========================================================================== 11 - WAKE UP CALL 2047 Team ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2047 Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact) ========================================================================== seaQuest 2047 "Wake Up Call" By Rachel Brody & Victoria Morgan Hyde Wednesday, March 12, 1997 Third Draft Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". ========================= PART 0 - TEASER =============================== TEASER OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The launch bay doors open to admit a small shuttle. CUT TO INTERIOR -- LAUNCH BAY Doctor Meridith Burke is standing by the airlock. She's in civvies, a nice but casual jumpsuit. Clustered around her are Ensign Anne Morgan, Lieutenant J.G. Justin Riller, Ensign Tom Reede, and Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell, all in uniform. There's a suitcase by Burke's feet. The entire scene is played awkwardly, with all characters obviously uncomfortable with saying good-bye. MORGAN We'll miss you, Meridith. Burke nods. She's grinning like a nut, but there's a hint of regret in her expression. BURKE (attempting sincerity) Yeah, well, what can I say; my tour's over and I'm off! Burke is a bit uncomfortable with the attention, but is dealing with it. WOLENCZAK (O.S.) Doctor Burke? The angle widens to include Captain Lucas Wolenczak, in uniform, standing just behind Morgan. All look up, seeing him. Immediately, the scene becomes ever-so-slightly less warm, as the crew tries to behave "professionally" for their captain. REEDE Uh...I'd better get going, Doc, but good luck. PERCELL (joining in) Yeah. I've gotta go, too. (beat, weakly) See you around. They go. Morgan watches for a moment, then she leaves as well. Riller waits for a moment before speaking. Clearly uneasy, he offers Burke a hand. She takes it. RILLER Becca had to be on duty, but she wanted me to tell you good luck. (beat) Look, Doc, I know we kinda got off to a rocky start when Becca and I first came aboard, but I wanted to say thanks. (beat) With, you know, the...thing. Burke smiles warmly. BURKE (nods) Yeah. I know. (beat) You're doing incredibly, Justin. A lot of people wouldn't be able to stay clean for this long. He nods. RILLER (clearly uncomfortable) Well, drop me a line some time. (glances at Wolenczak, the to the door) I better get going. Without allowing her time to respond, he walks away and out of the bay. Burke watches for several seconds, finally turning to Wolenczak. She hasn't been looking forward to this goodbye, but steels herself for whatever might come. BURKE (uncomfortably) Captain... (offers hand, they shake) It's been a great tour. Wolenczak nods. Once she releases his hand, he holds both hands behind his back and takes a glance at the airlock. WOLENCZAK (shakes head) Are you sure about this? (beat) It's not too late to send your replacement back, you know... She shakes her head. BURKE (amused) Nice try, Captain, but... (beat) San Francisco General's got a great entry-level position open for me, and there's room for advancement. (beat, looks around, indicating room) And as much as I like serving on the _seaQuest_, it's pretty much the top of the food chain. (beat) Besides, my time with the Navy is up. I've paid back my Med School expenses, or the equivalent, and... She trails off, not really having any way to finish the thought. Wolenczak sighs, then nods. BURKE Besides, Dr. Curcio's supposed to be an excellent physician. Wolenczak nods, but doesn't look convinced. Truthfully, neither does Burke. One gets the idea she may be repeating what she's been told. WOLENCZAK It won't be the same, but I suppose we'll make do. Burke nods. There's an extremely awkward moment as both try to decide where to go from here. Finally, unable to think of anything else to do, Wolenczak speaks. WOLENCZAK Well, good luck at S-F-General. (beat) You deserve it. Burke smiles. BURKE Thanks. (beat) And I'd better get going so the shuttle doesn't fall behind. Wolenczak nods. Without another word, Burke picks up her suitcase and walks away. The camera is close in on Wolenczak as he watches her board the shuttle, looking almost as if he'd like to say something more, then someone taps his shoulder. CURCIO (O.S.) Excuse me. Captain Wolenczak? The angle widens as Wolenczak turns. We now have our first glimpse of Doctor Mark Curcio. He's several years older than Wolenczak. An inch or so taller. Cold expression, very detached. Wolenczak is thrown off guard, as Curcio is so immediately different from Burke. But he nods. WOLENCZAK (extends a hand) Yes. Curcio ignores the hand. Wolenczak lowers it, realizing it won't be as easy to get along with this man as it was with Burke. CURCIO Doctor Mark Curcio, reporting for duty. (beat) Someone has to take my bag to my quarters; I'll be in the MedBay. With that, Curcio turns, leaving a completely dumbfounded Wolenczak staring after him. INTERCOM VOICE (in the background) Shuttle LD-2 departing launch bay. CUT TO SCIENCE LAB The lights are out in the lab, but a few traces of light can be seen coming from the corridor. The door to the MedBay is closed, for the first time in ages. There's a sense of isolation in the room, as though it's cut off from the rest of the ship by more than some walls and a door. Morgan walks in the door. Off her hand as she palms the light switch. TIGHT ON MORGAN'S FACE As she reacts to whatever it is in the Science Lab that's making her look like she's having a heart attack... QUICK CUT TO MEDBAY Curcio is straightening out the MedBay, moving one item over a few inches, placing another on a shelf...every once in a while moving to a computer and typing a few words. He's completely focused on his work. It's the wee hours of the morning, as is apparent from the low traffic in the bay. MORGAN (O.S., _very_ angrily) What did you do to my experiments?! Her anger is more in her tone than her volume. Curcio ignores her. Morgan enters the room, coming from the door between the MedBay and her lab. She's about as dangerous as an overheating nuclear reactor. She marches up to him. Their height difference is obvious, but Morgan's not about to let it get in her way. MORGAN (repeating herself and annoyed to be doing so) What did you do to them?! Without so much as batting an eyelash, Curcio walks away. He's not interested in what she has to say. He moves to another counter. Morgan watches for a moment, unable to believe he'd be so incredibly rude. She walks over to him and shoves a few pieces of powered-down equipment in his face. MORGAN (accusatory) You disconnected my incubation experiment! As though just now noticing her presence, Curcio looks up. He's not really interested in what she's saying. CURCIO (pushing by her) Excuse me, _Ensign_... The way he says the word makes it sound as though his superior rank alone gives him the right to treat her this way. He kind of gently shoves her out of the way as he moves to the computer. He hits a few keys, then nods. Morgan is nearly in shock. She watches for a moment, then reaches out and flicks off the monitor. Curcio looks up at her, eyes flashing angrily, but nowhere near the level of intensity as is in Morgan's. CURCIO If you don't mind, _Ensign_, Doctor Burke left this place in a horrendous state. It's taken me the better part of the time I've been here to get this mess even partially straightened out. (beat, coolly antagonistic) I understand from the medical logs that she allowed you access to some of the medical equipment for your "extra-curricular projects"; that practice will stop _now_. Morgan stares at him, open-mouthed. CURCIO (continuing, ignoring her shock) Now, get out. His tone leaves no room for argument. Morgan stares for another instant, glowering at him, then turns and walks out of the room. The camera follows her to the Science Lab door, then cuts back to Curcio, who's going about his business. We hear the Science Lab door slam shut. He's not affected. CUT TO SAN FRANCISCO ISLAND LAUNCH STATION It's late night. The station is underwater, with elevators leading up- world--much like a present-day subway station. There's a man, Frank Melanson, waiting at one of the airlock gates, dressed casually but in nice clothing. He checks his watch, still waiting. He looks out the nearest window, but there's nothing there. He walks to the water fountain, has a sip. He looks at a monitor of incoming shuttles, just as the LD-2 shuttle schedule changes from "Expected in five minutes" to "Has arrived, UEO Concourse, Gate Three". CUT TO UEO CONCOURSE, GATE THREE As the airlock door opens, and several passengers get off, Melanson walks in. He sees Burke walk off the shuttle, down the ramp, and finally stop. He waves and jogs up to her. She grins. BURKE Frank! She walks toward him, they meet. She immediately puts her suitcase down, and they hug each other tightly. Finally, he lets her go, and both of them continue grinning like fools. MELANSON (gazing fondly at her) My God, Meridith...it's been what, a year? BURKE (grinning) Seems like longer. (beat) What've you been up to? He smiles. MELANSON Hey, we can talk about that over dinner. She nods. He picks up her suitcase for her. MELANSON This way, c'mon. She nods and walks with him, toward an exit. BURKE (smiling) So, anywhere nearby we could get a good meal? Melanson chuckles. BURKE What? MELANSON You mean a _last_ meal-- before the real work starts. They walk through the exid door and out into the real world. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== ACT ONE FADE IN TO MESS HALL Lieutenant Commander Greg Callan is eating with Trueman, Morgan, and Reede. They're talking. REEDE Anyway, so then-- He's cut off as a whirlwind of activity sweeps into the room. Percell slams down a catalogue on the table, and immediately starts flipping pages. She's mildly breathless, and almost bouncing up and down from her excitement. PERCELL Omigodomigodomigo-- Reede pulls the catalogue away and passes it wordlessly to Callan, who takes it and slides it down to Trueman. A minor game of "keep away" ensues as Percell tries and fails to get it back. TRUEMAN (passing it to Morgan) Sara, calm down. Percell makes a grab across the table. PERCELL (unfazed) Guys, c'mon-- you've gotta see thi-- Percell cuts off as Morgan passes it behind her own back to Reede. Percell goes back. Reede rolls it up and tosses it to Callan. REEDE (to Callan, off Percell) Greg, I think those mail-order forms are starting to get to her. PERCELL (sarcastically, but taking it well) You wish, Reede. (to Callan) C'mon, give it here! Callan flips the catalogue open and leafs over a few pages. CALLAN (mock chiding) Sara, Sara, Sara...haven't you learned yet that video games can ruin your eyesight? PERCELL (slowly getting annoyed) This isn't funny-- REEDE (dryly) Oh, you have no idea... Percell makes one last leap, and grabs the catalogue from Callan. However, she puts herself off-balance, and starts to fall, only barely catching herself on the edge of the table. Reede looks up, a concerned expression on his face. REEDE Settle down, Percell. You're gonna hurt yourself. She picks herself up and straightens herself out, then looks at him. PERCELL (sarcastically) I didn't know you cared. REEDE (shrugs) I don't. But if you hurt yourself, you're gonna hafta go visit the jerk who took over the MedBay--and that's a fate I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Glances from others at the table ensue. REEDE (explaining) I sprained my wrist earlier. When I was working out. (beat) I was ready to keel over, and the idiot wouldn't even give me a _painkiller_ until he'd explained about ten different kinds of fractures, _and_ I'd sworn up and down and backwards to be more careful! Morgan's expression clouds at the very mention of Curcio, and looks as though she might be mentally burning him at the stake. Neither Trueman, Percell, nor Callan has any special reaction to Reede's complaints. REEDE (sighs, to Percell) Anyway...what're you so excited about? Percell's been waiting for this. She pushes the catalogue down in front of the others, and gestures to a few pictures. PERCELL The Howard Ashman and Alan Menken Collection. (beat) Disney's going to release three of the films they composed the music for-- "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Aladdin"-- and I'm gonna implode or something if I don't get copies! REEDE (a little confused) Ashman did Aladdin? PERCELL (quickly) Half. She looks back around the table. They all nod, not quite understanding why she's telling them this. Morgan clears her throat, obviously ready to give news that will burst Percell's bubble. MORGAN Sara...John told me about that, and he says they're only releasing a thousand copies. PERCELL (shrugs) So? MORGAN You'll never be able to get your hands on one. PERCELL (rationalizing) I have just as much chance as anybody! No one responds, and Percell takes a deep breath, realizing she's deluding herself. PERCELL (as reality sets in) ...Who doesn't have an in with the company. Callan looks from Morgan to Percell. CALLAN Actually... (beat, carefully) Kelly's brother's ex-wife has a friend whose fiance is a video dealer with Disney. PERCELL (rolls eyes) Very cute, Callan. (beat) But not funny. CALLAN (shakes head) I'm not kidding. (beat) He has some friends in high places, and he could probably get you a copy. If Percell's jaw could hit the floor, there'd be a hull breach in progress. PERCELL (not a question) You're kidding. Callan shakes his head. CALLAN Not at all. (stands) I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got some work waiting for me in Engineering. (beat, deliberately irritating) See you guys later. He leaves. After watching him for a moment, Percell looks back to the table. PERCELL (quickly) 'Scuse me. Without another word, she's off and out of the room, going after Callan. Morgan, Trueman, and Reede exchange amused glances. Morgan looks at the other three. MORGAN Speaking of the new CMO... (beat) Excuse me. She stands and leaves, something on her mind. Reede and Trueman look at each other. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is filling out paperwork. There's a knock at the door. He looks up. WOLENCZAK Come in. The door opens. Cold as a winter's morning, Curcio walks in. He sits before Wolenczak can even ask him to. He doesn't wait for the captain to start the conversation, either. CURCIO (brusquely) Captain, this boat's a mess. Wolenzcak raises an eyebrow. WOLENCZAK (bristling a bit) Oh, really? CURCIO (disregarding Wolenczak's manner) I really don't understand the need for a science department on a fighting vessel. I can't be having absolutely essential space usurped by the frivolous waste of a pretend science lab...especially one run by such an inexperienced young officer. WOLENCZAK (flatly) I fought to have a scientist aboard this boat, Doctor. I'm sorry you feel it's a waste. Believe me, it's not. CURCIO (going on regardless) Then there's the personnel. (beat) These people have no idea of safety. There are far too many "accidents". (beat) Ensign Reede sprained his wrist working out. (beat, almost as if he takes it personally) Inexcusable. (beat) He shouldn't be lifting weights if he doesn't know how to do it safely. (beat, even more accusatory) And Chief Percell cut herself repairing some kind of sensor equipment. Shouldn't repairs be left to engineering crew? WOLENCZAK (bluntly) Percell's the sensor officer. CURCIO (condescendingly) I realize that, Captain. (beat, as if talking to a small child) But why is she _fixing_ the equipment? WOLENCZAK (close to losing patience) Doctor, I require the officers on this boat to be able to take care of problems themselves. In a crisis, there might not be _time_ for engineering to come and replace circuits. I'm sure you can appreciate that. Consider it a sort of first-aid training. CURCIO (still grumbling) Then these people need to learn how to do these things _safely_. (beat) I'm getting far too many people coming by with minor injuries. (beat, bitingly) It's a waste of my time. Wolenczak gives Curcio a long, hard stare. WOLENCZAK (coldly) You're a doctor. Fixing injuries is your job. It's what you're paid for. (beat) Dismissed. Curcio looks as if he'd like to object, but a knock at the door stops him. He gives Wolenczak a "we're not done with this" look and rises. When Curcio opens the door to leave, Morgan is standing in the corridor, just raising her hand to knock again. They trade icy looks, and Curcio leaves. MORGAN (hesitantly) Captain? (beat) May I talk with you for a moment? Wolenczak sighs--this isn't shaping up to be a very good day. WOLENCZAK (reluctantly) Certainly, Ensign. Have a seat. He indicates the chair Curcio just vacated. Morgan closes the door behind her and sits, but is on the edge of the chair, obviously uncomfortable about what she has come to say. WOLENCZAK What's on your mind, Ensign? She's still silent, but glances back at the door. Wolenczak catches the look. WOLENCZAK Anything specific? MORGAN (nods nervously) Yes... (beat) The doctor. (beat, tightly) He removed all my equipment from MedBay and just...pitched it into the lab. It ruined an incubation experiment I'd spent three days on! Wolenczak rubs the bridge of his nose. It's obvious he doesn't want to deal with this. WOLENCZAK (apologetically) Look, Ensign, I'm sorry about the experiment. I assume you can duplicate it? Morgan nods. WOLENCZAK (continuing) You had a good working relationship with Doctor Burke. (beat) A friendship, even. (beat, shakes head) But Curcio's a different person, with a different style. (shrugs) He's a very...precise...individual. (beat, firmly) So I'm afraid you'll just have to confine your work to your own lab in future. Morgan looks defeated, and Wolenczak picks up on this. WOLENCZAK (smiling a bit) I know it seems like the science department gets the tail end of everything-- MORGAN (ironically) Seems? (beat) Sir, in case you hadn't noticed, there is _no_ science staff. One person does _not_ make a "department". If I had my way, I'd have a full complement of fully-trained assistants. (aggravated) But instead, I'm stuck working by myself. Every once in a while, someone will have a hobby that coincides with a project I'm working on, but they aren't specialized enough. (beat) And on top of that, you're telling me I have to deal with this... this..._idiot_ who moves in and starts shaking up everyone's lives? (beat, appealing) Captain...I can't do my best work when I'm subjected to someone who treats my work with so little respect! Wolenczak looks at her for a few moments, then nods. WOLENCZAK (softly) I respect your work, Ensign. There's a silent beat. WOLENCZAK (continues, softly) If I had my way, _seaQuest_ would be a science ship again. (beat, back to business) But the fact is, in war, some people suffer, and so do their disciplines. (beat) And pure research is something the UEO doesn't have time for. (beat) Not when the Carolinans are breathing down our necks. Morgan watches him carefully, trying to decide if he's using this as an excuse. Finally, she realizes he's dead serious. She's not happy, but it's somewhat heartening to know her captain supports her. MORGAN (nods, somewhat stiffly) Yes, Sir. WOLENCZAK Right, then. Dismissed. He turns back to his paperwork and Morgan exits. CUT TO SAN FRANCISCO HOSPITAL -- EMERGENCY ROOM PARKING AREA Burke is getting off-shift. It's late, maybe one or two in the morning. She's clearly exhausted. Melanson is with her. He's a bit better, but also pretty tired. They walk out, past an ambulance or two, toward the staff parking lot. She's wearing a light jacket, he's in jeans and a t-shirt. They approach a red car, pretty new. About ten feet from the car, Melanson speaks. MELANSON (in direction of car) Unlock. The car revs up, the door locks go up, and the interior lights go on. Burke looks at it in surprise for a moment, then opens the passenger-side door and climbs in. Melanson grins and walks to the car, getting in on his side. CUT TO INTERIOR CAR Burke and Melanson are buckling in. BURKE (surprised) Nice car. Melanson nods, almost proudly. This is a guy who knows his cars, and knows his is a good one. MELANSON (nods) Absolutely. He pats the steering wheel affectionately as he begins to pull out. MELANSON She's a `46 Amura-- got her cheap from my uncle. BURKE The car salesman? Melanson nods and finishes pulling out. BURKE So how come you didn't drive this one when you picked me up at the station? MELANSON (feigning shock) What, and risk it in the parking lot from hell? No one who parks at the shuttle station is safe... CUT TO EXTERIOR CAR As he drives it out of the parking