Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode7/ "Takeover 3: Redemption's Voice"/Teaser Good news and bad news: Good news is, the mailing list is fixed. Bad news is, you've all fallen off it. To subscribe, mail majordomo2@midnight.postino.com. seaQuest 2047 "Takeover Part 3: Redemption's Voice" Story by Eric Sipple & Matt Schiller Script by Eric Sipple First Draft Wednesday, December 10, 1997 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". TEASER FADE IN TO HOTEL ROOM We are in a medium sized hotel room, furnished with two single beds, a desk, and a television. Lying on one bed is Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell; on the other is Mark Haley. The television is on and the two are propped up on their respective beds, watching. Percell glances at the clock, which reads "8:00 PM", and sighs. PERCELL Only twelve more hours of freedom. MARK (smiling) But it's twelve hours of loafing in front of a hotel TV. It doesn't get much better than that. PERCELL (shrugging, with a smile) I guess not. Though I have to say, that Thai restaurant we went to comes close. MARK (chuckling) Thought you'd like it there. I make a point to go there whenever I'm out here. PERCELL (turning to Mark) You know, you didn't have to come all the way to Portland just to see me off. MARK (shrugging) I just figured it would be easier for you to go back to it all if I came along to say goodbye. PERCELL (happily) Well, you were right. (beat) But I still feel like this is an imposition. Mark smirks mischievously at Percell. MARK Well...it is, actually. Percell laughs and picks up the remote control from beside her and throws it at Mark, who swats the remote away with his hand. Mark grimaces as the control hits his hand, then pulls his lightly injured hand back to his body. PERCELL (grinning) Jerk. You deserved that one. Mark flexes his fingers, waiting for the pain to wear off. MARK Maybe... (beat) But if I threw something at you for everything _you_ deserved... Mark lets the thought trail off with another mischievous grin. Percell returns the smile and looks back to the television. PERCELL Sure, sure. Percell focuses on the television screen and her expression turns serious. PERCELL (continuing) Mark, turn up the TV. Mark grins, not noticing that Percell is no longer joking. MARK Oh, you throw the remote at me and now you-- PERCELL (urgently) I mean it. Hurry up. MARK (realizing) Sorry. He grabs the remote control, which has fallen to the floor, and immediately turns up the volume. The voice of a news anchor slowly becomes audible. ANCHOR (over television) ...Can now confirm that United Earth Oceans flagship, _seaQuest_, has been hijacked by terrorist forces. The camera tightens in on Percell's horrified expression as the anchor continues. ANCHOR Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock will be holding a press conference within the hour-- Percell speaks over the television, her voice filled with worry. PERCELL Mark, you have to get me to UEO headquarters. Now. Off of Percell's expression of fear we... CUT TO EXTERIOR LAUNCH--CGI A standard UEO launch cuts smoothly through the water. CUT TO INTERIOR LAUNCH Commander Jessie Matthews, Lieutenant Justin Riller and Ensign Rebecca Trueman sit at the front of the launch. The three are all silent as Matthews pilots the launch. Despite the silence, the atmosphere onboard is tense. After a moment, the console begins to beep softly. Matthews looks down and sighs in relief. MATTHEWS There's a ship up ahead on sensors. RILLER Is it UEO? MATTHEWS (checking) Yeah. It's the _Marathon_. (beat) I'm sending them a distress signal. Matthews taps a few keys on her console and waits. After only a few seconds, a voice comes over com. NESTOR (over com) This is Captain Michael Nestor of the _Marathon_. Please shut down your engines and wait for us to pick you up. Your recognition codes check out, but we're not taking any chances, given all that's happened. Matthews shuts down the engines as she speaks. MATTHEWS (into headset) Absolutely, Sir. NESTOR (over com) I'm guessing we've got quite a few things to talk about once you're onboard, Commander Matthews. MATTHEWS (sighing) Yes, Sir, we do. (beat) And, Sir, if you could signal Admiral Robinson and Secretary General Hitchcock, it would be appreciated. (beat, confidently) Tell them we have a way to stop _seaQuest_. Matthews leans back in her chair. Her hands clench together in front of her, and her face is a picture of grim determination as we... FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 7/"Takeover 3: Redemption's Voice"/Act 2 TRUEMAN Yes, Sir. Matthews sits grimly back in the chair, not even glancing back at Bergeron for approval. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 17:50:51 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 7/ "Takeover 3: Redemption's Voice"/Act 1 ACT ONE OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI _seaQuest_ cuts through the water quickly, moving close to the bottom of the sea. CUT TO BRIDGE Kevin Butler and his terrorist crew man the bridge of _seaQuest_. Butler himself sits in the captain's chair, staring at the viewscreen at the front of the bridge. Hardy mans the communication panel, and Zane mans helm. The bridge is silent until Zane turns to Butler from his console. ZANE We're coming up on Virgo colony. Butler grins and leans forward in his chair. BUTLER How many UEO ships are guarding it? ZANE One, the _Plymouth_. (beat, looking at the console) She's a fast scout ship more than anything. No match for us. Butler's grin widens considers his next move. BUTLER Keeps us low to the sea floor and get us behind something to make sure they don't notice us. ZANE We're not going to attack? BUTLER (shaking his head) Not just yet. Let's give the UEO some time to stew over our last little talk before we seal the fate of this war. ZANE (nodding with a smile) Perfect. BUTLER Of course it is. (beat) Oh, and if all ship's systems are working, start on the download. I want it finished as soon as possible. We've lost enough time as it is. Hardy turns from the communications panel and nods. HARDY I'll send a message to Sheridan to get it started. BUTLER Do that. Butler's expression turns dark, his smile disappearing. BUTLER (continues) Has anyone had _any_ luck finding Wolenczak or the rest of our escapees? HARDY (nervously) Well...not really... BUTLER (coldly) Why not? Where could they be that we can't find them? HARDY Well, we've started a room to room search...if they're trying to hide out until they get a chance to...do something...we should find them pretty soon. BUTLER I'd hope so. (beat) And what about Hunter? I don't like the thought of him wandering around like this without reporting back in. HARDY (more nervous) Ummm...well... (beat) We haven't found him yet, either. BUTLER (growling) He's either walking through open corridors--in which case he should be easy to find--or hiding from our patrols. (beat) If he's hiding then I _definitely_ want him caught. (beat) I don't trust him and I don't want him hindering this mission. (beat) Understood? HARDY (nodding quickly) Absolutely. (beat) I'll devote a few more men to searching the rooms. (beat) It shouldn't be long before we turn them up. BUTLER (his smile returns) I hope so. CUT TO CREW QUARTERS Captain Lucas Wolenczak lies on the bottom bunk in the room, a sheet pulled over him and his head propped up. He clutches a firearm and watches the hatch nervously. His eyes are half closed and he appears to be fighting unconsciousness even as he watches the hatch. A soft metallic click from the other side of the hatch sends him into almost full consciousness again, though. He points the gun at the hatch, his hand shaking weakly. The hatch opens a crack, and Wolenczak clutches the gun more strongly. The person opening the hatch speaks before becoming visible. MORGAN (O.C.) Captain, it's me. Maybe if you could let me get inside before you start shooting... WOLENCZAK (weakly) Anne? Wolenczak seems to calm slightly, though he keeps the gun raised. WOLENCZAK (continuing) Come in, but slowly. The hatch opens slowly and Ensign Anne Morgan enters. Wolenczak glances behind her, making sure this isn't a trick, before looking back to her. Morgan smiles and slowly closes the hatch behind her. Wolenczak can't help but smile back. Morgan steps forward, noticing the gun is still pointed at her. MORGAN (softly) I can see what people mean when they say you've got a real way with women. Wolenczak looks down to the gun and realizes he is still pointing it at Morgan. He lowers it, embarassed slightly by Morgan's comment. He smiles, though, and jokes back. WOLENCZAK Well...you'd be surprised how often it works. Morgan moves further into the room and pulls a chair close to the bed. She smiles, still talking softly. MORGAN Would I? Morgan realizes what she's just said and blushes. She finishes moving the chair and sits down in it quickly. Wolenczak looks ready to tease her further, but a thought strikes him and he lets her off the hook. WOLENCZAK Wait...aren't you supposed to be off _seaQuest_ by now? MORGAN (evasive) Well...yes...but... Wolenczak