==========================================================================
                            13 - LEST WE REMEMBER
                                  2047 Team
==========================================================================
   Timeline: SeaQuest 2047
   Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact)
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seaQuest 2047
"Lest We Remember"
By Rachel Brody & L.E. Beglin
Sunday, April 27
Publication Draft


=========================  PART 0 - TEASER ===============================


TEASER

OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI

The ship is moving through the water at a steady clip.

WOLENCZAK
(V.O.)
Julia and Carlos fulfilled their offer; the institute has sent Doctor
Selena Summers to finish the psych evaluations of my crew.
(beat)
She knows her stuff, but I'm still uncomfortable with her presence.
(beat)
Of course...I seem to be having less and less luck with doctors as
time goes on...

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

Wolenczak is tidying up his quarters--making sure the pictures are
straight, there aren't dirty uniform pieces scattered about, etc. The
voice-over continues, in "Captain's log" style, overlapping the
action; Wolenczak isn't actually speaking.

WOLENCZAK
(V.O., continued)
...And despite the discretion shown by the twins in regard to the
crew, I still can't shake off the memories of what Savannah and her
father's team did during their stay on the original _seaQuest_.

There's a knock at the hatch. Wolenczak looks up.

WOLENCZAK
(to himself, mumbing)
Women and hockey scores. Keep your mind on women and hockey scores...
(beat, louder)
Doctor Summers?

SUMMERS
(through the hatch)
May I come in?

Wolenczak walks to the hatch.

WOLENCZAK
(V.O., not speaking)
And I still have a few secrets I'd prefer remain that way.

He opens the hatch as the voice-over ends. On the other side of the
hatch is Doctor Selena Summers. She's about thirty. She's not
beautiful, but certainly good-looking. Her hair is strawberry blonde,
and her eyes are a luminous shade of blue.

WOLENCZAK
(a little edgy)
Doctor Summers...
(gestures to his desk chair)
Have a seat, please.

Summers nods and crosses to the chair, then sits down. Wolenczak
atches her edgily. She realizes he's not going to start the
conversation.

SUMMERS
Captain, you're my last evaluation; where would you like to start?

WOLENCZAK
(shrugs)
Up to you.

Summers nods, and we get the feeling she's encountered this kind of
"I don't really care" attitude before.

SUMMERS
In that case...how about your nightmares?

Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. He's playing dumb, but there's also a
degree of shock that she would hit on something so quickly.

WOLENCZAK
Excuse me?

Summers doesn't respond immediately. Instead, she waits a few
moments, watching him intently. She's probing his mind.

SUMMERS
(almost absentmindedly)
It was a mission in Macronesia, wasn't it.
(beat)
A difficult one.

WOLENCZAK
(edgy)
I don't know what you're talking about.

Summers looks at him for a moment longer, then shakes her head.

SUMMERS
Captain Wolenczak...don't you think it's time to let yourself admit
what happened?

Comprehension dawns in his expression, followed closely by fury.

WOLENCZAK
(reining in fury)
Get out.

SUMMERS
I'm not in your mind.

WOLENCZAK
I meant out of the _room_.
(beat)
You may be a shrink, and your psi-factor may be higher than heaven
itself, but you've got no right to be in my head.

He stands and walks to the hatch, grabs it, and flings it open.

WOLENCZAK
(coldly furious)
_Now_.

Summers watches him for a moment, then sees he thinks she overstepped
her professional bounds. She stands.

SUMMERS
Have it your way, Captain.
(beat, warning)
Those are some pretty strong blocks you've put up.
(beat, ominous)
But I wouldn't be sure they'll hold much longer.

With this, she walks out. Wolenczak slams the hatch behind her, and
walks halfway across his room toward his desk. On the way, he
catches sight of a new picture--himself, at about twenty-four years
old, wearing the newly-acquired rank-patch of a Lieutenant Commander.
He shakes his head.

WOLENCZAK
(to the picture, almost in disgust)
You thought everything was so perfect back then, didn't you.
(beat)
Save Nexus one month, stop Freedom Point from killing the world...
(beat)
Never thought it'd all disappear one day.

He reaches over and turns the picture over so it's lying face-down on
the desk. As he does so, he catches sight of the video disk labelled
in Hudson's handwriting. It sits atop the copy of _The Red Badge of
Courage_ that is a permanent fixture on his desk. Wolenczak pauses for a
moment, touching it, then, without looking back, he walks out of the
room, shutting the hatch behind him.

CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_

The ship continues on through the water, at peace, despite the storm
brewing inside.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END TEASER


===========================  PART 1  =====================================


ACT ONE

FADE IN TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS

Morgan is talking on the vidlink...with Vince Matson. Matson is
positively glowing. Morgan's not far behind. Morgan is relaxed, wearing
pants and another Broadway t-shirt--"Guys and Dolls". Matson is sitting
at a desk, but leaning back in his chair; he's probably letting his feet
rest on his desktop.

MORGAN
(grinning)
...So congratulations, Vince, you saved the captain of the _seaQuest_.

Matson grins back.

MATSON
Couldn't've done it without you.

At the praise, Morgan flushes slightly--she's not especially good at
taking compliments.

MORGAN
(trying to shift the attention back to Matson)
Well, Captain Wolenczak said to tell you thanks.

Matson raises an eyebrow. Something about this doesn't quite sit well
with him.

MATSON
He knows we're still talking?

His unease is evident, but Morgan can't understand why.

MORGAN
(smiles)
He doesn't think you're a security risk, if that's what you're
wondering.
(beat)
And he knows I wouldn't risk a breach of security.

Matson nods absently, but it's clear he wasn't thinking about that.
Morgan doesn't catch this--she has her own bone to pick. At first, she's
a bit hesitant. Then she pushes on.

MORGAN
So, John tells me you took him to a baseball game?

Matson nods, somewhat sheepishly.

MATSON
He mentioned how much he wished he could see the Lasers game against
Tokyo, so I pulled a favor or two from Sheryl in sports. Got a couple of
tickets, and took him over.

Morgan's expression turns disapproving. Matson realizes he's done or
said something wrong, but doesn't know what it is.

MATSON
Something wrong?

MORGAN
(mildly upset)
Vince, I follow baseball. You didn't tell me you took him to _Japan_.

Not understanding what the problem is about this, Matson shrugs.

MATSON
It was no big deal, Anne. The morning show wanted me to interview some
people for them--they're not holding their own in the ratings-- and it
was easy enough for me to arrange the interview to be after the game.

Morgan doesn't like the way this sounds, not one bit.

MORGAN
And where was John after the game?

MATSON
(easily)
In the locker rooms, getting autographs.

Morgan's mother-hen instinct rears its head.

MORGAN
By himself?!

MATSON
(mock insulted)
With Sheryl.
(beat, seriously)
Anne, I may not be a parent, but I'm not stupid. I _did_ babysit every
kid in my family until my mom thought my sister was old enough.
(beat)
And you learn things when you babysit four kids on a day-to-day basis.
(beat)
Never to let 'em outta your sight unsupervised is one of them.

Morgan nods. But Matson can tell it's not _really_ okay with her.

MORGAN
Vince...
(shakes head)
I don't know what to say.
(beat, trying to make sense)
I mean, it's wonderful for John to have you taking him to these places,
but--

MATSON
(breaking in)
Anne, if you'd rather, think of it as an early birthday present for him.

There's a moment of silence, then Morgan nods.

MORGAN
(smiles)
Okay then.
(beat)
I just hope you're being careful.
(beat, concerned)
John's only a kid. He might not take it in the best of ways if he
thought...

She trails off. Matson shakes his head.

MATSON
(not a question)
Well, he's got no reason to think anything like that, does he.
(beat)
After all, it's not like I'm dating his mother, is it?

No...but Matson is making it sound like he'd like to.... Morgan picks
up on the barest hint of this in his voice, and smiles, trying to make
it appear as though it's humor.

MORGAN
(lightly)
I guess not.
(beat, with undercurrents of tension)
As long as he doesn't get the impression that you're only doing this as
a favor to me, I don't have any problems with it.

Matson looks at her for a moment.

MATSON
What's wrong?

Morgan looks at him, not quite sure of what he's asking.

MORGAN
(quickly)
What? Nothing at all. I'm fine. Why do you ask?

Matson gives her a look that reads "you're not fooling anyone".

MATSON
(sighs)
Anne, I'm an investigative reporter. I can _tell_ when people are hiding
something.
(beat)
And you're definitely doing it.
(beat, trying to help)
If it bothers you that much that I took him--

MORGAN
(quickly)
No!
(beat)
I'm really fine with that. I just wish you'd tell me _first_.

Her voice takes on a new tone. A hint of longing is present.

MORGAN
I'm his mother, after all. I should know what he's doing.

Matson nods.

MATSON
(gently)
Come on, then. What's wrong?

She looks at him for a moment, realizing she won't be able to keep this
from him, and secretly glad of the opportunity to vent a little.

MORGAN
It's Curcio.
(beat)
The new doctor.

Matson raises an eyebrow.

MATSON
I'd heard Doctor Burke left. What happened?

MORGAN
She got a job at a San Francisco hospital.
(shrugging)
She hadn't planned on staying in the Navy any longer than she had to.
(beat, aggravated)
And Curcio...
(beat, faint smile)
Reede calls him Jack. Short for Jackass, Trueman said.
(beat, smile disappears)
I don't blame them.

MATSON
What did he do that's got everyone so upset with him?

Morgan is silent for a moment. Then, she summons up the words.

MORGAN
He said a few things to Trueman about women working in the Navy. And he
keeps making...remarks...about my not being home with John.

Matson's expression turns to one of cold fury.

MATSON
He _what_?

Morgan nods, getting miserable quickly, and everything rushes out.

MORGAN
You don't know how hard it is for me to be away from him in the first
place; the interview wasn't even half of it. John was thrilled that I
mentioned him, of course, but for _weeks_ afterward he would go out of
his way to make sure I knew he didn't think I abandoned him...
(shakes head)
I nearly blew up at Captain Wolenczak last week, Curcio has me
completely on edge. The MedBay is right next to my lab, so I can't even
avoid him for long...
(falling to pieces)
I wake up in the morning and feel like I'd rather do anything than go
down there and risk running into him, and I don't know if I can keep
going down there. He's got the entire medical staff ready to scream, and
the rest of the crew isn't far behind. And Wolenczak has to give the guy
a chance or he'll seem like he's just being overly picky!

Matson has no immediate response to this. He doesn't really know how to
identify with what she's just explained.

MATSON
(carefully)
Have you tried to tell him--

MORGAN
(cutting him off)
I've tried _everything_!
(beat, helplessly)
And he's going to bring it up with Hitchcock again as soon as he has
time...

Morgan sighs. A deep sigh, that indicates she's getting more than a
headache from this entire ordeal.

MATSON
(trying to cheer her up)
Anne, you're a wonderful mother. John is a healthy, well-adjusted kid.
If you want, I'll keep an eye on him and let you know if something's up.

Morgan nods, only slightly recovered.

MATSON
(with humor)
At any rate, he's getting to that age where moms don't do a lot of good.

This gets a slight smile from Morgan. There's a silent moment. She's
obviusly feeling better, as a devilish light enters her eyes.

MORGAN
So...what did my mother say when you turned up on the doorstep?

Matson doesn't have an answer for a moment, and he thinks hard, looking
for the right way to put this...
 
MATSON
(unsure of himself)
She...
(beat)
Well, she pulled me into the house and started showing me tapes of my
old broadcasts.
(beat, teasing)
I think you should introduce her to Ensign Trueman--they seem to have
similar ideas about me.

Morgan chuckles. Matson smiles, glad that he seems to have gotten her
out of her funk.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

The lights are out. Wolenczak is sleeping, but restlessly.

CUT TO SUMMERS' QUARTERS

She's lying on her bed, facing the ceiling, with her eyes shut. The
lights are on, but turned down.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

Wolenczak is still asleep. It becomes apparent that he's having a
nightmare. He's clearly disturbed by it, but it's not waking him up.
Yet.

WOLENCZAK
(V.O., in dream, with extreme distress)
Tony!

HUDSON
(V.O., in dream, forcefully)
You will _not_ follow me, that is an _order_!

Wolenczak shifts uncomfortably, trying to find comfort where there is
none. In his dream, there's an explosion. In his dream, he screams.
Immediately, he sits straight up, eyes wide open, breathing heavily.
Close up on his extreme reaction, we...

CUT TO SUMMERS' QUARTERS

Her eyes fly open as she realizes that Wolenczak is awake.

SUMMERS
(to herself, softly)
Damn! I pushed him too hard...

