Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 16:58:16 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 6/"Takeover 2: Burial at Sea"/Teaser seaQuest 2047 "Takeover" Part Two: "Burial at Sea" Story by Matt Schiller & Eric Sipple Script by Eric Sipple Publication Draft Sunday, November 16, 1997 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". TEASER OPEN ON EXTERIOR _MARATHON_--CGI A large troop-carrying submarine, the _Marathon_, moves quickly through the water. The _Marathon_ dives suddenly, heading toward the bottom. CUT TO _MARATHON_ BRIDGE The captain of the _Marathon_, Michael Nestor, sits in tense silence, as does the rest of the crew. After a long moment, the tech at the communications panel perks up, listening intently through his headset before turning to the captain. COMMUNICATIONS TECH (nervously) Sir, I'm picking up a signal. NESTOR (hopeful) From _seaQuest_? COMMUNICATIONS TECH It's coming from an emergency beacon launched from _seaQuest_. Nestor's hopefulness disappears in a frown. NESTOR Put it on speaker. COMMUNICATIONS TECH Yes, Sir. The tech taps a few keys on his panel, after which Commander Jessie Matthews' voice plays over the speaker. MATTHEWS (on speaker) _seaQuest_ has been compromised. Could think of no alternative. Self-destruct sequence initiated. Sub sunk. Repeat, sub sunk. (beat) _seaQuest_ has been compro... NESTOR (his frown darkens) Shut if off, I heard it. COMMUNICATIONS TECH Yes, Sir. The tech taps a few more buttons on the communications panel and Matthews' voice promptly cuts off. Nestor brings a hand to his forehead. Frowning deeply, he finally looks to the tech. NESTOR What's the timestamp on that message? How long ago was it sent? COMMUNICATIONS TECH (checking) Seven minutes ago, Sir. NESTOR (frowning, dejected) No chance of us getting there? (beat, to tech) Get hold of Admiral Robinson; make sure he knows it's important. COMMUNICATIONS TECH Yes, Sir. I'll get him on as soon as I can. Nestor turns to the helm officer. NESTOR Plot a course to the position indicated by that beacon, full speed. (beat, some hope returning) Maybe there are at least some lifeboats to pick up. The helm officer nods and changes course. Nestor leans back in his chair, his expression one of hope mixed with frustration. CUT TO EXTERIOR _MARATHON_--CGI The large troop sub makes a quick turn in the water, its speed increasing quickly. The bottom of the sea can be seen rapidly approaching. CUT TO _MARATHON_ BRIDGE The tension here has increased; the silence has not lifted. Nestor alternates between watching the communications tech and the helm officer. The communications tech is the first to turn to Nestor. COMMUNICATIONS TECH Sir, I've got Admiral Robinson on the vidlink. NESTOR (nodding) Good work, put him on the main screen. The tech officer nods and turns, tapping keys on his panel. The main screen at the front of the bridge lights up, showing the face of UEO's Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Wallace Robinson. He appears concerned about the nature of this urgent call. NESTOR (rising from his chair) Admiral Robinson, I'm glad we got ahold of you. ROBINSON (frowning) Just tell me what your status is. NESTOR (sighing) Well, Sir, it's not good. (beat) We found an emergency beacon from _seaQuest_. (beat, sighing again) Commander Matthews set the self-destruct sequence on _seaQuest_. The message was time-stamped almost ten minutes ago. Robinson frowns at the news, almost certain that Nestor is too late to help _seaQuest_. ROBINSON Unless Matthews set the self-destruct for a _very_ long time... Robinson leaves the thought unfinished. Nestor looks ready to reply until his helm officer turns and begins to speak. HELM OFFICER Sir, We're coming up on _seaQuest_'s last known location. Nestor turns from Robinson to the helm officer. NESTOR Any sign of _seaQuest_? HELM OFFICER (shaking his head) No, Sir, no sign at all. Nestor sighs and turns back to Robinson, shaking his head. NESTOR It looks like we lost her, Sir. I'll commence searches for any survivors. Before Robinson can say a word, the helm officer begins to speak again. HELM OFFICER Sir, I ran another scan and... (beat) Sir, there is _no_ sign of _seaQuest_. NESTOR (looking agitated) You already told me that. HELM OFFICER (shaking his head) No, Sir, I don't just mean there's no sign of her. (beat) Captain Nestor, there's no lifeboats, no wreckage... (beat) There's nothing. Realization begins to dawn on Nestor's face. He turns to the screen. NESTOR Sir, I don't think _seaQuest_-- ROBINSON (cutting in) I heard. NESTOR (frowning) Sir, what are your orders? ROBINSON (considering for a moment) We're going to have to operate under the assumption that _seaQuest_ has fallen and that the self-destruct sequence was overridden. (beat) Search the region and see if you can find any indication of where _seaQuest_ went. If you find it, do _not_ engage. It's possible that if Matthews initiated Operation Delta they don't have control over weapons, but I don't want to lose any ships on that bet. (beat) If you find them, report back to me, and keep tabs on them. (beat, sighing) That's all for now. Robinson out. Nestor barely manages a "Yes, Sir" before Robinson cuts communication. Nestor, looking frustrated and agitated, turns to the helm officer and nods to him to proceed with Robinson's orders as we... FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 17:16:42 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 6/"Takeover 2: Burial at Sea"/Act 1 ACT ONE OPEN ON _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE The camera opens tight on the self-destruct countdown timer, which prominently displays "00:00". The camera pulls back from the timer to show Jason Hunter sitting in front of the console with a smug grin on his face. The camera continues to pull back, giving a view of the rest of the bridge. Kevin Butler stands behind Commander Jessie Matthews with his gun shoved hard into her head, his attention on Hunter and the timer. After a long moment of silence, he speaks. BUTLER (quietly) Are you sure it's stopped? Hunter gives Butler a look like his question was absolutely ridiculous. HUNTER Unless you think the afterlife looks a hell of a lot like the bridge of _seaQuest_, I'd say it's stopped. Butler lets the sarcastic comment slide, nodding in approval instead. The gun comes away from Matthews' head far enough for her to stand straight again. BUTLER Well, good job. HUNTER (still smiling smugly) Thank you, Butler. Butler motions to one of the other terrorists, who take his place holding Matthews. Butler moves away, holstering his weapon and walking to the front of the bridge. Matthews glares at Hunter. MATTHEWS Dammit Hunter, we've changed the security codes on that procedure a dozen times since you got here. How the hell did you sit down and just turn it off? HUNTER (nonchalantly) A man's allowed to keep _some_ secrets, isn't he? MATTHEWS (glaring) Except in your case when you want to gloat about them. HUNTER (smirks) At least I, unlike you, have something to gloat about other than managing to lose _seaQuest_ to a minimal force. Before Matthews can respond, he turns to her guard. HUNTER (continues) Get her, Wolenczak and the bridge crew into one group. I'll decide where to hold them in a minute. The guard nods and shoves Matthews forward, toward the hatch where the other hostages are. Hunter turns and walks to Butler, who is speaking through a PAL. BUTLER What do you mean you can't get all the systems online? SHERIDAN (over PAL) I don't know, we're trying to reboot the systems in the main computer, but we can't seem to access them. (beat) We can pilot the ship manually, and fire weapons manually. Sensors, navigation and autopilot, weapons locking systems...anything running from software stored in the main computer is inaccessible. BUTLER But we rebooted all of the controls? SHERIDAN (over PAL) The computers, yes. But only the peripheral computers themselves, not any of the software than runs most of them. BUTLER Why the hell not? HUNTER (breaking in, frowning) That would be Operation Delta. BUTLER (into PAL) Hold on, Sheridan. (turning to Hunter angrily) What exactly is Operation Delta? HUNTER A procedure meant to keep invading forces from being able to run the ship even if it's captured. (beat) It crashes all of the computers and fries the cables connecting the main database to peripheral stations. BUTLER (his anger rising, into PAL) I'll get back to you Sheridan, I've got to deal with something up here. SHERIDAN (over PAL) I'll be here. Butler shuts the PAL off and turns his attention--and anger--on Hunter. BUTLER If you know about this Operation Delta, why didn't you _inform_ me about it when the computers crashed? HUNTER Because I was busy with other matters when the computers crashed, so I wasn't sure if they had initiated it or had simply crashed the computers. (beat) I didn't want to disturb you with unsubstantiated opinions. We had to get the ship under control. BUTLER This ship is _useless_ to me right now because of this, Hunter! Maybe if you had told me about it I could have handled it. HUNTER How? We barely took _seaQuest_ as it was. If you'd had all your people fixing wires, we would have lost. Butler glares harshly at Hunter, his face turning red with anger. He turns to Hardy, who is sitting at helm control. BUTLER Hardy, move _seaQuest_ to somewhere where we can keep hidden until we can get repairs on the computers fixed. (beat) I don't want any UEO vessels to catch us while we're crippled. HARDY I'm on it. BUTLER (turning back to Hunter) Let's step into the captain's office. (beat, coldly) I think we need to discuss what we're going to do about this ship. Butler turns and walks quickly to the hatch into Wolenczak's office. The camera pans to Captain Lucas Wolenczak, Matthews, Ensign Rebecca Trueman, Lieutenant Justin Riller and the rest of the bridge crew. The group watches the two step into the office and close the hatch with interest. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Butler storms into the office with Hunter behind him. Butler circles to the opposite side of the captain's desk, sitting in Wolenczak's chair. Hunter stops at the front of the desk, remaining standing. Butler continues glaring at Hunter as he begins to speak. BUTLER Let's get something straight here, Hunter. (beat) You may have been in charge of the taking of _seaQuest_, but this is _my_ operation. I put together this team, I spent a long time planning this, I even made an effort to get you put on my team because of your expertise. (beat) But if you're holding back information about this ship, you quickly become useless. Maybe you're a good captain, but I could find those anywhere. If you refuse to use your one useful trait for this mission, your presence doesn't have a point. Hunter takes the insults coolly, not lashing out when he responds to the allegations. HUNTER You know, for someone who's supposed to be sharing command on this, you're sounding a lot like an overbearing parent, Butler. (smiling like his words were a joke before continuing) Like I said before, I wasn't sure about Operation Delta and I didn't want to take the focus off capturing _seaQuest_. (beat) If we were even a few seconds later in securing the bridge neither of us would be alive right now. This mission should have been a failure. It all worked because each of us put everything into gaining control. (beat, slightly agitated) And as for holding things back...what the hell was it I was doing with the self-destruct? BUTLER (softening almost imperceptibly) You saved our lives, and did a damn fine job of it. (beat) But you may have saved them to be captured by UEO. HUNTER UEO doesn't even know where to find us. We'll have _seaQuest_ operational before that. Butler doesn't seem to have much faith in Hunter's claims. BUTLER Will we? HUNTER I'd stake my reputation on it. BUTLER (smiling cruelly) Staking your reputation as a lying backstabber, Hunter? That's gutsy. HUNTER (losing his calm attitude) Look, do you want this ship fixed or not? BUTLER Yes, Hunter, I do. (beat) Take care of it. HUNTER I'll put some of _seaQuest's_ crew to work on it immediately. Anyone who's capable at that sort of thing. BUTLER And what about the people who aren't? HUNTER We can hold them in the crew's mess. We won't have to waste many people to keep them there. BUTLER Fine, take whoever you need and get to it. Hunter nods and turns to the hatch, but stops. HUNTER Oh, by the way, Butler. (beat) You know that loss of power? BUTLER Yes, what about it? HUNTER The main jumper for that is right next to MedBay. (beat) I'd say they have a team down there. BUTLER Oh? (beat) Send a team down there while you're at it and flush them out. HUNTER (sarcastically) I'll do my best. Hunter walks to the hatch and exits the room. Butler frowns as Hunter leaves. BUTLER You'd better hope your usefulness lasts longer than it seems to be lasting, Hunter. Off Butler's angered glare we... CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Carolinan Confederation President Eileen Ross sits at her desk, looking over information on a data pad. She seems calm and untroubled. The intercom on her desk begins to beep, and Ross reaches over and answers it without really looking up from her work. The voice of Ross' secretary comes over the intercom. SECRETARY (over com) Madame President, Mister Trevor Hartman from the Bureau of Intelligence is calling for you. ROSS Put him through. SECRETARY (over com) Yes, Ma'am. The secretary's voice cuts off, and a moment later a face appears on Ross' vidlink: Trevor Hartman. He is middle aged and balding slightly. Ross looks up as the call comes through. ROSS Mister Hartman. I hope this is important enough to merit a call. HARTMAN (coolly) Yes, Madame President, I think this merits a call. ROSS Then what is it? HARTMAN _seaQuest_ is gone. ROSS (her interest rises) Gone? What do you mean gone? HARTMAN Approximately two hours ago our monitors lost track of _seaQuest_. ROSS (her interest turns to worry) What is UEO up to? (beat) Is there anything else? Any circumstances surrounding this disappearance? HARTMAN Well... (looking down at something on his desk) Just prior to _seaQuest_'s disappearance she responded to a rescue call from a damaged... (double-checking the information) ...Canadian science sub. Right after evacuating its crew... (beat) She disappeared. Ross considers the information she has just been presented with before responding. ROSS Look into this. Devote whatever resources you have available to finding out what happened. I want answers on this right away. HARTMAN Yes, Madame President. I'll call you as soon as I find something. ROSS Do that. (beat) Goodbye. Ross shuts off the vidlink and leans back in her chair, pondering. She doesn't get long to think, though, before her vidlink begins to beep again. Ross answers it quickly. The face of Gary DeLano, Ross' chief of staff, fills the screen. ROSS If you're calling to tell me that _seaQuest_ is missing, I've already heard. DELANO _seaQuest_ is missing? (beat) Well, that _is_ interesting. ROSS (frowning) Interesting how? DELANO Well, I wanted to tell you that UEO has been stepping up military operations over the past few hours. (beat) They're monitoring our movements rather closely. (beat) They've also been doing a lot of moving themselves. From what we can tell they've been pulling a good deal of troops and ships closer to our border. Ross' expression of worry becomes more intense. She speaks mostly to herself but loud enough to be easily heard. ROSS _seaQuest_ is gone, the UEO is moving pieces into place... (beat) Damn. DELANO (confused) Damn? (beat) I can read between the lines on this one. It's pretty obvious what happened to _seaQuest_. (beat) But I can't figure out why you didn't let me in on the operation. ROSS (quietly) Because there was no operation. DELANO (his confusion increases) What do you mean there was no operation? (beat) _seaQuest's_ disappearance isn't your doing? Ross shakes her head almost imperceptibly, lost in thought. DELANO But if you didn't have anything to do with it, why is UEO watching us so closely? ROSS (still quietly) I don't know. (beat) I guess they're blaming us. If you thought I planned this, they must too. (beat) Which means they must be getting ready to retaliate... Ross' voice trails off in fearful thought as DeLano watches helplessly. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE UEO Secretary General Katharine Hitchcock sits at her desk, her face buried in her hands. Robinson sits across the desk from her, watching her carefully. Hitchcock speaks through her hands, her voice muffled. HITCHCOCK Is there _any_ trace of it? At all? ROBINSON (frowning) We've been through this already. (beat, sighing) We have no sign of _seaQuest_. We have no idea which direction she went in. (beat) We're assuming she's headed toward Carolinan waters but... (beat, sighing again) We haven't found anything yet. Hitchcock lifts her head. She looks tired and upset. HITCHCOCK I thought we had confirmed that Hunter wasn't with the Carolinans anymore. ROBINSON (dryly) So did I. HITCHCOCK Another of Ross' tricks to catch us off guard. (beat, to herself) Damn her. ROBINSON Whatever the case, _seaQuest_ is gone and in Carolinan hands and we don't know where she is. HITCHCOCK (speaking without hope) So, what options do we have? (beat, hesitant) If we can't get _seaQuest_ back before it reaches Carolinan waters, I mean. Robinson shifts in his chair, uncomfortable with the advice he's about to give. ROBINSON If we can't get _seaQuest_ back, we can't just let the Carolinans' walk away with an easy victory. We can't just stay here doing nothing. (beat) This is different from the other stunts she's pulled. This is a direct and unprovoked assault on the UEO. Hitchcock knows exactly where the conversation is going, but doesn't want to be the one to say it. HITCHCOCK What's your suggestion? ROBINSON (sighing) If it's learned that we let the flagship, our most powerful submarine, be captured without retaliation, we might as well surrender to Ross right now. We'll be showing so much weakness we would never recover. (beat) Without even taking into account the fact that no power should take this kind of abuse without acting, there's still only one option. (beat) The only way to keep any support we have left with us and not drifting over to Langston, or worse, Ross, is to declare war against the Carolinan Confederation. Hitchcock frowns, turning from Robinson. Her face is a picture of conflict as she considers Robinson's words. She has obviously reached this opinion herself, but hoped there was another path. After a moment she turns back to him. HITCHCOCK I'll get Ross on vidlink. (beat) If I can't get her to give back _seaQuest_ and to agree to some heavy concessions right away over this... (beat) We're going to find ourselves in the middle of a war. The camera pulls back on the two's weary faces as we... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 17:33:05 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 6/"Takeover 2: Burial at Sea"/Act 2 ACT TWO OPEN ON PASSAGEWAY Hunter and a group of four guards escort Matthews, Wolenczak, Riller and Trueman. The guards encircle the _seaQuest_ crewmembers as they lead them. The group walks silently, until Trueman raises her voice. TRUEMAN I thought the Carolinans kicked you out, Hunter. (beat) Did you come crawling back to them? Offered to do this to show how worthwhile you were? Hunter continues to walk without showing any reaction to Trueman's words. Seeing that she's not reaching Hunter, she continues, trying a different approach. TRUEMAN You must have wanted back in pretty badly to play second fiddle to this Butler, didn't you? Hunter shoots Trueman a glare. She sees that her words have hit a tender spot and continues while she has momentum. Wolenczak looks to Trueman as if to cut her off, but she has continued before he can begin. TRUEMAN I guess it just shows that the only thing you're cut out to do is be second in command. They'd kick you out before they let you keep a comm-- Hunter spins suddenly, backhanding Trueman across the jaw. Riller springs into action, lunging for Hunter. The guard nearest to Riller sees the move and smashes the butt of his gun into Riller's nose. Riller, grunting in pain, falls to his knees. Before any of the other officers get a chance to consider helping, guns are aimed directly at them. Hunter merely stands behind the guards and glares fiercely at Trueman. Wolenczak bends slowly and unthreateningly down to Riller's side to help him. Riller holds his nose with both hands to keep the blood from pouring out. Hunter looks down to Riller and frowns. He pulls a handkerchief out of his pocket and tosses it to Wolenczak. Without so much as a nod of thanks, Wolenczak hands it to Riller, who presses it against his nose to stop the bleeding. Trueman bends down to help as well, while Matthews remains standing, glaring at Hunter. MATTHEWS That was totally unnecessary. (beat) You've won your glorious battle. Do you really need to start beating up on prisoners? HUNTER (turning his gaze to Matthews) Remember who taunted whom before I gave Trueman that love tap. (beat) And once you figure it out I'm sure you'll realize you should probably keep your mouths shut. Hunter turns to start walking again as Riller stands, with his friends’ help. Hunter has only walked a few steps before he turns back to Matthews with a cold smile on his face. HUNTER Speaking of being fit to command... (beat) I think you did an illustrious job in fighting off this little invasion. (beat) Your skill in dealing with it gave me another reason to be happy Wolenczak wasn't in command. Hunter turns again to walk away. Matthews, incensed by his words, moves to lunge for his back. Wolenczak grasps her shoulders and holds her back. WOLENCZAK Don't, Jessie. Don't let him get to you. Hunter continues to walk down the hall with Matthews glaring after him. Wolenczak squeezes her shoulder. Matthews looks up and meets his gaze, calming as she does. A shove by the guards behind them sends the group moving again. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock sits in front of the vidlink on her desk. She is taking deep and calming breaths as she waits. After a moment, the vidlink beeps and the voice of Hitchcock's secretary is heard. SECRETARY (over com) I have President Ross on the line, as you requested. HITCHCOCK Thank you, put her through. The vidlink beeps again before the screen comes to life, showing the face of President Ross. Ross doesn't appear to be any calmer than Hitchcock, less so, in fact. As Hitchcock sees Ross on the screen, her worry turns to anger. HITCHCOCK (bitingly) Madame President, I think we need to talk. Ross take the anger without retaliating, merely nodding with a hint of worry. HITCHCOCK (continuing) You've pulled a hell of a lot over the past year, _President Ross_, and it was all barely tolerable. (beat) But the unprovoked attack and theft of a UEO vessel is _not_. Hitchcock waits for a gloating response from Ross, but gets none. Ross merely listens silently, seeming to be collecting her thoughts. Ross' silence pushes Hitchcock's anger even higher. HITCHCOCK Maybe you're not taking this seriously. I don't see why not. (beat) Dammit, Ross, this is an act of war against the UEO that I cannot just let slide. (beat) The only reason our troops haven't poured into your territory is that most everyone is ignorant to this incident as of now (beat, less angry) And I wanted to give you a last chance to keep this war from happening. (beat) Give back _seaQuest_ immediately, President Ross. If you return our property and-- Ross finally speaks, cutting in quietly. ROSS I didn't take it. Hitchcock's anger slips away slightly, replaced by shock. HITCHCOCK What? ROSS (truly polite) I said I didn't take _seaQuest_. The Carolinan Confederation did not attack or steal your property, Madame Secretary. (beat) I'm just not sure why you think we did. Hitchcock's anger rises again. HITCHCOCK Because your operative walked onto _seaQuest_ and declared it property of the CC. ROSS My operative? I didn't _send_ anyone. HITCHCOCK You expect me to believe that that traitor, Hunter, took your forces all on his own just to get the ship for you? Ross' mouth drops in surprise upon hearing that Hunter is involved. ROSS Hunter? _Jason Hunter_? He led this mission? HITCHCOCK (frowning) You should know. ROSS But...Hunter isn't with the Confederation any more! (beat) Damn him...we got rid of him. His last mission was... Ross stops, realizing she'll be outright saying Hunter was sent to steal the Outrider. HITCHCOCK (bluntly) Was to steal a different piece of UEO property. (beat) It's not like I didn't already realize you sent him on that mission. ROSS (frowning) Right. (beat, sighing) Look, I don't want a war over this. I didn't order this mission, and Hunter is _not_ with the us anymore. (beat) I promise you that I don't have anything to do with this. Don't start a war over _this_, of all things. HITCHCOCK (not buying it) I can't count how many times you've lied to get your way, Ross. I'm not falling for it now. This is the last-- ROSS (cutting in again, definitely agitated) I didn't steal _seaQuest_! I didn't! Hunter, that bastard, is doing this on his own to get back at me, or you, or...I don't know. But I did _not_ have anything to do this! A long moment of silence follows Ross' outburst. Finally, Hitchcock speaks, quietly but harshly. HITCHCOCK President Ross, I'm calling you back in one hour. If you're not ready to discuss reparations for this act, you're going to find yourself in a war with the UEO. (beat) Goodbye. Hitchcock reaches to the vidlink and shuts it off even as Ross begins to speak, trying to explain herself again. The screen blinks off and Hitchcock leans back into her chair, rubbing her temples. After letting her head clear, she sits up and presses a button on the vidlink. The vidlink dials and rings twice before it is answered. The blank screen is replaced by Robinson's face. Robinson studies Hitchcock's face before talking. ROBINSON The call to Ross didn't go well? HITCHCOCK She denied having anything to do with the attack and said that Hunter isn't part of the CC anymore. (beat) The thing is, she actually sounded sincere. ROBINSON (frowning) This is a known manipulator we're taking about. She wouldn't be so successful if she was bad at it. HITCHCOCK I know...I know. (beat) But you should have seen the look on her face when I told her Hunter was involved. (beat) Admiral, I gave her an hour to think about war. I'm going to have to call her back after that. That means we've got an hour to see if she's telling the truth or not. ROBINSON And how would we do that? HITCHCOCK See what you can find on Hunter. See if we can learn about his movements after his alleged flight from the CC. (beat) See if you can find anything that links him to something other than Ross...I don't know (beat) Anything that can keep us out of a war. ROBINSON (nodding) I'll see what I can dig up. (beat) Cross your fingers on this one. HITCHCOCK (smiling humorlessly) I have been. Robinson nods and reaches toward the screen to shut off the vidlink. The picture disappears and Hitchcock immediately falls back in her chair once again, rubbing her temples. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross stares at the blank screen of the vidlink, both angered and shocked. DeLano stands in front of her desk, looking down at her. DELANO (calmly) Madame President? ROSS (not looking up) We _beat_ him. (beat) Dammit, we beat him. How could he come back and do this to me? _How_? (beat, looking up to DeLano) You've got an hour to find something, anything, that can help us. DELANO (frowning) An hour? I don't see what I could-- ROSS (screaming) Just do it! I'm not ending up in a war because of _him_! DELANO (nodding) I'll do my best, Madame President. DeLano turns and walks out of the room. Once his back is turned on Ross, his expression changes to one of disbelief at Ross' hysterics. Shaking his head slightly, he leaves the room. Ross looks back down to her desk, her hands shaking in anger. CUT TO TAYLOR'S OFFICE The hatch into the Taylor's office opens and Hunter and the guards enter. Matthews, Riller, Trueman and Wolenczak are led into the room. Riller continues to hold the handkerchief to his nose. The guards move the _seaQuest_ crewmembers to the desk and force them to sit down. One of the guards pulls out a set of handcuffs and grabs one of Wolenczak's arms. He locks Wolenczak's arm to Matthew's arm. Wolenczak's other arm is yanked behind him as well and locked to Matthews'...with the leg of the desk between them. The guards begin to do the same to Riller, pulling on the arm that holds the handkerchief to his nose. Seeing this, Hunter frowns and speaks up. HUNTER Hold it, he may still be bleeding. The guards look up, glaring at Hunter for his overly merciful attitude toward the prisoners. Nonetheless the guard eases his pressure on the arm. RILLER (harshly) I'm _fine_ Hunter, I don't need you to protect me from your guards. Riller drops the handkerchief to the group and moves his arm behind him. His nose is no longer bleeding. The guard handcuffs Riller and Trueman to the desk the same way Wolenczak and Matthews were. Matthews turns to Hunter. MATTHEWS You know you won't be able to keep this boat, Hunter. (beat) We've still got teams all over her, ready to strike back, and the advantage of surprise is gone by now. Hunter smiles in cruel humor before responding. HUNTER Oh, your other teams. That reminds me. (beat) One of my assault teams has a date with your teams in MedBay. Matthews is struck speechless, knowing that the only substantial team left on _seaQuest_ is there. Hunter, holding his smile, turns to the guards. HUNTER Keep an eye on them. If they cause any trouble, you know how to deal with them. The guards node and Hunter exits Taylor's office, closing the hatch behind him. The guards, weapons held ready, keep their attention on their prisoners. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY A large group of _seaQuest_ personnel being guarded by a smaller group of terrorist guards are removing panels from the wall. Among the group are Ensign Tom Reede and Lieutenant Commander William Goodwin. Reede, as he works, makes his way toward Goodwin without drawing attention to the move. Goodwin sees Reede coming and offers an almost imperceptible smile to acknowledge his arrival. They begin to speak, quiet enough so the guards don't notice the conversation. GOODWIN Hear anything about the rest of the crew? REEDE Not a word. GOODWIN (frowning) Damn. (beat) I don't even know who's still out there, free. REEDE (sighing) Yeah, we got knocked out of the fight so early. GOODWIN (smiling very slightly) Well, I'd reckon you got knocked out before me. Reede can't help but return the smile. REEDE Like hell I did. (beat) So, cowboy, any idea on what to do now? GOODWIN I doubt hitting those guards in the head with one of these panels would do much good. REEDE It would probably be satisfying at least. (beat) So I guess we're waiting for an opening? GOODWIN That was my plan. (beat) Not much of a plan really. REEDE (grinning) Not much of a surprise, coming from you. GOODWIN (smiling back) For one of the few people who can claim to have allowed terrorists onboard the flagship, you're awfully happy. REEDE Nah, not happy. (beat) I just figured that maybe the Carrots can take this ship, but I won't let them keep us from each other's throats. Goodwin can do nothing but chuckle at Reede's comment. His attention is caught, though, by movement to his right. Reede turns to look as well. A group of guards lead Doctor Meridith Burke towards the edge of the work group. They lay three cases of medical supplies next to where they stop her and force her to sit. Goodwin turns to Reede and frowns. GOODWIN Looks like they got MedBay. REEDE (sighing) Is _anyone_ still out there? GOODWIN I sure hope so. The two frown again, glancing to Burke, before going back to work on the panels. CUT TO TAYLOR'S OFFICE The four captives are as they were left, handcuffed to the desk. The two guards remain vigilant as they watch their prisoners. One of the guards turns as a knock at the hatch gets his attention. He opens the hatch a crack, glancing out, before opening it fully. Another guard, leading Ensign Anne Morgan, enters the room. The new guard looks over the other prisoners before speaking. GUARD Butler wants Wolenczak up on the bridge as a hostage. They're gonna call up UEO. (beat) Shorty here will be taking his place. Morgan glares at the guard, shoving him with the arm that he holds. The guard smirks at Morgan's act of defiance and pulls her to the desk. GUARD (continuing) Uncuff Wolenczak. One of the terrorists guarding Wolenczak and the others nods and moves to the desk. Matthews glances over her shoulder to Wolenczak, who nods slightly in response. Morgan is pulled to the desk by the new guard. She catches the glance between Wolenczak and Matthews and smiles grimly. The guard reaches down and uncuffs one arm, and then the other. He steps back, beginning to raise his weapon. Before he can point it at the two, though, Wolenczak and Matthews spring into action. WOLENCZAK (yelling) Jessie, take the farthest! Wolenczak throws his entire body into the guard closest to them, and they sprawl onto the deck. Matthews sprints toward the guard near the hatch, attempting to reach him before he can get his weapon into position to fire. She wins the race, shoving the man into the bulkhead behind him. Morgan takes the cue, grabbing and twisting the arm of her captor. His gun drops to the ground and Morgan follows with a blow to the face that sends the man to the deck. She scoops up the gun and fires it at the guard, stunning him. Wolenczak lands on top of the guard and punches him in the face three times before rising with the weapon next to him. Matthews, meanwhile, attempts to finish her guard with a quick punch using the momentum from the run, but her balance is off from her sprint. Her punch goes wild and her feet cross over each other. Matthews tumbles to the deck as the terrorist raises his gun to the target in his line of sight: Wolenczak. Wolenczak has risen and fired his weapon, stunning the guard on the deck in front of him. Matthews sees the man raising his gun and wildly grabs for his leg. The guard squeezes the trigger as his leg is pulled out from under him and he topples to the ground. The shot is skewed to he left, but not far enough to make him miss. Wolenczak is thrown back as the shot catches him in the abdomen. He hits the deck and Morgan's expression becomes one of fear. MORGAN (screaming) Lucas! Morgan runs toward Wolenczak's fallen form as we... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 17:48:23 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 6/"Takeover 2: Burial at Sea"/Act 3 ACT THREE OPEN ON TAYLOR'S OFFICE All is as before. Morgan slides to her knees at Wolenczak's side, immediately looking to the wound on his abdomen. Matthews looks at her fallen captain in horror, before focusing on the terrorist on the ground. Her horror turns to rage, and she rises to a crouch and lunges onto the fallen guard. She straddles his chest and her fists come down again and again on the guard. She stops only when she realizes the guard is no longer moving and that she has beaten him unconscious. She rolls off him, her fit of anger leaving her drained. She looks toward Wolenczak, where Morgan is gently pulling up his shirt. Morgan's face still shows her extreme fear, but this fear is not reflected in her movements. Her movements are smooth and calm, making sure not to injure him further as she works. Matthews' fear returns full force as she sees Wolenczak on the ground, unmoving. MATTHEWS Anne...how...how is he? Is he...? Matthews can't bear to finish the thought in words. Morgan, without taking her attention from her work, shakes her head. MORGAN No, he's alive. (beat, quietly) Only just...but he's alive. MATTHEWS Can you...can you help him? MORGAN (determinedly) He's _not_ going to die, Jessie. MATTHEWS I'm so sorry Anne. I screwed up...it's my fault. I-- RILLER (cutting in) Commander, I don't mean to stop your guilt trip, but could you please get us uncuffed before any more guards show up? Matthews doesn't even seem to catch the insult. She instead moves almost mechanically to one of the guards on the ground and pulls an electric key from his chest pocket. She makes her way to Riller and begins to unlock the handcuffs. Morgan stares at Wolenczak's wound with a deep frown. MORGAN I need a medkit or something...any kind of supplies. Trueman and Riller rise from the desk. Riller immediately grabs a weapon and walks to the hatch to see if it's secured. Trueman rushes to Morgan's side, as does Matthews. RILLER We need to get out of here. (beat) They had to have heard the commotion. And even if they didn't, they're going to wonder why the captain hasn't been taken to the bridge yet. Matthews doesn't respond, instead staring down at Wolenczak. Trueman sees that Matthews is consumed by her belief that this was her fault, and frowns. She turns to Morgan. TRUEMAN Anne, can we move him? MORGAN We don't have a choice, do we? Trueman sighs and shakes her head. TRUEMAN Not unless we want to get captured again. MORGAN (trying to find a bright side) Maybe I can find some supplies if we go somewhere else. (beat) We've got to be _very_ gentle. The heat from the laser cauterized the wound, but if we start moving him around, it could break open. (beat) We have enough trouble without him bleeding. Trueman nods again and turns to Matthews. TRUEMAN Jessie, come on. Snap out of it, this wasn't your fault. (beat, frustrated at not getting a response) Dammit, unless you want the captain to die and the rest of us to get grabbed again, stop moping and start moving! Matthews turns to Trueman, nodding numbly. MATTHEWS S...sorry Becca. Riller rolls his eyes and looks to Wolenczak. RILLER Matthews and I will carry the captain. (beat, to Morgan and Trueman) You two provide cover. The two nod almost simultaneously, though Morgan never takes her eyes from Wolenczak. Riller nods and tosses his weapon to Trueman. RILLER Then let's get moving before someone comes in here. Morgan and Trueman open the hatch slightly and look out down the passageway. CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT Crouched in the dark of _seaQuest_'s ducting is Lieutenant Commander Ed Taylor. He appears to be waiting. After a moment of silence, the quiet sound of someone moving toward him is heard. Taylor turns his attention to the sound, squinting to see in the darkness and preparing to jump whoever gets close. Taylor relaxes as he sees who is approaching: Seaman Charles Jones. Despite relaxing, Taylor frowns slightly at Jones as he nears. TAYLOR (speaking quietly but disapprovingly) Seaman, you're supposed to whistle twice when you get close. (beat) I almost attacked you. JONES (feeling stupid) Oh...sorry, Sir I-- TAYLOR You forgot. I know. (beat) Don't forget again; we've got enough trouble without forgetting the simple things. JONES (nodding) Right, Sir. I'm sorry. (beat) I just...I went to check on MedBay. TAYLOR And? JONES Well...it's empty, Sir. (beat) The Carrots got there before I could. Taylor's expression turns to one of fear. Jones notices the look. JONES Sir, are you okay? TAYLOR (shaking his head) No, I'm not. (beat) My wife was in MedBay. JONES (understanding) I only saw three bodies in the room, Sir. And I recognized them all. (beat) None of them were Doctor Taylor. Taylor doesn't lose his fearful expression. He shakes his head. TAYLOR (speaking in a near monotone) They still have her. (beat, considering) Do you have any idea where they took the prisoners? JONES Maybe the docking bay? TAYLOR (shakes his head) They cleared out the prisoners from the docking bay a while ago. I checked it out earlier. There is a moment of uncomfortable silence before Jones finally speaks up. JONES Well, we have to find out where they're keeping the prisoners anyway, right? (beat) Just look out for her. Taylor nods, but his expression doesn't change. TAYLOR That's what I planned on doing, Seaman. Jones attempts to get Taylor's mind on something other than his wife. JONES So what's our plan, Sir? Taylor turns to Jones, pondering before he speaks. Jones' tactic has worked, if only a little. Though Taylor still appears very nervous, he isn't stuck on his fear. TAYLOR Like you said, we've got to find out where they're holding prisoners. (beat) If we can catch them off guard we might be able to liberate some of our friends. (beat) The two of us alone sure as hell can't take back this ship. JONES (grinning) But wouldn't it make a great story if we did? Taylor just stares at Jones for a moment, as if not getting the fact that Jones is joking. Then he cracks a smile. TAYLOR (smiling) If we did, at the least they'd better make a movie about us. Taylor motions to start moving before heading down the ducting. Jones follows, still smiling. JONES (quietly) So, who would you want to play you? CUT TO BRIDGE Butler sits in the captain's chair, his face a picture of rage. He gazes down at his hands, which are balled together. Hunter walks in through the open hatch. He sees Butler and walks toward him. Butler hears Hunter coming and focuses his angered glare on him. BUTLER (bitingly) Took the scenic route to the bridge, Hunter? HUNTER I had something to attend to before I came up here. BUTLER Something to attend to? Really? What would that be? (beat) Let me guess...you were ensuring that you carried out your orders incompetently enough that Wolenczak and the others would escape, right? HUNTER (confused) Excuse me? BUTLER (his voice raises to a yell) Captain Wolenczak and the other prisoners in the chief engineer's office are _gone_! They somehow managed to escape their handcuffs, overcome their guards and get out. (beat) In fact, one of the guards was beaten so badly I'm not sure when he'll wake up. (beat) Would you care to explain how such _important_ prisoners managed to escape? HUNTER (not ruffled) I don't know, Butler. They were your guards that screwed up, why don't you ask them? BUTLER (accusatory) Are you criticizing my people? My men are-- HUNTER (losing his temper) Incompetent! (beat) When I left, those people were chained to a desk. To get away they'd have had to be uncuffed. If your _armed_ guards couldn't handle unarmed and _restrained_ prisoners, it's not my fault. BUTLER Maybe you shouldn't have cuffed them so that two people had to be freed to get _one_ person out! HUNTER I didn't know you had any intention of _moving_ anyone or I wouldn't have. Butler looks ready to respond, but notices that everyone on the bridge is watching the fight with interest. Butler lowers his voice and steps closer to Hunter. Though he speaks more quietly, his voice is no less harsh. BUTLER I'm going to go and _personally_ make sure that the rest of our prisoners are secured better than Wolenczak was. (beat) Keep an eye on the bridge. (beat, bitingly) Try to make sure _seaQuest_ doesn't drift anywhere while I'm gone. (beat) Can you handle that, Hunter? HUNTER (cruelly) I'll be fine. Just try to keep your staff from screwing anything else up while I do. Butler comes an inch away from losing it again, but notices that the bridge crew still watches them. He leans in and whispers to Hunter. BUTLER Keep it up Hunter. Then I won't feel as bad about blowing you out of an airlock after this mission is over. Butler turns and storms off the bridge. Hunter watches Butler leave, glaring after him. Once Butler is off the bridge, Hunter turns to the captain's chair, looking down at it. He reaches out, touching an armrest, then pulls his hand away quickly. He turns away, frowning, and looks around the bridge, supervising from where he stands instead of from the captain's chair he can't bring himself to sit in. CUT TO CREW QUARTERS A standard crew quarters stands empty until the hatch is thrown open. Through the open hatch, Trueman slips in, checking to make sure it is clear. Approving, she motions those behind her in. Riller and Matthews, moving quickly but carefully, carry a still unconscious Wolenczak through the hatch, followed by Morgan. Riller and Matthews lay Wolenczak gently onto the bottom bunk and step away. Morgan moves to Wolenczak and lays the medical kit she carries on the floor beside the bunk. She looks at Wolenczak's abdomen and frowns darkly. MORGAN The wound broke open. (beat) It must have just happened, he hasn't lost much blood yet. MATTHEWS (sighing) Yet. Trueman glares at Matthews, who catches the look and shuts up. Riller closes and locks the hatch. RILLER Unless they do a room to room search, we'll be safe for a while. Even if they do a search, we should have a little bit of time. Trueman nods to Riller and turns to Morgan. TRUEMAN Can you help him, Anne? Morgan is rummaging through a medical kit. She pulls out a roll of gauze and looks again at Wolenczak's wound. MORGAN I just have to stop the bleeding before he loses too much blood. I don't know when we'll get the chance to replace what he loses. Morgan goes to work and it's obvious she has no intention of conversation until she's done. She lifts Wolenczak's shirt away from the wound and presses a thick piece of gauze against the now-bleeding wound. Matthews watches the scene numbly. Riller frowns at Matthews and turns to Trueman. RILLER So what's next? TRUEMAN (shrugging) I don't know. (beat, loudly to Matthews) Commander, any ideas? Matthews is snapped from her trance and turns to Trueman. MATTHEWS I don't know, Becca. (beat) Maybe I'm not the best person to lead this. TRUEMAN What is _that_ supposed to mean? You are _seaQuest's_ first officer, right? (beat, motioning to Wolenczak) Well, the captain is incapacitated. You're in command, just like you have been since this started, and dozens of times before this. (beat) At least _try_ to act like it. RILLER (sighing) Ensign, she's still your comman. TRUEMAN I know what she is, _Lieutenant_. But I don't see any reason to follow the chain of command if she won't. (beat, turning back to Matthews) So _Commander_, are you going to do your job or are we on our own for this? Matthews looks ready to protest, but she sees that Trueman isn't about to let her. Matthews nods faintly. MATTHEWS It's my job, I'd better do it. TRUEMAN Exactly. (beat) So what's our plan? Matthews frowns. She obviously still doesn't feel capable to command anything. MATTHEWS I don't know how we can take back _seaQuest_ from inside. (beat) I think we need to get off the boat. RILLER But if anything could be done from outside, don't you think UEO would have done it by now? At least while we're in here we can strike directly. MATTHEWS But our crew has been captured or killed... (beat, closing her eyes) As has our captain... (beat) We can't do anything from here. (beat) Maybe UEO can't find us. If we can get off _seaQuest_, maybe we can lead UEO back here. Riller shakes his head, still not happy with the idea. RILLER And if the Carrots move the ship before then? Trueman smiles as an idea strikes her. TRUEMAN We could set up a tracer on the ship. Something that could lead us back here. RILLER It would have to be a powerful tracer. TRUEMAN (smiling slightly) Don't be so negative, Justin. (beat) I could wire it into the communications system. (beat, smiling wider) I might even be able to wire it in so we could remotely access the boat's computer. We could cause a little havoc on the system when we actually try to take back the ship. Matthews nods, liking the idea. MATTHEWS You'd have to make it to the bridge or to aux con, though, wouldn't you? TRUEMAN (nodding) Since the Carrots took the bridge, aux con may not be heavily guarded. (beat) It's the best chance we have. Riller nods in agreement, but before he can speak Morgan turns around and cuts in. MORGAN I stopped the bleeding. Relief sweeps over Matthews' face, even more so than Trueman's or Riller's. MORGAN (continuing) And he's awake...barely. Morgan turns back to Wolenczak and looks down at him. Matthews walks immediately over to the bed and looks down. The camera pans over to show Wolenczak's face. His eyes are mere slits, but he is conscious. MATTHEWS Captain? Wolenczak looks weakly to Matthews and nods. WOLENCZAK (very weakly) I heard...your plan. It sounds good. (beat) But you need...a way off _seaQuest_. MATTHEWS We can get to the docking