lot and down the road a bit. CUT TO INTERIOR CAR All is as before. Burke yawns. She's close to falling asleep. Melanson looks up, a little surprised. MELANSON (with a trace of concern) Something wrong? She looks up, in a dazed but content kind of sleepy fog, and shakes her head. BURKE No...not at all. MELANSON (cautiously) Because I heard there was a problem with one of your patients earlier... Burke raises an eyebrow, instantly pulled from her semi-conscious state by the news that someone's been criticizing her. BURKE (on the defensive) Who said that?! Melanson is amused by her sudden change of attitude. MELANSON (smiles faintly) Not like that, Meridith. (beat) I just...I heard there was an...incident... with a patient who had a dislocated shoulder? Immediately at ease, Burke settles back into her seat. BURKE (shakes head) I hadn't realized you civilians were so...fragile. (laughs to self) I've popped Ensign Reede's shoulder back into the socket maybe half a dozen times-- Off Melanson's perplexed expression. BURKE (explaining) --He has a tendency to go a little overboard on his workouts. Him and Trueman, both. She finishes, the trace of a nostalgic/fond smile on her face, and nestles a little further back into the seat, looking about ready to fall asleep. Melanson steals a glance, then puts his gaze back on the road. MELANSON (probing) Meri? BURKE (half-asleep) Hm? MELANSON Just wondering, would you like to go out for coffee or something? Burke looks at him through a half-open eyelid, then shakes her head. BURKE Now? (beat, shakes head) No way. (beat, off LED clock display) I'm due back in just over ten hours. (beat, almost to self) I haven't worked this hard since my residency. Melanson chuckles. MELANSON (smiles) Well, that's what you get for spoiling yourself-- having an entire staff working for you must've been nice. He looks at her, and realizes she's barely paying him any attention, she's so tired. He takes a deep breath. MELANSON (almost to self) Next stop, your apartment. CUT TO BURKE'S APARTMENT BUILDING Melanson's car pulls up. CUT TO INTERIOR CAR Melanson reaches over and takes Burke by the shoulder. He shakes her gently. MELANSON ("wake up now" tone) Meridith...c'mon... She jerks awake. BURKE What? She looks out the window, and sees that they've reached her apartment. She grins. BURKE Thanks. Melanson shrugs. MELANSON No problem. Burke opens the door. Melanson looks up at the apartment, holding a mental debate as to whether or not he should escort her up to her door. There is _nothing_ but friendship in his voice. MELANSON You want me to walk you up? Burke looks at him for a moment, then the words register and she shakes her head. BURKE Nah. But thanks. She gets out. CUT TO STREET VIEW Burke is leaning in the front door. BURKE Thanks for the ride. She waves as she shuts the door. Melanson's car begins to pull away. She watches it go down the street and waves again. Then she turns and walks in the front door. CUT TO HALLWAY Burke steps out of the elevator, looking like she fell asleep standing in it on the way up. She walks to apartment 15D and stands for a moment, drifting again. Then, she snaps back to the "real world" and digs into her jacket pocket for her keys. BURKE Can't believe they make us use reall keys, just because it's a historical building... After a few moments of scrounging, a very disturbed expression comes over her face. She's instantly awake. BURKE (under her breath) Oh damn. Oh damn damn damn damn damn... She pulls off her coat and begins to go through each pocket, repeating the word "damn" as she does so. She puts the jacket on the floor and kneels down on top of it, beginning to pat it down for the key (as though it may have fallen into the lining or something). As she does so, a cord around her neck swings into her line of sight. She starts to push it out of the way. BURKE (muttering) Stupid dogtags... Then it hits her--she doesn't wear dogtags any more. It's her key. She takes a deep breath, incredibly relieved, and lets it out in one quick puff. She stands, takes the cord and key from around her neck, fumbles with the lock for a moment, then pushes the door open and walks into her apartment. The door shuts. We linger for a moment on the picture, then... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT TWO FADE IN TO _SEAQUEST_ ENGINEERING Callan is standing on the far side of the room. He's ducked down low behind one of the consoles, almost as though he's trying to avoid being seen. As Percell enters, spots him, and zips to his side...we realize who, and why. PERCELL (badgering) Greg, please, I mean, it's not like she would blame you for letting me-- He pushes himself up and cuts her off. CALLAN (shaking his head) Sara, you don't understand. He walks to one of the counters, and puts away some of the tools he was using. Then he looks back at Percell. She's smiling innocently at him, just shy of batting her eyelashes. CALLAN No. (beat, trying to talk himself out of it) No. Kelly and I have an agreement. (beat) She's busy enough without you calling her up and bugging her for-- PERCELL (cutting him off) You're afraid of her. There's a silent beat. Callan's brow creases. He doesn't quite understand what Percell is saying, but he knows he doesn't like the way it sounds. CALLAN Excuse me? Percell sees that this way of trying to get to him just might work. PERCELL (innocently) You think she'll be upset with you if you let me call. (beat, mock threatening) I don't _have_ to ask your permission to call her, you know. There's a silent moment. CALLAN Then don't. He's neither confirming nor denying her "accusation". She gives him a _look_. PERCELL But she'll listen to me more if I tell her you said she'd help! Callan sighs, finally giving in as he realizes how much this means to Percell. CALLAN (shakes head, to self) Kelly, I am _so_ sorry... (to Percell) Fine. (beat) Even though it's about three in the morning out on McKensi, you may call her. (under his breath) Knowing Kelly, she'll be up anyway. Ecstatic, Percell throws her arms around him, ready to start bouncing off the walls. PERCELL (in a rush) Thankyouthankyouthankyou! Before Callan can react, Percell releases him and tears out of Engineering, running pell-mell for her quarters. CUT TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS Percell is pacing in front of her vidlink. After a few moments of this, a tech person from McKensi appears on the screen. He's a man in his late 20s. He looks pretty tired, but in a good mood. TECH (rubbing the corner of his eye sleepily) Hello? Percell instantly rushes to the vidlink screen. PERCELL CPO Sara Percell, on the _seaQuest_-- Immediately, the tech's expression fills with concern. TECH _seaQuest_? (beat) That's Doctor Callan's husband's ship, isn't it? (beat, more so) Is he all right? Percell nods. PERCELL Yeah, Commander Callan is fine. (beat) I need to talk to his wife, though. The tech raises an eyebrow and looks her over, as if to say "yeah, right. At this hour?" TECH (reluctantly) You sure? Percell nods. PERCELL Mm-hm. TECH (skeptically) Okay... He doesn't seem altogether convinced that Percell is in her right mind, but he nods. TECH Hold on. This might take a few minutes. Percell nods. The tech hits a key. The picture on the screen changes to lettering on a black background, reading "Please Hold". Percell sits back and waits. After several more moments, during which she becomes more and more impatient, Kelly Callan appears on the screen. That she's just woken up is obvious, as is the fact that she's exhausted and not in the best of moods. She's wearing a longish nightgown, with a robe on over it, and her hair is loose and in a state of disarray. As soon as she _really_ realizes that she just woke Kelly up, Percell reconsiders the choice to ask her a favor at this time. PERCELL Look, Doctor Callan, I'm sorry about calling now... KELLY (sighs) Well, I'm up. (beat) What do you want? Kelly's bad mood comes from being awakened at this time of night. PERCELL (takes a deep breath) Well, I was talking to the commander, and he said your brother's ex-wife's friend's fiance has an in with Disney videos? Kelly raises an eyebrow. Then, all of a sudden, comprehension dawns on her face. She puts her head in her hand. This is the last thing she needs. KELLY (making the connection) Oh...Percell...you're the video collector, aren't you. (beat) Look, I don't know if he'd want to talk about Melanie right now-- the breakup was kind of messy, and-- She breaks off as Percell's PAL chirps. PERCELL (apologetically) Hold on a sec. Kelly nods in a "go ahead, I have nothing better to do than wait while you talk to someone else" kind of way. Percell grabs her PAL and flips it on. It's Trueman. TRUEMAN (over PAL) Sara, you think you'd be able to come over here and give me some help? PERCELL (into PAL) Uh...sure. In a minute. With what? TRUEMAN (over PAL) The computer is freezing up on me. Again. It's the automated bridge log system. Kelly's eyebrow goes up, and she wakes up ever-so-slightly. Percell doesn't notice. PERCELL (into PAL) I thought you were off-shift right now? TRUEMAN (over PAL) I am. I was just trying to get a little extra work done. PERCELL (into PAL) Oh. Well, I'll be there in a few minutes. Out. She flips her PAL off and looks back at Kelly. KELLY (before she can talk) You work with computers? Percell raises an eyebrow and nods. PERCELL (proudly) I'm the sensor officer, and other than the captain, I'm the best hacker on the ship. Kelly is definitely getting interested... KELLY Really... And idea is growing in her mind... KELLY And...you want me to put you in touch with Carl? Assuming that's the brother, Percell nods. A halfway devious smirk spreads across Kelly's face. KELLY Tell you what. I'll cut you a deal. Percell raises an eyebrow, but nods; she's a desperate woman. KELLY (continuing) We're having some problems over here, with the data-storage and retrieval protocols. Percell nods, beginning to understand (if only barely) what it is Kelly wants. KELLY (continuing) And...since our computer specialist kind of up and left us... PERCELL (breaking in, confused) What happened? It becomes clear that this is a touchy subject with Kelly. KELLY Scott decided he couldn't take the heat. (beat, a bit softer) It's not that easy, for a lot of the people here. (beat) I mean, we're barely twenty