Her breathing is slightly faster than normal, and she's a tad flushed.
She blinks a few times, getting herself back under control. Then, she
settles back against the wall and shuts her eyes. She's no longer
probing. Just resting.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

A few minutes later. Wolenczak has pulled on a robe, and is standing in
front of his vidlink. The screen is black at first, then cuts to a view
of what appears to be a college professor's office. An expression of
confusion clouds  Wolenczak's face, then he clears his throat.

WOLENCZAK
(tentatively)
Tim? You there?

O'NEILL
(O.S.)
Hold on, I'll be right with you.

There's a crash from out of the vidlink view.

O'NEILL
(O.S., annoyed)
Great. Just great.

Wolenczak's confusion is pushed aside by mild amusement.

WOLENCZAK
It's Lucas, Tim.

There are a few more moments of silence, then Professor Tim O'Neill
appears on-screen. He's 55 years old, but as a result of being in
stasis, he, like Wolenczak, looks ten years younger. Not much has
changed from when last we saw him, except for a few gray hairs. He  has
the look of someone with a billion things to do. Nonetheless, he's happy
to make time for a friend.

O'NEILL
Hey.
(beat)
How's the _seaQuest_?

Wolenczak shakes his head.

WOLENCZAK
She's fine.
(beat, getting straight down to business)
Tim, did you ever speak to Hudson after...

He trails off, unable to finish. But O'Neill knows what he means. He
looks uncomfortable with the question, and sinks into his chair. This
isn't the friendly chit-chat he'd been expecting at this hour. He shuts
his eyes for a moment, then shakes his head.

O'NEILL
(subdued)
Not really.
(beat)
But not because I was angry at him.
(beat, shakes his head)
I take that back. At first, I was furious. Almost as much as you were.
(beat)
It was like he'd lost everyone. Not just Tony. A part of me felt like he
was responsible for everyone I'd lost since we came home from Hyperion.
It was ridiculous.
(beat, shaking his head)
But since when do these things make sense?

Wolenczak nods, but says nothing, letting O'Neill continue.

O'NEILL
(going on)
Captain Hudson and I never got along well beforehand.
(beat)
When they took Tony off life-support...it was an added push.
(beat)
I tried to bridge the gap at the funeral, Tony wouldn't have wanted it
to be there.
(beat)
But Hudson and I both said a few things we shouldn't have.

He looks to Wolenczak.

O'NEILL
A few years ago, at one of Ben's get-togethers, I spoke with him for a
few minutes.

He's silent for a moment, trying to decide how to explain his feelings
toward Hudson.

O'NEILL
(awkwardly)
After a while, you learn to feel uneasy around someone. Whether it's
because you don't like them, or you blame them for something, or any of
a million things. After that, it's hard to learn to regard them with
anything other than contempt.

Realizing that he ceased making much sense a few lines back, O'Neill
takes a deep breath.

O'NEILL
So yes, I spoke to him.
(beat)
But I'd rather not repeat what was said.

Wolenczak nods in understanding. But he can't just let this rest.

WOLENCZAK
I need to talk to someone who kept in touch with him.

O'Neill nods.

O'NEILL
Ford.
(beat, sadly)
Not like that'll help.

He thinks about it some more.

O'NEILL
(continuing)
Krieg and Hitchcock, but I haven't seen either of them in a while. Maybe
Lonnie or Dagwood.

He shakes his head.

O'NEILL
(regretfully)
Kimura was never one to keep in touch...with anyone.

He falls silent, thinking about days gone by and opportunities missed.
Wolenczak sees he's gotten as far as he's going to.

WOLENCZAK
(nods)
Thanks.

O'Neill looks as though Wolenczak's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

O'NEILL
Any time.
(beat)
Call again.

Wolenczak nods a good-bye, then cuts the channel. He flips off the light
but continues to stand, staring, in the darkness.

CUT TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT ONE


===========================  PART 2  =====================================


ACT TWO

OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI

Establishing shot of the boat and the water, etc.
Caption reads: "The next day".

CUT TO BRIDGE

Wolenczak is in command, but a bit distracted. Matthews is also on duty,
as are Percell and Morgan. The other stations are manned by extras.

WOLENCZAK
(to Matthews)
Commander?

She's consulting with the seaman at Tactical. She finishes saying
something to him, and turns. She walks to Wolenczak's side.

MATTHEWS
Yes?

WOLENCZAK
(quietly)
Tell Tony we need to talk about this mission.

Matthews raises an eyebrow, but Wolenczak doesn't notice anything out of
place.

WOLENCZAK
(continuing, still quietly)
I'm not sure if I'm going to accept it or not.
(beat, absentmindedly)
Actually, forget it. I'm going to give Tim a call. He'll know what to
do.

Matthews nods, but it's mechanical--she doesn't know what's going on.

MATTHEWS
(lost)
Tony?

Wolenczak nods, not really paying attention, and leaves the Bridge
without another word.

CUT TO O'NEILL'S OFFICE

O'Neill's office at the University of Detroit is on the small side, and
cluttered with items from cultures all over the world. However, there's
a reigning neatness that keeps it from being messy. O'Neill himself is
grading papers at his desk. The vidlink in the wall chirps. He whacks
the remote control activator, and the screen comes to life. On it is
Captain Wolenczak, looking out of sorts and distracted. Concern floods
O'Neill's expression.

O'NEILL
(concerned)
Lucas?

Wolenczak doesn't respond immediately.

O'NEILL
(more so)
Lucas, are you okay?

Wolenczak looks at him for a moment, then nods.

WOLENCZAK
I'm fine.
(beat)
Tim...I don't know if I can do this.
(beat)
I know you've been out of the Navy a while, but it still helps to talk
to you, you know?

O'Neill raises an eyebrow. He's got a feeling of deja vu, but can't
quite place it.

O'NEILL
Do what?

Wolenczak doesn't take notice of his friend's confusion.

WOLENCZAK
(helplessly)
I can't see a way to back out, but I'm scared.
(beat)
Tim...if anything happens, promise you'll remember me.

O'NEILL
(completely thrown off)
Yeah.
(beat)
Yeah, Lucas, I'll remember you.
(beat, lost)
What are you _talking_ about?

Wolenczak doesn't answer his question.

WOLENCZAK
(relieved)
Thanks.
(beat)
I've got to go.
(beat)
I wrote letters to everyone, just in case.

With that, Wolenczak cuts the channel, leaving O'Neill completely
flummoxed. He reaches for the remote to call back, his papers forgotten.
He hits the "call back" key. The screen flashes "Unavailable at this
time," and O'Neill sighs.

O'NEILL
Great.

He looks around, and pulls up a file of vidlink numbers.

O'NEILL
(as he browses the numbers)
No...no...no...I haven't been able to talk to her since she was
inaugurated...I doubt Bridger would know...
(shakes head)
This was supposed to stop when he hit twenty. Adults aren't supposed to
act like teenagers.

Sighing, he pushes the numbers away and shakes his head.

O'NEILL
First Hudson, now this.
(beat)
I just wish I knew why it felt so damned _familiar_.

Off O'Neill's exasperation, we...

CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ CREW'S MESS

Trueman is sitting at a table, eating lunch. She has an expression on
her face that shows she's concentrating on something, and hard. A hand
drops on her shoulder. She starts. Reede slides into the seat next to
her.

REEDE
Hey. Whatcha doin'?

Trueman gives him a _look_.

TRUEMAN
(mildly annoyed)
Don't sneak up on me like that.

Despite her tone, she's not upset with him. He can tell, and regards it
as an improvement in their recently catty relationship.

REEDE
Sorry.
(beat)
So what're you doing?

Trueman looks at him for a moment, not knowing quite what to make of his
good mood.

TRUEMAN
Eating.
(beat)
Or at least, I was.
(beat, kidding but with an edge)
I just lost my appetite.

She pushes her plate away and sighs in annoyance. Reede has a "great
it's one of _these_ moods" look on his face. He starts to get up.

REEDE
(a little hurt)
Well then, I guess I should get going.

Trueman looks up at him, and realizes he didn't see that she was just
giving him a hard time. She obviously feels bad about this.

TRUEMAN
(quickly, apologetically)
No, I--
(shakes head)
Sorry.
(beat)
It's just been one of those days. What with the psych evaluations
yesterday, and now Justin's in one of his moods...

Reede doesn't look all too pleased at the mention of Riller.

REEDE
What happened?

He's only asking to be polite, and Trueman can tell. But she's willing
to use any shoulder to cry on, at the moment.

TRUEMAN
(sighs)
I told him to stuff it.

As if this made it any clearer...

REEDE
(completely lost)
Stuff _what_?

Trueman opens her mouth to answer, then realizes who she's talking to
and shuts it. She shakes her head.

TRUEMAN
Nothing.
(beat)
Nothing you should worry about.

Reede looks at her with concern.

REEDE
Becca, really. What happened?

Trueman shakes her head.

TRUEMAN
(without room for argument)
 _Nothing_.

Nothing she wants to repeat to Reede, that is. Obviously, Riller's
stuffable comments had something to do with Reede, and Trueman is trying
her best to protect his feelings. Reede looks like he's going to press a
little more. Matthews enters, grabs a sandwich but not a tray, and looks
around for a moment. She spies the two of them, and walks over quickly.
She sits directly across from Trueman.

MATTHEWS
(without waiting)
Trueman, you know a lot about the history of the _seaQuest_, right?

Trueman's attention is taken away from Reede.

TRUEMAN
Yeah.
(beat)
Why?

MATTHEWS
(brushing off her question)
If the captain mentioned two people, named Tim and Tony, who would he be
talking about?

Trueman thinks for a long moment. She shakes her head.

TRUEMAN
In connection with the _seaQuest_?

MATTHEWS
I think so.
(beat)
In connection with the Navy, at any rate.

TRUEMAN
I don't know.
(beat, guessing)
Tony...might be Lieutenant Anthony Piccolo.
(beat, shakes head)
But he died a few years ago.
(beat)
On some secret mission.

MATTHEWS
(pressing)
And Tim?

TRUEMAN
(thinks really hard, decides)
Lieutenant Tim O'Neill. Resigned in '33.
(beat)
Some kind of problem with Captain Oliver Hudson, if memory serves.

Matthews nods.

MATTHEWS
That sounds about right.
(beat)
Thanks.

She stands and walks out, leaving Trueman and Reede by themselves. And
also leaving her sandwich.

REEDE
(impressed)
Wow.
(beat, teasing)
You're a walking textbook.

Trueman looks at him.

TRUEMAN
Nah. I just know my stuff.
(beat, grins)
Why? Feeling threatened by my superior intellect?

REEDE
(shakes head)
Never.
(beat)
If you'll excuse me, I've got a few things to do.

He leaves. Trueman watches him go.

TRUEMAN
(to herself)
I still don't get why Justin has such a problem with him...when he's not
being a twit, he's almost okay to talk to.

She shakes her head and looks back at her plate.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

Wolenczak is pacing the floor. Back and forth, back and forth.

WOLENCZAK
(as he paces, to himself)
On one hand, Captain Bridger doesn't think I should go. And I agree with
him.
(beat)
But on the other hand...Hudson _specifically_ requested that I be
assigned...

He turns to go again, but stops in mid-step.

WOLENCZAK
(under his breath)
Damn him anyway...I'm going.

He stalks out of the room.

CUT TO MEDBAY

Summers and Curcio are talking as she files the psych evaluations.
They're not getting along well.

CURCIO
(disdainfully)
Ms. Summers--

SUMMERS
(interrupting, annoyed)
Doctor.

CURCIO
(shakes head)
Please, don't expect me to fall for that.
(beat)
You're Talented. That's the only reason you've got a doctorate.
(beat)
The UEO needs people like you to handle the affairs of the mind, while
the rest of us concentrate on _important_ matters.

Summers is still for a moment, then opens her mouth to respond.
However, she cuts off her response at the last moment, and looks at the
hatch.

SUMMERS
Well, Doctor, if your mind was the only one I had to worry about, I'd
have more free time than I'd know what to do with.
(beat)
Excuse me.

She stands and walks out of the room.

CUT TO DOCKING BAY

Wolenczak is getting ready to board a launch. Summers walks in and sees
him. She jogs over.

SUMMERS
(calling, concerned)
Captain Wolenczak!

He turns, and the look on his face reads: "Damn. She found me."

WOLENCZAK
(shakes head)
I'm sorry, I can't talk right now. I'm very busy.

He turns back to the shuttle airlock and hits a button on the access pad
beside it. Summers arrives at his side.

SUMMERS
(confused and a little panicked)
Where are you going?!

The airlock hatch cycles open. Wolenczak walks in. Summers follows.