bay. It'll be a bit of a walk but we should be able to all get there. Morgan looks at Matthews and sadly shakes her head. MORGAN We can't move him, Jessie. I've got the bleeding stopped now but if we try carrying him again he'll start bleeding. I don't know if I'll be able to stop it if it breaks open any worse. MATTHEWS (desperately) I'll go to MedBay and get a stretcher...something stable...I-- WOLENCZAK Jessie...no. (beat) You can't move me...and you can't jeopardize the mission to get me off of _seaQuest_. You need to get out of here. MATTHEWS (shaking her head wildly) But I can't leave you here...we can't...we can't just leave you here. What if they find you? WOLENCZAK Then they find me. (beat) If you carry me it'll slow you down and make you an easy target. And if Anne is right I may not survive the voyage. (beat) This may be the last chance to retake our boat, Jessie. I won't hold it back for my safety. MATTHEWS But-- WOLENCZAK (shaking his head) But nothing. (beat, turning his head to Trueman and Riller) Ensign Trueman...get to aux con and set up the tracer...Riller you keep her company...keep her out of trouble. (beat, to Morgan and Matthews) And you two get to docking bay and get a way out secured. Make sure you know the frequency of the tracer just in case Trueman is unable to make it to docking bay before you have to leave. MATTHEWS I won't leave you here, Captain! WOLENCZAK Yes, you will, Jessie. MORGAN (sadly) I don't want to leave you here, either. I don't want you without medical attention. WOLENCZAK (smiling weakly) Then get hurry up so you can get back here with a full medical team. Morgan sighs and nods, unhappy but knowing his argument is right. Matthews continues to protest, though. MATTHEWS Sir, please...I can't leave you here. You wouldn't even _be_ hurt if not for me...and...you can't die because I screwed up. I-- WOLENCZAK You're doing fine, Jessie. You don't have anything to apologize for. (beat) Except not following a direct order right now. (beat) Now get out of here before it's too late to do anything. Morgan nods and rises, touching Wolenczak's hand gently. MORGAN I'll make sure that medical team gets here ASAP. WOLENCZAK You'd better; this is uncomfortable as hell. Morgan smiles at the joke, but still looks fearful at having to leave him here. She steps away from the bunk and moves to the hatch. TRUEMAN We'll get that tracer set up, Captain. RILLER Just hold on until we get _seaQuest_ back. WOLENCZAK I have no intention of doing otherwise. Riller smiles and nods, opening the hatch slowing and peeking outside. Satisfied with what he sees he slips out, followed by Trueman. Morgan waves with a hopeful smile before taking Matthews by the arm and practically leading her out of the room. WOLENCZAK Good luck, Jessie. Matthews nods, unable to speak from the horror of having to leave Wolenczak behind, before being pulled fully out of the room. Wolenczak leans back in the bed, staring up, as the hatch closes. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 18:02:44 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 6/"Takeover 2: Burial at Sea"/Act 4 ACT FOUR OPEN ON BRIDGE Hunter paces the bridge, occasionally observing the bridge crew working at their stations. He turns as Butler storms through the hatch and onto the bridge. Hunter frowns slightly as Butler enters and approaches him. HUNTER (not really caring) Any luck finding Wolenczak and the others? BUTLER (shortly) No. HUNTER We could do a room by r-- BUTLER It's not your concern anymore. (beat) It's time for you to give the UEO a call. HUNTER But we're still incapacitated; they may be able to trace the signal back to us before we're ready. BUTLER If I had as little foresight as you, that would be true. Luckily, I don't. HUNTER (almost a growl) Look, Butler, you obviously like me less than I like you, but keep it to yourself if you want my help on this. Because I've had just about enough of you. Butler looks ready to lash out at Hunter, barely managing to restrain it. He nods stiffly. BUTLER Fine. Have it your way. (beat) We're routing the call through the decoy sub. I made sure it was capable before evacuating. HUNTER Then let's get this over with. Butler turns to Hardy, who sits at the communications panel. BUTLER Get us connected with UEO headquarters. Hardy nods and taps a few keys. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock sits at her desk looking over information on a data pad when her intercom beeps. She taps a button and her secretary speaks. SECRETARY (over com) Ma'am, I've got a call from Jason Hunter coming through. He wants to discuss the situation on _seaQuest_ with you. HITCHCOCK (biting her lip) Put him through. CUT TO BRIDGE Hunter stands confidently in front of the main viewscreen, where the UEO symbol is displayed prominently before being replaced by Hitchcock's image. HUNTER (sarcastically) Madame Secretary, I hope I'm not disturbing you. HITCHCOCK Everything about you disturbs me, Hunter. (beat) We both know this isn't a friendly call, so drop the act. HUNTER I was hoping we could be civil, but if you want to play it like this, I'll be blunt. (beat) _seaQuest_ is the property of the Carolinan Confederation. We're en route to Carolinan waters as we speak. Any attempts by the UEO to retake _seaQuest_ will not only result in the destruction of the offending ships, but in the deaths of all hostages onboard. (beat) If you let us bring _seaQuest_ to Confederation waters quietly, your prisoners, including Captain Wolenczak, will be returned to you. (beat) Any problems with that, Madame Secretary? Hitchcock just frowns at Hunter for a moment before responding. HITCHCOCK Only one problem, really. (beat) How are you working for an organization that already kicked you out? HUNTER (coolly) Excuse me? HITCHCOCK The Carolinan Confederation fired you, Hunter. Ross isn't taking any credit or responsibility for this. She says you're acting on your own. HUNTER (smirking) Ross plays games constantly. She's just buying herself time. HITCHCOCK Oh, just throwing up a web of lies to confuse the UEO? HUNTER (shrugging) That's usually her policy. HITCHCOCK (smiling coldly) You're not exactly the most honest of people, either, from what I've seen. (beat) So how do I know who's telling the truth? Hunter shrugs again, acting unmoved by Hitchcock's accusations. HUNTER We've got _seaQuest_ in our possession. If this were my mission and not hers, you can believe me I'd be taking credit for it instead of assigning false credit to her. (beat) But, my allegiance isn't an issue here. What is an issue is whether you understand my demands. (beat) Stay away from us or I'll kill the hostages, starting with your good friend Wolenczak. HITCHCOCK (shaking her head) I don't even know if Captain Wolenczak is alive. You may have killed him in the initial assault. (beat) I want to see him. Hunter becomes slightly uncomfortable at the mention of Wolenczak. HUNTER Why? So you can try and pass messages to each other in cryptic phrases? I don't think so. HITCHCOCK Then as far as I'm concerned you don't have anything bargain with. Most of the crew could already be dead. (beat) No deal Hunt-- Butler steps up and cuts in angrily. BUTLER Fine, you don't like our first offer, how about this one? (beat) You bring any ships anywhere near us, we'll station _seaQuest_ right over the biggest colony near us and detonate every weapon onboard. The blast will kill every person there. HITCHCOCK Who the hell are you to-- BUTLER (quickly) That's all. Butler makes a signal to Hardy to cut off the connection, and Hitchcock's face immediately disappears from the screen. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock slams her fist into the desk in anger and frustration. HITCHCOCK Dammit! She brings a hand to her forehead and takes deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Her anger subsides partially, and she reaches for the intercom, taping a button. HITCHCOCK Get me Admiral Robinson. Now. CUT TO BRIDGE Hunter spins, turning his full attention and anger on Butler HUNTER What was that supposed to be? Why did you jump in? BUTLER You were waffling around. She's already suspicious about who you're working for, and you just give her more reason to think you're lying with your hesitation. (beat) I had to show her we're still in charge. HUNTER By making an idle threat like blowing up a colony? What are we supposed to do when they call our bluff? BUTLER (harshly) Who said it was a bluff? HUNTER You can't seriously be considering massacring innocent people. BUTLER Yes, I am. If UEO comes after us, we'll take what we need from this ship and detonate it over the nearest major colony. (beat, smiling) After that, a war between Carolina and the UEO will be inevitable. Hunter merely glares, disbelieving, at Butler. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock and Robinson sit in her office, watching a video replay of the conversation with the terrorists. Robinson freezes the image as Butler bursts onto the screen, staring at the image. ROBINSON I know I've seen him before. HITCHCOCK But where? Is he a Carolinan agent? ROBINSON I don't think so. I... (beat, realizing) I've got it. He's been connected with a few other terrorist raids on the UEO. Nothing this major, but...that's him. HITCHCOCK And you're sure he's not with the Confederation? ROBINSON (nodding) Absolutely. He's a mercenary of some sort. (beat) And from what I've seen of Eileen Ross, she's too paranoid to let a mercenary leader like that go on a mission this important. HITCHCOCK (frowning) It sounds like you're reaching for a way around a war. ROBINSON Maybe I am. But wouldn't you? (beat) Talk to Ross. See how dedicated she is to keeping the peace if she really didn't do this. HITCHCOCK And I suppose you have an idea on how? Robinson nods and smiles. CUT TO BRIDGE Butler sits in the captain's chair. An extremely angry Hunter stands beside him and, without turning, begins to talk to Butler. HUNTER Don't go through with this threat. BUTLER You may be too weak for this job, but I'm not. HUNTER (sternly) I'm warning you Butler, don't try this. BUTLER (mocking) Or what, Hunter? HUNTER Or you can run this mission without me. Butler laughs at Hunter's threat. BUTLER Go ahead and drop out. It'll be a blessing if you leave. Hunter nods and turns, walking quickly to the hatch. BUTLER That's what, Hunter, three jobs in a row you couldn't handle and had to leave? Hunter ignores the taunt and storms out of the bridge. Chuckling, Butler turns to Hardy. BUTLER Have the patrols keep an eye out for him. If they find him, bring him back. (beat, grinning cruelly) If he resists, tell them they have permission to shoot him. Hardy grins as well and turns to his panel to relay the order. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Matthews and Morgan move almost silently through a long passageway. Morgan holds a weapon at ready, as does Matthews. But Matthews' attitude lacks any conviction, whereas Morgan shows a hardened determination in her goal. MATTHEWS (whispering) We should go back and get the captain, Anne. MORGAN (shaking her head) Jessie... MATTHEWS What do you expect me to do? Let him die? MORGAN We're not letting him die, Jessie. We're trying to save him _and_ this boat. MATTHEWS But he's alone and injured. (beat) And it's-- MORGAN (frustrated) Don't you dare say it's your fault again. MATTHEWS But Anne, it is. (beat) I choked. If I hadn't lost my footing, we wouldn't have a problem. MORGAN (rolling her eyes) We could go through ifs all day with this. (beat) It's not going to do a thing to help us, though. MATTHEWS (nodding with a sigh) I know, Anne. I know. But... (beat) Anne, Lucas might die because I didn't do my part. We might escape _seaQuest_ just to find that we're at war without our flagship because I couldn't handle a small invading force. (beat) I failed, Anne. MORGAN (turning on Matthews) We _all_ failed, Jessie. All of us. You did everything you could, just like the rest of us, and it wasn't enough. (beat) But we've got a chance to make up for that, now. And I seriously hope you're not going to let it fail because you feel guilty. Matthews stares at Morgan, knowing her scathing comments are right. After a long moment she nods. MATTHEWS You're right Anne. I'm so-- The sound of footsteps comes toward them from around the corner. MORGAN Shhh. Morgan grabs Matthews' arm and pulls her to the side of the passage, throwing open a hatch and pushing Matthews in before dashing in herself. She shuts the hatch without a sound seconds before two terrorist guards come around the corner. CUT TO CREW QUARTERS Morgan and Matthews stand in the dark room, keeping even their breathing silent as possible. The clicking of the terrorist's boots can be very faintly heard through the door as they pass. Morgan breathes a sigh of relief as the sound passes. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Hunter walks alone down a passage, his face is a picture of inner conflict. HUNTER Why did I take this mission and let Butler do this? (beat, frowning) Revenge isn't worth this. Shaking his head angrily he approaches a corner and begins to round it. CUT TO CREW QUARTERS Morgan slowly opens the hatch and peers out, but sees nothing. She slips out of the room, holding the gun ready, as Matthews follows behind her. Matthews shuts the hatch and the two move toward the corner the guards came around earlier. She has only made it a few steps when the sound of footsteps from around the corner is heard again. Morgan and Matthews glance back to the room they come from, realizing they won't make it back to the room before the guard rounds the corner. Morgan turns back to the passage intersection and raises the gun. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Hunter, still looking down and speaking quietly to himself, turns the corner in front of him. He looks up just in time to see Morgan aim and fire the gun quickly. Hunter attempts to throw his weight to the side and around the corner, but he is too late. Morgan's blast cuts into his chest and sends him to the deck. Morgan's eyes focus on Hunter's face, realizing she hasn't just shot a terrorist guard as she suspected. She runs quickly up to his fallen body and slides to her knees at his side. Matthews runs quickly to him as well, remaining standing. Hunter's eyes remain open slightly as he is barely conscious. Morgan looks down at the wound, but Hunter's voice gets her attention. HUNTER (weakly) Finally got...your wish...didn't you? MORGAN (shaking her head) I don't want you dead, Hunter. I never did. HUNTER Maybe not you...but Matthews does...and she's got...every right. Matthews looks ready to confirm his statement, but Hunter continues before she can. HUNTER Maybe...I can help you. MATTHEWS (not believing) Help how? Hunter takes a ragged breath before speaking. HUNTER Look at the...appointment calendar...noon...the day of Ford's death. MATTHEWS How is that supposed to help? HUNTER (smiles maliciously) It's my...back door. Use it...and kick Butler...in the ass. MORGAN (understanding) Your way into the system. Hunter nods and holds his smile as he takes another ragged breath which wracks his body. Morgan takes Hunter's hand and squeezes it. MORGAN Thank you, Jason. (beat) I'm so sorry. Hunter's eyes focus on Morgan and his breathing stabilizes. He gives her one nod before his body convulses again...then stops moving altogether. Morgan squeezes Hunter's hand one more time before looking up at Matthews and nodding, confirming that Hunter has stopped breathing. The two look back down to him, actually sadly, before lifting his body and moving it toward the nearest hatch. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 18:14:41 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 6/"Takeover 2: Burial at Sea"/Act 5 (end) ACT FIVE OPEN ON HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock hasn't slept since this ordeal started, and it's beginning to show on her face. She sits, her eyes locked on the blank vidlink screen, her fingers interlaced tightly and her body tense. Robinson sits in the chair next to her, out of view of the vidlink. The intercom beeps and Hitchcock slowly taps the button. SECRETARY (over com) President Ross is on the line as you requested. HITCHCOCK Put her through. Hitchcock allows herself one more deep breath before Ross' face appears on the screen. President Ross appears just as haggard as Hitchcock, if not more so. ROSS (greeting her with a nod) Madame Secretary. HITCHCOCK (returning the gesture) Madame President. I hope you've had time to think about your situation. Ross nods. It is obvious that Ross' usual arrogant confidence has been stripped away over the past day. ROSS Yes, I have, and I want to repeat that this isn't a Carolinan operation and you have no cause to start a war over this and-- HITCHCOCK (cutting her off quickly) Then prove it. ROSS (not understanding) How am I supposed to prove it? Hitchcock leans back in her chair, exuding the same sort of confidence Ross has used against her again and again. HITCHCOCK If you're so dedicated to peace, and if you really had nothing to do with the theft of UEO property, then prove your conviction. (beat) Give us a gesture of your commitment to peace. ROSS (frowning) I don't understand. HITCHCOCK Yes you do, Madame President. (beat) How much do you want to avoid a war over this? ROSS I'll do whatever I have to in order to avoid a war. You have to believe me. HITCHCOCK (smiling) _Whatever_ you have to? (beat) Fine, then if you want to avoid a war, show us your sincerity by meeting these terms. (beat) First, we want full cooperation from the Carolinan Confederation in the recapture of _seaQuest_. And I mean full cooperation. If _any_ of our property ends up in your hands after this, we'll consider it an act of war. (beat) Understood? ROSS (nodding hastily) Of course. I'll send whatever boats are nearby to you and place them under your command until _seaQuest_ is recaptured. (beat) Is that all? Hitchcock smiles and shakes her head. HITCHCOCK Two more--small--things. (beat) As an act of good faith, I want another bit of UEO property returned. Something that you _did_ steal. (beat) I want Janus Colony returned within a week's time. ROSS (protesting) But that has nothing to do with _seaQuest_! HITCHCOCK You're getting off easily on this one, Ross. I have no reason to believe you about this matter, but I'm giving you an easy way out. I'm not asking for anything that's yours, I'm just asking for what you took from _us_ already. (beat) Understood? ROSS (taken aback by Hitchcock's aggressiveness) Yes, I do. I'll arrange the pulling out of our forces immediately. (beat) And the second thing? HITCHCOCK I'm going to have to make a statement about _seaQuest_. I'd rather tell people about it being stolen than have them find out from a media leak. (beat) I want a statement from you, as well, saying that after talks with the UEO, you've decided to make an overture of peace to us. You're returning UEO property you _stole_ from us. Ross swallows and takes a deep breath, knowing Hitchcock has backed her into a corner. Very hesitantly, she replies. ROSS I'll make the statement, Madame Secretary. (beat) And after this incident, I expect that we'll stay out of each other's way for a bit? HITCHCOCK I couldn't agree more. (beat) I'll have military information and formal terms for Janus' return to you immediately. (beat) Good