========================================================================== 07 - INHERITANCE 2047 Team ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2047 Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact) ========================================================================== seaQuest 2047 "Inheritance" Story by Rachel Brody & Victoria Morgan Hyde Script by Victoria Morgan Hyde Saturday, November 23, 1996 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032" NOTE: The following story takes place in the year 2048. ========================= PART 0 - TEASER =============================== TEASER OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _seaQuest_ is stationary. Caption reads: Pacific Ocean, Juan de Fuca Ridge, off the coast of Washington State. CUT TO BRIDGE It is the night shift; a minimal crew is on duty. Among them are Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell, Ensign Anne Morgan, and Lieutenant Commander Jessie Matthews. Morgan's attention is fixed on the main viewscreen, which shows a dark ocean and glowing plant life. MORGAN (concerned) You're sure we're recording all this, Percell? PERCELL (mildly exasperated) For the third time in ten minutes, yes. MORGAN (shaking her head) Sorry. Didn't mean to be a nag. But this is _really_ a big deal. MATTHEWS (puzzled) But they're just glow-in-the-dark weeds. MORGAN (smiling a little and explaining) But they're the first glow-in-the-dark weeds of this sort to be logged in this area. MATTHEWS (trying unsuccessfully to muster up a little enthusiasm) Oh. I see. Captain Lucas Wolenczak enters and sits casually in the command chair. WOLENCZAK (easily) So, Ensign Morgan, is it worth staying up all night for? Morgan is obviously pleased. MORGAN Absolutely, Sir! (beat, explaining) You know, this area has gone through such massive changes in the last fifty years. (beat, getting more excited) This whole vent field formed in 1996. About a month later, another one formed a little way north. Then, twenty years ago, we had all of Alexander Bourne's subduction going on. So the whole undersea environment has gone through huge shifts in a very short time. (beat, looking at viewscreen) There are species of marine life out there that have never been seen before. Morgan points at some fronds glowing greenly on the viewscreen. MORGAN (continues, awestruck) That bioluminescent seaweed, for one... The bridge is silent as people watch the glowing plant life. Matthews becomes bored of it first. MATTHEWS Hey, Chief, why don't you surface a WSKR and let us see the stars? MORGAN (rousing from her reverie) Yeah, I haven't seen the stars for...oh, ages. Percell complies with their request, the main viewscreen shifting to a shot of a clear, starry sky. MORGAN It's beautiful, isn't it? (beat, sighing) But I never have been able to make out the constellations. It's all just stars to me. MATTHEWS Well, that's Auriga way at the top of the sky. (beat) And that thick cluster at the right, about halfway up, is Orion. (beat, pointing) And near the horizon, right in the center, is Canis Major. Morgan peers at the screen, tilting her head and squinting, trying to see the pictures in the stars. She shakes her head. MORGAN (sighing again) I'm getting cross-eyed. I'll just have to take your word for it. (beat, curious) You sure seem to know your astronomy. MATTHEWS I used to go up on top of my building when I was a kid and look at the stars. (beat, reminiscing) There was a book on astronomy at the school library. I checked it out so much, the librarian finally just _gave_ it to me. (beat) I wanted to be Scott Keller when I grew up. Wolenczak looks at her quickly. MATTHEWS (continuing) He disappeared when I was just a couple of years old. After I learned about him, I was always sure he had gone into space and was visiting other planets... PERCELL Do you really think there's anyone living out there? MATTHEWS (shaking her head) I did. (beat) But I was just a kid. MORGAN You don't think it's possible, then? MATTHEWS (shrugging) I just think that if there really is someone else out there, we'd have found each other by now. WOLENCZAK (definitely) We have. The others give him questioning looks, thinking, "Now how would he know?" MATTHEWS Sir? WOLENCZAK (not wanting to, or able to, discuss it) It's a long story. (beat) A _very_ long story. (beat) But you were right about Commander Keller. Matthews, Percell, and Morgan exchange long glances. Could this be another of the captain's...oddities? Or another of those adventures from the past that he doesn't talk about? CUT TO CALLAN'S QUARTERS Lieutenant Commander Greg Callan is talking over vidlink with his wife Kelly. Kelly looks very serious; Callan is obviously trying to comfort her. CALLAN Look, Kel, I know you're worried about them. You're _supposed_ to worry about your parents. (beat) But I'm sure it's nothing serious. KELLY (desperately) It's just that the doctors can't figure it out. Dad keeps having these aphasia attacks. Now they're saying it might be multiple sclerosis. But nobody _knows_. (beat, shaking her head) There's too much about GELFs that nobody knows. CALLAN (puzzled) I thought there were specialists? KELLY (still upset) There are. And they're doing their best. (beat) But with all the records from the Dark Age of Genetics destroyed... They're both silent a moment, then Kelly speaks again. KELLY (continuing) And maybe it wouldn't be so bad if Mom wasn't feeling rotten right now, too. It's having _both_ of them ill that's really getting to me. Callan looks thoughtful, then appears to reach a decision. CALLAN We're only going to be up here for a few more days. (beat) I didn't take time off at Christmas, since we'd just seen each other. (beat, smiling) How about if we both get leave and go up and see your folks? Would that make you feel better? KELLY (with a relieved smile) Greg! Yes! You'd use your leave to go take care of Mom and Dad?! (beat, more intimately) You're reminding me of why I fell in love with you... CALLAN (teasing now) I thought you fell in love with me for my good looks? Kelly's mood has lightened; she's willing to play along. KELLY Well, I did. Then I found out what a wonderful guy you are... CALLAN You be careful, I might actually start believing you. Then where would we be? KELLY (mock-seriously) I'd be married to the most self-satisfied man in the UEO. They'd kick you out of the Navy because your head wouldn't fit through the door. CALLAN (playing along) So that's how you plan to get me home? KELLY (grinning) Hmmm, now that you mention it... She yawns. CALLAN (apologetically) Sorry. I forgot about the time zones. It's the middle of the night for you. KELLY (smiling tiredly) Yeah. But I needed to talk. Thanks, hon. CALLAN I'd better get some sleep too. I'll let you know about getting leave. KELLY Love you. CALLAN You too. They touch their screens in their usual gesture, then Callan's goes to the UEO logo. Callan sits motionless, just looking at the screen. CALLAN (sighing) Ahhh, Kelly.... CUT TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== ACT ONE OPEN ON MESS HALL Ensign Rebecca Trueman is eating breakfast with Percell, Matthews, and Lieutenant j.g. Justin Riller. Ensign Tom Reede rushes in and sits down at their table. It is obvious he's excited about something. REEDE You are _not_ going to believe this! Trueman's not going to give him the satisfaction of asking what's up. TRUEMAN (sarcastically) Probably not, considering the source. Riller looks slightly smug at Trueman's treatment of Reede. Reede ignores Riller as much as possible, and, trying to cover the fact that Trueman's disinterest hurts, Reede