frowns, obviously worried that their mission failed. WOLENCZAK But? MORGAN Once Commander Matthews and the others made it to the launch-- WOLENCZAK (cutting in) So Matthews made it off and the tap is in place? Morgan smiles and continues. MORGAN We completed our objectives, and there wasn't any more I could do to help. I'm a barely adequate pilot, and I don't know enough about combat to be any sort of asset in a battle. (beat) The only thing I could actually do to help was come back and make sure you survive long enough to get _seaQuest_ back. WOLENCZAK (frowning) But what if it comes to the point where _seaQuest_ has to be destroyed? (beat) You wouldn't be keeping me alive for anything and you'd go down with me. MORGAN (nodding) I knew what I was risking when I chose to stay. WOLENCZAK Did you? (beat) You've got a son to worry about... (beat, sighing) If _seaQuest_ is destroyed-- MORGAN (cutting in, shaking her head) I know that. Of course I know it. (beat) But just because I'm a mother doesn't mean I have any more of a right to get out of danger than anyone else. (beat) And if I can do anything to keep you alive then it's my duty as an officer in the UEO Navy... Morgan pauses, speaking more quietly as she continues. MORGAN (continuing) And, especially, as your friend. A moment of silence hangs over the room before Wolenczak sighs heavily. WOLENCZAK I wish you hadn't, Anne. MORGAN I already did. WOLENCZAK I know. (beat) Thank you. Morgan nods, her smile returning. MORGAN (very quietly) You're welcome. CUT TO CREW'S MESS The members of _seaQuest_'s crew, who have been captured by the terrorists, sit quietly in the crew's mess. Groups of guards move through the room, between groups of prisoners, their weapons held ready. In one of the groups sit Doctor Laura Taylor and Jian Lei. In another sit Doctor Meridith Burke and Lieutenant J.G. Tom Reede. And in a group in the corner sits Lieutenant Commander William Goodwin. Lei watches with interest as one of the guards speaks into his radio and motions two other guards toward him. They speak quietly and move out of the mess. Lei turns to Doctor Taylor and speaks quietly. LEI Did you see that? We've been left under a lighter guard. Doctor Taylor turns, and shrugs. DR. TAYLOR I wasn't really watching. LEI Oh? (beat) Then what were you doing? Doctor Taylor shrugs again and looks away. DR. TAYLOR Don't worry about it. LEI (soothingly) Well, I don't have much to do right now but worry. Doctor Taylor looks back to Lei and sighs. DR. TAYLOR I don't know where Ed...my husband...is. (beat) I...I don't know why he wouldn't be here if they captured him and...if they didn't capture him then-- Lei nods, smiling, and cuts in with a calm and quiet voice. LEI Ah yes...you and your husband gained a bit of notoriety...first married couple serving together. (beat, seriously) Maybe he's still out there, possibly with others. DR. TAYLOR (darkly) Or he's dead, probably with all of the others who aren't here. LEI (not losing his cool) Do you really feel he's dead? Doctor Taylor shrugs and looks down, frowning. DR. TAYLOR I'm afraid he is. LEI (softly) That isn't the same thing. Doctor Taylor looks up and into Lei's calming eyes and seems to take strength from them. DR. TAYLOR I...I don't really know what I feel. I don't _want_ to believe he's dead. LEI If he were gone, you would know it. (beat) Don't you agree? DR. TAYLOR (nodding) I think I would. (beat) Know it, I mean. LEI (smiling) Good. (beat) Don't lose faith. Faith is all we have to sustain us in times such as these. DR. TAYLOR (nodding again) I...I'll try. Lei offers Taylor another calming smile. Off his smile we... CUT TO _MARATHON_ BRIDGE Matthews stands at the front of the bridge, looking up at the viewscreen, which displays the faces of UEO Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Wallace Robinson. Behind her stand Riller and Trueman, who also look up at the viewscreen. HITCHCOCK (onscreen) Are you sure they're heading to Virgo? MATTHEWS I can't be sure, Ma'am, but it was the closest significant settlement. (beat) And after hearing Butler's ultimatum, it would make sense for him to head there. ROBINSON (onscreen) Well, according to your information, _seaQuest_ should have reached Virgo by now, and there hasn't been any sign of her. TRUEMAN Is it possible she's just hiding, Sir? ROBINSON That's what I intend to find out. (beat) The _Plymouth_ is stationed near Virgo. I'm going to send her the data on the tap you placed and have her track _seaQuest_. MATTHEWS The _Plymouth_ ? She's not exactly a match for _seaQuest_ ROBINSON I'm just going to have her keep an eye on _seaQuest_ until we can get an attack force there. (beat) Which brings us to your orders. HITCHCOCK The _Potemkin_ is en route to Virgo as we speak, along with a small fleet. You're to meet with the _Potemkin_, take command of her and the fleet and proceed to Virgo. Matthews is aghast at this development. ROBINSON If the _Plymouth_ finds _seaQuest_, we'll send word to the small Carolinan detachment that President Ross has so graciously lent to us. They'll meet you at Virgo, and the two fleets will surround _seaQuest_. (beat) That is, of course, the best case scenario. MATTHEWS (near shock) You want _me_ to command the mission, Sir? (beat, hesitant) Are you sure? ROBINSON You've got the best knowledge of _seaQuest_'s capabilities. I thought you would be the best person for this mission. (beat) Do you have a problem with that, Commander? Matthews hesitates, glancing to Trueman and Riller. They give her encouraging looks, but seem to almost expect her to decline the command. Matthews takes a deep breath and turns to Robinson. MATTHEWS (with renewed confidence) No, Sir, I do not. ROBINSON Good. (beat) Oh, you might be interested in this. One of your crewmen is coming along on the _Potemkin_. Chief Petty Officer Percell. TRUEMAN (blurting out, excited) Sara is back on duty? (beat, adding) Sir? Robinson lets Trueman's outburst slide and merely nods. HITCHCOCK Commander, I read your report, but I have a question. MATTHEWS Yes, Ma'am? HITCHCOCK While you were onboard...did you learn anything about where they came from? Or about their true intentions for _seaQuest_? MATTHEWS (shaking her head, sighing) No, Ma'am. I didn't have much contact with the terrorists, other than through Hunter. (beat) I spoke to Butler a bit but I didn't pick up much from him. RILLER (speaking up) All I know is that he's brutal, Ma'am. Whatever he wants, he'll take anyone down to get. We should be careful with pushing him. Robinson and Hitchcock exchange glances before turning back to the viewscreen. ROBINSON We'll keep that in mind, Lieutenant. (beat) There isn't much time to waste. MATTHEWS Oh...Sir? ROBINSON Yes, Commander? MATTHEWS Our primary objective is it to bring _seaQuest_ back alive? Or are we to destroy her? ROBINSON (without hesitation) Capture her and bring her back alive if at all possible. (beat) But she has to be stopped either way. If it comes down to it, destroy _seaQuest_. Matthews bites her lip, knowing very well that the destruction of _seaQuest_ means the death of almost her entire crew. MATTHEWS Yes, Sir. (beat) We'll do our best. Matthews turns from the viewscreen and walks toward the hatch. Riller and Trueman turn as well as the connection cuts off and the viewscreen goes blank, following the morose Matthews. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Butler sits in the captain's chair, obviously pleased at sitting in it. Hardy works diligently at his console, his face a picture of determination. After a moment the determination turns to a frown of anger and he turns to Butler. HARDY I just intercepted a message directed at the _Plymouth_ and decoded a bit of it. BUTLER (annoyed) And? HARDY I only have part decoded, but it seemed to be something about waiting for the UEO and Carolinan fleets. Butler's expression turns dark and cold. BUTLER Are you sure it said that? HARDY Absolutely. Butler's fists clench and he glares forward at Hardy. BUTLER If the Carolinans are helping the UEO with anything now... HARDY (finishing the thought) Then they know we're not with the Carolinan Confederation. BUTLER And the ship is to wait for reinforcements. (beat, realizing) They know we're here. HARDY But how? There's no way the _Plymouth_ could scan us from where she is. Same with the colony. BUTLER (considering) What else could have... Butler ponders for a moment longer when realization strikes him. BUTLER Check the docking bay readouts. Are there any deployables not accounted for? Hardy turns and checks, turning around after a second. HARDY There's one launch missing. Butler jumps from his seat, obviously furious. BUTLER (yelling) Dammit! We've been searching for Wolenczak onboard, but he somehow stole a launch and got away. And now the UEO knows where we are. HARDY And they're sending two fleets to catch us. BUTLER (sitting slowly down again) Well, we won't let the UEO catch us that easily. (beat) We told them what would happen if they tried anything. Let's let them know we're not bluffing. HARDY (smiling) Should I call off the room to room search? Butler considers this, and shakes his head. BUTLER Wolenczak may have left some of his crew onboard to cause trouble from the inside. If he did...let's make sure they can't. HARDY (nodding) I'll tell them to speed up the search. BUTLER Do that. And start jamming any communications from around the colony. (beat) Zane, take us out of hiding and put us on a direct path for the _Plymouth_ and Virgo colony. Full speed. Butler smiles maliciously as his order is carried out. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI _seaQuest_ rises from its hiding place near the sea floor. The camera follows its rise over the rocks, revealing a huge underwater dome far in front of _seaQuest_ and a small ship circling the colony. _seaQuest_'s engines kick on and the boat cuts through the water toward the colony. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 17:58:54 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 7/"Takeover 3: Redemption's Voice"/Act 2 (resend) ACT TWO OPEN ON _POTEMKIN_ DOCKING BAY A launch completes its docking cycle as a group of guards wait. Behind the guards stand a man with a captain's rank insignia, Captain Robert Bergeron, and Percell. Percell smiles, her excitement obvious. The airlock hatch opens and Matthews, Trueman and Riller step out. Bergeron moves forward, past the guards and salutes the three newcomers. BERGERON (neutrally) Good day, Commander Matthews. I'm Captain Robert Bergeron. MATTHEWS (returning the salute) Nice to meet you, Sir. Bergeron looks to Trueman and Riller. BERGERON You must be Lieutenant Riller and Ensign Trueman. (beat) Welcome aboard. Treuman and Riller nod quickly. Trueman's eyes are focused behind Bergeron, to Percell, who remains standing behind him, smiling at the sight of her crewmates. BERGERON If you'll come with me, Commander, I'd like to show you around the boat you'll be... (grinning) ...Borrowing from me. We won't reach Virgo for nearly an hour. MATTHEWS (nodding, a little nervous) Sir, I hope you're not upset about-- BERGERON About having to give up command? Not at all. (beat) Hell, if they chose my ship as the mission's flagship, I must be doing something right with her. MATTHEWS (smiling) I'm sure you are, Sir. (beat) So...the tour? BERGERON Of course. (to Trueman and Riller) You two will be manning your positions as if you were onboard _seaQuest_. Just head to the bridge once you're ready. (turning back to Matthews) Shall we? Bergeron turns and walks toward the Docking Bay's exit. Matthews follows behind him, grinning at Percell as she passes. MATTHEWS (quietly) We'll talk later. Percell nods and grins back. She turns in time to see Trueman walking quickly towards her, with Riller trailing behind. TRUEMAN Sara! PERCELL Hey! Percell salutes, grinning wryly. Trueman, smiling as well, returns the salute, as does Riller. TRUEMAN It's nice to see you in uniform again. PERCELL Well, it's not nice to be out of comfortable clothes again. (beat, grinning) But it's still nice to be back. RILLER Too bad this couldn't be happening onboard _seaQuest_ instead of...here. PERCELL (sighing) I heard the captain got shot. TRUEMAN (nodding) Morgan's taking care of him. She stayed behind to make sure he was safe. PERCELL Do you know how anyone else is? Riller sighs and shakes his head. RILLER We lost track of everyone when we were captured on the bridge. They were alive when we were captured, so... (sighing again) ...All we can do is hope. TRUEMAN (frowning) Hope we can take _seaQuest_ back in one piece. PERCELL Do we even have a way of doing that? TRUEMAN Haven't they told you about the tap? PERCELL (nodding) Yeah, but even if we can access the computers, they must have some excellent hackers onboard. Just because we can access the computers remotely doesn't mean we can do anything worthwhile. TRUEMAN (smiling) Well, that's what you're for. (beat) You...and our little surprise. PERCELL (confused) Surprise? RILLER Well, it's classified, obviously. (beat) But you're going to be our counter-hacker. Commander Matthews will authorize you for the information, I'm sure. We'll have to run it by her. Percell just grins and nods. PERCELL Sure thing. (beat) Well, we probably should get to the bridge, shouldn't we? TRUEMAN You're probably right. (beat) Let's go. Trueman and Percell turn simultaneously and move toward the exit with Riller following close behind. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ CREW QUARTERS Morgan sits next to the bunk on which Wolenczak still lies. Morgan holds a gun tightly, watching the hatch as she does. Wolenczak watches the hatch as well, before turning his head to Morgan. WOLENCZAK Bet you didn't think protecting me would be this boring, did you? MORGAN (smiling) Boring isn't quite the word I'd use. (beat) But it's close. WOLENCZAK Well...talk about something then. (beat) Because I'm falling asleep here and I know you don't want me to. MORGAN (glancing at him) You're right. (beat) What do you want to talk about? WOLENCZAK (shrugging) I don't know, can't you pick the topic? MORGAN (smiling) Well you _are_ the one who wants to talk. WOLENCZAK And you're making me do it, too. (beat) Okay, okay, I'll think of something. (beat, thinking) Okay, how did you and your husband meet? MORGAN (frowning) Oh, well it's really not all that interesting. WOLENCZAK I doubt that. MORGAN No, it really isn't interesting at all. WOLENCZAK Look, I'll be the judge of that. (beat, more insistent) How did you two meet? MORGAN Well, a couple of friends dragged me out to this frat party one weekend-- WOLENCZAK (smiling) You at a frat party? How could you call this boring? MORGAN Well, that may be the high point of the excitement. (beat) And if you want the story, stop cutting in. WOLENCZAK Fine, my mouth is sealed. MORGAN I didn't want to go to the frat party at all, but for some reason I agreed. (beat) I spent about an-- WOLENCZAK Wait, did you-- MORGAN (glaring) Will you stop that? WOLENCZAK (shaking his head) This isn't about the story. (beat) Did you feel that? Morgan stops. A framed picture on the wall vibrates. She frowns. MORGAN Did we just fire a torpedo? Wolenczak nods and frowns as well. WOLENCZAK We're in a battle. MORGAN Did the UEO find us? WOLENCZAK (darkly) Whoever we're fighting has yet to hit us back. If it's the UEO's attack force they're not doing a very good job. Morgan nods, agreeing with his words. Off of their dark expressions we... CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ PASSAGEWAY Bergeron is showing Matthews around. MATTHEWS Captain Bergeron, this isn't any offense to your boat but... (beat) Why the _Potemkin_? Why her as the lead boat against _seaQuest_? BERGERON No offense taken, Commander. (beat) She doesn't have quite the punch that _seaQuest_ has, but she's faster. We've got enough firepower backing us up, so a command ship that's harder to hit was the better choice, I guess. MATTHEWS (nodding) I'm still sorry to barge onboard like this and take your command. I-- Bergeron cuts Matthews off with a motion of his hand. BERGERON I told you before, it's not a problem. (beat, shrugging) This sort of thing happens in times of crisis. I've heard good things about you and I know you'll take care of my boat. Just keep us alive and well and I won't complain. MATTHEWS (trying to make the situation sound better) Well, you'll be on the bridge to coordinate your crew anyway, so you won't be totally out of the picture. BERGERON (smiling) Being out of the picture at all is as bad as being completely out of it. (beat) Once you get your own command you'll understand that. Matthews nods and sighs and looks about to speak again when Bergeron's PAL beeps. He takes it out and answers the call. BERGERON Yes? TRUEMAN (over PAL) Captain Bergeron, this is Ensign Trueman. Is Commander Matthews still with you? BERGERON Yes, why? TRUEMAN (over PAL) I just wanted you both to hear this, Sir. (beat) The _Plymouth_ hasn't reported in with its hourly check. (beat) We've also lost contact with Virgo. BERGERON How late is the _Plymouth_? TRUEMAN (over PAL) Only five minutes, Sir. (beat) But right before the check-in time we got a burst of communications from her, mostly garbled. Matthews and Bergeron exchange worried looks before Bergeron continues. BERGERON Could you decipher anything of the message, Ensign? TRUEMAN (over com) Well, I'm not entirely sure, but if we received it correctly, _seaQuest_ was on the move, possibly toward Virgo. BERGERON (frowning heavily) Are we within range of tap, yet? Can we track _seaQuest_? TRUEMAN (over PAL, subdued) No, Sir, we're still out of range. Bergeron looks to Matthews with a questioning glance. BERGERON This is where you take over, Commander. What's your call? Matthews hesitates, biting her lip, not having expected any need to make command decisions this soon. MATTHEWS I guess all we can do is monitor communications, see if we can reestablish contact. (beat) We'd better keep the fleet together. If _seaQuest_ does try something, it'll be able to pick off anything we send ahead. Matthews looks to Bergeron, hoping she's made the right decision. Bergeron nods in approval. TRUEMAN (over PAL) Aye, Sir. (beat) Is that all? BERGERON That's all, Ensign. We're heading up to the bridge now. Bergeron turns off his PAL and puts it away, turning to Matthews again. BERGERON You're worrying too much about your decisions. You're a good commander, just follow your instincts. I'm sure Captain Wolenczak would give the same advice. Matthews holds back a sad frown at the mention of Wolenczak. BERGERON (continuing) Just don't hesitate, and treat this ship like your own. Bergeron turns away at that, and begins walking down the passageway again. Matthews frowns, sighing. MATTHEWS (mumbling) I _lost_ my own ship. With another sigh, Matthews follows after Bergeron. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ VENTILATION DUCT Lieutenant Commander Ed Taylor and Seaman Charles Jones crouch in the darkness of the ventilation duct, speaking quietly. JONES I found where they're keeping the prisoners, Sir. TAYLOR (brightening) Where? JONES In the crew's mess. They've got them divided into little groups and guards are circulating in between. (beat, smiling) Your wife was there. TAYLOR Are you sure? JONES (nodding) Absolutely. TAYLOR So everyone was being held there? JONES (shaking his head) Captain Wolenczak was missing, and so was Commander Matthews. (beat) Actually, all of the bridge officers who were there when it was compromised are missing. TAYLOR (frowning) I hope they're holding them somewhere else. (beat, shaking off his concern) It's not something we can worry about now. JONES So, are we going to try to free anyone in the crew's mess? TAYLOR (sighing) It's going to be hard to break anyone free from that. JONES I know, but... (beat) They don't know we're up here, I think. That has to give us some advantage. TAYLOR (agreeing grudgingly) Some. (beat) They're still doing room searches, so they know _some_ people are free. JONES (thinking) Well, what if we set up it up so they find what they're looking for? TAYLOR (raising an eyebrow) What do you mean? JONES Well, what if we rigged something in one of the rooms, something so we could pick off a few of them. They'd send for backup. TAYLOR (shaking his head) And promptly kill both of us. JONES (considering) No, not necessarily. Only one of us would need to be there. (beat) I could. We could shut down power or something when they enter a room, and I could get a few of them. They'll pull backup from their guards and you could break the crew free. Taylor shakes his head again, totally disagreeing with the idea. TAYLOR You'd never survive it. It would be suicide. No way. JONES Sir, it's suicide to let them hold this boat. (beat) And what I'm proposing isn't necessarily suicide. TAYLOR Jones-- JONES (cutting in) Sir, two of my friends are dead right now. They didn't die for anything, just to scare us into surrendering. (beat) If we don't take back _seaQuest_, we're going to die like that too. Either as hostages, or when the UEO blows _seaQuest_ out of the water. (beat) I don't want to die like that. I don't want _anyone_ on _seaQuest_ to die like that. Taylor studies Jones' face carefully before responding. TAYLOR I think it could work but... (beat) It's still suicide...I can't just send you into that and go off safely myself. JONES (shrugging) You'll hardly be safe yourself. (beat, insisting) And it isn't suicide. It's just...difficult. (beat) It's a chance that we wouldn't have otherwise, isn't it? Taylor hesitates, not liking this at all but knowing it could very well work. TAYLOR Let's...see what we can set up. JONES Yes, Sir. (smiling) This will work, Sir. TAYLOR I hope so, Jones. Taylor crawls away through the ducts, his expression dark. Jones follows after quickly. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Matthews sits in the captain's chair on the bridge, looking forward intensely. Bergeron stands in the back of the bridge, speaking quietly to crewmembers there. Trueman and Percell man stations at the front of the bridge, and Riller mans weapons. Percell reads something from her console and speaks without turning. PERCELL We're coming into sensor range of Virgo. MATTHEWS And? TRUEMAN (frowning) I'm not getting any signals from Virgo. PERCELL I'm not picking up the _colony_ itself. (beat) The _Plymouth_ isn't on sensors either. MATTHEWS (fearful) What about _seaQuest_? PERCELL (checking) She's not here, but I'm getting a faint signal. She's west, past Virgo. MATTHEWS Helm, get us into visual range of the colony. The helm officer nods and taps something into his console. HELM Aye, Sir. We'll be in range in about a minute. Matthews leans back in the chair, interlocking her fingers nervously. She glances back at Bergeron, who shares the same nervous expression. Matthews turns back to the front of the bridge, waiting tensely. After a long moment of tension, the helm officer speaks. HELM Coming into visual range of Virgo. Percell taps some keys on her console and the viewscreen comes on, showing on the area in front of them. The bridge crew's expressions turn to ones of horror as they view the sight ahead of them. The viewscreen shows the remains of what was once Virgo. The dome has been smashed, and only half the support structure remains intact. Pieces of metallic debris have settled on the seabed, as has the hulk of the _Plymouth_. No livable space remains in Virgo. Matthews rises from the chair, horrified. MATTHEWS Percell...how many people lived at Virgo? PERCELL (quietly) A little over...18,000 people...Sir. BERGERON Eighteen thousand... MATTHEWS Any lifeboats? Any...anything at all? PERCELL (checking readouts) Nothing...some debris that looks like what was lifeboats but... (beat) I'm sorry, Sir. MATTHEWS (almost to herself) Why did they attack so soon? BERGERON Maybe they found out we were coming. RILLER This place was no match for _seaQuest_. The bridge falls silent for a moment, all transfixed on the terrible sight in front of them. MATTHEWS (quietly) Where is _seaQuest_ headed now? PERCELL (checking) Well, there's...another colony about a hundred kilometers west of here. Minerva, population...7,000. The bridge falls silent again, knowing what the fate of that colony will be as well if _seaQuest_ isn't stopped. Matthews once again breaks the silence, her voice hard and determined. MATTHEWS This boat is going to pursue _seaQuest_ at top speed. Anyone that can't keep up with us, we're leaving behind. (beat) If we can't catch _seaQuest_ before she reaches Minerva this... (indicating viewscreen) ...Is going to happen again. (beat) Send out the order, Ensign Trueman. TRUEMAN Yes, Sir. Matthews sits grimly back in the chair, not even glancing back at Bergeron for approval. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 17:52:24 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 7/"Takeover 3: Redemption's Voice"/Act 3 ACT THREE OPEN ON _SEAQUEST_ CREW QUARTERS Morgan sits next to Wolenczak, who remains lying on the bottom bunk. They sit in silence again, both listening for more sounds of battle. Morgan glances over at Wolenczak, noticing that blood is seeping through his shirt. Frowning, she swings sideways to look at him. MORGAN You're bleeding again, Lucas. Wolenczak looks down and sighs. WOLENCZAK Damn, I am. Morgan pulls her chair closer to the bunk and looks down at the wound. MORGAN (smiling) I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to have to lift your shirt up to take a look. WOLENCZAK (grinning as well) It's nothing you haven't seen before. Morgan shoots Wolenczak a look. MORGAN You want me to let you die, don't you? WOLENCZAK I think it would be something just to get you to consider it. MORGAN Oh, you don't think I have the heart to leave your wound bleeding? Wolenczak shrugs and smiles again. WOLENCZAK I've got my suspicions. Morgan just stares at him for a long moment before responding. MORGAN Well, they're wrong. (beat) Now let me take a look. She lifts his shirt up from the wound carefully, grimacing as she sees how bloody the bandage has become. MORGAN I really should have looked at this earlier. WOLENCZAK My chest? I know it's nice, but-- Morgan "glares" at Wolenczak, cutting him off. MORGAN I may not let you bleed, but I have no problem pulling this bandage off as painfully as possible. (beat, smiling mischievously) I don't think I believed the stories about your...interesting...exploits with women as a teenager seriously until now. WOLENCZAK No fair bringing my teenage years into this. MORGAN (smirking) Why not? You're acting like these _are_ your teenage years. Wolenczak can't help but laugh at Morgan's comment, but the laughter turns to a grimace of pain from the wound on his abdomen. Morgan places a hand on his shoulder, her face concerned. MORGAN Careful, I don't want this getting any worse. WOLENCZAK Sorry. I just haven't had much to laugh at for a while. MORGAN I don't think anyone has, except that Butler nutcase. WOLENCZAK Yeah. And Hunter. Morgan looks up from the wound with a frown, as if she didn't want this subject to come up. Wolenczak notices her expression. WOLENCZAK What about Hunter? MORGAN Well... (sighing) Jason Hunter's dead. WOLENCZAK (almost happily) He's dead? How? (beat) Why didn't you tell me? MORGAN He's dead...from