Date: Sun, 02 Nov 1997 18:31:17 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 5/"Takeover 1: Opposing Force"/Teaser seaQuest 2047 "Takeover" Part One: "Opposing Force" Story by John Knutson and Matt Schiller Script by Matt Schiller and Don Speirs Publication Draft Sunday, November 2, 1997 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2047". Copyright 1997 2047 Staff. TEASER OPEN ON CORRIDOR The screen fades in from black with a single green dot. The dot expands outward and resolves into a monochrome green view of a service corridor. In the lower right corner is a clock with the flashing word "resetting" above it. The clock flashes to read "04:39," and then starts to count down. In the lower left corner is the word "Effectives," and below it, two rows of four dots. The view shifts to look at a corner. We see dim outlines of other people, wearing combat gear and clutching weapons. TRUEMAN (O.S., a rough whisper) Justin, are you all right? The view changes again, panning to the left. As it does, a compass heading along the top of the view changes to reflect the orientation of the image. Additionally, a line drawing of the corridor rotates to the left, showing the passageway ahead. As the view rotates, Ensign Rebecca Trueman comes into view. She is also dressed in combat armor. We realize that the POV is from a combat info visor worn by Lieutenant Justin Riller. RILLER (V.O., a little pain in his voice) Yeah, the shot only winged me... (beat) Reboot on the combat visor took too long, though. TRUEMAN (urgent) We're running out of time. Riller's POV shifts again to the corner. RILLER (V.O., whispering) Tell me about it. (beat) Okay, people let's keep going. Riller starts around the corner, the POV rotating as he rounds the corner, then getting low as he crouches to cover others moving past him. As they reach a junction in the corridor ahead, the view lights up with laser fire. As members of Riller's team take cover and return fire, three are hit and go down. As they do, three of the green dots in the lower left corner blink out. Riller's team returns fire, hopscotching down the corridor behind various pipes, using what little cover they can to get closer. Slowly, the fire dies down as they take control of the intersection. Riller moves forward, and turns to see Trueman joining him. As she gets there, laser fire impacts on the bulkhead right above her. She grimaces and returns the fire, ducking behind a conduit. Hidden, she looks over at Riller. TRUEMAN (exasperated) We both know this is a suicide mission, Justin! RILLER (V.O., snapping back at her) I know that! (beat) We accepted this mission, no matter what happened. We're _going_ to follow it though. Trueman snaps off a derisive salute to him, then ducks back tighter into her hiding place as another blast of laser fire whistles between them. TRUEMAN (with a chill in her voice) Aye aye, _Sir_. OFFICER ONE (from a position further down the passageway) They've got us closed in on both sides, Sir! We've got nowhere to go. RILLER (V.O., stern) Then we'll have to go right through them. Riller points, and his remaining five team members crouch down and begin to fire, shooting down several of the opposing force. Another of Riller's people is shot down; a light blinks out on the display as it happens. As the group rises to move on, we see Trueman's less-than-happy reaction. TRUEMAN (shaking her head, in a low voice) What the hell did you get us into, Riller? The four continue forward, still shooting their way through an increasingly surprising number of opponents. As they round another corner of the endless hallway, we see a door. As we do, the countdown timer in the corner reaches "01:30" and changes color to yellow. RILLER (V.O., shouting above the constant firing of laser guns) There it is! (beat) We're running out of time, people. Let's move in! Tyler and Logan, flank left, Trueman and I will take right. (beat) Let's finish this. The teams split off and, almost instantly, Logan is hit by stray laser fire. As she drops to the ground, another green light in the lower left corner winks out. RILLER (V.O., shocked) Logan! (to himself) Damn. Not a good tally, Justin. He takes one sorrow-filled glance back at Logan, knowing he can do nothing, before continuing toward the door. He looks around to check on the remaining two members of his team. Trueman is continuing, but as he sees her, another light winks out on the display. The POV whips around again and we see Tyler crumple to the ground. RILLER (V.O., to himself) Heavy casualties. (beat) Not good. The POV moves forward, still advancing on the ever-closer door that is his target. He reaches the door with Trueman right behind him. The timer display counts down to "0:45" and turns red. TRUEMAN (all business) Are you ready, Sir? The picture moves up and down slightly as Riller nods. RILLER (V.O.) Let's do this. (beat, turning to her) You know...there could be a lot of people behind this door, ready to kill us. TRUEMAN (nodding) Yeah. RILLER (V.O.) You take left and I'll take right. Riller's gloved hand reaches down and grasps the door handle. He yanks it open, and ducks in, rolling low and firing. We see a second fire source from behind, also taking out targets. Three of the four guards in the room are struck down in the crossfire, but the fourth manages to get a shot off before he's shot down by Trueman. The shot hits Riller and we see the POV slump sideways on the deck. In the view is a large device, with a large timer display on it. Riller weakly points at it and tries to call to Trueman RILLER (V.O., weak) Stop...the...bo-- Before he can finish the statement the counter reaches zero and the room vanishes in a blanket of white light. FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 5/"Takeover 1: Opposing Force"/Act 1 ACT ONE FADE IN TO RILLER'S QUARTERS We open on Riller lying on the deck, on his side. He's got his VR gear on: goggles, gloves, and body sensors. He slowly rises to a sitting position, shaking his head. CUT TO VR GOGGLE VIEW We see a fancy animated logo from Riller's game, "Sub Adventure." The image moves farther away from us as Riller removes the goggles. CUT TO RILLER'S QUARTERS Riller looks at the goggles, and shakes his head. He flicks a switch on the belt pack and removes the VR gear. As he heads over to a cabinet in his quarters, his console beeps. He turns and answers the page. RILLER Riller. TRUEMAN (over com) Justin? It's me. I'm glad I caught you. Riller moves around his quarters, cleaning up a bit as he continues to talk RILLER No problem, Becca. (beat) What's up? TRUEMAN (over com, hesitant) Can...can you get down here and back me up? (beat, trying a guilt trip) You haven't done it in a long time, you know. (beat) I'm in the crew's mess. Hurry. Trueman cuts the com channel, leaving Riller staring at it, a little puzzled. He touches a control on the console to clear the channel, then heads for the passageway, closing the hatch behind him. CUT TO CREW'S MESS There are sparse groups of people sitting at various locations around the room. Not much is going on, but Trueman is at a table with Ensign Anne Morgan, having an argument. Trueman is trying to be cool, but is not succeeding. Morgan, on the other hand, is very calm in her rebuttals. TRUEMAN (trying to make a point) What does _seaQuest_ need a priest for, anyway? MORGAN (slowly) Is there a reason we _don't_ need a chaplain? (beat) And he's not a priest, just a man of God. Chaplains don't follow a denomination per se, they just work with anyone who believes, and who _wants_ to see them. (beat, wryly) Which apparently isn't you. TRUEMAN (collecting herself) Hey, don't get me wrong, Morgan. I believe there's something out there that does have a force, however limited at times, over our lives. (beat) One thing I don't think this boat needs is a guy shouting "Praise the Lord!" over the com system every Sunday. As Trueman does her evangelical impression, Riller walks in, amused. RILLER (sitting at the table) Nice work. (beat, teasing) You know what, Becca? Maybe you missed your true calling. You could be on television. (beat, mockingly) "Praise God, and send all your contributions to the Sister Rebecca Hour of Love...." Trueman shoots him an evil glare, but Riller shrugs it off. RILLER (to Morgan) Truth be told, though, I agree with Becca. (beat, curiously) Is this supposed to boost crew morale? MORGAN (deadpan) Not everyone on this boat is an agnostic, guys. (beat) We have people who, like it or not, enjoy their worship, and have had to do it over vidlink on whatever day they celebrate their sabbath. (beat) I'm sure the chaplain's mostly here for those people, but I _know_ this crew could use some spiritual guidance. (beat, wry smile) Even if you two _don't_ think you need it. TRUEMAN (raising an eyebrow) What's that supposed to mean? MORGAN Think about it. Every other boat in the fleet has one, and yet none of them go through half as much as we do, as the flagship. (beat, pointing out the irony) Who else is _more_ in need of a chaplain's services? RILLER Still...I hope he doesn't get to prying. (beat) If I don't want to go to church on Sunday morning, I shouldn't be forced into it. MORGAN You're right. (beat) But the chaplain does much more then just run church services. He also-- Morgan is interrupted by a beeping from Riller's watch. He glances at it, swears softly, then gets up from the table. RILLER (apologetic) I'd love to stay and argue, but we've got a new crew rotation coming on board, and I'm supposed to be there to supervise. (beat) We'll talk about this later. Morgan nods to Riller as he leaves, and continues to eat what was in front of her. Trueman just stares after Riller. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Captain Lucas Wolenczak and Commander Jessie Matthews are waiting impatiently as Riller joins them. WOLENCZAK (dryly) Nice of you to join us, Lieutenant. RILLER (apologetic) Sorry, Sir. I was just... (beat, looking for the right way to say this) ...Working on some tactical scenarios. MATTHEWS (raising an eyebrow) "Scenarios?" Matthews and Wolenczak look at each other for a moment and nod. MATTHEWS and WOLENCZAK (simultaneously) New VR game. RILLER (trying to change the subject) So, Captain, when are we leaving port? WOLENCZAK (smiling, letting Riller off the hook) Right after these people are on board. Riller turns to look at the hatch. RILLER (muttering) Not a moment too soon. MATTHEWS (smiling) Lieutenant? RILLER (to Matthews) Sorry, XO, but I'll be glad when we get back into the Atlantic Ocean. MATTHEWS (not letting this one go) Why is that, Lieutenant? Don't have a taste for California living? RILLER (thinking for a moment) You know the old saying, Commander? "A nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there?" (beat) It was written about San Diego. Matthews chuckles at that. As she does, the docking hatch opens and people start to enter the boat. WOLENCZAK (motioning to the people) Lieutenant. Riller takes Wolenczak's hint and moves over to the entering crewmen. They are all being checked in by a yeoman, and Riller searches the crowd. He doesn't seem to find who he's looking for, and turns back to Matthews. She motions for him to turn around and, as he does so, he nearly bumps into a middle-aged, slightly gray-haired, Asian man. RILLER (surprised) Mister Lei? LEI Jian Lei, yes. I assume you're Justin? RILLER (still a little weary, extends his hand) Lieutenant Riller, Sir. Welcome aboard _seaQuest_. LEI Thank you. (beat, smiling, wholeheartedly) I just think using people's first names give a little more friendliness to the conversation. Lei grins and looks to Wolenczak and Matthews, who have been observing the whole thing. LEI (conspiratorially to Riller) Lieutenant Riller, are those two your commanding officers? RILLER (stiffly) Yes, Sir. (beat) If you'd like to come this way... Camera pans over to another group, Ensign Dave DeVries, Ensign Jennifer