turns to Percell and Matthews and continues. He's still excited, but Trueman's response has taken some of the edge off. REEDE My uncle died last week-- TRUEMAN (cutting in, a bit put off) You seem quite thrilled about it. (aside, to Riller) I wonder how he acts when he _doesn't_ like the dear departed? Reede turns back to her, giving her a "look." He's had enough of her comments, even if he _does_ like her. REEDE (exasperated) Are you gonna let me tell you or not? TRUEMAN (pleased with herself for getting him riled) Oh please, be my guest. He turns his back on her very deliberately, as if he's not going to bother even _trying_ to talk with her, and speaks to Percell and Matthews. REEDE So anyway, I just heard from my mom, and he left me some money. (beat, even more excited) It's almost as much as I make in a year! The others catch his excitement. Percell leans across the table toward him, curious and more than a little interested in the ramifications. PERCELL So what are you going to do with it?! REEDE (shrugging) No idea. (beat, grinning) Got any suggestions? Percell doesn't even have to give it a thought. PERCELL (in a rush) Buy the whole Spielberg collection of vid disks. RILLER (mock-helpful) Or a year's supply of laundry soap. TRUEMAN (grinning, teasing) Or a year's supply of socks. Reede gives them a long and rather hostile look for their efforts. MATTHEWS (definitely) Invest it in the stock market. REEDE (surprised) The stock market? But that's so...normal. MATTHEWS (shurgging) I'm just telling you what _I'd_ do. (beat, explaining) You've got all this free money to play with. Why not use it to make more? Then, when you're done with the Navy, you don't have to work any more. REEDE (thinking it over) The stock market, huh? Off his thoughtful face we... CUT TO PRESIDENT ROSS' OFFICE President Eileen Ross is speaking over vidlink with a man in his late fifties/early sixties. He's Texas Governor Thomas Hansen. ROSS (sweetly) I assure you, Governor Hansen, that by joining the Carolinan Confederation Texas will be a leader and ensure that Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama will come over firmly to our side of the discussion. He regards her skeptically for a moment. HANSEN (with irony) As well as assuring Confederation sovereignty in the Gulf of Mexico. She smiles, turning on the charm. ROSS You're a very astute man, Governor. Of course, there _is_ that benefit. (beat, turning it up another notch) But the gulf states need a strong leader like you to show them the way out from under the UEO's thumb. Hansen is shaking his head. He is not going to be as easy to persuade as the leader of Cuba was. In fact, he's practically picking a fight with Ross. HANSEN (aggressively) And you think the UEO would let another four states go, just like that? ROSS (amused) Come now, Governor, didn't you see that news report a couple of weeks ago? They're all just peace-loving sailors. They wouldn't dream of causing trouble over four states choosing to exercise their right to self-determination. (beat, the hard edges showing a bit) That news report may have softened public opinion toward the UEO. But we still have the upper hand. (beat) You can be a leader in this. HANSEN (not fooled by her act) And go down in history as one of Eileen Ross' followers? (beat, coolly) Just how long _do_ you plan to run the Confederation? (beat, slightly ironic) Madame President. Ross looks a little annoyed at his question, but chooses to keep the warm and charming persona going. ROSS (doing her innocent Southern belle bit) Governor, only as long as they want me! The leaders of the Carolinan states have _asked_ me to remain as President during this period of...growing pains. (beat, as an afterthought) Since I have so much experience in dealing with the UEO. (beat, persuasively) Give us a couple of years, and I'd be glad to see you running against me in the first Carolinan presidential election. It appears to be working, as Hansen looks thoughtful. HANSEN (carefully noncommittal) The state legislature is meeting in an hour. I'll try to push a vote through as soon as I can. I'll get back to you. ROSS (sincerely) Thank you, Governor. With your backing, I don't see how they can say "no". They sever the channel. Ross leans back in her chair, dropping the facade instantly. ROSS (amused) Ambitious, isn't he? (beat, more scornful) He actually thinks he could have my job! Ross rubs her temples as she leans back in the chair, and sighs deeply. Then she sits forward again, pushing a button on her desk. ROSS (into com) Gary? Start drafting the announcements. Texas will be joining us by the end of the week. (beat) And Gary...I'm out of aspirins again. She proceeds to pull a file from her in-box and open it, the pauses a moment. ROSS (smiling again, to herself) Tom Hansen as Carolinan president...that'll be the day. CUT TO MCKENSI INSTITUTE Kelly Callan is in her lab, running a simulation on her computer. An intercom buzzes; she flicks a switch. VOICE (over intercom) Kelly? There's a vidlink transmission coming in for you. Where do you want it? KELLY (absently, concentrating on her work) In here, please. I really can't leave this right now. Kelly turns back to her work, typing a bit and restarting the simulation as a vidlink screen comes to life behind her. On-screen is Kelly's mother, Elizabeth, an attractive woman of forty-six. She has the typical dark hair and eyes of GELFs and looks extremely worried. ELIZABETH Kelly? Kelly still doesn't look up. KELLY (obviously preoccupied) Yeah, hi, Mom. I'm right in the middle of something here-- ELIZABETH (urgently) Kelly, your father's in the hospital. Kelly turns, giving the screen her full attention. KELLY (immediately concerned) He's that much worse? ELIZABETH Yes. It happened very quickly. (beat) But there's more. She pauses, trying to find the right way to say it. ELIZABETH (continues in a rush) Kelly, he's not the only one of us having problems. (beat) Ten more GELFs have been hospitalized in the past week. And I'm told that nearly every one of us has had some kind of medical attention in the past month. Kelly is stunned by the news and tries to diffuse its potential seriousness. KELLY Mom...but you've just been having arthritis. ELIZABETH (with irony) And Joseph has a skin condition, and Sarah's hands and feet keep going numb. (shaking her head) But we've all been having problems. (beat, her voice rising and her worry becoming more apparent) The secretary general is asking us all to come to the Navy Medical Center in Annapolis for tests. KELLY (unwilling to believe it) They think it's all related? ELIZABETH (nodding) Apparently so. KELLY (trying to be reassuring) Well, the best doctors in the UEO are there. If anyone can figure it out, they can. That's small comfort to Elizabeth, who needs to find anything she can that will give her hope. ELIZABETH Is there anyone you can think of that might know anything that would help? Kelly thinks for a moment, then sees an obvious connection. KELLY (encouragingly) I'll get Greg to ask Captain Wolenczak. If anyone knows, he will. ELIZABETH (hopefully) He's sure to know something... KELLY (decisively) Look, Mom, Greg and I were just talking about getting leave and coming up to see you. We'll just come to Annapolis, okay? Elizabeth is obviously relieved, though she looks like she feels a bit guilty at feeling so much better about the situation. ELIZABETH Kelly, that would be great. Just having you here will make us both feel better. KELLY Okay, then, I'll be up there as soon as I can. Love you, Mom. ELIZABETH You too, sweetheart. I'll see you soon. They terminate the connection. Kelly