kilometers from the border, and with Ross' new expansionist policies... (beat) Did Greg ever tell you he said he'd transfer me to New England if things got desperate? Percell smiles briefly. PERCELL You could drop by and say hi to my mom and dad... (changing the topic back) But...what did you say about your protocols? KELLY (back on track) Oh. I wonder...would you be able to write up a program, to specifications I can send you some time next week? Percell considers this...for about a second. Maybe less. PERCELL Absolutely. No problem. Kelly smiles. KELLY In that case, I'll tell Carl to give you a call, first thing in the morning. Percell nods. Like a wave, Kelly's exhaustion sweeps back over her. KELLY For now, though... She reaches forward and poises her hand over a switch. KELLY Good night. PERCELL You too. KELLY Tell Greg I said I love him. PERCELL I will. Kelly closes the channel. Percell sits back, a cat with no canary in sight. PERCELL (to herself, in near-awe) It's really, really, really gonna happen... CUT TO SCIENCE LAB Morgan is standing, smoldering. We can overhear a screaming match through the closed door to the MedBay. Morgan's upset and angered by what's going on, but can't work up the nerve to say anything about it. TRUEMAN (O.S., shouting) You chauvinistic sonofabitch! CUT TO MEDBAY It's late, and Trueman and Curcio are alone in the MedBay. Trueman has Curcio up against a wall, and is yelling in his face, all the while looking as though she'd like to pound his face to a thin paste beneath her fists. TRUEMAN (still rather loudly) You wanna say that _again_?! Curcio doesn't look at all fazed by this violent turn of events. In fact, he seems to be giving Trueman less than a hundred percent of his attention. Still livid, she hikes him up about an inch. TRUEMAN (past furious) I don't know how the hell-- RILLER (O.S., shocked and angry) _Ensign_ Trueman! The angle widens to include the door, where Riller has just entered with a security team. TRUEMAN (off Curcio) Stay outta this, _Lieutenant_-- it doesn't concern you. There's a tense moment as she glares at Curcio. She's now fighting the temptation to knock his cranium a few times, throttle him, twist his neck until it breaks, etc. Riller's expression hardens, and he walks forward. TRUEMAN (through her teeth) Justin-- RILLER (breaking in) Ensign, let go of the doctor, or I'll be forced to put you under arrest for assaulting a superior officer. Trueman shoots him a betrayed look. TRUEMAN (under her breath, scoffing) Like hell. She gets ready to pull back and really let one loose on Curcio. At the last moment, Riller realizes it and reaches out to stop her, grabbing her by the arms and pulling her back. She tries to shrug him off, but he's got her tightly, and he's not about to let go. Curcio, finally freed, straightens his lab coat and brushes himself off, and looks to Riller. CURCIO Thank you, Lieutenant, I-- RILLER (cutting him off, acidly) Don't bother, _Doctor_, I'm just doing my job. I'll deal with the ensign here. Trueman finally jerks away from him. Not trying to get her back under control, because she doesn't appear to be a threat any longer (at least not in an immediate sense of the word), then Riller looks from her to Curcio. RILLER (off both) What happened? CURCIO (off Trueman, with extreme indignation) The... (as though he's not completely convinced) ..._ensign_...attacked me. Riller looks to Trueman. CURCIO (continuing) With no provocation whatsoever. Eyeing Trueman carefully, Riller takes a deep breath. RILLER (to Curcio) I see. (icily, to Trueman) Ensign...you know the drill. (beat) Let's go. Trueman gives him a sullen look, but nods. She appears somewhat resigned. Riller turns back to his security squad. RILLER (to squad) Dismissed, people. (off Trueman and Curcio) Looks like this wasn't the emergency we thought it was. Just some kind of misunderstanding. Nodding, the security team leaves, all its members going their various ways. CURCIO (turning to his computer) Of course it was just a misunderstanding. The young lady merely let her emotions get out of control. Riller shoots Curcio a look, but the doctor doesn't notice it; he's already engrossed in whatever it was he was doing before Trueman came in and totally oblivious to Trueman's venomous glances. Riller takes Trueman by the arm, and looks around the room, seeking an escape. He spots the door to the Science Lab. RILLER (under his breath) Come on. He pulls her with him. She follows, almost obediently. CUT TO SCIENCE LAB Morgan has left the room. The door opens. Riller and Trueman walk in. He lets her go and closes the door behind him, then turns back to her. TRUEMAN (sarcastically) Thanks, Justin. He's not smiling, and Trueman realizes he did _not_ just save her from getting in trouble. She rolls her eyes. TRUEMAN (already defensive) You should've heard what he was saying. Justin, he's an utter chauvinist! (beat, mimicking) "You cut yourself on the com equipment? Well, I suppose that's what the Navy gets for letting women do men's work." She shoots a look back toward the MedBay door, as though she'd like to go back in there and finish what she almost got the chance to start. Riller sees the glance, and steps between her and the door. TRUEMAN If he hadn't been in the middle of fixing my hand, I'da ripped his head-- Riller shakes his head. RILLER (interrupting) I can't believe you. Trueman looks at him, cutting herself off, as though wondering exactly what he thinks he's talking about. TRUEMAN Excuse me? Riller takes a few steps toward her, looking royally ticked. RILLER You nearly wiped the floor with me last fall, when you found out I wasn't keeping my end of the deal. (beat) And now I find you hauling the CMO up against a wall because he _said something_?! At the least, I should put you in the brig. (beat, agitated) You could get court martialed, or even put on the beach permanently for this! (beat, shakes head) What the hell am I supposed to do with you?! Trueman's eyes flash angrily. TRUEMAN What are you supposed to _do_ with me?! (beat) I'm not your responsibility! RILLER The hell you aren't! (not letting her interrupt, jabs thumb at self) Security officer, remember?! Trueman scoffs, and gives him a _look_. TRUEMAN Oh, for God's sake, as if it ever mattered before. Her frustration begins to override her control. TRUEMAN (almost scornfully) Maybe you'd like to go in there-- (gestures to MedBay door) --and tell that...that... (can't find a word to express her utter contempt) ...That _man_ not to piss me off again. (beat, dead serious) He wouldn't be able to handle the consequences. Without letting Riller respond, Trueman turns and stalks out, slamming the door behind her. CUT TO BURKE'S APARTMENT -- THE NEXT MORNING -- BEDROOM Close up on an alarm clock that reads 05:45 a.m. It goes off. It's one of those super obnoxious buzzer ones that will not shut off, no matter how many times you try to smack it, until you are out of bed and awake and cursing it, which Burke, in a state of exhaustion, is trying to do. BURKE (O.S. muttering, half-asleep) Stupid goddamned... PULL BACK To include Burke in the shot. She kind of half falls out of bed as she makes a final lunge for the switch that'll shut off the alarm. She winds up on the floor, and shoots a rueful glare at the clock. She rips the cord out of the wall and sticks her tongue out at the now-blank clock. Then, she looks at her watch and curses under her breath. CUT TO BURKE'S KITCHEN Completely bare. She hasn't even been shopping for milk and eggs yet. She walks in, half-pulled together, still pushing her hair back out of her face. She opens the 'fridge, but sees nothing. She sighs deeply and checks her watch. BURKE (slightly exasperated) Cafeteria food it is, then. CUT TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS It's evening. Percell is walking back and forth in front of her vidlink. Her PAL is in her hand, her finger poised to activate it. It chirps. She activates it. PERCELL Yeah? COM OFFICER (over com) You've got a call from Philadel-- PERCELL (urgently) I've been waiting all day! Put it through! COM OFFICER (a bit put off) Yes, _ma'am_. The channel closes abruptly. Percell looks up toward her vidlink as the picture comes in. It's a young GELF, Kelly's brother, Carl. CARL You're Sara Percell? Percell nods, grinning again. Carl looks a little...um...well... her smile is sort of scaring him. CARL (a little less sure of himself) Kelly said to call you. Percell nods. PERCELL (starting right in on it) Well, see, there's this collection of Disney videos coming out, and Greg said she would put me in touch with you, and your ex-wife's friend's fiance was a dealer with Disney? Carl's expression shows that he's beginning to doubt her sanity more and more as time passes. CARL (unsure) Uh... (beat, idea occurs) On one condition. Percell takes a quick breath, then nods. PERCELL What? Carl grins, and starts to explain. CARL (clears his throat) A few months before Greg proposed to Kelly, we went to this Halloween party. Me, him, Kelly, my date, a friend of mine, and his girlfriend. Dressed as these comic book characters from the late 20th century. The X-Men, if you've heard of them. PERCELL (nods unsurely) I think I might have one of their cartoons on video, actually... CARL (continuing) He was Gambit, and Kelly was Rogue. (beat) They and a few other people were playing strip poker when the cops busted us for illegal gambling. Percell's eyes widen in _shock_. Greg Callan playing _what_?! Getting arrested for _what_?! CARL (continuing) We were all hauled off to jail. They wouldn't even let us change out of our costumes. (grins devilishly) Or what was left of them. (beat) Next morning, we're brought up in front of a judge. (smiles fondly) He let us off. (beat) But for months afterward, whenever we wanted to bug Greg, we'd leave his favorite marked deck lying out in the middle of nowhere. (beat) He kept it in his sock drawer, behind a fake back. (beat) Knowing Greg...he's got 'em on _seaQuest_. Percell nods. PERCELL And? CARL I want you to take them out, and lay a six-hand setup of five card stud out on the floor by his station in Engineering. Percell nods. CARL And don't say a word. She nods again. CARL (chuckles to self) Great. (beat) In that case, here's Melanie's number. (beat) Got a piece of paper? Percell nods, pulling out a sheet of paper and a pen. PERCELL Yeah. CARL Kay. Here you go. 902-105-302-1041. While writing, Percell raises her eyebrow, then looks up. PERCELL (flatly) That's a Confederation number. Carl shrugs. CARL Yeah. (beat) What do you think caused the divorce? (beat) ...Tell her I said hi. Gotta go. He reaches out and flips off the channel. Percell stares at the vidlink for a moment, then her gaze falls to the number in her lap. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO =========================== PART 3 ===================================== ACT THREE FADE IN TO HOSPITAL CAFETERIA Burke enters. The cafeteria is lightly populated by hospital workers and the families of patients. She walks by one booth of hospital personnel, and notices that they've all brought their own food. She raises an eyebrow, but continues to walk toward the line. She stops and looks. An older, mildly overweight woman with blue hair and a hairnet is serving behind the counter, chewing gum at the same time. The classic Cafeteria Lady, right up to the pink polyester that zips up the front. She looks at Burke, cracking the gum. LADY Hey hon, ya wanna bagel? Burke smiles fakely, and looks at the "assortment" available. Two plain, one poppyseed, a blueberry, an onion bagel that's stinking up everything else, and something that at one point in its limited shelf life may have been a muffin. BURKE (almost intimidated) Uh...that one. Burke is pointing to the less deformed of the plain bagels. The lady reaches in with a plastic-gloved hand, and pulls it out. She slaps it down on a paper plate. LADY Ya want it toasted, or wouldja rather have cream cheese? Burke looks at the pathetic bagel, then her gaze drifts to the vat of cream cheese that's plopped through a hole in the counter top behind the glass case. There's some sort of liquid collecting on the top. She shakes her head. BURKE Toasted is fine. The lady nods, and dumps the bagel into an industrial-size toaster. Burke watches, beginning to doubt her decision. After a moment or two, the bagel pops out on the bottom, blackened to a crisp. Burke contemplates making a run for the doorway, wondering if she's going to have to _pay_ for that piece of...whatever it is. LADY Two fifty. Burke gapes. BURKE But it-- that's outrageous! The lady's eyes narrow in annoyance. LADY Look, hon, I just sell 'em. Ya wanna argue `bout the prices, go up ta management. She passes Burke the bagel/charcoal briquette, and Burke resentfully swipes her card through the magnetic strip reader on the woman's till. Sighing, Burke moves to a booth on the far side of the room.She sits and stares at the bagel for a moment, then takes a deep breath and picks it up. BURKE (to herself) The heat would have killed any germs... (unconvinced) ...I think. Tentatively, determined not to let her money go to waste, she takes a bite. She comes damned near spitting it out, too. Forcing herself to swallow, she quickly stands and walks to a garbage can, where she unceremoniously dumps the rest of the bagel. Then, she walks out. CUT TO MEDBAY Curcio is arranging a few last pieces of equipment on a shelf. The camera pans around the room, and we see that pretty much everything has been moved. The medical staff is having problems finding things, we realize, as they hunt. Several nurses and doctors are talking in one corner of the room. Curcio takes no notice. Finally a young woman, Doctor Taylor, musters up the courage to approach him. TAYLOR Doctor Curcio? Curcio looks up from what he's doing, and raises an eyebrow at her uniform. CURCIO (almost condescendingly) Yes? She's taken aback by his tone, but presses on. TAYLOR A few of us were wondering-- you seem to have rearranged the equipment, and we're having some trouble finding things. Curcio looks her over, looking as though he thinks talking to this woman is beneath him. Finally, he takes her by the wrist. CURCIO This way. Taylor tosses a look toward the people she was working with earlier, but allows herself to be led. Curcio stops in front of a ceiling-high cabinet. Stuck to the front of it are several sheets of computer printout. Curcio indicates this as he speaks to Taylor. CURCIO ("why am I wasting my time on this") See the list? (beat) Read the list. (beat) The list tells you where things are. (beat) Each cabinet has a number. Each shelf in the cabinet has a letter. Find the item you need on the list. Find the coordinates next to the item. Go to the cabinet. Remove the item. Use the item. Clean the item. Replace the item in the same place you took it from. (beat, towing Taylor to another list on another cabinet) If the item is disposable, note its use on _this_ list so it can be restocked. (beat) Is that clear? TAYLOR (timidly) Doctor Burke liked us to-- CURCIO (_very_ sharply_) I am _not_ Doctor Burke. She was soft. (beat, addressing the group at large) I, on the other hand, am not. You will learn to run this MedBay as a Navy outfit _should_ be run. If any of you fail to conform to my requirements, you will find yourself transferred post haste. (beat) Understood? The medical staff is too shocked to respond. CURCIO (his voice rising) Is that _understood_? The group nods, mumbling "yes, Sirs", etc. But they aren't looking at Curcio; they're looking toward the door. The camera pulls back to reveal why: Wolenczak is standing at the open door, taking in the whole scene. Turning sharply, he leaves. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE The door of the office slams open. Still annoyed from his observation of Curcio, Wolenczak stalks in and marches straight to his intercom. He whacks it, hard. WOLENCZAK (to com) Patch me through to the Secretary General. COM OFFICER (over com) Yes, Sir. There's a silent moment, then the UEO insignia appears on the screen. Another few seconds, and the image changes to Hitchcock. Before Wolenczak can say a word, Hitchcock starts talking. HITCHCOCK (mildly relieved) Oh, Lucas, thank God it's you... WOLENCZAK (raises an eyebrow, mildly confused) Excuse me? He hadn't realized she wanted to speak with him. Mildly concerned, his annoyance with Curcio is pushed to the back of his mind. For now. HITCHCOCK (brushing her comment off) Nothing. A silent moment; she's not fooling anyone and she knows it. HITCHCOCK (sighs) It's Ben. (beat) He's been calling me almost every day. (beat) He's giving me a headache. Wolenczak stifles a chuckle. WOLENCZAK (half kidding) When has he not given you a headache? (beat) And how can you be sure the headache's from him? Hitchcock returns the smile. HITCHCOCK You try being married to him for a year; you can tell. (clarifying, mildly put-off) It's a "Ben Headache." Nothing like it on earth. Wolenczak grins. WOLENCZAK Next time you talk to him, tell him I said "hi". HITCHCOCK (gives him a _look_) Tell him yourself. WOLENCZAK (shakes head) Every time I try and call him, the line is busy. (beat, grins almost devilishly) Now I know why. Hitchcock glares at him, but it's not serious. More like she's teasing him. The friendly banter over with, Wolenczak remembers his reason for calling. WOLENCZAK Katie... Hitchcock senses the change in atmosphere. HITCHCOCK (deflating) What? WOLENCZAK About Doctor Curcio... Hitchcock raises an eyebrow. HITCHCOCK (before he can speak) Don't start with me, Lucas. Wolenczak's a little surprised she knows he's calling to complain. WOLENCZAK But-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) I'm familiar with his reputation; I know he's not the easiest person to get along with. (beat) But he doesn't have any kids I'm not telling you about, and you have to get used to his style. (beat) I promise, he's a good doctor. WOLENCZAK (firing it back at her) Which doesn't do any good if the crew can't stand him! HITCHCOCK Captain, I seem to recall your having problems with Ensign Morgan when she came aboard. (beat) However, she's a valued member of your crew now. (beat) So don't start bugging me about Curcio until you can prove to me you're not jumping the gun. Without allowing him time to respond, she reaches out and flips of her end of the connection. Wolenczak scowls at the screen. CUT TO SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL -- ICU Burke and Melanson are talking outside the closed door of a room. Decorations on the walls in the corridor give the impression that this is the children's ward. Burke looks pretty uncomfortable. Melanson doesn't look like he adores what's going on, either, but he's not going to lose sleep over it. Through the window, they watch a young couple, Randy and Teresa Loftus, at the bedside their eight-year-old daughter, Caralee. She's attached to a wide array of devices--respirator, heart monitor, EEG, etc. The father tucks a teddy bear under the child's limp arm. MELANSON It's been nearly a month now. BURKE What happened to her? MELANSON She'd just got a new bicycle. Hopped on and rode away without taking the time to put on a helmet. Apparently, she was looking back and waving at her parents when she hit the curb. She flew over the handlebars and landed head first on the sidewalk. Burke reads over the child's chart, shaking her head. BURKE (reluctantly) From the looks of this, she's not going to last much longer. Brain activity's pretty much stopped in the past few days. (beat) How are they for insurance? MELANSON (ironically) They're young. They're healthy. Who needs heavy insurance? (beat) A month in ICU has pretty much maxed out their coverage. (beat) And there's half a dozen sick children on waiting lists who could be healed and learn to ride bicycles, if these parents will allow their little girl's organs to be used. But we have to do it soon, before she deteriorates much further. BURKE (quavering slightly) And we have to go in there and tell them that? MELANSON (all business) Yes, we do. They enter the room and approach the parents. RANDY Good morning, Doctor Melanson. MELANSON Good morning. This is Doctor Burke. She's been going over Caralee's charts with me. Burke shakes hands with the Loftuses. TERESA (happily) I think she's improving, Doctor. Her cheeks are rosier today. Burke and Melanson exchange a long look. BURKE (carefully) Actually, Caralee's condition is what we came to discuss with you. TERESA (going happily on) You know, when she wakes up, she's going to be so upset about having her hair cut. It nearly reached her waist. This is obviously more than Burke can take. BURKE (turning pale) Please excuse me. She hands the charts to Melanson and walks quickly away. MELANSON (calling after her) Doctor Burke? (beat) Meri? (beat, back to the Loftuses) I'm sorry. She's been working long shifts. I'd better make sure she's all right. He hands the charts to a nurse and trots off after Burke. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE =========================== PART 4 ===================================== ACT FOUR FADE IN TO STAIRWELL Burke is sitting about halfway up the flight of stairs, staring at the wall. Camera angle is low, and we see a pair of black-clad legs approach behind her. MELANSON (off-camera, annoyed but concerned) What the hell was that? BURKE (emotionlessly) I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. Melanson sighs, then sits down beside her. MELANSON (mildly exasperated, but trying to be understanding) I can't believe you're so thin-skinned. (beat) Surely you saw far worse than that on _seaQuest_. BURKE (nodding, trying to make this make sense) It was horrible. (beat, getting to the point) But at least my patients were adults, and they knew what they were getting themselves into when they signed up. (beat) And their parents didn't talk about "when they wake up." Melanson looks at her carefully. MELANSON (truly concerned) Are you sure you're okay? BURKE (nodding) I'll be up in a few minutes. Melanson gives her a long look, then nods. MELANSON Okay. He rises and heads back upstairs. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ ENGINEERING As Callan approaches his station, he stops short, a horrified expression growing on his face. The shot pans down to what he's looking at: On the deck lie six hands of cards. CUT TO CREW'S MESS Morgan, Reede, and Matthews are sitting at a table. They're eating and discussing Curcio. Matthews and Reede are in uniform. Morgan is wearing a lab coat over pants and a turtleneck. Her hair is pulled back in clips, but down. REEDE He's an idiot. No comment from Matthews, but Morgan nods emphatically. MORGAN Please, Tom, don't insult idiots everywhere. (beat) That man is so... She sighs in frustration, pushes her plate away, and lets her head fall onto her arms, which she has crossed on the table in front of her. MORGAN (hopelessly) He's driving me insane... Matthews and Reede exchange glances, Reede gives Morgan a reassuring pat on the shoulder. REEDE It's okay, Anne--he's got everyone up in arms. MORGAN (into her arms) No...you don't have to work less than twenty meters away from him... She sounds as though she's on the verge of a breakdown. MORGAN (continuing) All day long, he yells at his staff...the bulkhead doesn't even dull the noise... She straightens, resting her face in her hands. MORGAN (continuing) ...And he threw out half of my most important experiments... (shakes head) ...And the captain won't do a thing about it. Matthews raises an eyebrow. MATTHEWS Are you sure? Morgan nods, thoroughly miserable. MORGAN Yes... Matthews shakes her head. Morgan looks up at her. MORGAN And he knows about John... REEDE So? What's it matter to him? Morgan mumbles something unintelligible under her breath, then lets her head sink back into her arms, on the table again. REEDE (under his breath) Oh boy... He looks at Matthews and mouths "Do something!" She shrugs, and mouths back "What?" He looks at her for a moment, than shakes his head and mouths something that looks distinctly like "Women." Then he turns back to Morgan. REEDE (gently) Anne...it'll feel better if you tell us... MORGAN (shakes head, somewhat muffled by her arms) No, it won't... REEDE (reassuringly) Okay. Then it'll make _us_ feel better. She makes a muffled attempt to say something, but it's still completely unintelligible. REEDE (attempting humor) Morgan, we can't _hear_ you. She's quiet for a long moment, then finally shakes her head and sits up. She pushes her hair out of her face. MORGAN (miserably) He says I've got no business leaving my kid at home while I'm out here... A look of shock, mixed with anger/horror, comes over both Matthews' and Reede's faces. MATTHEWS He _what_? MORGAN (nods, affirming it) Just...outta the blue...asked if I shouldn't be home making sure John was... She trails off, with a far-away look in her eyes, thinking. Reede reaches out to give her a reassuring hug, but she dodges, standing. MORGAN (difficultly) Excuse me. She stands and walks out, and it's obvious that she's nearly in tears. Reede and Matthews watch her go. Reede looks like he's contemplating following her. Matthews shakes her head. MATTHEWS Poor Morgan... Reede looks back at her. REEDE Well? MATTHEWS Well what? REEDE Aren't you gonna do something about it? MATTHEWS Do something? (beat) Like? Reede looks at her for a moment before he realizes she's right. MATTHEWS Aside from telling the captain Curcio's a jerk, what am I supposed to say? (beat) Even for saying what he said to Morgan, the worst he'd get would be a slap on the wrist. (beat) Besides...when Anne came aboard, you didn't exactly give her a chance before you passed judgement. REEDE That was different. (beat) Anne was cold, she wasn't cruel. MATTHEWS Same thing, as far as the brass is concerned; Curcio's in until he breaks a rule. (beat) And unfortunately...all he's guilty of right now is being a jackass. Matthews looks at Reede for a few moments, and her expression softens as she realizes how much this is bothering him. MATTHEWS (trying to help) Reede, remember how the Ice Princess melted? Knowing she's doing her best, Reede nods. But he's not convinced. REEDE Yeah... (standing) And if Curcio doesn't cut it out, she's gonna freeze right back up again. Without saying another word, or giving Matthews a chance to respond, Reede stands and walks out. Matthews shakes her head. After a moment, Callan enters the room. He approaches, his expression a mix of embarrassment/annoyance. CALLAN (apologetically) Commander...I'm going to have to cancel tonight's game. Matthews looks up, just taking note of him. MATTHEWS (confused) Game? CALLAN (nods, continuing) Weekly poker. It's Friday, remember? (beat, shrugs) I can't find my cards. Matthews sighs in quasi-relief. MATTHEWS I suppose I should count myself lucky, for once. (beat) At least you won't be able to skin me alive... CALLAN (shrugs) Long as we're not playing for money, what does it matter how often I win? (beat) Besides, you're the one who decided paperwork was the medium of exchange. MATTHEWS (grins, shaking her head) That's 'cause I never figured you for a poker player. CALLAN (mock-defensive) Hey, that's not _my_ problem, Commander. (beat) Anyway, I've got to tell everybody else. Matthews nods, drifting. She's pulled back by a com chirp. She looks down at her PAL and pulls it out. MATTHEWS (into PAL) Yes? WOLENCZAK (over PAL) Commander, get up to the Bridge. She nods. MATTHEWS (into PAL) I'm on my way. She shuts off her PAL and looks at Callan. MATTHEWS Well, see you later. (beat, shrugs, teasing) Or not, since you lost the cards. Callan grins uneasily, shakes his head, and walks out of the Mess Hall. Matthews waits a few moments, takes a final bite of her sandwich, and walks out. CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak is in command. All but Matthews are at the appropriate stations. The bridge is at alert status, and Trueman is relaying the communication she's got on the line as Matthews enters. TRUEMAN (repeating off com) We are in need of immediate assistance; any vessels within range please acknowledge. (beat) Repeat, this is Ecolysia Colony. We have lost pressure in several sectors of the colony. We are in urgent need of medical and structural assistance... WOLENCZAK (to Reede) What's our ETA? REEDE (off his console) Ninety minutes at flank speed. WOLENCZAK Anyone else in the vicinity? Reede types at his console for a moment, checking the satellite-tracking locations of other UEO vessels. He shakes his head. REEDE We're the closest by a good two hours. WOLENCZAK (sighing) We'll never die of boredom. (to Trueman) Tell them we're on our way. Find out as many specifics as you can about what they need from us. The captain approaches Matthews. WOLENCZAK As soon as Trueman finds out what they need, I want you to start getting teams together. Curcio and Callan will probably both have ideas of what they'll need, but feel free to add anyone else you think might be of use. (beat) I'll be in the Wardroom. Ecolysia Colony rings a bell; I want to look it up. He exits. CUT TO EXTERIOR ECOLYSIA COLONY--CGI _seaQuest_ is docked with the colony. CUT TO INTERIOR COLONY--DOCKING BAY Medical and engineering teams from _seaQuest_, followed by Wolenczak, enter a scene of semi-controlled chaos. This section of the colony is obviously in decent shape, as it has been made into a sort of makeshift MedBay/supply area. They are met by the colony leader, Louis Bennett. Bennett is an older man, in his mid sixties. However, he is still youthful in attitude. BENNETT (extending a hand to Wolenczak) I can't tell you how grateful we are for your quick assistance, Captain. WOLENCZAK It's what we're here for, Mister... BENNETT (slightly embarrassed) Sorry. I'm Louis Bennett, colony administrator. WOLENCZAK Lucas Wolenczak. (beat, indicating each in turn) My chief medical officer, Doctor Curcio; Lieutenant Commander Callan is our chief engineer. Bennett grabs the arm of a passing man. BENNETT Ron, take Mister Callan here and his team over to Sector Four. (to Callan) That's where the damage is worst. Once you're done there, our engineering teams will no doubt have a list of other things we could use help on. Callan and his team depart. BENNETT (to Curcio) Doctor, I apologize for the conditions you'll be working in; our infirmary section was badly damaged. Curcio nods stiffly. The camera follows him as he approaches the medical area. Wounded colonists are being triaged. There's a variety of superficial wounds--lacerations, bone breaks, etc. Several others who have no visible wounds lie groaning on cots. A few are unconscious. A couple of medical technicians are trying to attend to the wounded, but they don't appear to be making much headway. Curcio's team fans out and begins attending to patients as Curcio waylays a technician as he's making his way from one patient to another. CURCIO (shortly) Where's the doctor? TECHNICIAN (indicating