CUT TO INTERIOR LAUNCH

Wolenczak sits in the pilot's seat. Summers sits beside him,

WOLENCZAK
(earnestly)
If you don't get out, you're going to have to come.
(beat)
I'm already pushing it--

SUMMERS
(interrupting, forcefully)
Captain Wolenczak, _what are you talking about?_

For the barest instant, her words seem to jolt him back to reality. He
looks at her, and for the first time in quite a few scenes, he looks
completely aware of himself. All traces of distraction are gone. This is
a man who knows what he's doing, and isn't going to let himself be
persuaded otherwise.

WOLENCZAK
(carefully)
I have to get to the rendezvous point. I have
(checks watch)
_exactly_ sixty-four minutes to get there.
(beat)
Hudson will _kill_ me if I'm late.

With that, the subject is closed. No room for argument. Summers settles
back into her seat.

SUMMERS
In that case, I'll have to accompany you.

Wolenczak takes no notice of this; he really doesn't care. He flips the
launch's engine switch to the "on" position.

WOLENCZAK
(into com)
Launch Bay, open the hatch.

EVANS
(over com)
Sir? There are no scheduled launches...

WOLENCZAK
(annoyed)
This is a proficiency drill, Seaman.
(beat, impatiently)
So hurry up.

On the other end, there's momentary silence as Evans tries to make sense
out of this. Finally, he realizes he has no idea what to do.

EVANS
(over com, uneasily)
Yessir, opening bay hatches now.

We can hear the doors cycling. Slowly, the launch begins to move.

CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI

Under Wolenczak's expert guidance, the launch pulls safely away from the
boat.

CUT TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT TWO


===========================  PART 3  =====================================


ACT THREE

OPEN ON BRIDGE

Matthews has command. Trueman, Percell, Riller, and Callan are on duty.
Callan looks at Matthews.

PERCELL
(to Matthews)
Commander, seadoors are open and we have an unauthorized launch.

Matthews looks up.

MATTHEWS
(to Trueman)
Get it back.
(to Percell)
Track it.

Trueman looks from one to the other, and tries the com lines.

TRUEMAN
("reporting" style)
I can't raise anyone.

She listens to her headset, then shakes her head.

TRUEMAN
Nothing.

MATTHEWS
(sighs, to self)
Great.
(to Trueman)
Call the captain to the Bridge.

Trueman nods.

TRUEMAN
(into com/PA)
Captain Wolenczak to the Bridge. Captain Wolenczak, please report to the
Bridge.

Nothing for a few moments, then Trueman perks up, listening to her
headset.

TRUEMAN
Sir, Evans is calling from Docking Bay.

MATTHEWS
Let me hear it.

Trueman presses a button; Evans' voice comes over the Bridge audio.

EVANS
(over com)
The Captain just left in a launch, Commander.
(beat, perplexed)
He told me it was a proficiency drill.

Everyone reacts as the camera pans around.

CUT TO LAUNCH

All is as before. Summers is watching Wolenczak intently, and she's also
scanning him. He's too distracted to notice.

SUMMERS
(a verbal probe)
How do you feel?

WOLENCZAK
(tersely)
I'm fine.

He hits a few keys on his console.

SUMMERS
(concerned)
Are you sure?
(beat)
You look a little pale.

WOLENCZAK
(shakes head, definite)
I'm _fine_.

He hits a few more keys, and the shuttle veers to one side.

SUMMERS
I'm sorry if I make you nervous.
(beat)
I didn't realize it had been so long since your last psych exam.

Wolenczak looks at her sharply.

WOLENCZAK
(immediately)
How did you know--

He cuts himself off as the reason becomes obvious. He is _not_ happy
about it, either.

WOLENCZAK
(forcefully)
_Stay out of my head_.

SUMMERS
(mildly)
I'm sorry if I upset you.

He's silent. After a moment, she sighs.

SUMMERS
I just want you to know: if you need to talk, about anything--

She's really beginning to sound like a psychologist now, and that's
having a _bad_ effect on Wolenczak's state of mind.

WOLENCZAK
(snapping; cutting her off)
Would you shut the hell up?! I'm trying to drive!
(mutters to self)
Damned shrinks, always trying to pick your brain apart...

Summers is taken aback by the venom in his response.

SUMMERS
(trying to get his attention)
Captain Wolenczak.

He ignores her.

SUMMERS
(a little more forcefully)
_Lucas_.

He looks at her. All trace of his earlier annoyance is gone, replaced by
a kind of innocent, confused expression.

WOLENCZAK
(normal tone)
What?

SUMMERS
(probing again)
Where are we going?

Wolenczak looks at her for a moment, then gestures down to the board.
There's a display showing their current heading and destination: the
Tonga Trench.

WOLENCZAK
(almost to himself)
The Christmas Tree.

Off Summers' confused expression, we...

CUT TO WARDROOM

Matthews enters, and she doesn't look happy. She hits the equivalent of
the "quick-dial" key to the secretary general's office. After a few
moments, the UEO logo appears, quickly followed by a bureaucrat-type.

MATTHEWS
(coolly)
May I please speak with the secretary general?

The bureaucrat shakes his head.

BUREAUCRAT
I'm sorry, she's not avail--

MATTHEWS
(cutting him off)
I don't give a damn if she's available or not, this is _important_!

The bureaucrat looks surprised at her tone.

BUREAUCRAT
(evenly, barely)
I can transfer you to the CNO.

His tone indicates that she should have called the Chief of Naval
Operations in the first place. Before Matthews can react, his image is
replaced by a "please hold screen." She doesn't have time to get too
agitated before Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Wallace Robinson
appears on the screen. He's dark-skinned, in his 50s, and has a trace of
Caribbean accent. His shoulder boards sport four stars, and it's obvious
he tolerates no nonsense.

ROBINSON
What can I do for you, Commander?

MATTHEWS
Sir, I realize I should be bringing this to you, but I really need to
speak to the secretary general.

ROBINSON
Secretary General Hitchcock is currently in Vancouver for a diplomatic
conference.
(beat, firmly)
I'm sure I can take care of anything you might--

Matthews shakes her head.

MATTHEWS
No.
(beat)
That won't do any good.
(beat, remembering her manners)
It's just that she and the captain are friends, Sir. I needed her
insight specifically.

ROBINSON
(concerned, but in an all-business way)
Problems with the captain?

Matthews obviously wishes she'd never got into this. She tries to cover
her anxiety.

MATTHEWS
(backpedaling)
No, Sir. Just a couple of questions. I can, um, talk to her when she
returns.

ROBINSON
(letting it drop--for now)
Understood, Commander. I'll let her know.
(beat)
But I'd like Wolenczak to call me as soon as he's available.

MATTHEWS
(nodding)
Thank you, Sir.

She reaches out and flips off the vidlink channel, then shakes her head.
She begins to pace, arms folded across her chest.

MATTHEWS
(to self)
Wolenczak's gone, Summers is nowhere to be found, must be with him...
(beat)
Evans let them go in that launch...
(beat)
What is going _on_ on this boat?!

CUT TO EXTERIOR LAUNCH -- CGI

Wolenczak is pacing. Summers is watching him, but not interfering. He's
distracted, and she's worried by his increasingly unstable condition.
Finally, Wolenczak breaks the silence.

WOLENCZAK
(to self)
We've been waiting for two hours.

He doesn't sound all too happy about this, either.

WOLENCZAK
This isn't like Hudson.
(beat)
He'd be here on time.
(beat)
Especially for a mission like _this_. Something this important.

Summers sees the chance to say something.

SUMMERS
Captain, could I--

WOLENCZAK
(shakes head)
No.

They've been over this before.

WOLENCZAK
I already told you, going to the _seaQuest_ is impossible.
(beat)
They're stationed clear on the other side of the Pacific Ocean.
(beat, confused)
I don't know why you're insisting on--

That's it. Summers can't take this any more, and she's not going to
watch this man deteriorate any further. She stands.

SUMMERS
(cutting him off)
Because you're not well, Captain Wolenczak.

He ignores her, instead choosing to retake the pilot's seat. She watches
as he becomes completely engrossed in what's happening on his screen.
He's typing quickly, zoning out.

SUMMERS
There's no point in continuing this--

He looks up, genuine and utter confusion flooding his expression.

WOLENCZAK
(off Summers)
Who...

He looks around the shuttle, as though he expects to see some sort of
hull breach she entered through. His hand goes to the plasma pistol
that's been lying on the floor next to him the entire time. Summers
hadn't noticed it, nor could she read its presence through Wolenczak, as
his mind is too muddled at the moment.

WOLENCZAK
(not losing eye contact)
Who are you?

SUMMERS
(patiently, moving toward him)
I'm Doctor Selena Summers, from the ESP Research Institute in Pearl
Harbor.

Wolenczak nods, but his eyes are wide and frightened.

SUMMERS
(continuing)
And you're Captain Lucas Wolenczak.

All tension appears to be lost when she says this. Wolenczak stifles a
chuckle and shakes his head.

WOLENCZAK
Captain?
(shakes head, stands)
Sorry, I haven't even made commander yet.

Summers still doesn't suspect a thing. She moves a finger to the vidlink
controls. Wolenczak's eyes narrow in suspicion.

WOLENCZAK
What are you doing?

SUMMERS
(calmly)
I'm going to contact the _seaQuest_ and have them--

She cuts off as Wolenczak raises his plasma pistol, aiming it directly
at her chest.

WOLENCZAK
(meaning every word)
Don't.
(beat)
I don't know who you are, or what's you're doing here, but...
(off gun)
...I'm prepared to stop you.

SUMMERS
(fighting to remain calm)
Captain--

Wolenczak loses it.

WOLENCZAK
(almost yelling)
I'm a _Lieutenant Commander_, dammit! What the hell is--

Summers' calm exterior has been hiding something; her expression makes
it clear she's had something up her sleeve for the past few lines,
holding back to see if she could "beat" Wolenczak without it. She
realizes she can't.

SUMMERS
(cutting him off)
Put the gun down, _Captain_.

Wolenczak shows no sign of obeying her "order".

SUMMERS
(sincerely)
I'm sorry.

With this, she _twists_ something inside Wolenczak's mind. He cries out,
once, then drops the pistol. His muscles go slack as he falls to the
ground. By the time he hits the deck, he's unconscious, a small trickle
of blood coming from one nostril. Summers drops immediately to his side
and checks his pulse.

SUMMERS
(almost pleading, quietly)
God, please, don't let me have killed him...

He has a pulse. It's faint, but there. She sighs in relief, and reaches
for the button that will activate the vidlink.

SUMMERS
(off Wolenczak, as she waits)
Come on, Captain. You've made it this far, you can hold on a little
longer.

Her tone doesn't sound all too sure of that, however. She's trying to
convince herself of the fact.

CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI

Wolenczak's launch is piloted back into the bay.

CUT TO DOCKING BAY

Matthews, Riller, Curcio, and Doctor Laura Taylor are waiting for the
launch to dock. The airlock door opens. Matthews walks hurriedly toward
the emerging Summers. She's regarding Summers with a degree of
suspicion, and is also clearly uncomfortable.

MATTHEWS
(concerned)
Where's the captain? You said he was going to need--

SUMMERS
(finishing)
He's in the launch.

Curcio nods.

CURCIO
(to Taylor)
Let's go.

Doctor Taylor follows him into the launch. After a brief moment,
Matthews follows them.

CUT TO INTERIOR LAUNCH

Summers hasn't moved Wolenczak's body. Curcio and Taylor walk into the
cockpit. Taylor looks about to panic, but Curcio, as usual, is cool as a
winter's night. He quickly checks Wolenczak for broken bones, etc.

CURCIO
(off Wolenczak, shakes head)
Nothing broken. We can move him.

Taylor nods.

CUT TO MEDBAY

Callan, Reede, Morgan, Percell, and Trueman are clustered outside
Wolenczak's ICU room. Curcio and Summers are in the room, working on
Wolenczak. Curcio looks up and sees the crew. He's more than annoyed by
their persistence. He looks to Summers and says something quickly, then
walks out to the MedBay, ready to face them down.

CURCIO
(to the crew members)
All of you, out.

Looks of shock from the crew. Trueman is the first one to recover her
voice.

TRUEMAN
But--That's the _captain_!
(beat)
You don't seriously expect us to go back on duty like nothing
_happened_, do you?!

Curcio looks at her, his expression glacial.

CURCIO
(nods curtly)
Now.

Trueman and Morgan exchange glances--they're both wondering how far they
can push this guy.

TRUEMAN
(shakes her head)
No.

Curcio is, for once, having trouble holding his temper.

CURCIO
(barely even)
Ensign, don't make me call Security.
(off others)
That was a direct order, everyone.
(beat)
I don't want you people crowding my MedBay when I have a case as serious
as this.