returns to her experiment, talking to herself as she does so. KELLY Okay, so I finish this. Then I clear my leave, call Greg and hop a shuttle... CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ REC ROOM Reede sits alone at a table with various printed pages spread out before him, and more in two piles, one much larger than the other. Matthews enters the room and heads for a group conversing at the other end, but Reede notices her and calls her over. REEDE Matthews! (a bit upset) Get _over_ here! At his tone, she raises an eyebrow. He pays no attention to it, already back to staring at the papers. REEDE (annoyed) You got me into this mess, you've gotta know _something_ about how I can get out of it... She walks over and sits across the table from him. MATTHEWS (curious) What mess? (beat, teasing) And how could any mess you're in _possibly_ be my fault? REEDE (exasperated) You're the one who suggested the stock market. So for two days I've been downloading all this stuff. (beat, deadpan) _None_ of it makes much sense. Reede picks up one of the papers, covered with graphs and pie charts, and reads in his best "professor of economics" tone. REEDE "Diversification of assets means the corporate structure is soundly based on a macro-economic foundation that..." (beat, shaking his head) And it's _supposed_ to be in English. MATTHEWS (amused) That's MBA dialect, Tom. REEDE (curious) Have you ever actually _invested_ in the market? MATTHEWS (mock hurt) I wouldn't tell you to if I hadn't done it myself. REEDE (pressing the issue) Okay. But have you made any money at it? MATTHEWS (looking rather smug) Well, I won't be buying out EWS any time soon. (beat, nodding) But yeah, I've done okay. REEDE Speaking of EWS... (beat) I hear they're working on some kind of new technology that'll really change underwater demolition. MATTHEWS (pondering) I've heard it too. (beat) They're a pretty solid company, Tom. You could do worse than trying them for your first stab at the market. (beat, hesitantly) If you don't mind their politics. REEDE (not quite getting it) Politics? MATTHEWS (explaining) They _are_ pretty tight with the Carolinans. Rumor has it they just got a big contract from them, providing a bunch of sub fighters... She trails off, wondering what Reede will think of the idea. REEDE Big contract, huh? (beat, he reaches a decision) I'll talk to you later Jessie. I've gotta go make a call. Reede exits hastily. Matthews looks after him for a moment, shaking her head, then rises and joins the group she had originally been headed for. CUT TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT TWO OPEN ON SCIENCE LAB Morgan enters, arms loaded with sample containers. A moment later, Seaman Evans follows, similarly loaded. He's the typical fresh-faced kid who's having his first experience at sea. Morgan carefully puts down her load, then relieves Evans of his burden. MORGAN (easily) Thanks, Evans. I'd like to go back out at about 2200 and collect a few more samples of the ones that luminesce, and then I think we'll be done. EVANS Shuttle bay at 2145, then? MORGAN Yeah. Bring coffee if you want it; we'll probably be out about four hours. EVANS (nodding) Right. See you then. He leaves. Morgan pops a disc in her player and cranks up the sound, humming along to Gershwin's "An American in Paris" as she sorts out her samples. After a minute or so of this, Wolenczak enters the room. Morgan is oblivious, her back to the door, humming, sorting and throwing in a little swing dance step now and then. Wolenczak clears his throat, trying to get her attention, but the music is too loud. He doesn't try speaking louder; he's amused by this aspect of Morgan's character and quietly steps up behind her, wondering when she'll notice him. As she continues dancing, Wolenczak starts trying to imitate her step--a basic side-side-backstep. Just as he gets the hang of it, Morgan throws in a spin, and stops suddenly, watching Wolenczak dancing to her music. He looks up at her, realizing he's been caught. The both blush and stare at each other for a moment. WOLENCZAK (awkwardly) I'm sorry, I... MORGAN (just as embarrassed) I didn't hear you come in... She quickly reaches over and snaps off the music. MORGAN (continues, trying to save her dignity, or, at least, the situation) Was there something you needed, Sir? WOLENCZAK (easily) I just stopped in to see how your field trip went. This puts Morgan back on safe ground. MORGAN (happily) It was great, Sir. (bet) Evans was a little nervous out there...I don't think he's been in one of the smaller vehicles before. But once we got busy he did fine. (beat) We're going out again tonight to get some luminescent stuff while it's active, and then I think that'll do it. WOLENCZAK No rush, Ensign. Secretary General Hitchcock hasn't given us our next assignment yet. So if you find yourself needing a few more days, I don't think there'd be a problem with that. MORGAN (hesitant) I wouldn't want to make everyone sit around here being bored just because I'm having the time of my life... WOLENCZAK (laughing a bit) Don't worry about it, Anne. After the last several weeks, a little down time is good for everyone. You'll notice that there have been fewer of Hunter's tricks plaguing us. Callan's finally been able to give things a good going over. (beat, a little wistful) And I know how hard it is to be a scientist on a boat that's meant for war. Make the most of it. (beat, teasing) Just turn the music down some, okay? Morgan looks embarrassed for a moment, then realizes he's having a little fun with her. MORGAN Yes, Sir. (beat) And thanks. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE President Ross is speaking with Governor Hansen on vidlink. ROSS (trying not to look like the cat who ate the canary) I was certain you'd be able to persuade your legislature to see the wisdom of your position, Governor. (beat, "helfpul") Shall I let my contacts at WNN know? Hansen looks like he isn't really certain about _anything_. HANSEN Yes...that would be fine. ROSS (mildly amused) Second thoughts, Governor? Hansen "bucks up," not about to let Ross think him weak. HANSEN Of course not, Madame President. (beat) And thank you for taking care of the press for us. There's a long pause as she scrutinizes him. This man may not be so easy to work with, but he's crucial to her plans for domination in the Gulf of Mexico. ROSS (all business) Right then. I'd best get to work. She cuts the connection, then presses the intercom button on her desk. ROSS (into com) Gary? Bring in that press release on the Texas secession. I want to read over it before we send it out. She doesn't bother to wait for a reply, and sure enough, DeLano comes through the door only a few seconds later. He's wearing an open-necked shirt and casual slacks. Ross looks him up and down, obviously displeased, since she is her usual perfectly brushed and pressed self. ROSS (sarcastically) Hardly what I'd call office attire, Gary. DELANO (mildly apologetic) It _is_ Saturday. (beat) And I'm golfing with the news director of WNN in an hour. ROSS (appeased) Oh. Well, then. She smiles in a way which would make most sane people cringe, but which DeLano takes in stride. ROSS You can give him our good news personally. Off her continuing smile we... CUT TO SEAQUEST MESS HALL Trueman, Percell and Matthews are eating breakfast together. From the looks of their plates, they're nearly done. Once again, Reede comes in excitedly. TRUEMAN (teasingly) So Tom, who died now? He gives her a "look". REEDE (giving her the same treatment) You don't want to mess with me, Becca. I'm a very wealthy man. The women look