an unconscious woman) Right there. CURCIO What happened to her? TECHNICIAN I'm not sure. She was in Sector Four when everything went crazy. CURCIO (sharply) What do you mean, you're not sure? _Think_, man! Head wound, internal injuries, what? TECHNICIAN (futilely) I _don't know_. CURCIO (as he begins to examine the doctor, annoyed) Just what kind of medic _are_ you? TECHNICIAN I'm a certified nurse's assistant-- CURCIO (exploding) A CNA?! And you're _in charge_?! (beat, incredulous) And the other medic here? TECHNICIAN (quite intimidated) Also a CNA. CURCIO (controlled fury) I want you both away from these patients, _now_. Leave the triage to me and my staff. You'll be lucky if we don't lose anyone through your incompetence. (beat) Start organizing surgical supplies and try to set up a reasonably sterile area. (beat, scathingly) _If_ you think you can handle it. He bends over the unconscious doctor once again. The technician scurries away. CUT TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS Once again, Percell is seated before her vidlink screen. On the screen is a stunningly attractive GELF woman--Kelly Callan's ex-sister-in-law, Melanie. Neither Percell nor Melanie looks particularly happy to be speaking to each other. MELANIE You said Carl gave you my number? (beat) Typical of him, not to ask me first. PERCELL (nervously) He, um, said to tell you "hi." MELANIE (skeptically) Just "hi"? Nothing about "the check is in the mail" or anything? (beat, almost to herself) So damned typical. (beat, back to the subject) Now what is it exactly that you called for? PERCELL (patiently) I work with Carl's brother-in-law, Greg Callan. Greg said you have a friend whose fiance works for Disney, and... MELANIE And you want to talk to him? (beat, still quite cool) Well, I don't have his number. And unlike _some_ people, I don't give out numbers without permission. Percell's expression reveals her obvious disappointment. Melanie sees this and softens a little. MELANIE (continuing) But since Anita's here right now, I'll let you talk to her and she can decide whether or not to give you Dan's number. She turns and walks out of the screen, as Percell's expression becomes hopeful once more. Anita enters the picture, a complete opposite from Melanie--she's short, blonde, and bubbly. ANITA Hi! You're after my man, huh? PERCELL (taken aback) I, uh... ANITA (laughing) It's all right; I was listening to you talk to Melanie. (winking) Don't let her scare you. (beat) Anyway, I'm sure Dan would be glad to help you out. (smiles, lost in thought) He's so nice that way... (smiles some more) ...which is part of why I love him so much. You know? (beat, without letting her answer) Anyway, here's his number... The camera pulls back as Percell smilingly writes down the number--one step closer to her videos! CUT TO INTERIOR COLONY -- WOODED PATH The environment is a perfect simulation of the "real world". Wolenczak is walking with Bennett. BENNETT Again, Captain Wolenczak, thank you. Wolenczak shakes his head; it was no big deal. WOLENCZAK My chief engineer told me Ecolysia has been overstressing its structural support systems; is it true you're exceeding the optimal pressure limits? As he says the name of the colony, Wolenczak gets an odd look on his face; it strikes a chord buried deep within him. Bennett doesn't notice Wolenczak's sudden lapse of attention. BENNETT (shakes head, a bit sheepishly) Not exactly, Captain... (beat) We've had requisitions to the UEO for more equipment; we just can't seem to get them to pay attention to us. Wolenczak nods absently, and Bennett finally realizes he has less than a hundred percent of the captain's attention. BENNETT (mildly concerned) Captain Wolenczak? Wolenczak looks at him, still thinking. WOLENCZAK Mister Bennett... (beat, looks around) This colony...it's beautiful. Bennett smiles and nods. BENNETT (almost reciting) Ecolysia was designed to put a minimal strain on the enviornment; like the other colonies in its series, we have less than .074 percent waste every day. (proudly) And we have people working to lower even that. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK And your produce sections are beautiful. He looks up and shields his eyes from the artificial sunlight. WOLENCZAK (almost thinking aloud) Ecolysia follows the plans drawn up by Max Scully, doesn't it? He lowers his gaze and looks at Bennett, who nods. BENNETT (soberly) Yes. He knows what Wolenczak is about to say, so he continues without stopping. BENNETT Max Scully was obsessed. He nearly drove the Ecotopia Project to ruin. (beat) Do you know how hard it was to convince the UEO we weren't a bunch of lunatics after Scully almost caused a meltdown of the nuclear waste at Freedom Point? Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK I take it you were one of the original colonists? Bennett nods. BENNETT Yes. (beat) Gandhi said that "To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves." (beat, shakes his head, pitying) Max forgot himself too long ago for his environment to help him heal. There's a silent, almost respectful moment. Then a thought strikes Wolenczak. WOLENCZAK (tentatively) Does Ecolysia have any orange groves? Raising an eyebrow, Bennett nods. A grin breaks over Wolenczak's face. WOLENCZAK Do you think I could see them? (beat) Maybe pick a few? Bennett knows there's something odd going on, and he's missing it, but he can't put his finger on what. Nonetheless, he nods. BENNETT Of course. Wolenczak grins; Bennett smiles back. CUT TO ORANGE GROVE There are rows of trees, all of which are covered by fruit. Colonists are working, the panic having subsided, as Wolenczak and Bennett walk into view. From the opposite direction, Curcio walks purposefully toward them. CURCIO (calling) Captain Wolenczak! Wolenczak ignores him. Bennett raises an eyebrow. BENNETT Captain, your doctor is calling you... Wolenczak sighs, he'd planned on ignoring Curcio for now. He stops walking and turns to Curcio. Not hurrying at all, Curcio strides up to them. CURCIO (businesslike, as usual) Captain, we can go now. (beat) The colonists have been treated. Bennett is a bit surprised at Curcio's manner. Wolenczak is just ticked off at his presumptuousness. WOLENCZAK Not now, Doctor. (beat) You can report back to the _seaQuest_. Curcio opens his mouth to respond. WOLENCZAK (cutting him off) Dismissed. Curcio walks off at a quick clip. Bennett follows, mystified, but he doesn't seem to like Curcio either. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR =========================== PART 5 ===================================== ACT FIVE FADE IN TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS Percell is trying to get through to Dan, Anita's fiance. She types in the number Anita gave her, and waits. A "Please Wait" signal hits the screen, and she waits. And waits. After Percell spends nearly a full minute fidgeting, checking the number, etc., the screen comes to life. On it is a dark-haired young man, tall and quite good-looking. He's wearing only boxer shorts, and doesn't appear at all uncomfortable with that fact. DAN (looks at her for a moment) Hi...do I know you? PERCELL (embarrassed, but trying hard to hide it) Nope. I'm Sara Percell. (beat) Anita gave me your number. I'm sort of a friend of a friend of a friend. Dan nods and sits down; now only his head and shoulders are in the picture. He smiles good-naturedly. DAN (friendly) So, what can I do for you? PERCELL (in a rush) Well, I collect videos--I have over four thousand now--and I've been hearing about the Ashman and Menken collection Disney just put out, and then I heard you _work_ for Disney, and... DAN (nods) No problem. How many do you want? A moment of shocked silence from Percell. PERCELL You mean it?! He nods. Percell thinks it over for a moment. PERCELL Well...the stuff I've seen says they cost about four hundred, so I guess I can only afford one set. DAN (smiling) Ah, but I get them at the dealer price. Percell stares, open-mouthed at him for a moment. PERCELL But it's a limited edition. I couldn't...it would mean someone else some place wouldn't get one. DAN (shrugging) Whatever. (beat) So where do you want me to send it? Percell sits silently for a moment. PERCELL (suddenly animated) What am I _talking_ about?! Of _course_ I'll take two! DAN (smiling) Great! You should have them before the end of the month. PERCELL (hesitantly) You're not going to ask me to reconfigure your entire stock-tracking database or something are you? DAN (a little confused) Excuse me? PERCELL (sighing) Just seems like half the people I've talked to, trying to get to you, have wanted me to do something for them. Dan gives her a funny look as we... CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI WSKRS precede _seaQuest_ through the water. Caption reads: "Three weeks later". CUT TO MEDBAY The lights are dim; it's the night shift. The door to the Science Lab is open, and Morgan is leaning against the side of the doorway. Her arms are folded over her chest, and she has a smug expression on her face. A few of Curcio's people are on duty, but all are taking care to avoid the center of the room. As the camera pans toward the spot they're avoiding, we see why. There's a pile of trash in the center of the room. Trash which at one point was probably...delicate medical experiments. The MedBay door opens, and Curcio enters. The camera stays with him as he proceeds directly through the middle of the room...and with a predictable, but still insanely satisfying, display of idiocy... CURCIO (outraged) What the-- ...He runs smack into the pile, nearly tripping. Off Morgan's expression as she watches. Back to Curcio as he sorts through the material that's been unceremoniously dumped in the midst of his working space. He's crouched next to the pile, sifting through it. As he goes on, an expression of growing shock/horror begins to form on his face. He pulls up a large circuit board, with wire leads connecting to several other pieces of metal...a fragmented petri dish...some slides.... All the evidence points to... CURCIO (under his breath) No... He looks up, just in time to see Morgan disappear into her lab, closing the door behind her. Clouds of fury darken his expression. His eyes narrow, and he stands, holding the circuit board. CURCIO (under his breath) Morgan... CUT TO SCIENCE LAB