Vickery, and Seaman Placaro Mano. They're also watching the entering people, one of whom is Seaman Charles Jones. He enters the bay wearing typical "tropical island" tourist garb. MANO (calling) Hey! Jones! Over here! Jones sees the group and begins to make his way over, stopping for a second to show his ID to the duty yeoman. He then comes over to the group. JONES (smiling) Hey, guys. (jokingly) You all still here? VICKERY Very funny, Jones. (beat) Now _tell_ us! DEVRIES (shaking his head) You are such a tourist, man. JONES (ignoring DeVries) Best two weeks I've had in a _long_ time. Getting away from the monotony of engineering was great. (beat, grinning) I even bought three news feeds for the whole vacation, so I'd really know _everything_ that was going on, for once! VICKERY Well go get into some _respectable_ clothing and meet us in the mess at 2100. (beat, "seductively") We've got some juicy stuff to tell you. As the four of them move off, laughing, we pan back to Wolenczak, Matthews, Lei and Riller. LEI (continuing) ...And I'm excited to be taking this job here on _seaQuest_, Captain. (beat, a bit shocked) I understand _seaQuest_ has never, in any of its incarnations, had a chaplain. I was quite surprised at that, so I went immediately to the secretary general, and she suggested that I take this assignment. Of course I was honor-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off) That's great, Mister Lei. (beat, mechanically without any feeling) And we're glad to have you on board. I'm sure our crew will be able to put your expertise to the test. (beat, curtly) Now, Lieutenant Riller will show you to your quarters, and I hope to meet with you to discuss your assignment here tomorrow morning, around 1000. LEI (nodding) That'll be fine, Captain. And I assure you that I won't be in anyone's way during my time here. I'm only here to help. WOLENCZAK (coldly) We'll see about that, Mister Lei. (beat, dismissive) I'll see you tomorrow morning. Wolenczak leaves, and Matthews follows, excusing herself quietly. Lei and Riller continue, with Riller leading the way. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Matthews is following Wolenczak as he leaves the docking bay. She walks quickly to catch up with him. MATTHEWS (with conviction) Excuse me for saying, but what the hell was _that_... (beat) ...Sir? WOLENCZAK (spinning on her) What was _what_? MATTHEWS (eyeing him) As soon as Lei came over you got the coldest I've seen you in almost our entire time on this boat. What's wrong? Do you have something against him? WOLENCZAK (turning on her) I'll perform my duties as required. (beat) Is there some UEO regulation that says I have to love everyone on this boat? MATTHEWS (bitingly) I'd at least expect a captain to treat a new crewmember with more then contempt. (beat) At least give him a chance _before_ you judge him, Sir. (beat) Maybe you should find out who he is before you condemn him. Wolenczak just looks at her, then heads off to his office. Matthews looks after him briefly, then continues on her way. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Sighing, Wolenczak sits down at his desk. The camera tightens in on Wolenczak's console, showing the UEO record of "Jian Lei." WOLENCZAK (to himself) All right, let's see just who you've foisted on me, Katie. CUT TO COASTLINE WAREHOUSE We approach the exterior of an abandoned warehouse on a nondescript dock. It's evening, and a light misting rain is falling. As we watch, a man in an old style sailor's watchcap and peacoat walks up to the warehouse, carrying a cup of coffee and a paper sack. He opens a door to the right of the main warehouse doors, only to reveal a staircase. As he descends down it, we follow it, revealing a modern sub repair bay. A crew of ten people are carrying out repairs on an older-model research submarine. The man in the watchcap pulls it off, revealing a head of sandy blond hair, close cropped to his skull, we pan around him as he takes a look at the site, and we see his face for the first time. He is Kevin Butler, leader of the operation. He's in his early thirties and is quite handsome, but with a very cold look on his face. He's walking around the bay, checking everything, then stops by a girl, Amanda Kerr, at the stern. BUTLER (with slight contempt at the sub) Is this hunkajunk gonna be ready in time? KERR Definitely, Sir. It's old, I'll give you that, but we've changed or updated everything, right down to the engraved date on the keel to show when it was laid. (beat) January 12, 2032. BUTLER (smiling at the irony) Nice touch. He rubs his hand along the newly-painted markings on the sub. BUTLER (indicating the paint job) Canadian Science Corps markings? KERR (nodding) Yes, Sir. The Canadians have used these Intrepid-class vessels as science subs in the past, so we thought it was fitting. Butler nods and walks away. The camera pulls back to show the whole sub and more teams at work on it. Four teams, equally spaced around the sub, catch our attention as they install large flat devices to the vessel's hull. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ CREW'S MESS From the bustle, it appears to be the dinner hour for most of the crew. A few tables remain vacant, but not many. We pan to find Matthews and Lieutenant Commander Ed Taylor sharing a table. They seem to be enjoying themselves. MATTHEWS (in the middle of a story) ...So then Reede came in and Riller just _reamed_ him right out. It was almost sad, the look on Reede's face, after the whole thing was over. But to us at the table here, it was _hilarious_! TAYLOR (shaking his head) It never stops on this boat, does it? (beat, more serious) Have you heard anything back from your parents since your visit? As he listens to Matthews' response, Taylor cuts off a piece of his food, and eats it. MATTHEWS (sullenly) Nope. (beat) I didn't really expect anything. They've never sent anything before, and I don't think they'll ever even attempt to send something. (beat, shaking her head) It's a losing battle with those two. TAYLOR (nodding) I can believe that. So what were you going-- Taylor cuts himself off as Morgan approaches the table. MORGAN (looking at Taylor) Don't stop because of me. (beat, deadpan) Unless it's because of me. TAYLOR (smiling) Not really, Ensign. (beat) Come and sit down. I'm one of those "more the merrier" types. Morgan puts her tray on the table and sits, while Taylor eats more of his food. MATTHEWS (starting the conversation again) To me, the biggest thing on the boat right now is this new chaplain. No one seems to understand why he's here. MORGAN ("not this again") I think a chaplain is a great addition to the crew. (beat) The UEO says every other boat has one, so why don't we? Well, now we do. (beat) If people have a problem with the faith then they don't have to go see him. It's not an ultimatum. Taylor quickly swallows before talking. TAYLOR (surprised) Been through this before? Morgan gives him a world-weary nod. TAYLOR (continuing with a nod, talking around a mouthful of food) _I_ agree with you, Ensign. (beat) But a lot of people are nervous about the whole God thing. They don't want some religious zealot preaching at them. (beat) They'll find out he's only here to help. And from what I've seen and read about this boat, it needs all the help it can get. (beat, grinning) Besides...this isn't the twentieth century any more. On nods from Matthews and Morgan, we... CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak, Trueman, and Riller are present, though Riller's station is manned by Mano, who's in training there. RILLER (nodding) You're doing just fine, Seaman. (beat, with encouragement) Three hours of practice bridge time, and we'll have you qualified for security station duty watches. MANO (still working at the station) Yes, Sir. It's great. Thanks. Riller smiles as Mano's diligence, and moves over to Trueman's station. RILLER (noticing she's staring intently at the screen) What're you so interested in? Trueman is shocked out of her daze and is momentarily shaken. RILLER (with a little concern) Whoa. Are you all right? TRUEMAN (shaking her head clear) Uh, yeah. Sure. (beat) I was just reading up on Jian Lei. Riller's curiosity is piqued. RILLER And...? TRUEMAN (slightly disappointed) Nothing but good stuff. (beat, in closer) Did you hear what happened in the docking bay? RILLER (shrugging) What about it? TRUEMAN ("duh") I heard the captain was pretty cool to the new chaplain. (beat) So if Wolenczak doesn't like having him on board, how come _we_ have to? RILLER (shaking his head) I don't think it's-- Trueman raises her hand to halt the conversation. She hears something on her headset, and mouths to him that they'll talk later. TRUEMAN (calling to Wolenczak) Captain? (beat, as he walks over) I've got an incoming vidlink call for you. (beat, trying to be discreet) It's from Miss Johannsen. WOLENCZAK (a bit surprised) Tori? (beat, a little flustered) Uh, put it through to my office please, Ensign. TRUEMAN (smiling) Aye, Sir. Wolenczak starts for the passageway, then stops as he remembers something WOLENCZAK Lieutenant Riller, you have the conn. Before Riller can respond, Wolenczak turns and moves rapidly to the exit. Riller stands there, open mouthed, as Trueman chuckles quietly to herself. TRUEMAN Men. Off the general reactions to Wolenczak's odd behavior, we... CUT TO MYSTERY DOCKING BAY -- CGI We see the sub that was previously being refitted, now being launched from a docking bay into the ocean. It picks up speed as we follow it further from the port. CUT TO "CANADIAN" SUB BRIDGE We pan around the bridge, where each station is manned. Each of the eight people here is working intensely, including Butler, who appears to be in command. He stands behind the helm station. BUTLER ETA? HELM OFFICER About two hours, Sir. We couldn't risk being any closer to the coast. BUTLER (nodding) Agreed. Keep me apprised. Butler moves over to the command chair and sits. He stretches out, obviously enjoying this. The bridge crew snaps to attention. HELM OFFICER Captain on the bridge! BUTLER (standing) Captain. We're on our way. Everything's going according to plan. CAPTAIN (O.S.) Good. Butler turns to face the captain, and the camera pulls back to include him in the shot. It's Jason Hunter. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 5/"Takeover 1: Opposing Force"/Act 2 ACT TWO FADE IN ON "CANADIAN" SUB BRIDGE Hunter, now in the command chair, turns to face the camera. Butler is at his side. HUNTER Helm, current position, course and speed. We pan to see Kerr is now seated at the helm controls, piloting the sub. KERR (looking at console) Twenty-nine degrees, 3 minutes, 16 seconds north by 54 degrees, 17 minutes west. (beat, checking a second part of the status display) We're currently on a bearing of 97 degrees, at 5 knots. HUNTER (smiling) Helm, all stop. Descend to 300 meters. KERR (activating controls) All stop, descending to 300 meters. HUNTER (to Butler) I think we're close enough. (turning to operations officer) Activate the sensor spoofing devices. The operations chief, Howard Placir, pushes a few buttons before he speaks. PLACIR (reporting) Sensor spoofing sequence activated. We now have a major hull fracture and our life support is winding down. Hunter looks out at the ocean on his forward screen. HUNTER Time to bait the trap. (to com officer, determined) Begin the distress call. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Taylor is pacing around the bridge, continuing his shift as OOD. He moves to the center chair and, after a slight pause, sits in it. He squirms in it a bit, as if trying to find a comfortable spot in the chair, and glances once more around the bridge. Seeing all in order, Taylor begins to relax a bit, sitting back in the chair. Just as he does, Trueman calls to him. TRUEMAN (turning from her station) Sir, I've got a distress call coming in. (listening to her headset) It's from the Canadian science vessel, _Argos_. (listening again) They've suffered major damage... (beat, listening) ...They're requesting immediate assistance. I don't think their hull is going to hold out much longer. Taylor rises from his chair and thinks for a moment. He looks over at Chief Stephen Milton, the current sensors watchstander, for more information. TAYLOR Do you have them on the sensors? MILTON (shaking his head) Not yet. They're out of range. Taylor crosses over to Trueman, who is listening to the repeating distress call. TAYLOR Are they reporting their position? Trueman nods, still listening. Taylor makes a decision and turns around to face the bridge. TAYLOR (to Trueman) Feed the coordinates to the helm, then open a channel to them, and tell them we're responding. (beat) While you're at it, send word to UEO HQ we're responding to this distress call. (firmly, to Reede) When you have the coordinates, plot an intercept course. All ahead flank. (beat, to seaman at tactical) Pull up whatever information we've got on the _Argos_. (beat, back to Trueman) And get the captain up here. Trueman and Reede both begin to press buttons on their panels. TRUEMAN (over intercom) Captain to the bridge. Captain to the bridge. (beat, she presses a few more buttons) I've opened a channel to the Canadian sub, Sir. TAYLOR On screen. The view screen over the communications console switches to a distorted view of the Canadian sub's bridge. We see Butler standing amidst the confusion, a lot of commotion going on behind him. There is smoke spouting, bulkheads dropped from the ceiling and red lights flashing. The channel has a lot of static, and keeps breaking up. TAYLOR (squinting to see through the distortion) Canadian sub, _seaQuest_ is on its way. Please stay at your current position and we will be there as soon as possible. As the signal from the "Canadian" sub deteriorates into a squeal of static, Wolenczak walks onto the bridge. WOLENCZAK (walking right up to Taylor) Report, Mister Taylor TAYLOR We've got a severely damaged Canadian sub. They've had a major hull failure, according to their distress signal, and are losing life support. We're underway to their position. (beat, looking over at the helm readouts) ETA is ten minutes at flank speed. Wolenczak nods and then, as the signal starts to phase in again, they both turn to face the screen. CUT TO "CANADIAN" SUB BRIDGE The scene here is tranquil compared to the scene _seaQuest_ is seeing. Butler is at the communications panel, a bright green screen set up behind him. BUTLER (attempting to act almost hysterical) _seaQuest_, we could really use a little help here. (beat, looking down at his "readouts") We suffered a brittle fracture of the main reactor coolant lines, and the overpressure in the reactor compartment blew out a hull seam there. Butler looks at his panel, then presses a few buttons. A red light reading "REACTOR CRITICAL" appears on the display. BUTLER (convincingly "worried") _seaQuest_, our reactor just went critical again. (beat) Damn..._seaQuest_, the seawater is shorting out the control rod circuits. We just had a partial rod lift in the reactor...if you don't get here soon, we're going to have a major radiation leak and contaminate this section of the Atlantic. CUT TO BRIDGE All is as before. MILTON Sensors confirm, a radiation source ahead of us...small but growing rapidly, Sir. WOLENCZAK (to Reede) Helm, Emergency flank. Get us to them as fast as possible. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ --CGI As _seaQuest_ streams through the water... CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak looks over to Trueman. WOLENCZAK Put MedBay on the line. Trueman presses a button, then nods at him. WOLENCZAK Doctor Burke, we're on our way to save a sinking boat. Prepare for casualties. BURKE (over com) Acknowledged, Sir. CUT TO MEDBAY Burke is still standing at the console, talking with the bridge. BURKE (continuing) Any idea what we've got? WOLENCZAK (over com) Looks like a hull breach with a radiation leak. Radiation burns and trauma would be my best guess. I'll let you know if we find out anything more. Bridge out. As Burke moves away from the console, she begins to holler orders to the medical staff. With each new point and shouted direction, more people start scrambling around the room. Intermixed with the scramblers, we see Morgan and Doctor Laura Taylor, also helping prepare. BURKE (shouting) Fendley, Jensen, you prep me some beds. (beat, pointing) French, get the burn packs ready. And lay out some lac trays. (beat) Nance, make sure there's medical staff on hand to assist in the docking bay. (beat, finishing) Morgan, seal the science lab, and help Nurse French. Doctor Taylor, follow me. As Burke goes to another room with Taylor behind her, we... CUT TO BRIDGE There is an aura of subdued tension as all go about their business. WOLENCZAK (walking up to Reede) ETA? REEDE (turning) Just over two minutes, Sir. Wolenczak looks over at Trueman, who's talking to the crew of the other sub. TRUEMAN (reassuringly) We'll be there in two minutes, please try to remain calm. Get everyone ready in your docking bays, and we'll pick you up as soon as we can. The camera tightens on Wolenczak as he begins to pace. He stops to watch Reede working his controls, then goes back to Trueman, as she continues her reassurances. Other than Trueman's low voice, the bridge is eerily tense and silent. WOLENCZAK Come on. (beat) Come on. Taylor approaches from behind Wolenczak. TAYLOR (trying to help) I pulled up info on the _Argos_, Sir. She's an Intrepid-class sub. Unfortunately, way past her design life. Taylor touches a control next to the monitor at the captain's chair. The schematics for an Intrepid class sub appear, and zoom in on the reactor compartment. TAYLOR It sounds like he had a failure here, on the main reactor coolant exhaust piping... WOLENCZAK Commander, cut to the chase, please. TAYLOR (nodding) Well, the seawater has shorted the control rod motors, starting them pulling out slowly. (beat) If what they said is true, we've got about 35 minutes before the last control rod is fully withdrawn. Then the reactor goes supercritical, and-- WOLENCZAK (finishing the statement) --And everything around here for about ten miles is boiled like a Maine lobster. TAYLOR (nodding) But it won't get to that. (beat) We'll have time to get their people off, and back away to a safe distance. WOLENCZAK Thank you, Mister Taylor. Taylor nods, looking at the viewscreen for any sign of the disabled sub. CUT TO "CANADIAN" SUB BRIDGE Two computer technicians, Rivers and Dominguez, are hunched over their consoles, with programming code flashing across their screens. Rivers is slightly older, while Dominguez is a typical young surfer-type. Butler approaches them. BUTLER (to Rivers) Is the coding complete? RIVERS (nodding) Our computers are now fully encrypted. No one'll ever know what we did with this boat. (beat, checking two more readouts) The sensor-spoofing devices on the hull are working perfectly. They're sending enough radiation data to _seaQuest_ to keep them buttoned up tight. (beat, condescendingly) _seaQuest_ has no idea this ship is in such great condition. DOMINGUEZ (too enthusiastic) Yeah! (beat, snickers) We've totally stumped the UEO flagship! That's gotta be worth something. Butler gives them a look. He's not amused by this banter. Rivers clears his throat and gets back on track. RIVERS _seaQuest_ passed our WSKR two minutes ago, and never knew it was there. We were able to confirm the IFF and weapons codes as it did so. (beat) All IFF and weapon ID codes are now attuned to the standard UEO frequency, and all hand-held weapons are now set to pass through any standard shipboard weapons sensors. Butler nods, and walks away. He goes to Hunter, who's surveying a readout on a bridge screen. BUTLER (bluntly) Everything is ready. The _seaQuest_ won't detect a thing we bring on board her, and if for some reason they do, it'll be too late. HUNTER (smiling) Of course. (beat, disappointed) You had doubts, Butler? BUTLER (not hiding his contempt) Let's just say I haven't survived in this game by taking anything handed to me at face value, Hunter. Hunter is about to say something, but he is interrupted by Kerr at the helm station KERR _seaQuest_ has arrived. BUTLER (giving an order) Good. Start the-- At the same time, Hunter starts to give an order as well. HUNTER Right on time. I want all-- Butler and Hunter turn to each other. They're obviously not agreeing here. BUTLER (spitefully) Fine, if you think you know what's going on, you tell them. HUNTER (just as biting) I think this crew should already know what they're to do, _Butler_. Unless you haven't prepared them. On the cold silence between the two, we... CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _seaQuest_ is holding position close to the renegade sub. We see no damage to the "Canadian" sub. CUT TO BRIDGE The viewscreen shows the exact shot we just cut from, except the "Canadian" sub shows heavy damage astern, including air loss and a green glow, presumably from the radiation leak. The image is heavily distorted with static, and keeps breaking up. We pan to Wolenczak, who is typing at a bridge console, looking at a diagram of the two boats' positions, and trying to assess the situation. He motions for Reede to join him. As he does, Lieutenant Commander William Goodwin enters the bridge, zipping up his pilot suit. He sees Reede and Wolenczak and crosses over to them. GOODWIN Sorry I'm late.... (beat, whistles as he looks at the WSKR view) ...But it doesn't seem like this party has started yet. WOLENCZAK Not yet, but get ready for a quick cut and run. (beat, to Milton, frustrated) What's wrong with the WSKRs, Chief? MILTON It's the radiation, Sir. It's frying their electronics. (beat) Levels are up to 400 millirem and climbing. WOLENCZAK (swearing softly to himself) Damn. (beat) All right, pull the WSKRs back. (looking up from his screen) Goodwin, Reede, I want you each to take a shuttle over to the damaged vessel. We should be able to retrieve everyone with both shuttles. I've got a med tech waiting in the launch bay for each of you. You'll need them in case there have been casualties. (beat) And, to keep yourselves safe, keep the front portal shields up and pilot in using sensors only. That should give you two a few more minutes without anything more than a nice suntan. (beat) That's it, move out. Reede and Goodwin race off the bridge. CUT TO DOCKING BAY The two medics are preparing their kits and waiting for Reede and Goodwin, who don't disappoint. The pairs each enter a shuttle. CUT TO "CANADIAN" SUB DOCKING BAY All thirty-five people in the "crew" are here. They prepare weapons and conceal them in their clothing. At the back of the bay, four people begin firing at carefully marked points around the bay. Bulkheads fall, missing everyone in the bay, and pipes burst, spilling steam and smoke all over. In seconds, the bay looks it's ready to collapse. HUNTER (looking around) It looks good. BUTLER (not caring what Hunter thinks) Not quite right yet. It's missing something. Butler thinks a moment, then walks over to Dominguez. He raises his weapon and fires twice, hitting him in the arm and leg. He does the same to two others, who fall down moaning. Hunter moves over and grabs the barrel of Butler's weapon. HUNTER (angry) What the _hell_ are you doing? BUTLER Adding some realism. (beat, enjoying Hunter's discomfort) Relax, _Captain_. These folks knew it was coming. They're getting paid very well for their injuries. (beat) And you'll notice they can still do their jobs. Hunter is about to respond when we hear the sounds of a vessel docking with the sub. The overhead hatch opens downward, and Reede enters down the ladder. As he gets to the bottom, Butler is waiting there for him. BUTLER (shouting above the hiss of the steam) We haven't got much time! We've got to get out of here. REEDE (looking