day, Madame President. Ross can only manage a weak nod before Hitchcock cuts off the call. She turns to Robinson with a small smile; he responds with a smile and an approving nod. Letting out a deep breath of relief that everything went as planned, Hitchcock leans back in her chair to ponder the next problem. CUT TO BRIDGE Butler sits in the captain's chair, frowning heavily. Zane stands next to him, talking. BUTLER Has there been any sign of where they went? ZANE Not at all. (beat) We don't even have the computers up to run any sort of security scan. BUTLER Speaking of which, how far away are we from getting the computers back up? ZANE We'll have the cables repaired within ten minutes. After that, give it another ten, twenty minutes of reboot time. BUTLER It's about time. (beat) Once the cables are connected, move the working prisoners to the mess with the others. Make sure they won't be causing any trouble. ZANE (dryly) I'll try to do better than Hunter did. BUTLER That shouldn't be hard. (beat) Any word on Hunter? Have any of our patrols run into him? ZANE (sighs and shakes his head) I don't know if he's avoiding them or not. (beat) You want me to put a few patrols to look more actively for him? BUTLER (shaking his head) No, we've got enough trouble trying to find those escapees. (beat) Once we've got the computer online and have some guards freed up, start a room to room search. (beat) I at least want Wolenczak found and brought here. ZANE (grinning and nodding) I'll see to it he is. Zane turns and moves off of the bridge. Butler leans back once more into the captain's chair, obviously enjoying being able to sit in it. CUT TO AUX CON Riller stands at the hatch into aux con, peering out occasionally. Three guards lie on the deck. Trueman works quickly below the main panel. RILLER (impatiently) Are you almost done? TRUEMAN (annoyed) Do you think I'd still be under here if I was? RILLER We were lucky enough to get in here as easily as we did. If we stay here much longer we're going to get caught. TRUEMAN You told me that already. But if you want this done right, let me work. (beat, quietly) I wish Percell was here. She'd be done by now. Riller frowns and turns back to the door, watching out of it almost nervously. Finally Trueman stands up from behind the console. TRUEMAN Done. (beat) The tracer looks like part of the system, and I even left them a slightly more obvious one if they decide to poke around. (beat, smiling) There was a reason I took my time. RILLER (rolling his eyes) Let's just get to the docking bay before Commander Matthews leaves us behind. He slips out the hatch with Trueman following, still smiling triumphantly from her work. CUT TO BRIDGE The bridge is much as it was before, with Butler sitting in the captain's chair. Hardy, who still mans the communications console, turns to Butler. HARDY I just got a report from the workforce. The cabling has been repaired and we're ready to start rebooting the computer. BUTLER (smiling) Reboot the main computer. (beat) And Hardy, plot a course to the nearest major UEO colony. Once we're capable, head there at top speed. HARDY Consider it done. Hardy goes to work and Butler grins arrogantly. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Morgan stands at an airlock hatch, lost in thought. Matthews pokes her head out of the hatch. MATTHEWS We're ready to go. (beat, hesitantly) If Trueman and Riller don't show up in a few minutes we're going to have to leave them behind. MORGAN (nodding) I know... (beat) Commander...I...have a request. MATTHEWS What is it? MORGAN (biting her lip) Well, I know how you feel about leaving Captain Wolenczak-- MATTHEWS (frowning darkly) Anne, please...don't bring this up again...I'm...fine now. MORGAN (shaking her head) No, I understand how you feel and...I feel the same way. (beat) And I thought of something that may help. MATTHEWS Oh? MORGAN I want to stay behind. MATTHEWS (horrified) You want to _what_? Morgan is cut off from responding as the hatch into the docking bay is thrown open. Morgan turns quickly, aiming her already unholstered weapon at the hatch. She relaxes, through, as she sees the figures entering the bay: Riller and Trueman. They smile as they see that Matthews and Morgan are still waiting. TRUEMAN We didn't think we were going to make it! MATTHEWS (obviously relieved) You almost didn't. RILLER I'm not about to get left here. (beat) There were a couple of Carrots coming near you when we got here. TRUEMAN (smiling) They're not a problem, now. (beat) Plus the tracer is ready and, hopefully, working. RILLER We do have a problem, though. (beat) In about ten minutes, maybe a little less, the main computers are going to come back online. Which means sensors and weapons control will be working. MATTHEWS Damn. (beat) We'd better get out of here, then. The launch is ready. Riller and Trueman nod, moving to the airlock. As they pass through it, Morgan turns to Matthews again. MORGAN (decisive) Jessie, I'm staying behind. MATTHEWS But...Anne...why? MORGAN We made it to the launch. Whether or not I'm on it won't make a difference. I'm not a fighter. MATTHEWS (smiling very slightly) You could have fooled me...you handled getting here better than I did. You even took out Hunt-- MORGAN (cutting in, tightly) Hunter was different. I was just trying to get us out of here, not pull the trigger on anyone... (beat) And that doesn't make me any kind of fighter. (beat) I can't leave Lucas here alone, Jessie. MATTHEWS You want to stay here with Lucas? (beat) Anne, there's no guarantee _seaQuest_ won't be destroyed. MORGAN Than I'll take my chance. (beat) If I can do anything to keep him safe on the chance we'll retake _seaQuest_ in one piece, then I will. Trueman's voice is heard from inside the airlock. TRUEMAN (O.S.) We've got to go, Commander. If we're not gone once they get sensors back online, we might as well stay. MATTHEWS I'm coming. (beat, turning to Morgan) Are you sure about this, Anne? MORGAN (offering a small smile) I doubt you could stop me. Matthews nods hesitantly. MATTHEWS Be careful. MORGAN I will. (beat, smiling almost nervously) Just do what you can to get us back alive. Okay? Matthews nods and moves away to the launch. MATTHEWS I'll make up for everything that happened. I promise. MORGAN Please don't keep blaming yourself. Matthews shakes her head. MATTHEWS I'm not. (beat) See you soon, Anne. Matthews turns and goes through the airlock, cycling the hatch closed behind her, as Morgan moves quickly out of the docking bay. CUT TO INTERIOR LAUNCH Trueman moves so Matthews can take the pilot seat. TRUEMAN Where's Anne? MATTHEWS Staying with the captain. Trueman nods and straps herself into her seat as Matthews completes her pre-launch checks. CUT TO BRIDGE Butler impatiently watches Hardy for affirmation that the computers are back online. BUTLER Well? HARDY (turning and smiling) Computers are online. Sensors and weapons are now operational. BUTLER (grinning) Run a quick diagnostic on everything to make sure they're functional, and then take us out of hiding. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI _seaQuest_ sits in a large undersea canyon. Matthews' launch darts away from the huge submarine even as the WSKRs activate and begin routine searches. CUT TO INTERIOR LAUNCH The atmosphere on the shuttle is tense, as _seaQuest_ is now operational again. Matthews watches her sensor readout carefully, finally smiling. MATTHEWS This canyon's full of crevices. (beat) I'm going to move us into one of them. Unless they know we're here, that should hide us. RILLER We've been going off luck this far, why stop now? Trueman rolls her eyes while Matthews ignores him, moving the shuttle closer to the wall of the canyon. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI Matthews' launch moves rapidly into the nearest crevice in the canyon wall. _seaQuest_ very slowly begins to move upwards and out of the canyon. CUT TO BRIDGE Zane frowns at something on his readout. Butler notices the look immediately. BUTLER What is it? ZANE I'm not sure. (beat) I got a blip, or something, on sensors. But it's gone now. BUTLER (annoyed) What was it? ZANE (shrugging) I don't know. (beat) Might have been a bug in the sensors, since they're just restarting. I wouldn't worry about it. Butler nods and leans back in the chair, his triumphant attitude returning. BUTLER Then proceed towards the nearest UEO settlement, top speed. CUT TO CREW'S MESS All of the prisoners onboard _seaQuest_ are here. Seen among the crowd are Doctor Laura Taylor, Jian Lei, Burke, Reede and Goodwin. They are split into small groups of people with guards patrolling between the groups. The sound of _seaQuest's_ engines restarting and the ship moving sends worried looks through the crowd. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI _seaQuest_ rises up and out of the canyon, moving quickly away once it's clear. As soon as it is out of sight, Matthews' small craft moves away from the canyon wall and begins its journey back to UEO. CUT TO INTERIOR LAUNCH Trueman watches the large form of _seaQuest_ drift away in the dark distance and frowns. TRUEMAN Can you tell where they're headed? MATTHEWS (nodding) I already checked. (beat) The biggest thing in that direction is Virgo Colony. TRUEMAN How long will it take them to get there? Matthews hesitates, not happy with the answer she has to give. MATTHEWS Less than an hour at current speed. (beat) Before we can even hope to reach a UEO vessel and warn them. RILLER (darkly) Sounds like our problems just started. Trueman, Riller and Matthews exchange a long, worried, glance as the launch continues in its race back for help. FADE TO BLACK In white the words "To Be Continued..." appear. THE END