Trueman grins as she realizes she's getting to him.

MATTHEWS
(O.S.)
Guys...you heard him.

The assembled turn and see Matthews, who looks decidedly less than happy
with what she's saying.

CALLAN
With all due respect, Commander--

MATTHEWS
(shakes head)
Greg, no.
(beat)
If Doctor Curcio says he wants you out, then you're going to have to
assume it's in the captain's best interests.

The rest of the crew realizes that it's not fun for her to have to
"stick up" for someone she obviously doesn't like.

REEDE
(shakes head, sighs)
Fine. We'll go.
(beat, to Curcio)
But tell us the minute he can have visitors, got that?

Curcio isn't touched by the show of concern.

CURCIO
Of course.
(beat)
Get out.

The crew isn't surprised by his lack of manners. Trueman appears to want
to refuse, just to give him a hard time, but a look from Matthews quells
that urge.

CUT TO CURCIO'S OFFICE

The hatch opens. Curcio, Summers, and Matthews enter. Matthews pulls the
hatch closed, then looks at them. She's extremely worried about
Wolenczak's condition, and is already beginning to wonder if there's
anything she could have done to make sure it wouldn't have happened. But
aside from that, she's ticked off at Summers and Curcio--the woman who's
directly responsible for the situation, and the man who just plain rubs
everyone the wrong way. But she's doing a decent job of holding it in.
For now.

MATTHEWS
What's the prognosis?

Curcio and Summers exchange glances, then Curcio shakes his head.

CURCIO
Not good.
(beat, off Summers, scornfully)
_She_ seems to have locked him up inside his own mind. He's in a coma.

SUMMERS
(coldly)
He was about to shoot me, Doctor. What do _you_ suggest I should have
done?

CURCIO
Leave his mind in one piece, for a start.

SUMMERS
I already told you--the underlying problem here is the memories of his
mission to Macronesia. Whether or not I'd ever come _aboard_, this would
have happened eventually.
(beat)
But since I'm aboard, I was able to contain the damage.

There's momentary silence. Summers decides to appeal to Matthews.

SUMMERS
Is there anyone from Captain Wolenczak's past that can help me make a
link to his mind?

MATTHEWS
(flatly)
I've already been told the secretary general's unavailable.
(beat, thinking)
There's only one other person...someone he served with on the first two
_seaQuests_. It's a long shot, I'm not sure I can even find him...

SUMMERS
Do whatever it takes, Commander. And do it fast.

Matthews nods, taking everything into account. But she's not happy about
this sudden dependency on the words of a person who she doesn't like and
doesn't trust.

MATTHEWS
You'd better be able to help him.
(beat, forced evenness)
Because Captain Wolenczak is the best commanding officer I have _ever_
had.
(beat, to both)
And if, through a mistake on either of your parts, he doesn't make it
out of this alive...
(beat)
I will _personally_ see that your next assignment is so remote, they'll
have to ship you sunshine in a can every six months, just so you can
remember what the sun _looked_ like!

Summers and Curcio absorb the threat silently. After a few seconds,
Matthews turns, opens the hatch, and walks out.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT THREE


===========================  PART 4  =====================================


ACT FOUR

OPEN ON O'NEILL'S APARTMENT

O'Neill's apartment is in a nice building; and although his furnishings
don't indicate immense wealth, he's certainly not strapped for cash.
He's making dinner, and is rooting in the refrigerator for something
when the vidlink across the room chirps. He doesn't notice it, but when
it chirps again, he looks up. O'Neill sighs and closes the fridge,
crossing the room to the small screen set in the wall, and activates the
vidlink. It's Matthews, but O'Neill doesn't know who she is.

O'NEILL
Hello, can I help you?

MATTHEWS
Mister O'Neill?

He nods.

MATTHEWS
(continuing)
I'm Lieutenant Commander Jessie Matthews, XO of _seaQuest_.

Recalling his earlier conversation with Lucas, O'Neill becomes
concerned. But for the moment, he's trying to hide it. He nods again.
Matthews watches him for a moment, trying to come up with the right way
of presenting her request.

MATTHEWS
(tensely)
I would appreciate it if you'd consider making a trip to _seaQuest_.

This throws O'Neill completely off-guard. He looks at her for a moment,
as though he can't believe what he just heard.

O'NEILL
Excuse me?

MATTHEWS
Captain Wolenczak is...
(can't find the words)
We have a problem here, and Doctor Summers said she wants you to come.
She needs someone the captain trusts.

O'Neill is confused, and none too happy about this.

O'NEILL
I'm not in the Navy any more, Commander, and I don't appreciate--

MATTHEWS
(cutting him off, near desperation)
Mister O'Neill, this is a matter of _extreme_ importance. The captain's
life could depend on your agreeing to come to the boat.

Her tone leaves no room for argument. O'Neill realizes this. He gives
in; after all, this is for Lucas.

O'NEILL
(resigned)
Fine.
(beat)
What's wrong with him?

MATTHEWS
I don't have time to explain, but Doctor Summers will tell you
everything you need to know when you arrive.
(beat)
We'll have a shuttle at the San Francisco Island port in five hours.
Please be there to meet it.

O'NEILL
All right, then.
(beat)
Out.

O'Neill hits the "off" key, and the vidlink screen goes dark. He looks
around the apartment.

O'NEILL
(to himself, shaking head)
Lucas Wolenczak...what have you gotten yourself into now?

CUT TO ENGINEERING MAINTENANCE DUCT
 
Callan and Percell are trying to distract themselves from what's going
on with Wolenczak. They're tinkering with some switches.

PERCELL
You think he'll be okay?

CALLAN
(nods)
Curcio might be a pain, but he's supposed to be a good doctor.
(beat)
I'm more concerned about Summers.

PERCELL
(weak smile)
Yeah...
(beat)
I was completely on edge, the whole way through my evaluation.

Callan looks up, a little confused.

CALLAN
You?
(beat)
What on earth for? You're one of the most mentally sound people I know.

Percell stifles a chuckle.

PERCELL
(ironically)
You don't pay attention much, do you?

CALLAN
Maybe not...
(beat)
Why? What's wrong?

PERCELL
(sighs)
Nothing.

Callan isn't going to press her for an answer--yet. He knows if she
wants to talk it out, she'll say something. Finally, she does.

PERCELL
It's just...
(beat)
When was the last time you slept with your lights on?

Callan looks at her, his expression one of confusion.

CALLAN
With the lights on?

Percell nods, busily adjusting circuitry to distract herself from what
she's talking about.

PERCELL
Mm-hm.

Callan thinks for a moment, then shakes his head.

CALLAN
(shrugging)
I don't know...years.
(beat, grins in fond remembrance)
Not since I was a kid, though.

Percell nods, as if this confirms a fear. Callan notices.

CALLAN
(concerned)
Why?

PERCELL
Because...

She trails off, then sets her tool down and looks straight at him.

PERCELL
Greg...can I tell you something?

CALLAN
(nods)
Of course.

PERCELL
And you _promise_ not to say a _word_ to anyone?

He nods again.

CALLAN
Yeah...Sara, is something wrong?

PERCELL
Not exactly...
(beat)
Yes.
(beat)
Ever since...

She trails off, getting frustrated.

PERCELL
(upset, with undertones of fright)
I don't know how to say this!

Surprised by Percell's response, Callan reaches out and takes her hand.
He realizes it's shaking.

CALLAN
(gently)
Take it easy, okay?

There's a silent moment, then Percell realizes she's nearly lost it. She
looks around the duct, suddenly uneasy.

PERCELL
Look, Greg...do you think we could maybe get outta here?

He looks around, and he begins to realize what she's driving at. He
nods.

CALLAN
Yeah.
(beat)
Yeah, I think we'd better.

CUT TO ENGINEERING

Callan and Percell crawl out of the duct. Immediately, Callan takes
Percell by the wrist and pulls her aside. He knows exactly what's wrong.

CALLAN
How long?

PERCELL
How long?

He can tell she's starting to regret having mentioned anything, but this
is too important for him to let pass.

CALLAN
Yeah. How long have you been claustrophobic?

Percell looks away, unable to look him in the eye. She's angry with
herself for opening up.

PERCELL
(softly)
A while.

CALLAN
Sara, the UEO Navy doesn't accept claustrophobes without making sure
there won't be problems. That usually involves a psych chip.

She's not helping, so he starts to reason it out for himself.

CALLAN
It would have been after your last psych exam.
(beat)
And they give those every twelve months.

And now it dawns on him.

CALLAN
Oh, God.
(beat, rushing)
Sara, that wasn't your fault.

She looks up at him, her eyes glistening.

PERCELL
What does it matter if it was my fault or not?
(beat, increasingly distraught)
Greg, I haven't slept with my lights out since I got back from--

He puts a hand over her mouth, silencing her.

CALLAN
Not here, okay?  Someone might hear.
(beat, thinks a moment)
Your quarters. Come on.

He takes his hand away.

PERCELL
But we're still on duty!

CALLAN
I don't care.
(beat)
Come on.

He pulls her out of the room.

CUT TO  DOCKINGBAY

Matthews is waiting as the airlock opens, and Professor O'Neill walks
out, suitcase in hand. He approaches Matthews immediately, and is
clearly extremely concerned.

O'NEILL
Commander Matthews?

Matthews nods.

MATTHEWS
This way, Professor O'Neill.

She leads him out of the bay before he has the chance to ask what's
going on.

CUT TO MEDBAY

Summers is waiting for O'Neill to arrive. Within a few moments, he and
Matthews walk in. Summers watches.

MATTHEWS
(to O'Neill, indicating Wolenczak's room)
He's in there.

O'NEILL
Thanks.

Without further ado, he walks into Wolenczak's room, ignoring everyone
else.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S ICU ROOM

Wolenczak is lying on a bed, comatose. O'Neill stops at the hatchway,
dropping his suitcase, and watches Wolenczak for a moment.

O'NEILL
(to himself)
God...no...

He walks over to Wolenczak's bedside, and realizes he has no idea of how
to handle himself.

O'NEILL
(half to himself)
Lucas...what _happened_ to you?

Horrified, he steps back and sinks into one of the two plastic chairs
against the wall of the room. He puts his head in his hands. Tight close
up on O'Neill.

SUMMERS
(O.S., explaining)
He's in a coma.

O'Neill looks up as the angle widens to include Summers, standing in the
hatchway. He stands.

O'NEILL
(offers hand, introducing himself)
Professor Tim O'Neill; I was told to come to _seaQuest_.
(off Wolenczak)
What happened?

SUMMERS
(introducing herself)
Doctor Selena Summers.
(beat, off Wolenczak)
He...

She shakes her head, unsure of how to explain. She takes a deep breath.

SUMMERS
I was assigned by the UEO's parapsychology center to come aboard and
give the crew their annual psych evaluations.
(beat)
Something during his exam tripped some sort of...
(searches for word)
...Memory cascade.

As the realization of what must have happened hits him, O'Neill moves
away an inch or so.

O'NEILL
(horrified)
You _didn't_.

Summers looks away from both O'Neill and Wolenczak. She's obviously
ashamed of what she's done, but is determined to put right what's gone
wrong.

SUMMERS
(defensively)
It's part of the exam; to make sure the subject isn't hiding anything
harmful.

She ceases talking for a moment, gets hold of herself, and looks back at
O'Neill. She's forcing herself to be all-business, now that the hard
news is dealt with.

SUMMERS
For the past five years, Captain Wolenczak has been repressing memories
of a mission he participated in.
(beat)
If he doesn't work through those memories, acknowledge their presence,
he'll never be mentally stable.

O'Neill nods.

O'NEILL
What does that have to do with me?

SUMMERS
(carefully)
You're the only one he was...close to...after Lieutenant Piccolo died.
(beat, her trump card)
You've also had several documented extra-sensory experiences.

O'Neill gives her a sharp look.

O'NEILL
(quickly)
I had _nothing_ to do with the Marauder. Wendy was psychic, she picked
up on my distress.
(beat)
And that's only one.

Summers looks him over, and sees this will be more of a battle than
she'd thought.

SUMMERS
You left out the occurrence of pictorial projection from the original
_seaQuest_'s dolphin, which Captain Bridger was also a party to.

O'Neill shakes his head, not wanting to hear this.

SUMMERS
(continuing despite him)
Additionally, fourteen years ago, you were able to persuade Secretary
General McGath not to block your resignation from the UEO Navy, and to
exempt you from the possibility of being called back to duty.

She's going for the jugular now. O'Neill watches her for a moment and
realizes she's also pulling this information--the McGath thing, at
least--out of his mind.

