a plasma pistol out of her jacket. She quickly switches the gun to the hand that's holding his arm, and grabs him around the neck with the other arm-- the basic idea we want to convey being that she could snap him like a twig. WALKER (keeping his cool) What are you do-- He's cut off as she tightens her grip. BERGER (too sweetly) Teddy, you promised me I'd have sixty percent of Hydrotech by the eighteenth. (beat, feigning injury) Honey, it's the twenty-third already. They won't even _talk_ to me. Walker begins to get a tad nervous. WALKER Let me go, Andie. We'll talk. Berger thinks for a moment, then nods. BERGER Fair enough. Slowly, ever so slowly, Berger loosens her grip. She turns Walker around and backs him up against a wall. She's still holding her gun, and has it at his neck. She smiles, but without sincerity. BERGER (sharply, unamused) Talk. WALKER (shakes his head) Put the gun down. She shakes her head, getting madder. Walker's reaction grows more and more akin to panic as we watch. WALKER I'll call security if you don't put it down, _now_. Not like that worries Berger... BERGER In that case... She stifles a chuckle and takes it away, taking a step back. Walker lets out a breath as he straightens his jacket. WALKER I knew you'd see reason. BERGER Absolutely. She brings the gun up swiftly and shoots right over his left shoulder, leaving a smoldering hole in the wall, only inches from his head. She's clearly _not_ over this. WALKER (yelling) _What the hell was that?!?_ She glares at him, her hands on her hips. Nearly a pout, but with a more sinister edge. BERGER (yelling) How _dare_ you talk to me that way?! Walker walks right up to her. WALKER (yelling, very ticked) I got you out of a shitload of trouble with the UEO, I'll talk to you any way I damn well want! She slaps him. From his reaction, we can tell it stings. He glares for a moment, then his expression softens. WALKER You're gorgeous when you're angry. Berger's anger begins to lose its edge. BERGER Really? He nods and moves a little closer. WALKER Really. She smiles. They embrace and kiss passionately. It lasts long enough to make one wonder where exactly they're getting their oxygen from. Then she pulls away, her manner no longer flirtatious. BERGER (coldly) In that case, I'll be pretty damned attractive if I don't see that percentage. Soon, Ted. (beat) If not, you'll be spending the rest of your...life...burning in Hell. Walker watches noiselessly, not particularly threatened, as she picks up her gun and puts it away. She walks toward the door. She stops as she's about to open it, and turns back to him. BERGER Oh, and one of your idiot partners is out waiting for you. A trace of concern from Walker. WALKER Who? BERGER (shrugs, nonchalantly) The one I _don't_ like. (beat, seriously, threatening) Tell Saquido to stay the hell away from me, if he places any kind of value on his life. (beat) Or his family's. Walker isn't given the chance to answer, because she stalks out. The door slams behind her. CUT TO WAITING ROOM OUTSIDE WALKER'S OFFICE A small corridor leads from the waiting room to the office. Phillip Saquido, another of the EWS trio, is sitting and waiting. His "aura", if you please, is much more relaxed, and "nicer" than Walker's. Walker's secretary is sitting and typing as Berger walks out of the corridor. She shoots Saquido a dirty look. BERGER (nearly a snarl) Teddy will see you now. Saquido stands, picking up a briefcase. Berger is pretty imposing, but he doesn't look too concerned. SAQUIDO Thank you for telling me. (beat) If you'll excuse me... He moves to enter the corridor and make his way to the office. Berger takes his shoulder and stops him. He turns to face her. SAQUIDO Is there anything else you'd like to say? His tone makes it clear that he doesn't want to hear anything else from her, that he's humoring her, and that he'd just as soon ignore her. She nods. BERGER (too civilly) As a matter of fact, yes. (beat, quietly but _very_ seriously) If you _ever_ get in the way of me completing my missions again, you'd better hope to God you can get that family of yours out of the country before I get to them. (beat) Have a nice day. She lets go and walks away. Saquido watches her board the elevator. The doors close, and she's gone. He lets out a breath, then shakes his head. He walks down the corridor. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The _seaQuest_ is moving steadily through the water. CUT TO WALKER'S OFFICE Walker is straightening out his office from his little encounter with Berger. He's hanging a picture over the hole in the wall. There's a knock at the door. He looks up. WALKER Yes? SAQUIDO (through door) Ted, it's Phil. We need to talk. Saquido doesn't sound all too happy. Walker sighs and shakes his head, then walks to the door. He opens it. Saquido enters. In strained politeness, Walker gestures to a chair on the opposite side of the desk. Saquido refuses it. SAQUIDO (shakes head) I only have a few minutes. Walker turns away from him to walk around his desk and sit. As soon as Saquido can't see his face, Walker's expresison reads: "Good, now get on with it and get out." He wipes the look off his face and smiles. SAQUIDO I recieved a memo from financing this morning. The quarterly budget review just came in. Walker nods. WALKER Dawn gave me a copy this morning when I got in. He doesn't suspect a thing, and that's just the way Saquido wants it. SAQUIDO The R&D department was over budget eight-point-six million dollars. (beat) Since that falls under your jurisdiction... Walker turns ashen against his will. WALKER I-- I-- Saquido's enjoying himself thoroughly. SAQUIDO Ted, I don't even want to know what happened. (beat) But I know you've got some sort of deal going with the Confederation, and I know it's gotten you a certain amount of pull with President Ross. Walker doesn't respond. He's neither denying nor affirming what are, so far, only suspicions. SAQUIDO (enjoying himself) You've been keeping up with the news, I'm sure. Walker nods. SAQUIDO (continuing) The Confederation is holding a UEO officer captive against her will. (beat) Tell Ross that if that officer isn't back in UEO waters within the week, you won't make whatever new superweapon it is you're making for her. There's a silent beat, as Saquido allows the full implications of this to sink in. WALKER (after a moment, carefully) What are you talking about? Saquido leans slightly across the desk. SAQUIDO Don't play innocent with me, Ted, I know you too well. (beat) I know who took the shots at Secretary General Hitchcock two months ago. (beat) With the press of a button, the whole world could know it, too. Walker is madly trying to come up with a response. SAQUIDO Now, I don't object to your having Ms. Berger here as part of your staff. (beat) But a hired assassin is another matter entirely. Walker finally decides on what he's going to say. WALKER Politics aren't my department. You know that. SAQUIDO (without missing a beat) Then I'll have to turn her in. (beat) You have twenty-four hours to relay the message, Ted. I've got people keeping tabs on you. Without allowing time for Walker to give a response, he turns and walks out. Walker watches him go, supremely aggravated. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT TWO FADE IN TO WARDROOM Wolenczak and Hitchcock are arguing. She's on the vidlink. He's still upset with her, and there's a certain tension between them. She realizes this and is trying to close the gap. Wolenczak is resisting. HITCHCOCK The only reports I've seen indicate that she's dead. WOLENCZAK (holding back) She is _not_ dead. Hitchcock closes her eyes in a "count to ten" type of action. HITCHCOCK (restraining herself) It has been _two weeks_, _Captain_ Wolenczak. Section Seven investigators have been unable to find any trace of her. Wolenczak sighs and throws up his hands in an "I give up" gesture. WOLENCZAK ("knowingly") So, Ross has _you_ conned, too. Hitchcock shakes her head, calming. HITCHCOCK (somewhat subdued) Lucas, there's a fine line between not forgetting someone's memory and letting it run your life. (beat) Twenty-nine appeals to the UEO council, urging them to send in a strike team after a person who you've been told is dead is crossing it. (beat) The council isn't going to change its mind, and all you're doing is making enemies. (beat) We have enough paperwork as it is. Wolenczak rolls his eyes and shakes his head. WOLENCZAK (defensively) I did _not_ send twenty-nine appeals. HITCHCOCK (acknowledging) No, _you_ only sent twenty-five. The other four were from members of your senior staff. A smile flashes over Wolenczak's' face, immediately replaced by a near-scowl. Hitchcock looks at him for a moment, sympathetic, then she shakes her head apologetically. HITCHCOCK I'm sorry about what happened. I hope you'll believe me when I tell you that the absolute last thing I ever thought would happen would be for you to lose a member of your senior staff like this. (beat) But there comes a time when you just have to put it behind you and move on. Wolenczak has no response to this. HITCHCOCK And I'd like to thank you for your cooperation regarding the orders I gave you. For a while, I was afraid you might act like a few of _seaQuest_'s previous captains. Her tone makes it clear that this was just barely a real fear. Wolenczak knows she's not _serious_ serious, but he's still ticked off. WOLENCZAK (with a tinge of sarcasm) So glad you approve. His tone indicate that he's anything but. Hitchcock can see he's being a smartass, but isn't going to pursue the subject. HITCHCOCK At any rate, thanks. I know how hard this is for you. Wolenczak's eyes flash angrily as he _immediately_ looks up. He's coldly furious. She's set him off, but he's not out of control. Yet. WOLENCZAK No, Madame Secretary. You don't. Before she can say anything, he reaches out and cuts the channel. The screen goes black. He stares at it for a moment, then sinks into his chair, shaking his head and looking quite distraught. After a moment, he stands. There's a SEAPOC on the table. He picks it up and looks over the screen. Then he tosses it on the table, glares at it, and stalks out of the room. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE It's the middle of the night. You can see the city-scape of Raleigh through the window. Ross is furious. DeLano is attempting to calm her down. He's not doing a wonderful job of it. While Ross is still in business clothes, perfectly pressed and not a hair out of place, DeLano has "loosened his tie," so to speak, which could be contributing to her refusal to do so much as look at him if she can avoid it, and when she can't, doing so with great disdain. ROSS (pacing, yelling) That twisted _rat_! How _dare_ he do this to me?! DELANO (weakly) Madame President, please... He knows he's not going to do any good, so he's not really giving it his all. Ross shoots him a dirty look. Then she walks over to him. ROSS (condescending, touch of sarcasm) What is it, Gary? (with rising panic) Do you want me to calm down?! (nearing hysteria) Maybe I should call that bastard back and tell him my aide thinks I should _calm down_! DeLano is nearly shrinking back from her wrath. There's a knock at the door. She "hmphs" and stalks to the window, and glares out into the city. DeLano goes to the door and opens it. It's Hunter. He looks tired, pretty annoyed, and not at all in a good mood. Ross doesn't hear their conversation. HUNTER (quietly) What do you want at this time of night?! DeLano gestures toward Ross, who's still not paying attention to them. DELANO (hushed) She's...having a bad day. Something about EWS, Walker in particular. Hunter rolls his eyes. HUNTER Walker. I see. (beat) That man is such a... DeLano nods. Hunter doesn't have to finish. DELANO I know. But I thought you might know what to do about...this. He nods toward Ross. Hunter sighs, and nods. HUNTER I see. (beat, to himself) The President is having a hissy fit...wonderful. He walks over to where Ross is standing. She's calmed somewhat, and is now only smoldering (as opposed to actually erupting...). She's got her arms crossed over her chest, and there's a scowl on her face. He goes up behind her. She ignores him at first. HUNTER Madame President... (beat) What happened? He's trying to be sympathetic-- if she needs some kind of support, he'll be all-to-happy to suck up. She turns to look at him. ROSS Walker. (beat) Ted Walker. (beat) _That's_ what happened. (beat, significantly) The sonofabitch canceled the Vortex contract. Hunter is floored. Hearing Ross' explanation, DeLano walks toward them. HUNTER (still attempting recovery) He...he _what_?! ROSS (spelling it out) He _canceled_ the contract. (beat) A refund. Only partial-- he kept the R&D money he spent. (beat) No kind of explanation... (bet, nearly yelling) That bastard had the nerve to give me an ultimatum! Hunter and DeLano are both taken aback. DeLano sinks into a chair. Hunter looks at him, somewhat disgusted but hiding it from Ross. HUNTER (recovering) Why?! Ross whirls on him, _livid_. ROSS (spelling it out) He found out about your pet navy officer. All is silent for a moment. Hunter takes a step back from her, almost afraid she'll physically tear him in half. HUNTER (in denial) No... ROSS (matter-of-factly) Yes. HUNTER How did he find out?! Both of them look at DeLano. He looks at them and shakes his head. DELANO (defensively) _I_ don't know! Hunter takes a deep breath, forcing himself toward recovery. HUNTER (rationalizing) And what does it matter?! In all the time he's been in...business...he's never seemed to have much in the way of a conscience. (beat, confused) What does Percell have to do with anything? ROSS (deadpan) He says we have to give her back. There's a moment of silence, then Hunter and DeLano stifle chuckles. ROSS (loudly, angrily) _I'm serious_! They both shut up. Ross glares back and forth, then looks at Hunter, expecting something from him. DELANO (jumping in) But we-- you already told Wolenczak she was dead! ROSS (furious) I _know_ what I told him! (beat) But we _need_ the Vortex! Hunter considers what she's saying for a few minutes, then shakes his head. There's only