Morgan and Trueman are wearing extremely self-satisfied expressions, drinking tea and pretending to talk. In reality, they're clearly waiting for the explosion from MedBay. The instant the door slams open, Morgan begins talking, picking up as though in the middle of a sentence, wiping the grin off her face. MORGAN (very lady-like) ...Don't you think? Trueman sips her tea, ultra-polite...To the casual eye these are two very mannerly young women. But to Curcio...they're incarnations of evil. He walks up to them, and stands a few feet away from Morgan. He's super-ticked, the first emotion other than disdain we've seen out of him. On the other hand, both Morgan and Trueman have their tempers completely under control. Curcio tosses the board at Morgan's feet and glares. CURCIO What is the meaning of the _mess_ in my MedBay?! Morgan looks at him for a moment, feigning innocence. MORGAN Mess? (exchanges glances with Trueman) Why is he asking me? Trueman shakes her head, as though she's completely befuddled. TRUEMAN (innocently) I don't know, Anne... (beat, a bare _edge_ of irony) After all, we two _delicate flowers_ wouldn't even _think_ of making a mess in the doctor's Medical Bay, would we? Morgan shakes her head and takes another sip of tea, then looks at Curcio, her expression one of completely "sincere" regret. MORGAN I really do apologize for the inconvenience, _Doctor_, but I _had_ to clear out the room in _my_ Science Lab. (beat) I'm sure you can understand. Curcio stares at her for a moment, struck speechless as he realizes she's got him. He turns to go. Morgan and Trueman both lose their "delicate flower" exteriors, and Morgan's voice gains a hard edge. From Trueman, we receive the impression of fist colliding with jaw, bone cracking, etc. But for now, she's holding herself back. MORGAN (off circuit board, reining in anger) Don't you want to take your toy with you? Curcio turns back, and looks at her. He then looks at the board. CURCIO (stiffly, angry) Thank you, no. He turns and stalks out of the room. He slams the door to the MedBay shut again, and it shakes a Monet print Morgan has hung on the back of the door. Morgan watches the print for a moment, wondering if it will fall...then it stops shaking. Morgan, however, hasn't. The hand holding the teacup is gripping it tightly. The cup clatters against her saucer as she puts it down. Trueman notices, and walks forward. TRUEMAN Morgan... (beat, reminding her) We won. Morgan is pulled from her thoughts, which no doubt have something to do with burning and stakes and Curcio. She looks at Trueman and forces a smile. MORGAN (falsely positive) Yeah...I guess we did. The smile loses part of its forced nature. MORGAN Thanks. (beat) I doubt I could have pulled out all that junk fast enough alone. TRUEMAN (nods) Any time, just to see that chauvinistic... She trails off, and shakes her head. TRUEMAN We beat him this time, that's all that matters. Morgan nods but is unconvinced. Trueman looks to the door. TRUEMAN Anyway, I've got to go. (beat, rolls eyes) Promised Justin I'd come see whatever new VR game it is he's into now... Morgan stifles a chuckle. MORGAN You put up with a lot from him. TRUEMAN (shrugs) He puts up with a lot from me, too. (beat) Anyway, see you. Morgan nods, and goes back to her work. Trueman turns and leaves. CUT TO SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL -- ER Burke is drinking coffee, leaning on the check-in counter, talking to a med student. MED STUDENT ...So then Carter tells me to get a move on; apparently, the kid who was having the appendectomy thought she was going to get cut in half... (beat, grins) Next thing I know, he's got her laughing so hard she probably would've _broken_ in half. BURKE (chuckles) Yeah, well, he's one of the best pediatricians in the state-- MELANSON (O.S.) Meridith, get over here! We need a surgeon! Melanson strides up to the desk, looking harried. BURKE What's up? MELANSON Trauma center across town's swamped; there was some kind of riot and they've got a dozen major cases. They're sending the least serious ones over here now. I need you to come upstairs and scrub in; they'll be here any minute. Burke sets her mug down, with a courtesy nod to the student, and follows Melanson out. CUT TO OPERATING ROOM Burke and Melanson are in the middle of surgery. MELANSON I can't believe they sent this one over here...he's got far too many injuries for the transit. BURKE If he was one of the less severe cases, I'd hate to see the bad ones. They work in silence; then several monitors start to beep at once. ANESTHESIOLOGIST (urgently) Blood pressure's dropping! BURKE (frantic) He's bleeding everywhere! MELANSON Pump in some more O-neg! They work hurriedly, but with no visible success. BURKE (near panic) His heart's stopped! Give me the internal paddles... A nurse hands her defibrillator paddles. Burke tries to shock the patient's heart into beating. Once. Twice. Three times--nothing. MELANSON (softly) It's over, Meri. BURKE Just one more try! She moves to continue her efforts at resuscitation. Melanson grabs her arm to stop her, then checks the clock. MELANSON Time of death, 17:52. Burke stomps out of the operating room. The camera follows her as she yanks off her gloves and disposes of them, peels off her scrubs and drops them in a hamper, and walks out into the hallway. CUT TO PARKING LOT Burke is leaning on a lamp post, staring at nothing in particular. Melanson approaches. MELANSON So this is where you went. She doesn't respond. MELANSON (trying again) You know, I looked in your favorite stairwell but you weren't there. The joke falls flat, only eliciting a sour glance from Burke. MELANSON (exasperated) Meri, it isn't always that bad. He'd been through hell just _getting_ here. There was nothing you could have done. BURKE (angrily) I'm a surgeon. I'm supposed to be able to fix people! (beat, with venom) And _never_ stop me in the middle of a procedure and then tell me there's nothing I could have done! She stalks away. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ REC ROOM Callan and Trueman are getting a crash-course in Riller's VR game. Trueman's about to die of boredom. Callan has the headset on, and Riller is directing him in what to do. RILLER Okay, you see that big pillar up ahead of you? CALLAN (distracted by the game) Yeah. (beat, freaking out) I can't pull up from the-- RILLER (panicking) Pull right! Callan's hand veers to one side, and we see he's wearing VR gloves. This is a very sleek model, and the circuitry is barely visible. His breathing slows; he's relieved. CALLAN (sighs) Phew...that was-- (panicking again) There's something on my tail! A big, dark-- (frantic) It's after me! RILLER (brushing it off) Don't worry, that's just the-- CALLAN (yelling) _It's shooting at me!_ Riller's expression turns to one of confusion. He grabs the VR game's case off the table and starts reading through the booklet inside it. RILLER (off booklet) What the...? They send your own guys after you in level seven?! By this time, Callan's hands are moving wildly as he tries to shake whatever's on his tail. CALLAN (yelling) _I'm only on level three!_ Trueman covers her ears with her hands, and shoots the two men a rueful glance. Then she reaches out for the plug. She wraps her fingers around it and yanks hard. Callan immediately cuts short all movement. For a few seconds, he's motionless. Riller doesn't notice that Trueman disconnected the game. RILLER (concerned) Greg? You okay? Callan nods, pushing the headset off as he peels off the gloves. CALLAN Trueman turned it off. (beat) And I was nearly-- TRUEMAN (interrupting) You were nearly hysterical, is what you were. (beat) Next time you talk with your wife, ask her if she'd rather have you in there-- (gestures to VR gear) --or out _here_. And she'll thank me. (off Riller) You spend way too much time on those things. Whatever retort Riller is considering is broken off by Percell's excited entrance. She's holding her two sets of videos. Percell rushes up to Callan and gives him an enthusiastic hug, whacking him in the back with the videos as she does so. PERCELL They came, they came, they came! CALLAN (jokingly) So stop abusing me, and go watch them! PERCELL (uneasily) One small problem... TRUEMAN _Now_ what? PERCELL Well, um... TRUEMAN Spill it, Sara. PERCELL I was so excited about _getting_ them, and _having_ them, I forgot... (sheepishly) I can't _watch_ them. RILLER All that money, wasted. (almost regretful) You could've bought some pretty hot VR games for that price. CALLAN So are you going to send them back? PERCELL (mock-offended) Of _course_ not. (beat, with exaggerated patience) These are the old-style format; they're not standard. I _have_ a player for them, but it doesn't have its own screen. CALLAN (sees it coming) No. PERCELL (pretending not to hear him) So if you can help me figure out a way to connect the player to my console in my quarters... CALLAN (shaking his head, but with a suspicious gleam in his eye) Can't. PERCELL (dramatically) You _can't_?! CALLAN Nope. I'm busy. She looks around, but can't see what he's busy with. PERCELL Busy? With what? CALLAN (stifling a grin) Wasting time. PERCELL (thoroughly exasperated) Greg! (beat, badgering) After all I went through to get them. I've done favors for so many people... (beat, sidetracked) Funny, none of the Carolinans asked me to do them favors... (beat, back to pleading) Greg, I'll absolutely _die_ if I don't get to watch these. Like, in the next couple of hours. (beat, completely sincere) You wouldn't want to be responsible for me succumbing to spontaneous combustion or something just as awful, would you?! Callan is trying not to laugh at her desperation, but says nothing. PERCELL (continues) Pleeeeease, Greg? (beat) It won't take long, for an ace engineer like you! RILLER (teasing) Here we go again. (beat) Say "yes," Greg. (Beat) If we have to listen to this much longer, something awful _will_ happen. (off Percell, deadpan) We'll kill her. Percell looks at him for a moment, unable to decide if he's kidding or not. CALLAN ("giving in") Okay, okay. I bow to public pressure. Percell's face lights up. She happily drags him from the room, as Riller and Trueman look on. FADE TO BLACK THE END ========================================================================== Copyright 1997 seaQuest 2047 Staff