O'NEILL
(defensively)
I'm a good talker.

SUMMERS
(shakes her head)
That's what you've convinced yourself.

There's momentary silence. O'Neill clearly wants to avoid this subject.

SUMMERS
(gently)
I need a bridge, Professor.
(off Wolenczak)
To his mind.
(beat)
Someone he trusts, someone he'd follow out of the hell he's stuck in.

O'NEILL
(quickly)
That _you_ stuck him in.

O'Neill is starting to aggravate Summers.

SUMMERS
What I did was unintentional. If you won't help me, you're willfully
sentencing him to a lifetime of mental illness. You might as well kill
him, because he'll never be fit for command again.

O'Neill opens his mouth to object, but she cuts in before he can.

SUMMERS
(forcefully)
No one else he trusts has the necessary abilities.
(beat)
It's you, or nothing.

O'Neill looks disturbed by this, and takes a few steps back to
Wolenczak's bedside. He puts a hand on Wolenczak's arm, shuts his eyes,
takes a deep breath, and looks back to Summers.

O'NEILL
(difficultly)
Five years ago...
(beat, shakes head)
...He never told me anything.

SUMMERS
Maybe not in so many words, but--

O'NEILL
(continuing through her line, off Wolenczak)
I remember when he first came aboard.
(beat)
Fifteen years old, cockiest kid you'd ever seen.
(beat)
Jonathan had me show him around the boat.
(beat, smiles sadly)
Lucas took about ten minutes to size up the quarters he was going to
have, then looked at me and grinned. He said they were perfect. Just
like his room back home.
(beat, slight amusement)
Not that he was planning on staying for long, of course.

He looks at the captain, and from his expression, we can tell how much
of the boy he still sees.

O'NEILL
(difficultly)
When Tony died, Lucas nearly lost it.
(beat, regretfully)
I did, too.

He takes a deep breath and lets go of Wolenczak's arm, then steps away.

O'NEILL
(shaking his head)
You don't want to add my skeletons to the mix, Doctor.

Summers looks at him for a moment, then nods.

SUMMERS
I see.
(beat)
You're afraid of the past, so you're going to deprive him of a future.

O'Neill looks at her sharply.

O'NEILL
I didn't say that.

SUMMERS
You're thinking it.

She's serious. She's reading his mind, and he knows it.

SUMMERS
("reading aloud")
"I can't do this. I can't face knowing what really happened. I never
listened to Lucas when he tried to talk about it, because I didn't want
to know."

She stops, and looks at O'Neill. He has paled noticably, and appears as
though he wants to leave.

SUMMERS
(dead serious)
Mister O'Neill...come with me.

She takes a last look at Wolenczak, then walks out of the room.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT FOUR


===========================  PART 5  =====================================


ACT FIVE

OPEN ON PERCELL'S QUARTERS

She's pacing, uncomfortable and talking. Callan is watching her, not
looking at all happy. He's sitting on her desk chair.

PERCELL
(continuing, falling apart)
...Waking up in that escape pod, I thought I was going to be all
right...and I know everyone else was afraid I'd fall apart.
(beat)
You can always tell when people are talking about you behind your
back--they look at you funny, they stop talking when you walk by...

She trails off, and makes a quick pass over her eyes with the back of
her hand.

PERCELL
And then just when I thought I had it all buried so deep it couldn't
touch me, Matson came aboard and pulled it up again.
(beat)
Greg...I _told_ him what happened.
(beat)
He caught me off-guard, talking about Hunter...and I lost it.

Callan's expression is one of shock.

CALLAN
Sara, that information was _classified_-- you told a _reporter_?!

PERCELL
I swore him to secrecy, and I erased the tape!

She sinks to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest and resting her
chin on them.

PERCELL
Then, back during the GELF crisis, Jessie came in and saw me sleeping
with the lights on--she almost found out, and I was so scared...
(beat)
I couldn't stand having a psych chip, Greg. I couldn't.
(beat, shakes head)
And I knew if anybody found out, Captain Wolenczak would want me off the
ship--who can risk having a crew member aboard who's liable to flip out
at any minute?

Callan shakes his head.

CALLAN
I wish you'd said something earlier...

PERCELL
(through him)
And I was so relieved when I made it through my psych evaluation without
Summers finding out...
(beat, grinning)
I just kept cataloging my vid disks in my head!
(shakes head, no longer happy)
I should've known it was too good to be true...

She looks at him, and he meets her gaze.

CALLAN
Sara...I don't know what to say.

Percell shakes her head.

PERCELL
(miserable)
I know you've got a duty...but please, you don't understand--I _don't_
want a psych chip, and I haven't put anyone in danger...
(beat, more so)
I worked so hard to get here. To lose everything now, all because of
Jason Hunter and that damned escape pod...
(beat, almost pleading)
I've been _really_ careful, Greg. I've been assigning members of the
sensor staff to do the things that would put me in a bad position...

This doesn't sit well at all with Callan.

CALLAN
But what if we need the best?
(beat)
Your staff doesn't have your level of expertise.

He watches her for a moment, and his expression softens.

CALLAN
But...
(shakes head)
Look, Sara, I won't say anything.

She looks up, a little puzzled. She really thought he'd turn her in.

CALLAN
(continuing)
Not yet. Because it's not your fault, and I wouldn't have guessed it if
you hadn't said anything.
(beat)
Sleeping with your lights on isn't a crime.
(beat, warning)
But if it looks like it's getting serious, and I think you're going to
put a member of the crew, or this boat, in danger, I won't have a
choice.

PERCELL
(nods)
I know.

Relaxing a little, she wipes her eyes again. She's straining desperately
not to cry. Callan can tell. He leaves the chair and moves to sit next
to her, and puts an arm around her.

CALLAN
(attempting reassurance)
It's okay, Sara. You'll be fine.

CUT TO UEO HQ, ROBINSON'S OFFICE

Robinson is on the vidlink with Hitchcock.

ROBINSON
...So we'll expect you back here for the meeting tomorrow.
(beat, shifting gears)
Oh, and the XO on _seaQuest_ was trying to get hold of you.

HITCHCOCK
(mildly amused)
I assume you took care of whatever it was she needed?

ROBINSON
Actually, no. She said she needed you specifically. Something to do with
Captain Wolenczak.

HITCHCOCK
(immediately concerned)
Is he all right?

ROBINSON
(shaking his head)
She didn't exactly say.

HITCHCOCK
I'd better call him...

ROBINSON
(firmly)
Madam Secretary, you can't be constantly solving their problems.

Hitchcock looks ready to protest as he continues.

ROBINSON
I know you and Wolenczak go back thirty years. But it's time to wean him
off his dependence on you.
(beat, smiling)
You're paying me a lot of money to oversee the Navy. Might as well let
me do my job.

HITCHCOCK
(smiling too)
Just remember I don't pay you to tell me you told me so!

As Robinson chuckles, we...

CUT TO CURCIO'S OFFICE

Everything is spic-and-span perfect, no one is here. The door opens.
O'Neill walks in, followed by Summers. She gestures to a chair.

SUMMERS
Have a seat.

O'Neill sits.

O'NEILL
This isn't really necessary, Doctor.

SUMMERS
(shakes her head)
It's a little more necessary than you think it is.
(beat)
Now, relax.

O'Neill nods and takes a deep breath, then shuts his eyes. Summers is
slightly amused by his state of nerves--his teeth are practically
chattering. It takes a moment or two, but she realizes he's sincerely
scared. She reaches out and takes his hand.

SUMMERS
(a gentle order)
_Relax_.

FADE/OVERLAP TO CEMETERY

Caption reads:
"New Cape Quest, UEO Military Cemetery".
"Funeral of Lieutenant Anthony Piccolo, December 27, 2043".

There is a casket, grave and extra military personnel in the background.
Sitting in the assembled chairs are Marie and Nick Piccolo, several of
Piccolo's relatives, Elaine Morse, Katherine Hitchcock, Ben Krieg,
Jonathan Ford, Dagwood, Lonnie Henderson, O'Neill, Wolenczak and various
others. Wolenczak and Captain Oliver Hudson are in dress uniform. Most
other attendees are in civvies. Wolenczak is sitting as far away from
Hudson as possible. He looks weak, and with good reason--he's only a few
days out of the hospital, himself. O'Neill is next to Wolenczak. Hudson
is standing at the podium. This is by far the most choked up he has ever
been.

HUDSON
Tony Piccolo was one of the most promising officers I have ever worked
with.
(nods toward Ford)
As Jonathan said, his loyalty ran deep. But so did his bravery.
(beat)
And his honor.
(beat, takes a deep breath)
To lose this man is a loss not only to those who knew him, but the
entire United Earth/Oceans Organization.

Hudson looks as if he wants to say something else, but is too choked up
to continue. Unable to finish, he shakes his head.

HUDSON
(difficultly)
I'm sorry...

He tries to collect himself, but can't. Before he completely loses it,
he goes back to the seats, and sits, next to Morse. She puts an arm
around him, holding him as the tears begin to come.

DISSOLVE TO CEMETERY -- AFTER THE FUNERAL

Wolenczak is offering his condolences to Piccolo's parents, and O'Neill
is waiting for him. O'Neill is talking with Ford, keeping an eye on
Wolenczak the entire time.

FORD
(sadly)
This was...

O'NEILL
(nods)
I know...

They don't have much to say, and O'Neill sees that Wolenczak is
finishing up. Then, his expression darkens as he sees something _else_.
With a great deal of concentration, O'Neill manages to force the look
from his face.

O'NEILL
Excuse me, Jonathan.

Ford follows O'Neill's gaze, and shakes his head. O'Neill turns to go.
Ford catches him by the arm.

FORD
(quietly, but with force)
Tim, _no_.

O'Neill shrugs him off.

O'NEILL
I'm not going to do anything I'll regret.
(beat)
I promise.

Ford looks as though he doesn't want to let him go, but he can't help
it.

FORD
(acceding)
Fine, Tim.
(beat)
I trust you.

He slowly lets O'Neill go, letting his hand fall to his side. Giving
Ford one last look, O'Neill walks away. O'Neill watches as Hudson walks
toward Wolenczak. Taking stock of the moment, he takes a deep breath,
then walks forward. He intercepts Hudson while both are still out of
earshot of Wolenczak.

O'NEILL
Captain Hudson?

Hudson turns, surprised to hear _this_ particular voice. He is still
upset, but has managed to bring his emotions back under control. Seeing
O'Neill, he stuffs them even further down.

HUDSON
(evenly)
Mister O'Neill.

O'Neill struggles to find something to say. Now that he has Hudson's
attention, he wants to make use of it.

O'NEILL
(difficultly)
Lucas is going to be okay.

Hudson's expression clouds over, as he misinterprets O'Neill's attempt
at conversation. He goes on the defensive.

HUDSON
(coolly)
I'm aware of that fact.
(beat, more so)
Elaine and I stayed at the hospital the entire time, in case you didn't
know.

Now it's O'Neill's turn to misinterpret what's being said. He takes
Hudson's words as an accusation, and begins to have trouble reining in
his anger. He takes a deep breath.

O'NEILL
Your speech was very...
(beat, almost ironically)
...well-presented, Captain.

And now, the one misstep that brings the conversation crashing down
around their ears. Although Hudson's tone in the next line is not
intentionally derisive, he sounds a little _too_ sincere. A little
too...sarcastic.

HUDSON
Well, I'm no language professor, but--

O'NEILL
(cutting him off)
No. You're not.
(beat, begins losing control of his temper)
You're a captain in the UEO Navy.
(beat)
You always were.

HUDSON
What exactly are you implying, O'Neill?

O'Neill plainly knows that what he's saying is wrong, but he can't help
it. He's venting his rage at Tony's death on the most convenient target.
Hudson. But the rage is more in the tone, and the words than the
volume--he never gets above a normal volume.

O'NEILL
I'm not _implying_ a thing.
(beat)
I'm saying it outright: if you hadn't _specifically requested_ for Tony
to be sent on this mission, he'd still be alive.
(beat)
Lucas wouldn't have spent the past week alternating between sobbing
uncontrollably, and staring out the window of his apartment, numb.

Hudson is shocked at what O'Neill is saying. For once, he's speechless.

O'NEILL
(continuing, getting angrier)
You have a wonderful way with command, Captain Hudson.
(beat)
In the past ten years, you've managed to lose half of your senior
officers, haven't you. Aside from all the innocents your actions have
affected.

HUDSON
How dare you--

O'NEILL
(cuts him off, coldly)
So now you're down to one.
(beat, ironically)
_One_ member of your original crew who you haven't killed, or chased off
that boat, and out of the Navy.
(beat)
And after this, Lucas may never be the same. The psychologist at the
hospital is already saying things like "post-traumatic stress disorder,"
and "chances for a full recovery are slim."
(beat, scornfully)
How does that feel, _Captain_?