at each other curiously. He sits down, looking exceptionally pleased with himself. Finally it becomes too much for Trueman and she cracks. TRUEMAN (exasperated) Okay, Tom. You're dying to tell us. So _tell_ already. Reede turns his back on Trueman, addressing his comments to Matthews. REEDE (smiling even bigger, if that's possible) Well, Commander, that rumour about EWS and their defense contract turned out to be true. Their stock went up twenty points yesterday. Matthews fails to connect his news with his attitude. When he sees she's not "getting it," Reede elaborates. REEDE (enjoying every minute) I put all my money into EWS stock three days ago. MATTHEWS (shocked) _All_ of it?! In _one_ company? (beat) Tom, that's insane! You _never_ do that! (beat, barely calmer) I never told you to-- REEDE No, you didn't. (beat, defensively) But I'm not sorry I did it! It's quite obvious that Reede is high on his success, and that Matthews is worried about it. MATTHEWS (warning) Tom, be careful. You should sell some of it, put it into something else... REEDE Are you kidding? I've nearly doubled my money already. (beat, happily) If this keeps up, I'm set for life! Percell and Trueman have been observing the two silently, looking from one to the other almost as if they were at a tennis match. REEDE (casually) Besides, since you were all-- (beat, turning to Trueman) --even you, Becca-- (back to the group at large) --so helpful to me in deciding how to spend my money, I thought I'd take you out to dinner next time we're in port. (beat) Somewhere nice, with tablecloths and real silverware, and a snooty maitre d' and everything. The three women look pleased at the idea. Maybe Reede being rich won't be such a bad thing after all... CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is working at his desk when the com unit beeps. TRUEMAN (over com) Sir, I have a secure transmission from the secretary general. I'm routing it to you now. WOLENCZAK (into com) Thank you. He pushes the button; the screen comes to life. On it is a very worried-looking Katherine Hitchock. WOLENCZAK (mildly concerned) What's up Katie? HITCHCOCK (frustrated) What _isn't_ up, more like. (beat) There's some strange illness affecting the original generation of GELFs-- WOLENCZAK (concerned) You mean the Alpha Model K's? (beat) Is Dagwood okay?! HITCHCOCK (thrown off) I didn't mean him. I don't call one man a generation. (beat) No, all the ones that came after. The ones from the colony. I've got them all going to Annapolis for tests. (beat, realizing she's sidetracked) But that's not why I'm calling. (beat, almost a question) I hope you're done with the research up there. WOLENCZAK (easily) Morgan's been collecting samples for the past few days. I doubt there's anything left for her to do. She'd be glad to stay, but, from what she said yesterday, we can leave any time. HITCHCOCK (flatly) Good. I need you in the Gulf of Mexico. WOLENCZAK (puzzled) The Gulf? HITCHCOCK (nodding) I just got word. Texas is joining the Carolinan Confederation. (beat, with a sigh) I doubt Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama will be far behind. (beat) I need you down there to evacuate any colonists or UEO personnel that might be affected. It's obvious from her tone of voice there's more to it than that. Wolenczak picks up on this. WOLENCZAK (anxiously) You don't think there'll be any fighting, do you? HITCHCOCK (grimly) That's why I'm sending you. To see to it that there isn't. (beat) Get under way as soon as possible. WOLENCZAK Right. They cut communication. Before Wolenczak is able to contact the Bridge, there's a knock at his door. WOLENCZAK Come in. Callan enters, looking upset. WOLENCZAK (concerned) Trouble, Mister Callan? CALLAN Yes, Sir. I just spoke to my wife. Her parents are sick and-- WOLENCZAK (nodding) The secretary general just informed me of the situation with the GELFs. Callan is relieved at not having to explain. This may not be as difficult as he had feared. CALLAN (in a rush) I'd like to take two weeks of leave, Sir, so I can be there with them. WOLENCZAK (genuinely sorry) I'm afraid that won't be possible. This isn't what Callan expected to hear. He looks surprised. CALLAN But Sir, I didn't take any leave at Christmas, and-- WOLENCZAK (explaining) It's not you, Commander. It's the Carolinans. CALLAN (puzzled) Sir? WOLENCZAK (sighing) I'm about to announce it to everyone; you might as well be the first to hear. (beat) Texas has jumped on Ross' bandwagon and it's very likely that the other Gulf states will follow. We've just been ordered to proceed to the Gulf of Mexico immediately. Callan looks like he wants to push the issue, but obviously realizes there's no point. CALLAN (glumly) Then I guess I'd better get on down to engineering. We'll be needing sustained speed, won't we? WOLENCZAK (relieved that Callan's taking it so well) Yes, we will. (beat) And for what it's worth, I'm sorry. But between your work in Engineering and your place in the chain of command, I just can't spare you. (beat, shaking his head) The Carolinans have a way of ruining everyone's plans. Callan turns to leave, but pauses at the door. CALLAN (hesitantly) My wife was wondering if you might know anything about the GELFs, anyone who worked on the research teams... He trails off, looking hopeful. WOLENCZAK (slowly) No...no, I don't. (beat, painfully) Jonathan Ford knew someone, once. (beat) But not any more. The two look at each other silently. CUT TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO =========================== PART 3 ===================================== ACT 3 OPEN ON CALLAN'S QUARTERS Callan is on the vidlink with Kelly. She is visibly upset. KELLY What do you mean you can't get leave?! CALLAN (trying to explain) I told you Kelly, something's up in the Gulf of Mexico. We've been ordered to get ourselves there as fast as possible. KELLY (still mad) Yeah, well, something's up here, too. CALLAN (getting angry himself) Well, what do you want me to do?! Quit? There's a long silence as they stare each other down. Kelly's anger overflows first. KELLY (icily) You knew how I felt when you left on this tour. If you'd stayed home then, you wouldn't be gone now that I really need you. (beat) But your job obviously comes first. CALLAN (really mad now) Dammit, Kel. Don't do this to me. Not now. Not when I have to go into a situation that could blow up in our faces. (beat) I can't be worrying about you being mad at me when I have to have this boat ready for anything. KELLY (furiously) Fine then. I'll just take care of everything here, and perhaps when you can spare some of your _precious_ time, I'll tell you about how my dad's comatose and my mom can barely walk. This completely sets Callan back. He had no idea things were so serious. He doesn't lose his anger completely, though. CALLAN (stunned) Kelly...my God. When did this happen? (beat) Why didn't you _tell_ me?! Kelly's not above being pleased at the effect of her words, but knows better than to rub it in. KELLY (shortly) They've been going downhill since we got to Annapolis Friday. CALLAN (frustrated) Damn...Kel, I don't know _what_ to do. (beat) I honestly do want to be there with you. But there's no way in hell the captain's going to let me go right now. KELLY (softening) I understand, Greg. I really do understand. I shouldn't have flown off the handle like that. (beat, sadly) But if you were here, if you could see them suffering. And it's not just my folks either. (beat) The only one who doesn't seem to be affected is my Uncle Dagwood. (beat, smiling just a little) Poor guy. They've taken so many samples from him, trying to compare with everyone else. And he's so patient about it. He deserves a medal. CALLAN (smiling too) I'll have to tell the captain that. He thinks pretty highly of your uncle, you know. They fall silent again. Finally Kelly speaks up. KELLY (hesitantly) Greg...I'm sorry about what I said. I know how much you love your work. (beat, sighing) You've never asked me to change mine. I shouldn't ask you to stop doing what you do so well. (beat, sadly) I just...miss you. CALLAN (softly) I miss you too, Kelly. And we'll be together just as soon as this mess in the Gulf is taken care of. I promise. (he checks his watch) And now I really have to go. I'm sorry. KELLY I'll keep you posted. Love you. They touch hands on the screen as it goes blank. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The ship is making quick progress through the water, preceded by WSKRS. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak and Matthews are present, each with a SEAPOC in hand. WOLENCZAK So, according to Hitchcock, we're just supposed to be there and that ought to be enough to keep things from getting out of hand. MATTHEWS (drily) You didn't tell me the secretary general was such an optimist. WOLENCZAK (smiling fondly) Guess she's been spending too much time with Ben "Glass Half-full" Krieg. (back to business) Anyway, we'll maintain yellow alert status, but I want the crew on regular shift rotations. All leaves, naturally are cancelled till further notice. (beat, considering) And shuttle passes will be restricted to a case-by-case basis. MATTHEWS (making notes on her SEAPOC) Got it. (beat, curiously) How long do you think this is going to last? WOLENCZAK (considering it) Hard to say. It depends on what the rest of the gulf states decide to do. (beat) Frankly, I don't see them deciding to stay with the UEO, not with Carolinan states on either side. (beat) So, once they do secede, we'll be pretty busy making sure the turnover of colonies and outposts goes smoothly. MATTHEWS Think it'll be as bad as the last time? WOLENCZAK (thoughtfully) No. No I don't. (beat) This time, I think more people are going to want to stay and be Carolinan citizens. The UEO's made some gains agains Ross' PR, but we haven't got the world convinced yet that we're right and she's just a megalomaniac on a roll. (beat, grinning) And you never heard me say that. MATTHEWS (innocently) Never heard you say what? Wolenczak nods approvingly as we... CUT TO REC ROOM Riller, Matthews, Percell, Trueman and Reede are there, all in off-duty clothing. We find them in mid-conversation. TRUEMAN I hear Callan's going crazy down in Engineering, Sara. PERCELL (shrugging) Who can blame him? We spent twelve hours straight on the emergency protocols for the reactors. He's worried we'll be in battle and everything'll quit like that first time when Hunter stuck those transmitters in Engineering. (beat, smiling) He had five guys spend the whole shift going over every inch of the place looking for anything suspicious. RILLER (idly) Did they find anything? PERCELL (stifling a yawn) Nothing but a few dust bunnies. (beat) I'm about dead, gang. I'm going to bed. (beat) Night! She leaves. REEDE So why hasn't Callan cheered up? TRUEMAN (surprised) You haven't heard?! REEDE Heard what? TRUEMAN His wife's parents and all the other GELFs like them are really sick. (beat, slyly) But I guess that wouldn't have been covered in the financial news, would it, Tom? Reede looks a little embarrassed at being out of touch. REEDE Guess not. MATTHEWS (trying to help him out) Are you a millionaire yet? REEDE (slowly) No...actually, the stock's dropped a few points. (beat, making the best of it) But that's probably just because of the unrest in the Gulf. As soon as things settle, it'll probably shoot up even higher. MATTHEWS You hope. REEDE (giving her a hard time) Afraid you'll miss that dinner out? MATTHEWS (sighing) With my luck, dinner out'll be field rations in a Marauder. REEDE (mock-disappointed) Oh ye of little faith... Reede picks up a remote control and puts one of the room's screens on WNN. The female anchor from "Face to Face" appears. ANCHOR Following Texas' change of allegiance to the Carolinan Confederation, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama have also elected to join the Confederation. (beat) President Ross has announced that anyone who wishes to remain a UEO citizen will have seventy-two hours to leave those states and waters within two hundred miles of their shorelines. Riller grabs the remote and presses the off button. RILLER (glumly) Looks like we're going to be busy for the next few days. Matthews looks like she's suddenly remembered something. MATTHEWS Oh, damn! TRUEMAN What's up? MATTHEWS (with an "I can't believe I'm so dumb" look) Left my SEAPOC in Sara's quarters. And it's only got everything I need to know about duty schedules for the next week. (beat) I'd better run and see if I can catch her before she's actually in bed asleep. She leaves. CUT TO CORRIDOR Matthews is outside Percell's quarters. She taps on the door, then waits impatiently. There's no response. Matthews tries the door handle; it moves, so she opens the door a crack. The light is on, so she pushes the door in further. MATTHEWS Sara? There's no response. Matthews steps into Percell's quarters. CUT TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS Although the light is on, Percell is in her bed, fast asleep. Matthews quietly picks up her SEAPOC from the desk, then flips off the light as she goes. Before she gets out the door, Percell wakes up. PERCELL (startled) Who's there?! MATTHEWS Just me. I forgot my SEAPOC. PERCELL (relieved) Oh. (beat) Well, put the light back on, would you? Matthews turns and gives Percell a long look. MATTHEWS (concerned) Sara, you were asleep. Why do you need the light on? PERCELL (embarrassed, but not about to explain) Just do it, okay? Matthews shrugs, then turns on the light. PERCELL Thanks, Jessie. Night. MATTHEWS Night. Matthews leaves as Percell lies back down, punches the pillow a few times, then closes her eyes. CUT TO BRIDGE All are at their usual stations, including Callan at the Engineering station. REEDE (to Trueman, but loud enough that those nearby can hear) There's no convenient gulf stream here if we get into trouble, is there? Trueman shoots him an amused glance. Wolenczak's glance is far less amused. WOLENZCAK (warningly) Mister Reede... (turning to Riller) Tactical, what's our status? RILLER All clear, Sir. No bogeys, no bandits, nothing out here but us. Trueman perks up, putting a hand to her headset. TRUEMAN (with an excited edge to her voice) Sir, I have an emergency transmission coming in. WOLENCZAK From? TRUEMAN I don't know _who_. But it's coming from Annapolis. (beat, this is important) It's encrypted, Sir. WOLENCZAK (raising an eyebrow) Put it up. Standard precautions. TRUEMAN Yes, Sir. She taps out a few commands on her console, then hesitates. TRUEMAN (a bit puzzled) Sir? It's not actually for you. It's for Lieutenant Commander Callan. Wolenczak casts an interested glance in Callan's direction. WOLENCZAK (curiously) Callan? Encrypted priority transmissions? (beat) Did you get a promotion you forgot to tell me about? Callan appears to be just as stumped as Wolenczak is by the whole thing. CALLAN (shaking his head) I don't know who'd want to go to that much trouble to tell me something. (beat) Or what anyone would tell me that could be that important. WOLENCZAK Well, we're about to find out. Put it up, Ensign. The main viewscreen changes from WSKR view to vidlink. On-screen is Kelly Callan. She looks like she hasn't slept in days; her eyes are red and she