a gunshot... (beat, very quietly) My gunshot. Wolenczak's mouth almost drops as he stares in surprise at Morgan. WOLENCZAK You...killed Hunter? MORGAN I didn't know it was him at the time...I was just trying to get us off the boat. (beat) It just...happened to be him. Morgan is obviously uncomfortable talking about it, and Wolenczak notices. WOLENCZAK I'm sorry you had to be the one to do it, Anne. But...it's good that someone did. Morgan shakes her head. MORGAN Was it? We all hated him... (beat) He wasn't hurting everyone for the reasons we thought he was. He was still causing the pain but... (beat) He helped us, you know. He gave us his backdoor into the system. Commander Matthews is planning on using it from outside the ship. (beat) Hunter came here for revenge against us all and...it wasn't worth it to him. For some reason revenge wasn't worth what was happening. And I don't know why. Morgan trails off into her thoughts, her eyes unfocused. Wolenczak reaches out a hand and touches hers. WOLENCZAK I'll admit that I hate Hunter and I'm not sad to see him gone. Whatever you saw in him at the end I've never seen. (beat) But I believe you saw something there. And if _you_ saw something, it's really there in him. Wolenczak holds and squeezes Morgan's hand. WOLENCZAK I'm sorry you had to be the one. Morgan nods, squeezing his hand tightly, very obviously distressed at thinking about what happened with Hunter. CUT TO CREW'S MESS The camera closes in on Burke and Reede, who converse quietly when the guards are not near them. Reede seems to be cradling his right hand. BURKE Tom, let me see your hand. REEDE Acting friendly isn't going to get me to, Doctor. BURKE (frowning) I just want to make sure it's not going to get infected. REEDE Well, it won't. Burke notices that Reede is glancing over at Goodwin every few moments and her frown darkens. BURKE This is some macho thing, isn't it? REEDE (defensive) What is that supposed to mean? BURKE It means you don't want to let Goodwin see you getting medical care for your hand. (beat) The whole tough act that got the guards to give you that was for his benefit, wasn't it? Reede glares at Burke before glancing over at Goodwin once again. Goodwin notices the scene and just grins. REEDE The guard tried to keep me from talking to you, so I stood up to him. And he said "Talk all you want" before slicing my hand, so I got what I wanted. (beat) I just didn't want-- BURKE You didn't want to be pushed around in front of Goodwin. (beat) Look, Tom, get over it. If you want to be tough after we're not hostages anymore, then enjoy it. But right now we may need everyone we can have healthy, and that means you too. (beat) So give me your hand. Now. REEDE (protesting) But it's-- BURKE _Now_, Lieutenant. Reede begrudgingly lets Burke look at his hand. He glances up at Goodwin again, who sees Burke looking at Reede's hand and chuckles. Reede shoots Goodwin a glare, who just shrugs with a smile. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Matthews stands over Percell at the sensor station, talking softly to her. MATTHEWS Okay, do you understand how our little surprise will work? PERCELL (nodding) Trueman initiates a link to the tap and routs control through my station. Then I access the date of the UEO bombing at noon and...theoretically that should give me control over _seaQuest_'s systems. (beat, smiling) After that I have fun. MATTHEWS (grinning) It's nice to have you back, Chief. PERCELL I just wish the circumstances were better. MATTHEWS (ruefully) I know what you mean. Percell looks at her console for a moment before turning back up to Matthews. PERCELL Sir, what if the back door doesn't work? What should I do? MATTHEWS (shrugging) You're our counter-hacker. Try to make your own back door. PERCELL (smiling) And you'll all cross your fingers? MATTHEWS If it comes to that I'll be crossing _every_ finger. They both grin before Percell's console begins to beep. She turns to it and looks down. PERCELL We're coming up on _seaQuest_. We're reaching actual sensor range. (beat) She's going to be able to see us in about five minutes. MATTHEWS Then we'd better get ready. Matthews turns from Percell to address the bridge. MATTHEWS We're about five minutes away from sensor contact with _seaQuest_. I'm not sure what to expect from her anymore, because their ultimatum was obviously just a ploy for time. Time for what, I don't know. (beat) This is not a Carolinan crew, so we can't expect her to obey any sort of military honor. If we give her the chance, we may lose Minerva colony as well. (beat) So I'm going to order our escort ships to hold back a bit. An uneasy murmur goes through the bridge before Matthews can explain. MATTHEWS (continues) If Butler sees a fleet of UEO ships coming for him, there's no telling what he'll do. But if he sees a ship he thinks he could defeat on his own, he'll probably try to attack us. (beat) And then we spring our trap. (beat) Good luck everyone. Let's get _seaQuest_ and her crew back alive. Matthews turns to Trueman. MATTHEWS Order the fleet back and put the ship on red alert. TRUEMAN Yes, Sir. Matthews makes her way back to the captain's chair and sits with a tense determination. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ VENTILATION DUCT Taylor and Jones look into a room below them through a ventilation grille. TAYLOR They should hit this room in about ten minutes. Maybe a little more. (beat) That will be enough time for me to get to the crew's mess. JONES I'll wait in the here until they come into the room, then start firing. Then I'll move to the vent down the way and take out anyone in the passageway. TAYLOR (sighing) You don't have to do this, Seaman. I'm sure there's another way of doing it. JONES Sir, you know there isn't. Taylor sighs again, nodding. TAYLOR Good luck. Don't do anything stupid. I expect to congratulate you when this is all over. JONES (smiling) I'll expect congratulations, Sir. Taylor can't help but return the smile. TAYLOR I've got to go. (saluting Jones) Good luck. Jones returns the salute and nods. JONES Get _seaQuest_ back, Sir. Taylor nods and turns, crawling down the ventilation duct as quickly as he can while remaining silent. JONES (taking a deep breath) Now let's not choke here. He wipes sweat off his forehead and shifts into a waiting crouch, his gun in one hand. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Zane watches his console carefully, his eyes narrowing as he sees the information displayed across his screen. ZANE I'm picking up a ship on our tail. Butler's expression turns angry and he leans forward in the captain's chair. BUTLER Just one? ZANE One, a UEO vessel. The _Potemkin_. BUTLER Is it a threat to us? ZANE I doubt it. She's faster than us, so she's gaining. But we've got enough power to take her down. BUTLER (nodding) They've probably got ships waiting for us at Minerva, and this one's meant to herd us there. (beat, smirking) Probably hoping we'll stick to our threat and try getting above a colony. ZANE So what are we going to do? BUTLER (thinking) Bring us about and wait for her. (beat) And hail her. Zane nods and turns back to his console. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Trueman watches the information appear on her station and she speaks quickly to Matthews. TRUEMAN Sir, _seaQuest_ is hailing us. MATTHEWS Hailing us? (beat) Are we within range to use the tap? TRUEMAN Not yet, Sir. MATTHEWS All right, answer the hail. Put it on the main viewscreen. TRUEMAN Yes, Sir. Trueman taps a command into her console and Butler's face appears on the main viewscreen. Matthews sees Butler's face and her eyes narrow. Butler, seeing the ship is captained by Matthews, barely manages to conceal his surprise. BUTLER Commander Matthews, this is a surprise. MATTHEWS (dryly) I'm sure it is. BUTLER I wonder why _you_ are commanding a boat against me and not your far superior captain. MATTHEWS (shrugging) Have fun wondering. (beat) I'm going to make this easy for you. Surrender. BUTLER (chuckling) Surrender? I think you're underestimating your own boat, Commander. MATTHEWS Think what you want, but I'd surrender if I were you. BUTLER I wouldn't. (beat) You are now in weapons range and we're arming torpedoes. Turn around now or you won't live to figure out what a mistake this was. Percell glances very slightly back at Matthews and gives her a nod. Matthews smiles and looks up at Butler again. MATTHEWS What was that you said? Your weapons are...armed? Percell smiles, understanding what Matthews wants and taps a few keys on her console. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Butler remains in the captain's chair, smirking triumphantly. Zane, whose expression is at first similar to Butler's, changes as he sees something on his console. ZANE Butler, our weapons are disarmed and the torpedo tubes are not flooding. BUTLER (angered) _What_? _How_? Matthews' smiles on the main viewscreen as she sees Butler's reaction. MATTHEWS (onscreen) I hope you like the darkness, Butler. We'll see how you fight in it. Suddenly, all of the lights onboard _seaQuest_ cut off. Rage overcomes Butler, as does surprise. BUTLER (shouting) Find out how they're doing this! _Now_! CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT Jones almost freezes up as the lights in the room suddenly go off. He squints, attempting to see in the now complete darkness. JONES (V.O.) How am I supposed to hit anyone like this? If they walk in and I have a flashlight on, they'll get me. (beat, taking a deep breath) Okay Jones, change of plan. I've got to give Commander Taylor his chance. We hear Jones crawl quickly down the duct towards the vent leading into the passageway. As we following him, the faint red glow of emergency lighting silhouettes him. He pulls the grille out almost silently and lowers himself into the passage. Listening carefully, he hears a group of guards walking towards him. He finds a bit of cover behind a corner near him and aims the gun down the passage blindly. JONES (softly) Don't screw this up. Jones fires and the light from the weapons illuminates the passageway long enough for us to see one of the guards get hit and fall. Using the illumination, Jones fires off a series of shots toward the guards. In the darkness, one of the guards can be heard shouting. GUARD This is group three, we need backup right now! CUT TO CREW'S MESS The guards have set up their flashlights to augment the emergency lighting. Over one of the guards' PALs, the sound of the shouting patrol guard can be heard. GUARD (over PAL) Send backup immediately! We are under attack! The receiving guard turns to three others and waves them towards the door. The four terrorists run quickly out of the room, leaving only four more guards watching the prisoners in the near blackness, all four guards near the doorway. They are in such a position that if they chose to, they could spray the room with weapon's fire and kill everyone before they could reach the door. CUT TO VENTILATION DUCT Taylor crouches in the darkness, looking down on the crew's mess as the four guards run out. TAYLOR (quietly) Good job, Jones. He pulls off the grille in front of him silently and aims his weapon at one of the guards at the door. TAYLOR Let's hope this works. Taylor pulls the trigger, and the guard is hit, falling to the floor. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Matthews sits, the viewscreen now displaying the forward view. She speaks to Riller without turning. MATTHEWS Weapons, lock onto _seaQuest_'s engines and fire lasers. I want her disabled. RILLER Yes, Sir. CUT TO EXTERIOR _POTEMKIN_--CGI The _Potemkin_ fires a laser directly at _seaQuest_'s aft section. The laser hits perfectly. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE The boat shakes as they are hit by the laser, and Butler's rage grows. BUTLER What is going _on_? HARDY I tracked it down! BUTLER Tracked _what_ down? HARDY There's a tap in Aux Con. They're controlling us remotely from there. BUTLER (his evil smile returns) Then shut down _all_ power to Aux Con. And then flood the torpedo tubes. HARDY I'm already on it. Butler leans back in his chair, his hands clenching the arm rests. CUT TO CREW'S MESS Two guards lie on the ground while one fires up at the vent, aiming for Taylor. The other, in desperation, turns on a group of prisoners and fires into it. Goodwin sees what is happening and leaps to his feet, lunging for the guard as he fires off another shot. Goodwin tackles the guard, knocking the gun out of his hand. The terrorist who remains standing turns to help, and Taylor takes the opportunity and fires a shot at him. The terrorist falls to the ground even as Goodwin knocks out his guard. Doctors Taylor and Burke are up and running to the fallen crewmembers before the crowd has calmed. GOODWIN (looking up at the vent) Who's the masked man who just saved our butts? TAYLOR (wearily) Lieutenant Commander Ed Taylor. Taylor lowers himself down and out of the vent and to the floor, searching the crowd for his wife. Hearing his name, Doctor Taylor looks up from the already dead body in front of her. Despite the circumstances, her face shows relief. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Jones continues to fire into the darkness, half-blindly picking off the terrorists. The lights suddenly come to life again, and hope leaves Jones' face. The darkness was his last ally. JONES I hope you found your wife, Commander. Clutching the gun tightly, he fires around the corner again, hoping to somehow shoot his way out of this. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Trueman taps keys wildly on her console before giving up. TRUEMAN We lost the tap, Sir. PERCELL _seaQuest_ is firing torpedoes! MATTHEWS Evasive action! Deploy countermeasures! CUT TO EXTERIOR _POTEMKIN_--CGI The _Potemkin_ cuts to the left, attempting to avoid the torpedoes. Two small countermeasures are launched into the water, and the torpedoes swerve for the new target. The explosion is too close to the _Potemkin_ though, catching the side of the boat. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Butler frowns as he sees the torpedoes mostly miss their target. BUTLER Prepare another salvo. ZANE I'd recommend against that. BUTLER Why? ZANE Our engines are at thirty-two percent. We won't be able to avoid any return fire. (beat) There's a canyon less than a kilometer from us. We should hide and finish the repairs. BUTLER Do it. (beat) And find out who was calling for backup and why. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE All is as before. RILLER We've got four separate hull breaches. Damage control teams are heading there now. PERCELL _seaQuest_ is getting away, they're dropping into a nearby canyon. Should we follow? RILLER We're pretty badly damaged, Sir. We could wait for the fleet. (beat) And without the tap-- MATTHEWS It doesn't change our mission. (beat) Follow _seaQuest_, tell the fleet to follow after if they can. The orders have changed though. (beat, hesitating) Without the tap, taking _seaQuest_ back alive is no longer a viable option. _seaQuest_ is to be destroyed before she can cause any more damage. TRUEMAN (surprised) Yes...Sir. Matthews looks down, wrestling with the decision she has just made, hoping it was correct. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE Copyright 1997, 2047 staff. Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 17:52:56 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 7/"Takeover 3: Redemption's Voice"/Act 4 ACT FOUR OPEN ON _SEAQUEST_ CREW'S MESS The former prisoners rise and look around. Doctors Taylor and Burke shake their heads at each other, both patients are already dead. Lei rises from his sitting position and walks to the bodies. LEI (looking down) May I? Burke looks confused for a moment, but understands and nods. BURKE I don't think they'd have minded. Lei nods and lowers himself down beside the bodies, beginning to pray. Doctor Taylor slowly walks toward Taylor, not being able to hold back a relieved smile. Taylor moves to her as well, and the two embrace. They speak almost simultaneously. TAYLOR I thought you were dead. DR. TAYLOR I didn't think you made it. Goodwin grabs a gun and tosses it to Reede, who catches it in his good hand. He takes a gun for himself, and offers the last two guns to two security officers. He then turns to Taylor. GOODWIN Sir, I hate to break this up but we'd better move quickly. Taylor looks over and nods, pulling away from his wife. REEDE So what do we do now, Sir? TAYLOR We take back the ship, and quickly. We can raid a weapons locker and arm ourselves. GOODWIN We should probably break into teams. TAYLOR (nodding) One to take Engineering, and another to take the Bridge. REEDE Maybe a third team to clean up any stray terrorists, Sir? TAYLOR (nodding) Good plan. (beat) Lieutenant Commander Goodwin, you lead the team to take back the bridge. I'll get back Engineering. (beat) Ensign Reede, you run the cleanup crew and... (beat) Keep an eye out for a Seaman Jones. If...he's still fighting...he could use your help. He should be on B Deck. REEDE (nodding) Yes, Sir. TAYLOR Everyone else, stay here and hold this room. Taylor turns to Goodwin and speaks quietly. TAYLOR We'd better move quickly. I'm sure you noticed that we were under attack. (beat) I don't want to end up having _seaQuest_ collapse around me after all of this. Consider us the last hope for saving this boat. GOODWIN (nodding) I already was. (beat) So we'd better get moving then. TAYLOR Right. Let's get our teams together and move out. CUT TO BRIDGE Butler no longer sits, instead pacing the bridge. Hardy frowns, not happy with the information he's about to deliver. HARDY We've lost contact with all guards in the Crew's Mess. BUTLER (almost shaking with anger) The prisoners are free? Is that what you're saying? HARDY (nodding) They're free, and the reason our team called for backup was one person. A seaman who jumped one the team when the lights went off. BUTLER _One man_? That's _it_? HARDY They thought it was more than one in the darkness. (beat) But the backup...helped. The lights came on and he's...not going to be a threat anymore. BUTLER Not that it matters at this point. (beat) How much longer until the download is