Hudson takes a moment before responding.

HUDSON
(reining in anger)
Out of respect for the dead, I'm not going to answer that question.
(beat)
Piccolo admired you, O'Neill. He and Lucas both.

He looks O'Neill over, and shakes his head.

HUDSON
But I haven't the slightest idea why they would admire a coward.

Before his anger gets out of control, Hudson takes a step back. Careful
not to turn his back on O'Neill until he's well out of reach, Hudson
walks away. O'Neill watches after him. Across the lawn, he can see Ford
staring intently at what's just occured. He can also see Ford shaking
his head. Wolenczak finishes talking to Piccolo's relatives, and sees
O'Neill. He walks over, and looks after Hudson. His expression is one of
extreme unease.

WOLENCZAK
Tim...
(beat)
What did he say?

There's a note in his voice that shows he's hoping Hudson apologized,
or asked about him, or _something_ that shows he's not completely
heartless. But O'Neill can only shake his head.

O'NEILL
(difficultly)
Nothing.
(beat)
Come on.
(beat)
My flight's in a few hours.

With this, he gives Ford one last look, but Ford has turned away and is
speaking to Hudson. They appear to be in the middle of a heated
discussion, although not heated as an argument. It's more like Ford is
trying to convince Hudson of something. Taking this in, O'Neill turns on
his heel and walks away. Wolenczak watches for a moment, then jogs for a
few seconds to catch up. He and O'Neill walk out of the cemetery.

O'NEILL
(V.O., difficultly)
I don't even know how it happened...

FADE/OVERLAP TO CURCIO'S OFFICE

O'Neill looks up at Summers. His voice is strained, and he's on the
verge of tears.

O'NEILL
(shaking head, almost in denial)
I had promised myself I wouldn't lose my temper--that no matter what, I
wasn't going to let Hudson get the better of me.
(beat, ironic chuckle)
And instead...I ruined everything.

His gaze goes down to the floor.

O'NEILL
(ashamed)
Tony would have hated me for what I said.
(beat)
He never did understand why Hudson and I couldn't stand each other.
(almost to self)
I couldn't either.

Summers lets him sit in silence for several moments.

O'NEILL
I don't have any choice here, do I.

Quietly, Summers shakes her head.

SUMMERS
No.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT FIVE


===========================  PART 6  =====================================


ACT SIX

OPEN ON WOLENCZAK'S ICU ROOM

Wolenczak is still unconscious. The hatch opens. Summers and O'Neill
enter. Summers pulls a chair up, next to Wolenczak's bed. She indicates
for O'Neill to sit in it. He does so. Next, she sits in the other chair.

SUMMERS
(calmly)
Now...I want you to concentrate on the first time you saw him. After the
mission.

O'Neill nods.

O'NEILL
Do I shut my eyes or anything?

The hint of an amused smile passes over Summers' face.

SUMMERS
Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

O'Neill nods, and shuts his eyes. He's fidgeting slightly...looks like
he's going to start cracking his knuckles or biting his nails any
minute.

Summers notices.

SUMMERS
No..._concentrate_.

O'Neill nods again.

FADE/OVERLAP TO EXTERIOR HOSPITAL IN NEW CAPE QUEST

Caption reads:
"December 15, 2043".
"New Cape Quest General Hospital".

The camera holds a long shot as O'Neill enters the building.

DISSOLVE TO WOLENCZAK'S HOSPITAL ROOM

Four years younger than he is now, Wolenczak is lying in bed, asleep but
not unconscious. However, he's hooked up to several IVs and monitors,
etc.-- not out of the woods yet. Elaine Morse has fallen asleep in one
of the chairs nearby. The door opens, and O'Neill enters quickly. He is
also four years younger, and he's uncomfortable with the hospital
atmosphere. When he sees Wolenczak, his expression mirrors how he looked
earlier in the episode, when he first saw Wolenczak in the coma in
MedBay.

O'NEILL
(whispering)
Lucas...?

Morse stirs, and O'Neill notices her for the first time. He bites his
lip and moves a little closer. He watches Wolenczak for another few
moments. As O'Neill watches, Wolenczak's expression becomes troubled.

WOLENCZAK
(moaning softly, in a nightmare)
No...Captain...
(beat)
Tony...
(beat)
Tony...don't go...

O'Neill's expression becomes one of concern.

O'NEILL
(a little louder)
Lucas?

Wolenczak relaxes slightly. The trace of a smile graces his face as his
eyes open slowly.

WOLENCZAK
(weakly)
Tim?

O'Neill's expression breaks into a relieved grin. He steps to
Wolenczak's bedside.

O'NEILL
(immensely relieved)
Lucas, I just found out yesterday. Jonathan called.

WOLENCZAK
(groggily)
Yeah...
(beat)
He was here the other day...I think...

O'NEILL
(nods)
Lucas...what happened?

A pained expression crosses Wolenczak's face.

WOLENCZAK
(stonewalling to the best of his abilities)
Nothing...

O'NEILL
Lucas, you can tell me.

Wolenczak pulls away from O'Neill, and turns on his side, facing away.

WOLENCZAK
(mumbling)
Nothing happened.

FADE/OVERLAP TO WOLENCZAK'S ICU ROOM

O'NEILL
(shakes head)
He kept insisting he was fine.

SUMMERS
(prompting)
Push a little, Tim. Don't let him lead the events.

O'Neill nods.

FADE/OVERLAP TO INTERIOR UEO LAUNCH

Caption reads:
"December 8, 2043."
"Nautilus Ridge Outpost"
"Claimed by Macronesian Alliance, March 2043."

Captain Oliver Hudson, Lieutenant Commander Lucas Wolenczak, and
Lieutenant j.g. Tony Piccolo are in "commando-style" gear. Their ages
are appropriate for the time. Wolenczak appears to be the one who is
most concerned for safety. Piccolo is displaying his classic
devil-may-care attitiude, while Hudson is typically focused on the task
at hand. Wolenczak is running continuous sensor sweeps. Piccolo is
monitoring the com lines.

PICCOLO
(shakes head)
Nothin' yet, Captain...

Hudson nods.

HUDSON
Keep looking.

WOLENCZAK
(off console)
Captain, we've only got another twenty minutes before the Macronesian
SensNet goes back up--the virus will only keep it out of commission for
so long.

Hudson nods.

HUDSON
Noted and logged.
(beat, shakes head)
Damn Section Seven, anyway...
(beat)
They're usually the ones who're so anal about being on time.

PICCOLO
(offering a suggestion)
Maybe their agent was intercepted, Sir.

Hudson shakes his head and smiles, almost fondly.

HUDSON
Not Commander Prieto. She'd rather die than fail a mission.

Piccolo and Wolenczak exchange glances at this, but don't push the
subject. Piccolo turns back to the com board.

PICCOLO
Nothin' yet, Sir...

He keeps scanning, then hears something.

PICCOLO
Wait--I got somethin'!

Hudson and Wolenczak's attentions are immediately caught. Piccolo hits a
few keys, putting the signal on the speakers. It's filled with
interference, and Piccolo takes a few seconds to adjust the frequency.

PICCOLO
(under his breath)
Too bad Tim ain't here...

This comment earns him a _look_ from Hudson, but it's not an upset look.
More like a "this is not the time for that discussion" look. Piccolo
shrugs.

PICCOLO
Hey, just an observation.
(beat)
Here.

He hits a final key, and the signal clears up.

PRIETO
(over com)
Galileo, this is Seven. I am unable to accomplish the objective. (beat)
I am pinned down and under fire.
(beat, coolly)
I repeat, I am under--

The woman's voice is cut off sharply by static. For a brief moment,
Hudson, Piccolo, and Wolenczak look at the com, unable to believe she
stayed so calm in the face of death. Then, they remember they were
dealing with a Section Seven Agent. Piccolo rushes to get the signal
back.

PICCOLO
(as he works, hurriedly)
She's gone, Sir, I can't get any kinda lock on her position--

HUDSON
(cuts him off)
I can see that, Lieutenant.

His tone is distant. Piccolo and Wolenczak exchange glances, realizing
what's on his mind. Piccolo stands.

PICCOLO
No way, Sir.

Hudson ignores Piccolo, moving toward the shuttle airlock.

HUDSON
Someone has to set the codes.

Piccolo stands in his way.

PICCOLO
Then I'm the one who's goin'.

Wolenczak stares from one to the other. Piccolo meets both Hudson and
Wolenczak's expressions with one of sad determination.

PICCOLO
It's simple math, Captain. Check out the rank patches.

He looks at Wolenczak.

PICCOLO
Open the hatch, Luke.

Wolenczak looks from Piccolo to Hudson.

WOLENCZAK
(shakes head)
No way, Tony. Neither of you is going out there.

He turns back to his console and starts typing. Maybe he can find
another way...

WOLENCZAK
(as he types, almost to self)
If I can establish a linkup to the computer in the explosive packet--

While he speaks, Hudson and Piccolo stare at each other. Piccolo's
expression is set; he knows what he's doing. Finally, Hudson nods.

HUDSON
(to Wolenczak, off Piccolo)
Commander, open the airlock.

Wolenczak looks up, a horified expression on his face.

WOLENCZAK
(almost a whisper)
_What_? Captain Hudson, you can't--

Hudson gives him no further chance to refuse. He walks to Wolenczak's
console and hits his the key that will unlock the airlock. The hatch
cycles. Piccolo takes a step toward it. He knows he's going out to die,
but he doesn't want to jinx himself by saying goodbye.

HUDSON
(difficultly)
We can only wait another seventeen minutes.

Piccolo nods, although he knows it doesn't matter one way or another.

PICCOLO
Yeah.
(beat, to Wolenczak)
What're the codes?

Wolenczak doesn't want to say anything. He doesn't want to give Piccolo
this last bit of information that will let him leave.

PICCOLO
Lucas, c'mon.
(beat, tries to make light of it)
I gotta get goin', or I won't make it back in time.

There's something in his voice...and the glisten of a tear in his eye.
Wolenczak swallows hard.

WOLENCZAK
(difficultly)
Vagra-two-lapis-one-two-two-five.

Piccolo nods. He holds Wolenczak's gaze for a few moments, then turns
and takes a plasma pistol from its place on the wall. Wolenczak and
Hudson watch him go, both looking as though they're ready to break
apart, both inside and out.

WOLENCZAK
(whispering)
Tony...

Hudson looks toward Wolenczak, but finds himself unable to meet the
lieutenant commander's eyes. Wolenczak just stares at the airlock.

DISSOLVE TO INTERIOR LAUNCH, A FEW MINUTES LATER

Wolenczak is edgy, fidgeting as Hudson stands behind him and watches.
Hudson can see how hard this is for Wolenczak to sit through. He puts a
hand on Wolenczak's shoulder.

HUDSON
Commander, open up a channel to Piccolo.

Wolenczak looks back at him, a little surprised, but relieved as well.
He nods; he was waiting for this order. Hitting a few keys, he speaks
into the com.

WOLENCZAK
(into com)
Piccolo?

A few seconds of silence, in which both Wolenczak and Hudson's
expressions become very concerned.

HUDSON
Mister Piccolo--

PICCOLO
(over com, cutting him off)
Yeah, I'm here.
(beat)
I'm a few sections over from where Commander Prieto was when she...

He trails off. Hudson and Wolenczak exchange glances. Wolenczak leans
toward the com unit.

WOLENCZAK
(edgily)
Tony, just activate the codes and get back here.

There's a silence from the other end of the line, because all three know
there's not much chance of Piccolo's returning. Then Piccolo speaks.

PICCOLO
(stiffly)
Yeah, whatever you say.

A few more moments of silence. This conversation is becoming harder and
harder for any of them to keep up with, yet no one wants to be the one
to cut it off.

HUDSON
(carefully)
Piccolo, I want you to keep an eye out for any Macronesian soldiers, got
that?

PICCOLO
(over com)
Yeah, Sir, I got it.
(beat)
I don't think it'll be a problem, Sir.
(beat, subdued)
Prieto took care of 'em before she--

He breaks off, and Wolenczak sits forward immediately.

WOLENCZAK
(_very_ concerned)
Tony?  Are you--

PICCOLO
(breaking in, over com, slightly sickened)
I'm fine...
(beat)
...I just found Commander Prieto.

A pained expression from Hudson.

PICCOLO
(over com, a matter of procedure)
She's dead, Sir.

Hudson shuts his eyes, this is a painful moment for him, even though he
knew it was coming.