has obviously been crying. And she looks like she could cry again very easily. When she realizes she and Callan aren't alone, she looks shaken, then gathers her courage and speaks. KELLY (embarrassed) Greg? I didn't realize you were on the Bridge. I hope I didn't interrupt anything. WOLENCZAK (reassuringly) It's all right. Things are quiet out there right now. GREG (worried) Kelly, why on earth are you calling on an encrypted line? Kelly swallows hard, then speaks. KELLY They don't want the media getting hold of this. But Greg, Dad just died. The Bridge falls silent as she loses her fight to hold back her tears. Then she delivers the rest of the news. KELLY (continues in a rush) And so have twenty of the others. And all the rest are getting more sick by the day. (beat, this is the final blow) The doctors say the entire generation will be dead in a few days. CUT TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE =========================== PART 4 ===================================== ACT FOUR OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI Caption reads: On patrol in the Gulf of Mexico, two days later. CUT TO REC ROOM General off-duty activity is taking place. Reede is there, logged into a computer console. He's wearing jeans and a T-shirt, untucked. He looks like he's not very happy. He scrolls information on the screen, his face looking more unhappy the more he reads. Matthews, still in uniform and carrying a steaming mug, enters and stands behind him, looking over his shoulder at the screen as she sips her tea. REEDE (frustrated) Damn! MATTHEWS Something wrong? REEDE (swiveling in his chair to face her) EWS dropped over forty points today. MATTHEWS (concerned) Any idea why? REEDE (shrugging, he doesn't quite understand it himself) Something to do with Texas having a pre-existing contract with another provider to manufacture subs to patrol its shoreline. (beat) They're saying that contract makes the Carolinan contract with EWS unnecessary. MATTHEWS (thoughtfully) So what's the stock down to now? REEDE (even more unhappy) It's way less than what I paid for it. MATTHEWS ("I told you so" tone) See why I told you not to put it all in one company? REEDE (desperately) What should I do now?! MATTHEWS (with a tight smile) You didn't take my advice before, Tom. (beat, not quite completely unsympathetic) I just think you need to learn a little responsibility. This problem, win or lose, needs to be completely _your_ doing. (beat, sighing) It's not my fault you jumped on everything I said about the stock market or EWS. I'm washing my hands of the whole mess. Reede looks a bit stunned by her speech. Matthews turns and walks away. Reede thinks for a moment, then stands abruptly and calls after her. REEDE (pleading) Just tell me what you'd _do_! Matthews walks out the door, leaving Reede fuming. CUT TO CALLAN'S QUARTERS Callan, in off-duty clothing, is punching in a code on his console. CALLAN (impatiently) Come on, Kelly...be there. The screen comes to life, showing a harried-looking doctor in a white lab coat. Callan is obviously surprised at not seeing Kelly. DOCTOR (not too sincerely) May I help you? CALLAN (unsure) I was looking for Kelly Callan. DOCTOR And you are...? CALLAN Greg Callan. (beat) Her husband. (becoming more concerned) She said I'd be able to contact her at this number. The doctor relaxes a bit, but still looks like he's worked about thirty-six hours straight. DOCTOR Sorry. We're just being very careful about who we talk to right now. CALLAN (nodding) Given the situation, I guess I understand that. (beat, urgently) Now, may I please speak to my wife? DOCTOR (shaking his head sadly) I'm sorry, that won't be possible. It dawns on Callan that something is wrong. Fear crosses his face at the idea that Kelly could be ill, too. CALLAN (_really_ concerned now) She's not...she's not sick is she? DOCTOR (reassuringly, looking a bit surprised) No, no, of course not. She's sedated. CALLAN (frustrated) Look, doctor, I'm sure you're very busy. So why don't you just _tell_ me what's going on so we both can get on with our work. The doctor scrutinizes Callan for a few moments, then sighs wearily. DOCTOR I'm sorry Mister Callan. I didn't actually mean to stonewall you. (beat) But the rest of the GELFs died today. CALLAN (stunned) My God... (beat) And Kelly? DOCTOR (explaining, with a hint of a smile) She was exhausted. She's been helping us in the labs all week, trying to come up with a cure, or a reason, or something. (beat) She refused to stop, so we...uh...put a sedative in her coffee. CALLAN (smiling grimly) That's Kelly. Won't stop till she's got all the answers. (beat, questioning) _Are_ there any answers, doctor? DOCTOR (shaking his head) Not many, I'm afraid. (beat) It appears that this was part of the basic engineering of this...uh...batch...of GELFs. It doesn't seem to be present in the Alpha Model K. CALLAN (as if he's afraid of what the answer might be) And Kelly's generation? The natural-borns? DOCTOR (sighing tiredly) We just don't know. (beat, explaining) After the human rights outcries of the Dark Age of Genetics, all records of GELF research were destroyed. The GELF experiments were deemed failures and the GELFs were sent to the colony-- CALLAN (cutting in) I know the history, Doctor. But can't you look at Kelly's genes and see if the coding is there? DOCTOR (a rhetorical question) Do you know how many genes a human being has, Mister Callan? (beat) And we still don't know what most of them do. (beat, shrugging) It's going to take us years to analyze the data, and even with the comparisons from the Alpha Model K, the engineered GELFs, and the natural-borns, we may never know. CALLAN (hopefully) But you must have learned _something_? DOCTOR (with disgust) Only that these people were meant to break down at a certain age. Our theory is that, since they were engineered to be fighting machines, they were also engineered to...uh...self-destruct...once they'd passed prime fighting age. CALLAN (shocked) But that's... DOCTOR Inhuman? It certainly is. (beat) Now, Mister Callan, if you'll excuse me... Callan nods; the screen goes blank. Callan drops his head into his hands. CALLAN (in despair) Oh, Kelly, what are we going to do now? CUT TO CORRIDOR Lighting is at the nighttime level. Callan, eyes red, is knocking on Morgan's door. She opens it, wearing her usual off-duty attire -- shorts and a Broadway T-shirt ("A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"). He is unsure of himself, not knowing quite what to say. MORGAN (conerned) Greg, is something wrong? Callan can only swallow hard and nod. MORGAN (gently) Is it the GELF situation? CALLAN (nodding) The rest of the engineered GELFs died today. MORGAN (stunned, at a loss for words) Oh no! (beat, pulling herself together a bit) Do you want to come in and talk? Again, he only nods. She steps aside, and he enters her quarters. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The ship is on patrol, preceded by WSKRs. CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS The only thing different from the last time we saw Morgan's quarters is the photograph of her son, prominently displayed on the dresser. Once again, there's a book on the bed. Morgan is sitting on the bed; Callan is in the desk chair. He has just finished telling Morgan what has happened to the GELFs. CALLAN ...And he said it could take them _years_ to figure it all out. (beat, haltingly) How much do you know about genetics? MORGAN (thoughtfully) Doctor Burke could probably tell you more than I can-- CALLAN (cutting in, a bit upset) You know Burke, she can only talk in med-school jargon! MORGAN (slowly) Well, genetics isn't exactly my specialty... (beat, she gathers her thoughts) I know your wife's generation is, to all intents and purposes, more physiologically similar to you and me than to their parents. (beat, shaking her head) But the genetic aspect, I just don't know. CALLAN (seeking some kind of comfort) But _someone_ must know! MORGAN (doubtfully) I'm not so sure of that. (beat, explaining) The human genome project was abandoned in the backlash from the Dark Age of Genetics. In some ways, we know less now than we did then. (beat) We're just going to have to go on faith on this one. CALLAN (contemptuously) Faith! In _God_?! (beat, great disbelief) You don't mean you think God had anything to do with this?! MORGAN (with conviction) God may not have had anything to do with the creation of Kelly's parents, but he had everything to do with the creation of Kelly. (beat, still strongly) Kelly's not supposed to be here at all, as I recall. GELFs weren't supposed to be able to reproduce. (beat) Religion may not be fashionable, but yeah, I think God had something to do with this. Callan is still in too much pain to consider whether his words will hurt Morgan. He speaks out of that pain without thinking. CALLAN (contemptuously) And did God have something to do with your husband's death? Morgan looks like she's been slapped. But she recognizes the source of Callan's words and his need for comfort. She speaks calmly, softly, and from the heart. MORGAN There's an old saying that I love, Greg. It goes, "Whenever God closes a door, he opens a window." I've found it to be pretty true. (beat, painfully) When David died, I didn't know how I could possibly go on without him. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to face. But I lived through it. (beat) I know you probably don't believe me, but whatever happens with Kelly, you _can_ live through it. CALLAN (curious) How did he die? MORGAN (with irony) Heart attack. Callan looks surprised. MORGAN (continues) Yeah, I know, nobody dies of them any more. (beat, sighing) He'd come through several battles totally unscathed. Then he was carrying an injured man to safety. The guy was pretty big. David got him to the field medic, then collapsed. (beat) They told me later he had a congenital heart defect, one of those things you never suspect until it's too late. (beat) You can believe I've had John checked out for it. (beat, smiling a bit) Even thought I know "congenital" and "hereditary" aren't the same thing. (beat) He's fine, thank God. CALLAN (sadly) At least you've got your son. (beat) Kelly and I always talked about having kids someday. Now...I just don't see how we can. (beat) I don't see how we can take the chance of this being inherited. Morgan sighs, seeing his point, but not believing it herself. MORGAN Nobody can make that choice but you and Kelly. (beat) Like I said, no one's sure about the genetic differences between Kelly's generation and her parents'. Throw _your_ genes into the mix and you get even more question marks. (wryly) I guess I haven't been much help, have I? Callan shakes his head. CALLAN (slowly) You haven't told me everything'll be fine. But at least you understand how I feel. (beat, desperately) I just can't bear the thought of losing Kelly. How can we spend the next twenty years waiting for the axe to fall? MORGAN (definitely) You can't. (beat) If you spend the rest of your lives waiting for something bad to happen, then they'll be wasted. (beat, sadly) At least you've got time. David and I only had six years together. CALLAN (realizing things actually _could_ be worse) Anne...I... She shakes her head, either not willing or not able to accept his sympathy, then opens a drawer and pulls out a CD, handing it to Callan. MORGAN (explaining) My husband collected these. He was really into '90s country music. Listen to the last cut on here; it was "our" song. If CDs could wear out, this one would have. I listened to it constantly after David died. (beat, softly) But every word of it's true. Callan looks thoughtfully at the CD as we... CUT TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR =========================== PART 5 ===================================== ACT FIVE OPEN ON SHUTTLE BAY Callan enters, looking around. It is obvious that he doesn't want to be seen. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE Callan enters, straps into the pilot seat, and places Morgan's CD on the seat beside him. He starts flicking on switches. CALLAN (under his breath) Come on, you stupid hunk of machinery. _Warm up_! He continues the pre-launch check hurriedly, then pulls the docking clamps. As he begins to maneuver clear of _seaQuest_, he is hailed. VOICE (over com) Shuttle BL-9, you are not cleared for departure. Please identify yourself. Callan ignores it. Apparently, his infraction is greater than he realizes, because the next voice he hears belongs to the captain. WOLENCZAK (over com, on the verge of anger) Whoever's piloting that shuttle, you might want to know that what you're doing is a court-martial offense right now. Callan looks a bit surprised at this, but isn't in the mood to consider consequences. CALLAN (still to himself) Well, that's just fine, Captain. Kelly wouldn't mind at all if I got kicked out of the Navy. Realizing what he has just said, Callan pauses and shakes his head. Then, as if he's beyond caring, he pushes the throttle up a little bit more. He proceeds in silence for a minute, then, glancing at his viewscreen, looks startled and more than a little angry. CALLAN (explosively) _Damn!_ Damn, damn, damn. CUT TO SHUTTLE EXTERIOR -- CGI We see a Marauder cross the shuttle's bow. CUT TO SHUTTLE INTERIOR Callan looks determined to get away as he pushes the throttle to the limit. He is hailed. MATTHEWS (over com) Look, whoever you are, I have orders to disable your shuttle and grapnel you in. You have until the count of five to comply. One...two...three... As Matthews begins her count, Callan looks blankly at his screen, then, shaking his head sadly, pulls the throttle back. CALLAN (whispers) I'm sorry Kelly. I just can't do it. (opening communication) It's okay Jessie. I'll come along quietly. MATTHEWS (over com, shocked) Greg?! What the hell...? CALLAN (into com) I'll tell you about it when we get back. (beat, dejectedly) Let's just go. CUT TO EXTERIOR -- CGI The shuttle and Marauder proceed, side by side, into the _seaQuest_ shuttle bay. CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE SHUTTLE BAY Wolenczak is there, pacing agitatedly. As the doors open, he looks up sharply, to see Matthews and Callan (carrying that CD again) approaching him. WOLENCZAK (angrily) Callan! (beat) I might have expected a stunt like that from one of the less seasoned officers, but from _you_?! Wolenczak walks up to Callan, who snaps to attention. Wolenczak is standing directly before him in the classic superior/subordinate faceoff. WOLENCZAK (demanding) You'd better be able to give me a damned good reason not to throw you into the brig until the next time we're at HQ. Callan looks unfazed by Wolenczak's anger. When he speaks, he is neither apologetic nor insubordinate. CALLAN Yes, sir, I can. (beat, beginning to crack just a bit) The rest of the engineered GELFs died today. Comprehension begins to dawn on Wolenczak's and Matthews' faces. CALLAN (continuing) I didn't even get to talk to Kelly; the doctor had to sedate her. (beat, his anguish finally apparent) And the doctors don't even know if it will happen to Kelly some day. (beat, very agitated) I had to be with her. I _had_ to see her. He falls silent, unable to continue. Wolenczak appears to