complete? HARDY Eighteen minutes. BUTLER Then do what you can to keep them away from the Bridge for eighteen minutes. HARDY Mister Walker isn't going to be happy with-- BUTLER Mister Walker saddled us with incompetent help in Hunter. (beat) I'll handle him. Just get ready to move out. Hardy nods and turns back to his console. CUT TO CREW QUARTERS Morgan and Wolenczak are silent once more, neither knowing what to say. Morgan finally breaks the silence. MORGAN We're not going to make it, are we? (beat) I don't think the tap worked. WOLENCZAK I'm not sure but... (beat) I doubt they're still trying to take her back whole. MORGAN I was afraid of that. WOLENCZAK Anne, I'm sure you can get to an escape pod. You could try to get off the-- MORGAN I couldn't carry you. WOLENCZAK I wasn't planning on going with you. MORGAN (sternly) Well then, I'm not going. WOLENCZAK (protesting) Anne-- MORGAN No. I made my choice and I'm not leaving your side until it's over...however it ends. WOLENCZAK (sadly) I'd sorry, Anne...it's my fault you're here. MORGAN (shaking her head) It's _my_ fault I'm here. (beat, sighing) Let's get off this topic. Why don't you talk about something. WOLENCZAK Something like what? MORGAN Well...who's this Tori I keep hearing about from everyone but you? WOLENCZAK Oh...Tori? MORGAN (nodding) You have yet to tell me about her. WOLENCZAK Well, I...I... (beat, sighing) Fine. I met her in Philadelphia, while you were home. MORGAN (grinning) That much I know. (beat) What kind of person is she? WOLENCZAK Oh...well, she works as an advisor to the Bureau of Learning. MORGAN And what's she like? WOLENCZAK She's... (sighing) Really a...sweet person. I just hit it off with her. We just did a lot of talking...getting to know each other. She knew I was leaving, but it didn't bother her. She said she'd call. MORGAN (carefully) And...has she? WOLENCZAK She just called...before all of this. MORGAN What about? WOLENCZAK (smiling) She tried to convince me to apply for leave in the spring. She's traveling to Florence then and she wants me to come. MORGAN (smiling) Did she convince you? WOLENCZAK Well...yes. (beat) I was planning on sending in my request right away and then... (beat, sighing again) This. They fall silent again, until Morgan finally speaks. MORGAN (her smile returns) Well, before you go anywhere with her I'd like to meet her. (beat) To make sure she's...good for you. Wolenczak nods with a slight smile. WOLENCZAK That's fair enough. The conversation lulls once more. MORGAN (looking down) We're not through yet...maybe all that bad luck we had over the past year will pay off now and something _good_ will happen. WOLENCZAK I'll...be crossing my fingers. (beat) And my toes. Morgan nods, continuing to look down, trying to believe her own hopeful words. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Matthews sits nervously in the captain's chair, her hands clenched. Percell notices something appear on her sensor console. PERCELL Sir, I think I found _seaQuest_. MATTHEWS (nodding) Arm weapons and prepare to attack. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ ENGINEERING Taylor leads his team into Engineering quickly, taking positions behind bulkheads and equipment. The four terrorists fire at the oncoming crewmembers, none getting a hit. One of the terrorists is Sheridan. TAYLOR We've got to root these guys out right now! We don't have time to waste! Taylor's team returns fire, hitting one of the terrorists. CUT TO BRIDGE All is as before. HARDY Sheridan's team is under attack in Engineering. Butler's hands clench and unclench angrily. BUTLER How long before the download is complete? HARDY Five minutes. BUTLER (nodding, coldly) Tell Sheridan he's on his own. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Percell watches the sensors carefully. PERCELL Sir, _seaQuest_ is directly around the bend in this canyon. MATTHEWS They're probably waiting for us. HELM Orders, Sir? Matthews ponders her next decision carefully. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ PASSAGEWAY Reede and his team move through the passageway, checking for guards. They come upon a group of dead terrorists, and down the passageway is the body of a _seaQuest_ crewmember. Reede moves forward and looks down at the body and at the nametag. It's Jones. Reede sighs at the sight, but waves his team forward quickly. CUT TO BRIDGE Zane turns from his console to Butler. ZANE The _Potemkin_ is on the other side of the ridge. I think she's ready to strike. BUTLER (frowning darkly) Hardy, how much longer on that download? HARDY One minute. ZANE There's group of _seaQuest_ crewmen making their way to the Bridge. They're almost here. Butler thinks, getting an idea and smiling. BUTLER Weapons, aim a torpedo at the canyon wall. Fire it the second you see the _Potemkin_ move. I want them to be fighting to stay afloat, not firing at us. HARDY Do you want us to set the self-destruct? BUTLER No. (beat) If Matthews sees the self-destruct she'll try to stop it and save this boat. I want her to take it out... (beat, smiling evilly) Along with every crewmember onboard. Off Butler's malevolent smile we... CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Matthews sits in her chair, still considering. MATTHEWS Helm, take us full speed around the bend. (beat) As soon as we round it, fire all weapons. HELM Yes, Sir. RILLER (hesitant) Yes, Sir. Matthews turns to Riller. MATTHEWS Is there a problem with that order? RILLER You mean other than the fact that we're firing weapons at our entire crew, Sir? MATTHEWS (irritated) Yes, other than that. Because we don't really have a choice regarding that anymore. RILLER Then there's no problem, Sir. Matthews nods and turns forward once more. MATTHEWS Then let's go. CUT TO EXTERIOR _POTEMKIN_--CGI The _Potemkin_ begins to move around the bend of the canyon, revealing _seaQuest_ lying in wait. Just as the _Potemkin_ begins to round the bend, _seaQuest_ fires a torpedo at the canyon wall, sending rocks collapsing onto the _Potemkin_. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE The entire boat is shaking violently as rocks pelt the it and drive it downward. RILLER I can't fire weapons through this! PERCELL I'm having trouble reading anything! MATTHEWS (making her voice heard) Get us through this _immediately_. Keep weapons armed! CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ ENGINEERING Taylor's team moves quickly through Engineering, past the bodies of the terrorists, Sheridan included. Taylor pulls out his PAL and speaks. TAYLOR (into PAL) Goodwin, what's your status? CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Goodwin runs through the passageway with his team, a weapon in one hand and his PAL in the other. GOODWIN (into PAL) We're coming up on the Bridge now. TAYLOR (over com) You'd better hurry, _seaQuest_ is firing weapons. I'd say we're in the middle of a battle. I don't know how long we'll last. GOODWIN (into PAL) Well, then I'll just have to hurry. Goodwin puts away the PAL and continues to run. CUT TO BRIDGE Hardy and Zane rise quickly from their stations and move toward the hatch. HARDY (holding a disk) The download is done. BUTLER Then it's time to make for the escape pods. (beat, turning to Zane) Hold the Bridge. ZANE But even if I do, then-- BUTLER I know that. But if they recover _seaQuest_ they'll find out what we did and try to come after us. We're in enough trouble with Walker that we don't need to blow it and have the UEO find us now. (beat) So are you going to do your duty like everyone else has, or not? Zane nods quickly, pulling out his weapon. ZANE I'll do my duty. (he points out two men) I need them, too. Butler walks up to Zane and offers his hand. BUTLER Thank you, Zane. You've always been a good soldier. ZANE (frowning) I wish I weren't. BUTLER (nodding) I know. Butler turns, leading his men out. Zane and the two other men take positions to hold the Bridge. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE The boat isn't shaking nearly as much now, and Matthews attempts to regain control of the situation. MATTHEWS Riller, when can you fire weapons? RILLER We've got to get out of this debris first. MATTHEWS Helm, get us forward a bit. Get us clear. HELM I'll try, Sir. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ PASSAGEWAY Goodwin's team moves through the passageway to the Bridge hatch, taking up positions on either side of the hatch. Goodwin silently counts down from five, and as he mouths zero, the first two members of the team bolt into the room. They throw themselves to the ground as Zane and his two helpers open fire. Goodwin and the other men still at the hatch aim at the raised heads of Zane and his men and fire. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE The rumbling on the Bridge stops and the helm officer looks up from his post. HELM We're out of the debris, Sir. Matthews nods and turns to Riller. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE Goodwin charges onto the Bridge and to the communications panel. He hastily taps a series of keys. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ BRIDGE Matthews opens her mouth to give the order to Riller, but Trueman cuts in. TRUEMAN Sir, I've got a message from _seaQuest_. Matthews' expression turns hopeful as she looks at Trueman. MATTHEWS Put it on the main viewscreen. Trueman nods and Goodwin's face appears on the viewscreen. Matthews lets out a sigh of relief as she sees Goodwin's face. GOODWIN (grinning) This is Lieutenant Commander William Goodwin. _seaQuest_ is no longer under enemy control. Authorization alpha alpha one five five. Repeat-- MATTHEWS (smiling widely) No need, Mad Dog. I heard you the first time. GOODWIN I was afraid you weren't gonna hear me at all, Sir. MATTHEWS Well... (beat, sighing happily) It was close. Everyone on the Bridge lets out an obvious sigh of relief, especially the crewmembers of _seaQuest_. Off the crew's relieved and happy expressions we... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 17:53:12 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 7/"Takeover 3: Redemption's Voice"/Act 5 (End) ACT FIVE OPEN ON _SEAQUEST_ CREW QUARTERS Morgan and Wolenczak remain as they were, waiting fearfully for the inevitable. A knock on the hatch startles them out of their trance. They look up to the hatch, Morgan raising her weapon. BURKE (O.S.) Captain Wolenczak? Ensign Morgan? Are you two in there? This is Doctor Burke. Morgan looks to Wolenczak, their expressions brightening. MORGAN Is everything clear, Doctor? BURKE (O.S.) It looks like it. (beat) Now open the hatch so I can help the captain. Morgan smiles again at Wolenczak, giving his hand one more squeeze before walking up to the hatch to let Burke in. CUT TO _POTEMKIN_ DOCKING BAY Matthews, Trueman, Percell and Riller stand outside of a launch. Matthews turns to Bergeron, who stands behind them. MATTHEWS Thank you for being so supportive of us through this, Captain. BERGERON It's not a problem, Commander. You managed to keep my boat in mostly one piece, and you got yours back alive. (beat) I'd say you did an impressive job. MATTHEWS (smiling humbly) Well, I didn't really get _seaQuest_ back alive...the rest of her crew did that. BERGERON (shaking his head) I doubt it would have worked out if you hadn't taken action. You kept them off guard while your crew took _seaQuest_ back. (beat, grinning) Even if that wasn't your plan in the first place. Matthews smiles as well before saluting Bergeron. MATTHEWS Thank you again, Sir. It's been a pleasure. BERGERON (saluting) The same goes for me. Matthews and her crew turn and begin to walk into the airlock. Before Matthews can leave, Bergeron places a hand on her shoulder. BERGERON Hold on Commander, there's something I wanted to say just to you. (beat) I could tell you were shaken by losing _seaQuest_ when you came onboard. Very shaken. (beat) You beat it, though, when it counted. Next time, it may not be such an easy feeling to beat. (beat) The worst thing captains can do is blame themselves for a bad situation. We always do it, but it's still bad. MATTHEWS Well, Sir, I'm not a captain yet-- BERGERON But you will be. You're on your way up, Commander. My report on your performance isn't going to hurt any, either. (beat) Just keep in mind that if guilt is going to hurt your performance, put it away. Even if you _are_ at fault. There will be plenty of time afterward to wrestle demons. MATTHEWS (nodding, quietly) I know. (beat) Thank you, Sir. For everything. Bergeron just nods and turns, walking out of the Docking Bay. Matthews turns as well, stepping into the airlock. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ CREW'S MESS People stand in small or large groups, talking. The voices are upbeat, and the atmosphere in the room is almost celebratory. Taylor walks into the room and looks around. He sees a seaman near the hatch and approaches him. TAYLOR Have you seen Doctor Taylor? SEAMAN She walked out with Doctor Burke. I think she was going back to MedBay. TAYLOR (nodding) Thanks. Taylor turns around and almost bumps into Mano. **Eric: Didn't Mano die with DeVries and Vickery in part 1? I can't dial in to check right now? TAYLOR Sorry about that. MANO Oh, it's my fault. (beat) I...wanted to ask you something, Sir. TAYLOR Go ahead. MANO I heard you were with Seaman Jones during all of this. TAYLOR (confused) How did you know that? MANO Oh, well I hear things a lot, Sir. (beat) Were you with him, Sir? Taylor hesitates, knowing where this conversation is leading, but nods anyway. TAYLOR Yes, I was. I couldn't have freed you all without him. MANO Really? (beat) Do you know where he is now, Sir? Because...I heard... Mano trails off, frowning. Taylor sighs, not wanting to be the one to tell him his friend is dead. TAYLOR I'm sorry... (beat) He...didn't make it through this. Mano sighs and looks down. MANO I heard about Vickery and DeVries already. And...I was hoping maybe Jones had made it. TAYLOR (sadly) I was hoping Jones had made it too. Mano looks up again, directly at Taylor. MANO Sir, would it be too much to ask for you to tell me what happened? I doubt a report will do him justice. (beat) I don't want to bother you, though, Sir. Taylor looks at Mano for a long moment, feeling uncomfortable in this role but knowing no one else can fill it. TAYLOR It's not too much to ask. (beat) I've got to see Doctor Taylor, now, and make sure she's all right. (beat) But after that, if you want to get together for dinner, we can talk. Mano nods with a slight smile. MANO Thank you, Sir. Just let me know whenever it's convenient for you, Sir. TAYLOR (nodding) I will. Taylor turns and walks through the hatch, letting out a deep sigh. CUT TO MEDBAY Morgan stands over Wolenczak's bed on one side of MedBay. They both appear much happier than previously. WOLENCZAK (smiling) Doctor Burke said you did a nice job on my wound... (beat, his smile widens) For a science officer, of course. MORGAN Well, I couldn't expect a _full_ compliment. WOLENCZAK Could anyone? Wolenczak glances around to make sure they're mostly alone and lowers his voice. WOLENCZAK Anne, thank you for staying. MORGAN (smiling) You already thanked me. Twice. WOLENCZAK I know, but... (beat) You risked a lot to come back for me. And you didn't have to. And...I appreciate it. MORGAN (smirking) I'd hope so. Wolenczak hits her in the arm lightly, jokingly. WOLENCZAK You should probably go call your son, now, and stop making sure I'm safe. MORGAN He's just getting home from school now, anyway. Morgan glances over and sees the Taylors embracing tightly on the other side of MedBay. Wolenczak sees the same thing and smiles. WOLENCZAK Guess it's a time for reunions. MORGAN (nodding) We all thought we had lost each other. (beat, turning to Wolenczak) Which reminds me. Go apply for that leave before you assign yourself more work. I'm sure you'll be up for some, seeing as how you never actually _take_ it. WOLENCZAK (nodding) As soon as Doctor Burke lets me up, I'll do that. MORGAN Good. (beat, smiling) Get well. Morgan turns and walks away from Wolenczak, who is smiling also. CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews walks through the hatch and onto the Bridge, looking around with relief. Goodwin sees Matthews enter and waves her over quickly. Confused, she walks to him. MATTHEWS What's up? GOODWIN We were making sure all of the ship's systems were in order, to make sure they didn't try any sneaky stuff before they left. MATTHEWS And you found something? GOODWIN Well, not exactly. (beat) They didn't leave us any surprises in the system, but when we checked the system output log, we found something. MATTHEWS (frowning) What did you find? GOODWIN Before they left they downloaded all of the technical specifications of everything onboard. Both _seaQuest_ and the Outrider. (beat) It looks like they were here to steal our secrets. MATTHEWS But _who_? GOODWIN We were in such a rush to keep you from blowing us up that we never stopped to ask questions. (beat) Maybe if we captured a few alive...even then they might not want to talk. Matthews frowns darkly. MATTHEWS Dammit. (beat) This isn't going to be a pretty report. GOODWIN You were expecting it to be? MATTHEWS (sighing) I guess not... Matthews shakes her head and rubs her forehead. CUT TO CREW'S MESS The Crew's Mess has reverted to its normal function, as various crewmembers sit and eat, discussing recent events. Sitting at one table is Taylor, who watches the hatch closely. Mano enters, and Taylor waves him over to his table. Mano nods and approaches, sitting down to talk CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Morgan approaches, stopping at a hatch. She knocks on it, and after a short moment the hatch is opened by Lei. He smiles. LEI (very friendly) May I help you? MORGAN I...wanted to talk, if that's okay. LEI (nodding) My door is always open for you, just as it has been for the many others who have visited me since our ordeal. Morgan nods with a grateful smile as she enters the room. Lei waits for Morgan to enter fully before closing the hatch. The camera pulls back from the hatchway, revealing the full passageway. _seaQuest_ personnel move about their lives, as life begins to return to normal once more. FADE TO BLACK THE END