HUDSON
(recovering)
Okay. Piccolo, I want you to hurry up and get back here.

Everyone telling him to hurry up and come back is beginning to get on
Piccolo's nerves.

PICCOLO
(slightly explosive, over com)
Sir, I'm doin' the best I can! But honestly, it'd be easier if the two
of you'd stop distractin'--

He's cut off by a loud explosion. Wolenczak and Hudson react with
immediate and extreme concern. Wolenczak hits the com.

WOLENCZAK
Tony?!

PICCOLO
(over com, under his breath)
Aw, dammit...
(beat)
I--

Now he's drowned out by static. Wolenczak toggles the boards for a few
seconds, but nothing happens. He stands.

WOLENCZAK
I'm going to get him.

He's already moving toward the hatch as Hudson grabs him by the arm.

HUDSON
You'll do no such thing.
(beat)
Stay here. In the launch.

WOLENCZAK
(objecting)
But--

HUDSON
(forcefully cutting him off)
You will _not_ follow me, that is an _order_!
(beat)
If we're not back in time, leave without us.

Before Wolenczak has the chance to say anything further, Hudson is gone.
Wolenczak is left in silence. The only thing that can be heard is the
steady beeping of a countdown. The camera closes in on it. Hudson has
under eight minutes to find Piccolo and bring him back. Wolenczak
watches the seconds drag by. Ten. Fifteen. Twenty seconds. Thirty. It's
been a full minute. Still nothing. He's beginning to wonder if something
might have happened. Maybe Hudson and Piccolo are in trouble. Perhaps
they need his help.

FADE/OVERLAP TO WOLENCZAK'S ICU ROOM

All is as before. O'Neill is restless, fidgeting in his chair.

O'NEILL
(agitated)
I'm losing it...

SUMMERS
(gently, but firmly)
Don't let him keep you out.

O'NEILL
(a little more focused)
Something he remembered after Hudson left...

FADE/OVERLAP TO _SEAQUEST DSV 4600II_ WARDROOM

Caption reads:
"_seaQuest DSV 4600II_"
"Year: 2032"

Wolenczak's memory. This is the end of "In Father's Footsteps"--Ensign
Lucas Wolenczak, age 29, but looking 19, is standing at attention with
Doctor Sheila Cavanaugh, an intense and driven scientist in her 40s.
Before them, in formal dress, stand Hudson and Commander Jonathan Ford:
this is a board of Inquiry. Wolenczak and Cavanaugh have discovered that
Doctor Lawrence Wolenczak has been dead at the bottom of the ocean for
the past three years. Hudson glares at them disapprovingly, having just
sentenced them both to a half-grade reduction, and removal from the
promotion list for one year, on charges of mutinous conduct, and
disobeying an order from a superior officer. They could have been
sentenced to twenty years of hard labor in a military prison. But
considering the circumstances, McGath made Hudson reduce the sentence.
Hudson doesn't like that, however.
 
HUDSON
Ensign, I understand why you did what you did...

LUCAS
I appreciate that, Sir.

HUDSON
...But that doesn't mean I condone your actions.
(beat)
When you get obsessed trying to correct mistakes from your past, it only
creates mistakes in your present.

With that, Hudson turns and walks away. And, having just lost any hope
for renewing a relationship with his father, Lucas now finds himself on
the verge of losing the one man he'd allowed himself to count on since
Captain Bridger left the _seaQuest_, almost six months ago.

FADE/OVERLAP TO WOLENCZAK'S ICU ROOM

All is as before. O'Neill opens his eyes, confused.

O'NEILL
But why was that so important to him?
(beat)
I remember it, but I don't know why it's significant now...

SUMMERS
Keep with him. We're getting there.

FADE/OVERLAP TO INTERIOR LAUNCH
Off Wolenczak, still alone and watching the clock. A new resolve enters
his eyes.

WOLENCZAK
(to himself)
I'm sorry, Captain.
(beat)
But I can't let you die.

Now that he's reached that conclusion, there's only one thing to do.
Wolenczak grabs a pulse rifle from the wall and heads out after Hudson
and Piccolo.

FADE/OVERLAP TO WOLENCZAK'S ICU ROOM

Wolenczak is still lying on the bed, but restless now. Where before he
was merely unconscious, now he's in the middle of something resembling
REM sleep. He doesn't appear to be having the most wonderful of times,
either. Summers looks at O'Neill, whose eyes are shut, and who is
wearing a _very_ pained expression as he relives these moments right
along with Wolenczak.

SUMMERS
(encouragingly)
Almost, Tim...we're almost there.
(beat)
Just push a little harder.

O'Neill takes a deep breath, and pushes. Hard.

FADE/OVERLAP TO MACRONESIAN CORRIDOR

As Wolenczak leaves the launch, there's an explosion. Extremely
disjointed camera angles as we...

SHARP CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S ICU ROOM

O'Neill cries out, as though he's in pain. Wolenczak sits up abruptly,
pulled from the memory. He's lost for a few seconds, getting his
bearings.

WOLENCZAK
(looking around)
What the--

O'Neill slumps forward, and Summers catches him. She has an expression
of extreme concern on her face.

SUMMERS
Captain, I'll explain later.
(beat)
For now, excuse me...
(to O'Neill, quietly)
You did it, Tim.
(beat)
Rest.

She's pushing him, ever so slightly, and he nods off. She props him up
in the chair. Wolenczak is watching from where he's now standing, next
to the chair. Summers looks at Wolenczak as Curcio rushes officiously
into the room.

CURCIO
The monitoring system says--

SUMMERS
(cutting him off)
Yes, he's awake. But we're not finished yet.
(beat, to Wolenczak)
Captain, come with me.

CURCIO
(blustering)
He's been comatose for nearly thirty-six hours! He's not going anywhere!

SUMMERS
(_very_ firmly)
And he'll be comatose again if I don't finish what I've started.
(beat, still firm)
If you'll excuse us, Doctor. I'd like to use your office. It's got the
only door that locks.

Without giving Curcio a chance to protest, Summers leads Wolenczak from
the room. He is definitely shaky on his feet, but is navigating under
his own power.

CUT TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT SIX


===========================  PART 7  =====================================


ACT SEVEN

OPEN ON MORGAN'S QUARTERS

Morgan is chatting on the Internex. Her character, The Phantom, is there
with Big League and one that's unfamiliar to us: Clark Kent. She's
obviously enjoying the conversation. Phantom speaks as Morgan types.

PHANTOM
Are you two ganging up on me or something?

BIG LEAGUE
(excitedly, approaching Phantom)
But Mom, it'd be _so_ excellent.

CLARK KENT
And I _am_ asking you first this time!

Morgan thinks back to her earlier conversation with Clark Kent's
real-life persona, Vince Matson, and laughs.

PHANTOM
Okay, so that's a point in your favor.

CLARK KENT
(persuasively)
And he'd actually be helping me out. I've seen the pyramids a few times.
John'll give me a fresh perspective.

PHANTOM
(shrugging)
But I don't know how on earth can repay you--first Tokyo, now Egypt?

CLARK KENT
Repay me? I'm still trying to repay _you_ for that last scoop!

Phantom turns to Big League on the screen, hands on hips.

PHANTOM
What about the school you'll be missing, John?

BIG LEAGUE
(eagerly)
My teachers say it's okay, since this'd be educational. Ask Grandma and
Grandpa if you want--

PHANTOM
(cutting in)
This really _is_ a conspiracy, isn't it?

CLARK KENT
Say "yes," Anne.

BIG LEAGUE
(begging)
Pleeeeease, Mom?

CLARK KENT
(winking)
If you say "yes," I'll tell you a secret!

PHANTOM
(mock-shocked)
But that's bribery!

CLARK KENT
(smugly)
Yup.

Morgan thinks it over, then finally smiles.

PHANTOM
(nodding)
Okay. Fine. Yes.
(beat, then faking hysteria)
_Now tell me the secret!_

Big League jumps into the air, then high-fives Clark Kent.

BIG LEAGUE
Mom, you are _so_ cool.

PHANTOM
That's the secret? I knew that already!

CLARK KENT
Ha-ha. You're so funny.
(beat)
The _real_ secret--
(turning to Big League)
And I mean it, if you tell anyone, the trip is off--
(back to Phantom)
Is that I just found out I've been nominated for a Pulitzer for the
story I did on _seaQuest_.
(beat, seriously)
So now I have even more to thank you for, Anne.

She continues her chat as we...

CUT TO CURCIO'S OFFICE

Summers and Wolenczak are having a discussion. She has explained what
happened to him, and he's not overly pleased about what has transpired.
He's stonewalling her every attempt to learn more. At the moment, he's
refusing to even look at her, instead facing the hatch to the MedBay.

SUMMERS
(pressing)
Captain Wolenczak, unless you work through these memories, they _will_
come back to haunt you.
(beat)
I guarantee it.

Wolenczak whirls.

WOLENCZAK
(almost yelling)
It wouldn't have happened if you'd stayed out of my head in the first
place!
(beat)
_Damn_ it! I nearly _died_ because of _you_!
(beat)
My thoughts are _my_ business, no one else's! How long does it take you
people to realize that?!

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, Wolenczak regrets saying
them. He looks at Summers for a moment in silence.

WOLENCZAK
(subdued)
I'm sorry.
(beat)
That was out of line.

Summers just continues to stare at him. His guilt thus compounded,
Wolenczak he looks away again. This time, toward the floor.

WOLENCZAK
(not looking at her)
Where should I start?

Summers lets out a slight sigh; finally, the fighting is over. She
thinks for a moment.

SUMMERS
When you left the launch.
(beat)
That's when you woke up.

Wolenczak nods, then walks toward the desk. He holds on to the corner,
as though for support. He thinks, taking a moment to collect his
thoughts. Then...he begins.

WOLENCZAK
(almost with forced detachment)
There was an explosion.

Summers nods.

WOLENCZAK
I fell...I hit my head or something. This horrible, sharp pain started
pulsing in my mind. And I felt this..._pounding_.

He lets go of the desk top.

WOLENCZAK
(continuing)
I heard this crash and everything started blurring. I couldn't think.
Everything was coming too fast, and it hurt too much.

Wolenczak takes another quick breath, now pacing the floor. Summers
watches him carefully.

WOLENCZAK
(continuing)
Next thing I knew, Hudson was talking to me. He told me Tony would make
it--I wouldn't. And he had to bring Tony back. And he was so, so sorry.
And he hoped I could forgive him.
(beat, carefully)
He was crying, that's what I remember the most. The tears. I'd never
seen him cry before then. And here he was, crying. I could hear Tony
moaning--I couldn't even do that much. I couldn't concentrate hard
enough to let him know I was alive. There was this warm, sticky, runny
liquid that I could feel on my face, in my mouth. It had to be blood.
(beat)
I didn't want to die.

He looks up at Summers, as though seeking her approval for this emotion
of self-preservation, as though he feels guilty for having it. She gives
no outward reaction, not showing anything. Wolenczak shakes his head. By
now, he's going on for himself as much as for her. He needs to get this
sorted out, needs to work through everything that happened, because if
he doesn't, he won't be able to live with himself.

WOLENCZAK
(continuing)
Next thing I remember, I woke up in the hospital on San Francisco
Island. Morse was sitting next to my bed, and my mouth felt dry. And it
hurt when I breathed.

At this point, his voice takes on a little bitterness.

WOLENCZAK
(continuing)
Hudson didn't come see me for days. Or maybe weeks.
(smiles ironically)
Or maybe it was just a few hours--I was so doped up I couldn't tell
time.
(beat)
The doctors let me out about two weeks later. I went to the park across
from the hospital. I still hadn't heard anything about Tony's condition.
Elaine and I were walking. She kept dodging the subject, telling me
Hudson would come tell me what had happened. I knew something was wrong.
But like an idiot, I didn't say anything. A little while later, maybe
thirty minutes, he found us.
(with a hint of nostalgia)
On this little bridge, over a stream.

Wolenczak looks at Summers again. Now, he's setting the scene, building
to some sort of climax. His gestures outline the setting he
describes--the movements of his hands, for example, indicate the line of
leaves, etc.

WOLENCZAK
I can still see this row of leaves floating in the stream. Even though
they'd fallen months ago, they were still so vividly orange and red and
yellow.
(beat)
Hudson and Elaine exchanged glances, and I felt this icy, stabbing fear
in my chest. She nodded, and her eyes were filling with tears. She gave
me a quick hug and said she had to go. And I should stay with Hudson.
(beat)
That he had something important I needed to know.
(beat)
But she didn't even get out of sight before she broke down, leaning
against this big old tree. I watched, kind of shocked, but not really,
as she...she sank down to the ground, and her head was on her knees, and
she looked like she was...wracked with sobs. Uncontrollable sobs. Like
the kind you get where you can't stop, no matter what you want. I looked
back at Hudson. He wasn't even paying attention to me any more. He was
staring at the stream. At the leaves.
(beat, bitterly)
The leaves.