be thinking, then finally speaks. WOLENCZAK (sadly) Callan... He trails off, takes a deep breath. WOLENCZAK (shaking his head) Greg...I'm truly sorry for your loss. (beat, all business, to Matthews) Considering the circumstances, I think it's best if we just pretend this...incident...never happened. MATTHEWS (nodding somberly) Yes, Sir. WOLENCZAK Right then. Matthews, secure your Marauder. Matthews goes back into the shuttle bay, throwing a last worried glance over her shoulder at Callan. WOLENCZAK Callan, you're confined to quarters through the end of the day tomorrow. (beat, checking his watch) Today, actually. (slight beat, before Callan can interrupt) To your vidlink. Talk to your wife. Do whatever you need to--from _on_ board. (beat) Dismissed. Callan and Wolenczak depart, in opposite directions. CUT TO MESS HALL Another day, another breakfast. Percell, Trueman, and Matthews are eating together once again. Reede enters, looking, if possible, even more dejected than he did when his stocks fell. TRUEMAN (mock-sympathetic) What's the matter, Tom? Run out of laundry soap? The joke's wearing thin on Reede, who just looks at her tiredly. REEDE (shaking his head) EWS stocks set a record yesterday; they went up sixty points. This morning they split. Percell and Trueman exchange glances: "Huh?" REEDE (explaining, unwillingly) The stocks split. For every stock you had, you now have two. Percell's and Trueman's faces now read: "Oh. Okay." MATTHEWS (puzzled) I thought they took a nosedive? REEDE (shaking his head) Turns out that contract Texas had was with a subsidiary of EWS. So they're turning out with an even bigger forecast profit than before. TRUEMAN (brightly) So you're figuring out how to avoid paying taxes on all that money? Reede gives her a withering glance. REEDE (completely depressed) I sold it all first thing yesterday. MATTHEWS (shocked) You _what_?! REEDE (flatly) I sold it. (beat) Got out with barely enough to pay the brokerage fees. TRUEMAN (sighing, but with a glint in her eye) So much for dinner out. (beat, straight at Reede) Unless you like field rations...? Off Reede's disgusted glance, we... CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is standing before his vidlink screen. WOLENCZAK (politely) ...Thank you, Doctor, I'll just wait for him. A few moments pass, Wolenczak sits down. Dagwood walks into view on the screen. Apart from more lines around his eyes and mouth, he has changed very little in fifteen years. DAGWOOD Lucas? WOLENCZAK (urgently) Dag, I had to talk to you. I had to see how you're doing. DAGWOOD (simply) It's very sad here, Lucas. WOLENCZAK (nodding) It'll be sad for a long time, Dagwood. (beat, hesitantly) But...I need to ask you...do you ever think about Banaba Island? DAGWOOD (nodding slowly) Yes. I can't forget that bad place. Wolenczak fidgets with a pen, moves a SEAPOC on his desk. He wants to be able to _do_ something, but there's nothing he _can_ do. WOLENCZAK (struggling) Do you...do you ever wonder if we did the right thing? Blowing it up? (beat, faster) I mean, what if there was something there that could have saved all those people? DAGWOOD (calmly) What the monotones did there was bad, Lucas. But what they did here was good. They tried so hard to help. (beat, a little anger) What _those_ doctors did at Banaba wouldn't have helped anything here. WOLENCZAK (painfully) But Dagwood...you're all alone now. DAGWOOD (shaking his head) No Lucas. I'll never be alone. You remember. I remember. And now the whole world will remember the day the Daggers all died. (beat, insistently) The monotones will _all_ remember what they did to the GELFs. (beat, with great dignity and sadness) And it will never, never happen again. Off Wolenczak's grief-stricken face, we... CUT TO CALLAN'S QUARTERS Callan is talking to Kelly over vidlink. Both look like they've been crying. CALLAN ...Anyhow, Kelly, that's what she said. (beat) And I trust her on this one. KELLY (desperately) But no one's ever lost an entire generation of their _family_! Not like _this_! (beat, bitterly) It's never happened to anyone before. To any _race_ before. A long silence, as Callan struggles for words. CALLAN (hesitantly) But the idea's the same, isn't it? We may lose the people we love, but that love will always be here. (beat, stronger) And we'll always remember what we had with those people. Kelly gets little consolation from his words. KELLY (with irony) And do you think you'll still be saying that in twenty years, when _I'm_ gone? CALLAN (patiently, with a little sadness) Kelly, we don't know. We just don't know how it's going to turn out. (beat, firmly) But I'm not going to ruin those twenty years worrying about how they'll end. (beat, pleading with her) Please, Kel. All we can do is live our lives. Don't let the past ruin the future, _our_ future. More silence as she considers what he said. KELLY (nodding slowly) Yeah. Okay. (beat, futilely) But I can't stop thinking about it! CALLAN (emphatically) God, Kel, of course you can't. It's tragic. (beat, painfully) But _we_ don't have to be a tragedy. He slips Morgan's CD into a drive, tapping out some commands on his keyboard. CALLAN (continuing) I'm sending you a song Morgan gave me. I want you to listen to it. (beat, simply) I think it says it all pretty well. They touch hands on the screen, trying to draw comfort from each other despite the distance between them. CALLAN I love you, Kel. (beat, with great emotion) I'll _always_ love you. No matter what. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _seaQuest_ is cutting through the water, preceded by WSKRs. CUT TO MCKENSI INSTITUTE In her quarters, Kelly begins to play the song Callan sent her. The camera pulls in tightly on her face, then dissolves to the following montage as the music comes up: The birth of the first GELF baby. The baby being put into a waste container and jettisoned, as her mother cries. Dagwood and Rachel at "The Dagger's Sheath" on Perseid Colony, arguing about monotones. Dagwood punching the wall at Banaba Island, finding the data crystals. Dagwood again, crushing those same data crystals. Greg and Kelly's wedding, as both sets of parents watch him raise her veil and kiss her. The two of them setting up housekeeping. Their kiss goodbye when Callan leaves for his tour on _seaQuest_. Their greeting when Callan visited McKensi Institute just before Christmas. The two of them touching hands via vidlink. MUSIC We are born one fine day, Children of God, on our way. Mama smiles, Daddy cries, Miracles before their eyes. They protect us 'till we're of age And through it all, love remains. Boy moves on, takes a bride, She stands faithful by his side. Tears and sweat, they build a home And raise a family of their own. They share joy and they share pain. Through it all, love remains. Kingdoms come and go, but they don't last. Before you know, the future is the past. In spite of what's been lost or what's been gained We are living proof that love remains. I don't know baby what I'd do On this earth without you. We all live and we all die, But the end is not goodbye. The sun comes up and seasons change, And through it all love remains. An eternal burning flame, Hope lives on and love remains. The scene dissolves back to Kelly's face as the camera pulls back to reveal a last bittersweet look on her face. FADE TO BLACK THE END ========================================================================== ("Love Remains" is copyright 1994 by Sony Tree Publishing Co., Inc. It was written by Tom Douglas and Jim Daddario. We found it on the Collin Raye CD _I Think About You_, Sony, 1995.) Copyright 1997 seaQuest 2047 Staff