around the room) Agreed. Start loading people onto the shuttle, and hurry! We've got another one standing by. Butler nods and people start moving in the shuttle, quickly. The camera pans to the back of the room, and we see Jason Hunter hidden under a cloak. CUT TO EXTERIOR "CANADIAN" SUB--CGI Reede's shuttle releases docking clamps and moves away, as Goodwin's shuttle moves in. CUT TO INTERIOR, GOODWIN'S SHUTTLE The second group of passengers file past Goodwin, who's eyeing them somewhat suspiciously. It's obvious by the way he's looking at them that he's got a weird feeling about this. With his cloak completely covering his face, Hunter quickly darts past Goodwin, and retreats to a corner of rescue launch. As the last of the passengers get in, and Goodwin does a final check, we... CUT TO INTERIOR, REEDE'S SHUTTLE The med tech is bent over a wounded man. The wounds are minor, but add a lot to the believability of the situation. Butler comes up behind Reede, who's maneuvering the shuttle. BUTLER (acting friendly) Thanks a lot for saving out butts. We thought our reactor would go before anyone could get here. After an initial quick glance, Reede doesn't look up again. He concentrates on his controls and attempts to be polite with this stranger. REEDE (forcing a smile) Yeah, well you're welcome. BUTLER (pulling out his gun) We just have one more favor to ask. REEDE (not looking up, aggravated) Look, buddy. I'm kind of busy, can it wait till-- He breaks off as Butler brings the gun up against his temple. BUTLER (coldly) I don't think so. Reede reacts quickly, now knowing what's going on. He attempts to send an emergency signal that will let _seaQuest_ know that something's gone wrong. Butler pistol whips him. BUTLER (with eyes of fire) You don't listen, do you? As Rivers, pointing a hand weapon, pushes the medic down beside Reede, Butler turns and looks at what Reede was trying to send. He smiles evilly. BUTLER (nodding) False recognition signal. Nice try, Reede. But _seaQuest_ is ours, and there's nothing you can do about it. (beat, Butler points the gun at him) I guess you're not going to tell me the real code, then? REEDE (angrily) Are you _nuts_? There's no way in _hell_ I'd ever tell you. BUTLER I expected as much. He moves his gun to point at the medic. REEDE (realizing what's going to happen) No! Butler squeezes the trigger and ends the medic's life. BUTLER (nonchalant) Now tell me? REEDE (slowly, coldly) It will be a cold day in hell before I say one damn word. BUTLER (his temper flaring) Listen you little-- (beat, restraining himself) We need you. But we don't need your mouth. Butler flicks a switch on his gun and stuns Reede. BUTLER (under his breath) You're lucky you make a good hostage, Lieutenant Reede. As Butler motions for Rivers to come forward, we... CUT TO INTERIOR GOODWIN'S SHUTTLE We can see that two renegades are piloting the sub now, and Goodwin and his med tech, Chief Keeja, are now tied up as hostages as well. Goodwin is steaming. GOODWIN (his accent showing through) You li'l piece a'... (beat) You're gonna die, Hunter. An' I'll be the one pullin' the trigger. HUNTER (brushing him off) Skip the macho crap, Goodwin. _seaQuest_'s days are numbered, and you know it. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Wolenczak is pacing, not content. As he does, a shift change is going on behind him. Riller has assumed his duties at the Tactical station, while a non com, Seaman Rhonda Leckie is settling in at the sensor station. Milton is briefing her about the current situation when Wolenczak walks over, and asks a question he's obviously asked before. WOLENCZAK (fidgety) What are they doing now? Why aren't the shuttles back yet? LECKIE (checking her readout--again) Still unknown, Sir. (beat) The Canadian sub has yet to explode, if that's any condolence. (beat, guessing) They might have stabilized their reactor. Wolenczak isn't satisfied with that explanation. He turns to Trueman now. WOLENCZAK Signal Goodwin's shuttle. I want to make sure everything's okay. Trueman sends the signal, and then waits patiently. Nothing happens. TRUEMAN (stating the obvious) No response. (beat, fiddling with controls) From either shuttle. WOLENCZAK (pressing) Have they sent the right recognition codes? Trueman enters a few more commands into her console. The new information requested scrolls onto her screen, showing green IFF codes for the two shuttles. TRUEMAN (nodding) Recognition codes on both shuttles check out. (beat) They're _officially_ cleared for docking, Sir. Wolenczak nods; he already knows that. After a moment of thought, he turns, this time to Riller. WOLENCZAK Something just doesn't feel... (firmly) Lieutenant, activate the weapons sensors in the docking bay. I'm not taking any chances. Riller nods and enters then commands at his station. WOLENCZAK Oh, and follow me, Lieutenant. I want to make sure everything's okay in person. Matthews walks onto the bridge just as Wolenczak and Riller make their way to leave. MATTHEWS MedBay is ready to receive casualties-- WOLENCZAK (interrupting) Brief me later, Commander. You have the conn. Matthews stops abruptly and watches as Riller and Wolenczak depart. MATTHEWS (wryly) Aye, Sir. Matthews looks around the bridge for a moment, then heads over to Taylor at the engineering station. MATTHEWS Good job, Commander. You handled this one well. TAYLOR (smiling) Thanks. Matthews looks around and sees Milton still hovering around the bridge. MATTHEWS You know, we may still have a chance to save that sub. (beat) Think you're up to some quick repair work? Taylor looks at the sensor reading from the sub, and nods. TAYLOR (pondering the problem) It'll be tricky, with the radiation levels playing havoc with the electronics, but if we sent in a shielded VR probe, we could trigger a manual reactor scram. (beat) I'd feel better running it from engineering, though. MATTHEWS (nodding) Get down there. We've got fifteen minutes until that reactor goes supercritical...and if it does, we'd better be a long way away from here. TAYLOR (turning to leave) I'm on it. MATTHEWS (a second thought) Commander, stop by MedBay. Ensign Morgan received a shipment of an experimental lightweight shielding material. It might come in handy. TAYLOR (turning back) Got it. The camera follows Taylor as he leaves the bridge and enters the MagLev. TAYLOR MedBay. The MagLev doors close as we... CUT TO DOCKING BAY Wolenczak and Riller are in the bay, waiting for the docking to finish. There's a slight airlock sound, as the seal is made. Seaman Hendry, who's on duty there, turns to them. HENDRY Shuttle One is docked. (beat, checking his panel) Weapons sensors detect nothing unusual, Sir. WOLENCZAK (nodding, an unhappy look on his face) Open the airlock, Seaman Hendry. When the airlock opens, Goodwin walks out first, followed by Keeja, the medic. Goodwin starts to sprint. GOODWIN (shouting) Run! At the same moment, a shot fired from inside the airlock hits Goodwin and he falls to the ground, stunned. The weapons alarm sounds immediately. QUICK CUT TO BRIDGE The alarm startles the bridge staff, and the large bridge doors immediately close and seal. Matthews looks over at Milton. MATTHEWS Get on tactical and get me a readout! QUICK CUT TO DOCKING BAY Terrorists are now pouring out of Goodwin's shuttle, and their weapons fire knocks out Wolenczak and Keeja. The terrorists set up fire zones around the entrance hatches to the bay. Moments later, the first security team arrives, responding to the alarm, and runs right into the trap. In seconds, they are all knocked out. PLACIR Alpha team secure. HELM Bravo team secure. FLINT Omega team secure. Rivers darts over to the docking bay controls, pushing Hendry off the console. Hendry slumps to the ground, still stunned. Rivers quickly scans the controls, then touches a few. As he does, a series of schematics appear. Rivers punches in an override code, and then punches a series of spots on the schematic. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY A series of flood control bulkheads shut, sealing off the passageways leading into the junction. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Rivers smiles at the displays, as symbols at the various spots change from green to red. He looks up at Placir. RIVERS I've sealed off the stern of the boat. We won't have any more security personnel arriving on us. Hunter emerges from the airlock. HUNTER (triumphantly) Good. _seaQuest_ is about to have a change in ownership (beat, to Rivers) Get that other shuttle docked. Hunter goes to a com panel and hits the all-call button. As he does his speech we cut into quick reaction shots from the crew in the crew's mess, in the passageways, in the recreation center and finally the bridge. HUNTER (into com) Former crew mates. (beat) It looks as though we're stuck with each other again. (beat) This boat will shortly become the property of the Carolinan Confederation and I suggest that you all come along peacefully... (beat) ...Or suffer the consequences. Hunter shuts off the com with an evil smile, as we... CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is steaming. When she speaks, her tone is one more of an epithet than anything else. MATTHEWS Hunter. CUT TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 5/"Takeover 1: Opposing Force"/Act 3 ACT THREE OPEN ON BRIDGE We begin tight in on Matthews' face; her expression is unchanged. She glances around the bridge, seeing the eyes of all the watchstanders on her. She breaks the silence as she moves over to the engineering station. MATTHEWS (all business) Chief Sanders, get me a readout of all the areas the terrorists have blocked off. I want to know how we can get our security teams in there. (beat, looking over at communications) Ensign Trueman, contact UEO Fleet HQ. Advise them of the situation, and ask for instructions. (beat, looking at tactical) Chief Milton, I need an analysis of what kinds of weapons were fired in the docking bay. We didn't think they had anything, and I want to know how they slipped through our sensors. (beat) The rest of you, attend to your duties. Keep an eye on that sub, Seaman Leckie. I want enough notice to move if we need to. As the two chiefs quickly attend their duties, Trueman gets up and goes over to Matthews. MATTHEWS Problem, Ensign? TRUEMAN (oddly) Just a small thing, really. (beat, hissing at Matthews) What the _hell_ are you doing? Matthews is taken aback by Trueman's response to her orders. MATTHEWS I beg your pardon? TRUEMAN (less forcefully) Why are we just sitting here? We've gotta get out there and help! There are terrorists taking over our boat, and we're going to sit here and wait for... (mockingly) ..."The UEO's official position"? (beat, questioning) You're not afraid of Hunter, are you? Matthews stiffens at the final blow by Trueman. She's steaming, but not about to blow up in Trueman's face. Especially since the other bridge personnel are giving them sideways glances while continuing with their work. MATTHEWS (forcefully) There has been weapons fire in the docking bay, and we've been boarded by terrorist forces. The UEO Mandate states that we are to lock down the bridge and secure all stations to prevent further seizure of the boat. (beat, a little less intense) I'd love to be out there _just_ as much as you would, Ensign. But we have a responsibility to make sure that those terrorists can't do a thing with this ship first. (beat, calmly) I trust that you'll uphold your responsibility? TRUEMAN (nodding, she now understands) Aye, Sir. MATTHEWS Good. Now, what's our response from the UEO? TRUEMAN (shaking her head) They've got us standing by. (beat, under her breath) You'd think the brass would get it together. MATTHEWS (sharply) Belay that, Ensign. (beat, calmer) Look, this is typical. Admiral Robinson doesn't want us to have to repeat what's going on through each layer at HQ. In a situation like this, he'll want his briefings directly. So expect a call from him soon...and knowing the secretary general, don't be surprised if she and the defense minister are there as well. (beat) In the meantime, we've got our orders. Repel boarders at all costs. Matthews nods, and turns to Milton. MATTHEWS You've locked down the tactical weapons, yes? MILTON Yes, Sir. Matthews again speaks to Trueman MATTHEWS Put me on shipwide. Trueman complies, and nods to Matthews when she's done. MATTHEWS Attention terrorist group. The bridge is secure and the weapons are locked down. There's no way for you to access _seaQuest_'s weaponry without the proper authorization codes, and no one aboard has them. (beat, with slight malice) Any effort to gain further access to this vessel will be met with equal force by _seaQuest_ personnel. CUT TO DOCKING BAY The terrorists are spreading out their equipment, assembling weapons and setting up a central command post. As Matthews continues to speak, Hunter and Butler look at the speaker in the overhead. Butler has a large smile on his face, while Hunter's reaction is inscrutable. MATTHEWS (over com) One last thing. You people are being led by a man whose name has become synonymous with other famous traitors in history. It's your choice if you continue to work with him on this fool's errand... (beat) ...But if you do, I suggest you keep an eye on Jason Hunter...especially if he's behind you. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews nods to Trueman, who closes the channel. MATTHEWS (looking around the bridge) That ought to sow some doubts...and buy us some time. Matthews turns to Milton, whose been going over the tactical readouts. MATTHEWS What's the good news, Chief? MILTON Not much, Sir. They've overridden the flood control bulkhead controls, effectively cutting most of us off from each other. I'm still working on a way around them...but right now, they've cut themselves off. MATTHEWS (looking at the display) Knowing Hunter, he wouldn't do that without a way around it. (beat) Well, keep working on it, Chief. We need a way to keep them bottled up. CUT TO JONES' QUARTERS DeVries, Vickery and Jones are present. They've all just been listening to the ultimatum given by Matthews. They're silent until Jones speaks up. JONES (standing) Well, I'm not just going to sit here. (beat) I'm sure Commander Taylor's going to need some help in engineering. (beat) If the Carrots haven't gotten it yet. VICKERY (rising as well) I'm going, too. There's a pause as DeVries just stares blankly up at the two of them. VICKERY (looking at DeVries) Well, aren't you coming? DEVRIES (hesitating) Shouldn't we just stay here and let the security force do its job? I mean, that's what they're there for. (beat) I'm not wimping out or anything, but we'd probably just get in their way. VICKERY (sighing) You are _so_ wimping out! DEVRIES (standing now, angry) Fine! If you're that adamant about me coming with you, I'll come. But just one question, smart guys. How? (beat, getting louder) You're going to tell me you didn't hear that slam of the emergency bulkheads? We're sealed in here. (beat, sitting down, disgustedly) You guys are so stupid sometimes! JONES (chuckling) That's what you get for working in weapons instead of engineering. Jones climbs on top of his desk, and yanks at a ventilation cover in the overhead. He pops his head in and looks for a second, then emerges, smiling. JONES (nodding) Just like I guessed. Whoever activated the emergency bulkheads forgot the ventilation plenums work on a separate system. (beat) It'll be a little tight, but we can work our way through the system to almost anywhere on the boat. Come on. Jones climbs up into the duct and disappears. Vickery immediately follows him. DeVries hangs behind, then starts to climb in, muttering. DEVRIES (to himself) This is a bad idea, Dave...bad idea.... He finishes climbing into the duct and disappears. CUT TO MEDBAY The bustle we saw earlier in MedBay has stilled; everyone looks concerned as several tight little groups discuss the situation. Burke steps forward. BURKE (shouting above the murmurs) Listen up! All of you! (beat, quieter) We're not going to help anyone by sitting here worrying. We've got to be productive in our own way. I want everyone focusing their energies on how we can help repel the terrorists. If you come up with anything, let me know and I'll pass it on to Commander Matthews. As Burke finishes, Taylor, who'd previously been standing with his wife, comes up to talk with her. TAYLOR Nice work, Doctor. BURKE (shrugging) I had to give them something to do, to keep them from worrying. TAYLOR (nodding) Agreed. (beat) I'm going to see what's really going on. Just keep everyone else here, and we should be fine. I'll contact you again, when I find something, okay? BURKE Yeah. Taylor turns and gives his wife a look before exiting MedBay. CUT TO DOCKING BAY The group of terrorists have finished setting up their equipment. A number of cables run from their equipment to the console. Rivers is seated at the new console, bringing up a series of deck plans for the _seaQuest_ on the large flat screen display. Hunter motions for the others to join them. HUNTER All right, let's go over this one last time. (beat) We send out three teams. Butler, you take Alpha team. Your job is to secure engineering and propulsion. (beat) Sheridan, you and Beta team are to take auxiliary control. We need to override the bridge command and control systems as quickly as possible. (beat) Carey, you and Omega team head for the weapons bays. We need to take possession of the weaponry on board _seaQuest_ to put enough teeth in our threats to make UEO listen. Hunter looks over at Rodriguez, who nods and hands them each a small rectangular piece of equipment. As he does, a red symbol appears on Davis' equipment. He nods and looks up at Butler, who nods to him. HUNTER (continuing) Those monitors will feed your location to us, allowing us to override the flood control bulkheads and give you a path. Remember to secure all areas you pass through, so that you don't leave any nasty surprises behind. Butler smiles, and pulls out a large laser rifle. BUTLER Don't worry, _Captain_. (beat) My team knows how to take care of any opposition. Butler presses a switch on the side of his weapon. A series of red LEDs on the side light up, indicating an increased power level. The rifle starts to hum like a hornet's nest on steroids. Hunter reaches up and grabs the barrel of the weapon, staring Butler down. HUNTER Damn it, Butler, you are going to do this _my_ way. No bloodshed. Butler stares at him for a moment, the breaks the stare as he lowers the setting on the rifle. HUNTER (nodding) Smart choice. BUTLER (quietly) This isn't over, _Captain_. (beat, turning to his squad) Alpha team, move out. The groups spring to life; a third of them leaving the docking bay immediately. Butler waits a moment, then moves over to the barely-conscious Goodwin. BUTLER I don't really think they're going to let us walk into engineering. Do you, Goodwin? (beat) That's where you come in. You're my skeleton key. And to make sure you don't make things too noisy... GOODWIN (groggily) What are you--? Goodwin's sentence is cut off, as Butler attaches a metal collar to his neck. In the back is a small black box with two LED's. As it is put in place, the green LED blinks. As the collar tightens, the LED switches to a blinking red. BUTLER (smiling) Now, that's better. (beat) If you care, your voice box is now inaccessible to your brain, so you can't talk. (beat) Oh, and your spinal cord is also manipulated by this thing. So we control what your body does. And if you try _anything_, this device will send out a large electrical current. You _might_ survive it...but if you're lucky, you won't. (beat) Now let's go. Butler leads Goodwin out the same door the other group just left through. CUT TO MEDBAY The medical staff is still brainstorming ways to help. They're around tables, sitting on unused medical beds, all discussing various options. Morgan is making notes, shaking her head. She sees Burke approach from her office and walks over to her. MORGAN Doctor? (beat, Burke turns) The groups have yet to come up with anything more than "Stay here and don't get in anyone's way." (beat) Should I keep them trying? They're angry about being stuck here. BURKE (smiling) Either that or do something else to keep their tension down. We can't really do _anything_ and I know that's as frustrating as hell. So do they. (beat) I'm going to contact Matthews, and see what's happening with the UEO. MORGAN (nodding) Okay, I'll go back and suggest some ideas. Morgan turns and returns to the group. Burke watches her for a second, then heads over to her office. We follow her in, and watch as she activates the com channel to the bridge. MATTHEWS (over com) Bridge. Matthews speaking. BURKE Commander, MedBay here. What's the situation? MATTHEWS (over com) Still the same. The terrorists are holding the docking bay, and have a number of hostages. They've also secured the flood control bulkheads, so we're all locked in for now. BURKE. Any word from UEO? MATTHEWS (over com) No, we're still standing by. We're expecting a call soon from the CNO, but until then, all we can do is try to keep the intruders where they are. BURKE Do we have _any_ plans? MATTHEWS (over com, a long sigh) At the moment, no. (beat) The major problem is this lockout. I can't get anyone anywhere with the passageways all locked down. But neither can _they_. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is checking a display. MATTHEWS (continuing) What I really want to know what happened to our people down there. I have to assume everyone down there is either a hostage... (beat, not wanting to say it) ...Or dead. MILTON (eyes riveted on his display) Commander, they're on the move. Matthews moves quickly over to the tactical console. MATTHEWS Where? MILTON Three groups. (beat) One headed aft, two headed forward. MATTHEWS Right. (beat) Damn him, he's predictable. MILTON (not getting it) Sir? MATTHEWS Hunter ran a drill like this while we were still under construction. A terrorist attack. He ran the invading team. (beat) He's headed to engineering, aux con, and weapons. (beat, turning back to the open com channel at the command chair) Doctor, batten down your hatches. There's tree teams of intruders moving out. BURKE (over com) I heard. We should be okay. And if they get here, we'll have a few surprises for them. (beat, a little concerned) Are you okay up there? MATTHEWS Yeah. Aside from the longing to be out in the boat, helping everyone else, we're okay. (beat, quietly) I just wish I had something more to do. Trueman's been on my case about sealing the bridge, but I've got orders that I can't disobey. BURKE (over com, reassuring) You're doing great, Commander. We need a leader on this ship, and with the captain's status unknown, you're it. MATTHEWS That's the other thing I'm worried about. CUT TO MEDBAY BURKE He can take care of himself. You take care of this boat and let everyone do their part. (beat) MedBay out. As Matthews disappears from the screen, Burke sits back a bit in her chair and sighs again, before getting up and rejoining the rest of the medical team. CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT INTERSECTION Vickery, DeVries, and Jones emerge, one after another, from one of the intersecting ducts. They are all looking a bit messier. Vickery pushes a few stray strands of hair out of her face, and looks over at Jones, a wry smile on her face. VICKERY How much ducting did you say there was? JONES (looking around, replying automatically) It's 7.63 kilometers. (beat) And yes, it's just as dirty as that was. VICKERY I didn't say anything-- DeVries motions for them to be quiet. They do, and we soon hear what DeVries did--someone else moving in he ducting. He motions the other two to get down, and waits by the duct exit, ready to strike out at anyone who emerges. Moments later, Taylor starts to emerge. DeVries grabs him and pulls him through, pinning him to the side of the ducting. Jones gets up and pulls DeVries off. JONES (angrily) Knock it off! He's one of ours! (beat, to Taylor) Sorry, Sir. We're all a little bit jumpy. TAYLOR (rubbing his arm) And noisy, too. (beat) I was able to hear you three compartments over. (beat) So what are you three doing here, anyway? VICKERY We were just trying to help out any way we can, Commander. TAYLOR (nodding) Well, the bridge is locked down, and they've got us all pinned down in compartments. I need to get down to engineering and see what's going on. JONES (pulling out his PAL) Let's just ask them. Jones attempts to activate the PAL, but Taylor grabs it from his hand. TAYLOR Any communication made by PAL could be monitored by the Carolinans in the docking bay. We need to maintain communication silence for now. (beat) Jones, you know these ducts, right? Jones nods. TAYLOR (continuing) Right. I want you to come with me. (beat, looking at DeVries and Vickery) I want you two to get the main weapons locker and secure us some firearms. I have a feeling we're gonna need them. (beat) Get them, and make your way back through the ducting to engineering. We'll mark the trail, so you won't get lost. Everyone clear on their assignments? (beat, as they nod) Move out. As Jones and Taylor head for engineering one way, Vickery and DeVries head out down a totally different duct. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is talking with Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Wallace Robinson over vidlink. HITCHCOCK (incredulous) The Carolinans are on _seaQuest_? MATTHEWS It appears that way, Ma'am. (beat) We thought we were rescuing a damaged Canadian sub, and they ambushed us. Whoever orchestrated this sure went to a lot of trouble. Robinson and Hitchcock both nod, knowing the depth of the allegation. ROBINSON What's the status of Captain Wolenczak? MATTHEWS Unknown, Sir, but we're assuming he's captured. We're not sure exactly how many they've got. (beat, checking the tactical console again) They've still got control of the emergency bulkhead system, effectively bottling us up. They're on the move, though. (beat) Our best guess is that engineering, aux con and weapons are their next targets. ROBINSON (nodding) Shutting down the boat seems to be our only option. With the boat at the bottom, and powerless, the Carolinans can't use it against us. We can send in another sub to get everyone off, and retrieve the _seaQuest_. (beat) If they capture engineering, Commander, you are to initiate Operation Delta. MATTHEWS (aghast) But...the computers? We'll lose any way to track the situation from the bridge. HITCHCOCK (firmly) Initiate the procedure if necessary, Commander. (beat) Also, under no circumstances are you to allow _anyone_ access to the bridge. We'll trust that the rest of the crew can and will subdue the terrorists. (beat, angrily) If they are Carolinan, Ross has gone too far this time. (beat, remembering) Commander Ma-- The screen goes black, and Matthews turns to Trueman, knowing what she's going to say. Trueman slumps back in her chair, defeated. TRUEMAN (helplessly) They've cut our communications. CUT TO AUX CON Bravo team is hard at work, slowly taking over system after system. One man looks up from his console at Sheridan, the team leader. TERRORIST Bridge communications have been cut off. They can't contact anyone anymore. SHERIDAN Good. Now access vessel containment and atmosphere. We can shut down the areas of the ship that aren't needed and immobilize the crew there. TERRORIST (slowly, looking up at Sheridan) That'll kill most of _seaQuest_'s personnel. Sheridan puts a hand on his sidearm. SHERIDAN That's the point. (beat) Hunter may have lost his nerve, but we haven't. The terrorist nods, and starts to enter commands at the console. CUT TO ENGINEERING The engineering staff is fighting a losing battle at the closed hatch to engineering, as systems short circuit in a shower of sparks and the hatch is forced open. The terrorist team comes in shooting, and the after the first engineering staffers who try to fight are killed, the rest submit silently. Two of the terrorists head for the control panels, while the rest round up the remaining engineering staff. The first terrorist makes a couple of entries on the keyboard, and is unhappy with the system's response. HARDY Dammit! This boat has quadruple redundant security systems. It's gonna take forever to get to propulsion. BUTLER (not caring) Keep working. ZANE (calling out) I've got something, Butler. Butler moves over to the console Zane is working on. Zane hits a few controls, and a series of readouts scroll across the monitor. ZANE (continuing) Matthews has got the boat running active security scans to track what we're doing, (beat, smiling) They didn't lock down this terminal. We can access the scan readouts as well, and use them to our advantage. BUTLER Good. Get a boat-wide readout and let me know where everything is. Zane bends down to start recording the information. Butler heads back to check on the hostages. As he does, we pan up and see a ventilation opening. Through the grill, we see Taylor, looking down. CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT Taylor and Jones crouch by the grill opening, surveying the damage in engineering. Taylor makes a couple of hand motions, and the two of them move away from the opening. TAYLOR (whispering) We'll set up a watch post around here. (beat) You go to junction 34, and climb in. You should be able to see what they're doing with the propulsion systems, and I'll hide here in junction 57. It's got ready access to the control section. JONES Aye, Sir. TAYLOR We should be able to see each other, so don't use your PAL. They'll track us if we do. (beat, thinking) Use your pocket light. Standard Morse, keep it simple...and only get my attention if something changes. The two split up and make their way stealthily around the area to their "watch posts". CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT JUNCTION Vickery and DeVries move back into the light. DEVRIES Well, that's it. We are well and truly lost. VICKERY We've got to call. We can't just sit here. DEVRIES But Taylor _ordered_ us not to use the PAL. VICKERY (bitingly) Don't be such a damn _baby_, DeVries! We should be helping our crewmates and to do that we need to get in contact with somebody. DEVRIES (it makes sense to him) Fine. (beat) But you're making the call. VICKERY Of course. She pulls out her PAL and activates it. CUT TO ENGINEERING A blip appears on Zane's screen. ZANE (turning) Butler! Someone's activated a PAL. CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT JUNCTION VICKERY (whispering) This is Ensign Vickery. Bridge, come in. (beat, silence) I repeat-- CUT TO ENGINEERING Butler looks at the screen and decides. BUTLER Jensen and Kilgor, I want you both to go and get whoever's sending that signal. (beat) If they survive, leave them for Hunter to deal with. Two terrorists shoulder their weapons and leave engineering. CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT Vickery and DeVries are making their way silently down the ducting. They stop at a grill. Vickery tries her PAL once more. DEVRIES (turning back to Vickery) Forget it. They're either too busy to answer, or they're jammed. (beat, frustrated) Look, I've got to take a look around to see where we are. Before Vickery can reply, DeVries pushes against the grill. It drops out of his reach, and falls to the deck with a loud clatter. Vickery hits DeVries on the shoulder. VICKERY (hissing) Try being a little quieter next time. Don't be so stupid! KILGOR (O.S.) No, don't be stupid. And just come with us. Vickery and DeVries turn to see guns pointed straight at them through the vent opening. DEVRIES Oh great. CUT TO ENGINEERING The camera starts on Taylor, who's watching from his ventilation grill. We then pan over to Grier and Zane who are still working on the computers. Butler comes up behind the two of them. BUTLER Progress? GRIER Very good. I'm almost into propulsion controls, and the team in aux con reports they've accessed life support. (beat) Sheridan is ready to shut it off to non-essential areas of the boat. BUTLER (smiling) Perfect. Keep goi-- Suddenly, all the console monitors flash green, then red. The screens then starts filling up with row after row of numerical data, seemingly useless stuff. The numbers all roll over until all zeroes are displayed. The screens go blank, then display a single word on all monitors: "". BUTLER What the hell?! CUT TO BRIDGE Camera is tight on Matthews and Trueman. The console in front of them is also blank. TRUEMAN (almost monotone) Operation Delta complete. The computer just killed itself. HELM OFFICER Negative control, Commander. (beat) We're headed to the bottom. MATTHEWS (sighing) Thank you, Ensign. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE Date: Sun, 02 Nov 1997 19:35:37 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 5/"Takeover 1: Opposing Force"/Act 4 ACT FOUR OPEN ON MEDBAY There is a lot of confusion and concern, as the _seaQuest_ lurches toward the bottom. The computer screens all display "", evidence of the computer crash. Burke enters from her office, trying to calm the confusion BURKE (yelling to be heard) Everyone stop! We're going to have to sit tight while this situation resolves itself. I don't think we'll be any good, trying to help out there. Commander Matthews also agrees. (beat) In the meantime, get ready for casualties. One way or another, this thing is going to get messy. (beat) Ensign Morgan, I want to see you in my office. As the confusion lessens, Burke steps into her office again. Morgan joins her, and Burke closes the hatch behind her. BURKE (quickly) Do you have your PAL on you? MORGAN (a little confused) Sure, but why-- BURKE Humor me for a minute. Take it out and try to call me on it. Morgan hesitates for a second, then pulls out her PAL. She presses the controls to activate it, and a second later Burke's PAL starts to beep. Burke takes it from her breast pocket, and acknowledges the call, and then shuts it off, looking at it. BURKE (a little relieved) Good. The crash didn't stop the PAL system. We can still talk. (beat) I'm going to call the bridge for an update. (beat, activating her PAL) Bridge, this is Burke. Come in. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is checking something under a darkened console, when her PAL beeps. She slides out from underneath, and answers. MATTHEWS Bridge, Matthews here. Go ahead, Doctor. BURKE (over com) Just trying to get a status update. MATTHEWS (almost smiling) Well, we crashed the computers, so they terrorists won't be able to use them against us. (beat) Of course, we won't be able to know when they move. But we already know where they are. BURKE (over com, grimly) How bad is it? MATTHEWS (thinking) With the computers down and the emergency life support on, we should last another three or four hours. The UEO should send another boat by then. BURKE (over com) And the terrorists? MATTHEWS (semi-triumphantly) Well, this will slow them down a bit. They had taken aux con, but the loss of the ship's computers pretty much makes that a moot point. Our last readings showed they were still locked out of the weapons bays, but they had taken engineering. (beat, continuing) The computer crash cleared the emergency bulkheads, so the passageways are all accessible. The only thing still sealed is the bridge. BURKE (over com) Do you need any of my personnel here for security teams? MATTHEWS (thinking) I may, I'm not sure yet. Without secure communications, we'll never be able to coordinate the teams. (beat) I was trying to get a PAL wired into the communications console up here, so that it'd be easier for me to stay in touch with multiple teams. Matthews pauses and looks back at the tangled mess of wires still under the console she came out from. MATTHEWS (continuing) I wasn't having much success. (beat) We also lost a few crewmen who tried to signal the bridge earlier. BURKE (over com) Think the terrorists got them? MATTHEWS A good possibility. CUT TO MEDBAY Burke is now sitting down, but still talking into her PAL. BURKE (uneasily) I hate to say this, Commander, but the situation doesn't seem to be getting better. Is there _anything_ my people can do? MATTHEWS (over com) Not yet. I'm sending a security team down to the forward weapons locker on C Deck. (beat) How about I tell them to report back to you, so they can check on your status once they're done. The medical staff will probably need to be armed now that the terrorists have access to the entire boat. BURKE Sounds fine to me. (beat) Tell them to be careful. Burke out. Burke turns off her PAL and leans back in her chair, deep in thought. BURKE (to herself) What options do we have left? CUT TO PASSAGEWAY A security team, obvious by their gear and guns, is making their way stealthily down the corridor. The camera pans from the group over to a directional sign on the wall that indicates the forward weapons bunker is just down the passageway. We pan down the passageway to a team of terrorists as it rounds the corner and comes face to face with the _seaQuest_ security detail. The terrorists open fire, shooting down several of the _seaQuest_ team. In only seconds, the _seaQuest_ team is knocked out and the terrorists drag their unconscious forms into the weapons bay. CUT TO BRIDGE With the Chief Milton and Seaman Leckie now at work on the communications console, Matthews is left to pace. Trueman comes over to her. TRUEMAN Still no word from the security team. (beat, apprehensively) Think they made it? MATTHEWS (shrugging) I don't know. (beat, emotionally) I can't believe this is happening! The boat is being captured, officer by officer, and we're stuck here powerless to do anything! Trueman is surprised at the previously unmovable Matthews' outburst. Other crewmen around the bridge look up to see what's happening. Trueman tries a role reversal. TRUEMAN (quietly) You told me before what we had to do. I've simmered, and I'm trusting the people we still _have_ out there to do the job they have to do. (beat) It's extremely frustrating, I know. But even you said, we've got to be the reasonable ones. And it's our job to keep everything here safe, until everything... (she gestures to the closed bridge doors) ...Out there is safe. (beat) In short, we need you here, and we need you to be capable, Commander. MATTHEWS (pulling herself together) Thanks. TRUEMAN (saucily) Besides, you're not going to let Hunter have this boat, are you? Matthews just shakes her head as we pan over to the console. It springs to life, and Riller's voice starts to come from it. RILLER (over com) Sub Adventure. (beat) Sub Adventure. Matthews gives Leckie a questioning glance. LECKIE (checking readouts) That's all he's saying. I'm not getting anything else. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE AUX CON Riller is in hiding outside the compartment, and is speaking quietly into his PAL. He repeats himself one last time. RILLER Sub Adventure. He turns off his PAL, and scans the area again. CUT TO BRIDGE Milton, Leckie, Trueman and Matthews are at the console. Trueman takes her seat again and tries, without success, to get any other signals. All four people are perplexed. MILTON (exaggeratedly) What _was_ that? No one has a response, until a light of recognition dawns on Trueman's face. TRUEMAN (quietly, figuring it out) Sub Adventure! The other three look at her, wondering what she's learned. TRUEMAN If I'm interpreting this right, he's talking about his new VR game. MATTHEWS (still not seeing the connection) How does this help us? TRUEMAN Well, my guess is that he's at aux con, and doesn't know if they can monitor his communications or not. (beat, explaining) In his game, Sub Adventure, the objective is to defuse a bomb from exploding in the aux con. It's the final part of the game, and it's all Riller's been talking to me about all week. MATTHEWS (thinking quickly) Okay, then we need to establish contact with Riller. (beat) He may be our best hope for a way out of this. LECKIE Why? MATTHEWS (looking at her) If the terrorists have aux con secured, they may be able to reinitialize the backups to a number of ship's systems. (beat) And that means we're all in a lot of trouble. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE AUX CON Riller is still moving around the area. He arrives at the main entrance to the room and finds it completely sealed. He moves away from it, nervous that it might open, and again activates his PAL. He doesn't say anything. CUT TO BRIDGE They're around the makeshift communications panel, listening to... nothing. Trueman seems to suddenly realizes that there is an open channel, and presses a control to respond. TRUEMAN It's okay Riller, they can't monitor any more. RILLER (over com) Security procedure. (beat, jokingly) Glad you finally caught on there, Becca. MATTHEWS (stepping in) Thank you for not getting caught out there, Lieutenant, but for now we're on a tight schedule, and you're our last chance. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE AUX CON RILLER (all-business) I've been all around the boat so far, Commander. I'll explain. MATTHEWS (over com) Go ahead. RILLER They've got engineering, the docking bay, auxiliary control, and weapons control. The team here at aux con is doing their best to bring the backup command systems online. (beat, curiously) Operation Delta? MATTHEWS (over com) Yes. RILLER (whistling) Boy, are these guys in for a surprise when they get those controls online. MATTHEWS (over com) Riller... RILLER Right. Sorry, Commander. (beat, deciding how to continue) Wolenczak, Reede, and Keeja are all in the docking bay, along with several other crewmen. None of them look like they've been harmed, save Reede, who doesn't look _that_ bad. I don't know where the other medical technician is. (beat) I have to assume they killed him in the initial assault. (beat, sullenly) The team here in aux con seems to be set on getting to the bridge. CUT TO BRIDGE TRUEMAN (not getting it) But if they've got aux con, why do they want the bridge? MATTHEWS (explaining) With the upgrade, they installed a new security system that prevents the commandeering of the vessel through aux con. The bridge can relinquish command to the aux con, but not when the bridge is locked down. And aux con cannot override control from the bridge without the proper command sequences. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE AUX CON Riller's still listening to his PAL, but he's been checking around to look for a way to neutralize the terrorists in aux con. RILLER (into his PAL) I think I've found a way in. MATTHEWS (over com) What? Riller stuffs his PAL in his pocket and checks a control pad, nodding to himself. RILLER (picking up his PAL) Yeah, this'll work. (beat) But I'm going to need a security team down here to help me fight off this group. (beat) Even I'm not foolish enough to take on seven terrorists all by myself. MATTHEWS (over com, sounding defeated) I'll see what I can do. Most of our teams have been disabled. I've got one on its way to engineering to assist Taylor. (beat) We'll see how they fare, and I'll round up anyone I can and send them to you. RILLER (nodding) Good enough. (beat) I'll stay down here. I'll contact you again with a status report. Riller out. CUT TO BRIDGE Milton and Leckie move back to their consoles, trying to see what they can do to help. Matthews and Trueman stay at the communications console for an additional moment. TRUEMAN Damn. (beat) I wish I could be out there helping Riller. MATTHEWS (wistful) Tell me about it. But I need you to contact-- The "communications panel" lights up. Trueman answers the call, then turns to Matthews. TRUEMAN It's Morgan. Matthews goes over to the panel. MATTHEWS Just who I wanted. (beat, into panel) Bridge. What do you need, Ensign? MORGAN (over com) Commander, I'm sorry to bother you, but we've been brainstorming down here, and we've thought of something that might help. MATTHEWS (lifting an eyebrow) Oh? MORGAN (over com) Well, main power jumper six isn't too far from here, and I seem to remember it's the main junction for this section of the ship. (beat) Including B Deck, where aux con is located, right? MATTHEWS (starting to see where this is leading) Yes... MORGAN (over com) If we take out that jumper panel-- MATTHEWS (finishing the thought) --We can cut off all power to aux con, and seal the terrorists in. That will let us take back the area at our convenience. A slight smile appears on Matthews' face, as a glimmer of hope is restored. MATTHEWS (continuing, pondering) That could work. (beat, mind rushing to plan this out) Thanks, Morgan. I'll get back to you in a sec; I'm going to contact Riller. MORGAN (over com) You're welcome. MedBay out. Matthews turns to Trueman, her face showing a rising hope. MATTHEWS Get Riller on his PAL, and advise him of the plan. We'll coordinate between the two teams from here. CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT OUTSIDE ENGINEERING Taylor is still in his "observation" spot, and further down the duct, we see Jones hasn't moved either. Through the grills, we see Butler and his terrorist team working on the engineering consoles, trying to restore the computers. Deciding the risk is worth it, Taylor pulls out his PAL and contacts the bridge. TAYLOR (into PAL) Engineering to bridge. (beat) Matthews? Are you there? CUT TO BRIDGE Trueman hears Taylor's call and pauses. TRUEMAN (into com) You understand everything, Justin? (beat) We'll have the security team there ASAP. Just stay put, and don't get captured. Bridge out. (beat, pressing a button) Go ahead, Commander Taylor. TAYLOR (over com) Seaman Jones and I have been observing the team in engineering. (beat) One of their leaders, Butler, just left. I think they're up to something. (beat) I think we have a way to retake engineering, but we're going to need some assistance. MATTHEWS (agreeing) I'll get you as many people as I can, but I need resources throughout the boat. (beat) We've started a plan ourselves. As she launches into her explanation, we... CUT TO DOCKING BAY Wolenczak, Reede, Keeja and various other prisoners are sitting with their arms and legs bound together. They all turn as Butler comes into the room. HUNTER (turning) Butler? What are you doing here? BUTLER (angrily) Everything's taking _way_ too long. HUNTER (firmly) The computer shutdown wiped all the progress we made. (beat) We knew this might happen. We started over in auxiliary control, although there are some new safety interlocks-- BUTLER (cutting him off, angrily) Your way is just wasting time, Hunter. (beat) We need control of the bridge. Do you agree? Hunter nods, not knowing for sure what Butler wants to do. BUTLER Fine. Then I'm going to take it..._my_ way. (beat, turning toward the prisoners) Matthews won't listen to you, or me, but she will listen to... Butler grabs Wolenczak's cuffed hands and pulls him to his feet. BUTLER (finishing) ...Her captain. Hunter nods again, and when Wolenczak tries to pull back from Butler's grasp, Hunter motions for a some other terrorists to carry him along, unwillingly. WOLENCZAK (protesting) She won't listen to me. Matthews is a trained officer, and you know it, Hunter! She'll never back down, and there's no way I'll tell her to give in to you. Butler and his team continue to drag Wolenczak out of the room, and we pan back to see Reede and Keeja, along with more prisoners, watching the situation helplessly. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews, Trueman, and Milton are all planning where the teams can be deployed to most effectively recapture the boat. They're around the navigational table, with a ship schematic laid out. MATTHEWS We all know that the best areas to hit are the areas where the terrorists are already located, but do we have enough security personnel to accomplish our goals there? MILTON (looking at list in his hand) I've contacted two teams, both of whom have still have four effective members. (beat) That's eight near engineering. (beat) We also have ten more security personnel reporting to MedBay on the double. Matthews nods and then looks to Trueman. TRUEMAN Riller's now got a team of nine people with him, and they've been instructed to pick up any other officers they find. MATTHEWS (nodding) Good. (beat) Now let's figure out what we can do from here, to help those teams. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Butler and five other terrorists are racing through the boat, moving quickly toward the bridge, dragging along a reluctant Wolenczak. As they round a corner, they find themselves ambushed by a team of _seaQuest_ security personnel, who open fire immediately. The opening barrage wounds one of the terrorists. BUTLER (shouting to his team) Fan out! (beat) Weapons set to kill. Wolenczak is pushed to the deck as the terrorists fire on the _seaQuest_ security personnel, and can only stare in horror as his officers are cut down one by one. The firefight is over rapidly, and the terrorists proceed, with only two casualties, passing five _seaQuest_ bodies as they continue down the passageway. Wolenczak is severely shaken by the incident, but is trying not to show it. The camera pans from the terrorists passing one corner to Riller and his team entering behind them. Riller and his team see the carnage and check their shipmates for lifesigns. Finding none, Riller swears softly, and pulls out his PAL. RILLER (urgently) Bridge, Riller. (beat) We'd better get this thing under way soon, Commander. MATTHEWS (over com) Explanation? RILLER (grimly, looking at the carnage before him) Seems the terrorists have stopped collecting prisoners. (beat) And it looks like they're heading your way. Off Riller's grim face, we... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR Date: Sun, 02 Nov 1997 19:45:40 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 5/"Takeover 1: Opposing Force"/ Act 5 (end) ACT FIVE FADE IN TO PASSAGEWAY Butler's team, with Wolenczak in tow, has arrived outside the bridge hatch. Butler pushes Wolenczak to the ground, and grabs his PAL. BUTLER (activating PAL) Matthews, this is Commander Butler. We control most of the vessel now. Give up this futile struggle, before anyone else dies. Open the bridge hatches. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is surprised at Butler's revelation. MATTHEWS (firmly) I don't know who you are, or how you got the captain's PAL, but you have to know I'm not opening the hatches. (beat) You do whatever the hell you want, but there's no way you're going to get onto this bridge while I'm still here. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY BUTLER (bitingly, into PAL) You wouldn't want your beloved _Wolenczak_ to die, would you? (beat) I'm putting the gun to his head right now. (beat) You have one minute, Commander. Then you take command of _seaQuest_... (beat) ..For good. Butler pushes his gun into Wolenczak's temple, making the captain squirm ever so slightly. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is trying hard to stay cool. MATTHEWS (trying to appear strong) Give me a second here, Butler. Let me see what I can do. She motions to Trueman, who mutes the com channel. MATTHEWS (mostly to herself) Now what do I do? (beat) I can't let the terrorists have the bridge, but I really don't think I can let Wolenczak die out there, either. TRUEMAN (resolutely) We have our orders, Commander. (beat, letting it sink in) Don't allow _anyone_ to gain access to the bridge. (beat, unsteadily) Do you think this guy would _really_ kill the Captain? MATTHEWS (slowly) He hasn't shown any mercy at all since he's been on the boat. If someone's life isn't part of his plan, then it doesn't matter. TRUEMAN (swallowing) I guess that's that. MATTHEWS (remembering) But we still have an ace up our sleeve. Matthews reaches across the console and opens a channel to Morgan. MATTHEWS Morgan, it's time. T minus one minute. MORGAN (over com) Acknowledged. Matthews cuts communication and begins counting down from sixty, quietly to herself. When she reaches fifty, she activates communication again. MATTHEWS (whispering) Lieutenant Riller, T minus forty-five seconds. RILLER (over com, quietly) Aye, Commander. Matthews contacts Butler this time, with a quick, almost nervous glance at Trueman. MATTHEWS (into com) Butler, stand by. (beat) We're cycling the bridge hatches, and they should open in a moment. BUTLER (over com) No tricks, Matthews. Matthews mouths the word "twenty." MATTHEWS No tricks. Stand by. Matthews cuts communication. OFF MILTON AND LECKIE They look apprehensive. OFF TRUEMAN AND MATTHEWS As they look at each other, worry on their faces. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Butler's group is still huddled around Wolenczak. OFF RILLER As he stealthily leads his team up the passageway behind the intruders. Riller, too is counting down. As his mouth silently forms the word "one," the passageway is plunged into darkness. Only weapons fire is seen in the pitch blacknes of the passageway as shots are fired from both sides. RILLER (V.O., shouting) Full flank! Keep them back from the hatch! BUTLER (V.O., shouting) Fire! Make sure they're all disabled! CUT TO BRIDGE Blackness reigns here, too. The only light is from emergency indicators on a few working consoles. BUTLER (over com) Nice try, Matthews. Now open the hatch or I'll kill Wolenczak. (beat) ...And Riller, too. CUT TO PASSAGWAY We hear movement as the lights come back on. Hunter arrives with another team and two more prisoners...Vickery and DeVries. Riller, stunned, lies on the deck, and his entire team is disabled. Two of the terrorists are casualties as well. HUNTER (to Butler) We thought you could use some backup. (beat) Another of their security teams cut the power, but we corrected that... (beat, smiling) And _retired_ the opposition. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is having a very hard time. We can see that her mind's racing. In the background, Trueman is fuming, but keeping her mouth shut. Matthews goes to the com panel. MATTHEWS (activating com) Butler, I don-- Two gunshots are heard over the com as Matthews goes completely stiff, and Trueman's mouth drops open in the background. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Vickery and DeVries lie dead on the deck. Butler is holding an old-fashioned pistol pointed at the two bodies. Hunter is almost as shocked as Matthews and Trueman were. Wolenczak is struggling angrily against his restraints. Butler slowly aims his pistol at Wolenczak, cocks back the hammer, and then reactivates the PAL. BUTLER (angrily) The next two shots will _kill_ Wolenczak and Riller. (beat) You seem to think I'm joking out here, Matthews. (beat) Trust me, I'm _not_. Care to test me again? CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews is crestfallen. She's run out of options. She contacts Taylor. MATTHEWS (into com) Status? TAYLOR (over com) They've cracked the security on the backup propulsion control program, and are about to initialize the control systems. (beat, grimly) I think it's going to work. MATTHEWS (nodding, sullenly) Acknowledged. Bridge out. Matthews turns to Trueman, who doesn't know what to say. MATTHEWS It's time... Trueman nods. Matthews pulls up a manual panel, and presses a few buttons. She pulls a key from around her neck and inserts it in a slot, turning it. She then turns to Trueman, and nods. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Butler's waiting, impatiently. His communications device beeps. He answers it. SHERIDAN (over com) We've accessed the override system, Sir. We'll have control of the propulsion plant any second now. BUTLER (grinning evilly) Good. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews types a few final commands into the emergency panel. MATTHEWS Self-destruct in one minute. Milton, Leckie, Trueman and the others at the bridge stations just stare at Matthews, who starts to make her way around the bridge. She's almost saying goodbye to the boat. But, as she passes the engineering station it starts to activate. Everyone turns at it, and then turn as the helm station activates itself as well. MILTON Uh-oh... Matthews moves quickly over to Trueman. MATTHEWS We need to release the emergency buoy, now. (beat, another station lights up) Quickly. Trueman presses a few buttons. TRUEMAN (holding down a button) Record the message. MATTHEWS (into speaker) _seaQuest_ has been compromised. No alternative. Self-destruct initiated. Sub sunk. Repeat, sub sunk. Matthews nods to Trueman who lets the button go and then presses another one. TRUEMAN Buoy launched. Matthews look over at the emergency destruct panel. The large LED readout is counting down. It reaches thrity seconds. We pan back to see Matthews. Behind her, the large clam shell hatches start to open, as the rest of the bridge crew stands up. CUT TO SPLIT SCREEN LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:15". RIGHT: BRIDGE Matthews and Trueman stand and face their captors as they stride onto the bridge. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:14". RIGHT: CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Butler's team moves in, spreading out through the hatches. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:13". RIGHT: CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT Taylor and Jones are seen in the duct, watching, as the terrorists successfully activate the backup propulsion controls in engineering. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:12. RIGHT: CUT TO PASSAGEWAY We see Wolenczak bound and gagged on the deck. Riller's unconscious body is unceremoniously dumped next to him, similarly bound. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:11". RIGHT: CUT TO MEDBAY Burke comes out of her office, looking concerned. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:10". RIGHT: CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST _seaQuest_ starts to veer away from the "Canadian" sub, picking up speed as it goes. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:09". RIGHT: CUT TO PASSAGEWAY We see Vickery and DeVries' lifeless bodies dumped next to Wolenczak and Riller. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:08". RIGHT: CUT TO MEDBAY Morgan enters, helping a wounded person from the abortive attempt on the power junction to a treatment table. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:07". RIGHT: CUT TO BRIDGE Butler walks onto the bridge, moving straight over to Matthews. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:06". RIGHT: CUT TO ENGINEERING We see Goodwin tied up in with the rest of the engineering staff in the chief engineer's office. The control collar is still on his neck. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:05". RIGHT: CUT TO DOCKING BAY We see Reede and Keeja among the crew prisoners still in the Docking Bay. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:04". RIGHT: CUT TO BRIDGE Hunter strolls up to the command chair, looking triumphant. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:03". RIGHT: BRIDGE Hunter looks directly at Matthews. HUNTER I claim this vessel as spoils of war. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:02". RIGHT: BRIDGE Matthew smiles at Hunter. MATTHEWS (defiant) See you in hell, Hunter. LEFT: EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:01". RIGHT: BRIDGE Butler sees the emergency panel, and realizes what it means. He snarls and raises his gun to the back of Matthews' head. FULL SCREEN: CUT TO EMERGENCY DESTRUCT COUNTER It reads "00:00". CUT TO BLACK SCREEN The words "To Be Continued..." appear in white. FADE TO BLACK THE END