Wolenczak's voice falters, and he has to take a few seconds to compose
himself.

WOLENCZAK
(pained, a hint of anger)
He must have known what I was going to ask--I don't see how he couldn't
have. But he couldn't even spare me the pain of saying the words out
loud. He didn't say a word. He looked frozen. Dead. There wasn't any
emotion...

Wolenczak looks up at Summers, who is only now beginning to react. But
her reaction is that of someone who's forcing a clinical detachment from
what's going on. No longer is she allowing herself to become personally
invested in this "case". She is simply going to see it through. If that
means leaving behind any of the attachments she's made on this case...so
be it. But Wolenczak doesn't notice her manner. He's so close to tears,
he's having enough trouble keeping them in without letting himself see
that the woman he's telling this to no longer cares.

WOLENCZAK
He made me say it. He made me ask him the question I didn't even want to
know the answer to.
(beat, bitterly)
So I asked him. I asked where Tony was, why I hadn't been allowed to see
him, if he was okay... And after a couple of moments of silence, Hudson
looked up at me. He was going to cry, too.
(beat, _very_ difficultly, choked)
He told me that the doctors had asked I not be told anything, because
they were afraid it would interfere with my recovery.
(beat, blinking back tears)
Tony had just been taken off life-support. He was...he had died at 1823.

Wolenczak turns and looks away, back at the MedBay. He can no longer
risk letting Summers see what's going on inside him, how telling her
this is tearing him apart inside. He's barely able to check his feelings
of fury and betrayal at the memory.

WOLENCZAK
(continuing, even more difficultly)
And Hudson apologized for not being honest with me. And for leaving me.
And not _once_ did he apologize for _letting Tony die_.
(beat)
The bastard didn't even care.

He shakes his head.

WOLENCZAK
(flatly)
So I stopped caring about him.
(beat)
I told him I didn't want him coming near me, ever again.
(beat)
That he'd killed everything I'd loved since we'd gotten back from
Hyperion.

His voice breaks. He's ashamed of having said what he said to Hudson.
But he can't change it. Such is history. He turns back to Summers, and a
tear falls from his eye. He wipes it away quickly.

WOLENCZAK
I hated him so much.
(beat)
For so long.
(beat, takes a deep breath)
When Katie told me he was dead...I didn't know what to think. On the one
hand, he was gone. I didn't have to think about him ever again.
(beat)
On the other hand...I never got to tell him I was sorry.

Summers looks on, now allowing herself to feel some of this again.
Grief-stricken though he is, Wolenczak is almost able to collect
himself. Summers nods slowly, mentally preparing the report she's going
to file about him.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT SEVEN


===========================  PART 8  =====================================


ACT EIGHT

OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI

Standard establishing shot of the boat.
Caption reads: "One day later."

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE

Wolenczak is in uniform, though he still looks rather pale and ill from
his recent experiences. Summers is present, sitting across the desk from
Wolenczak. Wolenczak looks extremely upset. When he speaks, his voice is
raw.

WOLENCZAK
(unable to believe it)
Are you saying I should resign my commission?

SUMMERS
(shakes head)
Not yet. You need to accept your past and maybe then you'll realize
your life needs to be...
(searches for word)
...readjusted.

WOLENCZAK
(ironically)
I've lived on a sub for the majority of my life. And I've been on a
_seaQuest_ for the majority of _that_ time. I don't have anything
outside of UEO. If I left UEO, my life wouldn't "readjust".
(beat)
It would become a different life.

This must be a point they've been over several times, because Summers is
decidedly annoyed by his response.

SUMMERS
(stressing the point)
Captain, I did not say you should resign. But you do need to realize
your life has been stressful.

For a moment, Wolenczak stares at her, unable to believe her power for
understatement.

WOLENCZAK
(repeating the word to clarify it for himself)
Stressful.
(beat, shakes his head, almost amused)
Stressful doesn't describe it.
(beat, correcting himself)
There are no words to describe it.

His attitude is only annoying Summers further.

SUMMERS
There are words.
(beat)
In the past thirty years you have become the youngest person to ever
serve aboard a UEO vessel.
(beat)
You attained a GPA at Stanford that has yet to be beaten.
(beat)
You invented a device which has drastically changed the basis in
cetacean science.
(beat)
You've been in stasis for ten years, become the youngest person to ever
attain an officer's rank, are the only person to serve on all three
_seaQuests_ and you are one of the youngest captains in the history of
UEO. And that's only the top of your professional record.

She looks at him carefully for a few seconds, to make sure he's picking
up all of this.

SUMMERS
Your emotional record, hoever, is another story. You have demons
stretching back to your first year aboard _seaQuest_, and before that.
(meaning every word)
You _cannot_ continue to function until you admit your problems and find
a cure.
(beat)
Until then, there's no guarantee you won't continue to experience these
flashbacks.
(trying to drive it home)
These problems are also going to push you slowly over the edge.
 
Wolenczak stares at her for a few seconds, as though he's wondering how
to respond to such a thorough diagnosis. But the other reason for his
silence...is that he doesn't want to admit she's right.
 
WOLENCZAK
(badly feigning indifferance)
Is that what you're going to put on my psych profile?

SUMMERS
(nods)
Yes.

Wolenczak loses any kind of front he might have had. Summers notes this,
and reacts with something akin to satisfaction.

SUMMERS
When I'm finished with it, your profile will stop describing some
perfectly adjusted individual. It will represent _you_.

Wonderful. Just what Wolenczak needs. He nods slowly for a few moments,
then looks at her.

WOLENCZAK
Can I see it?

Summers nods and hands an electronic "clipboard" to Wolenczak. He skims
it, reading some parts aloud.

WOLENCZAK
(reading)
Underdeveloped social maturity most likely due to lack of personal
interactions as a child...Lack of trust due to failure to find a steady
adult role model...Emotional instability because of several dangerous
and/or stressful events witnessed/involved with in a short period of
time during adolescence...Fears closeness of other individuals due to a
combination of emotional insecurity and immaturity...Patient is only now
learning to face unpleasant memories.

He falls silent for a few moments. When he looks up again, he's
completely serious in both tone and manner.

WOLENCZAK
It sounds like you've already diagnosed me as mentally unstable.

Summers doesn't respond to this charge. Wolenczak stands, pacing.

WOLENCZAK
And yet, despite all of those problems...you left the treatment blank.
(almost bitterly)
Am I that far gone?

SUMMERS
(voice is restrained)
Captain Wolenczak, every comment was right on the mark.
(beat)
As for treatment, until you admit you have a problem and start
conquering it yourself, no one else can do anything for you.
(beat)
I've given you a start; it's up to you to finish it.

Not about to let him begin another argument with her, she checks her
watch.

SUMMERS
(almost coldly)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go pack.

She turns and walks out. Wolenczak stares after her for a few moments,
then shuts his eyes and sinks into his chair.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

Wolenczak, seated at his desk picks up a disk; we see it is the one
labelled in Hudson's handwriting. Wolenczak leans back in his desk
chair, staring intently at the disk. Occasionally, he turns it over,
examining it. He looks up as someone knocks on his hatch, puts the disk
down on his desk, and grabs a random paper from his desk.

WOLENCZAK
(acting distracted)
Come in.

O'Neill enters and closes the hatch behind himself. We see a slightly
relieved look on Wolenczak's face when he realizes his masquerade was
for nothing. Nonetheless, he doesn't want to admit he wasn't busy.
O'Neill notices the paper and looks apologetic.

O'NEILL
Lucas, I'm sorry if I caught you at a bad time.

WOLENCZAK
No problem. I was just working on--

He breaks off and glances at the paper's headline, which reads
"Psychiatric Evaluation for Wolenczak, Lucas." He hesitates a moment
before lying.

WOLENCZAK
--Crew reports.

O'Neill isn't believing a word of what Wolenczak is saying. But he plays
along.

O'NEILL
Sorry I disturbed you then.
(beat)
I'm leaving on a launch in about five minutes, and I just wanted to say
goodbye...and make sure you were going to be all right.

Wolenczak is touched by O'Neill's concern...but at the same time,
annoyed that he's made himself so vulnerable by what he percieves as a
weakness. He doesn't want to discuss the reason O'Neill came to visit.

WOLENCZAK
I'll be fine.
(beat)
And...thanks.

O'Neill nods.

O'NEILL
I was...glad to help.

This moment is just becoming awkwarder and awkwarder.

WOLENCZAK
(changes subject)
It was nice seeing you. By the way, how's Abby?

O'Neill grins, just as relieved as Wolenczak to get onto another
subject.

O'NEILL
(grins)
Fantastic.
(beat)
Sort of.
(almost annoyed)
She's pregnant.

Wolenczak raises an eyebrow.

WOLENCZAK
(slightly incredulous)
_Again_?

O'Neill nods.

O'NEILL
Yeah...
(beat, an idea dawns on him)
Want a kitten?

Wolenczak shakes his head--no way no how.

WOLENCZAK
(smiling)
I don't think the Navy'd approve.

There is a moment of uncomfortable silence. Wolenczak's gaze falls back
on the disk. He picks it up and glances to O'Neill.

WOLENCZAK
Tim...did you ever talk to Hudson?

O'NEILL
(sighs)
Once or twice.
(beat)
You know we never got along.
(beat)
Ford encouraged us to talk.
(beat)
I saw him once...he always wanted to know how you were doing.

Wolenczak scoffs, unable to let himself believe this for fear of what
the emotional repercussions will be.

WOLENCZAK
(muttering)
He could have called.

O'Neill shakes his head, and looks Wolenczak in the eye.

O'NEILL
(seriously)
Would you have listened?

A long silence. Wolenczak isn't willing to give in on this point...but
they both know the truth.

WOLENCZAK
(snapping out of it, off the disk)
Now I have the chance to hear everything he wanted to tell me...

O'Neill nods, and moves toward the hatch.

O'NEILL
I should probably be going.

WOLENCZAK
No.
(takes breath)
I need someone here.

O'NEILL
Lucas, whatever he wanted to say in that--
(motions to disk)
--was for _you_ to hear. No one else.

O'Neill walks to the hatch and opens it before looking back at
Wolenczak one last time.

O'NEILL
Take care of yourself, Lucas. This is a great boat. And there's no one
else who deserves her.
(beat)
Or knows her well enough to command her.

Wolenczak nods silently as O'Neill walks out, closing the hatch behind
him. He stands and walks over to his dresser and picks up a model of the
_seaQuest DSV4600II_. He weighs it between his hands before walking back
to his desk. He picks up the disk and slides it into the player and sits
down as the disk boots up. After a moment, the image of Hudson appears
on the screen; the date reads March 7, 2046. Wolenczak has read the
records; this was six days before Hudson's death. Hudson looks
uncomfortable but determined.

HUDSON
(on the screen)
Commander Wolenczak, you certainly have done well for yourself. By the
time you receive this you may even be a captain. Possibly in command of
the third _seaQuest_. She's going to be an incredible boat. She'll no
doubt live up to her name.
(beat)
My _seaQuest_ has been gone for six years now. Piccolo has been...
dead...for four.
(swallows)
O'Neill tried to talk to me after the funeral. And...in a way he has
made me see that I'm sorry. You have been one of the finest and most
trusting officers I have ever served with. O'Neill also said--

Static breaks up the image, which causes Wolenczak to sit forward in his
chair as the image returns.

HUDSON
--No one is perfect. Some of us just seem to be better at alienating
people than others. You were one of my most loyal officers--

Static again breaks up the image and Wolenczak has to play with the
player a few seconds before it returns.

HUDSON
--Died than I'd care to admit. And the fact I replaced Bridger no doubt
increased the distance between us. You could have transferred off the
_seaQuest_ at any point. Yet you didn't. And whether that was for the
prestige of the name or a--

The static breaks in again and Wolenczak looks frustrated as he toys
with clearing up the image. When it returns, it jumps around a bit and
some words are garbled.

HUDSON
--You. Maybe by the time you receive this--
(static)
--Of peace will have been made and this will just seem like a--
(static)
--No matter what, I want you to know--

Abruptly the image and the screen turn to snow and the words "Data
Unrecoverable" appear in the center of the screen. Wolenczak was already
near tears and this pushes him over the edge. His hands slip up to the
desk and his head falls into them. We fade out out on the image of
Wolenczak's body shaking from silent sobs.

FADE TO BLACK

THE END
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seaQuest 2047 Staff