one answer, and no matter how little he likes it, it's the only one he can come up with that works. Nonetheless, he knows Ross is in the mood to kill the messenger if she doesn't like the news. HUNTER (carefully) Then... I don't know how to put this... We have to give her back. There's a stunned silence from the other two. Ross knew this was the only real option, DeLano did too. Neither of them wanted to say it. But Hunter just did. Ross finally takes a deep breath and gives Hunter a dirty look. ROSS (condescendingly) Jason...there's this little thing called "bad press." (beat) We've been working very hard to avoid it. (beat, off DeLano) Explain it to him. She turns and stalks away. DeLano and Hunter stare at each other for a few minutes, neither sure if she was serious or not. They finally reach an unspoken consensus. Hunter walks over to Ross. HUNTER Madame President... The press eats out of your hand. DELANO (chiming in) Wolenczak never made the report public. We would have heard of it. HUNTER And you didn't tell anyone else. DELANO And we're still beating the UEO in the polls. HUNTER And if you said he was lying when he said you told him Sara was dead... DELANO They'd believe you over him any day. HUNTER They wouldn't dare not to. Their cajoling is getting the upper hand; Ross looks from one to the other, then shakes her head. ROSS After Jason's "defection," I wouldn't want to risk it. There's a silence, then DeLano shakes his head. DELANO That won't be a problem. He has a smug expression on his face-- he knows something, and he's been keeping it a secret. Ross and Hunter exchange glances, neither knowing what it could be, and both wanting to. ROSS (almost warningly) Gary... DeLano picks up a folder off Ross' desk. It's still closed, indicating that he'd just brought it in when he arrived to deal with Ross' fit. DELANO (opening the folder) Here. He passes it to Ross. She looks it over. A slow, devious smile begins to spread across her lips. She passes the file to Hunter. DELANO ("announcer" style) "The dashing Commander who turned his back on the UEO to save his homeland from their tyranny." (beat) I never would have guessed it. (beat) The people are in support of Commander Hunter's actions. Hunter grins. He passes the folder back to DeLano. HUNTER (nearly chuckling) I think we can afford to give her back. Ross regards the folder for a moment, then nods. ROSS (slightly amused) I suppose so. DeLano is already moving toward the door. DELANO I'll call the World News Net-- if we need him, Baxter can do a report. Ross nods. ROSS But not unless we need it. DeLano nods, then leaves. Hunter shakes his head and walks to the window, smiling faintly. HUNTER (to himself, amused) "Dashing Commander"... CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ The _seaQuest_ is moving along at a steady clip, on patrol. TRUEMAN (V.O.) He won't tell me! She sounds aggravated. CUT TO RILLER'S QUARTERS Trueman is pacing while Riller watches. He looks amused by her current state of nerves. RILLER Won't tell you _what_? She whirls on him. TRUEMAN (yelling) _That's the point!_ She looks over at Riller, and one get the feeling that she's ready to pop. TRUEMAN (on the verge of losing it) I can't figure it out! He keeps making these comments, like saying I don't know about regulation-quoting officers-- have you ever heard anything so ridiculous?!- - and then he just kind of shrugs and stalks away and tells me it's none of my business! Forcing herself to calm down, she finds herself at the doorway. She smacks the door, hard, with her open palm, not even noticing the sting. An expression of concern comes over Riller's face. RILLER Look, Becca, it's no big-- TRUEMAN (cutting him off) It _is_ a big deal! It's driving me _insane_! Riller rolls his eyes. Trueman starts pacing again. RILLER _Everything_ drives you insane. (beat, with humor) Although Reede'd drive anyone outta their mind. Trueman shoots Riller a rueful glance, almost protective in nature, at his comment. Then she shakes her head. TRUEMAN (shakes head) No. This is ridiculous. It's like he wants me to bug him about it, but then he _won't say anything_! (beat) And I swear, yesterday, I came within about two seconds of punching him in the face! Riller raises an eyebrow. TRUEMAN (quickly) I didn't, you know, but... She trails off and collapses onto the bed, sitting next to Riller, looking confused, annoyed, etc. She looks at him, and she's sincerely upset. TRUEMAN (almost desperate) Why won't he tell me? Riller takes a deep breath and shrugs. RILLER (sincerely) I don't know. There's a silent moment, then Riller stands. RILLER But hey, if Mr.-All-American-Boy doesn't want to share, don't bug him about it. (beat) Forget it. Either he'll tell you or he won't. Either way, don't push it. Trueman sighs and nods, her temper beginning to fade. She sighs. TRUEMAN (unconvinced) Yeah. I guess. CUT TO PERCELL'S CELL Percell is stewing. She's decidedly worse for wear-- bruises, etc. Her uniform has been replaced by a nondescript jumpsuit. She's sitting against the wall, knees tucked up to her chest, staring blankly at the windows. There's a faint red glow around them, indicating a force field. The doorknob turns. She tenses slightly, but makes no real move to indicate fear, apprehension, etc. The door opens, and Hunter walks in. He watches her for a moment. She doesn't respond. Finally, he gets sick of waiting. He walks to her. HUNTER Sara? She doesn't acknowledge him, but it's more of a blank lack of response than a defiant one. He tries again. HUNTER Sara, I know you can hear me. She still doesn't respond. A flicker of concern comes over his face. HUNTER (a tad urgently) Sara, this isn't funny. When she refuses to respond again, he realizes there's no point. He knows she can hear him, and that's all that really matters. HUNTER (feigning sincerity) I'm sorry you've been alone for the past few days. We had other matters to attend to. (beat, "look at the bright side of things" tone) At least it's better than the interrogations. And they went easy on you. (beat, almost smug) Which was my doing, of course. There are a few silent seconds. Then he pats her on the shoulder. She flinches back from his touch. xxx HUNTER Cheer up, though. You're beginning to depress the guards. She has no visible outward response, but there's a look of fury in her eyes that's hard to match. After a moment, Hunter shakes his head and walks away, to the door. Just as he opens it, he looks back at her. HUNTER I hope you're not _too_ upset with me. (beat, ironically) After all, I was only serving my country. (beat) You should be able to understand that. Without another word, he walks out and shuts the door behind himself. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO =========================== PART 3 ===================================== ACT THREE FADE IN TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The _seaQuest_ is on patrol. Caption reads: "On patrol in the North Atlantic" CUT TO MESS HALL Reede, Riller, Trueman, and Burke are sitting and eating. Trueman and Riller are next to each other on one side of the table. Reede and Burke are on the other side, their backs to the wall. Reede can't seem to keep his eyes off Trueman. She's oblivious, but Riller isn't. Despite his obvious discomfort, he's trying not to get protective. Burke is caught up in what she's saying. BURKE I've been on the line with a specialist in New Zealand, about-- REEDE (cutting her off) Doc, c'mon. We don't want to be rude, but... (shrugs) Can't you forget business for a few hours? Burke opens her mouth to object, then shuts it and shakes her head, smiling, a tad amused but not _really_ amused. BURKE (sarcastically) Sorry. I hadn't realized I was boring you. Trueman stifles a giggle. TRUEMAN (tongue-in-cheek) Bored? Us? With the medical jargon? Riller grins, takes a sip of his drink, and shakes his head. REEDE You know, Becca, if you'd learn to watch that mouth of yours, you could make lieutenant in an eyeblink. Trueman, Burke, and Riller exchange glances. TRUEMAN (doesn't believe him) Yeah, whatever. REEDE (trying to flatter her) No, I'm serious. You-- He cuts off as he sees someone entering. BURKE Tom? He doesn't respond. He's entranced by...whatever. REEDE'S POV OFF DOOR OF MESS HALL As Morgan enters. He watches as she walks across the room, toward the food counter. CUT TO TABLE The other three are watching him. He's pretty caught up in what Morgan is doing. Burke raises an eyebrow. Riller and Trueman shrug. TRUEMAN (carefully) Tom? REEDE (immediately) Shh! She silences immediately. All four watch as Morgan gets a sandwich and walks away, toward the other end of the room. On the way there, she passes by a group of crew members. One of them, a young man of about 27, waves at her to come and join them. She ignores him and walks to a secluded table in the corner. A couple of his friends give him a hard time. REEDE (under his breath, amused) The Ice Princess strikes again... He looks over at the crewman, who shrugs. He picks up his glass and does a "cheers" motion with it, toward the crewman. Just before he drinks, REEDE (to himself) Dalton never did know when to stop... He takes a long drink. Dalton, the crewman who'd waved to Morgan, stands. He walks over to the table, not looking at all happy. He stands over Trueman and reaches into a pocket. He's directly opposite Reede. He pulls out a wad of cash-- five or six twenties. He passes them to Reede. DALTON (humored, but not excessively so) Fine, you win. Reede takes the cash and sticks it in his own pocket. REEDE (almost smug) And don't I know it. Dalton turns to go. REEDE Hey, no sour grapes. I won. I warned you. She's too chilly, even for me. Dalton nods, not completely enthusiastic-- but that's because he's just lost about a hundred bucks. DALTON (a brush-off) Whatever you say. He walks away. Reede sits back, a smug expression on his face. Trueman and Burke are staring at him, incredulous with a touch of horror. Riller's amused. TRUEMAN (shocked) You _didn't_. Reede shrugs. REEDE (nonchalantly) Hey, as long as she's gonna be a cold fish, I may as well make some money off it. Trueman scoffs. Burke's expression shows that she feels pretty much the same way. BURKE This is disgusting. TRUEMAN (agreeing) Ridiculous. Riller isn't particularly bothered by it, but isn't about to get involved. TRUEMAN (continuing) Aren't you being a little hard on her? Reede raises an eyebrow. REEDE (a little confused) Hard on her? He leans in. REEDE How so? Trueman's a tad flustered. TRUEMAN Well, I-- you-- she's better than when she came aboard, isn't she? Reede shakes his head, getting backup from Burke. REEDE No way. (beat) Becca, how many conversations have you had with her? Trueman glances around the table, unsure of herself. TRUEMAN (shrugs) A couple? REEDE Have you ever interrupted her while she's "in her lab"? TRUEMAN (slowly, unsure of herself) No... Burke, Reede, and Riller exchange glances. Then Reede shakes his head. REEDE Then you haven't seen her in action. A silent beat, playing off the moment and Trueman's unsurety. TRUEMAN (flustered) You're all being ridiculous. Another silent moment. Riller shakes his head. RILLER No, we're not. And Trueman smells a challenge... TRUEMAN I bet I could get her into a friendly conversation. Reede sees an opportunity... REEDE About? Trueman realizes she may have begun digging a hole for herself, but continues despite it. TRUEMAN Her life. Her personality. (beat) Anything. OTHERS (together) Anything? She nods, confidently. Reede sticks out a hand. REEDE Fine, you've got a bet. Trueman's a little surprised that he took her literally. TRUEMAN Excuse me? REEDE One meaningful conversation about her personal life. (beat) Find out what it is she's so quiet about. Trueman nods. TRUEMAN And what are the stakes? Reede doesn't even have to think. REEDE (immediately) Laundry. Two weeks. Trueman takes his hand, gaining confidence. TRUEMAN You got it. REEDE You have 24 hours. Trueman nods. REEDE (to Burke and Riller) You two are my witnesses, got it? They nod. Trueman and Reede shake. Then she stands. REEDE Where're you going? Trueman nods toward the empty table on the other side of the room--Morgan has left. TRUEMAN The clock's ticking. (beat, smiles) Bye. She leaves. Reede watches her go. He catches Riller's eye. Riller shakes his head warningly, ever so slightly. Burke doesn't notice. BURKE The girl is insane. She turns to face the other two, and shakes her head. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross is in communication with Captain Anderson. They're talking. ROSS Get rid of her. ANDERSON (confused) "Rid of her"? Ross nods. ROSS I don't care if she lives or not-- but she's got to be in UEO water by tomorrow. Anderson nods. ANDERSON Understood. (beat) When can we expect her aboard? Ross smiles. ROSS She'll be brought to your ship by 1100 this morning. (beat) And keep in mind, Captain Anderson, this is a matter of national security. He nods. ANDERSON Understood, Madame President. She smiles and shuts off the channel, then sighs, annoyed, and leans back in her chair. CUT TO HUNTER'S QUARTERS Hunter has a nice apartment in Raleigh. There are very few personal items. He's packing. There's a suitcase on his bed, and it's about halfway filled with hot-weather clothes. He picks up a bottle of sun-block, and tosses it in on top. His wall-mounted vidlink chirps. He picks up the vidlink's remote control, points it at the screen, and hits a key. The Carolinan emblem, finally perfected, appears for a moment. It is almost instantly replaced by Ross. Hunter smiles politely, but there's nothing more behind the politeness. Ross knows it, but doesn't care. ROSS (on vidlink) Commander, I thought you'd like to be notified-- if you'd like to say a final goodbye to your friend before she leaves the capital... She trails off. Hunter's brow creases with confusion. HUNTER (a bit surprised) Final goodbye? She nods. ROSS (enjoying herself) She's being taken in for...processing. Hunter nods, getting the idea. One receives the impression that it doesn't quite sit well with him. HUNTER I see. (beat) When? Ross checks a clock off-screen. ROSS In a few minutes. I can put you through if you'd like. Hunter considers it for a moment, then shakes his head. HUNTER No. (beat) I've decided that my break with _seaQuest_ is going to be a clean one. Ross' smile is now one of approval. ROSS Good. (beat) We'll talk later. Have fun in Florida. He nods. Ross cuts off the channel. Hunter takes a deep breath, shakes off his lingering discomfort, and continues to pack. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is sitting at his desk, doing something that could be mistaken for...sulking...by an observer. He's staring at the wall, at a picture of himself as a commander, Captain Hudson, and Lieutenant Piccolo. There's a box on the desk, newly opened, implying that he just put the picture up. It's hanging directly across from his desk. WOLENCZAK (difficultly) Damn you, Oliver... (beat) Damn you straight to hell. There's no venom in his voice. Instead, a hint of longing. WOLENCZAK (shakes head, stands) You know, I wish I could take it back. (beat) Everything I said to you. (beat) It wasn't your fault. He opens his mouth to say something else, but there's a knock at his door. He composes himself immediately. WOLENCZAK Come in. The door opens, and Commander Matthews enters. She looks at the picture approvingly, then at Wolenczak. MATTHEWS (off picture, somewhat uneasily) Captain, is something wrong? He shakes his head. WOLENCZAK (mildly confused) No. Why do you ask? MATTHEWS You've been...a bit down for the past few days. WOLENCZAK Oh? Matthews nods. MATTHEWS It's putting the crew on edge, sir. (beat) So...do you think you could possibly stop acting this way? WOLENCZAK (slightly confused) "This way?" MATTHEWS (uneasily) Yes, sir. (beat, clarifying) You're...you seem depressed, sir. Wolenczak's gaze strays back to the picture. WOLENCZAK (no longer paying attention) Oh. Matthews realizes that she's not going to get through to him. She sighs. WOLENCZAK Dismissed. She takes one last look at him, then nods and goes, shutting the door behind her. WOLENCZAK (to the picture) Damn... CUT TO PERCELL'S CELL Percell is sitting, still curled against the door, not appearing to have moved since last we saw her. There's a rattling of the doorknob. She doesn't respond. The door opens, and two Carolinan soldiers enter. She tenses. They walk to her and pull her up. She has her first real response, struggling. They've got her by the arms. She stomps on one of their feet. The soldier to whom this happens draws back. The other draws his gun. Percell backs up against the wall. PERCELL (warningly) Get the hell away from me. They exchange amused glances. The first soldier shakes his head and pulls out a hypo. The second keeps his gun trained on her. FIRST SOLDIER Look, don't try anything. He walks forward. Percell is scared to the point of being literally frozen. He takes the hypo and pushes it against her arm. She sinks to the floor within seconds, unconscious. The two soldiers exchange glances. The second soldier shakes his head. CUT TO _SARATOGA_ LAUNCH BAY The airlock to one of the shuttles opens. Percell is brought in, unconscious, by the two soldiers who took her from her room. Captain Anderson is watching from the side of the door. He walks up to the first soldier. ANDERSON Ensign, where are President Ross' orders? The ensign takes his free hand and passes some papers to Anderson. Anderson reads over the quickly, his expression becoming more and more horrified. ANDERSON You're not... (beat, barely overcoming his horror) That's inhuman! He looks at Percell as if she's subhuman. ANDERSON (continuing) Even for _her_. The ensign shrugs. ENSIGN Those are the orders. (beat) We'll take her to the pods. Anderson nods and gets out of their way as they leave the bay. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE =========================== PART 4 ===================================== ACT FOUR FADE IN TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS We have a tight close up of Morgan's face. She's typing on the 'nex. Her alter ego, Phantom, looks something like "The Phantom of the Opera" and is talking to a baseball player icon, named "Big League". She's more emotional than we've seen her before. BIG LEAGUE (on screen) So, what's been happening lately? She's all set to type in a response when there's a knock at her door. She looks up, an expression of annoyance on her face. She hits several keys, quickly. PHANTOM (as she types) Sorry hon, I've got to go. BIG LEAGUE (on screen) Don't you want to talk to me? She smiles sadly, the hint of a tear in the corner of her eye, and types. PHANTOM (as she types) You know I do, but duty calls. Big League shrugs. BIG LEAGUE (on screen, mildly injured) Oh. Okay. (beat) Bye then. Morgan obviously feels bad about leaving, but doesn't have much of a choice. PHANTOM (as she types) Bye, honey. They both log off. The screen goes dark. She shuts her eyes, trying to compose herself. There's another knock. She stands and moves to the door. CUT TO CORRIDOR Trueman is waiting on the other side of the door. She's trying not to look edgy. The door opens. She finds herself staring at Morgan. Morgan isn't crying now, but it's clear by her expression, manner, etc, that she was. Trueman is surprised by Morgan's condition, immediately responding with concern. TRUEMAN Are you okay? Morgan takes a deep breath, immediately beginning to pack away her emotions. She's not happy about being interrupted. MORGAN (coldly) I'm fine. (beat) Did you need something? Trueman shakes her head, trying to stay friendly despite Morgan's lack of courtesy. TRUEMAN (shakes head) Nothing specific. (beat) I just wanted to talk. Morgan's not too happy to learn this. MORGAN I'm a bit busy now. (beat) Excuse me. She shuts the door. Trueman is left staring at the door. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SARATOGA_ CGI The _Saratoga_ comes to a stop. One of its bay doors opens. Caption reads: "Just off the southern border of the Carolina Confederation; Florida Keys" ANDERSON (V.O.) Jettison the pod, on my mark. The bay doors are lit by several flashing lights. ANDERSON (V.O., mildly hesitant) Mark. A single escape pod is jettisoned from the open bay. It is almost immediately caught up in a current, and shaken a good deal. CUT TO INTERIOR POD The pod is nearly pitch black, just barely lit so we can see Percell's silhouette. She's unconscious, but barely so. She moans softly, waking up. She's still handcuffed, and strapped into the single seat of the pod, which isn't even big enough for her to stretch her legs out. Slowly, her eyes flutter open. She looks around, a rising panic forming in her expression. The first things she lays her eyes on are the power and oxygen indicators. Neither is registering a supply of more than seven to ten hours, depending on her behavior. PERCELL (fearful) Oh God... She looks at the walls. PERCELL (attempting to calm herself) Okay...this is just a simulation... (getting faster) They're trying to rattle you, Sara. Don't let them. (beat) You've held out this long. How long can they keep you in here? A few hours? They wouldn't. (beat) Hunter wouldn't let them-- (beat, shocked at her last words) Listen to me. I don't _want_ that SOB to save me again. She doesn't sound at all convinced of this. PERCELL Everything is fine. She looks around herself. PERCELL (repeating, less than positive) Even though I don't know where I am, I don't know what's going on, and I'm probably going to die... (forcing herself to believe it) _Everything is fine_. She takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly. She's got nominal control of herself, and is prepared to keep it. She shuts her eyes, sighs, and leans back against the bulkhead. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is sitting at his desk. His PAL chirps. He activates it. TRUEMAN (over PAL) Captain, I have a call for you from the secretary general. After how they left it last time, he's a little less than enthusiastic about talking to Hitchcock again. WOLENCZAK (nodding, resigned) Put her through. A moment, then the UEO emblem appears on the screen. Wolenczak watches as the image changes to Hitchcock. She looks at him for several moments, concerned but fighting not to make it _too_ obvious. HITCHCOCK (pleasantly) Captain. WOLENCZAK (aknowledging, nothing more) Madame Secretary. (beat) Can I help you? Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK I received a report from Doctor Burke about an hour ago. She pauses, but Wolenczak doesn't get the significance. HITCHCOCK (carefully) Lucas, she seems worried about your abilities to carry out your duties. He has an immediate and disfavorable reaction. HITCHCOCK (continuing) She asked me to consider having you pulled from active duty for a few weeks. (beat) She thinks you need counseling to get over Percell's death. Wolenczak stands, angry. WOLENCZAK (horrified) What?! Hitchcock knew she'd have a hard time talking about this with him. She shifts uncomfortably. HITCHCOCK (carefully) Lucas...she has a point. You've been stuck on this for the past two weeks. It wasn't you fault, and you've got to move on. Lucas loses control and starts yelling. All of it is completely sincere, completely open, and completely uncensored. WOLENCZAK (yelling) Katie, you don't understand! He was _right here_, under my nose, and I didn't even know it! (caught up in his words) Commander Hunter was parading around as a UEO officer, making reports to the enemy the entire time, and we never even knew it! (beat) If I had known he was who he is, I _never_ would have let him take Percell on that mission! If I had been good enough to realize he was a spy, he never would have had the oppertunity to do what he did! And if I wasn't such a _goddamned idiot_, Percell would still be aboard this ship, and no one would think I'm losing my mind! Hitchcock watches him for a moment. He's silent. She finally takes a deep breath. HITCHCOCK (slowly) I told her I wasn't going to take her suggestion. As far as I'm concerned, all you're suffering from is a self inflicted guilt trip. (beat) No matter what you want to think, what happened to Percell is not your fault. If you can't accept her death, at least refrain from letting it get in the way of your work. Understood? He shakes his head. WOLENCZAK (obstinately) She's not dead, and Hunter's a traitor. Hitchcock sighs. His borderline obsession is beginning to get to her. HITCHCOCK (spelling it out) You are not to blame. (beat) No matter what anyone says. (beat) Just like Oliver he wasn't responsible for anything that happened to you or to Tony. Wolenczak is silent. HITCHCOCK (continuing) You think I don't see what you're feeling here? Lucas, you're as transparent as glass! You're only so upset about what's happening because all you can think about is when Hudson "left" you in Macronesia! (beat) Well, Lucas, it's taken you five years to realize he wasn't at fault. Don't make yourself wait that long for the same absolution. Wolenczak looks at her for a moment, his expression hardening. WOLENCZAK I know I was wrong about his leaving me. (beat, going for the jugular) Maybe someone like _you_ ordered _him_ out. She responds with silence. She's deeply hurt by this accusation. Wolenczak doesn't care, much less notice. They stare at each other for a moment. There's a silent beat, and she finally shakes her head. Wolenczak's expression is filled with fury. The silence is broken after a few moments by the chirp of Wolenczak's PAL. He breaks the stare with Hitchcock to pick it up and turn it on, turning his back on her as he does so. He turns on his PAL. WOLENCZAK (into PAL, tightly) Yes? TRUEMAN (over PAL) Sir...Captain Haise of the _Zodiac_ would like to talk to you. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK (a bit confused) The _Zodiac_? TRUEMAN (filling him in) They took over our patrol in the Carribbean. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK I'm on my way. He shuts off the PAL and walks toward the door. HITCHCOCK (realizing he's going to ignore her) Captain Wolenczak He shuts the door behind himself, and doesn't stop to pay her any attention. She sighs, shakes her head, and finally shuts off the vidlink on her end. The screen goes dark. CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak walks onto the bridge. Matthews, Callan, Riller, Reede, and Trueman are on duty. Matthews gives up the command chair. Wolenczak sits. WOLENCZAK (to Trueman) Put Captain Haise on screen. She does so. Within a few moments, Captain Mark Haise appears on the vidlink screen. He's about 40 years old, in good physical condition, with a few gray hairs. The rest is black. Wolenczak nods a greeting, a brief smile, then gets down to business. WOLENCZAK Captain Haise? Haise nods. HAISE Captain Wolenczak, I have some news I think you'd be interested in. Wolenczak nods; hurry up. HAISE (continuing) The _Zodiac_ has been on patrol down here for the past two weeks. This morning...we found something. WOLENCZAK (getting impatient) And? HAISE (taking his time) It was a small escape pod, of Carolinan origin. Wolenczak's impatience becomes impossible to keep in check any longer. WOLENCZAK Captain, please, get to the point. Haise stops for a moment, then nods. HAISE Your sensor officer was aboard. Wolenczak's jaw drops. As though a bomb's been dropped, the entire bridge falls silent. Everyone immediately stops what they're doing, staring at the viewscreen. WOLENCZAK (still shocked, stuttering) You-- you found Percell?! Haise nods, not realizing how deeply affected the crew is. HAISE Yes. She must have drifted in the currents, across the border. WOLENCZAK (pulling himself together) Relay your position to our helm. Haise nods to one of his crew members, who's off screen. Reede looks to Wolenczak. REEDE Got `em. Wolenczak nods, preoccupied but glad for this turn of events. WOLENCZAK ETA? REEDE (off console) Four hours. Wolenczak looks at Haise. WOLENCZAK We'll rendezvous in four hours. Haise nods. HAISE We'll have her ready for you. (beat) _Zodiac_ out. He cuts the channel. Wolenczak looks at the bridge crew. WOLENCZAK Mister Reede, set course and engage. Reede rolls his eyes at Wolenczak's wordage. REEDE (grumbling) Engage...god...next thing I know, he'll be telling me "make it so." Trueman gives him a sideways glance, but doesn't say anything. REEDE (louder, to Wolenczak) Engaging now, sir. He hits a few keys. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The _seaQuest_ goes. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR =========================== PART 5 ===================================== ACT FIVE FADE IN TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The _seaQuest_ is in the middle of a rendezvous with the _Zodiac_, a smaller ship. It's relatively new, and looks to have normal-level technology. A shuttle leaves the _Zodiac_ and makes its way to the _seaQuest_. CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE LAUNCH BAY Burke and her medical team are on their way out, with Percell. She's sedated and lying on a gurney, which they're pushing. Wolenczak walks by them, and moves out of the way as the team passes by him. Captain Haise comes out of the doors to the launch bay. He and Wolenczak nearly run into each other. Haise offers a hand, they shake. Matthews walks out of a the bay and sees that they've met each other. She stands off to one side as they talk. HAISE So nice to finally meet you. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (sincerely) Likewise. There's a silent beat as Haise gives Matthews a sideways glance. HAISE (to Wolenczak) We need to talk. Wolenczak nods, understanding that Haise would prefer not to say whatever he needs to say in front of Matthews. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews, off Haise) Commander, dismissed. She nods and walks away. Haise looks a tad uncomfortable, but talks anyway. HAISE Keep an eye on her. WOLENCZAK (confused) Commander Matthews? HAISE (shakes head) No, I meant Percell. (beat) By the time we picked her up, she'd been in a class-two escape pod for over eight hours. A look of horror begins to form on Wolenczak's face. HAISE (continuing) She was nearly unconscious. My ship's parapsychologist had a hard time convincing her we weren't some sort of drug-induced hallucination. (beat) I wouldn't be surprised if she wound up with some sort of post-traumatic stress disorder. He falls silent. Wolenczak nods, but his mind is elsewhere. CUT TO MEDBAY Through a window, Percell and Burke can be seen. They're in a separate room. Burke is in the middle of treating one of Percell's injuries. She's being very careful, very quiet, and not making any sudden moves; much as she would behave toward a cornered animal. Wolenczak walks in the MedBay door and sees them through the glass. He walks to a member of the medical staff. She's a nurse in her mid-twenties. WOLENCZAK Is it alright if I go in? She looks up at the door and nods. NURSE Go ahead, but be quiet. She's still recovering-- Wolenczak nods and goes without listening to the rest of what she has to say. CUT TO TREATMENT ROOM The room is glass-enclosed. Burke and Percell are the only inhabitants. Percell is lying on her back, on the bed. She's somewhat more subdued than usual. Burke is trying to be supportive. PERCELL (upset) I'm not going to get court martialed, am I? BURKE No, of course not. (beat) Everyone's ecstatic to have you back-- She's interrupted as Wolenczak knocks at the door to the room. She looks up, sees him, nods that he can come in, then looks down at Percell. BURKE In fact, the Captain's here to see you... Wolenczak opens the door and walks in. Burke stands off to one side, making herself a bit less obvious. She looks from Wolenczak to Percell and back again. Wolenczak is somewhat unsure of himself. WOLENCZAK (grinning uncomfortably) Chief...glad to have you back again. Percell puts up a brave front for his sake. PERCELL (forced smile) Thanks, Sir. (beat) It's good to _be_ back. Wolenczak is a bit fidgety. He looks at Burke, who nods. WOLENCZAK Chief...I need to ask you a few questions. (beat) I apologize, but the secretary general and I both need the information. Percell glances at Burke, unsure of what her response to this should be. Burke nods, giving her the go-ahead. PERCELL I... (shakes head) I wasn't injured, past the... (uncomfortable pause) ...you know. Wolenczak nods, but it's easy to tell that his stomach is turning. PERCELL (continuing) They wanted information I didn't want to give them, is all. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (pressing slightly) Do you know anything about what happened to Hunter? Percell shakes her head, but it's hard to tell if this is because she doesn't, or because she doesn't want to talk about it. Burke's expression turns concerned. BURKE (quietly, calmly) Captain... Wolenczak doesn't hear her. He nods at what Percell said. PERCELL (going on, less sure of herself) But...nothing too bad. Nothing I couldn't handle. Wolenczak's expression becomes troubled. WOLENCZAK What did they want to know? BURKE (a bit louder) Captain. Percell doesn't hear Burke. PERCELL (beginning to squirm) I don't know... The usual stuff... Burke is getting more ticked off by the moment. She takes a step toward Wolenczak and puts a hand on his shoulder. He shrugs it off, intent on what he's doing. WOLENCZAK (pressing) Like? And that's it, Burke snaps. She speaks before Percell has a chance to. BURKE (coldly) Captain, if I could see you outside for a moment? WOLENCZAK (giving her the brush-off) In a moment, Doctor. He turns back to Percell. Burke grabs him by the arm before he can say anything. BURKE (not leaving room for refusal) _Now_, Captain. She doesn't give him the chance to say no, and pulls him out of the room, probably within inches of yanking his arm out of its socket. CUT TO MAIN ROOM OF MEDBAY Burke drags Wolenczak out of the room, shuts the door, and looks back at the room. Percell is watching them. Burke huffs angrily, and pulls Wolenczak toward her office. CUT TO BURKE'S OFFICE Burke and Wolenczak enter. Burke shuts and locks the door, then whirls to face Wolenczak, barely containing her rage. WOLENCZAK (annoyed) Doctor, what was the meaning of that? BURKE (really lighting into him) What the hell was the meaning of _that_?! Wolenczak stands and stares at her, not quite sure of what he's done to earn her wrath. BURKE (continuing, furious) I am _not_ going to let you subject my patient to that kind of unnecessary stress! That poor girl has been in the hands of the enemy for over half a month! You're not going to destroy her chances of recovery by pressing her for answers she _might not have_! Wolenczak is confused by this. WOLENCZAK Might not have? Burke is calming quickly as she realizes he didn't mean any harm. She takes a deep breath and glances out the window in her office door. BURKE (back at Wolenczak) Percell has been through something neither of us has ever been forced to experience. (beat) It's long been documented that POWs sometimes tend to...repress...memories of their imprisonment. Wolenczak is disturbed by this, and a bit skeptical. WOLENCZAK Repressed memories? (beat, more so) That's insane! She was only there for two weeks! One begins to get the idea he's trying to prove to himself that Burke is wrong. WOLENCZAK (continues) And she already told us nothing happened. He moves to go past Burke and re-enter the ICU. Shee shakes her head. BURKE I don't think so. WOLENCZAK Excuse me? BURKE (standing her ground) You're not going back in there. Wolenczak opens his mouth to object. BURKE (before he can say anything) That's final. He gives her a look. BURKE (calmly) If you try and go in there, I'll relieve you of duty and declare you unfit to command. Understood? Until Sara has recovered to _my_ satisfaction. Wolenczak stares at her, incredulous. WOLENCZAK You're-- BURKE --Serious. Wolenczak is ready to dispute this. There's a silent, tension-filled moment as each waits to see if the other is bluffing. Finally, Wolenczak "blinks," and turns to go. WOLENCZAK Fine. But I want to be kept informed of her condition. Burke nods. Now that she's won, her manner is entirely pleasant. BURKE Of course. Wolenczak walks out, now in a bad mood. Burke watches him go, somewhat pleased with herself. CUT TO BRIDGE Reede and Trueman are on duty and at their appropriate stations. She's trying to ignore him, he's trying to get her involved in a conversation. REEDE So... How's Morgan? Trueman doesn't respond. REEDE Because, you know, unless I'm mistaken...you've got about four more hours to start talking. Trueman doesn't so much as blink, but she speaks as she runs her console. TRUEMAN I saw her crying earlier. Reede ceases all movement immediately. He glances over at Wolenczak, who's in command at the moment, to make sure he's not watching. Then he looks back to Trueman. REEDE (in shock) Crying? Trueman nods. REEDE (more so) Like, _crying_ crying, or just a couple tears? TRUEMAN Crying. In tears. Whatever. She's playing this perfectly, completely deadpan, and Reede realizes that she might be pulling one over on him. He settles back in his chair. REEDE (almost to himself) The Ice Princess? (beat, shakes head) Nah. (beat, grins) She was probably just...melting. Trueman stifles a chuckle. TRUEMAN Hey, I know what I saw. She goes back to her work, as does Reede. They both work in silence for several moments. Then someone new walks onto the bridge. Reede notices, but doesn't pay any attention to Morgan as she goes to her station. He's deciding on a plan of attack. Finally, he decides. He looks over to the officer at environmental controls, Patterson. REEDE (over his shoulders) Hey, Patterson! Patterson looks over at him. REEDE You mind cranking up the heater? It's kind of..._icy_ in here. Trueman hides a smile. Glances from other crew members are shot toward Morgan, who's completely oblivious. Wolenczak gives Reede a disapproving look, realizing full well what's going on. REEDE (shrugs) Hey, it was just a question. He grins, pleased with himself as Wolenczak shakes his head disapprovingly. CUT TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS Out of the MedBay, Percell is going through some of her vids frantically. There's a knock at the door. She stands, nearly hitting her head on the shelf. PERCELL (calling) Who is it? MATTHEWS (through the door) It's Jessie. Percell sighs and walks to the door, then opens it. PERCELL Look, I'm really sorry, but I can't-- Matthews holds out a box. On top of a small pile of "stuff" are the vids Percell's been searching for. She takes the box and sighs in relief. PERCELL Thank God... I thought I'd lost them. Matthews opens her mouth, but somehow can't bring herself to say that she cleared out Percell's quarters when they thought she was dead. PERCELL C'mon in. She steps aside as Matthews enters and looks around. Percell goes back to organizing her vids, putting the ones Matthews just brought into their places. Finally, Matthews looks back at Percell. MATTHEWS (concerned) Sara... Is everything ok? Percell nods. PERCELL Yeah. I'm fine. (beat) By the way, congratulations on the promotion. MATTHEWS (immediately) Shh! Percell looks up at her, a little confused. PERCELL "Shh?" MATTHEWS It's not final yet. Don't jinx it. Percell smiles at Matthews' superstitious response. PERCELL (kidding) Yes, Sir. There're a few seconds of silence as Percell goes back to organizing her vids. MATTHEWS (a bit uncomfortably) Sara, look, I'm really sorry for what happened with Hunter. (beat) I know you two were close, and-- PERCELL (standing, cutting her off, vehemently) We were _not_ close. She realizes that probably came out a _little_ too venomously. PERCELL (toning it down) He was creeping me out. Matthews nods, understanding that Percell would rather not talk about it. MATTHEWS Well, I hate to leave you here, but... PERCELL I'm fine. _Really_. Matthews nods. Percell shuts the door carefully behind her, then looks back at her room. It's not a big mess, but the _little_ things are out of place-- four centimeters to the left, maximum. But it's not how she wants it to be, and she can't stand having it out of order. After the chaos she's experianced over the past few weeks, she needs everything here to be perfect. PERCELL (sighs) God... Maybe Leslie's right. I should just clear this place out. CUT TO TRUEMAN'S QUARTERS Trueman is lying on her bed, reading a book. There's a knock at the door. She sighs, puts the book down, folds the corner of the page over, and checks her watch. TRUEMAN (to herself, almost amused) Right on time... She gets off the bed and walks to the door. She opens it. It's Reede. He's holding a full basket of laundry. TRUEMAN (gesturing) Come on in. He does. He reaches the center of the room and turns to face her. REEDE Well? Time's up. Trueman shakes her head. REEDE Nothing? TRUEMAN Nope. Reede sighs. He'd been hoping that she'd get somewhere, despite the bet. It's easy to tell that not knowing anything about Morgan is eating the guy up inside. But a deal's a deal... REEDE (somewhat disappointed) Fine... (beat) In that case... He holds out the basket of laundry to her. She takes it in a teasingly resentful manner. TRUEMAN Looks like I lose. REEDE I guess so. They stand for a moment. Trueman sets the basket down on the floor, and stands with her hands on her hips. TRUEMAN (off basket) It's a shame. I hate the thought of dealing with your dirty socks... She gestures to the door. He moves to leave. Once he's out the door, he turns, somewhat uncomfortable. He's leaning on the doorframe. REEDE You know, Becca, I could let you off... She's a little surprised that he'd offer. TRUEMAN Really? REEDE One condition. TRUEMAN (amused) Really, and what'd that be? Reede looks over his shoulder, then takes a mini-step away. REEDE Have dinner with me? There's a silent moment. Trueman appears to almost consider it. Then she shakes her head. TRUEMAN Sorry, Tom...but I'd rather take my chances with the socks. She shuts the door in his face, shakes her head fondly, and walks back to her book. She picks it up, lies down, and continues reading. CUT TO CORRIDOR Reede's backing away from Trueman's quarters. He grins, turns, and walks away. REEDE She'll come around. (beat) Eventually. On this note, we... FADE TO BLACK THE END ========================================================================== Copyright 1996 seaQuest 2047 Staff